Podcast
The Book of the Dead
Hosted by Courtney Liso · EN
Hosted by Courtney Liso, The Book of the Dead is a true crime podcast that focuses on the victims of lesser-known crimes. Each episode presents a deep dive into a case from around the world, dissecting the details to tell the whole story of who each victim was, in addition to what happened to them. Formerly hosted by a mother-daughter team, the podcast has evolved with one host, taking the care necessary to ensure each victim is honored as they should be. Join Courtney every Wednesday at 12am EST for a new chapter in The Book of the Dead.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Chapter 148: The Crime That Changed Brisbane-The Murder of Betty Shanks
4w ago00:30:41Tap to summarizeIn September 1952, Betty Shanks left work in Brisbane, Australia, and began the journey home.She never made it.What followed was one of Brisbane’s most disturbing and enduring unsolved murder cases. Betty was found brutally murdered, and despite an extensive investigation, numerous theories, and decades of speculation, the person responsible was never definitively identified. Was her murder a random attack, or did the killer know more about her movements than investigators ever realized? More than 70 years later, Betty’s murder remains one of Australia’s most haunting cold cases.If there’s anyone out there that could have any information regarding the murder of Betty shanks, you can contact crime stoppers at 1800 333 000.Connect with us on Social Media!You can find us at:Instagram: @bookofthedeadpodX: @bkofthedeadpodFacebook: The Book of the Dead PodcastTikTok: BookofthedeadpodOr visit our website at www.botdpod.comFeaturing a promo for Love and Murder:What drives people to hurt the ones they love? Every week on Love and Murder: Heartbreak to Homicide, we’ll go on a journey, together, through true crime relationship stories that were doomed bonds from the start.Listen here.57 days of torture for murdered girl’s parents. (1952, November 16). Truth, 5.Admin, J. (2020, August 6). Unsolved murder of Betty Shanks - 60th anniversary. State Library of Queensland. Betty Shanks murder recalled. (1953, July 31). The Evening Advocate, 1.Clear another man in Wilston murder case. (1952, October 11). The Courier-Mail, 1Coates, W. (1953, February 8). Betty Shanks’ mother to speak. The Sunday Mail.Jones, C. (2024, September 18). The murder of Betty Shanks has haunted Brisbane for decades. After 72 years, it still remains unsolved. ABC News. Lloyd, P., & Coates, W. (1952, September 21). Murder manhunt goes on all night. The Sunday Mail, 1–2.Man with blood on his face hired cab, coroner told. (1953, February 11). The Courier-Mail, 3.Moore, T. (2012, September 20). Betty Shanks: An enduring mystery. Brisbane Times. More clues in Wilston check. (1952, October 23). The Courier-Mail, 1.No tougher murder case. (1952, October 5). The Sunday Mail, 2.Our Police Roundsman. (1952, October 18). Life that slayer destroyed was a happy one. Brisbane Telegraph, 18.Polic expect arrest in sex murders. (1952, December 30). Warwick Daily News, 1.Police describe man sought in murder inquiry. (1952, December 29). The Sun, 2.Police make murder appeal. (1952, September 22). The Courier-Mail, 1.Police tell of wide Wilston death check. (1953, February 27). The Courier-Mail, 5.Queensland Police Service. (2026, January 7). FROM THE VAULT- UNSOLVED The Murder of Betty Shanks – September 19, 1952. Museum. Search dead man’s past for clues to 3 murders. (1953, October 4). The Sunday Mail, 3.Shanks Murder Turn. (1952, December 1). Brisbane Telegraph, 1.Two murder leads new turn in probes. (1952, December 28). Truth, 1.If you enjoyed the episode, consider leaving a review or rating! It helps more than you know! If you have a case suggestion, or want attention brought to a loved one's case, email me at bookofthedeadpod@gmail.com with Case Suggestion in the subject line.Stay safe, stay curious, and stay vigilant.
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Chapter 147: Japan's Most Wanted-The Murder of Lindsay Hawker
Jul 800:37:10Tap to summarizeIn 2007, 22-year-old Lindsay Hawker left England for Japan to pursue her dream of teaching English and experiencing life abroad. Kind, adventurous, and passionate about helping others, she had no idea that one persistent stranger would change the course of her life forever.After repeatedly seeking her attention and convincing her to give him private English lessons, the man followed Lindsay home. When she failed to arrive at work, concern quickly turned into a missing persons investigation that shocked Japan.Her killer fled before he could be arrested, sparking one of the country's largest manhunts. For more than two years, he evaded capture, even undergoing plastic surgery in an attempt to change his appearance and disappear forever.Connect with us on Social Media!You can find us at:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookofthedeadpod/X: https://twitter.com/BkofthedeadpodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550490186243TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebookofthedeadpodOr visit our website at http://botdpod.com/Featuring a promo for Mountain Murders:Mountain Murders is a true crime improv comedy podcast hosted by two Appalachians with questionable judgment and strong opinions. Join Heather & Dylan as they dive into bizarre murders, infamous killers, and small-town mayhem—armed with dark humor, off-the-rails commentary, and just enough research to be dangerous.https://open.spotify.com/show/40g9BcUDirt3cqirkSvLgd?si=1cfeea01228a4ab0https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/profile-timeline-lindsay-hawkers-spirit-3919725https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-14010308g.https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-14075271https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-14234404https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-14226859https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-14224830https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-17673492https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-14232041https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/04/10/call-eliminate-japans-hostage-justice-system-japanese-legal-professionalshttps://www.hrw.org/news/2019/04/10/call-eliminate-japans-hostage-justice-system-japanese-legal-professionalshttps://japantoday.com/category/features/kuchikomi/celebrity-inmate-tatsuya-ichihashi-who-killed-lindsay-hawker-doing-time-with-better-than-average-creature-comfortshttps://japantoday.com/category/features/kuchikomi/fugitive-ichihashi-may-be-in-philippineshttps://japantoday.com/category/features/kuchikomi/ichihashis-former-mentor-sheds-new-light-on-2007-hawker-murderhttps://web.archive.org/web/20080317191147/http:/www.japantoday.com/jp/news/431056https://web.archive.org/web/20080317191147/http:/www.japantoday.com/jp/news/431056https://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-07-04/japanese-man-admits-killing-british-teacher/2782172https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1547136/Post-mortem-secrets-of-woman-buried-in-sand.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/apr/02/japan.justinmccurryhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/mar/24/hawker-japan-murder-ichihashifile:///Users/courtneyliso/Downloads/.%20https:/www.theguardian.com/world/2009/nov/05/lindsay-hawker-suspect-face-surgeryhttps://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/jul/04/japanese-man-lindsay-ann-hawker-murderhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/nov/10/japan-murder-plastic-surgery-hawkerhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/mar/28/japan.justinmccurry1https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/3248564/Murdered-Lindsay-Hawkers-killer-may-have-committed-suicide-Japanese-police-fear.htmlhttps://www.reuters.com/article/world/british-womans-body-in-japan-released-to-father-idUST93158/https://www.reuters.com/article/world/us/japan-wanted-poster-shows-murder-suspect-in-drag-idUST285983/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1582786/Lindsay-Hawkers-parents-commemorate-daughters-death-in-Tokyo.htmlhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/6541785/Lindsay-Ann-Hawker-murder-Tatsuya-Ichihashi-refusing-to-cooperate-with-police.htmlhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8651279/Tatsuya-Ichihashi-profile.html?ICID=continue_without_subscribing_reg_firsthttps://thediplomat.com/2011/01/hawker-accused-book-published/If you enjoyed the episode, consider leaving a review or rating! It helps more than you know! If you have a case suggestion, or want attention brought to a loved one's case, email me at bookofthedeadpod@gmail.com with Case Suggestion in the subject line.Stay safe, stay curious, and stay vigilant.
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Chapter 146: 83 Hours in the Dark-The Kidnapping of Barbara Mackle Pt. 2
Jul 100:33:36Tap to summarizeThe search for Barbara Mackle was becoming a race against time.After 20-year-old Barbara was buried alive inside a custom-built underground capsule, her family and the FBI faced an impossible challenge: pay a $500,000 ransom before her air supply ran out. But when the first ransom exchange went disastrously wrong, investigators feared they had lost their only chance to save her.In Part 2 of Barbara Mackle's incredible story, I'll tell you all about the failed ransom drop, the intense FBI investigation, the successful payoff that finally put agents on the trail, and the desperate search that led to Barbara's rescue after 83 terrifying hours underground.Connect with us on Social Media!You can find us at:Instagram: @bookofthedeadpodX: @bkofthedeadpodFacebook: The Book of the Dead PodcastTikTok: BookofthedeadpodOr visit our website at www.botdpod.com14 News WFIE Evansville. (2003, April 21). Past haunts Chrisney doctor.ABC News. (2006, January 7). Man who buried girl alive becomes doctor.Associated Press. (2019, March 11). Kidnaper who used “Grave” accepted at medical school - Los Angeles Times.Buried alive. (n.d.). https://nmfh.org/buried-alive-boetticher/Buried Alive - The Kidnapping of Barbara Jane Mackle - 1968 Crime Magazine. (n.d.).Craig Woodward Cwoodward@wpl-legal.com. (2020, January 30). Who dunnit: Anatomy of an egomaniacal con artist – Part 3 of 3 Coastal Breeze NewsGary Steven Krist. (n.d.). FBI.gov.Gary Steven Krist. (2026a, January 17). Grokipedia.Lallanilla, M. (2026, April 2). The heiress who was buried alive—and survived | A&E. AETV.Neumann, S. (2024, November 2). How a 20-Year-Old heiress survived her kidnapping and being buried alive for 3 days: “I screamed and screamed.” People.Notorious Georgia kidnapper out of prison again. (2011, March 7). Corrections1.Special To The New York Times. (1968, December 21). Escaped Prison on Coast. The New York TimesThe Mackle Company LLC.Time. (1968, December 27). The Girl in the Box.U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia. (1970). Krist V. Smith. In Justia U.S. Law (309 F. Supp. 497).Winerip, M. (1978, December 21). For Barbara Mackle, ’68 kidnapping is a closed subject. The Bradenton Herald, B2.Woodward, C. (2010, January 13). The Daring Kidnapping of Barbara Mackle – Part 1 of 3. Coastal Breeze News.Beane, W. F. (2005, January 24). FBI Oral History Project (Oral history interview addendum material). Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI.If you enjoyed the episode, consider leaving a review or rating! It helps more than you know! If you have a case suggestion, or want attention brought to a loved one's case, email me at bookofthedeadpod@gmail.com with Case Suggestion in the subject line.Stay safe, stay curious, and stay vigilant.
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Chapter 145: Buried Alive-The Kidnapping of Barbara Mackle Pt. 1
Jun 2400:31:13Tap to summarizeIn December 1968, 20-year-old Barbara Mackle was abducted from a Georgia motel and buried alive in a custom-built underground box while her kidnappers demanded a $500,000 ransom. For 83 terrifying hours, Barbara fought panic, darkness, and the fear that she would never be found. This week in part 1, i walk you through the planning if one of theFBI's most infamous kidnappings.Connect with us on Social Media!You can find us at:Instagram: @bookofthedeadpodX: @bkofthedeadpodFacebook: The Book of the Dead PodcastTikTok: BookofthedeadpodOr visit our website at www.botdpod.comFeaturing a promo for Conspiring to Argue:Best friends debate and laugh about aliens, murder, government cover-ups and more.Listen here 14 News WFIE Evansville. (2003, April 21). Past haunts Chrisney doctor.ABC News. (2006, January 7). Man who buried girl alive becomes doctor.Associated Press. (2019, March 11). Kidnaper who used “Grave” accepted at medical school - Los Angeles Times.Buried alive. (n.d.). https://nmfh.org/buried-alive-boetticher/Buried Alive - The Kidnapping of Barbara Jane Mackle - 1968 Crime Magazine. (n.d.).Craig Woodward Cwoodward@wpl-legal.com. (2020, January 30). Who dunnit: Anatomy of an egomaniacal con artist – Part 3 of 3 Coastal Breeze NewsGary Steven Krist. (n.d.). FBI.gov.Gary Steven Krist. (2026a, January 17). Grokipedia.Lallanilla, M. (2026, April 2). The heiress who was buried alive—and survived | A&E. AETV.Neumann, S. (2024, November 2). How a 20-Year-Old heiress survived her kidnapping and being buried alive for 3 days: “I screamed and screamed.” People.Notorious Georgia kidnapper out of prison again. (2011, March 7). Corrections1.Special To The New York Times. (1968, December 21). Escaped Prison on Coast. The New York TimesThe Mackle Company LLC.Time. (1968, December 27). The Girl in the Box.U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia. (1970). Krist V. Smith. In Justia U.S. Law (309 F. Supp. 497).Winerip, M. (1978, December 21). For Barbara Mackle, ’68 kidnapping is a closed subject. The Bradenton Herald, B2.Woodward, C. (2010, January 13). The Daring Kidnapping of Barbara Mackle – Part 1 of 3. Coastal Breeze News.Beane, W. F. (2005, January 24). FBI Oral History Project (Oral history interview addendum material). Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI.If you enjoyed the episode, consider leaving a review or rating! It helps more than you know! If you have a case suggestion, or want attention brought to a loved one's case, email me at bookofthedeadpod@gmail.com with Case Suggestion in the subject line.Stay safe, stay curious, and stay vigilant.
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Chapter 144: The Boy on the Milk Carton-The Disappearance of Eugene Martin
Jun 1000:33:39Tap to summarizeOn August 12, 1984, 13-year-old Eugene Wade Martin vanished while delivering newspapers in Des Moines, Iowa. Just two years earlier, another paperboy, Johnny Gosch, disappeared under eerily similar circumstances only miles away. Despite extensive investigations, countless theories, and decades of speculation, neither boy has ever been found. In Part One of The Paper Boy Abductions, I walk you through the mysterious disappearance of Eugene Martin, the haunting parallels to Johnny Gosch's case, and the questions that continue to surround two of Iowa's most infamous unsolved child disappearances.Anyone with information about Eugene Martin is asked to call Det. Jeff Shannon at the Des Moines Police Department at (515) 283-4864. You may also call Det. Larry Penland at (515) 237-1550.Connect with us on Social Media!You can find us at:Instagram: @bookofthedeadpodX: @bkofthedeadpodFacebook: The Book of the Dead PodcastTikTok: BookofthedeadpodOr visit our website at www.botdpod.comAlex, T. (1984, August 16). Branstad gives moral support to Martin family. The Des Moines Register, 15A.Alex, T. (2001, September 3). Officer who investigated missing carrier retires. The Des Moines Register, 2B.Beedle, D. (2020, September 15). Eugene Wade Martin. Find a Grave. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/215645180/martinCOLD CASE SPOTLIGHT: Johnny Gosch. (2015, June 11). NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/cold-case-spotlight/cold-case-spotlight-johnny-gosch-n234291D.M. police don’t know where to search. (1984, August 19). The Des Moines Register, 1B-3B.EUGENE WADE MARTIN | Missing Person Information Clearinghouse. (n.d.). https://missingpersons.iowa.gov/divisions/criminal-investigation/missing-persons/eugene-wade-martinGene didn’t run away. . .his birthday was coming. (1984, September 2). The Des Moines Register, 1A-7A.Iowa Cold Cases, Inc. (2026, March 28). Eugene Martin | Iowa Cold cases. Iowa Cold Cases. https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/eugene-martin/Krenz, A. (2015, November 6). Eugene Martin case remains open after 31 years. weareiowa.com. https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/eugene-martin-case-remains-open-after-31-years/524-02cb76a5-43bd-4297-af0d-5275df5aee9eMokrzycki, P. (2015). Lost in the Heartland: Childhood, Region, and Iowa’s Missing Paperboys. Annals of Iowa, 74(1), 29–69. https://doi.org/10.17077/0003-4827.12170Santiago, F. (1997, August 27). Gosch lives, mom is told. The Des Moines Register, 2A.Santiago, F., & Alex, T. (1994, August 22). Private eye believes Martin disappearance was planned. The Des Moines Register, 2A.Sederstrom, J. (2024, August 22). Why don’t missing kids appear on milk cartons anymore? Oxygen. https://www.oxygen.com/the-girl-on-the-milk-carton/crime-news/why-dont-missing-kids-appear-on-milk-cartons-anymoreShort, M. (2025, June 7). Eugene Martin: 1984 Disappearance of Iowa Paperboy Still Unsolved. Medium. https://medium.com/bizarre-unsolved-cases/eugene-martin-1984-disappearance-of-iowa-paperboy-still-unsolved-27d88991a6c1Smith, G. (1985, August 10). Eugene Martin case no closer to solution. The Cedar Rapids Gazette, 5A.Suk, T. (1990, March 27). D.M. officers follow Martin case to Mexico. The Des Moines Register, 9.Tauscheck, M. (2017, October 9). Eugene Martin’s brother talks about hope case will be solved. KCCI. https://www.kcci.com/article/eugene-martin-s-brother-talks-about-hope-case-will-be-solved/6923136The Associated Press. (1985, February 10). Parents heat up search. Quad City Times, 8A.The disappearance of Eugene Martin. (2025, April 14). Crime and Coffee Couple. https://crimeandcoffeecouple.wordpress.com/2024/07/11/the-disappearance-of-eugene-martin/The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NAMUS). (n.d.). NamUs.gov. https://www.namus.gov/MissingPersons/Case#/6348?navVanBaale, K. W. (2025, September 22). The Legacy of the Paperboy Abductions | A&E. AETV. https://www.aetv.com/articles/paperboy-abductions-milk-cartonIf you enjoyed the episode, consider leaving a review or rating! It helps more than you know! If you have a case suggestion, or want attention brought to a loved one's case, email me at bookofthedeadpod@gmail.com with Case Suggestion in the subject line.Stay safe, stay curious, and stay vigilant.
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Novela 12: The Sordid Tale of Michelle Lynne Kosilek w/ Rainbow Crimes
Jun 300:23:56Tap to summarizeFrom the age of three Robert Kosilek knew he was different, he knew he was born into the wrong body. As an adult he struggled with his gender identity and even married a woman named Cheryl McCaul with whom he had a child with. One day she came home early and caught him in her clothing, that's when things took an abrupt deadly turn.Thank you to CJ from Rainbow Crimes for taking over while I deal with some personal matters this week <3Follow Rainbow Crimes HereBeyond the Rainbow Podcast a.k.a. Rainbow Crimes is a show about crimes committed by and against the LGBTQ plus community. Join host C.J. for an array of true crime stories from all over the world, especially lesser known cases. Remember, it's not a crime to be gay...unless you're a murderer...Connect with us on Social Media!You can find us at:Instagram: @bookofthedeadpodX: @bkofthedeadpodFacebook: The Book of the Dead PodcastTikTok: BookofthedeadpodOr visit our website at www.botdpod.comFeaturing a promo for Pod of TerrorWelcome to the Pod of Terror! Join Pat and Darsi as they discuss the most vile, despicable human beings on the planet.Listen hereIf you enjoyed the episode, consider leaving a review or rating! It helps more than you know! If you have a case suggestion, or want attention brought to a loved one's case, email me at bookofthedeadpod@gmail.com with Case Suggestion in the subject line.Stay safe, stay curious, and stay vigilant.
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Chapter 143: The Dead Don't Stay Buried-The Murder of David Churchill Jackson
May 2800:35:42Tap to summarizeIn June 1988, 24-year-old truck driver David Churchill Jackson walked out of his Pembroke Pines, Florida apartment and completely vanished. He left behind a loving mother, a complicated past, and a young son who would grow up wondering what happened to his father. For fifteen years, David’s disappearance remained a frozen mystery—until a cold case detective's vision board caught the eye of an unexpected visitor. In this chapter of The Book of the Dead, I explored the life of David Jackson, the devastating silence left in the wake of his disappearance, and the jaw-dropping twist that finally brought a hidden killer to justice decades later. This isn’t just a story about how David died; it is about who he was, the family that never stopped looking for him, and why his memory matters.Connect with us on Social Media!You can find us at:Instagram: @bookofthedeadpodX: @bkofthedeadpodFacebook: The Book of the Dead PodcastTikTok: BookofthedeadpodOr visit our website at www.botdpod.comAFTER 7 YEARS, DISAPPEARANCE STILL MYSTERY. (2021, September 24). Sun Sentinel. https://www.sun-sentinel.com/1995/08/13/after-7-years-disappearance-still-mystery/Ambushed: The murder of David Jackson. (2014, May 11). CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ambushed-the-murder-of-david-jackson/David Churchill Jackson (1963-1988). (2013, March 16). FInd a Grave. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/106814812/david_churchill-jacksonDeutsch, K. (2005, January 22). Ohioian linked to 1988 murder. The Miami Herald, 6B.Elmore, C. (1994, September 14). Missing Pines man topic of TV talk show. Sun Sentinel, 2B.Ex-wife charged with murder after 19 years. (2021, September 26). Sun Sentinel. https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2007/12/15/ex-wife-charged-with-murder-after-19-years/?clearUserState=trueGuilty plea closes 24-year-old murder case. (2021, September 28). Sun Sentinel. https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2012/04/17/guilty-plea-closes-24-year-old-murder-case-2/James, S. (1990, June 25). Disappearance baffles police. Sun Sentinel, 1B.Kamph, S. (2011, June 23). My Father’s Bones. Broward Palm Beach New Times, 34, 15–20.Pazdera, D. (1992, July 4). Mom still can’t find her son. Sun Sentinel, 13B.Santana, S. (2001, November 3). Man convicted of Miramar murder. Sun Sentinel, 3B.Santana, S., & Marino, J. (2007, December 15). Ex-wife hit with murder charge years after crime. Sun Sentinel, 1B-6B.SUSPECT HELD IN ’88 DEATH OF PINES MAN. (2021, September 27). Sun Sentinel. https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2004/10/13/suspect-held-in-88-death-of-pines-man/WOLFE v. STATE, No. 4D07-4555. | Fla. Dist. Ct. App., Judgment, Law, casemine.com. (n.d.). https://www.casemine.com. https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/59146407add7b04934271346Woman implicated in ex-husband’s murder to be released on bail. (2021, September 28). Sun Sentinel. https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2010/09/16/woman-implicated-in-ex-husbands-murder-to-be-released-on-bail/If you enjoyed the episode, consider leaving a review or rating! It helps more than you know! If you have a case suggestion, or want attention brought to a loved one's case, email me at bookofthedeadpod@gmail.com with Case Suggestion in the subject line.Stay safe, stay curious, and stay vigilant.
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Chapter 142: A Nightmare at Arizona State-The Murder of Fiona Yu
May 2000:23:40Tap to summarizeIn the summer of 1997, fear spread across the campus of Arizona State University as reports surfaced of women being attacked while walking home alone at night. Students were warned to stay alert, travel in groups, and avoid being out after dark. But no one expected the danger to strike in broad daylight.When 21-year-old Fiona Yu was found brutally murdered inside her own apartment, investigators described the crime as a frenzied blitz attack. With little physical evidence and only the belief that Fiona may have known her killer, police scrambled to stop whoever was responsible before they struck again. Then, two more women were attacked in eerily similar ways, raising fears that a predator was targeting women near campus.Connect with us on Social Media!You can find us at:Instagram: @bookofthedeadpodX: @bkofthedeadpodFacebook: The Book of the Dead PodcastTikTok: BookofthedeadpodOr visit our website at www.botdpod.com12 News (KPNX). (2017, August 4). New DNA technology could help police solve 20-year-old Tempe murder. 12news.com. https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/new-dna-technology-could-help-police-solve-20-year-old-tempe-murder/75-46172640650 rally at ASU to protest rape. (1997, October 29). Arizona Republic, EV1–EV5.August 4, 1997 Weather History in Phoenix. (n.d.). https://weatherspark.com/h/d/2460/1997/8/4/Historical-Weather-on-Monday-August-4-1997-in-Phoenix-Arizona-United-States#Figures-TemperatureBiggs, P. (2003, October 25). Cold Case of the Week: Blitz attack on coed. Arizona Republic, B2.Comier, L., Jr., & Pyle, C. R. (2007). Lee Comier, Jr. v. Dora B. Schriro, et al. In Arizona Department of Corrections, IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA (pp. 1–19) [Legal case]. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-azd-2_05-cv-00540/pdf/USCOURTS-azd-2_05-cv-00540-0.pdfFiona Yu. (1997, August 8). Arizona Republic, B3.Hermann, W. (2006, October 26). Detective, brother won’t give up on murder. Arizona Republic, 4.Jones, M. L. (1997, September 19). Rapes provoke anxiety at ASU. Arizona Republic, A1.KTAR.com. (2017, August 4). New technology could help solve 20-year-old Tempe murder. KTAR.com. https://ktar.com/arizona-news/new-technology-could-help-solve-20-year-old-tempe-murder/1683171/Lamke, K. (1999, July 20). ASU Coeds’ rapist gets 107 years. Arizona Republic, B8.Mendoza, N. P. (2012, November 28). Police continue 15-year search for killer in unsolved rape, murder. The Arizona State Press. https://www.statepress.com/article/2012/11/police-continue-15-year-search-for-killer-in-unsolved-rape-murderMurdered: Fiona Yu | Tempe, AZ | Uncovered. (n.d.). https://uncovered.com/cases/fiona-yuNa, S. (2017, August 10). DNA tech revives 20-year-old cold case. Arizona Republic, 3A-8A.Parabon® Snapshot® DNA Analysis Service - powered by Parabon NanoLabs. (n.d.). https://snapshot.parabon-nanolabs.com/Real Crime. (2021, September 7). Terror Arizona State University: The Tragic murder of Fiona Yu | Murder Reopened | Real Crime [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruftQoRzFXkSinha, S. (2024, March 16). Fiona Yu murder: What led to her tragic end? The Cinemaholic. https://thecinemaholic.com/fiona-yu-murder/Tanabe, M. (2017, August 5). ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV). ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV). https://www.abc15.com/news/region-southeast-valley/tempe/new-technology-could-help-solve-decades-old-tempe-murder-caseTeibel, D. L. (1997, August 2). Police offer sketch of young rapist. Tucson Citizen, 2B.Tempe youth gets 18 1/2 years for role in attack. (1999, November 20). Arizona Republic, B6.The Associated Press. (1997, September 24). Two teens arrested in ASU rape cases. Tuscon Citizen, 2B.Villa, J. (1997a, December 16). DNA, blood on victim don’t match. Arizona Republic, B1–B3.Villa, J. (1997b, December 16). DNA tests negative in murder. Arizona Republic, B1–B3.Villa, J. (1998a, July 15). Trial begins in Tempe rape. Arizona Republic, B1–B2.Villa, J. (1998b, July 16). Coed remembers afternoon of terror. Arizona Republic, EV1–EV3.Walsh, J. (1997a, August 6). Slain coed possibly knew killer. Arizona Republic, B1–B5.Walsh, J. (1997b, September 25). Rape suspect may be held in murder. Arizona Republic, A1–A15.Walsh, J. (1997c, October 16). Report profiles rapes’ brutality. Arizona Republic, A1–A13.If you enjoyed the episode, consider leaving a review or rating! It helps more than you know! If you have a case suggestion, or want attention brought to a loved one's case, email me at bookofthedeadpod@gmail.com with Case Suggestion in the subject line.Stay safe, stay curious, and stay vigilant.
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The Book of the Dead Case Files: What Happened After the Episodes Ended
May 1300:30:01Tap to summarizeFrom shocking revelations and cases that remain painfully unsolved, this special episode revisits the first cases covered on The Book of the Dead. I'm breaking down the biggest developments, new evidence, court updates, and unanswered questions surrounding the stories that have stayed with listeners long after the episodes ended. Some families finally got answers. Others are still waiting.This is where the cases stand now.Connect with us on Social Media!You can find us at:Instagram: @bookofthedeadpodX: @bkofthedeadpodFacebook: The Book of the Dead PodcastTikTok: BookofthedeadpodOr visit our website at www.botdpod.comFeaturing a promo for Murder Shelf Book Club PodcastYOUR true crime book club podcast.Jill tells the true crime book stories in 3 parts. Dive deep into the criminal psyche, updates, and outcomes with the greatest respect for accuracy, victims and families!Listen HereAbout - Daniel Robinson Foundation. (2025, February 6). Daniel Robinson Foundation. https://danielrobinsonfoundation.org/about/ABOUT US. (n.d.). Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation. https://www.snpfoundation.org/aboutColleen E. Ritzer Memorial Fund, Inc. (2021, April 27). About - Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Fund, Inc.https://colleenritzer.org/about-us/Court tosses out key records of Kobe serial child killer in 1997 case | The Asahi Shimbun Asia & Japan Watch. (n.d.). The Asahi Shimbun. https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14747612Father of 1997 Kobe murder victim criticizes court’s disposal of case records. (2023, February 15). The Mainichi. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230215/p2a/00m/0na/015000cFioresi, D. (2025, February 13). Stephanie Lazarus, former LAPD detective who shot ex-lover’s new wife, has parole denied again. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/stephanie-lazarus-former-lapd-detective-who-shot-ex-lovers-new-wife-has-parole-denied-again/Game over | Breck Foundation. (n.d.). Breck Foundation. https://www.breckfoundation.org/game-overGarrett, S. (2026, January 30). Tacoma police investigating individual who says they are Teekah Lewis, missing since 1999. KIRO 7 News Seattle. https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/tacoma-police-investigating-individual-who-says-they-are-teekah-lewis-missing-since-1999/52MMMKUUPVDFFPG37LUORNWLGM/Kobe court discards all records on then juvenile tried over 1997 child murders. (2022, October 20). The Mainichi. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20221020/p2a/00m/0na/011000cPlease Help Find Daniel. (2026, February 18). Please help find Daniel Robinson. https://pleasehelpfinddaniel.com/Riley, N. (2024, October 9). Teacher’s family says “evil” Philip Chism can’t be rehabilitated amid appeal for new murder trial. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/philip-chism-appeal-colleen-ritzer-murder-danvers-teacher/Riley, N. (2025, February 25). Philip Chism, convicted of killing Danvers math teacher Colleen Ritzer, denied new murder trial. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/philip-chism-appeal-murder-trial-sentence-colleen-ritzer/Robinson, D., II. (2025, December 29). Support the “Please Help Find Missing Americans Act” (Daniel Robinson Law). Change.org. https://www.change.org/p/support-the-please-help-find-missing-americans-act-daniel-robinson-law?recruiter=1122433152&recruited_by_id=58c081c0-b378-11ea-b618-7b868614c4c4&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=petition_dashboard&utm_medium=copylinkTeekah Lewis’ mother launches foundation to support families of missing children. (2026, January 24). KOMO. https://komonews.com/news/local/teekah-lewis-mother-launches-foundation-to-support-families-of-missing-children-tacoma-cold-case-missing-child-investigation-nonprofit-missing-people-pnwTeekah’s Legacy Foundation. (n.d.). https://sites.google.com/view/teekahslegacyfoundation/home?authuser=0If you enjoyed the episode, consider leaving a review or rating! It helps more than you know! If you have a case suggestion, or want attention brought to a loved one's case, email me at bookofthedeadpod@gmail.com with Case Suggestion in the subject line.Stay safe, stay curious, and stay vigilant.
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Chapter 141: A Divorce and A Disappearance-What Happened to Jane Wakefield?
May 700:21:52Tap to summarizeIn 1975, 26-year-old teacher Jane Ellen Wakefield disappeared from Iowa City just months after filing for divorce from her husband, John. She never returned home, never contacted loved ones, and was never seen again. Even after an infrmant comes forward with an alarming story of what happened, the case went cold faster than anyone could have expected. Nearly fifty years later, the mystery surrounding Jane’s disappearance remains unsolved.Anyone with information regarding Jane Wakefield's disappearance or possible murder is asked to call the Iowa City Police Department at 319-356-5451, the case number to reference is J16-75.Connect with us on Social Media!You can find us at:Instagram: @bookofthedeadpodX: @bkofthedeadpodFacebook: The Book of the Dead PodcastTikTok: BookofthedeadpodOr visit our website at www.botdpod.com"1000 Reward. (1976, September 19). The Des Moine Register, 77.Blog, A. B. (2026, April 17). Jane Ellen Hallberg-Wakefield. Another Bundy Blog. https://anotherbundyblog.com/2026/04/12/jane-ellen-hallberg-wakefield/Brandau, R. C. (1976, September 17). Reward offered in Wakefield case. The Daily Iowan.Burnham, J. (1992, March 19). Proving murder without a body: It’s not impossible. The Gazette, 8A.Clark, F. (1976, September 19). Disappearance of Iowa City Woman still being probed. The Gazette, 10.Dayton, T. (1985, September 9). Wakefield disappearance: Authorities mystified 10 years later. Iowa City Press-Citizen, 1A.File suits in Johnson deaths. (1968, October 11). The Gazette, 8.Ingalls, M., & Ingalls, M. (2015, March 13). IC History: Reexamining the cold case files. Little Village. https://littlevillagemag.com/ic-history-reexamining-the-cold-case-files/Iowa Cold Cases, Inc. (2025, December 18). Jane Ellen (Hallberg) Wakefield | Iowa Cold cases. Iowa Cold Cases. https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/jane-wakefield/Jane Ellen Hallberg marries John Wakefield in Minneapolis. (1967, October 9). The Sioux City Journal, 8.Jeff Burnham. (1992, March 19). Police suspect 3 killed but lack bodies [Newspaper; Print]. The Gazette, 70, 1A-8A. https://iowacoldcases.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/1992-3-19-MMU-2pgs.pdfKucharski, Z. (2006, December 12). Cracking cold cases. The Gazette, 1A-6A.Missing: Jane Wakefield | Iowa City, IA | Uncovered. (n.d.). https://uncovered.com/cases/jane-wakefieldNo evidence found in drained ponds. (1975, October 3). Iowa City Press-Citizen.The Associated Press. (1985, September 16). She’s been missing for 10 years. The Gazette, 5A.Two men killed in Iowa City crashes. (1967, July 20). The Gazette, 4.Two ponds are drained in search for woman. (1975, October 3). The Gazette, 4.Wakefield Reward Fund started. (1977, March 7). Iowa City Press-Citizen, 2A.If you enjoyed the episode, consider leaving a review or rating! It helps more than you know! If you have a case suggestion, or want attention brought to a loved one's case, email me at bookofthedeadpod@gmail.com with Case Suggestion in the subject line.Stay safe, stay curious, and stay vigilant.
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