Small Town Murder Episode #585: Serial Killer's Secret Graveyard - Kingston Township, Pennsylvania

Hosts: James Pietragallo & Jimmie Whisman
Release Date: April 10, 2025

Introduction

In episode #585 of Small Town Murder, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman delve deep into the sinister events surrounding Kingston Township, Pennsylvania. This episode, titled "Serial Killer's Secret Graveyard," unravels the complex web of crimes committed by Hugo Selensky, the mysterious disappearance and murders of Michael Krakowski and Tammy Fassett, and the subsequent discovery of multiple bodies on Selensky's property.

Background: Michael Krakowski's Upstanding Life

Michael Jason Krakowski Jr., a licensed pharmacist in Kingston Township, Pennsylvania, epitomized the American dream. By his mid-thirties, he owned his pharmacy, had a stable family with his wife Kim, and was highly respected in the community.

James Pietragallo [21:34]: "He is killing it. Just having a great life. I mean, if this is what you want, if you want to settle down, have a nice business and a nice family, sure."

Despite his seemingly perfect life, cracks began to appear when Michael started engaging in illegal activities.

Descent into Crime: The Onset of Illicit Activities

In late 1999, after securing his own pharmacy, Michael began selling controlled substances illegally, including OxyContin and Lorcet, amassing an estimated $3 million from these activities. This marked the beginning of his downfall.

Jimmie Whisman [28:02]: "Get out."

As Michael's illicit dealings grew, his personal life also unraveled. He engaged in extramarital affairs, leading to his wife's divorce.

Hugo Selensky: The Troubled Friend

Hugo Marcus Selensky, born in 1974, had a tumultuous history marked by youthful misdemeanors and a series of incarcerations. Upon his release in January 2001, Hugo struggled to reintegrate into society, eventually forming a dangerous alliance with Michael Krakowski.

James Pietregallo [08:00]: "This is in Luzerne County, Lucerne County. Like the dairy product with a Z. Oh, L, U, Z, E, R, N, E."

Hugo's propensity for violence and disregard for societal norms made him a volatile presence.

The Murders: Krakowski and Fassett

On May 3, 2002, Hugo Selensky and his accomplice Paul Weekly brutally murdered Michael Krakowski and his girlfriend Tammy Fassett. The murders were executed with a shotgun, leading to their untimely deaths. The bodies were concealed on Hugo's property, creating a secret graveyard.

James Pietragallo [63:24]: "It takes very little one real good pull, and that's pretty much it."

Discovery and Investigation

The murders remained unsolved until June 2003, when investigators discovered the concealed bodies amidst a routine search of Hugo's property. This revelation sparked widespread panic and led to the arrest of Hugo Selensky.

Jimmie Whisman [20:57]: "We think he's doing something criminally twisted, though, considering he was buying a house with someone else's money."

With the discovery of the bodies, law enforcement linked Hugo to multiple unsolved cases, indicating a possible serial killer.

The Trial: Evidence and Verdict

During the trial, prosecutors presented overwhelming evidence against Hugo, including testimonies from key witnesses like Paul Weekly, who detailed the gruesome events leading to the murders. Despite the damning evidence, Hugo maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.

James Pietragallo [130:57]: "We've got no idea who the fifth body was and we have no idea where the bone fragments are for up to seven more people."

Ultimately, the jury found Hugo guilty on most charges, sentencing him to multiple life terms plus additional years for related crimes.

James Pietragallo [159:36]: "Ensuring that what the judge said, that Zelensky will, quote, never again walk the streets of this commonwealth or this community."

Community Reactions and Hugo's Infamy

Hugo Selensky's case shook Kingston Township to its core. Surprisingly, Hugo garnered a bizarre cult-like following, with some residents expressing admiration for his charisma despite his heinous crimes.

James Pietragallo [131:22]: "People obsessed with Zelensky and the case have even branded yugoists on one of the many Internet chat rooms created in his honor."

This unsettling phenomenon highlights the complex nature of true crime fandom and the allure of the dark and mysterious.

Additional Mysteries: Unsolved Cases and Speculations

The discovery of multiple bodies on Hugo's property raised questions about other unsolved cases in the region. One such case involved Felicia Thomas, a young woman who vanished around the time of Hugo's downfall. Allegations surfaced linking Hugo and his associates to her disappearance, but concrete evidence remains elusive.

Jimmie Whisman [167:14]: "So the focus has been on these wooded areas and forests punctuated by vast swamplands and muddy creeks."

The intertwining of multiple crimes paints a broader picture of Hugo's potential involvement in numerous atrocities beyond those for which he was convicted.

Conclusion: The Dark Legacy of Kingston Township

Episode #585 of Small Town Murder offers a chilling exploration of how one individual's descent into darkness can devastate an entire community. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, James and Jimmie shed light on the complex layers of crime, loyalty, and the human psyche's capacity for both good and evil.

Whether you're a true crime aficionado or a casual listener, this episode serves as a stark reminder of the hidden darkness that can lurk in the most unsuspecting places.

Notable Quotes:

• James Petregallo [21:34]: "He is killing it. Just having a great life. I mean, if this is what you want, if you want to settle down, have a nice business and a nice family, sure."

• Jimmie Whisman [28:02]: "Get out."

• James Petregallo [63:24]: "It takes very little one real good pull, and that's pretty much it."

• James Petregallo [130:57]: "We've got no idea who the fifth body was and we have no idea where the bone fragments are for up to seven more people."

• James Petregallo [131:22]: "People obsessed with Zelensky and the case have even branded yugoists on one of the many Internet chat rooms created in his honor."

Small Town Murder continues to captivate listeners with its blend of in-depth research and engaging storytelling, making each episode a must-listen for true crime enthusiasts.