Friends Who Crime

This is a CRAZY story. One of the first hoaxes to go absolutely viral. How did a little boy end up floating into the sky in a flying saucer? Well, he didn't. The Balloon Boy hoax has everything you want in a hoax story. And it's still true crime indeed! 

Sources

“All That’s Interesting. The Balloon Boy Hoax And The True Story Behind It.” All That’s Interesting, 2019, https://allthatsinteresting.com/balloon-boy.

“Balloon boy hoax....

I’m joined by Isa to dive into the shocking disappearance of Cari Farver. What started as a simple dating triangle exploded into years of stalking, tens of thousands of harassing messages, arson, and a murder with no body ever found. Together, Isa and I break down how Shanna “Liz” Golyar spun a web of lies so twisted it took digital forensics and years of detective work to unravel. From the first red flags to the jaw-dropping court...

This week, Maggie & I chat about the case of Boulder Jane Doe- a mystery that remained unsolved for years until a chance happening knocks it wide open again. It's a truly amazing journey. Boulder Jane Doe AKA Dorothy Gay Howard. Give this true crime podcast a listen! 

• The Hulu documentary is "Web of Death" Episode 2. Enjoy :)
• Follow the pod on instagram! @friendswhocrime 

• "After 55 Years, Boul...

This week on Friends Who Crime, I'm taking a break from human-related mayhem to dive into the truly bizarre and wild world of cryptids. I'm joined by my fantastic guest, Devon, as we explore some of the weirdest and wildest legends right here in the Lone Star State, with a special focus on the Austin area. We'll be talking about everything from the spectral Hairy Man of Round Rock and the tragic tale of the Texas Goatman to the elu...

This week it’s just me, myself, and I, so buckle up for a solo episode of Friends Who Crime! Things get a little darker without a guest to banter with, but hey, sometimes that’s just the vibe. Moving forward, my plan is three episodes a month with guests (as usual) and one solo episode that’s a little shorter, where I might cover another case, dive into something paranormal or morbid, or even share stories from listeners. If you’ve...

This week on Friends Who Crime, Morgan joins me as we dive into the wild, twisted story of Pam Hupp — a case that’s equal parts unbelievable and infuriating. We’ll unpack the suspicious death of Betsy Faria, the bizarre murder of Louis Gumpenberger, and the tangled web of lies Pam spun along the way. From fake 911 calls to insurance scams, this one has more jaw-dropping moments than I can count. Morgan’s reactions are priceless, an...

A short and sweet episode about the death of Phoebe Hansjuk. Was it an accident? Or something far more sinister? If you want a deeper dive, here are some places you can go:

• Phoebe's family's website
• My recommendation: Morbid's podcast episodes on the case (streaming services ofc)
• Crime Junkie's podcast episode on the case (you can also find it on streaming services)
• Phoebe's Fall podcast from the Sydney Morning Herald (also fo...

I’m joined by my friend Andy—who you may remember from a previous episode—as we dive into the wild and disturbing story of the Buddhafield cult. Led by a Speedo-wearing ex-actor turned spiritual guru, this cult promised enlightenment but delivered manipulation, control, and secrecy. I’ll walk you through the timeline, share stories from former members, and dig into the psychology that keeps people trapped in groups like this. With ...

On this episode, Jessica and I delve into the shocking 1945 murder of Dorothy Eggers, a case that proves even the meekest men can harbor unimaginable darkness. Discover how a seemingly mild-mannered husband committed a brutal act of dismemberment, then proceeded with a cover-up so inept it's almost comical. You won't believe the bizarre detail—a bunion!—that ultimately cracked this baffling case wide open. Join us for a wild ride t...

SURPRISE! A follow-up to episode 12, Blaine and I sit down to discuss the new updates in the Idaho College Murders case. With a plea deal in place, sentencing is set for late July. The day after we recorded this, the judge on the case lifted the gag order, so there will likely be even more updates soon. Follow @friendswhocrime on Instagram for more immediate updates!

Verified News & Legal Sources:

1. Boone, Rebecca. “Bryan...

This week, I'm flying solo to bring you a deep dive into one of the most perplexing cases I've ever encountered: the confounding death of Rebecca Zahau. Found nude, bound, and hanging from a balcony at the historic Spreckels Mansion, her death was ruled a suicide by police. But Rebecca's family and independent experts fiercely dispute this, uncovering shocking evidence that points to something far more sinister. Join me as we unrav...

Join us on Friends Who Crime as we unravel the perplexing disappearance of Maura Murray. In 2004, this 21-year-old nursing student vanished after a car crash on a desolate New Hampshire road, leaving behind a scene riddled with conflicting accounts and baffling clues. With my amazing co-host Mollie, we'll delve into the strange circumstances, examine the competing theories, and explore why this case remains one of true crime's most...

On this episode of Friends Who Crime, Ben joins me to explore a case so audacious, it sounds like fiction: the murder of Fred Oesterreich. We'll uncover the shocking truth behind his death, involving his "naughty vamp" wife Dolly and her teenage lover, who spent years hidden in their attic. Prepare for a tale of obsession, deception, and a cover-up so bizarre, it defied belief for a decade.

• "A Crime to R...

Join Alyssa and I as we dive into the murder of Carrie Olson. A beautiful life cut short by a man who didn't treat her right. Excuse our silliness (or don't). Hopefully you laugh along with us. 

1. Carrie Olson | Family And Death Cause - LonelyFights, accessed June 14, 2025, https://api-membership.himap.ph/10322338/carrie-olson-family-and-death-cause/
2. Carrie Olson ...

Egg (yes, Egg) and I discuss FWC's first serial killer case: the I-35 Killer. He operated in Texas and paid for it at the end- despite glaring missteps from the penal system. 

Sources

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Eyler  
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_McDuff  
• https://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/JUDdata/tmy/2011SB-01035-R000307-Keri%20...

This week, I have Kaity back on the podcast! She's a perfect guest for the case of Billy Milligan. Milligan suffered from D.I.D. and his crimes were horrific. Kaity and I dive into how D.I.D. played into his crimes and his later acquittal. Follow the pod on instagram @friendswhocrime!

"Billy Milligan." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Milligan.

"The Crowded Room." Time, time.com/6285510/the-crow...

This week on FWC, my dad, Kurtis, joins me as we unravel the chilling and perplexing Keddie Cabin Murders, a quadruple homicide that has haunted a small California mountain town for over four decades. In 1981, a horrific scene was discovered: a mother, her son, and his friend brutally murdered, while her 12-year-old daughter, Tina, was missing, only for her remains to be found years later. We'll delve into the initial, deeply flawe...

This week, my bestie Morgan joins me as we unravel the tragic, yet utterly wild, story of Selena Quintanilla's murder. We're diving deep into the Queen of Tejano's rise to superstardom and the shocking betrayal that cut her life short. Expect a heavy dose of meticulously researched details, a few gasps, and plenty of our signature laughs and jokes as we try to cope with the sheer absurdity of it all. You won't want to miss this one...

Gather 'round for our second special "campfire stories" edition! This week, I'm joined by the one and only Neiko as we delve into the chilling tales of Austin, Texas, from the haunted Littlefield House on UT campus to the restless spirits of Oakwood Cemetery. It's a bittersweet episode, as this will be Neiko's final appearance as the Friends Who Crime editor. Tune in for a double dose of history, mystery, and all the paranormal vib...