The Binge Cases: My Mother's Lies
Episode: Introducing . . . The Poet
Release Date: June 24, 2026
Podcast Host: Sony Music Entertainment
Episode Overview
This episode introduces a chilling true crime story set in Wichita: “The Poet.” The episode serves as a teaser for an upcoming deep-dive into the mysterious stalking and attempted murder of Ruth Finley, terrorized for years by an enigmatic figure known only as "the Poet." The episode draws sharp parallels between Ruth’s tormentor and the notorious BTK serial killer, raising questions about whether Wichita was haunted by two sadistic criminals—or just one.
The narrative is intense and suspenseful, leaving listeners eager to unravel the complex layers of psychological trauma, police investigation, and true-crime legend that enshrouds Ruth Finley's story.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Ruth Finley’s Ordeal & the Poet’s Obsession
- Ruth Finley was terrorized for years by someone dubbed "the Poet," known for sending her disturbing letters, gifts, and ominous poems.
- The psychological torment was ongoing, making the fear ever-present and heightened.
Notable Quote:
“He finally got her. Oh, my God, he got her.”
— Narrator (00:01)
- The Poet's threatening correspondence was deeply personal and terrifying, as highlighted by a direct quote from one of the letters.
Memorable Moment:
“You know, in your f**ed up mind, you are going to die. You don't know when, but you do know what.”
— Reading from the Poet's letter (00:16)
2. Police Investigation and Public Fear
- The Wichita police took Ruth's case seriously and dedicated considerable resources to catching the Poet.
- Despite their efforts, the Poet always seemed "two steps ahead," frustrating investigators and amplifying the terror within the community.
Notable Quote:
“The Poet was always two steps in front of us, and we just didn't know why. It just kind of became the local story of terror...”
— Investigator (00:29)
- The city of Wichita was already on edge due to the presence of the BTK serial killer (Bind, Torture, Kill), who notoriously cut phone lines and murdered his victims in their homes.
Memorable Moment:
“Binding, torturing, killing them. He called himself BTK, and he had a thing for poetry.”
— Narrator (00:40)
3. Are the Poet and BTK One and the Same?
- The episode explores the possibility that the Poet and BTK may be the same person or working together, heightening the intrigue and stakes.
- The one-two punch of threats and violence from different sources left locals rattled and police baffled.
Notable Quote:
“Could we really have two different people, or is this the same guy?”
— Narrator (00:57)
4. The Poet Escalates to Violence
- The Poet transitions from written threats to physical violence, culminating in the stabbing of Ruth Finley.
- The attack leaves Ruth with three wounds, escalating the threat and pushing the case to a new, more dangerous level.
Memorable Moment:
“This guy comes up to her and stabs her. She's got three stab wounds in her back and her side.”
— Investigator (01:06)
5. Twists, Revelations & Unimaginable Endings
- The story builds to an unexpected and shocking climax reminiscent of a Hitchcock film.
Notable Quote:
“That's one of those Hitchcock endings that we did not expect.”
— Investigator (01:16)
- The episode hints at hidden truths about Ruth herself, suggesting the case is far stranger than it seems.
Memorable Moment:
“She's not what people think she is.”
— Unattributed, possibly acquaintance or investigator (01:28)
6. Determination for Truth
- A major turning point comes when those involved or affected decide they must get to the bottom of the case, leading to the dramatic unraveling of the mystery.
Notable Quote:
“That's kind of the moment when he said, you know, enough's enough. We're going to try to get to the bottom of this. He couldn't believe it, but it was true. That's when the case broke.”
— Investigator (01:35)
Key Timestamps for Reference
- 00:01 – Opening scene; chilling real-time reaction to the Poet’s attack.
- 00:16 – Excerpt from the Poet’s menacing letter.
- 00:29 - 00:40 – Insight into the police investigation and community fear, introduction of BTK.
- 00:57 – Posing the central mystery: Are the Poet and BTK connected?
- 01:06 – Poet’s attack on Ruth escalates to stabbing.
- 01:16 – Tease of the unexpected, “Hitchcock” twist.
- 01:28–01:32 – Hints that Ruth is not as she appears.
- 01:35–01:46 – The story breaks open; the pursuit of truth begins.
Tone & Style
The storytelling is dark, suspenseful, and cinematic, filled with clipped, urgent narration and firsthand investigator testimony. The quotes maintain the anxious energy and real-life horror that saturated Wichita during the era.
Summary
This episode hooks listeners with the promise of a stranger-than-fiction investigation into one of Wichita’s most notorious unsolved mysteries. By blending first-person accounts, haunting letters, and a city’s collective unease over serial violence, it sets the stage for a compelling serialized true crime series that promises both psychological depth and shocking twists.
To follow the full unraveling of Ruth Finley’s story and the Poet’s true identity, subscribe to "The Poet" on your preferred podcast app.
