This will be the Criminal Discourse Podcast’s final episode.  It has been a journey and we want to thank everyone who took the time to listen in, give us feedback, and reach out with their connections to the stories we covered.  Wendi and I’s focus has always been to bring our audience well-researched episodes that honor the victims and their families.  We hope we have done just that.  Thank you all for spending your time with us.  Remember to be safe, watch out for one another, and be kind. 

Cara Rintala was a woman whose life seemed like any other, a devoted wife, loving mother, and respected paramedic. But behind closed doors, tensions simmered within her marriage to her wife, Annamarie Cochrane Rintala. On the evening of March 29, 2010, police responded to a 911 call from a neighbor of the Rinatals, only to discover Annamarie's lifeless body at the foot of the basement stairs, the victim of a brutal homicide.

Years of legal proceedings, including two highly publicized mistrials failed to bring closure to the case. With each passing day, the mystery surrounding Annamarie's death deepened, leaving a community on edge and a family torn apart by grief and suspicion.

Join us as we delve into the case of Cara Rintala; a story that defies easy answers, a long pursuit of justice, and just how many times it takes to bring about a verdict.  

Can secrets buried within a small town and the heart of a seemingly ordinary family lead to a haunting mystery that lingers for decades? Join us as we navigate the twisted tale of Kathy Heckel, a Pennsylvania mother whose 1991 disappearance from Lock Haven left a void in her family and perplexed investigators for years. This episode peels back the layers of Kathy's life, revealing a suspected affair, enigmatic financial transactions, and the unnerving lack of physical evidence that would baffle authorities and entangle her co-worker, Lloyd Groves, in a web of suspicion.

Feel the weight of uncertainty and sorrow that settled over Kathy's loved ones, paired with the chilling calm exhibited by Lloyd Groves, whose steely demeanor and contradictory behaviors only deepened the enigma of Kathy's fate. We'll walk you through the striking absence of clues left in her abandoned car and the disturbing finds within Lloyd's van, as well as the innovative DNA technology that eventually tied him to her disappearance, painting a harrowing picture of a crime that challenged the very essence of criminal investigation.

This episode doesn't just stop at the story of Kathy Heckel. We cast a light on the landmark trial that led to Lloyd Groves' conviction without a body—a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice. Kathy's narrative is a gateway into a broader discussion on the unsolved cases that haunt Pennsylvania, the enduring pain of their families, and the implications of these mysteries on the communities they've left behind. As we analyze the courtroom drama, the family's trials, and the ripple effects of such a profound loss, you'll find yourself gripped by the resilience of those who seek truth in the face of the unknown. Join us for an exploration of a true crime saga that reverberates with the tenacity of the human spirit.

Could your trusted local minister harbor a secret life of malevolence? This episode peels back the veneer of piety surrounding Arthur Burton Schirmer, the "sinister minister," exposing a trail of untimely deaths including those of his two wives and a troubled congregant.  As we share the heart-wrenching narratives of those affected by these tragedies, we also spotlight the relentless pursuit of truth by the families and law enforcement that eventually cast a glaring light on Shermer's shadowy existence.

The last years of Christina Sanoubane’s short life were filled with violence and ended in tragedy. She was brutally murdered just days after moving into a new apartment with her toddler-aged son, seeking a fresh start. In her final days, Christina encountered three men who shared a history of violence against women. One was convicted of her murder, but a hasty investigation has left his guilt up for debate. Is Christina’s killer in prison where he belongs, or did the real perpetrator get away with murder at the cost of another man’s freedom?

Certain cases stand out for the way they impact those who knew the victim along with those investigating their demise.  This case is no different.  When a bright light is extinguished all too soon, all that is left are questions.  The hope is that those questions can be answered quickly but when they are not, those answers and justice may seem out of reach.  Time and technology were the hope for the family of Sarah Yarborough but just how long would they have to wait?

As we piece together the life and untimely passing of Dr. Teleka Patrick, a story emerges that challenges our understanding of the intersection of mental health, online personas, and real-world consequences. The enigma of Teleka's existence, from a high-achieving psychiatrist to a woman ensnared by her own mind's illusions, casts a haunting light on the secrets we keep and the facades we maintain. Our journey through her world uncovers a labyrinth of tweets to an elusive love, the unheeded warnings of her mental struggles, and the paradox of her outward success against an inner turmoil that would ultimately lead to a tragic end.

In this episode, we will look into the twisted tale of a woman who got away with her first murder, almost got away with her second, and failed to complete her third.  This woman from the outside looked like an unlucky mother of two whose two husbands died far too young and whose daughter tried to commit suicide.  Betrayal, deception, and ultimately murder were the hallmarks of the Black Widow’s calling card.  

DNA evidence can crack even the coldest, hardest-to-convict cases, including the 1998 murder of 13-year-old Christina Williams.  Investigators suspected just one man from the beginning, but it wasn’t until 2017 that they finally had enough evidence – through a DNA match – to make an arrest.  Charles Holifield is a repeat sex offender with links to more assaults, disappearances, and murders that are still unsolved. Although there may be no such thing as “closure” after losing someone so tragically, pursuing their cases until someone is held responsible is worth it, and Christina’s story is a case in point. 

In this episode, we will delve into a budding serial killer's dark and twisted world. We will unravel the sinister tale of Tim Boczkowski, a man whose charisma masked a malevolence that claimed the lives of not one, but two innocent victims.   As we examine the evidence, motives, and the web of deceit meticulously woven by Tim Boczkowski, we confront the unnerving question: How does a man harbor such darkness beneath a veneer of normalcy?

We’ve made it to the third and final episode diving deep into toddler Corey Edkin’s disappearance and other related cases.  People who have been interviewed in recent years about Corey’s case say they were also asked about individuals connected to the 1986 murder of Rickey Wolfe and the 1989 disappearance and presumed murder of Barbara Miller.  Join us as we wrap up this fascinating & multi-layered case.  

Join us for part two as we bring our timeline to the present day, following the developments in Corey’s cold case and the suspicious coincidences and charges that continue to pile up around his family members. That will include the unsolved homicide of his mother’s future boyfriend and his grandmother’s conviction for poisoning her third husband.  More twists and turns to come!

Two-year-old Corey Edkin disappeared from his central Pennsylvania home in October 1986 and is still missing. His grandmother, Myrle Rovenolt, was accused of poisoning his grandfather two months later, and this past summer she was sentenced to life in prison for the poisoning death of her third husband.  Corey and Myrle have connections to three other local cold cases – two homicides, and one disappearance presumed homicide – and that’s why we’re diving into the first of three episodes
covering them. We’ll attempt to detangle an extensive web of information and get closer to a resolution nearly 40 years later.

Join us as we journey into the heart of Midwestern America, where the echoes of a chilling crime reverberated for decades.  In this episode, we delve into the haunting mystery surrounding the life and tragic death of 18-year-old Michelle Martinko, a vibrant young woman whose promising future was brutally extinguished six days before Christmas in 1979.  As we unravel the threads of this perplexing case, we'll explore the enigma of Michelle herself—her dreams, her passions, and the profound impact she had on those around her. We'll follow the tireless efforts of law enforcement officers and her family and friends, who had dedicated years to seeking justice for Michelle.

What would you do if your family member went missing and the police wouldn’t help you find them? Andre Daigle’s family reached out to a psychic medium for help, and her visions led them straight to Andre’s murderers. She even ended up testifying at trial, helping Andre’s family secure justice and preventing his killers from continuing their criminal plans.  

Listen to part two of our Halloween month spotlight on The Toolbox Killers; Lawrence Bittaker and Roy Norris.  One of their trials made true crime history in the state of California.  Make sure to check it out.  

In this installment, we delve into one of the most horrifying and infamous cases: the gruesome tale of the Toolbox Killers.  Join us as we explore the harrowing story of Lawrence Bittaker and Roy Norris, an evil duo whose reign of terror in the late 1970s sent shockwaves through Southern California and beyond.  We will step back in time to explore the background and motivations of these killers, and the horrifying details of their crimes so listener discretion is advised. 

Laureen Rahn’s disappearance has puzzled anyone investigating it for more than four decades. With each new piece of information, there are only more questions. Did she run away? Was she abducted or trafficked? Is her case connected to other missing local women or her serial killer neighbor? In this episode, we’ll examine all the mysterious clues and theories, hopefully drawing us closer to a resolution. 

In this episode, we turn our attention to the haunting case of the Newman family murders, a tragic event that rocked the city of Anchorage, Alaska in March 1987.  Join us as we journey back to uncover the unsettling details surrounding this heinous crime.   As we navigate through the evidence, witness testimonies, and tireless law enforcement efforts, we will piece together the puzzle surrounding the murders of wife and mother Nancy Newman and her two young daughters Melissa and Angie.  This episode is heartbreaking as it is intriguing and serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the relentless pursuit of the truth.  

In June 2009, Martinsburg, West Virginia lost a beloved resident to domestic violence, an all too common occurrence in the United States and abroad. And for an all too common reason: Donald Surber couldn’t accept that his girlfriend, Kathy Sharp, had ended their relationship. Today's episode examines Kathy’s case, how it impacted her community, how her killer was punished, and the roles of victim protection and violence prevention. 

In this episode, we unravel the perplexing case of Ira Einhorn, better known as the "Unicorn Killer." Ira Einhorn was a charismatic and enigmatic figure, emerging as a countercultural icon during the 1960s and 1970s.   Join us as we unravel the disturbing details of the tragic fate of his ex-girlfriend, Helen “Holly” Maddux.  We examine the impact of Einhorn's flight from justice and eventual capture after living as a fugitive for decades.  

In 2003, South Jersey became a serial predator’s hunting ground.  Attempted assault escalated to murder when 24-year-old Krista DiFrancesco was discovered brutally raped and stabbed on her front lawn, just feet away from the home where her husband and baby were sleeping.  It would take a year and two more assaults before police finally caught her killer.   

In this episode, we delve into the chilling case of John Reginald Christie, a notorious serial killer whose heinous crimes shook London in the mid-20th century.  Join us as we navigate the sinister world of the sex strangler of Notting Hill, a seemingly unassuming neighbor whose true nature proved to be far more sinister. Throughout his reign of terror, Christie preyed upon vulnerable individuals, luring them into his home under the guise of providing safety and solace.  

Three to four million people hike part of the Appalachian Trail every year.  Rebecca Wight was one of them, and in 1988, Stephen Carr immortalized her in another statistic: the dozen trail hikers who’ve been murdered.  Her girlfriend, Claudia Brenner, survived the attack to share their story. 

In May 1984, Murfreesboro, Tennessee was shaken by the brutal murder of Laura Salmon.  At the time, Laura was an 18-year-old college student attending Middle Tennessee State University.  Her murder shocked the community and left investigators with plenty of circumstantial evidence but not much hard proof.  The case remained unsolved for over sixteen years until new DNA evidence led to the arrest and conviction of their prime suspect. The murder of Laura Salmon remains a tragic reminder of the impact of dating violence on individuals and communities, and a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement to bring justice to victims and their families.