Episode 63: Alex Radita (Part 2)
In last week’s episode, I told you the tragic story of 15-year-old Alex Radita, who succumbed on May 7, 2013 to an infection caused by untreated diabetes and starvation at the hands of his parents. Alex’s death was essentially long-term medical neglect and torture by his parents, Emil and Rodica Radita, Romanian immigrants who evidently believed that God, not medicine, would heal their son. Despite multiple interventions from British Columbia’s child welfare agency, the Raditas were able to elude continued supervision by moving to Calgary, Alberta, where Alex ultimately died weighing 37 pounds and covered in necrotizing sores.In this episode, I’ll tell you about the murder trial of Emil and Rodica Radita, the mountain of testimony against them, and the verdict. I’ll also talk about the aftermath of Alex’s death and the effect it had on the people who tried to save him, discuss the sorry state of child welfare systems all over the world, and remember Alex as the bright, creative boy he was.This is part 2 of the horrific story of Alex Radita.Links discussed in this episode: Crime Beat podcast episode, The Boy Who Fell Through the Cracks - https://globalnews.ca/news/6045854/crime-beat-podcast-boy-who-fell-through-cracksVideo of Alex on his 15th birthday, released without sound by order of the court (warning: may be disturbing to some viewers) - https://fb.watch/5jSoPm4QpB/ Huge thanks to today’s sponsor:Smile Brilliant provides teeth whitening and oral care products customized just for you! Use my coupon code CHILDREN to save 30% by clicking here: https://www.smilebrilliant.com/?coupon=children#podcastPhotos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpodYou can also follow the podcast on: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/sufferthelittlechildrenpodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/STLCpodTumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/sufferthelittlechildrenpodPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@STLCpod My Linktree is available here: https://linktr.ee/stlcpod Visit the podcast's web page at https://www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com. Please help make the show my full-time gig to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me on Patreon, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive gifts! (www.patreon.com/STLCpod) This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine. For more stories like this one, visit https://sufferthelittlechildrenblog.com.Music for this episode is from https://audiojungle.net. Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/id1499010711Google Podcasts: https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/I5mx3lacxpdkhssmk2n22csf32u?t%3DSuffer_the_Little_Children%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-childrenPandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/PC:61848?part=PC:61848&corr=podcast_organic_external_site&TID=Brand:POC:PC61848:podcast_organic_external_siteSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w98Tpd3710BZ0u036T1KEiHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/77891101/ ...or on your favorite podcast listening platform.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support.If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org
26 Mai 202143min
Episode 62 - Alex Radita (Part 1)
On May 7, 2013, police and paramedics responded to a home in Calgary, Alberta on a report of a teenager not breathing, but nothing could have prepared them for what they were about to see. 15-year-old Alex Radita, who was dead well before his father called 911, weighed only 37 pounds. He was literally nothing but skin and bones, and his body was covered with necrotizing ulcers, including one so deep it left his salivary gland exposed. After an autopsy revealed Alex’s death was caused by a septic infection secondary to extreme starvation and untreated diabetes, his parents -- Romanian immigrants who believed God, not medicine, would save their son -- were arrested and charged with first degree murder.This is a story of a couple so hell bent on being right that they allowed their son to waste away for years rather than give him the medication and food he needed to survive. It’s the story of the exposure of massive weaknesses in the Canadian child welfare system. Most importantly, it’s the story of a bright, courageous boy who tried to smile even as he entered the final stages of starvation and the catastrophic infection that took his life. This is the horrific story of Alex Radita.Links discussed in this episode: Crime Beat podcast episode, The Boy Who Fell Through the Cracks - https://globalnews.ca/news/6045854/crime-beat-podcast-boy-who-fell-through-cracksVideo of Alex on his 15th birthday, released without sound by order of the court (warning: may be disturbing to some viewers) - https://fb.watch/5jSoPm4QpB/ Huge thanks to today’s sponsors:Gemmist makes salon-quality hair care products backed by science, giving you personalized shampoo and conditioner recommendations based on your hair data. Use my code CHILDREN to get the best hair of your life and save 20%! Click here to take their hair quiz: https://gemmist.com/?promo=children&utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=SpringSmile Brilliant provides teeth whitening and oral care products customized just for you! Use my coupon code CHILDREN to save 30% by clicking here: https://www.smilebrilliant.com/?coupon=children#podcastPhotos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpodYou can also follow the podcast on: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/sufferthelittlechildrenpodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/STLCpodTumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/sufferthelittlechildrenpodPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@STLCpod My Linktree is available here: https://linktr.ee/stlcpod Visit the podcast's web page at https://www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com. Please help make the show my full-time gig to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me on Patreon, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive gifts! (www.patreon.com/STLCpod) This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine. For more stories like this one, visit https://sufferthelittlechildrenblog.com.Music for this episode is from https://audiojungle.net. Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/id1499010711Google Podcasts: https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/I5mx3lacxpdkhssmk2n22csf32u?t%3DSuffer_the_Little_Children%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-childrenPandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/PC:61848?part=PC:61848&corr=podcast_organic_external_site&TID=Brand:POC:PC61848:podcast_organic_external_siteSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w98Tpd3710BZ0u036T1KEiHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/77891101/ ...or on your favorite podcast listening platform.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support.If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org
19 Mai 202139min
Episode 61: Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (Part 4)
In the first three episodes in my series on Munchausen syndrome by proxy, I searched for answers about this commonly misunderstood form of child abuse while I discussed multiple cases of children harmed or even killed by mothers who sought attention for themselves and thrived on drama, heedless of the damage they did to their children. During my search, I came out with more questions than answers!For this episode, I welcomed two very special guests to help me answer those questions. Author Andrea Dunlop drew from personal experience with a family member to write her latest novel, We Came Here to Forget, which centers around a woman whose family was torn apart by Munchausen by proxy. Dr. Marc Feldman, who I have quoted multiple times throughout the series, is an international expert in the field of factitious disorders whose credentials are too numerous to list in the show notes! I was honored to have an in-depth, fascinating conversation with both Andrea and Dr. Feldman, who provided their uniquely qualified perspectives and expertise on this baffling topic. Don’t miss this episode!This is part 4 in my series about the inexplicable phenomenon of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy.Links:Andrea Dunlop’s novel, We Came Here to Forget: https://www.amazon.com/We-Came-Here-Forget-Novel/dp/1982103434/Dr. Marc Feldman’s latest book, Dying to Be Ill: https://www.amazon.com/Dying-be-Ill-Marc-Feldman-dp-1138063835/dp/1138063835/Dr. Feldman’s website: https://www.munchausen.com/ Andrea Dunlop’s website: https://www.andreadunlop.net/ Huge thanks to today’s sponsors:Gemmist makes salon-quality hair care products backed by science, giving you personalized shampoo and conditioner recommendations based on your hair data. Use my code CHILDREN to get the best hair of your life and save 20%! Click here to take their hair quiz: https://gemmist.com/?promo=children&utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=SpringSmile Brilliant provides teeth whitening and oral care products customized just for you! Use my coupon code CHILDREN to save 30% by clicking here: https://www.smilebrilliant.com/?coupon=children#podcastPhoto for today’s cover image: Kristine Wook on UnsplashPhotos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram. You can also follow the podcast on YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr, TikTok, and Pinterest. My Linktree is available here: https://linktr.ee/stlcpod Visit the podcast's web page at www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com. Please help make the show my full-time gig to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me on Patreon, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive gifts! This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine. For more stories like this one, visit www.sufferthelittlechildrenblog.com. Music for this episode is from www.AudioJungle.net. Follow Suffer the Little Children on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spreaker, Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or your favorite podcast listening platform.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support.If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org
12 Mai 20211h 5min
Episode 60: Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (Part 3)
Over the last two episodes, I told you the story of five-year-old Garnett Spears, whose mother was convicted of his 2014 murder by sodium poisoning. Garnett’s entire life was filled with medical procedures, treatments, medications, even surgeries he didn’t need, all thanks to his mother’s pathological need for attention. In this episode, the third in my series about Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, I’ll tell you the stories of other children affected by medical child abuse, and other caregivers -- mostly mothers -- whose bizarre behavior, lies, and willingness to abuse and even kill the children in their care is the reason for their inclusion on this list.This is part 3 in my series about the inexplicable phenomenon of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy.Links:Andrea Dunlop’s novel, We Came Here to ForgetDr. Marc Feldman’s latest book, Dying to Be IllHuge thanks to today’s sponsors:Gemmist makes salon-quality hair care products backed by science, giving you personalized shampoo and conditioner recommendations based on your hair data. Use my code CHILDREN to get the best hair of your life and save 20%! Click here to take their hair quiz.Smile Brilliant provides teeth whitening and oral care products customized just for you! Use my coupon code CHILDREN to save 30% by clicking here.Photo for today’s cover image: Kristine Wook on UnsplashPhotos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram. You can also follow the podcast on YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr, TikTok, and Pinterest. My Linktree is available here.Visit the podcast's web page at www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com. Please help make the show my full-time gig to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive gifts! This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine. For more stories like this one, visit Suffer the Little Children Blog.Music for this episode is from www.AudioJungle.net. Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or your favorite podcast listening platform.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support.If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org
5 Mai 202154min
Episode 59: Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (Part 2)
Most of us have heard of Munchausen syndrome by proxy thanks to its prevalence in popular culture, including TV, movies, books, and, of course, news articles, but what is it exactly? Is it a crime, a cry for help, a mental disorder, or something else entirely? In part one of this series, I told you what studies and experts have to say about this commonly misunderstood condition. I also told you the beginning of the story of 5-year-old Garnett Spears. Garnett’s death in January of 2014 was the culmination of five brutal years of unnecessary surgical procedures, medications, hospitalizations, induced illnesses, and gratuitous suffering at the hands of his mother, and the egregiousness of Garnett’s story has made his one of the most well known cases of Munchausen syndrome by proxy to date. In today’s episode, I’ll tell you the conclusion of Garnett’s story, including his death and the 2015 murder trial of his mother, Lacey Spears.This is part 2 of the baffling phenomenon of Munchausen Syndrome by proxy.Links:Dr. Marc Feldman’s latest bookDr. Feldman’s bioJohn Glatt’s book, My Sweet Angel: The True Story of Lacey Spears, the Seemingly Perfect Mother Who Murdered Her Son in Cold BloodWeb of Lies on ID - The Sick Boy48 Hours on CBS - A Mother AccusedHuge thanks to today’s sponsors:On the Military True Crime Addict podcast, host David Kokish covers lesser known cases involving military personnel, veterans, family members, and others associated with the military, giving voices to the victims of these crimes and raising awareness for those impacted by them. Monster Ivy Publishing, the premier publishing company for edgy, clean fiction, tackles the hard topics, much like I do on this podcast. Visit their website here: https://www.monsterivy.com/Smile Brilliant provides teeth whitening and oral care products customized just for you! Use my coupon code to save 30% by clicking here.Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram. You can also follow the podcast on YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr, TikTok, and Pinterest. My Linktree is available here.Visit the podcast's web page at www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com. Please help make the show my full-time gig to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive gifts! This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine. For more stories like this one, visit Suffer the Little Children Blog.Music for this episode is from www.AudioJungle.net. Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or your favorite podcast listening platform.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support.If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org
28 Apr 202152min
Episode 58: Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (Part 1)
Most of us have heard of Munchausen syndrome by proxy thanks to its prevalence in popular culture, including TV, movies, books, and, of course, news articles, but what is it exactly? Is it a crime, a cry for help, a mental disorder, or something else entirely? For the first time, to raise awareness of this insidious form of child abuse, I will cover Munchausen syndrome by proxy as a broad topic spanning several episodes instead of concentrating on one case. In part one of the series, I’ll tell you what studies and experts have to say about this commonly misunderstood condition, and I’ll also tell you the first part of the story of 5-year-old Garnett Spears. Garnett’s death in January of 2014 was the culmination of five brutal years of unnecessary surgical procedures, medications, hospitalizations, induced illnesses, and gratuitous suffering at the hands of his mother, and the egregiousness of Garnett’s story has made his one of the most well known cases of Munchausen syndrome by proxy to date. This is part 1 of the baffling phenomenon of Munchausen Syndrome by proxy. Links mentioned in the episode:Dr. Marc Feldman’s latest bookDr. Feldman’s bioAndrea Dunlop’s latest book, We Came Here to ForgetJohn Glatt’s book, My Sweet Angel: The True Story of Lacey Spears, the Seemingly Perfect Mother Who Murdered Her Son in Cold BloodHuge thanks to today’s sponsors:On the Military True Crime Addict podcast, host David Kokish covers lesser known cases involving military personnel, veterans, family members, and others associated with the military, giving voices to the victims of these crimes and raising awareness for those impacted by them. Smile Brilliant provides teeth whitening and oral care products customized just for you! Use my coupon code to save 30% by clicking here.Shout-out to The Jury Room Podcast, whose promo you heard at the top of the show! Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram. You can also follow the podcast on YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr, TikTok, and Pinterest. My Linktree is available here.Visit the podcast's web page at www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com. Please help make the show my full-time gig to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive gifts! This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine. For more stories like this one, visit Suffer the Little Children Blog.Music for this episode is from www.AudioJungle.net. Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or your favorite podcast listening platform.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support.If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org
21 Apr 202149min
Episode 57: Samiah Downing (Part 2)
Four-year-old Samiah Downing was visiting with her father and his girlfriend in Adelanto, California in December of 2012 when police received a report from a witness that something very bad had happened to Samiah. Police interviewed the couple, and within hours, authorities received information that led them to a shallow grave in the California desert, where they discovered Samiah’s body with unimaginable injuries. The story that emerged was a horror of daily beatings, confinement, and diabolical torture, including the water deprivation that ultimately led to Samiah’s death, and later, the arrest and conviction of three people.In last week’s episode, I told you the story of Samiah’s life, her death, and the nearly nine-year criminal case that ensued. This week, you’ll hear my interview with the prosecutor in Samiah’s case, San Bernardino County Deputy District Attorney Justin Crocker, who spent years pushing toward justice for the sweet, happy four-year-old girl with the big brown eyes. This is part 2 of the tragic story of Samiah Downing.Huge thanks to today’s sponsor:Smile Brilliant provides teeth whitening and oral care products customized just for you! Use my coupon code to save 30% by clicking herePhotos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram. You can also follow the podcast on YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr, TikTok, and Pinterest. My Linktree is available here.Visit the podcast's web page at www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com. Please help make the show my full-time gig to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive gifts! This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine. For more stories like this one, visit Suffer the Little Children Blog.Music for this episode is from www.AudioJungle.net. Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or your favorite podcast listening platform.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support.If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org
7 Apr 202154min
Episode 56: Samiah Downing (Part 1)
Four-year-old Samiah Downing was visiting with her father and his girlfriend in Adelanto, California in December of 2012 when police received a report from a witness that something very bad had happened to Samiah. Police interviewed the couple, and within hours, authorities received information that led them to a shallow grave in the California desert, where they discovered Samiah’s body with unimaginable injuries. The story that emerged was a horror of daily beatings, confinement, and diabolical torture, including the water deprivation that ultimately led to Samiah’s death, and later, the arrest and conviction of three people.In this episode, I will tell you the story of Samiah’s life, her death, and the nearly nine-year criminal case that ensued. Next week, you’ll hear my interview with the prosecutor in Samiah’s case, San Bernardino County Deputy District Attorney Justin Crocker, who spent years pushing toward justice for the sweet, happy four-year-old girl with the big brown eyes. This is part 1 of the tragic story of Samiah Downing.To watch the segment about Samiah on Gina Silva’s Fox 11 investigative series The Children Are Dying, click here.Huge thanks to today’s sponsor:Smile Brilliant provides teeth whitening and oral care products customized just for you! Visit their website here.Shout-out also to the Stolen Lives podcast, whose promo you heard at the top of the episode! Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook and Instagram. You can also follow the podcast on YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr, TikTok, and Pinterest. My Linktree is available here.Visit the podcast's web page at www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com. Please help make the show my full-time gig to keep the weekly episodes coming! By supporting me, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive gifts! This podcast is written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine. For more stories like this one, visit Suffer the Little Children Blog.Music for this episode is from www.AudioJungle.net. Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or your favorite podcast listening platform.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support.If you see something, say something. https://childhelp.org
31 Mar 202137min
