Podcast Summary: My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Episode: MFM Minisode 432
Release Date: April 21, 2025

Introduction to the Minisode
Timestamp: [02:11]

In this Minisode of My Favorite Murder (MFM), hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark delve into a series of engaging hometown stories submitted by listeners. The episode seamlessly blends true crime narratives with personal anecdotes, showcasing the duo's signature blend of humor and empathy.

1. Cold Case from Vermillion, South Dakota
Timestamp: [02:20] - [05:14]

Karen opens the discussion by sharing a harrowing true crime story from her college days in Vermillion, South Dakota. In the summer of 1971, two 17-year-old girls, Cheryl Miller and Pamela Jackson, vanished en route to a school year-end party in Alchester. Despite extensive searches, the case remained unsolved for over four decades.

• Key Points:

  • Initial investigation labeled the girls as runaways, causing the case to go cold.
  • In 2004, the case was reopened, and a classmate was briefly charged in 2007, though the charges were eventually dropped in 2008.
  • A breakthrough occurred in 2013 when a citizen discovered the girls' submerged car in Brule Creek during a drought.
  • Skeletal remains were found inside the car, leading authorities to conclude an accidental fall rather than foul play.

• Notable Quote:

  • Karen Kilgariff: “...a sad and unfortunate ending to a four-decade-long mystery. Thanks for reading. Stay sexy and solve cold cases, Geffen.” [04:32]

Georgia expresses frustration over the unjust accusations that tarnished a classmate's reputation.

• Notable Quote:
  • Georgia Hardstark: “Bro, I'm telling you, half of every missing person's case, right? That her car is involved and someone disappears randomly.” [04:07]

2. The Toy Box Killer and Moving to New Mexico
Timestamp: [05:27] - [08:44]

Listener Jackie from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan recounts her family's unsettling experience after relocating to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, in search of better weather. Shortly after moving, their son became convinced that a local serial killer, known as the Railway Killer, was targeting their family.

• Key Points:

  • The family moved to Truth or Consequences in July 1999, unaware of its dark history with the Toy Box Killer.
  • Their son’s fear intensified as news reports linked the Railway Killer to the area.
  • The family discovered that searches in the vicinity had been ongoing, leading to the arrest of the Railway Killer near their new home.
  • To ensure safety, the family relocated to Caballo, New Mexico, and later to Montana, where their son felt secure.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Georgia Hardstark: “We were checking out the new area and found out that we'd just moved into the home of the Toy Box Killer.” [06:18]
  • Karen Kilgariff: “Stay sexy and don't get murdered. Jackie in the U.P. of Michigan.” [08:44]

Karen marvels at her son's intuitive awareness of the looming danger.

• Notable Quote:
  • Karen Kilgariff: “That child knew.” [08:10]

3. Traumatic Boy Scout Prank
Timestamp: [11:34] - [17:14]

Karen shares an email from a listener named Gina, who recounts her husband Dan’s resurfaced traumatic memory from a Boy Scouts camping trip. The experience involved a staged murder scene as a prank that left young scouts terrified.

• Key Points:

  • Dan, at 12 years old, was on a Boy Scouts trip near Grand Rapids, Michigan.
  • Scouts were warned of a potential murderer lurking in the woods but were not evacuated.
  • During the night, gunshots were heard, prompting the scoutmaster to lead the boys toward the van.
  • The scouts encountered a man in camo with a body being buried, leading to a terrifying confrontation.
  • It was later revealed that the scene was an elaborate and traumatizing prank orchestrated by two adults.
  • Gina expresses deep resentment towards the perpetrators and empathy for Dan.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Karen Kilgariff: “These men played a prank on the scouts that he had to forget it.” [16:08]
  • Georgia Hardstark: “You mother fucker. What? You took it too far.” [15:44]

Karen emphasizes the emotional toll on Dan and the inappropriateness of such a prank.

• Notable Quote:
  • Karen Kilgariff: “Thank you for your podcast. I'm a social worker... thanks again, Gina. And then in parentheses, it says and Dan, my husband, who graciously agreed to share his story.” [16:07]

4. Girl Scouts Cookie Sales Using ASL
Timestamp: [17:14] - [20:58]

Listener Stacy shares her experience as a Girl Scout overcoming social anxiety through innovative cookie sales strategies using American Sign Language (ASL).

• Key Points:

  • Stacy, an 8-year-old Girl Scout, broke five bones in her arm, limiting her summer activities.
  • Her mother enrolled her in an ASL class, which inadvertently became a tool for cookie sales.
  • During cookie sales, Stacy used ASL to engage with customers, significantly increasing sales.
  • Despite limited ASL proficiency, she maintained the act, showcasing resourcefulness and determination.
  • Stacy credits the experience with helping her build confidence in public interactions.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Stacy: “I started signing. Would you like to buy some Girl Scout cookies to anyone who walked by? And wouldn't you know it, a lot more people stopped at the booth instead of walking on by.” [18:34]
  • Karen Kilgariff: “Trash kid. Which I love. This is a theme that we absolutely have to explore.” [19:28]

Stacy’s story highlights the positive impact of creative problem-solving in overcoming personal challenges.

• Notable Quote:
  • Stacy: “Thank you for all you do bringing humor amidst the frustrating climate we find ourselves in.” [19:33]

5. Accidental Snail Breeder
Timestamp: [26:10] - [29:55]

Georgia introduces a whimsical story about her dad unintentionally becoming a snail breeder, turning what was meant to be a simple aquarium maintenance task into a profitable venture.

• Key Points:

  • Georgia’s father maintained a high-maintenance 55-gallon fish tank, which houses various aquatic life.
  • After introducing a pufferfish that fed on snails, the remaining snails began thriving and reproducing.
  • Unable to control the snail population, he started selling them to local pet stores.
  • Over time, his hobby expanded into a semi-professional snail breeding operation, complete with multiple tanks and selective breeding practices.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Georgia Hardstark: “Fun fact, the snails love green beans.” [28:43]
  • Karen Kilgariff: “It's like he's got a cattle ranch, but it's snails.” [28:15]

The story adds a light-hearted and humorous touch to the episode, showcasing the diverse range of hometown tales.

• Notable Quote:
  • Georgia Hardstark: “I will often get a text with a photo of a pet store snail with, 'Will this help with my genetics question?'" [28:43]

Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement
Timestamp: [29:49] - [30:58]

Karen and Georgia wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to submit their own hometown stories, no matter how bizarre or unconventional. They express excitement over the unique and varied submissions received and tease future episodes that will explore a wide array of intriguing narratives.

• Notable Quote:
  • Georgia Hardstark: “Stay sexy and don't get murdered.” [30:50]

Conclusion
MFM Minisode 432 offers a compelling mix of true crime insights and personal stories, highlighting the profound and sometimes unsettling experiences that shape individuals’ connections to their hometowns. Karen and Georgia’s empathetic storytelling, coupled with their characteristic wit, provides listeners with both emotional resonance and entertainment.

Notable Quotes Overview:

• Karen Kilgariff:

  • “Stay sexy and solve cold cases, Geffen.” [04:32]
  • “Stay sexy and don't get murdered. Jackie in the U.P. of Michigan.” [08:44]
  • “Thank you for your podcast... thanks again, Gina.” [16:07]

• Georgia Hardstark:

  • “Bro, I'm telling you, half of every missing person's case, right?” [04:07]
  • “You mother fucker. What? You took it too far.” [15:44]
  • “Fun fact, the snails love green beans.” [28:43]

Final Thoughts

This episode underscores the importance of community and shared experiences in understanding and solving true crime cases. By inviting listeners to contribute their own stories, Karen and Georgia foster a sense of collective storytelling that enriches the MFM community.