Wrong Man Sent To Prison For Murder of Girlfriend, Othram DNA Solves Catches Real Killer

The FBI's investigation into James Knott's Kentucky home reveals a shocking discovery: 40 human skulls, femurs, hip bones, and spinal cords used as decorations. In response to this disturbing find, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack delve deep into the complex and unsettling world of how human remains are treated, examining the blurred boundaries between respect and violation. Through personal stories, including that of a mortician's questionable actions and a chilling account of James Knott's home adorned with human skulls, the duo grapples with society's morbid fascinations. Additionally, they explore historical figures like William Burke and contemporary controversies surrounding Harvard Medical School. The episode culminates in a somber reflection on the trade of human trophies in our digital age, and discussion of ethical dilemmas surrounding these issues, prompting us to question our society's values and the importance of respecting the dignity of the deceased. Time-codes: [00:00:20] - Joseph Scott Morgan gives an overview of his experience as a death investigator, introducing the episode's story about a man who worked for a prestigious institution and drove a car with vanity plate hinting at death [00:04:00] - Joe Scott narrates a shocking tale of a mortician's twisted expression of love, and argues that the dead are the most defenseless and that those in the mortuary industry should honor the dead. [00:06:20] - Dave Mack introduces the story of James Knott, a man in Kentucky whose home was raided by the FBI, leading to the discovery of 40 human skulls and other bones used as decorations. [00:07:44] - Insight into the intricate and complex process of dissecting human brains and spinal cords is shared. [00:10:13] - Joe's passion for history and architecture leads to a discussion on ossuaries in Portugal and Milan, Italy. [00:13:00] - Joe recounts the chilling response of James Knott to FBI agents during a warrant execution and raises questions about Knott's motives and activities, speculating on the possibility of him being a necrophile, grave robber, serial killer, or trafficker in human remains. [00:15:20] - A Harvard medical school bag's discovery thickens the plot around Knott. [00:16:37] - Dave probes the enigma of preparing human remains for display, including cleaning and sourcing the remains. [00:19:40] - How can one acquire so many skulls? Joe presents his theories and also discusses methods of cleaning bones, including using bleach or a heating process. [00:23:20] - Joseph Scott Morgan delves into the history of William Burke and William Hare, two serial killers known for selling bodies for medical dissections, and explains the prohibition against human dissections in medical schools during that period, leading to a market for human remains. [00:25:37] - The debate steers towards the legality and ethics of anatomical gifts, and the trust issues surrounding anatomical donations. Harvard Medical School's involvement in this case raises questions. 00:27:12] Morgan explains how certain individuals, including Cecil Lodge, former head of the Harvard Medical School Anatomical Gift Program, allegedly brokered human remains. [00:28:06] - A step-by-step journey through the body dissection process in medical schools. [00:29:38] - The morbid market of body parts as "souvenirs" is put under the spotlight. Dave highlights the modern-day horror of trading human trophies on social media. [00:32:00] - Joe Scott contemplates the future repercussions of the episode's revelations on industry regulations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7 Aug 31min

A baby is dropped off at the end of a Tennessee driveway. As witnesses call 911 to report the baby, another call is coming in from a county over about a possible quadruple homicide. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack discuss the murders of Adrianna Williams, 20, James Wilson, 21, Cortney Rose,, 38, and Braydon Williams, 15, and the man who was arrested for the crime after days on the lam, Austin Drummond. Transcribe Highlights 00:00.11 Introduction 04:02.95 Infant dropped off at the end of driveway 08:15.20 Four dead, two are women 12:05.22 Posting photos on social media 16:14.68 Identification was fast 21:01.80 Possible concealment 24:20.42 Austin Drummond dated the grandmother 28:45.41 Austin Drummond prison cell 32:04.72 Austin Drummond captured 34:02.53 Conclusion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 Aug 34min

Arsonists do it for many different reasons: Revenge, Money, Cover-up a Crime, Pyrophilia. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack discuss arson and how the crime is investigated, the evidence left behind, and why burning up the scene of a crime to get rid of evidence often creates the evidence needed to catch the perp. Transcript Highlights00:00:00.00 Introduction - Fire 00:05:08.55 Getting hurt at fire scenes 00:09:59.88 Four sources 00:15:06.98 Watching fire 00:20:04.78 Arsonists use fire to make money, cover up a crime, render down a body 00:25:09.86 Somebody laying on their back, clothing on back many time is intact 00:30:17.15 Using fire for revenge 00:35:16.22 Memory of first time faced with a burned body in morgue 00:39:58.89 Linear surgical incisions to prevent body from splitting open 00:45:05.58 Most people die from smoke inhalation 00:50:17.55 Being short of breath, sad way to die 00:55:02.50 Treating the body with respect 00:59:47.19 Personal story, conclusion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5 Aug 59min

Bryan Kohberger snuck in to kill young ladies while they slept. Maddie and Kaylee woke up and fought for their lives. Ethan Chapin was killed as he slept. But one, Xana Kernodle, was wide awake when the devil showed up. After reading through documents released by the Moscow Police, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack put together a timeline and a map of activity inside the house at 1122 King Road and what really took place. They also discuss the injuries and the effect those injuries had on the victims as well as breaking down the police reports with never before heard comments from survivors and the horror that was seen by police when they first arrived on scene. Transcribe Highlights 00:00.00 Introduction 04:25.35 Xana came from tough upbinging 08:55.66 All four students did well in school 14:25.39 Coming face to face with Satan 19:57.23 BK surprised by Xana 25:02.33 Ghastly injury from Xana grabbing knife 30:18.04 Xana was fully awake and engaged during attack 34:59.06 Ethan found in the bed, significant trauma 40:00.96 Similar injury caused by Courtney Clenney 45:10.40 No justice for what BK did 47:06.63 ConclusionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

31 Jul 47min

The sentencing of Bryan Kohberger allowed for the release of documents that until now have been kept from the public. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack discuss the case and examine the injuries suffered by Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kerodle, and Ethan Chapin. This episode covers the injuries suffered by Maddie and Kaylee, best friends, murdered by Bryan Kohberger on the third floor of 1122 King Road. Tomorrow's episode will cover Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. Transcribe Highlights 00:00:00.00 Introduction 00:02:15.60 Moscow Police files open for public 00:05:38.39 Kohberger "selfie" 00:09:44.63 Alivea Goncalves Impact statement 00:15:04.65 Warning about the damage done to Maddie and Kaylee 00:20:44.26 Prosecutors believe the "target" was Maddie or Kaylee 00:24:17.15 Wounds indicate Maddie was defending herself 00:29:11.95 Injuries to liver and lung 00:35:28.11 Very Sharp instrument 00:39:24.33 Kaylee was trapped between Maddie and the wall 00:44:08.05 Pink Blanket covering Maddie and Kaylee 00:49:37.59 Hand wrapped around Handle of Ka-Bar 00:54:58.43 Very vascular area struck 00:56:42.98 Conclusion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30 Jul 57min

In 1984, Terrance Arndt was an 18-year-old in Shasta County California. He and his girlfriend are sitting together in his vehicle when out of nowhere, a man with a gun shows up. Arndt tries to save his girlfriend and is shot in the process. The girlfriend is sexually assaulted and left for dead. She isn't dead. After the killer leaves, she bravely drives Arndt's car for help and the state highway patrol calls Shasta County Sheriff's department. Arndt is taken to an area hospital but dies from his injuries, his girlfriend, never named, survives. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack discuss the case and the evidence left behind that allowed for science to catch up to the evidence collected. It took 40 years, but an arrest has been made. Transcript Highlights 00:00.37 Introduction 01:41.48 Othram solves another cold case 02:45.31 Shasta County 05:11.66 Terrence Arndt killed, date raped 10:10.43 Small town athlete = star 14:42.98 Blood and DNA in 1984 20:08.18 Evidence that might be used later25:58.30 Tucson is a long way from Shasta County 29:56.59 Plug info into codis 35:19.30 Suspect shows up in court in a wheelchair and on oxygen 39:46.21 You can't outrun the numbers 42:09.96 Conclusion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 Jul 42min

The victim impact statements in the Bryan Kohberger sentencing were powerful. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack have covered the case since it began in November 2022 and discuss the evidence used to convince Bryan Kohberger to take a plea deal. JoScott also explains some of the injuries sustained by Kaylee Gonçalves and how they would have happened based on what we now know about the murders and how they took place. Transcribe Highlights 00:00.22 Introduction, memories 04:25.74 Idaho murders impact on society 10:03.64 Impact statements by family members 15:12.12 Still wanting to know the facts of the case 20:32.28 Did BK target one specific person? 25:27.39 Science solved the case 30:13.55 BK Comment on arrest "anyone else arrested?" 35:11.23 Timeline of activity 40:34.32 Defense theory of 4 other people 45:10.42 Parents, Grandparents, siblings, impacted 48:23.61 ConclusionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 Jul 48min

Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack discuss Forensic Anthropology, starting with the two questions usually asked of Forensic Anthropologists: Who are they? What happened? Joseph Scott Morgan explains what is Forensic Anthropology and how experts in the field are able to figure out what happened in cases where only a minimum of remains are left to investigate. Transcribe Highlights 00:10.88 Introduction- Forensic Anthropology 05:05.90 Thinking neighbor was "the" Margaret Mead 10:26.47 Forensic Anthropologists - The Body Farm 14:56.66 Training is very intense 20:01.55 Terminator the liquid guy 25:03.32 Bones that make up the human skull 30:18.10 Swampy area - what happens to bones? 35:08.07 Study of human skeletal remains 40:42.60 Suture lines in floor of skull 44:34.54 Working case of genocide 50:36.76 Gunshot wound 55:22.21 ConclusionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Jul 55min