Tragedy - A True Crime Podcast

Every investigation begins with a single question. In this episode, we take our first look at the death of Crystal McCrory, introducing the known facts of the case and examining the details that immediately caught our attention.
As we walk through the timeline, we discuss several aspects of the investigation that raised questions for us, from the handling of evidence to the circumstances surrounding Crystal's death. While we're not drawing conclusions, we are identifying the areas that deserve a closer look as this series unfolds.
We also introduce many of the voices you'll hear throughout this investigation, including family members, friends, investigators, and experts who will help us better understand both Crystal's life and the investigation that followed her death. Each conversation adds another piece to a story that is far more complex than it first appears.
This is where the journey begins. Join us as we start asking the questions that continue to surround Crystal McCrory's case and begin searching for the answers.

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This episode is all about you—the incredible community that has helped transform Tragedy: A True Crime Podcast into something far greater than we ever imagined. Every download, every share, every review, and every conversation has helped amplify the voices of victims and their families. Because of your support, we've reached another major milestone, and we wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you while sharing where this journey is taking us next.
We also provide important updates on several of the cases we've been following, including Jody Kilgore, LaTonya Thomas, Michael John Olson, Cody Haney, and Ian Rogers. From new developments to ongoing efforts behind the scenes, we discuss where each investigation stands, what we've learned, and what may be coming next.
Finally, we look ahead to the conferences and events we'll be attending in the coming months, where we'll continue building relationships with investigators, advocates, families, and experts who share the same mission: keeping unsolved cases in the public eye and helping bring answers to those who have waited far too long.
Thank you for believing in this mission. None of this happens without you, and together we're proving that a dedicated community can make a real difference. As our audience continues to grow, so does our ability to shine a light on cases that deserve renewed attention, and we couldn't do it without each and every one of you standing beside us.

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What does evidence actually tell investigators—and just as importantly, what doesn't it tell them?
In this episode of Tragedy: A True Crime Podcast, we sit down with Kathy Decker, founder of IRIS (Incident Response & Investigative Strategies), for an in-depth conversation about the realities of professional investigations. Kathy shares the story behind IRIS, how the organization was built, and the decades of investigative experience she and her team bring to some of the most challenging cases.
Throughout the conversation, we explore the many facets of investigative work. We also present Kathy with several stories and real-world scenarios we've encountered during our own investigations, asking her to explain what specific pieces of evidence might actually mean, and what conclusions investigators should avoid jumping to.
During our discussion, we also talk about the potential value that organizations like IRIS can bring to unresolved investigations. We previously presented IRIS and its capabilities to the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office as a potential resource for assisting with unsolved cases (specifically the Jody Kilgore case), and to our knowledge, that opportunity was never pursued. Our hope is that this conversation provides another opportunity to highlight the expertise IRIS offers and that those responsible for investigating unsolved cases in our county will listen with an open mind and reconsider whether these resources could help bring answers to families who have been waiting far too long.
Whether you're fascinated by true crime, investigative techniques, or simply want to understand how experienced professionals evaluate evidence, this episode offers a rare look inside the investigative process from someone who has spent a career separating fact from speculation.
Join us for an honest discussion about critical thinking, evidence, and the science—and experience—behind modern investigations.

Email - kathy@irisinvestigativestrategies.com
Phone - (208) 999-8460

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In this episode of Tragedy: A True Crime Podcast, we sit down with Brandy Guzman, a childhood friend of Deanna Merryfield, to remember what life was like growing up in Killeen, Texas, during the early 1990s. Brandy shares memories of a close-knit group of friends, the sense of freedom they enjoyed as kids, and how her family's move to a different neighborhood changed the course of her life.
She also reflects on the devastating moment she learned that Deanna had disappeared—a piece of news that forever changed the way she remembered her childhood. Through Brandy's firsthand recollections, listeners gain a deeper understanding of who Deanna was before she became a missing person's case and why those who knew her continue to seek answers more than three decades later.
This conversation is a heartfelt reminder that behind every unsolved case is a real person, lifelong friendships, and a community still searching for the truth.

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Deanna Merryfield's sister, Amy Hall, shares her memories of the little sister she knew before tragedy changed everything. Amy reflects on the happy moments they shared growing up, the day Deanna disappeared, and what she remembers about the early days of the investigation.
Amy also speaks candidly about the frustration of watching Deanna's case receive so little attention from both law enforcement and the media over the past three decades. She discusses the emotional toll that unanswered questions have taken on her family and the determination it has taken to keep Deanna's name alive.
A significant part of that effort has been led by Deanna's sister, Melissa, whose relentless advocacy has brought renewed attention to the case. Amy shares what it has been like to witness Melissa's unwavering commitment to seeking answers and why that work has become so important to their family.
The conversation also explores some of the misinformation that has surrounded Deanna's disappearance over the years, separating rumor from fact and discussing how inaccurate information can complicate an already difficult investigation.
This is a deeply personal conversation about family, resilience, and the enduring hope that one day the truth about what happened to Deanna Merryfield will finally be known.

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Please visit us at www.tragedyatruecrimepodcast.com