My Favorite Murder Episode 488 - "It's Finally Happening"

Release Date: July 10, 2025
Hosts: Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Network: Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts

1. Exciting Announcement: The Long-Awaited Tour [02:06 - 07:52]

In this episode, Karen and Georgia unveil a major development that listeners have been eagerly anticipating for years: the announcement of their live tour. After a six-year hiatus caused by the pandemic, the dynamic duo is ready to hit the road once again.

Karen enthusiastically shares, "We've had a secret for six years to share, but now we're going to say it out loud. We're going on tour" (02:13).

The tour is described as a "mini tour", meticulously planned to ensure a manageable schedule that prioritizes their mental well-being and allows them to enjoy exploring each city without the exhaustive pace of their earlier tours. They express excitement about reconnecting with fans in cities like Denver, Austin, Boston, Salt Lake City, Oakland, San Diego, Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Brooklyn.

Georgia adds, "We've been planning this since before the pandemic. It's finally happening" (02:20), highlighting the long-awaited nature of this venture.

2. Ticketing Strategy and Fan Cult Presales [07:35 - 08:15]

Karen and Georgia delve into the ticketing logistics for their tour, emphasizing their commitment to prioritizing loyal fans through the Fan Cult presale. They have allocated a significant portion of pre-sale tickets exclusively for the Fan Cult members to ensure their long-standing supporters have first access.

Karen explains, "We've freed up as many pre-sale tickets for the Fan Cult as humanly possible so that the real ones who have been waiting for six years can get a chance to get a ticket" (07:19).

Fans are encouraged to join the Fan Cult swiftly to secure their unique access codes before the general sale opens. The presale begins on Friday, July 11th, at 10 AM local time (07:19), followed by an artist presale on Monday, July 14th.

3. Network News and Community Highlights [07:58 - 13:00]

The hosts provide updates on other podcasts within the Exactly Right network, showcasing a variety of content ranging from true crime to pop culture.

• Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes: Features stories like Tennyson and Kyle Jacobson’s home invasions (08:28).
• Ghosted: Celebrates its hundredth episode with Duane Perkins, exploring Midwest lore (08:57).
• I Said No Gifts: Hosts Bridger and Beck Bennett discuss topics like Costco IDs and John Cougar Mellencamp (09:10).

4. Celebrating National Hot Dog Day [09:47 - 13:00]

In a lighter segment, Karen and Georgia commemorate National Hot Dog Day by featuring listener submissions showcasing creative and humorous hot dog-related photos. They highlight the community’s enthusiasm with examples like hot dog nail art, hot dog eating contests, and nostalgic hot dog spots.

Listener interactions include:

• Hot Dog Nail Art: Featuring playful designs like cat lady motifs paired with hot dogs (10:00).
• Miss Glizzy 2025: A humorous take on beauty pageants intertwined with hot dog eating contests (10:53).
• Wienerlicious in Mackinac City: Showcasing a giant hot dog sculpture (11:19).

Karen notes, "We have hot dog merch because of course we do" (13:38), promoting their own branded hot dog pins available at exactlyrightstore.com.

5. Deep Dive: The Starkweather and Fugate Crime Spree [14:11 - 48:00]

a. Introduction to the Case

Karen introduces one of the most notorious mid-century crime sprees in American history, detailing the brutal murders committed by Charles Starkweather and Carol Ann Fugate in January 1958. This case has inspired numerous cultural works, including films like Badlands and Natural Born Killers, as well as Bruce Springsteen's song "Nebraska."

Karen states, "Today I'm gonna tell you about the notorious mid-century crime spree of Midwestern teens Charles Starkweather and Carol Ann Fugate" (14:11).

b. Background of Charles Starkweather

Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1938, Starkweather was the third of seven children in a financially struggling family. Despite having a good relationship with his family, he faced relentless bullying in school due to his red hair, short stature, bowlegs, lisp, and nearsightedness.

Georgia observes, "Didn't stand a chance back in the 50s" (16:15), emphasizing the harsh social environment Starkweather endured.

Starkweather's obsession with James Dean's Rebel Without a Cause fueled his rebellious persona, leading him to emulate Dean’s rebellious behavior, including smoking and adopting a tough exterior.

c. The Relationship with Carol Ann Fugate

At 17, Starkweather meets 12-year-old Carol Ann Fugate on a double date, sparking an intense and controversial relationship. Carol's tumultuous upbringing, marked by poverty, frequent relocations, and her father’s imprisonment for pedophilia, made her vulnerable and shaped her into a guarded individual.

Karen reflects, "The idea that someone could be so traumatized that they would be incapable of exercising free will in subsequent traumatic situations, that didn't exist back then" (45:03), discussing Carol’s potential victimization.

d. The Starting Point of the Crime Spree

In December 1957, after being rejected by Carol’s family, Starkweather commits his first murder by killing a gas station attendant, Robert Colvert, demanding money to buy a stuffed dog for Carol. This act marks the beginning of an eight-day spree during which Starkweather and Fugate brutally murdered ten people across Nebraska and Wyoming.

Karen narrates, "He demanded money from the till and then kidnapped Robert, driving him out to the middle of nowhere and shooting him in the head multiple times" (22:15).

e. Escalation and Public Panic

As the murders continue, the community is thrust into panic, with police struggling to track the duo. Starkweather's actions escalate, leading to the murders of Carol's parents and her younger sister, Betty Ann. The relentless media coverage and public fear result in widespread chaos, including mass panic buying of weapons and vigilante efforts to capture the killers.

Georgia remarks, "Terrifying" (38:17), underscoring the societal impact of the crime spree.

f. Capture and Legal Proceedings

After a high-speed chase, Starkweather is eventually captured, leading to his swift trial and death sentence. Carol Ann Fugate, at just 14 years old, is convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, over the decades, Fugate's role remains a subject of intense debate, with many viewing her as a victim coerced into participation by Starkweather.

Karen shares, "Carol Ann Fugate is the youngest person to receive a first-degree murder conviction at the time" (43:12).

g. Reflections and Conclusions

Karen and Georgia express their deep empathy for Carol, arguing that her involvement was more about coercion and manipulation rather than willing participation. They highlight the complexities of her situation and the broader implications for understanding victimhood in abusive relationships.

Georgia concludes, "I don't see that happening in this story. I think it's more reasonable to see her as a victim" (44:55).

6. Gripping Case Study: Iwao Hakamada - Japan's Longest Serving Death Row Inmate [52:29 - 68:09]

a. Introduction to Iwao Hakamada's Case

Karen and Georgia shift focus to Japan, recounting the harrowing story of Iwao Hakamada, who became Japan’s longest-serving death row inmate before his eventual exoneration in 2024. This case highlights significant flaws within the Japanese criminal justice system.

Karen introduces, "This is the story of Japan's longest-serving death row inmate and the decades-long fight for his freedom" (52:29).

b. The Crime and Initial Conviction

In June 1966, Iwao Hakamada, a retired boxer, is implicated in the brutal murder of the Hashimoto family in Shizuoka, Japan. The crime scene is grisly, with four family members stabbed multiple times and a suspiciously small amount of money taken, raising questions about Starkweather's motive.

Georgia points out, "It's hard to believe that someone would brutally murder a family over just 80,000 yen" (56:00).

Due to Hakamada's outsider status in the community and his background, suspicions quickly fall upon him. Under severe interrogation conditions without legal representation, he coerces a confession after 20 grueling days, a confession that forms the

foundation of his conviction.

c. The Flawed Judicial Process

Hakamada's trial in 1967 is marked by flawed evidence, including blood stains on pajamas that do not fit him properly and dubious claims about the timeline of the murders. The Japanese legal system at the time heavily relied on confessions, often obtained through coercive means, leading to near-unprecedented conviction rates.

Karen critiques, "Japanese convictions were heavily reliant on confessions, no matter what interrogation methods are used" (63:19).

d. Decades of Injustice and Advocacy

Despite multiple appeals, Hakamada remains on death row for 46 years, enduring solitary confinement and the psychological torment of not knowing his execution date. His sister, Hideko, becomes his steadfast advocate, fighting tirelessly for his exoneration. In 2007, a retired judge reveals his doubts about Hakamada's guilt, amplifying the movement to secure a retrial.

Georgia emphasizes, "The secretiveness of both investigations and the judicial process shed light on the impunity of the police" (65:15).

e. Exoneration and Aftermath

In 2024, DNA evidence conclusively proves Hakamada's innocence, leading to his release after 56 years of wrongful imprisonment. The Japanese government formally apologizes, and Hakamada is awarded compensation, while his case sparks significant reforms in the Japanese criminal justice system.

Georgia reflects, "Hideko says... 'I became against the death penalty. It is a crime for a human being to kill another human being, no matter what the government says' (67:17).

Karen and Georgia laud the resilience of Hakamada and his sister, underscoring the importance of persistent advocacy in rectifying miscarriages of justice.

7. Reflections on Justice and Advocacy [68:09 - 69:13]

The hosts conclude their true crime discussions by reflecting on the broader implications of these cases. They emphasize the importance of raising awareness about wrongful convictions and the need for systemic reforms to prevent such tragedies.

Karen asserts, "It's about bringing attention to these miscarriages of justice and victims of cold cases" (68:09).

Georgia adds, "We are pointing out injustices that often go unnoticed or are ignored" (68:09), reinforcing their commitment to using their platform for advocacy.

8. Community Engagement and Closing Thoughts [73:02 - 79:46]

The episode wraps up with a heartwarming segment titled "Honking Hoorays", where Karen and Georgia celebrate listeners' personal milestones and achievements. This section fosters a sense of community, highlighting stories of resilience and success shared by their audience.

Listeners’ highlights include graduations, personal growth, overcoming challenges, and forming meaningful connections through the podcast. The hosts express heartfelt congratulations and encourage continued support and engagement within the Murderino community.

Notable Quotes

• Karen Kilgariff:
  "We're going on tour. We've been planning this since before the pandemic. It's finally happening." (02:20)

• Georgia Hardstark:
  "I'm a little nervous. We used to sell out within fucking moments. God, please, Jesus." (04:13)

• Karen Kilgariff:
  "This story takes place between January 21 and January 29 of 1958. In those eight days, 10 people were brutally murdered." (14:11)

• Georgia Hardstark:
  "I think more reasonable to see her as a victim." (44:55)

• Karen Kilgariff:
  "Japanese convictions were heavily reliant on confessions, no matter what interrogation methods are used." (63:19)

• Georgia Hardstark:
  "This is about bringing attention to these miscarriages of justice." (68:09)

Conclusion

Episode 488 of My Favorite Murder seamlessly blends the hosts' dynamic personalities with gripping true crime storytelling. From announcing their highly anticipated tour to delving deep into complex cases like Charles Starkweather's Midwest spree and Iwao Hakamada's wrongful conviction, Karen and Georgia provide insightful commentary and foster a strong sense of community among their listeners. Their commitment to highlighting overlooked injustices underscores the podcast's role in not only entertaining but also educating and advocating for systemic change.

Listeners Interested in More:

• Join the Fan Cult: Secure exclusive pre-sale tickets for the upcoming tour.
• Follow Exactly Right Network: Explore a variety of podcasts covering true crime, comedy, science, and more.
• Engage with the Community: Share your own "Honking Hoorays" and connect with fellow Murderinos.

For more details and to stay updated, visit myfavoritemurder.com or follow them on Instagram.

This summary was generated based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.