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October 6, 2025 • 22 mins

The Halloween lie that became a nightmare. 😱 This is the untold TRUE CRIME story of Ronald Clark O'Bryan, the infamous "Candy Man" who killed Halloween forever.

In 1974, Ronald Clark O'Bryan murdered his own son, Timothy, with poisoned Halloween candy in one of the most shocking cases of insurance fraud and filicide in American history. Join us on the Yore Town Podcast as we break down the case of the Candy Man, the only verified instance of stranger candy poisoning that birthed an enduring urban legend and reshaped Halloween safety for every generation of parents.

O'Bryan was a man drowning in debt, and his desperate plot to collect life insurance money threw an entire community into panic and fear. We go deep into the investigation, O'Bryan's web of lies, and the trial that led to his conviction for capital murder.

Why did this father target not just his own children, but also others? How did this singular murder create nationwide parental fears that still exist today? We explore the legacy of this chilling true crime and the genuine dangers it highlighted versus the exaggerated urban legends that followed.

What's your primary theory on the Evelyn Hartley disappearance? Tell us in the comments!

This podcast episode and its contents are for commentary, critique, and educational purposes only. All information has been gathered from public court documents, news reports, and published sources. The hosts are journalists/storytellers, not law enforcement or legal professionals, and are offering their personal opinions and analysis. Listener discretion is strongly advised as this episode discusses sensitive topics including murder, child death, and insurance fraud. We strive to be respectful of all victims and survivors. If you or a loved one is affected by the issues discussed, please seek professional help.


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