Podcast Summary: My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

Episode Title: Rewind with Karen & Georgia - Episode 57: Live At The Fox Theater
Release Date: August 13, 2025
Hosts: Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Network: Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction: Recapping a Decade of True Crime

In this special "Rewind" episode, Karen and Georgia take listeners back to Episode 57, a live recording from the Fox Theater in Oakland, California, nearly a decade ago. They reminisce about their early days of touring, sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes and reflecting on the evolution of their podcast.

Karen Kilgariff [02:24]: "These live show titles are brilliant. I'll say so myself."

Live Show Highlights: First Tour Memories

The hosts recount their first live show experience, emphasizing the overwhelming support from their families and the enthusiastic Oakland audience.

Georgia Hardstark [05:31]: "I love it. I know. I looked on our guest list and I was like, kill, Gareth. Kill, Gareth. Kill Gareth. Yay."

They share humorous moments, such as their obsession with pockets on dresses and the exclusive merchandise available only at the live event.

Karen Kilgariff [07:03]: "I walked in, I saw a dress. It fits me. It has pockets. I'm like, what the fuck? God is with me."

Feature Story 1: The Speed Freak Killers

Karen and Georgia delve into the harrowing tale of the Speed Freak Killers, Herbert Mullin and Wesley Shermantine Jr., highlighting their brutal crimes in Northern California during the late 20th century.

Background and Crimes

• Early Life: Mullin and Shermantine were childhood friends from Linden, California, who began their murderous spree in their late teens.

  Georgia Hardstark [27:07]: "They grew up together. It's 95 miles east of California. They were hunters. They graduated high school in '84."

• First Known Victims: In 1985, they murdered 16-year-old Chevy Wheeler and later Cindy Van Der Heyden, among others, tying their killings to Mullin's delusional belief in preventing earthquakes through human sacrifices.

  Karen Kilgariff [28:20]: "He believed that his friend’s death was part of a cosmic plan and changed his major from engineering to philosophy."

Investigation and Arrest

Shermantine's confession, obtained after a lengthy interrogation, implicated him in 24 murders. The discovery of victim remains in a well eventually linked them to numerous unsolved cases.

Georgia Hardstark [34:24]: "Items recovered in 2012, like a ring, sandals, and a locket, are now being publicly released."

Trial and Sentencing

Mullin was convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder but later received a plea deal, resulting in a 14-year sentence. Shermantine remained on death row until California's stance on the death penalty changed, leading to his continued incarceration.

Karen Kilgariff [33:32]: "He remains in prison and hopefully always will."

Recent Updates (May 2023)

San Joaquin County detectives have been re-examining unsolved cases, linking recent findings to the Speed Freak Killers. Items like a ring and sandals are being released to the public to aid in identifying victims.

Georgia Hardstark [40:50]: "San Joaquin county detectives are methodically reviewing decades of unsolved cases."

Feature Story 2: The Barbecue Murders in Tara Linda

In a chilling second narrative, Karen and Georgia explore the double murder case of Marlene Olive and her boyfriend Chuck in Tara Linda, a suburban area in San Rafael.

The Crime

• Victims: Marlene Olive, a 16-year-old girl with a troubled past, and Chuck, her 20-year-old boyfriend, brutally murdered their adoptive parents in 1975.

  Karen Kilgariff [75:35]: "Marlene got super into the occult and decided her parents had to die."

• Aftermath: The duo attempted to collect life insurance and flee to Ecuador but were ultimately apprehended due to their flawed plans and Chuck's inept actions.

  Georgia Hardstark [80:08]: "They were caught, of course, because they're idiots."

Long-Term Impact

Chuck received a life sentence, while Marlene, after serving a brief juvenile term, moved to Los Angeles and engaged in criminal activities like forgery.

Karen Kilgariff [80:56]: "She went to some juvenile thing and was released after two years."

Personal Connection

Karen shares a personal anecdote, revealing her childhood proximity to the murder site, which adds a poignant layer to the story.

Karen Kilgariff [82:08]: "I was 13 and putting these kids down and walking around."

Mental Health and Criminal Justice Insights

Both stories underscore the dire consequences of untreated mental health issues and the complexities of the criminal justice system in handling such cases. Karen emphasizes the need for better regulation and oversight in mental health facilities.

Karen Kilgariff [68:32]: "If we don't have stricter regulation, then those problems are just going to keep making things unsafe."

Audience Interaction and Live Show Dynamics

Throughout the episode, Karen and Georgia engage with their live audience, incorporating planned interactions and spontaneous moments that highlight their chemistry and comedic rapport.

Georgia Hardstark [73:08]: "Yay. Yeah."

They humorously navigate attempts to involve an audience member, Chloe, in the show, showcasing their ability to blend humor with serious content seamlessly.

Karen Kilgariff [83:06]: "Chloe, everybody. Nice. Beautifully done. Beautifully done."

Conclusion: Reflecting on the Journey

As the episode wraps up, Karen and Georgia reflect on their memorable moments from the live show, the importance of community support, and the ongoing mission to shed light on lesser-known true crime cases.

Georgia Hardstark [86:43]: "Sounds like our government. And of course, Chloe's classic."

They also discuss potential titles for their live shows, emphasizing their playful approach to storytelling.

Karen Kilgariff [85:31]: "The title could be Sounds like Our Government."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Karen Kilgariff [07:03]: "I walked in, I saw a dress. It fits me. It has pockets. I'm like, what the fuck? God is with me."

• Georgia Hardstark [27:07]: "They grew up together. It's 95 miles east of California. They were hunters. They graduated high school in '84."

• Karen Kilgariff [28:20]: "He believed that his friend’s death was part of a cosmic plan and changed his major from engineering to philosophy."

• Georgia Hardstark [34:24]: "Items recovered in 2012, like a ring, sandals, and a locket, are now being publicly released."

• Georgia Hardstark [40:50]: "San Joaquin county detectives are methodically reviewing decades of unsolved cases."

• Karen Kilgariff [68:32]: "If we don't have stricter regulation, then those problems are just going to keep making things unsafe."

Final Thoughts

This "Rewind" episode serves as both a nostalgic trip down memory lane and an insightful exploration of complex true crime cases. Karen and Georgia expertly balance humor with the gravity of their stories, maintaining their signature style that has captivated millions of listeners over the years.

For those who haven't listened to this episode, "Rewind with Karen & Georgia" offers a unique blend of personal anecdotes, detailed crime narratives, and engaging live show experiences that exemplify what makes "My Favorite Murder" a standout in the true crime podcasting landscape.