Appalachian Mysteria
A crime journalism podcast series focused on unusual horrors in the hills and hollers of Appalachia. Created and hosted by Kendall Perkinson and Sarah James McLaughlin. Seasons cover the WVU Coed Murders, the death of Alexander Stevens, and listener suggestions.
Episodes
Unfinished Business | Season 4: Listener Suggestions, Ep 7
Joan Ann Charlton was the first of her family to attend college. Three weeks into her freshman year at Frostburg State University, she was brutally murdered in the campus arboretum.This episode tracks three generations of college students, from 1980s Frostburg to current-day Morgantown, each story centering around the memory of one 19-year-old woman who seems perpetually on the cusp of being forg
Updates: New Season! / No More Ads / Facebook Deleted / Big Savage on YouTube
Four big updates from the Mysteria Crew.Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders(available on Amazon)Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel(@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube)Kromatic Media
Away in a Hangar: A Christmas Special
This short Christmas special tells the story of a Pennsylvania Santa Claus (and his chauffeur) who definitely ended up on the naughty list in 1983. Taking listeners from the top of the tallest skyscraper in Pittsburgh to a backwoods hangar in West Virginia, this episode throws our own rules to the wind with a solved case, zero interviews, and way too much humor.Sarah & Geoff's book about
Wild Updates: Cases Solved! Suspect Killed! Gravestone Stolen!
In one month, the killers of Julie Williams, Lollie Winans and at least two victims of the Colonial Parkway murders are identified. Bill Thomas joins us to discuss the details, and why there are still so many questions unanswered. Meanwhile the grave of Harry Spitz, which inexplicably exploded in 1975, has its headstone stolen by thieves. A Morgantown resident and Appalachian Mysteria producer ste
The Sunnyside Rapist, Part 2 | Season 4: Listener Suggestions, Ep 6
In the second of this 2-part series, Jack Edward Hawkins is put on trial without physical evidence for three assaults committed by the Sunnyside rapist, but prosecutors refuse to claim he is a suspect in any others. Neighbors of the Hawkins family come forward to describe their experience with Jack and his children. As Hawkins’ involvement in a 1975 incident comes to light, the Mysteria team learn
The Sunnyside Rapist, Part 1 | Season 4: Listener Suggestions, Ep5
Fifteen years after the events of Season 1 (The WVU Coed Murders), Morgantown women are faced with a new predator: a rapist so meticulous and organized that he vanishes through police checkpoints and neighborhood lockdowns every summer.In the first of this two part series, we speak with two women who met the Sunnyside rapist face-to-face at both ends of his 10-year crime spree. Geoff Fuller (seaso
Hell’s Square Mile, Part 3 | Season 4: Listener Suggestions, Ep 4
In the last of this 3-part series, we examine Mabel’s top suspects in the murder of Walter Curnutte. Years later, Tim and Becky discover an entirely new motive connected to a forged document, a federal racketeering case, South American cocaine, and, potentially, the West Virginia mafia.Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders(available on Amazon)Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycl
Hell’s Square Mile, Part 2 | Season 4: Listener Suggestions, Ep 3
After Walter Curnutte’s murder, his sister Mabel takes on the case, recording interviews, writing letters to powerful officials, and hiring a private detective. The community’s war on Walter comes to light – from protests to arson to civil disobedience. We look back at the strange month preceding Walter’s death – including his hiring of Herb Willie, the man tried for his murder. Was Herb a drunken
Hell’s Square Mile, Part 1 | Season 4: Listener Suggestions, Ep 2
This is the beginning of a 3-part story about one square mile of the West Virginia mountains. The story winds its way through a savage war between Indians and settlers, a poor boy adopted into wealth for his ruthlessness, more than one murder trial, the infamous black hand mafia, environmental protests, and international cocaine smuggling.In Part 1, the descendants of West Virginia’s first white s
Burning Questions | Season 4: Listener Suggestions, Ep 1
A WVU alum working for the state prosecutor’s office suddenly finds herself on the scene of a very personal tragedy that could be much more sinister. Much to her dismay, her forensic investigation training is not being employed by authorities in the real world. Meanwhile, the victim’s sister is conducting her own investigation, releasing all of her findings to the public. Was the death of Amber Wh
Unattended Death, Part 2
Arthur's phone is tracked down, and we listen to audio of a Morgantown detective interviewing three students who headed out on the town with Arthur the night he died. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders(available on Amazon)Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel(@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube)Kromatic Media
Unattended Death, Part 1
This two-part special introduces the life and death of Arthur Bagenda, an international student at WVU who drowned in a ditch within sight of the Morgantown Police station. In this first episode, we visit the Walnut Street bridge, where a long-time local explains her problems with hard drug users at the site of Arthur's death. We review forensic photographs from the scene, hear from Arthur’s
Bonus Story: Cradle Will Rock
A child's grave explodes after 63 years underground. As Morgantown police and reporters gather around the coffin, they are shocked to find that his corpse is strangely well-preserved. Cradle Will Rock is the story of the life, death, and disinterment of four-year-old Harry Spitz and his family, as uncovered by co-producer Jordan Carter. This stand-alone episode has been missing from our podca
Extra: Oubliette | Outlandish
In this episode, we take a step back in time to the week Cathy Thomas and Becky Dowski were murdered in the first of several Colonial Parkway murders. As the crime scene tape still hangs from Becky Dowski’s doorway at William & Mary College, another headline hits the student paper: Three men are being charged in the campus gang rape of another student. Our guest for this episode was directly
Update: Trailed | Outlandish
As Appalachian Mysteria finished covering the story of Julie and Lollie, author Kathryn Miles completed her own book about the murders. In this episode, Kathryn uses her total access to Dierdre Enright's evidence to bring to light new information — including how we've been wrong about a key piece of evidence.Resources:Trailed: One Woman’s Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders — Purchase
Abandoned Summit | Outlandish, Ep 11
Darrell Rice is released from prison, but the publicity of his indictments makes a normal life elusive. The FBI plans a summit to examine other possible murders by Evonitz, but it falls by the wayside. Two decades later, we give it a shot.Resources: The Pamela Gould Special — We’re hosting this 24-page special investigation from the Fredericksburg Freelance-Star until it is made available elsewher
Strategic Reasons | Outlandish, Ep 10
Forensic evidence throws the upcoming trial of Darrell Rice into upheaval, and an unexpected conclusion leads to yet another indictment. Several of our guests openly disagree on the final results. Resources: Witness Points Out Suspect as Abductor — Washington Post article on the Shomo trialSarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders(available on Amazon)Kendall's Appalachian Motor
All Wrong, All the Time? | Outlandish, Ep 9
We examine key evidence in the pre-trial hearings of Darrell Rice: jailhouse informants, the audio recording that gave rise to hate crime charges, a shifting timeline, and a phone call that Rice’s defense attorney calls “a bizarre piece of evidence”. Interviewees: Jerry (Gerald) Zerkin: One of Rice’s defense attorneys in the double-homicide of Julie & LollieSarah & Geoff's book about
Survival Mode | Outlandish, Ep 8
Kara Robinson makes an escape, putting all the information she memorized to good use. Evonitz goes on the run. Kara talks to us about the complex ethics of telling stories like hers in the true crime genre, and explains what “trauma-informed” media looks like. Resources and Links: Escaping Captivity — Oxygen Network documentary made with the involvement of Kara Robinson Interviewees: Kara Robinson
Death Notice | Outlandish, Ep 7
The Attorney General of the United States announces the indictment of Darrell Rice. We review the life story of the serial killer responsible for the deaths of Sofia Silva and the Lisk sisters, and interview his final victim about her abduction.Resources and links: Into the Water — Diane Fanning’s true crime book about the serial killer responsible for the deaths of Sofia Silva and the Lisk sister
Kindness and Fear | Outlandish, Ep 6
As murders and abductions haunt Lignum, Rt 29, and Shenandoah National Park, three children are taken from their front yards less than 30 miles away. The girls are the first known victims of a serial killer who will become an important part of our story.Resources and links: Into the Water — Diane Fanning’s true crime book about the serial killer responsible for the deaths of Sofia Silva and the Li
Once Upon a Time in the West | Outlandish, Ep 5
We investigate claims that the Park Service has a history of transferring troubled rangers. An NPS whistleblower explains a coverup culture within the agency, and shares the story of a ranger who investigated both the Shenandoah and Colonial Parkway murders.Resources and Links: The Case of the Indian Trader — The book in which Paul Berkowitz extensively documents his investigation at Hubbell Tradi
Exploring Substantial Similarities | Outlandish, Ep 4
Eight Years Earlier: The Navy undertakes “purges” of lesbians from its ranks. The first of Virginia’s Colonial Parkway murders looks eerily familiar. A southern con-man helps find the killer — and defrauds the victims’ families. Resources and links: The Lover’s Lane Murders — Oxygen Network show about the Colonial Parkway murders, for which guest Bill Thomas served as consulting producer. Mind Ove
1996 | Outlandish, Ep 3
Someone is pulling over dozens of women on a road just 15 miles from Skyline Drive. Alicia Reynolds disappears. At least three bodies turn up in a small hamlet nearby. The Innocence Project fights to free a man convicted of murder.Resources and links: Rt 29 Stalker Unsolved Mysteries WikiTwenty Years Later — Article by Scott Shenk on the 20th anniversary of the murder of Alicia Showalter ReynoldsI
It Felt Like The World Exploded | Outlandish, Ep 2
A massive hunt for Julie & Lollie's killer begins. Some demand a hate crime investigation, drawing parallels to the attack of another lesbian couple hiking the Appalachian Trail. A lesbian defense lawyer finds herself arguing for the prosecution.Resources and links: "Panic Defense" — Podcast episode from Criminal with Phoebe Judge explaining the fascinating history of the gay/tr
Raveling Out | Outlandish, Ep 1
The unsolved murder of a young couple in Shenandoah National Park shakes the gay and lesbian communities. One year later, a bicyclist is assaulted in the same area, and authorities begin to suspect him of serial murder.Resources and Links: "Murder on the Mountain" (1996) — Barry Yeoman's article quoted and discussed in this episode. Trail map of Shenandoah National Park — Julie and
Season Three Trailer | Outlandish
A lesbian couple is found brutally murdered near the Appalachian Trail. As authorities build the first federal hate crime prosecution in the nation's history, a web of horrific crimes creeps down the Blue Ridge mountains into the heart of Virginia. A special agent who has been on the case for twenty five years details his own recollections. Season 3 of Appalachian Mysteria explores the terrif
Testing Truth | Fitting the Crime, Ep 2
The conviction of Glen Woodall begins to look suspicious as a rookie lawyer ushers West Virginia into a new era of DNA testing. Prosecutors fight the new forensic method tooth and nail, but the results will uncover a trail of crime unprecedented in U.S. history.Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders(available on Amazon)Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel(@motoa
A Town On Edge | Fitting the Crime, Ep 1
As ice storms sweep over Huntington, WV, a masked rapist is stalking the mall. After two abductions, suspicion falls on a nearby grave-digger with a checkered past. As evidence begins piling up, a forensic science superstar helps set the stage for a court case that will echo through West Virginia history more than anyone can possibly know. (This episode does not contain graphic details of sexual
Yelling in my Car: A Specialist Critique | Big Savage
After the Mysteria crew receives a concerned email from a professional working on sexual assault issues, we invite her on the show to critique Season 2, Big Savage. What follows is a discussion of Megan Shaffer’s poor defense, the biological response to trauma, how the absence of expert testimony may have worked against her, and some ways that language affects how we perceive issues surrounding ra
Sad and Strange Updates | Big Savage
A lot has happened since the season finale of Big Savage, including Megan Shaffer’s appeals, the unfortunate death of Alexander’s father, and a scandal involving the judge who presided over Megan's trial.Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders(available on Amazon)Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel(@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube)Kromatic Media
Closure is the Cruelest Word | Big Savage, Ep 8
A stranger approaches Teresa as the jury deliberates. The verdict is finally delivered, and we speak with two jurors about the discussion and debate that went on behind closed doors.Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders(available on Amazon)Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel(@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube)Kromatic Media
Manner of Death | Big Savage, Ep 7
Two medical examiners take the stand. Megan finally takes the stand to testify about the entire ordeal, closing out the trial.Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders(available on Amazon)Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel(@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube)Kromatic Media
Unanswered, Unasked | Big Savage, Ep 6
Kromatic Media sets legal precedent in Maryland by obtaining Megan's 911 call from the morning Alex was found dead. Jay and Tristan – Alex's father and sister – take the stand. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders(available on Amazon)Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel(@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube)Kromatic Media
Personal Revelations | Big Savage, Ep 5
Sarah and Kendall get personal, Alex's therapist takes the stand, and a stranger testifies about finding Alex on her doorstep one week before High Rock. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders(available on Amazon)Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel(@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube)Kromatic Media
The Third Interview | Big Savage, Ep 4
Three defense witnesses all make a claim that could swing the jury's opinion. But is there any evidence? One of those witnesses helps to arrange a third police interview with Megan, only 48 hours after Alex is found dead. Megan's story has one more important change. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders(available on Amazon)Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel
A Trial Begins | Big Savage, Ep 3
The trial of Megan Shaffer begins with testimony from Steven Moon. We examine Megan's slightly shifting story of what happened that night. Sarah, Kendall and Teresa each make a visit to High Rock -- bringing a realization to all that only confuses the story more.Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders(available on Amazon)Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channe
Folie à Deux? | Big Savage, Ep 2
In this episode, we try to find out who Alex & Megan really were. The second case file discovered by reporters makes the whole situation even more confusing. Pretrial hearings set the stage for an unusual prosecution. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders(available on Amazon)Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel(@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube)Kromatic M
A Significant Event | Big Savage, Ep 1
Two “extremely close friends” perform a ritual on a clifftop in Savage River Forest. By morning, only one is still alive. Big Savage: The Death of Alexander Stevens is an 8-part investigation into the baffling trial of a young woman charged with murder and assisted suicide for the same death.In this opening episode, we follow the early investigation of reporters Teresa McMinn and Michael Sawyer
Family Affair (Update: Part 3 of 3) | WVU Coed Murders
This episode is the last of a three-part update on Appalachian Mysteria Season 1 — Mared & Karen: The WVU Coed Murders. Without a doubt, these three episodes will be the most important updates since the season finished airing in 2018.In this episode, Devona Coffey — formerly Devona Daft — finds out about the existence of Geoff and Sarah’s book, and one paragraph in particular makes her blood b
Facing Demons (Update: Part 2 of 3) | WVU Coed Murders
These three episodes will be the most important updates since the season finished airing in 2018.In this episode, we’re reintroduced to Danny Strakal, host of the YouTube series Spirit Walk Paranormal. Danny’s history with the spirit realm began in his childhood, but his full-scale investigations began after the release of our first podcast season.A viewer of Danny’s channel connects him with Dave
Exhumation (Update: Part 1 of 3) | WVU Coed Murders
This episode is the first of a three part update on Appalachian Mysteria Season 1 — Mared & Karen: The WVU Coed Murders. Without a doubt, these two episodes will be the most important updates since the season finished airing in 2018. In this episode, we’re reintroduced to Albert “Rod” Everly, a National Guardsman who was one of the first people on the scene when the bodies of Mared & Kare
The Magical Plate Decoded | WVU Coed Murders
As the true-crime world revels in the decoding of a cipher written by the infamous Zodiac Killer, the team at Appalachian Mysteria have unearthed a discovery of their own. With the help of Dr. Korshi Dosoo, Sarah has decoded the mystical copper plate first introduced to our story in episode two. We discover the real story behind the plate and learn more about the mystical Morgantown figure who cre
Burden of Proof | WVU Coed Murders, Ep 8
In this, the final episode, we talk to a forensic pathologist about the state of the bodies, several characters from Parade of Horribles come back into play, Geoff reveals the identity of his top suspect, and Sarah offers an alternative theory. And finally, we hear how the case may soon be solved.Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders(available on Amazon)Kendall's Appalachia
Not Letting Go | WVU Coed Murders, Ep 7
In Episode 7, we flash forward to 2006 when a new investigation begins. We discover that the case affected those involved so strongly, they could not let it go. And we update listeners on where the case stands now.Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders(available on Amazon)Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel(@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube)Kromatic Media
Reasonable Doubt | WVU Coed Murders, Ep 6
The final chapter of Clawson's story. We take a close look at his trials, his multiple confessions, and his potential innocence. We also see how Mared and Karen live on, even almost 50 years later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders(available on Ama
Window of Death | WVU Coed Murders, Ep 5
In this episode, a hard-working state trooper is fired, the governor lashes out at the press, a lost form of media is revisited, and we finally meet the man convicted of killing Mared & Karen.Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders(available on Amazon)Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel(@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube)Kromatic Media
Parade of Horribles | WVU Coed Murders, Ep 4
In Episode 4, we examine just a few people on the long, deplorable list of suspects in the murders of Mared & Karen.Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders(available on Amazon)Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel(@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube)Kromatic Media
Séance City | WVU Coed Murders, Ep 3
In Episode 3, the unidentified man at Mared & Karen's makeshift grave is investigated, Triangle is finally revealed, and panic hits WVU. Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders(available on Amazon)Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel(@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube)Kromatic Media
88 Days Later | WVU Coed Murders, Ep 2
In Episode 2, the headless bodies of Mared & Karen are finally discovered, a crusading newspaper man is forced into retirement, and the murders take on a decidedly mystical tone.Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders(available on Amazon)Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel(@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube)Kromatic Media
The Disappearance | WVU Coed Murders, Ep 1
The epic story of West Virginia's most notorious murders begins.Sarah & Geoff's book about the WVU Coed Murders(available on Amazon)Kendall's Appalachian Motorcycling Travel Channel(@motoappalachiadiscovery on YouTube)Kromatic Media
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