Paper Ghosts: The Ozarks
96 episodes - English - Latest episode: 15 days ago - ★★★★ - 5.4K ratingsIt’s the dead of summer, 1989, in the heart of the Ozarks. An 18-year-old woman goes missing from Bella Vista, Arkansas. As the search moves forward, several suspects emerge. Then… a body is found not far from the Missouri border, and a homicide investigation begins. Soon, a second body is discovered nearby. What was a mystery transforms into the hunt for a possible serial killer stalking young women throughout the Ozarks. M. William Phelps digs in nearly 35 years later and begins to understand that things aren’t always what they seem.
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Episodes
Episode 8: “The Boogeymen”
April 10, 2024 07:10 - 1 hour - 62.7 MBIn this final episode of season 4, Phelps interviews a suspected serial killer, who he believes could be responsible for Dana Stidham’s murder—the first time anyone has spoken to the suspect about the case in 33 years. After confronting him with the evidence, Phelps implores law enforcement to knock on the suspect’s door and interview him. A final call is made about the connection between the two murders - and who, ultimately, is to blame. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati...
Episode 7: “Killer Confrontation”
April 03, 2024 07:01 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MBWith investigative pressure mounting on the Benton County Sheriff’s Office’s suspect in Dana Stidham’s murder, Phelps uncovers a disturbing phone call made to a local woman in charge of Dana’s tip-line. Meanwhile, Phelps continues to make connections to his new suspect. Phelps uncovers an old tape of a revealing interview with the man’s ex-wife. Armed with new evidence, Phelps finally convinces the suspect to agree to an interview, a man he now believes is likely behind Dana Stidham’s murd...
Episode 6: “Spawn of Hell”
March 27, 2024 07:05 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBThe second female victim, known only as “Grace Doe” for nearly 30 years, is identified as Shauna Garber. Phelps’s investigation turns toward a new suspect in the murder of Dana Stidham (and possibly Shauna), while uncovering a revealing, lost recording of a new suspect - unheard until now. Phelps teams up with the detectives investigating the Shauna Garber case, evaluating similarities between her and Dana Stidham’s death. All of it leads Phelps to the doorstep of a potential killer walking ...
Episode 5: “Grace Doe: Shauna Garber”
March 20, 2024 07:05 - 48 minutes - 44 MBWith the discovery of a second young female murder victim just over the Missouri border, 20 minutes away from where Dana Stidham’s body was found, a new suspect seems to be playing cat-and-mouse with law enforcement. Phelps drills down and compares the similarities in the cases—as infamous serial killer Dennis “BTK” Rader enters the narrative as a major suspect in both homicides. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 4: “The Cave”
March 13, 2024 07:01 - 38 minutes - 34.8 MBThe investigation by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office heats up in Dana Stidham’s gruesome murder, zeroing in on one particular suspect. Phelps digs deeper, speaking to the suspect and wonders if law enforcement has been chasing the wrong man. Just over the Missouri border, not far from the Dana Stidham crime scene, a second young woman’s body is discovered. Are the cases linked? Phelps uncovers several exclusive, recorded interviews never-before-heard, speaks to several sources who claim ...
Episode 4: “The Cave:”
March 13, 2024 07:01 - 38 minutes - 34.8 MBThe investigation by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office heats up in Dana Stidham’s gruesome murder, zeroing in on one particular suspect. Phelps digs deeper, speaking to the suspect and wonders if law enforcement has been chasing the wrong man. Just over the Missouri border, not far from the Dana Stidham crime scene, a second young woman’s body is discovered. Are the cases linked? Phelps uncovers several exclusive, recorded interviews never-before-heard, speaks to several sources who claim ...
Episode 3: “The Skull in the Creek Bed:”
March 06, 2024 08:05 - 47 minutes - 43.4 MBAs the 1989 holiday season looms, Dana Stidham’s body is discovered by a local hunter in a Bella Vista creek bed. Law enforcement shifts its focus from missing person to murder… and begins to zero in on a suspect after he is arrested for a bizarre theft. Phelps’s contemporary, real-time investigation branches out and he questions whether the evidence against the chief suspect supports law enforcement’s push to arrest him – and whether Dana’s case is part of a more widespread series of murder...
Episode 3: “The Skull in the Creek Bed”
March 06, 2024 08:05 - 47 minutes - 43.4 MBAs the 1989 holiday season looms, Dana Stidham’s body is discovered by a local hunter in a Bella Vista creek bed. Law enforcement shifts its focus from missing person to murder… and begins to zero in on a suspect after he is arrested for a bizarre theft. Phelps’s contemporary, real-time investigation branches out and he questions whether the evidence against the chief suspect supports law enforcement’s push to arrest him – and whether Dana’s case is part of a more widespread series of murder...
Episode 2: “The Evidence of Things Not Seen:”
February 28, 2024 08:01 - 47 minutes - 43.9 MBAs the search for Dana Stidham continues, her sudden disappearance baffles family, friends, and police, as everyone grows increasingly alarmed that Dana has met with foul play. Then, a break in the case comes as Paper Ghosts executive producer, host and investigative journalist M. William Phelps heads to Bella Vista to meet with a source who helps him unravel several potential new threads—including, perhaps, a secret life Dana lived that no one knew about. New suspects emerge. See omnystud...
Episode 2: “The Evidence of Things Not Seen”
February 28, 2024 08:01 - 47 minutes - 43.9 MBAs the search for Dana Stidham continues, her sudden disappearance baffles family, friends, and police, as everyone grows increasingly alarmed that Dana has met with foul play. Then, a break in the case comes as Paper Ghosts executive producer, host and investigative journalist M. William Phelps heads to Bella Vista to meet with a source who helps him unravel several potential new threads—including, perhaps, a secret life Dana lived that no one knew about. New suspects emerge. See omnystud...
Episode 1: “Forever Pain”
February 21, 2024 08:01 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBIn the heat of the Ozarks summer, 1989, an 18-year-old woman goes missing. Dana Stidham vanishes in the middle of the day, from the parking lot of a local supermarket. Everyone in the small town of Bella Vista, Arkansas, is seemingly searching for her. Law enforcement receives scores of sightings and potential leads. Dana’s family is frantic, concerned, but also hopeful… that is, until her car and clothing are found, several early suspects emerge, and a mystery 34 years in the making begins...
Episode 1: “Forever Pain:”
February 21, 2024 08:01 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBIn the heat of the Ozarks summer, 1989, an 18-year-old woman goes missing. Dana Stidham vanishes in the middle of the day, from the parking lot of a local supermarket. Everyone in the small town of Bella Vista, Arkansas, is seemingly searching for her. Law enforcement receives scores of sightings and potential leads. Dana’s family is frantic, concerned, but also hopeful… that is, until her car and clothing are found, several early suspects emerge, and a mystery 34 years in the making begins...
Introducing - Paper Ghosts Season 4: The Ozarks
February 14, 2024 08:01 - 3 minutes - 3.12 MBSummer 1989: in the heart of the Ozarks. A young woman goes missing before a body is found, not far from the Missouri border. Soon, a second body is discovered nearby. The hunt for a possible serial killer heats up as investigator M. William Phelps arrives on the scene to reinvestigate a once-cold case. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Serial Killer Larry Hall Connected to Tammy’s Murder?
March 29, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBLaw enforcement investigating Tammy Zywicki’s murder spent decades looking into known and suspected serial killers operating in the Midwest. Among them was Larry Dwayne Hall, who authorities have long suspected may be responsible for kidnapping and murdering more than 50 women in the '80s and early '90s. Was Tammy one of them? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Remembering Tammy Zywicki
March 22, 2023 07:00 - 21 minutes - 19.4 MBTammy Zywicki was more than just a headline. In this bonus episode, hear friends and loved ones share their favorite memories of the playful, strong-willed soccer player who was obsessed with cats and knew how to break the ice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One of Their Own
March 15, 2023 07:00 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBA bombshell revelation upends long held speculation about Tammy’s killer, as the most promising suspect yet is revealed. Phelps discusses everything he’s learned about Tammy’s case thus far, and explains why an arrest could be imminent. Plus, Tammy’s friends and loved ones reflect on the significance of 30 years after her murder, and share what they think she’d be doing today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Reckoning
March 08, 2023 08:00 - 39 minutes - 36.1 MBInvestigators working Tammy’s case take a big risk in an effort to match her killer’s DNA. Phelps and former Master Sergeant Marty McCarthy have a heated conversation about the issues with his prime suspect, as a former detective comes forward with a troubling new claim. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A New Investigation
March 01, 2023 08:00 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MBTammy’s case gets a second look from a seasoned group of exclusive investigators, who cast doubt on several core theories and point the Illinois State Police in a new direction. Phelps digs further into two key suspects, and pushes law enforcement on why they didn’t do more to exonerate an innocent man. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Missing Watch
February 22, 2023 08:00 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MBA bold claim about a missing musical watch pits law enforcement against one another, as the ISP doubles down on its search for a truck-driving serial killer. Then, Phelps digs in and examines a lead from the earliest days of the investigation, hoping to discover why a key suspect was never arrested or charged. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Man With the Truck
February 15, 2023 08:00 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MBDetails begin to emerge about Tammy’s cause of death, including how long she was on the roadside before her body was discovered. Then, Phelps travels to Missouri to connect with the man who found Tammy’s body. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Everyone's Daughter
February 08, 2023 08:00 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MBA gruesome discovery in Missouri shakes Tammy’s loved ones to their core, as Phelps uncovers a decades-old eyewitness statement that changes the course of his investigation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Last Goodbye
February 01, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MBIt was late summer 1992, and Tammy Jo Zywicki was driving from suburban New Jersey to Grinnell College in Iowa. But what started as a routine trip took a mysterious turn when the 21-year-old’s car was found abandoned on the side of a busy highway. As a massive search effort for the college student gets underway, Tammy’s loved ones are left wondering about her fate: Where is she? What happened to Tammy Jo Zywicki? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing Paper Ghosts Season 3
January 25, 2023 08:00 - 2 minutes - 2.25 MBWhen a young college student’s car was abandoned on the side of a busy midwest highway in 1992, police figured it was a runaway case. Nine days later, she was found brutally murdered, nearly 500 miles away in another state. What happened to Tammy Jo Zywicki? Hear the story when PAPER GHOSTS returns with a new season on February 1. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing: Facing Evil
July 14, 2022 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.83 MBHi, Paper Ghosts fans! Since you enjoy compelling podcasts, we're happy to introduce you to Facing Evil, a captivating new show guaranteed to be your newest true-crime obsession. You don't have to just take our word for it, check out this trailer to decide for yourself! About Facing Evil: Back in 2019, sisters Rasha Pecoraro and Yvette Gentile revealed the true story of their dark family history in the hit podcast Root of Evil. Now, Pecoraro and Gentile are back with Facing Evil, a new weekl...
6. Where is Victor Gerena?
May 12, 2022 07:00 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBIn the final episode, President Clinton’s decision to grant clemency to members of the Macheteros and the FALN ignites a firestorm on Capitol Hill and spells trouble for the First Lady’s Senate bid. A top Macheteros leader meets a violent end, Puerto Rico struggles under U.S. leadership, and Phelps completes his search for Victor Gerena. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Where is Victor Gerena?
May 12, 2022 07:00 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBIn the final episode, President Clinton’s decision to grant clemency to members of the Macheteros and the FALN ignites a firestorm on Capitol Hill and spells trouble for the First Lady’s Senate bid. A top Macheteros leader meets a violent end, Puerto Rico struggles under U.S. leadership, and Phelps completes his search for Victor Gerena. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing: Crossing the Line with M. William Phelps
May 10, 2022 07:01 - 1 minute - 1.64 MBCrossing the Line is a true crime podcast revealing cases of the missing and murdered, told start-to-finish each week. Using the campfire storytelling style that made Paper Ghosts a #1 hit on the charts, host M. William Phelps connects deeply with families touched by violent crime - he understands them, because he is one of them. Having gone through the murder of his own pregnant sister-in-law, Phelps brings not only his personal experience, but also 20-plus years of investigative journalism...
Introducing: Wheel Woman
May 05, 2022 19:43 - 1 minute - 1.86 MBThis is the true story of Georgia Durante, an All-American beauty, once named “Kodak Girl” as the most photographed model in the world, who moves to New York and becomes a Mob wife and getaway driver for the Gambino crime family.Then, as a means to save her daughter and escape her abusive marriage and criminal ties, she moves to Los Angeles with $7 in her pocket, reinventing herself as Hollywood’s first female stunt driver. It’s a story that’s as wildly entertaining as it is powerful and poig...
Lawyers, Guns and Money
May 05, 2022 07:00 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MBA series of FBI raids send more than a dozen Macheteros back to Connecticut to stand trial in the Wells Fargo robbery case. Plus, an attorney for the group unpacks the government’s “sloppy” legal strategy, Juan’s former lover testifies in court, and a key player jumps bail and returns to clandestinity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5. Lawyers, Guns and Money
May 05, 2022 07:00 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MBA series of FBI raids send more than a dozen Macheteros back to Connecticut to stand trial in the Wells Fargo robbery case. Plus, an attorney for the group unpacks the government’s “sloppy” legal strategy, Juan’s former lover testifies in court, and a key player jumps bail and returns to clandestinity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4. Aguila Blanca
April 28, 2022 07:00 - 31 minutes - 29 MBA top Macheteros soldier explains exactly what happened the night of the Wells Fargo heist, including where Victor took the cash in the days that followed. Plus, internal dissent and hubris threatens to derail the entire operation, and we dive deep into a Cuban connection. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aguila Blanca
April 28, 2022 07:00 - 31 minutes - 29 MBA top Macheteros soldier explains exactly what happened the night of the Wells Fargo heist, including where Victor took the cash in the days that followed. Plus, internal dissent and hubris threatens to derail the entire operation, and we dive deep into a Cuban connection. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing: Sympathy Pains
April 26, 2022 04:00 - 3 minutes - 3.08 MBThis show tells the story of Sarah Delashmit, a former nurse who had an almost 20-year history of faking illnesses. She was so skilled at being sick, she was even able to integrate herself into disability communities and cancer non-profits. She was finally caught and stopped after two of her victims confronted her on national television, and her actions caught the attention of federal prosecutors. She garnered sympathy because they thought she was disabled. The truth is – she was. Just not in...
3. Epiphany
April 21, 2022 07:00 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MBAfter Victor Gerena surfaces to take credit for the robbery, money starts showing up in the heart of Hartford’s Puerto Rican community. Then, a missile strike thousands of miles away reveals an unassuming piece of evidence that provides investigators with a huge break – and a new suspect. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Epiphany
April 21, 2022 07:00 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MBAfter Victor Gerena surfaces to take credit for the robbery, money starts showing up in the heart of Hartford’s Puerto Rican community. Then, a missile strike thousands of miles away reveals an unassuming piece of evidence that provides investigators with a huge break – and a new suspect. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Be On The Lookout
April 14, 2022 07:00 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBA nationwide manhunt takes a turn after police recover the car used in the heist. Then, law enforcement learns what a key witness knows about Victor Gerena’s movements the morning of the robbery. This, as Phelps digs into the 25-year-old security guard’s background and uncovers a potential motive. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2. Be On The Lookout
April 14, 2022 07:00 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBA nationwide manhunt takes a turn after police recover the car used in the heist. Then, law enforcement learns what a key witness knows about Victor Gerena’s movements the morning of the robbery. This, as Phelps digs into the 25-year-old security guard’s background and uncovers a potential motive. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1. The $7 Million Man
April 07, 2022 07:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBThe West Hartford Police Department springs into action after two Wells Fargo security guards reveal that a coworker, 25-year-old Victor Gerena, held them at gunpoint, drugged them, and drove off with more than $7 million in cash. Plus, a cryptic lead sends police to a local airport. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The $7 Million Man
April 07, 2022 07:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBThe West Hartford Police Department springs into action after two Wells Fargo security guards reveal that a coworker, 25-year-old Victor Gerena, held them at gunpoint, drugged them, and drove off with more than $7 million in cash. Plus, a cryptic lead sends police to a local airport. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing: Hell and Gone Season 4
March 24, 2022 19:06 - 3 minutes - 3.3 MBHi, Paper Ghost fans! iHeartPodcasts and host Catherine Townsend are excited to announce Hell and Gone Season 4! The Little Rock Police Department searched an abandoned car in a small residential park. The keys were in the ignition and the car was out of gas as if it had been left running. The car belonged to 18-year-old Ebby Steppach, and she had vanished without a trace. A thrilling true crime that continues to unravel with every clue. Don't just take our word for it, check out the trailer ...
Introducing: White Eagle
March 23, 2022 14:53 - 2 minutes - 2.7 MBFrom the team behind Paper Ghosts, WHITE EAGLE is a six-part true crime series about a 1983 heist where a 25-year-old armored truck driver from West Hartford, Connecticut, tied up his co-workers, stuffed more than $7 million into a Buick LaSabre, and disappeared into the night. At the time, it was one of the largest cash heists in U.S. history. But that was just the beginning. WHITE EAGLE launches April 7. Listen and subscribe on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you liste...
Introducing: What Happened to Sandy Beal?
March 09, 2022 08:00 - 3 minutes - 2.89 MBHi, Paper Ghost fans! The newest iHeart Original podcast, What Happened to Sandy Beal?, is a true-crime show that investigates the mysterious murder of a woman who dreamed of a career in law enforcement. Melissa Jeltsen uncovers a troubling pattern of behavior by local police. A shocking thriller and mystery that will keep you guessing but don't just take our word for it. Check out the trailer to decide for yourself! About Sandy Beal: What Happened to Sandy Beal investigates the violent deat...
Introducing: Ridiculous Crime
February 16, 2022 11:00 - 2 minutes - 2.2 MBTrue Crime is more than blood, guts, mayhem, and murder. Zaron Burnett and Elizabeth Dutton share outlandish tales of capers, heists, and cons that shine a light on the absurd and outrageous side of criminality. Always 99% murder-free and 100% ridiculous, this is Ridiculous Crime, a podcast by iHeartRadio. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Season 1 Update: A Return to Crystal Lake
January 19, 2022 08:00 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBIt’s been more than a year since season one aired, but the scores of tips regarding Janice Pockett, Lisa White, Debbie Spickler, Susan LaRosa, and Irene LaRosa have only continued. The Connecticut State Police have once again gone radio silent so we return to Crystal Lake with some new experts and equipment to search for more answers. For more true crime stories, listen to M. William Phelps' other podcast Crossing the Line and visit the CTL website. Learn more about your ad-choices at htt...
Introducing: The MLK Tapes
January 10, 2022 11:00 - 2 minutesHi, Paper Ghosts fans! iHeartPodcasts and TenderfootTV are excited to announce The MLK Tapes - a brand new podcast that takes a second look at the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We think you'll enjoy the thrilling storytelling, but don't just take our word for it. Check out the trailer to decide for yourself! About The MLK Tapes: According to the official story, on April 4th, 1968, a lone gunman assassinated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee....
The Controversial Death of Michael Poole: Murder or Suicide?
December 22, 2021 08:01 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MBFrom the team that brought you Paper Ghosts, Crossing the Line with M. William Phelps is a weekly true crime podcast that dives deep into cases that have rarely been covered. Three people are at home, one winds up dead. Was it murder or suicide? Or perhaps somehow a little bit of both? In this preview episode, Phelps breaks down the strange case of the murder of Michael Poole. Then, the convicted murderer’s lawyer joins the show and shares new, shocking revelations to support burning questi...
CROSSING THE LINE: What Happened to Annie Le?
December 15, 2021 08:01 - 47 minutesFrom the team that brought you Paper Ghosts, Crossing the Line with M. William Phelps is a weekly true crime podcast that dives deep into cases that have rarely been covered. In this preview episode, Phelps discusses what happened to 24-year-old grad student Annie Le, who was seen entering her research lab on the Yale campus–and was never seen again. Connecticut State Police Crime Scene Investigator Peter Valentin joins the show to retrace the steps he took upon arrival, the subtle clues that...
Introducing: Real-Time Crime
December 03, 2021 15:00 - 5 minutesHey, Paper Ghosts fans! We know you enjoy True Crime, so we think you'll love Real-Time Crime. Check out this special episode preview and see for yourself! About Real-Time Crime: Are you obsessed with solving crimes? Are you a sleuth for the truth with a self-awarded PHD in unsolved mysteries? Do you believe you should be giving an FYI to the FBI? Do the detectives label it a cold case while you’re just getting warmed up? Then you need to join Leah Lamarr and Teddi Mellencamp on the ‘Real Tim...
Introducing: Crazy in Love
November 17, 2021 11:00 - 4 minutesFalling in love is the best feeling in the world. You see stars, you feel giddy, but sometimes it makes us do crazy things and sometimes that means murder. Crazy In Love digs into the complex and contentious real-life stories of when beautiful love takes a gruesome turn. We explore the murderous lengths people went to in the name of love. Romantic love, motherly, brotherly and sisterly love, bestie bonds and lusty love. They can all make us a little crazy sometimes. Each week explores a new c...
Cookie Crumb Day
August 18, 2021 07:01 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MBWhen you spend your entire life cheating and stealing, karma is bound to show its dark face and destroy you. Thank you for listening to season 2 of Paper Ghosts. Stay tuned and subscribed for more to come. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.