When 7 year old Jenny Sue lles walked down her street to a friends house and never returned the city of Covington, Kentucky was turned upside down trying to locate her. Ten days later she was discovered on the second story of an abandoned house by someone collection alluminum. A suspect was arrested, indicted and convicted but that was overturned a short two years later. Jenny's case should not remained unsolved. If you know anything about this 1989 abduction, rape and murder of a 7 year old girl please contact the Covington PD 859-292-2222 Co-Host Joshua Bevan Editing Wizardry- Matthew Kelly/Geekscape Bullshittery- Melissa Morgan

When 7 year old Jenny Sue lles walked down her street to a friends house and never returned the city of Covington, Kentucky was turned upside down trying to locate her. Ten days later she was discovered on the second story of an abandoned house by someone collection alluminum. A suspect was arrested, indicted and convicted but that was overturned a short two years later. Jenny's case should not remained unsolved. If you know anything about this 1989 abduction, rape and murder of a 7 year old girl please contact the Covington PD 859-292-2222 Co-Host Joshua Bevan Editing Wizardry- Matthew Kelly/Geekscape Bullshittery- Melissa Morgan

TASTES LIKE JENNY SUE ILES IS STILL WAITING

Linda Peterson

Linda Peterson struggled like we all do. A difficult upbringing led her to quelling her pain with substance abuse. But she pulled herself out of that life for her grandchildren who lit up her world. She not only kept clean she would volunteer to help others going through the same struggles. She would even go to rehab when she was clean as a refresher in case she felt like she might falter. Someone with this will to live and help others should not have disappeared over $400 dollars. More than one person knows Linda's whereabouts. If you know ANYTHING at all about where Linda might be or those involved with her disappearance: The Baker County Major Crime Team has offered a $2,500 reward, and Crime Stoppers of Oregon added the same amount for a total of $5,000, for information that leads to an arrest in connection with Linda Peterson's disappearance. Anyone with information can contact the Baker City Police Department at 541-524-2014.

Linda Peterson struggled like we all do. A difficult upbringing led her to quelling her pain with substance abuse. But she pulled herself out of that life for her grandchildren who lit up her world. She not only kept clean she would volunteer to help others going through the same struggles. She would even go to rehab when she was clean as a refresher in case she felt like she might falter. Someone with this will to live and help others should not have disappeared over $400 dollars. More than one person knows Linda's whereabouts. If you know ANYTHING at all about where Linda might be or those involved with her disappearance: The Baker County Major Crime Team has offered a $2,500 reward, and Crime Stoppers of Oregon added the same amount for a total of $5,000, for information that leads to an arrest in connection with Linda Peterson's disappearance. Anyone with information can contact the Baker City Police Department at 541-524-2014.

TASTES LIKE LINDA PETERSON'S KILLERS ARE KNOWN

Bob Ross

If you, your parents or grandparents ever saw a soft-voiced, gentle man with the strangest afro ever teaching the world how to paint 'Happy Little Trees,' on the PBS show "The Joy of Painting," you know Bob Ross. The OG unintended inventor of AMSR (auto sensory meridian response) with his voice like a 'Liquid Tranquilizer,' he was a fascinating man for sure. But I can tell you with utmost certainty he was not a serial killer who painted areas where he had buried his victims. Between the TV show, teaching many painting workshops (with lots of witnesses) and a full platter of romantic entanglements he would not have had the time. There IS a crime element to his much too short and remarkable life, though. You can hear part of his story here in this episode. 

If you, your parents or grandparents ever saw a soft-voiced, gentle man with the strangest afro ever teaching the world how to paint 'Happy Little Trees,' on the PBS show "The Joy of Painting," you know Bob Ross. The OG unintended inventor of AMSR (auto sensory meridian response) with his voice like a 'Liquid Tranquilizer,' he was a fascinating man for sure. But I can tell you with utmost certainty he was not a serial killer who painted areas where he had buried his victims. Between the TV show, teaching many painting workshops (with lots of witnesses) and a full platter of romantic entanglements he would not have had the time. There IS a crime element to his much too short and remarkable life, though. You can hear part of his story here in this episode.

TASTES LIKE BOB ROSS SPOKE SOFTLY AND CARRIED A BIG BRUSH

In 2011 Amy Pitzen took her 6 year old son out of kindergarten saying there was a family emergency. She left town with Timmothy and took him to his favorite zoo, an amusement park and finally a resort hotel. She left notes saying Timmothy was with people who loved him and his father and the rest of his family would never find him. She then ended her own life in the hotel bathtub. Timmothy has not been seen or heard from again even though someone claimed to be him in 2019. Where is Timmothy Pitzen? 

In 2011 Amy Pitzen took her 6 year old son out of kindergarten saying there was a family emergency. She left town with Timmothy and took him to his favorite zoo, an amusement park and finally a resort hotel. She left notes saying Timmothy was with people who loved him and his father and the rest of his family would never find him. She then ended her own life in the hotel bathtub. Timmothy has not been seen or heard from again even though someone claimed to be him in 2019. Where is Timmothy Pitzen?

TASTES LIKE TIMMOTHY PITZEN'S FAMILY MISSES HIM

Blanche Wright

TASTES LIKE BLANCHE WRIGHT ROSE LIKE A PHOENIX

TASTES LIKE VINCE CHAMP IS NOT JUST A COMIC BUT A DANGEROUS PREDATOR

Carrie Gaskins daughter comes home from school to the worst scene imaginable: her 30 year old mother has been murdered in their home. There was no sign of a forced entry and detectives think she absolutely knew who killed her. If you have any information on this 1992 homicide from Clermont County, Ohio please call the investigations department of the Clermont County Sheriff's Dept at (513) 732-7545

Carrie Gaskins daughter comes home from school to the worst scene imaginable: her 30 year old mother has been murdered in their home. There was no sign of a forced entry and detectives think she absolutely knew who killed her. If you have any information on this 1992 homicide from Clermont County, Ohio please call the investigations department of the Clermont County Sheriff's Dept at (513) 732-7545

TASTES LIKE CARRIE GASKINS KNEW WHO KILLED HER

Howard Unruh

I tend to think of mass shootings as something more current but what is largely considered America's first mass shooting was in 1949 even before University of Texas. There was such clear, complete and unvarnished coverage of this terrible event. One journalist won the Pulitzer Prize for News Reporting on this case. Howard Unruh took 13 lives and yet he lived 60 more years after the terror he brought to Camden, New Jersey. There are some heros in the story. Try to remember that. 

I tend to think of mass shootings as something more current but what is largely considered America's first mass shooting was in 1949 even before University of Texas. There was such clear, complete and unvarnished coverage of this terrible event. One journalist won the Pulitzer Prize for News Reporting on this case. Howard Unruh took 13 lives and yet he lived 60 more years after the terror he brought to Camden, New Jersey. There are some heros in the story. Try to remember that.

TASTES LIKE THE GATE IS STILL OPEN: HOWARD UNRUH'S WALK OF DEATH

Gail Russell

When one person in a troubled relationship disappears and the story told by the remaining partner sounds a bit implausible you hopoe SOMEONE knows more and feels comfortable letting it out by now. Help Gail's sons, Joey and Brian know what happened to their mother. If you know anything about this case please call the Pasco County Sheriff's Office at 727-847-5878m or the Crime Stoppers Number at 800-873 TIPS. 

When one person in a troubled relationship disappears and the story told by the remaining partner sounds a bit implausible you hopoe SOMEONE knows more and feels comfortable letting it out by now. Help Gail's sons, Joey and Brian know what happened to their mother. If you know anything about this case please call the Pasco County Sheriff's Office at 727-847-5878m or the Crime Stoppers Number at 800-873 TIPS.

TASTES LIKE GAIL RUSSELL KNEW WHO TOOK HER

Christian Longo

What happens when you are a highly esteemed NYT Magazine writer who is caught up in a self-made scandal and a family annihilator is living in Mexico under your name? True Story: Memoir, Murder, Mea Culpea is Mike Finkel's story woven into Christian Longo's nightmarish violence. Finkel's book came out in 2005 and a movie made from the book came out in 2015. Its a fascinating story and you can hear it on this weeks episode. 

What happens when you are a highly esteemed NYT Magazine writer who is caught up in a self-made scandal and a family annihilator is living in Mexico under your name? True Story: Memoir, Murder, Mea Culpea is Mike Finkel's story woven into Christian Longo's nightmarish violence. Finkel's book came out in 2005 and a movie made from the book came out in 2015. Its a fascinating story and you can hear it on this weeks episode.

TASTES LIKE CHRISTIAN LONGO WANTS TO BE MIKE FINKEL

Melissa Morgan hosts an often funny, always compelling adventure into murders and mysteries and other weirdness she finds fascinating.  Looking into solved and unsolved homicide cases and looking for tips from anywhere, from anyone, on anything, Melissa's curiosity and love of detective work and forensic science is contagious.Melissa's sense of humor and interest in spirituality also make for a wild ride.  A broadcasting professional by training, she has written for a nationally-syndicated comedy radio show, been a music DJ in a major US radio market, run one of the country's most popular comedy clubs - AND - she teaches yoga!  All of which makes for a truly fascinating, often hilarious, often edge-of-your-seat, riveting personality and a completely enthralling listening experience.Send your tips on ANYTHING to Melissa Morgan by sending an email to JTTIPSTERS@GMAIL.COM - or call the Tip-Ster Hotline and leave a voice mail message at (832) TIP-STER - (832-847-7837)!

Show is ok if you skip the first 29 minutes of every podcast

Banter!

I can't think of a title

Melissa Morgan hosts an often funny, always compelling adventure into murders and mysteries and other weirdness she finds fascinating. Looking into solved and unsolved homicide cases and looking for tips from anywhere, from anyone, on anything, Melissa's curiosity and love of detective work and forensic science is contagious. Melissa's sense of humor and interest in spirituality also make for a wild ride. A broadcasting professional by training, she has written for a nationally-syndicated comedy radio show, been a music DJ in a major US radio market, run one of the country's most popular comedy clubs - AND - she teaches yoga! All of which makes for a truly fascinating, often hilarious, often edge-of-your-seat, riveting personality and a completely enthralling listening experience. Send your tips on ANYTHING to Melissa Morgan by sending an email to JTTIPSTERS@GMAIL.COM - or call the Tip-Ster Hotline and leave a voice mail message at (832) TIP-STER - (832-847-7837)!

Just The Tip-Sters: True Crime Podcast

Savannah Spurlock

On January 4, 2019 Savannah Spurlock, a 22 year-old mother of 4 who had given birth to twins just a month earlier, was told by her mother that she should take a break and go have some fun.  So with grandma watching the kids, Savannah did just that - she and two friends went to downtown Lexington Kentucky for a night on the town and ended up at a place called The Other Bar.  After one friend left to be ready for an early day the next morning and the second friend left after she and Savannah had an argument, Savannah stayed at The Other Bar until security cameras caught her leaving with three men.  From there the story gets weird - and not for reasons one might think.  Savannah has not been seen or heard from since the early morning hours the following morning.  But this isn't just the story of a missing young woman - it is also the story of her family, who from virtually the moment they realized Savannah was missing, did not hesitate and did not wait.  This incredible group of loved ones is fully engaged in every way - including some very unique and creative ways - to find their daughter/niece/granddaughter.  Join Melissa as she re-tells the agonizing-yet-hopeful tale of the disappearance of Savannah Spurlock - and the family that is determined to bring her home.  SPONSORED BY KLEANSPA BATH &amp; BODY - scrubs, cleanses, perfumes and washes that inspire inner bliss and outer beauty - go to www.kleanspa.com - enter TIPSTERS at checkout and receive 15% off your total order!

On January 4, 2019 Savannah Spurlock, a 22 year-old mother of 4 who had given birth to twins just a month earlier, was told by her mother that she should take a break and go have some fun.  So with grandma watching the kids, Savannah did just that - she and two friends went to downtown Lexington Kentucky for a night on the town and ended up at a place called The Other Bar.  After one friend left to be ready for an early day the next morning and the second friend left after she and Savannah had an argument, Savannah stayed at The Other Bar until security cameras caught her leaving with three men.  From there the story gets weird - and not for reasons one might think.  Savannah has not been seen or heard from since the early morning hours the following morning.  But this isn't just the story of a missing young woman - it is also the story of her family, who from virtually the moment they realized Savannah was missing, did not hesitate and did not wait.  This incredible group of loved ones is fully engaged in every way - including some very unique and creative ways - to find their daughter/niece/granddaughter.  Join Melissa as she re-tells the agonizing-yet-hopeful tale of the disappearance of Savannah Spurlock - and the family that is determined to bring her home.  SPONSORED BY KLEANSPA BATH &amp; BODY - scrubs, cleanses, perfumes and washes that inspire inner bliss and outer beauty - go to <a href="http://www.kleanspa.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.kleanspa.com</a> - enter TIPSTERS at checkout and receive 15% off your total order!

88. Sounds Like Kin Comes First - Savannah Spurlock And Her Dedicated Family

Dana Ewell

Joel Radovcich

Greed is bad - evil greed is worse - and psychopathic evil greed is just downright bloody awful.  And Dana Ewell and his best bud Joel Radovcich were about the greediest, psycho-nut-job evil rat bastards ever to crawl into the world.  Melissa's retelling of this gruesome 1992 multiple murder of Ewell's parents and only sibling on Easter Sunday is as chilling as it is disgusting.  As usual though, the nastiness is tempered by the heroism of two dogged Fresno County California detectives who took FIVE YEARS to finally bring the case to a close and bring Ewell and Radovcich to justice.  Find out why this was known for years as "Fresno's Crime of the Century."

Greed is bad - evil greed is worse - and psychopathic evil greed is just downright bloody awful.  And Dana Ewell and his best bud Joel Radovcich were about the greediest, psycho-nut-job evil rat bastards ever to crawl into the world.  Melissa's retelling of this gruesome 1992 multiple murder of Ewell's parents and only sibling on Easter Sunday is as chilling as it is disgusting.  As usual though, the nastiness is tempered by the heroism of two dogged Fresno County California detectives who took FIVE YEARS to finally bring the case to a close and bring Ewell and Radovcich to justice.  Find out why this was known for years as "Fresno's Crime of the Century."

68. Sounds Like Psycho Greed - Dana Ewell And Joel Radovcich

Back at Season 2, Episode 28 Melissa covered the missing person case of Savannah Spurlock, a young single mother who lived near Lexington, Kentucky and who disappeared after leaving a bar with two men in January of 2019.  Her family's quick response to her disappearance and steadfastness in making sure law enforcement stayed relentless in finding out what happened has been nothing short of phenomenal. In this update of the case, Melissa reports on the recent discovery of remains and clothing in the back yard of one of the men Savannah left with the night she vanished, his arrest, and some puzzling questions - most importantly among them:  What took so long for the cops to make a bust?  SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR - KLEANSPA BATH AND BODY by Jennifer Hardaway - perfumes, rubs, moisturizers and oils, all made with naturally inspired ingredients and featuring dozens of unique, hand-crafted fragrances.  Enter Promo Code TIPSTERS at checkout and receive 15% off your total order!  www.kleanspa.com - Prepare to smell delicious!

Back at Season 2, Episode 28 Melissa covered the missing person case of Savannah Spurlock, a young single mother who lived near Lexington, Kentucky and who disappeared after leaving a bar with two men in January of 2019.  Her family's quick response to her disappearance and steadfastness in making sure law enforcement stayed relentless in finding out what happened has been nothing short of phenomenal. In this update of the case, Melissa reports on the recent discovery of remains and clothing in the back yard of one of the men Savannah left with the night she vanished, his arrest, and some puzzling questions - most importantly among them:  What took so long for the cops to make a bust?  SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR - KLEANSPA BATH AND BODY by Jennifer Hardaway - perfumes, rubs, moisturizers and oils, all made with naturally inspired ingredients and featuring dozens of unique, hand-crafted fragrances.  Enter Promo Code TIPSTERS at checkout and receive 15% off your total order!  <a href="http://www.kleanspa.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.kleanspa.com</a> - Prepare to smell delicious!

91. Savannah Spurlock Update - Sounds Like "You're Under Arrest"

Season 2 opens with a case that's haunted Melissa for 2 decades - the untimely deaths of John F. Kennedy, Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette and Carolyn's sister Lauren.  Amid the obvious story lines of the Kennedy family's tragic history, its place in U.S. culture as the closest thing to an American royal family - and the sadness surrounding the demise of the young 38 year-old John-John, his bride and sister-in-law, Melissa asks a question buried deep beneath the facts of the case to ask a harrowing question:  Could JFK, Jr. have been a high-achieving, undiagnosed psychopath?

Season 2 opens with a case that's haunted Melissa for 2 decades - the untimely deaths of John F. Kennedy, Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette and Carolyn's sister Lauren.  Amid the obvious story lines of the Kennedy family's tragic history, its place in U.S. culture as the closest thing to an American royal family - and the sadness surrounding the demise of the young 38 year-old John-John, his bride and sister-in-law, Melissa asks a question buried deep beneath the facts of the case to ask a harrowing question:  Could JFK, Jr. have been a high-achieving, undiagnosed psychopath?

61. Sounds Like The Sky Is Falling - The Lost Souls Of JFK Junior

William Cierzan

The very case that first inspired Melissa to host her own podcast - the case of the 2017 disappearance in Santa Clarita, California of Will Cierzan, beloved husband, brother and friend of just about everyone he met.  On the two-year anniversary of his vanishing, Melissa takes another look, determined to keep the case alive until Will is found.  The facts of Cierzan's disappearance (he has not been located to this day) are frustrating, angering - and above all, sad.  In this episode Melissa catches up on the developments of the case in the past 12 months, the maddening slowness of the investigation, the obvious priority shift since the lead detective in the case was assigned to a more glitzy, Hollywood-based investigation and the nagging sense that those responsible for Cierzan's disappearance (and likely demise) may never be brought to justice.  A call to all Tip-Sters to be vigilant, look for clues, keep all ears and eyes open and if you know something, TELL SOMEONE.

The very case that first inspired Melissa to host her own podcast - the case of the 2017 disappearance in Santa Clarita, California of Will Cierzan, beloved husband, brother and friend of just about everyone he met.  On the two-year anniversary of his vanishing, Melissa takes another look, determined to keep the case alive until Will is found.  The facts of Cierzan's disappearance (he has not been located to this day) are frustrating, angering - and above all, sad.  In this episode Melissa catches up on the developments of the case in the past 12 months, the maddening slowness of the investigation, the obvious priority shift since the lead detective in the case was assigned to a more glitzy, Hollywood-based investigation and the nagging sense that those responsible for Cierzan's disappearance (and likely demise) may never be brought to justice.  A call to all Tip-Sters to be vigilant, look for clues, keep all ears and eyes open and if you know something, TELL SOMEONE.

64. Sounds Like Will Is Still Missing: The Continuing Search For William Cierzan

Mary Vincent

In 1978, while hitchhiking to visit a relative, 15 year-old Mary Vincent  was abducted, then repeatedly raped and sodomized, then tortured by 51 year-old Lawrence Singleton, who then attempted to finish the teenager off by cutting both of her arms off with an ax, then kicking her into a drainage ditch.  Almost impossibly, young Mary found the will to stuff dirt into the stubs that were once her forearms, crawl out of the ravine and walk - naked and near death - THREE MILES to the nearest highway, where she was rescued by passing motorists.  Listen as Melissa takes you through the horror of Mary Vincent's ordeal, her absolute defiance in the face of death, and the awful, disturbing details of what happened to her would-be murderer. Ultimately, this is a story of great hope and - yes - beauty and love - a reminder that the human spirit is capable of miracles.  SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR - KLEANSPA BATH &amp; BODY by Jennifer Hardaway.  Make sure to enter promotional code TIPSTERS at checkout to receive 15% off your total order.  www.kleanspa.com - Kleanspa - prepare to smell delicious.

In 1978, while hitchhiking to visit a relative, 15 year-old Mary Vincent  was abducted, then repeatedly raped and sodomized, then tortured by 51 year-old Lawrence Singleton, who then attempted to finish the teenager off by cutting both of her arms off with an ax, then kicking her into a drainage ditch.  Almost impossibly, young Mary found the will to stuff dirt into the stubs that were once her forearms, crawl out of the ravine and walk - naked and near death - THREE MILES to the nearest highway, where she was rescued by passing motorists.  Listen as Melissa takes you through the horror of Mary Vincent's ordeal, her absolute defiance in the face of death, and the awful, disturbing details of what happened to her would-be murderer. Ultimately, this is a story of great hope and - yes - beauty and love - a reminder that the human spirit is capable of miracles.  SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR - KLEANSPA BATH &amp; BODY by Jennifer Hardaway.  Make sure to enter promotional code TIPSTERS at checkout to receive 15% off your total order.  <a href="http://www.kleanspa.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.kleanspa.com</a> - Kleanspa - prepare to smell delicious.

97. Sounds Like More Than Just A Survivor - Mary Vincent's Defiant Will To Live

William Tyrrell

There are mysteries.  There are baffling mysteries.  And then there are mysteries that throw an entire nation into fits of frustration and anger.  This is one of those cases.  3 year-old William Tyrrell was playing with his older sister - when his foster mother (who was watching both kids with her own mom) went into the house briefly.  When she returned, young William was gone - the grandmother had no explanation for his disappearance and William's sister did not see anything.  In the intervening years, the case has become one of Australia's most notorious and publicized missing persons cases in its history.  And every media outlet, pundit, psychic and average citizen on the street has an opinion on what happened.  In this episode, Melissa describes the madness of the Tyrrell case - the conflicting story lines, multiple suspects (one in particular horrifically wrongly accused) and the prosecution of the case's former lead investigator for reasons that are almost impossible to comprehend.

There are mysteries.  There are baffling mysteries.  And then there are mysteries that throw an entire nation into fits of frustration and anger.  This is one of those cases.  3 year-old William Tyrrell was playing with his older sister - when his foster mother (who was watching both kids with her own mom) went into the house briefly.  When she returned, young William was gone - the grandmother had no explanation for his disappearance and William's sister did not see anything.  In the intervening years, the case has become one of Australia's most notorious and publicized missing persons cases in its history.  And every media outlet, pundit, psychic and average citizen on the street has an opinion on what happened.  In this episode, Melissa describes the madness of the Tyrrell case - the conflicting story lines, multiple suspects (one in particular horrifically wrongly accused) and the prosecution of the case's former lead investigator for reasons that are almost impossible to comprehend.

105. Sounds Like An Australian Abomination - Why Hasn't William Tyrrell Been Found?

In this episode, Melissa takes the suggestion of a loyal Tip-Ster calling the Tip-Ster Hotline from Cincinnati, Ohio - and explores one of that city's most haunting and frustrating cold cases - the Bricca family murders of 1966.  A young family of three brutally stabbed to death on a peaceful Sunday night for seemingly no reason - and while some of the clues lead to what seems an obvious suspect, other clues lead to some bizarre possibilities far away from the Queen City and possibly into the past of one of the victims.  To this day no one has been arrested, and while cold case detectives still work the case, as time passes it gets harder to solve as witnesses and possible suspects fade away.  Here's one YOU might be able to help with - maybe you, dear Tip-Ster, have a tidbit of information that you never thought was important but could break the case.  Listen in and put on your thinking caps...

In this episode, Melissa takes the suggestion of a loyal Tip-Ster calling the Tip-Ster Hotline from Cincinnati, Ohio - and explores one of that city's most haunting and frustrating cold cases - the Bricca family murders of 1966.  A young family of three brutally stabbed to death on a peaceful Sunday night for seemingly no reason - and while some of the clues lead to what seems an obvious suspect, other clues lead to some bizarre possibilities far away from the Queen City and possibly into the past of one of the victims.  To this day no one has been arrested, and while cold case detectives still work the case, as time passes it gets harder to solve as witnesses and possible suspects fade away.  Here's one YOU might be able to help with - maybe you, dear Tip-Ster, have a tidbit of information that you never thought was important but could break the case.  Listen in and put on your thinking caps...

23. Tastes Like A Queen City Massacre - The Bricca Family Murders

Sandra Kerby

Melissa unravels another cold case brought to us by a Tip-Ster - this one frustrating to the point of maddening.  In July 1999 in Fresno, California, teacher/wife/mother, 54 year-old Sandra Kerby went to Target to pick up a few things - and was never seen or heard from again.  In the intervening years, lots of evidence points to one suspect - but not enough of it to issue an arrest warrant.  And that is a tragedy - because Sandra Kerby, by all accounts, was one of the truly good people, and she left behind dozens of friends, family and former students who, to this day, seek answers.  Someone out there knows something about what happened to Sandra...is it you?  Now's the time to drop your tip on us!

Melissa unravels another cold case brought to us by a Tip-Ster - this one frustrating to the point of maddening.  In July 1999 in Fresno, California, teacher/wife/mother, 54 year-old Sandra Kerby went to Target to pick up a few things - and was never seen or heard from again.  In the intervening years, lots of evidence points to one suspect - but not enough of it to issue an arrest warrant.  And that is a tragedy - because Sandra Kerby, by all accounts, was one of the truly good people, and she left behind dozens of friends, family and former students who, to this day, seek answers.  Someone out there knows something about what happened to Sandra...is it you?  Now's the time to drop your tip on us!

50. Tastes Like Someone Knows What Happened To Sandra Kerby

It's the 100th episode of "Just The Tip-Sters" - and Melissa marks the occasion with a tragic story from her home state of Kentucky - in honor of those who perished and in celebration of the positive strides, both culturally and in the law, that sprang forth after that terrible day.  On May 14, 1988, a converted school bus carrying 63 (mostly) young teenagers and four adults (including the bus driver) left the Assembly of God church in Radcliff, Kentucky to spend the day at the King's Island amusement park in Ohio.  That night, on the way home, just south of the town of Carrollton Kentucky, the bus was hit head-on by a drunk driver in a pickup truck at a high rate of speed.  The impact damaged the bus' front door (making it impossible to open) and ripped open the gas tank, igniting a fire that consumed the bus and its passengers in a matter of seconds.  In all, 24 of the teenagers and three of the adults perished.  Of the survivors, many were left with life-altering injuries.   To this day, the Carrollton Bus Crash remains the deadliest drunk driving incident in U.S. history.  Yet despite the horror of the incident, much good came of it, including the ascendance of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, new state and federal safety standards - and not one, but two incredible love stories.  Join Melissa as she recalls this emotional tale of life, death and, ultimately, hope.  SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR - KLEANSPA BATH &amp; BODY - Get 15% off your total order by entering Promo Code TIPSTERS at checkout.  Go to www.kleanspa.com today and prepare to smell delicious!

It's the 100th episode of "Just The Tip-Sters" - and Melissa marks the occasion with a tragic story from her home state of Kentucky - in honor of those who perished and in celebration of the positive strides, both culturally and in the law, that sprang forth after that terrible day.  On May 14, 1988, a converted school bus carrying 63 (mostly) young teenagers and four adults (including the bus driver) left the Assembly of God church in Radcliff, Kentucky to spend the day at the King's Island amusement park in Ohio.  That night, on the way home, just south of the town of Carrollton Kentucky, the bus was hit head-on by a drunk driver in a pickup truck at a high rate of speed.  The impact damaged the bus' front door (making it impossible to open) and ripped open the gas tank, igniting a fire that consumed the bus and its passengers in a matter of seconds.  In all, 24 of the teenagers and three of the adults perished.  Of the survivors, many were left with life-altering injuries.   To this day, the Carrollton Bus Crash remains the deadliest drunk driving incident in U.S. history.  Yet despite the horror of the incident, much good came of it, including the ascendance of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, new state and federal safety standards - and not one, but two incredible love stories.  Join Melissa as she recalls this emotional tale of life, death and, ultimately, hope.  SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR - KLEANSPA BATH &amp; BODY - Get 15% off your total order by entering Promo Code TIPSTERS at checkout.  Go to <a href="http://www.kleanspa.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.kleanspa.com</a> today and prepare to smell delicious!

100. Sounds Like Tragedy On The Interstate - The Carrollton Bus Crash

Vikki Joseph

On June 21, 2014 Jeff Joseph - a Southern California cannabis entrepreneur who had opened a marijuana growing operation some 700 miles to the north, was on his way back to his farm when he disappeared seemingly off the face of the planet and hasn't been seen or heard from since.  Sadly, Jeff's story is just one of literally hundreds of missing persons in Humboldt County, where - as detailed in the recent documentary series "Murder Mountain," to this day a cloak of deadly secrecy encompasses the entire region. On this episode, Melissa discusses Jeff Joseph's disappearance with Jeff's sister Vikki Joseph, a brave and dedicated warrior for her brother who is relentless in demanding answers - even in the face of  terrified, closed-mouthed locals and law enforcement that seems to block the truth at every turn.

On June 21, 2014 Jeff Joseph - a Southern California cannabis entrepreneur who had opened a marijuana growing operation some 700 miles to the north, was on his way back to his farm when he disappeared seemingly off the face of the planet and hasn't been seen or heard from since.  Sadly, Jeff's story is just one of literally hundreds of missing persons in Humboldt County, where - as detailed in the recent documentary series "Murder Mountain," to this day a cloak of deadly secrecy encompasses the entire region. On this episode, Melissa discusses Jeff Joseph's disappearance with Jeff's sister Vikki Joseph, a brave and dedicated warrior for her brother who is relentless in demanding answers - even in the face of  terrified, closed-mouthed locals and law enforcement that seems to block the truth at every turn.

79. Sounds Like A Shroud Of Silence On Murder Mountain - With Special Guest Vikki Joseph

Joe Bryan

Season 3 open with the story of Joe Bryan, a high school principal who lived with the love of his life - his wife Mickey, an elementary school teacher - in (seemingly) idyllic Clifton Texas.  The Bryans were known not only as pillars of their community, but truly good people who cared about their young charges and even spent their own money to buy clothing and lunches for those most in need.  Everyone in town knew them to be God-fearing and deeply in love with each other.  And then the unthinkable happened.  Over and over again.  It started in 1985 when Mickey was shot to death in the master bedroom of the Bryant home while Joe was away on a business trip 120 miles away.  It got worse when Joe became a suspect in Mickey's murder and was arrested.  And it got unbearably awful when the reasoning was revealed for the Texas Rangers' and other law enforcement officials' suspicions - reasoning beyond belief even in the mid-1980s.  Join Melissa as she unfolds this sad and anger-inducing tale of a murder conviction based on completely flimsy circumstantial evidence and a whole lot of bigoted assumptions.

Season 3 open with the story of Joe Bryan, a high school principal who lived with the love of his life - his wife Mickey, an elementary school teacher - in (seemingly) idyllic Clifton Texas.  The Bryans were known not only as pillars of their community, but truly good people who cared about their young charges and even spent their own money to buy clothing and lunches for those most in need.  Everyone in town knew them to be God-fearing and deeply in love with each other.  And then the unthinkable happened.  Over and over again.  It started in 1985 when Mickey was shot to death in the master bedroom of the Bryant home while Joe was away on a business trip 120 miles away.  It got worse when Joe became a suspect in Mickey's murder and was arrested.  And it got unbearably awful when the reasoning was revealed for the Texas Rangers' and other law enforcement officials' suspicions - reasoning beyond belief even in the mid-1980s.  Join Melissa as she unfolds this sad and anger-inducing tale of a murder conviction based on completely flimsy circumstantial evidence and a whole lot of bigoted assumptions.

117. Smells Like A Farce - The Bigoted Conviction Of Joe Bryan

Jennifer Ertman

Elizabeth Pena

Recently a Tip-Ster from Boston - "Tip-Ster Jennifer" - brought a case to Melissa's attention that she had not been aware of - the 1993 murders in Houston Texas of 14 year-old Jennifer Ertman and 16 year-old Elizabeth Pena.  The facts of the case are among the most gruesome and disturbing Melissa has ever encountered - but more than the horror of the crimes themselves were two compelling side-stories...one is that Tip-Ster Jennifer was a friend of Jennifer Ertman at the time she was murdered...and the other is the awe-inspiring story of Jennifer Ertman's dad, Randy who, along with his wife and the family of Elizabeth Pena, waged a crusade not only to find the killers, but once they were caught, to change the laws to give victims' families higher standing in the judicial system - things we take for granted today like victim impact statements and the right for families to remain in the courtroom even when other family members are testifying.  Tip-Ster Jennifer calls in from Boston on this episode to talk about the gut-punching details of the murders - and the heroic passion of the families left behind.  SPONSORED BY KLEANSPA BATH &amp; BODY - Prepare to smell delicious!  Go to www.kleanspa.com and get 15% off your total order by entering Promo Code TIPSTERS at checkout!

Recently a Tip-Ster from Boston - "Tip-Ster Jennifer" - brought a case to Melissa's attention that she had not been aware of - the 1993 murders in Houston Texas of 14 year-old Jennifer Ertman and 16 year-old Elizabeth Pena.  The facts of the case are among the most gruesome and disturbing Melissa has ever encountered - but more than the horror of the crimes themselves were two compelling side-stories...one is that Tip-Ster Jennifer was a friend of Jennifer Ertman at the time she was murdered...and the other is the awe-inspiring story of Jennifer Ertman's dad, Randy who, along with his wife and the family of Elizabeth Pena, waged a crusade not only to find the killers, but once they were caught, to change the laws to give victims' families higher standing in the judicial system - things we take for granted today like victim impact statements and the right for families to remain in the courtroom even when other family members are testifying.  Tip-Ster Jennifer calls in from Boston on this episode to talk about the gut-punching details of the murders - and the heroic passion of the families left behind.  SPONSORED BY KLEANSPA BATH &amp; BODY - Prepare to smell delicious!  Go to <a href="http://www.kleanspa.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.kleanspa.com</a> and get 15% off your total order by entering Promo Code TIPSTERS at checkout!

87. Sounds Like Light Shattering Darkness - Jennifer Ertman, Elizabeth Pena And The Quest For Justice

Who could have guessed that the trail to catching the infamous Golden State Killer led straight through the brilliant mind of a retired attorney, medical doctor and Ph.D. who took on genealogy as a hobby!  But that's exactly what happened when Det. Paul Holes recruited then 69 year-old Barbara Rae-Venter after reading about her phenomenal work two years earlier in San Bernardino.  In this episode Melissa explains in detail how Dr. Rae-Venter used her scientific and deductive skills to help Det. Holes and his team track down GSK - and also hear the story of the amazing case of "Lisa," who, abandoned as a little girl by a convicted serial killer she had thought was her father, finally found a family through the work of Dr. Rae-Venter, a dogged police detective and a whole lot of good people who volunteered to help.

Who could have guessed that the trail to catching the infamous Golden State Killer led straight through the brilliant mind of a retired attorney, medical doctor and Ph.D. who took on genealogy as a hobby!  But that's exactly what happened when Det. Paul Holes recruited then 69 year-old Barbara Rae-Venter after reading about her phenomenal work two years earlier in San Bernardino.  In this episode Melissa explains in detail how Dr. Rae-Venter used her scientific and deductive skills to help Det. Holes and his team track down GSK - and also hear the story of the amazing case of "Lisa," who, abandoned as a little girl by a convicted serial killer she had thought was her father, finally found a family through the work of Dr. Rae-Venter, a dogged police detective and a whole lot of good people who volunteered to help.

45. Tastes Like Catching An Unknown Serial Killer: The Brilliance of Barbara Rae-Venter

Shannon Hokanson

Melissa looks at the heartbreaking, frustrating disappearance of Shannon Baldwin Hokanson, a beautiful young mother of three who disappeared in Enid Oklahoma in 2012.  One of literally tens of thousands of unsolved missing persons cases each year in the United States, Shannon's case represents one of the most haunting and nightmarish scenarios any family member or loved one can ever face - the sudden and unexplained disappearance of a mother, a wife, a sister, a friend - into the ether.  Maybe you know something that will help bring Shannon - or another missing soul - back home.  Call us if you think you may have a piece to a puzzle of an unsolved disappearance - (832) TIP-STER (832-847-7837).

Melissa looks at the heartbreaking, frustrating disappearance of Shannon Baldwin Hokanson, a beautiful young mother of three who disappeared in Enid Oklahoma in 2012.  One of literally tens of thousands of unsolved missing persons cases each year in the United States, Shannon's case represents one of the most haunting and nightmarish scenarios any family member or loved one can ever face - the sudden and unexplained disappearance of a mother, a wife, a sister, a friend - into the ether.  Maybe you know something that will help bring Shannon - or another missing soul - back home.  Call us if you think you may have a piece to a puzzle of an unsolved disappearance - (832) TIP-STER (832-847-7837).

57. Tastes Like A Nightmare - The Unsolved Disappearance Of Shannon Hokanson

Melissa takes a first look at the West Mesa Murders in Albuquerque - murders that happened over a long stretch of time but were not discovered until a mass grave was discovered on the mesa outside of town in 2009.  An incredibly frustrating case - especially for the families of the "Lost Girls" who went missing in the years before the discovery of the bones on the mesa - the majority of whom are still missing and who (for all the authorities know) may be buried in other mass graves.  To add to the crushing pain of the families of the victims - one of the key suspects is now deceased - and the other isn't talking.  This one is truly in need of Tip-Sters who can help solve a mystery that deserves resolution.

Melissa takes a first look at the West Mesa Murders in Albuquerque - murders that happened over a long stretch of time but were not discovered until a mass grave was discovered on the mesa outside of town in 2009.  An incredibly frustrating case - especially for the families of the "Lost Girls" who went missing in the years before the discovery of the bones on the mesa - the majority of whom are still missing and who (for all the authorities know) may be buried in other mass graves.  To add to the crushing pain of the families of the victims - one of the key suspects is now deceased - and the other isn't talking.  This one is truly in need of Tip-Sters who can help solve a mystery that deserves resolution.

34. The West Mesa Murders Part 1 - Tastes Like Bones

Ray Allen

What kind of a sick monster would be so crass as to commit a burglary that he really didn't need to commit, then set out to murder anyone who not only betrayed him by telling on him, but also taking out anyone he THOUGHT MIGHT betray him...and recruiting others to do it for you?  Our boy Clarence Ray Allen, that's who.  Take a walk to the darkest side of Darkness Avenue with Melissa as she recounts the untold savagery and unexpurgated evil perpetrated by Allen and his dippy cohorts.  And while she's at it, Melissa will also demonstrate how Allen just might be tied to the Ryen family murders for which Kevin Cooper was convicted (as was covered in Episodes 10 and 11 this season).  Not for the feint of heart...

What kind of a sick monster would be so crass as to commit a burglary that he really didn't need to commit, then set out to murder anyone who not only betrayed him by telling on him, but also taking out anyone he THOUGHT MIGHT betray him...and recruiting others to do it for you?  Our boy Clarence Ray Allen, that's who.  Take a walk to the darkest side of Darkness Avenue with Melissa as she recounts the untold savagery and unexpurgated evil perpetrated by Allen and his dippy cohorts.  And while she's at it, Melissa will also demonstrate how Allen just might be tied to the Ryen family murders for which Kevin Cooper was convicted (as was covered in Episodes 10 and 11 this season).  Not for the feint of heart...

73. Sounds Like A Madman's Gang of Killers - The Savage Murders Of Clarence Ray Allen

Colleen Weaver-Ferrall

Brooke Tipton

Matthew Weaver

Matthew Weaver Jr

Matthew Weaver Jr. was troubled - but really not that much more troubled than any other 21 year-old young man is troubled.  So when he went for a late night ride in the hills above Malibu California in August 2018, it seemed a perfectly natural thing for him to do, to catch his breath and settle his mind.  Except that he never returned.  His car was found perilously perched at a place called Rosas Overlook, abandoned and  otherwise untouched.  Since that day, Matthew's disappearance has been treated with a level of disinterest by law enforcement that is both disheartening and infuriating.  This is the story of Matthew's family and friends, who have never given up looking for him, and who have actually done more work and uncovered more evidence than the police.  It is also the story of how law enforcement's incredible, mysteriously vague treatment of the case can lead to serious questions the police probably don't want asked.

Matthew Weaver Jr. was troubled - but really not that much more troubled than any other 21 year-old young man is troubled.  So when he went for a late night ride in the hills above Malibu California in August 2018, it seemed a perfectly natural thing for him to do, to catch his breath and settle his mind.  Except that he never returned.  His car was found perilously perched at a place called Rosas Overlook, abandoned and  otherwise untouched.  Since that day, Matthew's disappearance has been treated with a level of disinterest by law enforcement that is both disheartening and infuriating.  This is the story of Matthew's family and friends, who have never given up looking for him, and who have actually done more work and uncovered more evidence than the police.  It is also the story of how law enforcement's incredible, mysteriously vague treatment of the case can lead to serious questions the police probably don't want asked.

102. Sounds Like No One Wants To Know What Happened To Matthew Weaver Jr. - With Special Guests Colleen Weaver-Ferrall and Brooke Tipton

Kevin Cooper

In June 1983, two separate stories met at a ranch house in Chino Hills, California.  The first story is the brutal stabbing/axing/icepicking mass murder of Doug Ryen, his wife Peggy, their daughter Jessica and Christopher Hughes, the 11 year-old best friend of the Ryans' son, Josh - Josh himself was near death, but eventually survived.  The second story is that of one Kevin Cooper. a full-time convicted burglar and part-time convicted rapist, just escaped from the California Institution for Men - also known as the Chino Hills Men's Prison.  Cooper, who had holed up in a house just a few hundred feet away from the Ryen home before (he claims) he headed for Mexico the night before the Ryen murders took place, was convicted of the slayings and sentenced to death.  Seems like an open and shut case.  Until one takes even a cursory look at how the case was handled.  In this first of two parts on Kevin Cooper and the murder conviction that has him sitting on death row today, Melissa examines Cooper's history of burglary, his various name changes and escapes, including the escape from Chino Men's Prison that led him to his fate.

In June 1983, two separate stories met at a ranch house in Chino Hills, California.  The first story is the brutal stabbing/axing/icepicking mass murder of Doug Ryen, his wife Peggy, their daughter Jessica and Christopher Hughes, the 11 year-old best friend of the Ryans' son, Josh - Josh himself was near death, but eventually survived.  The second story is that of one Kevin Cooper. a full-time convicted burglar and part-time convicted rapist, just escaped from the California Institution for Men - also known as the Chino Hills Men's Prison.  Cooper, who had holed up in a house just a few hundred feet away from the Ryen home before (he claims) he headed for Mexico the night before the Ryen murders took place, was convicted of the slayings and sentenced to death.  Seems like an open and shut case.  Until one takes even a cursory look at how the case was handled.  In this first of two parts on Kevin Cooper and the murder conviction that has him sitting on death row today, Melissa examines Cooper's history of burglary, his various name changes and escapes, including the escape from Chino Men's Prison that led him to his fate.

70. Kevin Cooper Part 1 - Sounds Like Mass Murder And Mass Confusion

Peggy Hettrick

Scott Howard

In the cold early morning hours of February 11, 1987, 37 year-old Peggy Hettrick left the Prime Minister nightclub in Fort Collins, Colorado, heading across the street to an open field, toward her ex-boyfriend's apartment on the other side of the field, where she hoped to get some shelter until she could get back into her own apartment, for which she had lost her key.  As the sun rose a few hours later, a passing bicycle rider saw what looked to be almost a posed mannequin lying in the field - but when he noticed blood running into the street, he called the police.  And what police found was as horrific as it was bizarre: Peggy Hettrick had been murdered and sexually mutilated in an unthinkably grotesque manner.  The cops quickjly latched on to their prime suspect - a 15 year-old high school sophomore named Tim Masters who lived in a house overlooking the field, who was also known to have seen (and ignored as a fake) Hettrick's body that morning - and had a number of dark, teenage-boy illustrations in his personal notebooks that convinced investigators that he must have committed the murder.  Yet it took 10 more years - after Masters had honorably served in the Navy - for prosecutors to finally decide they had enough circumstantial evidence to arrest him.  And it was on that circumstantial evidence that he was convicted and sent to prison...until 2008, when he was released and eventually exonerated after a mound of evidence pointing to a much more logical suspect - the existence of whom was hidden from Masters' defense team - came to light.  Masters finally received his justice when he received a multi-million dollar settlement from the government, but years of his life were taken from him that he will never get back.  What makes this particular case so compelling for Melissa is that the comedy team of Scott Howard and Russ Smith, who called themselves "Elroy Bondo," was playing the Prime Minister nightclub on the night of the murder; were probably the last people to see Peggy Hettrick alive...and Melissa knows Scott Howard from her days as a comedy club manager...and Scott was actually the Tip-Ster who told Melissa about the duo's experience...AND Scott Howard was cool enough to call in to tell Melissa about it as she went over the case!  Join in on the re-telling of this disturbing case of myopic investigation and injuistice with Melissa and Scott - and hear what it's like to realize you may have been witnessed the final moments of the life of a murder victim.

In the cold early morning hours of February 11, 1987, 37 year-old Peggy Hettrick left the Prime Minister nightclub in Fort Collins, Colorado, heading across the street to an open field, toward her ex-boyfriend's apartment on the other side of the field, where she hoped to get some shelter until she could get back into her own apartment, for which she had lost her key.  As the sun rose a few hours later, a passing bicycle rider saw what looked to be almost a posed mannequin lying in the field - but when he noticed blood running into the street, he called the police.  And what police found was as horrific as it was bizarre: Peggy Hettrick had been murdered and sexually mutilated in an unthinkably grotesque manner.  The cops quickjly latched on to their prime suspect - a 15 year-old high school sophomore named Tim Masters who lived in a house overlooking the field, who was also known to have seen (and ignored as a fake) Hettrick's body that morning - and had a number of dark, teenage-boy illustrations in his personal notebooks that convinced investigators that he must have committed the murder.  Yet it took 10 more years - after Masters had honorably served in the Navy - for prosecutors to finally decide they had enough circumstantial evidence to arrest him.  And it was on that circumstantial evidence that he was convicted and sent to prison...until 2008, when he was released and eventually exonerated after a mound of evidence pointing to a much more logical suspect - the existence of whom was hidden from Masters' defense team - came to light.  Masters finally received his justice when he received a multi-million dollar settlement from the government, but years of his life were taken from him that he will never get back.  What makes this particular case so compelling for Melissa is that the comedy team of Scott Howard and Russ Smith, who called themselves "Elroy Bondo," was playing the Prime Minister nightclub on the night of the murder; were probably the last people to see Peggy Hettrick alive...and Melissa knows Scott Howard from her days as a comedy club manager...and Scott was actually the Tip-Ster who told Melissa about the duo's experience...AND Scott Howard was cool enough to call in to tell Melissa about it as she went over the case!  Join in on the re-telling of this disturbing case of myopic investigation and injuistice with Melissa and Scott - and hear what it's like to realize you may have been witnessed the final moments of the life of a murder victim.

124. Smells Like Injustice In Fort Collins - The Peggy Hettrick Murder - With Special Guest Scott Howard

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