Episode 476 - Sprinkles and Googly Eyes

Release Date: April 17, 2025

Hosts: Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Network: Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts
Podcast: My Favorite Murder

Introduction

In Episode 476 of My Favorite Murder, titled "Sprinkles and Googly Eyes," hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark delve into two compelling true stories. The episode meticulously weaves historical intrigue with personal drama, offering listeners both educational insights and emotional depth.

Segment 1: The Amistad Trial

[13:27] Karen Kilgariff: "I'm gonna tell you a story."

Karen introduces the segment by setting the stage for the historical recounting of the Amistad trial, a pivotal event in the fight against the transatlantic slave trade.

Historical Context and Arrival of the Amistad Schooner

The story begins in the fall of 1839, as a mysterious schooner appears off the coast of New York Harbor. The ship, later identified as the Amistad, is in disrepair, with tattered sails and seagrass growing out of the hull. Inside are 30 black men who speak an unidentified African language, along with two Spanish captors, Jose Ruiz and Pedro Montes.

[15:00] Georgia Hardstark: "Wow."

[15:02] Karen Kilgariff: "So he's there at that time and place."

Karen provides background on James Covey and Charles Pratt, both African men who play crucial roles in communicating with their captors and the authorities.

Legal Battle and Abolitionist Support

As news of the Amistad spreads, abolitionists recognize the opportunity to challenge the ongoing illegal slave trade. They rally support, secure legal representation, and bring the case before the courts. Notable abolitionist John Quincy Adams takes up the defense, arguing passionately for the freedom of the captives.

[25:18] Georgia Hardstark: "Yeah."

[25:19] Karen Kilgariff: "He goes into the jail and basically is able to communicate through signs."

With the help of James and Charles as translators, the captives' testimonies reveal the brutality of their kidnapping and the inhuman conditions they endured during the Middle Passage.

Supreme Court Decision

Despite political pressure and the looming threat of civil war, the Supreme Court ultimately rules in favor of the Amistad captives, declaring them free individuals illegally transported into slavery. This landmark decision not only freed the men but also energized the abolitionist movement, setting the stage for future civil rights advancements.

[34:05] Karen Kilgariff: "It's almost like blaming you for killing someone, right?"

[34:26] Karen Kilgariff: "They kidnapped them from their families."

[34:37] Georgia Hardstark: "Wow."

[35:19] Georgia Hardstark: "He's your ultimate. He would know."

[35:22] Karen Kilgariff: "Yeah."

Impact and Legacy

The Amistad trial had far-reaching effects, bolstering abolitionist sentiment and contributing to the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States. The freed men resettled in Sierra Leone, some establishing missionary schools, while others returned to their families, forever altering the course of American history.

[37:09] Karen Kilgariff: "Thank you."

Segment 2: Toby Young and the Infamous Dog Crate Prison Break

[41:20] Georgia Hardstark: "It starts around 10:30 AM on February 12th of 2006..."

Karen and Georgia transition to a modern true crime story about Toby Young, a dedicated mother and animal advocate, whose life takes a dramatic turn leading to an infamous prison break.

Background on Toby Young

Toby Young, born in the late 1950s in Kansas City, Kansas, grew up in a large Catholic family. From a young age, she assumed parental responsibilities due to her father's accident, fostering traits of determination and perfectionism.

[44:28] Georgia Hardstark: "Living With Conviction."

Her journey through education and career showcases her resilience, eventually leading her to create Safe Harbor, a successful prison dog adoption program that partnered with inmates to foster and train dogs for adoption.

[56:08] Georgia Hardstark: "It's big. Toby ends up leaving her job at the vet clinic..."

The Relationship and Plotting the Escape

Toby's dedication to her program strains her marriage, highlighting emotional disconnect and personal sacrifices. Amidst her fulfilling work, she meets John Menard, a charismatic 27-year-old inmate involved in the program. Their bond deepens, culminating in a plan to escape with the help of the dogs she's fostering.

[62:24] Georgia Hardstark: "Cause she's a real follower."

Despite warnings and the high stakes, Toby proceeds with the plan, driven by a mix of personal motivations and emotional entanglements.

[66:09] Georgia Hardstark: "John lost 25 pounds so that he could somehow control his 6 foot 4 frame into a cardboard box..."

The Escape Attempt

On February 12, 2006, Toby executes the prison break by hiding John in her van under the guise of transporting adopted dogs. The attempt is fraught with tension, culminating in a high-speed chase and a crash that leaves both individuals injured but alive.

[73:06] Georgia Hardstark: "Toby's father dies of cancer just months into her incarceration..."

Legal Consequences and Aftermath

Toby faces legal repercussions, receiving a 27-month sentence for her role in supplying firearms to a convicted felon. The aftermath of the escape strains her relationships further, leading to personal loss and eventual redemption through advocacy and new beginnings.

[78:43] Karen Kilgariff: "Wow. Yeah. I did not know that story."

[78:44] Georgia Hardstark: "And if you haven't. Oh, there she is."

[79:04] Karen Kilgariff: "And we'll reach... All the things."

Toby's story, as recounted through multiple sources including her memoir Living with Conviction and a detailed podcast episode on Criminal, underscores themes of redemption, the complexities of human relationships, and the quest for purpose amidst chaos.

Conclusion

Episode 476 of My Favorite Murder masterfully intertwines historical legal battles with modern personal dramas, offering listeners a rich tapestry of true crime narratives. Through detailed storytelling, notable quotes, and engaging dialogue, Karen and Georgia provide both educational insights and emotional resonance, staying true to the podcast's unique blend of true crime and comedy.

Notable Quotes:

• Karen Kilgariff [34:26]: "They kidnapped them from their families."

• Georgia Hardstark [56:08]: "It's big. Toby ends up leaving her job at the vet clinic because she's spending upwards of 15 hours a day on this new project..."

• Toby Young [75:01]: "I'm proof that a single choice can change everything, that we're not defined by our worst moments, but by how we rise from them."

• John Menard [74:22]: "I love Toby and was 100% committed to her. Why did I stay with her once I was out if I was just manipulating her?"

Learn More:

To dive deeper into these stories, listeners are encouraged to explore the sources mentioned, including Toby Young's memoir Living with Conviction and the Criminal podcast episode featuring her firsthand account.

This summary captures the essence of Episode 476, excluding advertisement segments and focusing solely on the core content discussed by the hosts.