True Crime Garage: Best of 2024 – Detailed Summary

Introduction

In the "Best of True Crime Garage 2024" episode, released on January 7, 2025, hosts Nick and the Captain reflect on their favorite episodes from the past year. Aiming to provide value to both hardcore listeners and newcomers, the duo revisits some of the most compelling cases they covered in 2024. They emphasize their commitment to thorough storytelling and their dedication to revisiting cases when new information emerges.

Top Five Episodes of 2024

Timestamp Reference: 02:31 – 07:00

1. Cabins by the Lake (Episodes 765 & 766)

Nick highlights the disappearance of 17-year-old Belinda Van Lith, who went missing in 1974 while house-sitting for a neighbor. Despite extensive investigations, Belinda remains missing, with foul play suspected. A significant aspect discussed is the potential involvement of a neighbor, though Nick remains skeptical about the certainty of the suspect’s guilt, stating:

"We know that most people think they know who is responsible for her disappearance, but I'm not convinced that even with a body that that would lead to this individual's arrest." ([06:07])

Behind the scenes, covering Belinda's case led to Porchlight, an Ohio nonprofit victim advocacy program, taking up a new active case involving unidentified remains in Ohio, showcasing the ripple effect of their investigative work.

2. Brian Shaffer Interview (Episode 770)

The Captain presents an episode featuring an interview with John Hurst, the lead detective on the Brian Shaffer case. Brian Shaffer, a 27-year-old, was seen entering a bar on CCTV but never observed leaving. The interview delves into the intricacies of the case, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the investigative challenges.

"One of the things I think I learned this year is that podcasts, documentaries, and news articles put pieces of the puzzle on the table or take them off." ([14:00])

The episode stands out for its insightful exploration of law enforcement's approach and the ongoing mystery surrounding Brian’s disappearance.

3. Rashawn Brazell Case (Episodes 741, 742 & 743)

Covering the tragic disappearance and subsequent discovery of dismembered body parts of 19-year-old Rashawn Brazell in Brooklyn, the podcast explores the complexities of his case. Although the primary suspect has been convicted of another murder, Rashawn's case remains unresolved regarding his murderer's direct responsibility.

The Captain commends the episode for featuring an emotional interview with Rashawn's mother, Desire, who passionately advocates for justice.

"Listening to her talk about her son and how she believes it could have been handled differently... I cannot say enough nice things about Rashawn's mother." ([15:09])

This episode underscores the emotional toll on families and the challenges faced by prosecutors in building a solid case.

4. "11 Skulls" – Collaboration with Other Podcasters (Episodes 788 & 789)

In collaboration with Josh Hallmark from "True Crime Bullshit" and Dakota from "Somewhere in the Pines," True Crime Garage delves into the intricate case of serial killer Israel Keys. The discussion brings fresh perspectives and uncovers lesser-known aspects of the case, such as Keys' hidden kill kits nationwide.

The Captain praises the collaborative effort:

"Their podcasts are about the same case every week, while we cover different cases each week. It's fascinating to see how both approaches contribute to solving cases." ([24:18])

This episode exemplifies the value of collaborative efforts in true crime storytelling and investigation.

5. West Memphis Three – "A Harvest of Innocence" (Episodes 756 & 757)

The Captain recounts their in-depth coverage of the West Memphis Three case, including interviews with defense attorney Dan Stidham. The episodes explore the complexities and ongoing debates surrounding the convictions, emphasizing the importance of revisiting cases with new information and perspectives.

"He didn't pull any punches. If there was something on his mind about the case, he wasn't reluctant to share." ([55:26])

This episode is lauded for its comprehensive analysis and the inclusion of key figures involved in the case, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of the judicial process.

Top Three Episodes of 2024

Timestamp Reference: 29:08 – 64:03

3. The Florida Vampire (Episodes 749 & 750)

Nick discusses the harrowing case of John Brennan Crutchley, a convicted kidnapper and rapist nicknamed "The Florida Vampire" due to his ritualistic drinking of victims' blood. The episodes delve into Crutchley's potential involvement in up to 30 murders across multiple states. By meticulously cross-referencing his activities with other unsolved cases, the podcast narrows down his possible victims, highlighting the challenges in securing convictions for such crimes.

"It's hard to say, but my guess is that these are things they've long desired to do... it's like one of their greatest achievements." ([40:05])

The in-depth exploration reveals the dark psyche of serial killers and the complexities faced by law enforcement in linking and prosecuting their crimes.

2. Apex Predator (Episodes 743 & 744)

This four-part series examines Allen Wade Wilmer Sr., a suspected serial killer linked to the Colonial Parkway Murders. The episodes explore how DNA evidence posthumously tied Wilmer to specific murders, uncovering gaps and missteps in the initial investigations.

The Captain emphasizes the significance of this breakthrough:

"There was a time when all eight homicides were broken up into four different events... It took all of this time to finally connect and solve two of the cases." ([46:14])

This series underscores the advancements in forensic science and the importance of revisiting cold cases with new technologies.

1. Sharif Rahman Murder Case (Episodes 728)

Nick crowns the coverage of Sharif Rahman’s murder as his top pick for 2024. The brutal attack on Rahman, a beloved business owner in Owen Sound, Ontario, led to a transnational investigation. The podcast documents the community’s response, the police’s diligent efforts, and the eventual arrest of three individuals linked to the crime.

"Just to see that they've advanced the case. We also talked about some of the weird problems and maybe even weird stumbles by Virginia State Police and the FBI on this case." ([46:15])

The emotional resonance of this case, combined with its international scope, exemplifies the podcast’s commitment to comprehensive and empathetic true crime storytelling.

Behind the Scenes and Show Evolution

Throughout the episode, Nick and the Captain discuss the evolution of True Crime Garage, emphasizing their refusal to adhere to a rigid episode structure. Instead, they allow each case to dictate the depth and number of episodes needed, ensuring thorough coverage and revisitation when necessary.

Nick articulates their philosophy:

"We don't want to be one of these shows that discusses a case and then never discusses that case ever again." ([53:14])

This approach contrasts with more formulaic podcasts, highlighting their dedication to quality and depth over quantity.

Community Engagement and Support

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to acknowledging the support from their listeners and the broader true crime community. The hosts express gratitude for the engagement on social media, which aids in case investigations by spreading information widely.

The Captain reinforces the importance of community involvement:

"These posts are very important to share as well, to spread the word... this is how law enforcement gets more tips." ([31:57])

Conclusion and Looking Forward to 2025

As they wrap up the episode, Nick and the Captain express optimism for the upcoming year, promising more intriguing cases and continued dedication to their craft. They encourage listeners to stay engaged, share information, and support ongoing investigations.

"We hope you are buckled up and strapped in for 2025 because we got a lot of interesting cases and true crime stories coming your way." ([31:47])

Notable Quotes

• Nick: "We try our best every, each and every week. Some stories are more difficult to tell than others." ([04:33])

• Captain: "These posts are very important to share as well, to spread the word." ([31:57])

• Nick: "It's not often that we are covering a case just months after it broke." ([58:51])

• Captain: "You just never cease to amaze me that you always come up with some angle on a piece of evidence." ([64:03])

Final Thoughts

The "Best of True Crime Garage 2024" episode serves as a comprehensive retrospective, showcasing the hosts' commitment to in-depth investigation, community engagement, and evolving storytelling methods. By revisiting their most impactful cases, Nick and the Captain not only celebrate their achievements but also reinforce their dedication to uncovering the truth behind some of the most perplexing true crime stories.