Moms and Mysteries: A True Crime Podcast

• The Piketon Massacre: New Trials, New Sentences—An Update on the Rhoden Family Murders

  We are revisiting one of the most brutal and complex crimes we have ever covered: The Pike County Massacre, also known as the Rhoden Family Murders. Six years ago, we first discussed the shocking event where eight members of the Rhoden family—four adults, three young men, and a teenage boy—were executed at four different homes in rural Ohio on the same night. At the time of our original episode in 2019, the Wagner family had just been arrested. Now, years later, the trials and sentencing of the four members of the Wagner family are complete, and we are bringing you a comprehensive update on the fate of George Wagner IV, Jake Wagner, Angela Wagner, and Billy Wagner. In this update, we detail the chilling motive that led to the execution-style murders: Custody and Obsession: The motive was centered on a heated custody battle over a young child shared by killer Jake Wagner and victim Hanna May Rhoden. The Plea Deals: We discuss the shocking plea deal struck by Jake Wagner, who pled guilty to all eight murders to spare his mother and father from the death penalty. The Sentences: We cover the emotional and tense courtroom proceedings that led to the sentences for all four family members, including the life without parole sentences handed down. The Unanswered Questions: While justice has been served in the eyes of the law, we still explore the lingering questions surrounding the planning, the execution, and the sheer ruthlessness required to wipe out an entire family. Join us as we close the chapter on this dark episode in Ohio's history, examining the convictions, the sentences, and the final search for peace for the surviving Rhoden family members. Thank you to this week’s sponsors! Whatever challenges you’re facing, Grow Therapy is here to help. Sessions average about $21 with insurance and some pay as little as $0, depending on their plan. Visit GrowTherapy.com/MOMS today to get started.  Availability and coverage vary by state and insurance plan.   Check-out bonus episodes up on Spotify and Apple podcast now! Get new episodes a day early and ad free, plus chat episodes, at Patreon.com/momsandmysteriespodcast .    To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://www.advertisecast.com/MomsandMysteriesATrueCrimePodcast.    Check-out Moms and Mysteries to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more.

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• The $125,000 Question: Who Really Killed Hollywood Powerhouse Ronni Chasen?

  In the heart of Beverly Hills, just after a red-carpet movie premiere, the life of Ronni Chasen, one of Hollywood's most connected and beloved publicists, came to a violent and mysterious end. On November 16, 2010, the 64-year-old was gunned down in her Mercedes-Benz while stopped at a red light. The shocking murder of the woman who helped secure Oscar Gold for films like Driving Miss Daisy and The Hurt Locker instantly made national headlines. Ronni's influential friends  quickly offered a combined $125,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. This massive reward signaled that her inner circle wasn't convinced the killing was a random act. A tip to America's Most Wanted led police to Harold Martin Smith, a man with a lengthy criminal record living in a rundown apartment complex. When confronted by detectives, Smith ended his own life with a .38 caliber revolver. The Beverly Hills Police Department officially closed the case in 2011, declaring Smith the sole killer and the motive of a random robbery gone wrong. However, this "solved" status remains highly controversial due to several glaring contradictions: Ronni's purse was untouched and nothing was taken, contradicting the robbery motive. Police claimed Smith was on a bicycle, but her autopsy report suggests an unknown vehicle pulled up beside her car. The ballistic evidence was inconclusive; documents revealed the findings were "insufficient for an identification" to definitively match the bullet to Smith's gun. Law enforcement was criticized for failing to interview multiple residents and for poor evidence collection.   Thank you to this week's sponsors! Get organized, refreshed, and ready for the holidays for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. See thicker, stronger, faster-growing hair with less shedding in just 3-6 months with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code MOMS. Find your fall staples at Quince. Go to Quince.com/moms for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Right now save 20% on your FIRST order and get a free cat toy at PrettyLitter.com/moms.  Check-out Moms and Mysteries to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more. Sources: https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/18/us/18publicist.html  https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna40214433  https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ronni-chasen-mourned-by-friends-as-police-seek-killer/  https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna40504342   https://www.cbsnews.com/news/neighbor-man-bragged-of-killing-ronni-chasen/  https://abcnews.go.com/US/ronni-chasen-killing-police-harold-smith-suicide-gun/story?id=12351453  https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/ronni-chasen-death-diane-warren-262519/  https://thescl.com/in-memoriam/ronni-chasen/  https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/ronni-chasen-64-shot-killed-45901/ https://www.today.com/popculture/ronni-chasens-niece-speaks-out-being-dissed-will-wbna40536425   https://jewishjournal.com/uncategorized/84747/  https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/61717259/ronni_sue-chasen  https://6abc.com/archive/7833896/  https://www.syracuse.com/entertainment/2010/11/hollywood_insiders_gather_to_h.html  https://ew.com/article/2011/03/18/law-and-order-los-angeles-ronni-chasen-episode/  https://variety.com/2013/film/news/report-ronni-chasen-autopsy-report-contradicts-police-account-1200952872/  https://www.autopsyfiles.org/reports/Celebs/chasen,%20ronni_report.pdf  https://www.newspapers.com/image/434987704/?match=1&terms=%22ronni%20chasen%22  https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/what-happened-night-hollywood-power-publicist-ronni-chasen-was-killed-947580/  https://www.newspapers.com/image/195136388/?terms=%22ronni%20chasen%22  https://www.newspapers.com/image/195136314/?terms=%22ronni%20chasen%22  https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ronni-chasen-murder-new-police-reports-998646/  https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/05/us/05publicist.html  https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/27/fashion/27chasen.html  https://www.newspapers.com/image/796344832/?match=1&terms=%22ronni%20chasen%22  https://www.newspapers.com/image/632425795/?terms=%22ronni%20chasen%22   

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• Jesse Baird & Luke Davies Murder: The NSW Police Officer Killer

  The entire country of Australia was held hostage by a desperate search after the Sydney double murder of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies. On this episode, we delve into the chilling case of the former NSW Police Officer, Beau Lamarre-Condon, whose deadly obsession and tragic relationship led to a shocking disappearance and a killer hiding in plain sight. Hear the details of the terrifying 000 call and the dramatic turns in the ongoing legal case, including Beau Lamarre-Condon's controversial not guilty plea. This stark reminder of lives taken and power abused has captivated the nation. If you or someone you know needs help, please use these resources: Australia (Domestic/Dating Violence Hotline): 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) US: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)   Thank you to this week’s sponsors! Simplify your kids' mealtimes. Go to: littlespoon.com/MOMS and enter our code MOMS at checkout to get 50% OFF your first Little Spoon order.   Check-out bonus episodes up on Spotify and Apple podcast now! Get new episodes a day early and ad free, plus chat episodes, at Patreon.com/momsandmysteriespodcast .    To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://www.advertisecast.com/MomsandMysteriesATrueCrimePodcast.    Check-out Moms and Mysteries to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more. Sources: BBC News - Tributes flood in for Jesse Baird and Luke Davies 3.The Guardian - a timeline of the search for Jesse Baird and Luke Davies 4.ABC News - what is known in the alleged double murder of Luke Davies and Jesse Baird 5.AFLUA - Jesse Baird - Obituary 6.The Guardian - ‘Light and love’: family and friends to honour Jesse Baird and Luke Davies at Sydney vigil 7.ABC News - Who is the constable and celebrity-chaser Beau Lamarre... 8.news.com.au - NSW Police announce new gun handling rules... 9.ABC News - Beau Lamarre-Condon appears in court...

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• The Murder of Mindi Kassotis: Navy JAG, Dismemberment, and the Phantom FBI Agent

  In December 2022, a hunter found the dismembered body of Mindi Kassotis in the Georgia woods. The victim was the wife of Nicholas Kassotis, a decorated Navy JAG officer who lived a profound double life. We uncover how Nicholas created "Jim McIntyre," a phantom FBI agent, to control and isolate Mindi ultimately leading to malice murder and dismemberment.   Thank you to this week’s sponsors! Boll & Branch makes upgrading your bed easier than ever with curated Bundles for a sanctuary of comfort. For a limited time get 20% off Bed Bundles, plus free shipping and returns, at BollAndBranch.com/MOMS.  Take care of your liver today! Save 25% on your first month of subscription by going to dosedaily.co/MOMS or entering MOMS at checkout.  Check-out bonus episodes up on Spotify and Apple podcast now! Get new episodes a day early and ad free, plus chat episodes, at Patreon.com/momsandmysteriespodcast .    To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://www.advertisecast.com/MomsandMysteriesATrueCrimePodcast.    Check-out Moms and Mysteries to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more.

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• MURDER: Thabo Bester: The Facebook Rapist and the Doctor Who Helped Him Escape Prison

  The official story was that convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester died in a South African prison fire on May 3, 2022, but the truth was far more shocking: he had faked his own death with a stolen corpse and easily walked out of a maximum security prison. Known as "The Facebook Rapist" for luring women with fake international modeling opportunities, Bester was serving a 30-year sentence for the rape and robbery of two women and the murder of his girlfriend, Nomfundo Tyhulu, in 2011. In this episode, we unravel the chaotic details of his escape and his life on the run: The Fake Death: An investigation into the cell fire and the burned remains raised immediate suspicion. The body used to stage his death was later confirmed to have died before the fire from blunt force trauma to the head, and DNA did not match Bester .  The Accomplice: Dr. Nandipha Magudumana (Dr. Nandi): Celebrity physician Dr. Nandi, who claimed to be Bester's customary law wife, was his essential partner in crime. She initially collected the body and was later spotted shopping with Bester, aiding his life as a fugitive. She is a glamorous doctor who had it all, but chose a criminal life as a "cold-blooded accomplice". Life as a Fugitive: Before his escape was confirmed, Bester was running multiple scam companies from prison. After walking out, he continued his fraudulent schemes with Dr. Nandi, meeting clients and living in a rented mansion until their arrest in Tanzania in April 2023.  This incredible true crime saga is also the subject of the Netflix docuseries, Beauty and the Bester.   Thank you to this week’s sponsors! Take care of your liver with Dose!  Save 25% on your first month of subscription by going to dosedaily.co/MOMS or entering MOMS at checkout.  Keep it classic and cozy this fall with long-lasting staples from Quince. Go to Quince.com/moms for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.    Check-out bonus episodes up on Spotify and Apple podcast now! Get new episodes a day early and ad free, plus chat episodes, at Patreon.com/momsandmysteriespodcast .    To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://www.advertisecast.com/MomsandMysteriesATrueCrimePodcast.    Check-out Moms and Mysteries to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more. Sources: https://www.scribd.com/document/646714591/State-v-Thabo-Bester-WCC-16-Aug-2021-by-Cloete-AJ  https://groundup.org.za/article/many-mysteries-surround-death-facebook-rapist-thabo-bester/  https://groundup.org.za/article/did-the-facebook-rapist-die-in-his-cell-or-did-he-escape-from-prison/ https://200youngsouthafricans.co.za/nandipha-magudumana-2018/  https://www.justice.gov.za/legislation/acts/1998-120.pdf   https://groundup.org.za/article/man-resembling-facebook-rapist-thabo-bester-spotted-in-sandton/  https://groundup.org.za/article/government-admits-thabo-bester-has-escaped/  https://groundup.org.za/article/facebook-rapist-deputy-minister-was-informed-by-warden-in-june-2022-thabo-bester-escaped/  https://groundup.org.za/article/g4s-booted-from-control-mangaung-prison-after-thabo-bester-escape/  https://groundup.org.za/article/thabo-bester-nandipha-magudumana-arrested-in-tanzania/ https://groundup.org.za/article/thabo-bester-prison-break-two-men-in-court-charged-with-murder/  https://groundup.org.za/article/nandipha-magudumana-appears-in-court-for-first-time/ https://groundup.org.za/article/recaptured-thabo-bester-returns-to-courtroom/   https://groundup.org.za/article/thabo-bester-escape-g4s-guard-in-court/  https://groundup.org.za/article/nandipha-madugumana-accomplices-to-stay-in-prison-for-now-her-dad-has-been-granted-bail/  https://groundup.org.za/article/thabo-bester-escape-many-unanswered-questions-surround-death-katlego-bereng/  https://groundup.org.za/article/thabo-bester-escape-state-says-prison-cctv-technician-was-offered-a-r25-million-bribe/  https://groundup.org.za/article/thabo-bester-escape-friends-remember-katlego-bereng/  https://groundup.org.za/article/burial-for-katlego-bereng-takes-place-in-bloemfontein/ https://groundup.org.za/article/magistrate-denies-bail-to-four-accused-in-thabo-bester-saga/  https://groundup.org.za/article/judge-rejects-dr-nandipha-urgent-bid-for-freedom/  https://groundup.org.za/article/police-testimony-reveals-how-thabo-bester-allegedly-bribed-prison-officials-to-escape-from-prison/  https://groundup.org.za/article/ninth-suspect-in-thabo-bester-escape-appears-in-court/  https://groundup.org.za/article/thabo-bester-saga-judge-grants-r10000-bail-to-three-more-co-accused/  https://groundup.org.za/article/three-more-g4s-prison-officials-in-court-for-aiding-thabo-besters-escape/  https://groundup.org.za/article/thabo-bester-escape-court-grants-r10000-bail-to-one-of-three-prison-officers-arrested-last-week/  https://groundup.org.za/article/nandipha-magudumana-denied-bail/  https://groundup.org.za/article/thabo-bester-escape-trial-to-start-in-february-2024/  https://groundup.org.za/article/magudumana-must-stay-in-prison-sca-rules/  https://groundup.org.za/article/judge-warns-thabo-bester-co-accused-not-to-delay-proceedings/  https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/celeb-news/mkhuseli-magudumana-who-dr-nandipha-ex-husband-thabo-bester-divorce-children-17-april-2023/  https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/nandipha-magudumana-meet-the-doctor-who-plotted-thabo-besters-escape-september-2023/  https://iol.co.za/the-star/news/2023-04-13-who-is-dr-nandipha-magudumana-and-how-deep-in-trouble-is-she/  https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2023-03-30-watch-dr-nandipha-from-beauty-boss-to-fugitive-holidays-cars-and-celebrities/  https://iol.co.za/sundayindependent/news/2022-05-08-facebook-rapist-mysteriously-burns-to-ashes-in-his-cell/  https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-65311848  https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/minister-aaron-motsoaledi-home-affairs-related-aspects-thabo-bester-and-dr  https://powerfulwomen.mg.co.za/dr-nandipha-magudumana-2020/  https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-05-03-facebook-rapist-thabo-bester-found-dead-in-his-mangaung-prison-cell/  https://iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/2011-10-14-i-was-raped-says-facebook-rapist/  https://iol.co.za/news/2012-05-04-facebook-rapist-in-dock-for-fraud/  https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2012-08-14-i-dont-know-why-i-killed-her-facebook-rapist/ https://www.news24.com/drum/news/facebook-rapist-sentence-reduced-20170728   https://www.cbsnews.com/news/accused-facebook-rapist-thabo-bester-loses-bid-block-netflix-documentary/  https://iol.co.za/dailynews/news/2025-06-17-court-withdraws-charges-against-john-masukela-in-thabo-bester-escape-case/ https://groundup.org.za/article/thabo-bester-dr-nandipha-made-millions-from-property-company/  https://groundup.org.za/article/thabo-bester-ran-glitzy-multi-million-rand-scam---from-behind-bars/  https://groundup.org.za/article/more-evidence-emerges-of-links-between-thabo-bester-and-dr-nandipha-magudumana/  https://groundup.org.za/article/police-minister-confirms-thabo-bester-was-let-go-while-he-was-on-the-run/  https://groundup.org.za/article/thabo-bester-saga-police-fail-to-collect-evidence/  https://groundup.org.za/article/government-knew-of-thabo-besters-escape-since-october-but-did-nothing/  https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-6536554

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