Our True Crime Podcast

Thank you to Riley for suggesting this episode!

In July 2018, a heartbreaking crime shocked a quiet community when six-year-old Alesha MacPhail disappeared while visiting family on the peaceful Isle of Bute in Scotland. Her sudden disappearance launched a massive search across the island, bringing together police, volunteers, and devastated family members in a desperate hope to find her safe.

Tragically, the search ended in a devastating loss that left the entire nation in shock and mourning. When the perpetrator was finally captured and brought to trial, the courtroom proceedings uncovered a deeply chilling reality. The trial judge strongly condemned the teenager, pointing out his terrifying lack of emotion and describing his actions as some of the most wicked the court had ever seen in decades.

Join Jen and Cam as they walk through the details of Remorseless: The Murder of Alesha MacPhail.

Thank you to our team:

Listener Discretion by ⁠Edward October⁠

Music by Nico Fyffe-Vettese

Editing by Jesse Fyffe-Vettese

Check them out at ⁠The Inky Paw Print

'She was the brightest thing': The murder of Alesha MacPhail – Overview & Analysis | Crime+Investigation UK

Jul 05, 2018, page A13 - The Guardian at Newspapers.com™

Jul 05, 2018, page 19 - Belfast Telegraph at Newspapers.com™

Jul 04, 2018, page A17 - The Guardian at Newspapers.com™

Jul 10, 2018, page M2 - The Herald (Glasgow ed.) at Newspapers.com™

Jul 25, 2018, page M8 - The Herald (Glasgow ed.) at Newspapers.com™

Jul 03, 2018, page M9 - The National at Newspapers.com™

Jul 11, 2018, page M8 - Glasgow Times at Newspapers.com™

Aug 17, 2018, page M5 - Glasgow Times at Newspapers.com™

Sep 14, 2018, page M7 - Glasgow Times at Newspapers.com™

Sep 14, 2018, page M2 - The Herald (Glasgow ed.) at Newspapers.com™

Dec 11, 2018, page M10 - Glasgow Times at Newspapers.com™

Feb 17, 2019, page M53 - The Herald on Sunday at Newspapers.com™

Feb 22, 2019, page A7-01 - The Guardian at Newspapers.com™

Feb 20, 2019, page M9 - Glasgow Times at Newspapers.com™

Feb 22, 2019, page 28 - Belfast Telegraph at Newspapers.com™

Feb 20, 2019, page M9 - Glasgow Times at Newspapers.com™

Feb 24, 2019, page M18 - The National at Newspapers.com™ - Newspapers.com™

Mar 23, 2019, page M6 - The Herald (Glasgow ed.) at Newspapers.com™

Feb 20, 2019, page M9 - The Herald (Glasgow ed.) at Newspapers.com™

Feb 24, 2019, page M19 - The National at Newspapers.com™

Feb 15, 2019, page 26 - Belfast Telegraph at Newspapers.com™

Feb 13, 2019, page A20 - The Guardian at Newspapers.com™

Feb 15, 2019, page M1 - The Herald (Glasgow ed.) at Newspapers.com™

Feb 16, 2019, page M9 - Glasgow Times at Newspapers.com™

Feb 15, 2019, page A27 - The Guardian at Newspapers.com™

Mar 22, 2019, page A5-01 - The Guardian at Newspapers.com™

Mar 21, 2019, page M9 - The Herald (Glasgow ed.) at Newspapers.com™

Apr 05, 2019, page 22 - Belfast Telegraph at Newspapers.com™

Mar 22, 2019, page 23 - Evening Herald at Newspapers.com™

Apr 12, 2019, page A29 - The Guardian at Newspapers.com™

Apr 03, 2019, page M21 - The Herald (Glasgow ed.) at Newspapers.com™

May 15, 2019, page A22 - The Guardian at Newspapers.com™

May 10, 2019, page M7 - Glasgow Times at Newspapers.com™

May 27, 2019, page M4 - Glasgow Times at Newspapers.com™

Aug 08, 2019, page A14 - The Guardian at Newspapers.com™ - Newspapers.com™

Sep 15, 2019, page M8 - The Herald (Glasgow ed.) at Newspapers.com™

Sep 12, 2019, page M20 - Greenock Telegraph at Newspapers.com™ - Newspapers.com™

Murder of Alesha MacPhail - Wikipedia

Isle of Bute - Wikipedia

Rothesay - Wikipedia

Kyles Hydopathic | Bute Museum & Natural History Society

water cure | Historic Hospitals

TIMELINE: Events surrounding the murder of Alesha MacPhail | The National

Apr 27, 2019, page M3 - Glasgow Times at Newspapers.com™

Alesha MacPhail murder: Life sentence for Aaron Campbell after he admits guilt

Alesha MacPhail murder trial: Six-year-old's injuries 'catastrophic'

Alesha MacPhail suffered 'catastrophic' sexual injuries before and after her death, murder trial told

Mother of Alesha MacPhail's killer led police to his door | Scotland | The Guardian

Tragic Alesha MacPhail's little sister vows to keep her memory alive by helping others - Daily Record

Alesha MacPhail murder: The schoolboy who became an opportunistic killer

CHILD KILLER - Aaron Campbell.

Alesha MacPhail's mum reveals chilling premonition on day daughter went missing - The Mirror

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In this special collaboration episode, Jen and Cam talk with Johanna and Annie from Fresh Hell of an American who disappeared while living abroad.

In October 2007, 34-year-old Aeryn Michael John Gillern, a UNIDO researcher and former Mr. Gay Austria, left his home in Vienna, Austria, to enjoy a night out. It was a vibrant life abroad that suddenly spiraled into a chilling mystery.

After being last seen fleeing a sauna, exhibiting increasingly erratic behavior, Aeryn vanished entirely into thin air under suspicious circumstances.

What followed was a deeply disturbing series of conflicting accounts, unhelpful and dismissive local police, and a desperate years-long crusade by Aeryn's mother and supporters through vigils and advocacy to uncover what truly happened to him. To this day, the case remains unsolved.

Join us as Johanna and Annie tell a haunting case filled with unanswered questions, frustrating police roadblocks, and a mother's relentless search for the truth.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Fresh Hell. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Disclaimer:
From the moment we met Johanna and Annie, we clicked right away. In our absolute excitement over finding new kindred spirits, you might catch a few moments where we get a little too enthusiastic and talk right over each other!

Thank you to our team:

Listener Discretion by Edward October

Music by Nico Fyffe-Vettese

Editing by Jesse Fyffe-Vettese

Check them out at The Inky Paw Print

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As of the release of this episode, Christa Pike remains scheduled to be executed by lethal injection by the State of Tennessee on September 30, 2026. If that status changes or new information becomes available, we will update accordingly.

Interested in going to the Netherlands with us? Scroll to the bottom for info.

Little Devil: Christa Pike

On the evening of January 12, 1995, Christa Pike stepped into the room of her friend Kim Iloilo at the Knoxville Job Corps Center and casually announced that she, her boyfriend Tadaryl Shipp, their friend Shadolla Peterson, and Colleen Slemmer were heading out to smoke marijuana. The combination immediately struck Kim as odd. Christa hated Colleen. So why, suddenly, were they going anywhere together?

When Kim questioned her, Christa simply smiled, winked, and walked away. A little more than two hours later, at approximately 10:15 p.m., Kim saw Christa, Tadaryl, and Shadolla return to the center.

Colleen did not return.

What had happened during those missing hours would become one of the most brutal murder cases in Tennessee history and a pending execution that is slated to happen on September 30, 2026. If the execution happens this month, she will be the first woman executed by the state of Tennessee since 1820.

Join Cam and Jen as we discuss “Lil Devil”: Christa Pike’s Road to Execution — The Murder of Colleen Slemmer.

Listener discretion by @octoberpodVHS

All music by our E.P @theinkypawprint

Sources:

[Sources: STATE v. PIKE (1998) Supreme Court of Tennessee, at Knoxville; United States Court of Appeal (2018)]

[Media source: World’s Most Dangerous Prisoners S1 E8 Pike (2024)]

https://youtu.be/Wo10ToeqHG0?is=D1xdW_2G9f3XAgPC

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BSEZ_lV40xlIsEVBuQV8zkvP2nSKS3Gc/view

https://web.archive.org/web/20170920093004/http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-18901.html

https://www.willkern.com/pike.html

https://archive.knoxnews.com/news/local/pike-s-own-words-did-her-in---court-not-convinced-killer-reacted-to-save-another-inmates-life-ep-894-353644061.html/

https://web.archive.org/web/20120329203025/http://www.ksdk.com/news/crime/article/311792/147/Death-row-inmate-woos-NJ-man-and-guard-to-help-plan-escape

https://www.amnestyusa.org/press-releases/amnesty-international-members-worldwide-urge-tennessee-governor-bill-lee-to-stop-the-execution-of-christa-pike/

https://dpw.lawschool.cornell.edu/advocacy/christa-pike/

North, John. “September 2026 Execution Date Set for Christa Gail Pike, Only Woman on Tennessee’s Death Row.” WBIR / 10 News.

Lakin, Matt. “Hearing for Convicted Job Corps Killer Pike Resumes.” Knoxville News Sentinel, April 7, 2008.

Hale, Steven. “Tennessee Is Seeking an Execution Date for the Only Woman on the State’s Death Row.” Nashville Scene, June 8, 2021.

Jorge, Kaylin. “Only Woman on Death Row in Tennessee Seeks Commutation of Sentence.” Fox 17 / WZTV, June 8, 2021.

Pike v. Gross. U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

Brand, Bethany. “Forensic Psychological Addendum.” June 1, 2026.

“Claude Davis Charging & No Contest Plea.”

Satterfield, Jamie. “Federal Judge’s Ruling Opens Death Chamber Door for Christa Gail Pike.” Knoxville News Sentinel, March 11, 2016.

North, John. “Judge Dismisses Death Row Inmate Christa Pike’s Bid to Reopen Her Criminal Case.” WBIR-TV, October 31, 2023.

Satterfield, Jamie. “Rejected Appeal for Pike Revealing: Defense’s Testimony Details Death Row Inmate’s Childhood.” Knoxville News Sentinel, December 21, 2008.

Satterfield, Jamie. “Pike’s Own Words Did Her In — Court Not Convinced Killer Reacted to Save Another Inmate’s Life.” Knoxville News Sentinel, March 9, 2006.

Queally, James. “Raritan TWP Man Arrested.” The Star-Ledger.

Donila, Mike. “Federal Court Denies Pike’s Request to Overturn Death Penalty.” WBIR-TV, March 11, 2016.

“Slaying Suspect, 17, Will Be Tried as Adult; Grisly Tale of Job Corps Victim’s Death Told at Hearing.” Knoxville News Sentinel.

Holt, Erin. “Christa Pike Woos Donald Kohut and Justin Heflin to Help Plan Escape.” KSDK, March 22, 2012.

Satterfield, Jamie. “Judge Denies Job Corps Killer’s Appeal: Pike Will Stay on Death Row.” Knoxville News Sentinel, December 11, 2008.

“Tennessee Prisoner Faces 45 More Counts in N.J.” Hunterdon County Democrat.

Mealins, Evan. “Tennessee’s Only Woman on Death Row Featured in ‘Mean Girl Murders.’ Here’s What to Know.” USA Today, May 21, 2024.

Pike v. State, Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, April 25, 2011.

“Murder Victim’s Mother Begs TN to Release Skull Fragment.” WBIR, January 16, 2015.

Loggins, Kirk. “Love and Hate on Death Row.” The Tennessean, July 6, 2003.

Sweeney, Catherine. “Special Master Declines Intervention in Christa Pike Execution.” WPLN News, August 22, 2026.

“Petition Alleging Violations of the Human Rights of Christa Pike by the United States of America and Request for Precautionary Measures.”

Satterfield, Jamie. “Final Death-Row Appeal of Christa Gail Pike Delayed Again.” Knoxville News Sentinel.

Caulfield, Philip. “2 Busted in Plot to Spring Female Killer From Death Row.” New York Daily News, March 22, 2012.

“Women on Death Row.” Tennessee Department of Correction.

Kenner, Randy. “Court of Criminal Appeals Grants Pike Stay of Execution.” Knoxville News Sentinel, August 2, 2002.

“Pair Planned to Copy Jail Key.” Chattanooga Times Free Press / Associated Press, March 24, 2012.

“Chattanooga Federal Judge Upholds Conviction of Christa Pike, Who Carried Out Torture Murder of Romantic Rival.” The Chattanoogan, March 17, 2016.

“Tadaryl Shipp Convicted.” The Orlando Sentinel, March 9, 1997.

Bedard, Hayley. “Death-Sentenced Prisoner Christa Pike Files Religious Challenge to Tennessee’s Execution Protocol.” Death Penalty Information Center, January 27, 2026.

Interested in hearing more about The Netherlands trip with OTCP in July 2028. Join us for a meeting on September 24 at 6pm CST.

More info? Go to ourtruecrimepodcast.com

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In October 1976, two teenagers took a late-night drive near a remote military base in the Missouri Ozarks and simply vanished into thin air.

Months later, a second carload of kids was pulled over by a figure of authority on those same dark roads, leading to a brutal murder and betrayal, with one brave survivor.

When the predator behind the badge is finally caught, investigators are left with a troubling question: could the same man responsible for this tragedy also be the answer to what happened to the two teens who went missing months before?

Our team:

Listener Discretion by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Edward October ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Research & Writing by Lauretta Allen

Executive Producers Nico & Jesse of ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Inky Pawprint⁠⁠

Sources:

Bates v. United States, 517 F. Supp. 1350 (W.D. Mo. 1981) :: Justia

234: Frozen Tears: The Fort Leonard Wood MP Murders w/ J.B. King

Crime Traveler: The Ft. Leonard Wood Massacre TRUE CRIME STORY

Alfred Elmer Hoffman Marshal – The Charley Project

Teresa Joanna Gossage – The Charley Project

701 F.2d 737

Photos of Wesley August “Wes” Hawkins - Find a Grave Memorial

Anthony Lee “Tony” Bates (1958-1977) - Find a Grave Memorial

Fort Leonard Wood - Wikipedia

History :: FORT LEONARD WOOD

Article From Jan 22, 1977, page 2 - Daily American Republic at Newspapers.com™

Oct 17, 1976, page 21 - Springfield Leader and Press at Newspapers.com™

Jan 22, 1977, page 1 - The Daily Capital News at Newspapers.com™ - Newspapers.com™

May 04, 1977, page 27 - Daily American Republic at Newspapers.com™

Article From Feb 16, 1977, page 9 - Henryetta Daily Free-Lance at Newspapers.com™

May 04, 1977, page 29 - The Springfield News-Leader at Newspapers.com™

May 03, 1977, page 1 - The Springfield News-Leader at Newspapers.com™

Feb 23, 1977, page 29 - The Springfield News-Leader at Newspapers.com™

May 08, 1977, page 2 - The Kansas City Star at Newspapers.com™

Article From Jun 10, 1977, page 1 - The Kansas City Times at Newspapers.com™

Jun 10, 1977, page 4 - The Kansas City Times at Newspapers.com™

Article From Apr 16, 1980, page 2 - Daily American Republic at Newspapers.com™

Article From Jan 08, 1981, page 10 - Springfield Leader and Press at Newspapers.com™

Article From Jan 09, 1981, page 8 - Springfield Leader and Press at Newspapers.com™

Article From May 31, 1981, page 35 - Springfield Leader and Press at Newspapers.com™

Article From Aug 23, 1981, page 29 - The Kansas City Star at Newspapers.com™

The Debate Over Whether Dissociative Identity Disorder Is "Real" | Psychology Today

Jul 26, 1977, page 13 - Times Record at Newspapers.com™ (found sane)

Article From Jul 27, 1977, page 2 - The Montgomery Advertiser at Newspapers.com™

Jan 15, 1977, page 1 - Times Record at Newspapers.com™

Article From Jul 23, 1977, page 6 - The Kansas City Star at Newspapers.com™

Jul 27, 1977, page 27 - Journal and Courier at Newspapers.com™

Article From Jul 26, 1977, page 38 - Portland Press Herald at Newspapers.com™

Article From Jul 26, 1977, page 18 - Omaha World-Herald at Newspapers.com™

Article From Jan 15, 1977, page 1 - Springfield Leader and Press at Newspapers.com™

Article From Jan 15, 1977, page 2 - Springfield Leader and Press at Newspapers.com™

Jan 15, 1977, page 9 - The Register at Newspapers.com™

Jan 15, 1977, page 29 - The Times at Newspapers.com™

https://www.newspapers.com/image/887035596/?match=1&terms="Johnny%20Lee%20Thornton"%20&search-id=af39819e-93b9-4829-b9ea-44130a34b461&search-rank=7

Article From Feb 17, 1977, page 25 - Springfield Leader and Press at Newspapers.com™

Jul 27, 1977, page 1 - The Kansas City Times at Newspapers.com™

Jul 27, 1979, page 11 - The Springfield News-Leader at Newspapers.com™

May 20, 1979, page 83 - Springfield Leader and Press at Newspapers.com™

Jun 19, 1979, page 4 - Springfield Leader and Press at Newspapers.com™

Real 'Sybil' Admits Multiple Personalities Were Fake : NPR

The Mesmerizing Story of ‘Sybil Exposed’ | Kirkus Reviews

Aug 09, 1980, page 11 - Albany Democrat-Herald at Newspapers.com™ - Newspapers.com™

Frozen Tears: The Fort Leonard Wood MP Murders | # **EXCERPT FROM CHAPTER 9 - [Frozen Tears: The Fort Leonard Wood MP Murders](https://www.facebook.com/groups/682974085504257/ | Facebook

Frederick E Williams (1958-1977) - Find a Grave Memorial

https://phelpscountyfocus.com/2023/02/15/talking-waynesville-the-mp-murders-of-1977/

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In this special episode, Cam and Jen join forces with Ash from F**K That to unravel the haunting disappearance of Danielle Bell.

Fourteen-year-old Danielle Arion Bell went missing on Friday, September 28th, 2001, from a small town just outside of Pensacola, Florida.
She was last seen at a party in a house on Cedar Tree Lane before she seemingly vanished into thin air.

Her sister, Bonnie, has been advocating for her sister’s case for years, pushing local law enforcement to conduct a proper investigation, which they initially failed to do.

If you have any information regarding her disappearance, please contact the Escambia County Sheriff's Office at (850) 436-9620.

Don’t forget to check out Ash's podcast, F**k That. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Music by Nico Fyffe-Vettese
Editing by Jesse Fyffe-Vettese
Check them out: The Inky Paw Print

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