Criminology
197 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 5K ratingsCriminology is a true crime podcast that takes a deep dive into some of the most famous cases in the annals of crime. Hosts Mike Ferguson and Mike Morford will give you every details of these infamous crimes. New episodes come out every Saturday night at 10 PM.
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Episodes
Jayme Closs
January 26, 2019 05:00 - 53 minutesOn October 15, 2018, in Barron Wisconsin, the unthinkable happened. An armed intruder entered the home of James and Denise Closs. He murdered James and Denise and kidnapped their daughter, 13-year-old Jayme. The story made headlines around the world. Police led an all-out search for Jayme and the person that abducted her and killed her parents. But, they came up empty. On January 10, 2019, Jayme escaped from her captor, a man she identified as 21-year-old Jake Patterson. Police caught Patters...
The Church Murders of Rev. Carol Daniels and Terri "Missy" Bevers
January 19, 2019 05:00 - 51 minutesIn this episode, we're discussing the murders of Reverend Carol Daniels and Terri "Missy" Bevers. Daniels was brutally murdered inside the church where she preached each Sunday. Terri "Missy" Bevers, a fitness instructor, was murdered inside a church where she gave early morning fitness lessons. Both murderers were likely caught on tape. In the Bevers murder, the video surveillance shows someone dressed in black, in police SWAT-type clothing. These are two senseless murders that have yet to b...
The Murders of Tommy Vickery and Teresa Cronic
January 12, 2019 05:00 - 48 minutesIn May of 1983, Tommy Vickery and Teresa Lynn Cronic were found shot to death in Tommy's McDonough, GA home. This was a small town back then with a population of around 3,000 people. Tommy Vickery got involved in the drug trade and consorted with unsavory people. The murders baffled police. There are so many questions surrounding this case. Why were Tommy and Teresa together? Who would have wanted them dead and was it connected to Tommy's involvement with the drug trade and a cartel out of Mi...
Mikelle Biggs
January 05, 2019 05:00 - 50 minutesIn this first episode of 2019, we're discussing the disappearance of 11-year-old Mikelle Biggs. Mikelle disappeared near her home in Mesa, Arizona 20 years ago. Mikelle's sister Kimber was outside with her that day that she vanished. We'll hear from Kimber in this episode about Mikelle's disappearance and how it affected their entire family. This is a story of bad things that can happen in the blink of an eye. When Kimber found her sister Mikelle's bike the wheels were still spinning. The who...
Christy Mirack
November 17, 2018 05:00 - 1 hourIn this final episode of season 4, we discuss the 1992 murder of 25-year-old school teacher Christy Mirack in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. We also examine the investigation and the genetic genealogy that, years later, would help identify her killer. We wrap up the episode by talking about a few other cases that were solved in 2018 using this incredible new technology. You can help support the show by going to patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. V...
Holly Cassano, Michella Welch, and Jennifer Bastian
November 10, 2018 05:00 - 51 minutesIn this episode, we are profiling more cases solved in 2018 through the use of DNA and genetic genealogy. We discuss the 2009 murder of 22-year-old Holly Cassano in Mahomet, IL. We also discuss two cases somewhat connected in Tacoma Washington. 12-year-old Michella Welch was murdered in March of 1986. 5 months later, 13-year-old Jennifer Bastian was murdered. The murders of Holly Cassano and Michella Welch were solved this year using DNA and genetic genealogy. Jennifer's murder was solved in ...
Joseph Newton Chandler, Buckskin Girl, and Lyle Stevik
November 03, 2018 04:00 - 1 hourIn this episode of Criminology, we discuss 3 different cases where identities were matched after many years using genetic genealogy. The cases of Joseph Newton Chandler, Lyle Stevik, and Buckskin girl prove that DNA and genetic genealogy are being used to identify more than just killers. All 3 of these matches occurred in 2018. You can help support the show by going to patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Robert Eugene Brashers
October 27, 2018 04:00 - 47 minutesRobert Eugene Brashers began murdering in 1985 as he drifted from state to state. Police had his DNA but he never made their radar since he wasn't in any database. His murderous ways ended in 1999 when he died in a stand-off with police. But it wasn't until 2018 that Brashers was tied to his murders through the use of Genetic Genealogy. You can support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April Marie Tinsley
October 20, 2018 04:00 - 1 hourIn 1988, 8-year-old April Marie Tinsley was abducted and murdered in her hometown of Fort Wayne Indiana. The senseless murder rocked the entire town of Fort Wayne. Investigators struggled to find April's killer even though he left DNA behind. Her killer would terrorize the town through the years through his writings, some of which he put in the bicycle baskets of little girls. It would be 30 years before investigators, using a combination of DNA and genetic genealogy, would identify the man t...
The Murders of Jay Cook and Tanya Van Cuylenborg
October 13, 2018 04:00 - 49 minutesIn 1987, 20-year-old Jay Cook and 18-year-old Tanya Van Cuylenborg were murdered on a trip from Victoria British Columbia to Seattle Washington. Police investigated the case for years but could not solve it. They had DNA evidence but no suspect to match it up to. It wasn't until 2018, with the help of forensic genealogy, that they were able to find out who left that DNA over 30 years ago. You can help support the show by going to patreo.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more ...
Genealogy Meets Science
October 06, 2018 04:00 - 55 minutesWe continue to explore the new DNA and forensic genealogy technics that are being used to solve cold cases. We're laying the groundwork, giving you all of the information you need ahead of the cases we'll be covering this season. In this episode, we talk to Colleen Fitzpatrick who has an extensive resume in using DNA and forensic genealogy to help give police names to aid in their investigation. We also talk to Steve Armentrout, the CEO of Parabon Nanolabs, whose company has been instrumental...
A New Era In Crime Fighting
September 29, 2018 04:00 - 49 minutesForensic genealogy has ushered in a new era in crime-fighting. Season 4 of Criminology is all about cases solved in 2018 using forensic genealogy techniques and databases to match old DNA to suspects. GedMatch and Parabon are names that have been in the news lately as they have been used to solved cold cases. We will be covering these cases in depth over the course of Season 4. In this first episode, we lay the groundwork by diving into how law enforcement is using this public information to...
Charles Horvath
September 15, 2018 04:00 - 1 hourCharles Horvath went missing in 1989 while backpacking across Canada. His mother, Denise Horvath-Allan, has been searching for him for 29 years. You can support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The San Francisco Witch Killers
September 01, 2018 04:00 - 1 hourWe're discussing the case known as the San Francisco Witch Killers. It’s an interesting case in which mental illness, drugs, and the twisted beliefs of Jim Carson and Susan Barnes converge and leave a trail of murder victims along the way. In addition to the details of the case, in this episode, you will hear from the daughter of one of them and she tells us what it was like having to grow up with all of this in her life, and what it was like knowing her own father was a serial killer. You ca...
Ted Bundy Part 4
August 25, 2018 04:00 - 1 hourIn this fourth and last episode of our Ted Bundy series, we close it out by talking with some Bundy experts and authors. They are able to provide some amazing insight into the infamous serial killer. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ted Bundy Part 3
August 18, 2018 04:00 - 1 hourTed Bundy was an infamous American serial killer who targeted young females. In this third episode, we discuss Bundy's murders in Florida including those he committed at the Chi Omega sorority house. We dive into his capture and eventual execution. Bundy gave a number of interviews before he was executed and these allow us to analyze him, or do they? Who was the true Ted Bundy behind the mask, showing people what they wanted to see, and telling them what they wanted to hear? You can support t...
Ted Bundy Part 2
August 11, 2018 04:00 - 1 hourTed Bundy was an infamous American serial killer who targeted young females. In this second episode, we dive further into the murders committed by Bundy and the methods he used to lure his victims. We also discuss his life in politics. As the number of murders and sexual assaults he committed rose, victims came forward with his description. Once that was put out into the public, people who knew Ted Bundy started to come forward to police that he looked very much like the composite sketch. It'...
Ted Bundy Part 1
August 04, 2018 04:00 - 56 minutesTheodore Bundy was an infamous American serial killer who targeted young females. He is responsible for murdering more than 30 women and girls in the 1970s. Bundy was charming and handsome, and he used these attributes to his advantage in luring his victims. In this first episode on Ted Bundy, we focus primarily on his childhood and talk about some of the early warning signs that he exhibited. We'll discuss his love life, his relationship with Ann Rule, and his first murder. You can help supp...
The Golden State Killer
June 02, 2018 04:00 - 1 hourIn this final episode of season 2, we take a look at the background and timeline of the arrested suspect Joseph J. DeAngelo. We have multiple interviews with people who interacted with DeAngelo, one man who worked with him for many years. He sheds insight on the man that he knew and tells stories of DeAngelo through the years. We have a fascinating interview with the Sacramento DA Anne Marie Schubert. And we unveil the long-awaited post-arrest follow-up interview with Paul Holes. You can su...
The Original Night Stalker
May 26, 2018 04:00 - 1 hourIn this episode, we are focusing on the last two murders committed in the EAR/ONS/GSK series. We are joined by family members who provide insight into the victims, the details of the crimes, and the aftermath. The connections between the East Area Rapist crimes and those committed by the Original Night Stalker are finally made. And we talk with detectives Larry Crompton and Paul Holes who provide valuable information. You can help support the show by going to patreon.com/criminology An Ema...
The Orange County Killer
May 19, 2018 04:00 - 51 minutesWe start off this episode by giving an update on the 2nd court appearance of the suspect Joseph J DeAngelo. Then we continue with the murders committed by the East Area Rapist/Golden State Killer. He strikes next in Orange County murdering a young couple named Keith and Patrice Harrington. We go into their backgrounds and the details of this horrific murder. Then, staying in Orange County, the EAR/ONS/GSK murders a 28-year-old woman named Manuela Witthuhn. The authorities in Southern Californ...
The Diamond Knot Killer
May 12, 2018 04:00 - 52 minutesA double murder occurs in an affluent neighborhood of Ventura California. The press would dub the suspect "The Diamond Knot Killer" because of the intricate knots he used to bind his victims. It wouldn't be until years later that police would figure out that the Diamond Knot Killer was yet just another nickname for EAR/ONS/GSK. We speak to one of the victim's daughters who provides details and insight into the tragic murders. You can help support the show by going to patreon.com/criminology ...
The Creek Killer
May 05, 2018 04:00 - 55 minutesThe East Area Rapist moves to Southern California and becomes known as The Original Night Stalker and later The Golden State Killer. We start to talk about the murders that this individual committed in Southern California. But at the same time, we have new information coming in about the suspect Joseph DeAngelo. So we have to talk about that as well. This season was originally set to be a total of 12 episodes. But with the recent events of the arrest of DeAngelo, we are making plans to contin...
The East Area Rapist Vanishes
April 28, 2018 04:00 - 55 minutesThe arrest of a suspect, in this case, has grabbed the world's attention like nothing we've seen recently in the world of true crime. And like all of you, we'll be glued to the events as they unfold. But, we still have a ways to go in our coverage of the crimes. In episode 10, we see the EAR attack back in the area of Rancho Cordova. We discuss the only attack in the series that took place in Fremont, which is in Alameda County. Then the EAR returns to Contra Costa County, but this time it is...
Bonus Episode - Suspect Arrested
April 25, 2018 04:00 - 1 hourA suspect has been arrested in the EAR/GSK case. We wanted to put out a bonus episode to talk about this unbelievable break in the case. We will cover this in more depth as additional details continue to come out. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Homework
April 21, 2018 04:00 - 56 minutesIn this 9th episode of Season 2, we delve into more crimes committed by the EAR/GSK. We hear from a victim that has chosen for the first time to publicly come forward to talk about her ordeal. We hear more from some of the detectives that worked the case back then as well as those working it now. And we talk in-depth about "The Homework", papers found near one of the crime scenes that many felt may have been dropped by EAR. You can help support the show by going to patreon.com/criminology ...
EAR Targets Modesto and Davis
April 14, 2018 04:00 - 1 hourEpisode 8 brings with it more attacks by the East Area Rapist. He had terrorized Sacramento County. He had struck in Stockton. Many residents outside of this area were not as fearful, thinking it would not happen in their town. But when EAR attacks in both Modesto and Davis, the area of fear will widen dramatically. Is anyone safe from this madman? We preview an exclusive interview with an EAR victim that has never spoken publicly before. That interview is coming in episode 9. You can suppo...
The Air Force Couple
April 07, 2018 04:00 - 1 hourIn episode 7, we dive into some additional communication that may be from the East Area Rapist. There is a call we'll play that was made to the Sacramento PD. What may be the first written communication by EAR is sent to multiple outlets. And he continues to call and terrorize his victims. A good lead on this suspect comes into police and they set up a sting operation to nab him. We'll hear from one of the original detectives on how it played out. We also discuss the murders of Brian and Kati...
EAR's Youngest Victim Speaks Out
March 31, 2018 04:00 - 2 hoursThe EAR is still on the loose and terrorizing Sacramento County. But he will move out of his home area and strike fear in Stockton, California. In this episode, we talk to a number of people associated with the case. We speak with Detective Sgt. Ken Clark of the Sacramento County Sheriff's dept as well as Contra County investigator Paul Holes who is currently working on the EAR case. But in a very special interview, we get to hear from Margaret Wardlow who was the 27th and youngest victim of ...
Roots in Visalia?
March 24, 2018 04:00 - 1 hourThe East Area Rapist/Golden State Killer has been terrorizing the citizens of Sacramento county. We talk about additional attacks to start this episode. There were a number of sightings of strange people in different neighborhoods, some posing as meter readers, some posing as census takers. Neighbors and victims continue to receive haunting phone calls. We talk to a man who, in 1977, saw the East Area Rapist in his yard and actually came close to catching him. He takes us back to those events...
Tracking the MO of a Predator
March 17, 2018 04:00 - 1 hourThe East Area Rapist / Golden State Killer continues to terrorize Sacramento county. As the attacks begin to mount it becomes evident that the specifics of each, as well as the descriptions of the attacker are similar. But the attacker does begin to add new elements as he becomes more and more brazen in his attacks. You can help support the show by going to patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A Monster Terrorizes
March 10, 2018 05:00 - 1 hourThe story of the East Area Rapist / Golden State Killer continues in this episode 3 of Season 2 of Criminology. The unidentified rapist continues to terrorize women all over Sacramento county. His tactics are brazen and oftentimes bizarre. Join Mike and Morf as we discuss the chronology of this monster, his crimes, the victims, and the effects on the community. We'll hear from some of the investigators who handled the original case as well as the victims. We will also take a look at some of ...
A Victim Speaks Out
March 03, 2018 05:00 - 1 hourIn this second episode of season 2 of Criminology, you are going to hear from various people associated with this case. Jane Carson Sandler was the 5th victim of the monster and she joins us to talk about her experience and how her life was changed. You'll hear from Carol Daly and Richard Shelby who were some of the original detectives on this case. Their insight into how the investigation was conducted and the effect on the community is very impactful. And of course, we have to continue to ...
The Epicenter of Fear
February 24, 2018 05:00 - 1 hourCriminology is back for Season 2! This season we will be doing an in-depth look at one of America's most infamous unsolved cases. This predator goes by many names: The East Area Rapist, The Golden State Killer, and the Original Night Stalker. This person is suspected of more than 100 home break-ins and burglaries, at least 50 rapes, and a dozen or more murders. We'll be covering the crimes, the victims, and the clues using case documents and firsthand accounts. We talk with the investigators ...
Zodiac Finale
October 28, 2017 04:00 - 1 hourThis is the final episode of season 1 of Criminology and the end of the Zodiac series. We have a couple of great interviews in this episode. We discuss the effect of Zodiac on pop culture, the books, and the movies that have been made over the years. Gibby from True Crime All The Time makes a guest appearance to discuss some of the Zodiac movies and lend his encyclopedic knowledge. This is the final episode of season 1 but we'll be back soon with a new season of Criminology. Make sure you sub...
Zodiac Ciphers Conversation
October 21, 2017 04:00 - 59 minutesIn this episode, we take a deeper dive into Zodiac's Cipher communications. Dave Oranchak joins us to provide greater insight into the ciphers. Why was the 408 cipher solved while subsequent ciphers were not? What were the differences between them all that make some harder to solve than others? Join Ferg and Morf as they tap into the wealth of knowledge that Dave brings to the subject. We also talk to Dr. Katherine Ramsland who sheds light on what it may have meant to Zodiac to write these a...
Zodiac Suspects Part2
October 14, 2017 04:00 - 1 hourWe continue the discussion on Zodiac suspects in this part 2 episode of the Zodiac suspects. This part 2 focuses on some of the lesser-known suspects, some of which have developed in recent years. We also discuss some of the various suspects that have resulted in family members stating that they believe that their father, sibling, etc. was the Zodiac. Make sure you subscribe to the podcast to ensure you get all future episodes. Please rate/review the podcast on Itunes. You can support the...
Zodiac Suspects
October 07, 2017 04:00 - 48 minutesThe Zodiac known and potential crimes have been wrapped up in previous episodes. We've also covered the known and potential communication to the police and press. Now it is time to talk about the potential Zodiac suspects. In this part 1 of 2 episodes devoted to potential suspects, we touch on the most well-known of the Zodiac suspects. Those that developed early on in the hunt for the infamous killer. These are the ones that have been prominently featured in books and movies. Join Mike and ...
A Killer's Epilogue
September 30, 2017 04:00 - 47 minutesIn this episode, we continue to explore both confirmed and unconfirmed Zodiac activity. This includes possible early murders as well as additional correspondence. Join Mike and Morf as they continue the discussion on the infamous Zodiac. Upcoming planned episodes will focus on suspects as well as Zodiac's influence on pop culture. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes and rate/review on Itunes or your favorite Android app. You can support the show at patreon.com/crimi...
Looking In Lake Tahoe
September 23, 2017 04:00 - 40 minutesIn this episode, we explore the aftermath of the discovery of Zodiac's Riverside connection being exposed. There are a number of incidents that could be related to the Zodiac and we discuss those in detail. Zodiac would even resume his correspondence and take credit for a murder in Lake Tahoe. Donna Lass went missing from the Lake Tahoe area and Zodiac would revel in corresponding about the disappearance. Paul Avery would also receive new communications from Zodiac. One, in particular, is in ...
Zodiac's Riverside Roots Examined
September 16, 2017 04:00 - 44 minutesIn this episode, we continue the examination into Zodiac's connection with the murder of Cheri Jo Bates in Riverside, CA. We dissect the letter that was mailed to both the police and the paper about a month after Cheri's death. Then we discuss a poem that was found on a desk at the Riverside Community College where Cheri attended. Was this poem an early work of the Zodiac and if so what clues does it present as to who the Zodiac could be? As time goes by the papers put out articles on the ann...
The Riverside Connection
September 09, 2017 04:00 - 40 minutesIn this episode, we talk about the tip which leads Paul Avery down the path of investigating a murder in Riverside which could be connected to the Zodiac. If it is, it's very possible that this could be his first murder. In 1966 a college freshman named Cheri Jo Bates was murdered. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the facts surrounding this murder and the mysterious letter that is sent after it occurs. Is this the earliest known work of the Zodiac? You can support the show at patreon.co...
A Killer Takes Credit
September 02, 2017 04:00 - 49 minutesIn March of 1970, a woman traveling through California with her 10-month old daughter would have a frightening experience. A man would trick her into thinking something was wrong with her car on the highway. The woman and her baby would be lucky to escape with their lives. But later she would say that the man she saw that night was the Zodiac. In this episode, we dive into the details of this harrowing experience as well as a number of Zodiac communications that come out. Was it really Zodiac...
A Killer Changes His MO
August 26, 2017 04:00 - 1 hourIn this episode, we pick up the investigation of the Lake Berryessa attack that we covered in episode 2. There are some very good clues found at the crime scene. A murder of a cab driver in San Francisco appears to be random, most likely committed during a robbery. But very quickly the Zodiac resumes his communication with the press. He has a need to take credit for his work and to poke fun at the police. Police will see just how close they were to catching this killer. We're joined in the e...
A Killer Deciphered
August 19, 2017 04:00 - 58 minutesAn unknown killer has attacked two couples in lover's lane situations. 3 of the 4 victims involved died. The 1 surviving victim gave limited details. The killer had initial communications to police taking credit for both attacks. In this episode, we focus on additional communications made by the killer. This time the communication goes to various newspapers and includes ciphers that the killer says will reveal his true identity. A third attack on a couple occurs but the location and the MO ar...
A Killer Strikes
August 12, 2017 04:00 - 51 minutesJust before Christmas in 1968, a killer targeted a couple out on their first date sitting in a lover's lane. The senseless murder would shock the quiet town of Vallejo, California, and the surrounding areas. What the police and public could not foresee is that these murders would be just the beginning of the infamous saga of a killer that would later become known the world over as the Zodiac. Join Mike Ferguson and Mike Morford as they take deep dive into one of the most fascinating unsolved ...
S1 - Introduction
July 27, 2017 03:34 - 9 minutesIntroduction episode for a new true crime podcast called Criminology. Criminology delivers every detail of an infamous true crime case told over the span of 8-10 episodes. Mike Ferguson and Mike Moreford are the hosts of Criminology and will be bringing you all of the details season by season. Season one delivers the infamous case of the Zodiac who terrorized the Bay area of California and remains to this day one of the most famous unsolved cases in history. Subscribe to the podcast to ensure...