Appalachian Mysteria artwork

Appalachian Mysteria

54 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 1.3K ratings

Welcome to Appalachian Mysteria, a true-crime podcast series that all started with Mared & Karen: The WVU Coed Murders and Big Savage: The Death of Alexander Stevens. As the podcast has grown we decided to combine our feeds, join forces with Jam Street Media for season 3. Our new season Outlandish is now available. Listen now!

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Episodes

Abandoned Summit

July 05, 2022 16:04 - 1 hour - 165 MB

Darrell Rice is released from prison, but the publicity of his indictments makes a normal life elusive. The FBI plans a summit to examine other possible murders by Evonitz, but it falls by the wayside. Two decades later, we give it a shot. Description / Show Notes: The Pamela Gould Special — We’re hosting this 24-page special investigation from the Fredericksburg Freelance-Star until it is made available elsewhere. If you want to dive deep on the comparisons of Rice, Evonitz, and forensic e...

Strategic Reasons

June 14, 2022 04:14 - 39 minutes - 90.2 MB

Forensic evidence throws the upcoming trial of Darrell Rice into upheaval, and an unexpected conclusion leads to yet another indictment. Several of our guests openly disagree on the final results. Resources: “Witness Point Out Suspect as Abductor” — Washington Post article on the Shomo trial Thank you to our sponsor June's Journey. Download June’s Journey free today on the Apple App Store or Google Play! Thank you to our sponsor Switchcraft! Download Switchcraft for free and unlock the magi...

All Wrong, All the Time?

June 07, 2022 07:00 - 36 minutes - 82.8 MB

We examine key evidence in the pre-trial hearings of Darrell Rice: jailhouse informants, the audio recording that gave rise to hate crime charges, a shifting timeline, and a phone call that Rice’s defense attorney calls “a bizarre piece of evidence”. Description / Show Notes: Interviewees: Jerry (Gerald) Zerkin: One of Rice’s defense attorneys in the double-homicide of Julie & Lollie Thank you to our sponsor June's Journey. Download June’s Journey free today on the Apple App Store or Google...

Survival Mode

May 31, 2022 13:45 - 40 minutes - 93.6 MB

Summary: Kara Robinson makes an escape, putting all the information she memorized to good use. Evonitz goes on the run. Kara talks to us about the complex ethics of telling stories like hers in the true crime genre, and explains what “trauma-informed” media looks like. Description / Show Notes: Resources and Links: Escape From Captivity — Oxygen Network documentary made with the involvement of Kara Robinson Interviewees: Kara Robinson Chamberlain — The survivor who ended the career of serial...

Death Notice

May 24, 2022 07:00 - 44 minutes - 103 MB

The Attorney General of the United States announces the indictment of Darrell Rice. We review the life story of the serial killer responsible for the deaths of Sofia Silva and the Lisk sisters, and interview his final victim about her abduction. Resources and links: Into the Water — Diane Fanning’s true crime book about the serial killer responsible for the deaths of Sofia Silva and the Lisk sisters Escape From Captivity — Oxygen Network documentary made with the involvement of Kara Robinso...

Kindness and Fear

May 17, 2022 07:00 - 42 minutes - 98 MB

Summary: As murders and abductions haunt Lignum, Rt 29, and Shenandoah National Park, three children are taken from their front yards less than 30 miles away. The girls are the first known victims of a serial killer who will become an important part of our story. Resources and links: Into the Water — Diane Fanning’s true crime book about the serial killer responsible for the deaths of Sofia Silva and the Lisk sisters Interviewees: Diane Fanning — Author of 15 true crime books and 11 novels ...

Once Upon a Time in the West

May 10, 2022 07:00 - 45 minutes - 105 MB

We investigate claims that the Park Service has a history of transferring troubled rangers. An NPS whistleblower explains a coverup culture within the agency, and shares the story of a ranger who investigated both the Shenandoah and Colonial Parkway murders. Resources and Links: The Case of the Indian Trader — The book in which Paul Berkowitz extensively documents his investigation at Hubbell Trading Post. Recommended for fans of police procedurals. Culture of Sexual Harrassment — Washingto...

Exploring Substantial Similarities

May 03, 2022 07:00 - 44 minutes - 103 MB

Eight Years Earlier: The Navy undertakes “purges” of lesbians from its ranks. The first of Virginia’s Colonial Parkway murders looks eerily familiar. A southern con-man helps find the killer — and defrauds the victims’ families. Resources and links: The Lover’s Lane Murders — Oxygen Network show about the Colonial Parkway murders, for which guest Bill Thomas served as consulting producer.  Mind Over Murder — Entire podcast covering all the details of the Colonial Parkway Murders. Hosted by ...

1996

April 26, 2022 07:00 - 36 minutes - 82.9 MB

Someone is pulling over dozens of women on a road just 15 miles from Skyline Drive.  Alicia Reynolds disappears. At least three bodies turn up in a small hamlet nearby.  The Innocence Project fights to free a man convicted of murder. Resources and links: Rt 29 Stalker — Unsolved Mysteries Wiki Twenty Years Later — Article by Scott Shenk on the 20th anniversary of the murder of Alicia Showalter Reynolds. Interviewees: Scott Shenk — Reporter with the Fredericksburg Freelance-Star. Thank you...

It Felt Like The World Exploded

April 19, 2022 07:00 - 42 minutes - 97.5 MB

A massive hunt for Julie & Lollie's killer begins. Some demand a hate crime investigation, drawing parallels to the attack of another lesbian couple hiking the Appalachian Trail. A lesbian defense lawyer finds herself arguing for the prosecution. Resources and links: "Panic Defense" — Podcast episode from Criminal with Phoebe Judge explaining the fascinating history of the gay/trans panic defense. "In the Hollow" — 15-minute documentary/short film featuring Claudia Brenner returning to the ...

Raveling Out

April 12, 2022 07:00 - 45 minutes - 104 MB

The unsolved murder of a young couple in Shenandoah National Park shakes the gay and lesbian communities. One year later, a bicyclist is assaulted in the same area, and authorities begin to suspect him of serial murder. Resources and Links: "Murder on the Mountain" (1996) — Barry Yeoman's article quoted and discussed in this episode. Trail map of Shenandoah National Park — Julie and Lollie were killed just off the Skyland / Big Meadows Horse Trail, not far from Skyline Drive. Interviewees:...

Season Three Trailer - Outlandish

April 05, 2022 14:10 - 1 minute - 2.62 MB

A lesbian couple is found brutally murdered near the Appalachian Trail. As authorities build the first federal hate crime prosecution in the nation's history, a web of horrific crimes creeps down the Blue Ridge mountains into the heart of Virginia. A special agent who has been on the case for twenty five years uncovers details. Season 3 of Appalachian Mysteria explores the terrifying characters and narratives that weave through these stories, culminating in the violent death of a serial kill...

Fitting the Crime Part 2 - Testing Truth

October 13, 2021 04:00 - 57 minutes - 133 MB

The conviction of Glen Woodall begins to look suspicious as a rookie lawyer ushers West Virginia into a new era of DNA testing. Prosecutors fight the new forensic method tooth and nail, but the results will uncover a trail of crime unprecedented in U.S. history. Download June’s Journey free today on the Apple App Store or Google Play! Download Switchcraft for free and unlock the magical mystery! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fitting the Crime Part 1 - A Town On Edge

September 29, 2021 15:50 - 33 minutes - 77.1 MB

As ice storms sweep over Huntington, WV, a masked rapist is stalking the mall. After two abductions, suspicion falls on a nearby grave-digger with a checkered past. As evidence begins piling up, a forensic science superstar helps set the stage for a court case that will echo through West Virginia history more than anyone can possibly know.   (This episode does not contain graphic details of sexual assault, but the topic matter is mature. Listener discretion advised.) Thank you to our sponsor...

An Important Update

June 23, 2021 04:00 - 22 minutes - 21 MB

We have several important updates regarding season two, “The Death of Alexander Stevens.” From the current state of Megan Shaffer’s appeals, to the unfortunate death of Alexander’s father and a scandal involving the presiding judge of the case, a lot has happened since the season finale. There's still so much more to come with Sarah and Kendall, so stay tuned for season three titled, “Outlandish” coming soon.  Thank you to our sponsor June's Journey. Download June’s Journey free today on the...

Meet the Minds Behind Appalachian Mysteria Part 2

February 05, 2021 08:00 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MB

In a special two-part episode, the president of Jam Street Media, Matty Staudt, sits down with creators of Appalachian Mysteria, Kendall Perkinson, and Sarah James McLaughlin, to talk about their journey creating the first two seasons. Part two focuses on the creation of season two, Big Savage: The Death of Alexander Stevens. Kendall and Sarah go down the rabbit hole of what went into making the season and how it was different from the first. Stick around until the end of the episode to get ...

Meet the Minds Behind Appalachian Mysteria Part 1

January 21, 2021 08:00 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MB

In a special two-part episode, the president of Jam Street Media, Matty Staudt, sits down with the creators of Appalachian Mysteria, Kendall Perkinson, and Sarah James McLaughlin, to talk about their journey creating the first two seasons. They discuss their backgrounds, how they got into podcasting, details about each case, and what went into bringing each of these stories to life.  Thank you to our sponsor June's Journey. Download June’s Journey free today on the Apple App Store or Google ...

Mared and Karen: The Magical Plate Decoded

January 07, 2021 08:00 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MB

As the true-crime world revels in the decoding of a cipher written by the infamous Zodiac Killer, the team at Appalachian Mysteria have unearthed a discovery of their own. With the help of Dr. Korshi Dosoo, Sarah has decoded the mystical copper plate first introduced to our story in episode two of Mared and Karen. In this episode, we discover the real story behind the plate and learn more about the mystical Morgantown figure who wrote the mysterious text.  Thank you to our sponsor June's Jou...

The New Podcast!

June 06, 2019 14:27 - 39 minutes - 72.5 MB

The first episode of Kromatic Media's new podcast, Big Savage: The Death of Alexander Stevens. The rest of the episodes can be found at the following services: Web Browser — https://soundcloud.com/bigsavagepodcast iTunes — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-savage-the-death-of-alexander-stevens/id1462068116 Stitcher — https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kromatic-media/big-savage-the-death-of-alexander-stevens Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/5D3zmjK2hH7qh3AaYef5hx

Closure is the Cruelest Word | Big Savage: The Death of Alexander Stevens

May 06, 2019 11:17 - 53 minutes - 48.8 MB

A stranger approaches Teresa as the jury deliberates. The verdict is delivered, and we speak with two jurors about what went on behind closed doors.  Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp! Get 10% off your first month by going to betterhelp.com/mysteria Download June’s Journey free today on the Apple App Store or Google Play.https://junesjourney.io/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manner of Death | Big Savage: The Death of Alexander Stevens

April 10, 2019 11:11 - 38 minutes - 35.1 MB

Two medical examiners take the stand. Megan testifies about the entire ordeal, closing out the trial.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unanswered, Unasked | Big Savage: The Death of Alexander Stevens

March 05, 2019 12:06 - 28 minutes - 26 MB

Kromatic Media sets legal precedent in Maryland by obtaining Megan's 911 call from the morning Alex was found dead. Jay and Tristan – Alex's father and sister – take the stand. Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp! Get 10% off your first month by going to betterhelp.com/mysteria   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Personal Revelations | Big Savage: The Death of Alexander Stevens

February 03, 2019 12:01 - 38 minutes - 35 MB

Sarah and Kendall get personal, Alex's therapist takes the stand, and a stranger testifies about finding Alex on her doorstep one week before High Rock.   Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp! Get 10% off your first month by going to betterhelp.com/mysteria Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

49th Anniversary Update

January 18, 2019 18:29 - 20 minutes - 32.9 MB

On the 49th anniversary of the disappearance of Mared & Karen, we check in with Geoff, Sarah and Jordan on updates since the final episode aired.

The Third Interview | Big Savage: The Death of Alexander Stevens

January 18, 2019 11:51 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MB

Three defense witnesses all make a claim that could swing the jury's opinion. But is there any evidence? One of those witnesses helps to arrange a third police interview, only 48 hours after Alex is found dead. Megan's story has one more important change.  Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp! Get 10% off your first month by going to betterhelp.com/mysteria Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Trial Begins | Big Savage: The Death of Alexander Stevens

December 16, 2018 10:51 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MB

Sarah and I visit High Rock for ourselves, where a new realization makes the case even more baffling. The trial begins with testimony from Steven Moon and the EMT who first arrived on the scene. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Folie à Deux? | Big Savage: The Death of Alexander Stevens

November 13, 2018 10:45 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MB

We try to find out who Alex & Megan really were. The second case file discovered by reporters makes the whole situation even more confusing. Pretrial hearings set the stage for an unusual prosecution.   Try 5 pairs of glasses at home for free at warbyparker.com/MYSTERIA. Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp! Get 10% off your first month by going to betterhelp.com/mysteria Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Significant Event | Big Savage: The Death of Alexander Stevens

November 13, 2018 10:09 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MB

Alexander Stevens is found dead in Savage River State Forest. Evidence of a ritual is discovered. A female companion emerges from the woods naked, injured and hypothermic. A strange and confusing tale begins.   Try 5 pairs of glasses at home for free at warbyparker.com/MYSTERIA. Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp! Get 10% off your first month by going to betterhelp.com/mysteria   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cradle Will Rock: The Uninterment of Harry Spitz

July 02, 2018 15:42 - 35 minutes - 65.3 MB

On the 43rd anniversary of another Morgantown mystery, Kromatic presents a one-episode, stand-alone podcast from reporter Jordan Carter. This bonus episode is a special thanks to all of the Morgantown fans and supporters of Mared & Karen.

Episode 8: Burden of Proof

April 06, 2018 19:37 - 1 hour - 167 MB

In this, the final episode, we talk to a forensic pathologist about the state of the bodies, several characters from Parade of Horribles come back into play, Geoff reveals the identity of his top suspect, and Sarah offers an alternative theory. And finally, we hear how the case may soon be solved.

Burden of Proof | Mared & Karen: WVU Coed Murders

April 06, 2018 19:37 - 1 hour - 66.9 MB

In this, the final episode, we talk to a forensic pathologist about the state of the bodies, several characters from Parade of Horribles come back into play, Geoff reveals the identity of his top suspect, and Sarah offers an alternative theory. And finally, we hear how the case may soon be solved.

Burden of Proof | WVU Coed Murders

April 06, 2018 19:37 - 1 hour - 64.1 MB

In this, the final episode, we talk to a forensic pathologist about the state of the bodies, several characters from Parade of Horribles come back into play, Geoff reveals the identity of his top suspect, and Sarah offers an alternative theory. And finally, we hear how the case may soon be solved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not Letting Go | Mared & Karen: WVU Coed Murders

February 07, 2018 00:16 - 47 minutes - 43.8 MB

In Episode 7, we flash forward to 2006 when a new investigation begins. We discover that the case affected those involved so strongly, they could not let it go. And we update listeners on where the case stands now.

Episode 7: Not Letting Go

February 07, 2018 00:16 - 47 minutes - 110 MB

In Episode 7, we flash forward to 2006 when a new investigation begins. We discover that the case affected those involved so strongly, they could not let it go. And we update listeners on where the case stands now.

Not Letting Go | WVU Coed Murders

February 07, 2018 00:16 - 46 minutes - 43 MB

In Episode 7, we flash forward to 2006 when a new investigation begins. We discover that the case affected those involved so strongly, they could not let it go. And we update listeners on where the case stands now.   Try 5 pairs of glasses at home for free at warbyparker.com/MYSTERIA. Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp! Get 10% off your first month by going to betterhelp.com/mysteria Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 6: Reasonable Doubt

August 27, 2017 22:46 - 1 hour - 152 MB

The final chapter of Clawson's story. We take a close look at his trials, his multiple confessions, and his potential innocence. We also see how Mared and Karen live on, even almost 50 years later.

Reasonable Doubt | Mared & Karen: WVU Coed Murders

August 27, 2017 22:46 - 1 hour - 60.8 MB

The final chapter of Clawson's story. We take a close look at his trials, his multiple confessions, and his potential innocence. We also see how Mared and Karen live on, even almost 50 years later.

Reasonable Doubt | WVU Coed Murders

August 27, 2017 22:46 - 1 hour - 59.9 MB

The final chapter of Clawson's story. We take a close look at his trials, his multiple confessions, and his potential innocence. We also see how Mared and Karen live on, even almost 50 years later.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Window of Death | WVU Coed Murders

August 01, 2017 20:46 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MB

In this episode, a hard-working state trooper is fired, the governor lashes out at the press, a lost form of media is revisited, and we finally meet the man convicted of killing Mared & Karen.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 5: Window of Death

August 01, 2017 20:46 - 41 minutes - 95.9 MB

In this episode, a hard-working state trooper is fired, the governor lashes out at the press, a lost form of media is revisited, and we finally meet the man convicted of killing Mared & Karen.

Window of Death | Mared & Karen: WVU Coed Murders

August 01, 2017 20:46 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MB

In this episode, a hard-working state trooper is fired, the governor lashes out at the press, a lost form of media is revisited, and we finally meet the man convicted of killing Mared & Karen.

Parade of Horribles | WVU Coed Murders

July 02, 2017 22:27 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MB

In Episode 4, we examine just a few people on the long, deplorable list of suspects in the murders of Mared & Karen.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parade of Horribles | Mared & Karen: WVU Coed Murders

July 02, 2017 22:27 - 46 minutes - 43 MB

In Episode 4, we examine just a few people on the long, deplorable list of suspects in the murders of Mared & Karen.

Episode 4: Parade of Horribles

July 02, 2017 22:27 - 46 minutes - 107 MB

In Episode 4, we examine just a few people on the long, deplorable list of suspects in the murders of Mared & Karen.

Episode 3: Séance City

June 02, 2017 19:38 - 37 minutes - 69 MB

In Episode 3, the unidentified man at Mared & Karen's makeshift grave is investigated, Triangle is finally revealed, and panic hits WVU.

Séance City | Mared & Karen: WVU Coed Murders

June 02, 2017 19:38 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MB

In Episode 3, the unidentified man at Mared & Karen's makeshift grave is investigated, Triangle is finally revealed, and panic hits WVU.

Séance City | WVU Coed Murders

June 02, 2017 19:38 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MB

In Episode 3, the unidentified man at Mared & Karen's makeshift grave is investigated, Triangle is finally revealed, and panic hits WVU.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 1: The Disappearance

May 18, 2017 20:47 - 40 minutes - 93.4 MB

The epic story of West Virginia's most notorious murders begins.

88 Days Later | WVU Coed Murders

May 18, 2017 20:30 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MB

In Episode 2, the headless bodies of Mared & Karen are finally discovered, a crusading newspaper man is forced into retirement, and the murders take on a decidedly mystical tone.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

88 Days Later | Mared & Karen: WVU Coed Murders

May 18, 2017 20:30 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MB

In Episode 2, the headless bodies of Mared & Karen are finally discovered, a crusading newspaper man is forced into retirement, and the murders take on a decidedly mystical tone.

Twitter Mentions

@jamstreetmedia 4 Episodes
@billthomas56 1 Episode
@wvucoedmurders 1 Episode