Departed in Pennsyltucky

At forty-two, Rhonda Smith longed for a fresh start—an invigorating chapter filled with hope and the promise of renewal. In her heartfelt quest for solace and a sense of belonging, she embraced the warmth of the Lutheran Trinity Church, a charming haven nestled in the picturesque heart of Springfield Township, Pennsylvania. This quaint, small-town church, revered as a sanctuary for many weary souls, was celebrated for its envelopin...

On a warm summer evening in June 1995, two close friends—Jennifer Grider, a bright-eyed 17-year-old, and the spirited 15-year-old Mary Orlando—eagerly made their way to their beloved spot known as the Lookout in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The sun dipped low on the horizon, a perfect backdrop for an evening of laughter and companionship. 

Yet, the warmth of that summer night would soon be consumed by a profound tragedy. Their...

Between July 5 and July 7, 2017, four young men went missing in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. 

This tragic incident garnered national attention, drawing public interest to Bucks County and prompting law enforcement to carry out an extensive search for answers. As more details of the case emerged, both authorities and the public were shocked.

The investigation centered on a suspect who appeared to know...

Between July 5 and July 7, 2017, four young men went missing in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. 

This tragic incident garnered national attention, drawing public interest to Bucks County and prompting law enforcement to carry out an extensive search for answers. As more details of the case emerged, both authorities and the public were shocked.

The investigation centered on a suspect who appeared to know...

On March 28, 1979, 17-year-old Holly Branagan, a beloved daughter, sister, and friend, was found brutally murdered in her home in an affluent area of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. At the time of her murder, Holly was on the phone with a friend when someone knocked at the door. She answered the door and returned to the phone, telling her friend she would call back, but she never did. The next day, her lifeless body was discovered by her ...

On March 28, 1979, 17-year-old Holly Branagan, a beloved daughter, sister, and friend, was found brutally murdered in her home in an affluent area of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. At the time of her murder, Holly was on the phone with a friend when someone knocked at the door. She answered the door and returned to the phone, telling her friend she would call back, but she never did. The next day, her lifeless body was discovered by her ...

The kidnapping and murder of Joann Katrinak and her infant son Alex outraged the small, tight-knit community of Catasaqua as well as the rest of the nation. What was more heartbreaking was the unnecessary and torturous death of baby Alex, who was left to suffer a painful death, most likely confused while lying on his mother's lifeless body. Once investigators had identified and arrested their subject, there was relief that the...

After Joann Katrinak, 26 years old, disappeared with her infant son in December 1994, family members and friends hoped that they would be able to return home safely. Their lifeless bodies were found in a field four painful months after the tragedy occurred. Immediately, investigators worked tirelessly to find the person responsible for the brutal murders. As they tried to uncover clues, they discovered someone from Andy Katrinak&ap...

On the afternoon of December 15, 1994, twenty-six-year-old Joann Katrinak was excited as she prepared to embark on a joyful shopping adventure for Christmas. She planned to take her four-month-old son, Alex, along with her mother-in-law, Veronica, as they searched for the perfect gifts. However, a wave of panic swept over the household when Joann's husband, Andy, returned home later that night, only to be silent and with an un...

In 2011, 27-year-old Ellen Greenberg, a newly engaged teacher from Philadelphia, was found dead in her suburban apartment. She had suffered 20 stab wounds to her chest, abdomen, head, and the back of her neck, along with bruises that were in various stages of healing.

Initially, authorities at the crime scene believed it was a suicide. However, the medical examiner ruled her death a homicide, only to later reverse his deci...

Grace Packer, a bubbly 14 year old with rosy cheeks and a smile for days was last seen at a 4th, 2016 July picnic with relatives. She officially was reported missing on July 11th, 2016 by  her adoptive mother, Sara Packer. Sara Packer told investigators Grace left her home in Abington Township, Pennsylvania with $300 dollars cash with her. About 2 months later in September it was reported that she might be in the location of a comm...

Grace Packer was a lively 14-year-old with rosy cheeks and a contagious smile. She was last seen during a family picnic on July 4, 2016. Her adoptive mother, Sara Packer, officially reported her missing on July 11, 2016, claiming that Grace had left their home in Abington Township, Pennsylvania, with $300 in cash.

About two months later, in September, there were reports that Grace might have been seen near a community cent...

In April 1986, Jeanne Clery, a freshman at Lehigh University, was raped and killed in her dormitory room. She awoke during a robbery and was silenced by her attacker to prevent her from identifying him. Jeanne's parents believed that Lehigh University failed to provide students with critical information about campus safety.

In the years following her death, they campaigned for legislative reform. Their efforts led to ...

 On July 30, 1998, Joe Foley, a recreational therapist, union official, and volunteer, was found murdered in his home shortly after a strike by the union members. His wife, Kathleen Foley, was sleeping in the adjacent bedroom and did not hear the gun go off, nor did their next-door neighbors or anyone else in the neighborhood. To uncover the truth behind his death, investigators would rely on a forensic sound test, an electron micr...

Kyle Quinn was a 19-year-old second-year transfer student majoring in history at Kutztown University. He aspired to become a professor one day and dreamed of being a father who could pass down valuable life lessons to his children. An avid outdoorsman and a passionate poet, he was excited about college, especially since his older brother, Dennis, was also attending. The two brothers shared a close bond and made plans to hike the Ap...

What make a crime a cold case? It's  when all probative investigative leads available to the primary investigators are exhausted and the case remains open and unsolved after a period of three years.  In Charlotte Fimiano's case, it's been 25 years. Even though investigators claim this is an active and ongoing case, there has been no new developments that have led to the arrest and conviction of a suspect. In part two...

Charlotte Fimiano was a 40-year-old successful realtor at the peak of her career. Described as a go-getter who was warm, personable, and a perfectionist, she was brutally murdered on September 11, 1997. Her killer or killers posed as a potential buyer and requested to see a vacant, secluded home. Charlotte accepted the appointment and was never seen alive again.

Over the years, authorities have remained tight-lipped about...

33 year old Jessica Padgett was a devoted wife and loving mother to her 3 children. On November 21st 2014, Jessica ran an errand on her lunch break, and never returned to her job. Her family, friends, co-workers and even complete strangers of her tight knit community immediately got together and search for Jessica. Five days later, the truth of Jessica's whereabouts came to light, and the circumstances surrounding her disappea...