The Case of Diane Downs

Although not the most prolific serial killer in American history, Ed Gein's story has captivated many because of how gruesome and disturbing his crimes truly are. This week, Savannah explores the life and crimes of Ed Gein, a man who has inspired countless movie villains, but his truth is stranger than fiction. Ed Gein murdered several women and skinned them in an attempt to create a skin suit that he could wear to emulate his mother. He would also dig up several corpses to add to his project. And even more strangely, technically never went to jail for his horrific crimes, instead spending his days in a mental institution until his death. Can you stomach the full details of Ed's story? Join over 1 million people who have taken charge of their mental health. Get 10% off your first month by visiting BetterHelp.com/instinct! Go to HelloFresh.com/killer12 and use code killer12 for 12 free meals, including free shipping! Save 30% on Select Solid Gold Products by going to SOLIDGOLDPET.COM/KILLER! Go treat yourself and your loved ones at analuisa.com/killer with a unique gift and use code KILLER to get 10% off! Love Killer Instincts but hate the ads? Subscribe to the ad-free version here!: https://killerinstinct.supercast.tech/ If you have any thoughts on this case or any other case, or just want to get in touch with Savannah about the show, email her at killerinstinctpodcast@gmail.com.  Follow Savannah on IG: @savannahbrymer  Follow Savannah on Twitter: @savannahbrymer   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

10 Maalis 202129min

Ketih and Elaine Dardeen were expecting a baby girl to add to their family and make their son Peter a big brother. But when Keith didn't show up for work, many got concerned and police made a visit to their home. That is where Elaine, Peter, and the newborn's bodies were found savagely beaten to death. Keith's body was discovered later, beaten and horrifically mutilated. Savannah goes through the timeline of these murders, the ongoing investigation that has lasted decades, and why the only viable suspect to come out of the investigation, serial killer Tommy Lynn Sells, may not be the culprit after all. Go to DAILYHARVEST.com and enter promo code killer to get $25 off your first box!  Download Best Fiends FREE today on the Apple App Store or Google Play! Go treat yourself and your loved ones at analuisa.com/killer with a unique gift and use code KILLER to get 10% off! Listen to the story of Sandra Crispo from The Vanished on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or listen ad-free by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery App! Love Killer Instincts but hate the ads? Subscribe to the ad-free version here!: https://killerinstinct.supercast.tech/ If you have any thoughts on this case or any other case, or just want to get in touch with Savannah about the show, email her at killerinstinctpodcast@gmail.com.  Follow Savannah on IG: @savannahbrymer  Follow Savannah on Twitter: @savannahbrymer   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

3 Maalis 202125min

The Manson Family terrorized Los Angeles for a brief time, but their case has had a lasting legacy on the public. This week, Savannah explores the many facets of what led this small cult group to brutally murder 9 people in the summer of 1969, including pregnant actress and wife to director Roman Polanski, Sharon Tate. Savannah details Charles' background and childhood, how he became the leader of a fringe group prepping for a race war in the United States, and the media-frenzy trial that was the longest-running trial at the time in California history. Join over 1 million people who have taken charge of their mental health. Get 10% off your first month by visiting BetterHelp.com/instinct! ShesBirdie is offering listeners 15% off your first purchase when you go to ShesBirdie.com/KILLER! Go to HelloFresh.com/10killer and use code 10killer for 10 free meals, including free shipping! Receive 20% off your first order by going to SKOUTSHONOR.com/KILLER! Right now, when you purchase of a 3-month Babbel subscription, you’ll get an additional 3 months for FREE! Just go to BABBEL.com and use promo code KILLER! Get Honey for FREE at JoinHoney.com/KILLER! Love Killer Instincts but hate the ads? Subscribe to the ad-free version here!: https://killerinstinct.supercast.tech/ If you have any thoughts on this case or any other case, or just want to get in touch with Savannah about the show, email her at killerinstinctpodcast@gmail.com.  Follow Savannah on IG: @savannahbrymer  Follow Savannah on Twitter: @savannahbrymer   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

24 Helmi 202154min

Even though the remains of husband Bobby, wife Sherilynn, and daughter Madyson Jamison were found in November 2013 after being missing since October 2009, the mystery surrounding their disappearance was nowhere closer to being solved. Why was their truck abandoned, containing their personal belongings and $32,000? Did someone hurt them or was the couple to blame in a bizarre murder-suicide? Savannah explores the many theories looming over this incredible case and the many suspects, known and unknown, who could've had a hand in killing this family. Go to DAILYHARVEST.com and enter promo code killer to get $25 off your first box! Love Killer Instincts but hate the ads? Subscribe to the ad-free version here!: https://killerinstinct.supercast.tech/ If you have any thoughts on this case or any other case, or just want to get in touch with Savannah about the show, email her at killerinstinctpodcast@gmail.com.  Follow Savannah on IG: @savannahbrymer  Follow Savannah on Twitter: @savannahbrymer   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

17 Helmi 202129min

Priscilla Gustafson was a nursery school teacher with two children, Abigail and William. On the night of December 1, 1987, Daniel LaPlante broke into her home, raped and murdered Priscilla, then proceeded to drown both of her children. Daniel was found hiding 2 days later and was convicted of 3 consecutive life sentences. Savannah explores Daniel's abusive childhood and status as an outcast all of his life, as well as the details of the triple homicide and Daniel's attempt to gain parole despite showing no remorse for his crimes. Subscribe to Wondery’s The Generation Why Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or listen ad-free by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app! Purchase a 3-month Babbel subscription and you’ll get an additional 3 months for FREE. That’s 6 months, for the price of 3! Just go to BABBEL.com and use promo code KILLER! Save 30% on Select Solid Gold Products by going to SOLIDGOLDPET.COM/KILLER! Get 10% off your first month by visiting our sponsor at BetterHelp.com/instinct! Love Killer Instincts but hate the ads? Subscribe to the ad-free version here!: https://killerinstinct.supercast.tech/ If you have any thoughts on this case or any other case, or just want to get in touch with Savannah about the show, email her at killerinstinctpodcast@gmail.com.  Follow Savannah on IG: @savannahbrymer  Follow Savannah on Twitter: @savannahbrymer   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

10 Helmi 202121min

Not much is known about Maddie's personality, her wants and dreams, and that's because her life was tragically cut short by 14-year-old Josh Phillips, who brutally murdered Maddie when she was only 8 years old. When Maddie innocently wanted to play baseball with Josh, she couldn't have any idea that this would lead to Josh savagely beating and stabbing Maddie to death. Savannah details the gruesome events, how Maddie's body was discovered by Josh's mother, and why Josh might actually be released from prison in the future. Start living a happier life today and get 10% off your first month by visiting betterhelp.com/instinct! Download Best Fiends FREE today on the Apple App Store or Google Play! Go to DAILYHARVEST.com and enter promo code killer to get $25 off your first box! Love Killer Instincts but hate the ads? Subscribe to the ad-free version here!: https://killerinstinct.supercast.tech/ If you have any thoughts on this case or any other case, or just want to get in touch with Savannah about the show, email her at killerinstinctpodcast@gmail.com.  Follow Savannah on IG: @savannahbrymer  Follow Savannah on Twitter: @savannahbrymer   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

3 Helmi 202124min

Although she was declared legally dead in 2004, Amy Wroe Betchel has never been seen in public since her sudden disappearance on July 24, 1997. Savannah explores the multitude of theories surrounding this case, including suspicion around Amy's husband Steve, the fact that Amy could've been kidnapped during one of her nightly runs, or even the potential involvement of a known killer in the area where she was last seen, Dale Wayne Eaton. Why did Amy disappear and how have the police reconciled with the fact that we're no closer to finding Amy now than over a decade ago? Download Fetch now and use code KILLER and get 4000 points on your first receipt! →https://fetch.thld.co/killerinstinct4  Love Killer Instincts but hate the ads? Subscribe to the ad-free version here!: https://killerinstinct.supercast.tech/ If you have any thoughts on this case or any other case, or just want to get in touch with Savannah about the show, email her at killerinstinctpodcast@gmail.com.  Follow Savannah on IG: @savannahbrymer  Follow Savannah on Twitter: @savannahbrymer   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 Tammi 202127min

Carl Tanzler was a successful radiology technologist in Florida when he met Maria Elena "Helen" Milagro de Hoyos, a patient suffering from tuberculosis. Carl became obsessed with Helen to the point where, even after she died, he attempted to maintain a relationship with her by removing her body from her grave, mummifying it and living with it for 2 years before he was eventually discovered. Savannah details this chance encounter and sheds some light as to what may have led Carl to defiling Helen's body and the manipulative techniques he used on the family to keep it hidden from them for several years. Download Fetch now and use code KILLER and get 4000 points on your first receipt! →https://fetch.thld.co/killerinstinct3  Save 30% on Select Solid Gold Products by going to SOLIDGOLDPET.COM/KILLER! Listen to the story of George and Lisa Revelle on the Generation Why Podcast from Wondery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or listen ad-free by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app! When you purchase of a 3-month Babbel subscription, you’ll get an additional 3 months for FREE! Just go to BABBEL.com and use promo code KILLER. Love Killer Instincts but hate the ads? Subscribe to the ad-free version here!: https://killerinstinct.supercast.tech/ If you have any thoughts on this case or any other case, or just want to get in touch with Savannah about the show, email her at killerinstinctpodcast@gmail.com.  Follow Savannah on IG: @savannahbrymer  Follow Savannah on Twitter: @savannahbrymer   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

20 Tammi 202125min