Koltergeist

In this episode, we delve into the infamous “Suitcase Murder” case of Melanie McGuire, a New Jersey fertility clinic nurse convicted of killing her husband, Bill McGuire, in 2004. After shooting him and dismembering his body, Melanie placed the remains into suitcases that later washed up in the Chesapeake Bay. Despite her claims of innocence, a mountain of circumstantial evidence—including surveillance footage, suspicious internet ...

In 2015, one of the most horrifying home invasion murders occurred in our nation’s capital, Washington, DC. The murder of Savopolous family and their housekeeper, Veralicia Figueroashocked the nation, due to the brutality and senselessness of the crime. This story is a harsh reminder that no amount of money or prestige can guarantee safety from violence, whether random att...

In this episode, we explore two shocking cases of fetal abduction—where pregnant women were targeted by women desperate to steal their unborn babies. First, we recount the 2015 attack on Michelle Wilkins, who was lured by Dynel Lane under the guise of a Craigslist baby clothes sale, only to be brutally attacked and have her baby cut from her womb. Then, we examine the infamous case of Lisa Montgomery, who strangled Bobbie Jo Stinne...

Kelsey Ann Smith DOB May 3, 1989

On a warm summer evening in 2007, a young woman ran a quick errand in broad daylight-and met a terrible fate. Through the investigation, glimpses of Kelsey’s final moments emerged, painting a chilling picture of an ordinary day turned nightmare. In the end, her story becomes a haunting reminder of how fragile life can be—and how danger can lurk where we least expect it.

References:

Teen Went Shoppi...

In this episode of Koltergeist, we delve into the mysterious and chilling case of April Kauffman, a beloved radio host and veterans’ advocate who was found murdered in her home. For years, the case remained unsolved—until a shocking web of secrets unraveled, exposing ties to illegal operations, betrayal, and a deadly conspiracy. What really happened to April, and who wanted her silenced? Join us as we uncover the truth behind a cas...

In 1989, a 17-year-old rising senior was enjoying the last of the lazy days of summer, no doubt excitedly looking forward to her last year of high school. When she suddenly goes missing, the small town of Millersberg, PA is thrust into the center of a mystery that lasts decades, casting suspicion on it’s residents and shady outsiders, while exposing intimate secrets that were never meant to be told. 

This episode discusses...

In this episode of Koltergeist, we explore the mysterious disappearance of Chris Smith, a young entrepreneur who seemingly set off on a worldwide adventure in 2010—only for his loved ones to later suspect something was terribly wrong. His business partner, Ed Shin, claimed Chris had sold his share of their company and was living a carefree life abroad, but as investigators dug deeper, troubling inconsistencies emerged. What really ...

On a beautiful summer afternoon in 2003, a promising young life was tragically cut short by a monster who remained elusive for over 2 decades. Rebecca Park, a medical student and Lt in the US Army, set out on a run through the trails of Fairmount park in Philadelphia only to fall prey to a villain who raped, slashed, and essentially terrorized an entire city before finally being apprehended in 2023.

We also tell the story of an...

Episode Summary:

When the wife and two young sons of security chief

Chris Coleman were found brutally murdered in their home, investigators uncovered a shocking

web of deceit. What first appeared to be the work of a mysterious stalker soon pointed to

someone much closer to home. In this episode of Koltergeist, we unravel the dark secrets, the

damning evidence, and the cold-blooded motive behind one of the most disturbing family

murders i...

It was a crisp Halloween night in 2001, and Penn State student Cindy Song was ready

and dressed for a night of fun—bunny ears perched on her head, a fluffy cotton tail

completing the look. She celebrated with friends at a college bar in downtown State

College, Pennsylvania. But by the time the sun rose on November 1st, Cindy was gone.

Vanished without a trace. No sign of a struggle. No clear suspect. Just an eerie mystery

that would baf...

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Koltergeist, we

delve into the chilling case of Kevin Mengel, a devoted father whose life was cut short by a

shocking betrayal. What seemed like a troubled marriage took a deadly turn when his wife,

Morgan Mengel, and her younger lover hatched a sinister plan. We uncover the lies, deception,

and the trail of evidence that led investigators to the truth. Was justice truly served? Tune in as

we break dow...

Episode Summary:

On a cold January evening in 2011, 27-year-old Ellen Greenberg, a beloved teacher

and bride-to-be, was found dead in her Philadelphia apartment with 20 stab

wounds—10 of which were to the back of her head and neck. Despite the medical

examiner determining the manner of death as a homicide, it was never really

investigated as such. The medical examiner then suddenly changed the manner of

death to suicide-and then ...

Episode Summary:

When a seemingly successful marriage unraveled due to infidelity, it led to an unimaginable tragedy. This episode dives into the love triangle between Marc Gerardot, his wife Jennair, and Meredith Chapman—a story of betrayal, obsession, and meticulous planning. Explore the events that culminated in a shocking murder-suicide, the chilling evidence left behind, and the devastating aftermath for everyone involved. ...

Episode Summary:

Judith (Judy) Smith was a 50-year-old Massachusetts woman who went missing while sightseeing in Philadelphia, PA in 1997. Mysteriously, her remains were eventually found 5 months later over 500 miles away. This case leaves us with more questions than answers- how and why did Judy Smith go missing, and- who killed her?

References:

Apr 14, 1997, page 16 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com

Oct 01, 1997, page 28 - Th...

Episode Summary:

Marcus Schrenker, a former Indiana financial adviser, is best known for his dramatic attempt to fake his death in January 2009 to avoid legal and financial troubles. Schrenker's story involves fraud, deception, and a daring escape attempt that garnered national attention. Schrenker's case became a cautionary tale of greed and desperation. His elaborate but poorly executed attempt to fake his death highlighted th...

Episode Summary:

It’s been 36 years since 5-year-old Lauren Jackson vanished without a trace from her apartment complex in Spring City, Pa. Lauren was last seen by several witnesses playing outside in the early evening hours on October 4, 1988. An extensive investigation by police revealed chilling clues but no sign of Lauren. Was this a stranger abduction or do the answers lie closer to home?

This episode also explains why the “stra...

Episode Summary:

The Koltergeist episode on Kouri Richins unpacks the shocking case of a wife accused of murdering her husband, Eric Richins, allegedly for financial gain and to be with her lover. We delve into the suspicious circumstances surrounding Eric’s death, Kouri's alleged affair with her handyman, and the text exchanges that hinted at her desire to start a new life. The episode reveals a twisted web of deception and...

Episode Summary:

Samantha Josephson was a 21-year-old student at the University of South Carolina who was savagely murdered when she mistakenly got into the car of a man she thought was her Uber driver. Chanti Dixon was a 30-year-old mother of two who was tragically murdered by her Uber driver in Indianapolis.

Ridesharing is a convenient option that is increasingly growing in popularity. Between Uber and Lyft, almost 6 billion rides...

Episode Summary

The Powell podcast episode of Koltergeist dives into the tragic and mysterious disappearance of Susan Powell, a devoted mother of two, and the disturbing revelations about her husband, Josh Powell. We explore Susan's struggle in an allegedly controlling relationship, her fears for her safety, and her efforts to seek help, including meeting with a divorce lawyer. The episode sheds light on Josh’s concerning behavi...