Kat West: Date Night Murder or Accident? | MURDERISH Ep. 091

In this bonus episode of Murderish, Kari Martin and I recap our trip to Nashville to attend CrimeCon. Kari Martin is the co-host of White Wine True Crime and Pretty Scary podcasts. Our recap begins with a CRAZY flight to Nashville where we did something that may have landed us on the TSA watch list. Kari and I talk about things that went on at CrimeCon and people we spent time with, including none other than Josh Mankiewicz from Dateline NBC! This bonus episode is a light-hearted break from the dark nature of most Murderish episodes. I think you’ll get a good laugh listening to my convo with Kari. Enjoy!MURDERISH now has a Patreon page! If you’d like to support the Podcast, and get special perks in exchange, click here: www.patreon.com/murderishFacebook: MURDERISH Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/540494462961219/     Twitter: @MurderishPod https://twitter.com/MurderishPodInstagram: MurderishPodcastSend comments and inquiries to: MurderishJami@gmail.comMURDERISH merch now available at two online stores (t-shirts, mugs & other cool stuff):Threadless online store https://murderishpodcast.threadless.com/TeePublic online store http://tee.pub/lic/-c0zMWCpN-IEnd-roll Podcast Promos: Killafornia Dreaming & Murder Mile (subscribe, rate & review!)This episode was Edited, Mixed and Mastered by John Bukenas of Audio Editing Solutions www.audioeditingsolutions.com. Need a great audio editor? John Bukenas is your guy!Intro/Outro music in this episode created by: Nico Vettese of We Talk of Dreams. Contact Nico at nico@wetalkofdreams.com or www.wetalkofdreams.com if you’re interested in working with him to create music for your podcast …or any project!Remember, listening to this podcast doesn’t make you a murderer …it just means you’re murder-ish! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

14 Maj 20181h 11min

James R. Fitzgerald (AKA Fitz) is a retired FBI profiler with a specific expertise in Forensic Linguistic Analysis. Fitz’s expertise in Forensic Linguistic Analysis played a significant role in apprehending the infamous serial killer, Ted Kaczynski, who was known as the Unabomber. The Unabomber’s reign of terror lasted over 17 years before he was arrested at his secluded cabin in the woods of Montana in 1996. A miniseries called Manhunt: Unabomber was made and based on Fitz’s hunt for the Unabomber. Fitz has also authored a book titled A Journey to the Center of the Mind, which documents his life as an FBI Profiler and his work on the task force that ultimately caught the Unabomber.Fitz and I talked about everything from some of his most memorable cases, to what drove him to seek a career in law enforcement. We did a deep dive regarding his work on the Unabomber task force, and I learned some very interesting facts about Ted Kaczynski that surprised me. More information on Fitz can be found at www.jamesrfitzgerald.com.  MURDERISH now has a Patreon page! If you’d like to support the Podcast and get special perks in exchange, click here: www.patreon.com/murderish  Facebook: MURDERISH Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/540494462961219/     Twitter: @MurderishPod https://twitter.com/MurderishPodInstagram: MurderishPodcastSend comments and inquiries to: MurderishJami@gmail.comMURDERISH merch now available at two online stores (t-shirts, mugs & other cool stuff):Threadless online store https://murderishpodcast.threadless.com/TeePublic online store http://tee.pub/lic/-c0zMWCpN-I**Featured, pre-roll Podcast Promo** Fame and Misfortune podcast (subscribe, rate & review!)End-roll Podcast Promos: Can We Cult & Cult of Domesticity (subscribe, rate & review!)Lawn Kings | Synthetic Grass: www.lawnkingsinc.com (tell them Jami from Murderish sent you!)This episode was Edited, Mixed and Mastered by John Bukenas of Audio Editing Solutions www.audioeditingsolutions.com. Need a great audio editor? John B. is your guy!Intro/Outro music in this episode: Paul Fitzgerald “jenuflec.” Contact Paul at weydebway@hotmail.co.uk if you’re interested in working with him to create music for your podcast …or any project! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4 Maj 201856min

James R. Fitzgerald (AKA Fitz) is a retired FBI profiler with a specific expertise in Forensic Linguistic Analysis. Fitz’s expertise in Forensic Linguistic Analysis played a significant role in apprehending the infamous serial killer, Ted Kaczynski, who was known as the Unabomber. The Unabomber’s reign of terror lasted over 17 years before he was arrested at his secluded cabin in the woods of Montana in 1996. A miniseries called Manhunt: Unabomber was made and based on Fitz’s hunt for the Unabomber. Fitz has also authored a book titled A Journey to the Center of the Mind, which documents his life as an FBI Profiler and his work on the task force that ultimately caught the Unabomber.Fitz and I talked about everything from some of his most memorable cases, to what drove him to seek a career in law enforcement. We did a deep dive regarding his work on the Unabomber task force, and I learned some very interesting facts about Ted Kaczynski that surprised me. More information on Fitz can be found at www.jamesrfitzgerald.com.  MURDERISH now has a Patreon page! If you’d like to support the Podcast and get special perks in exchange, click here: www.patreon.com/murderish  Follow MURDERISH on social media:Facebook: MURDERISH Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/540494462961219/     Twitter: @MurderishPod https://twitter.com/MurderishPodInstagram: MurderishPodcastSend comments and inquiries to MurderishJami@gmail.comMURDERISH merch now available at two online stores (t-shirts, mugs & other cool stuff):Threadless online store https://murderishpodcast.threadless.com/TeePublic online store http://tee.pub/lic/-c0zMWCpN-IEnd-roll Podcast Promos: Hoosier Homicide & Fiercely Altered Perspective podcast (subscribe, rate & review!)Episode Sponsors:Lawn Kings | Synthetic Grass: www.lawnkingsinc.com (tell them Jami from Murderish sent you!)This episode was Edited, Mixed and Mastered by John Bukenas of Audio Editing Solutions www.audioeditingsolutions.com. Need a great audio editor? John B. is your guy!Intro/Outro music in this episode: Paul Fitzgerald “jenuflec.” Contact Paul at weydebway@hotmail.co.uk if you’re interested in working with him to create music for your podcast …or any project! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4 Maj 201853min

In this episode of Murderish, I interview John Meehan’s (AKA Dirty John) oldest daughter, Emily Meehan. For those who are unfamiliar, Dirty John is a wildly popular podcast that covers a crazy, true crime that occurred in Orange County California. Please listen to the Dirty John podcast before listening to this episode of Murderish. Emily was just five years old when her parents divorced. In true Dirty John fashion, John Meehan left his family and drained their bank account, leaving Tonia Bales (his wife at the time, and Emily’s mother) with only $23 to support herself and their two daughters. In this interview, Emily opens up about her life with, and without, John Meehan. She also gives great insight into how John was as a father. Emily and I talked about the half sister she has as a result of one of John Meehan’s affairs. She also spoke about the medical condition John had, which caused his organs to be ineligible to donate after he died. Emily is a lot like her mom. She’s strong, smart and driven. Emily will soon graduate from Augusta University with a degree in nursing. I’m especially excited about interviewing Emily because she and her sister, Abby, were not emphasized much in the Dirty John podcast or the Dateline episode featuring this story. We haven’t yet heard Emily’s perspective on this story, until now. Please visit Emily’s YouTube channel by searching Em&Dex. MURDERISH now has a Patreon page! If you’d like to support the Podcast, and get special perks in exchange, click here: www.patreon.com/murderish  Follow MURDERISH on social media:Facebook: MURDERISH Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/540494462961219/     Twitter: @MurderishPod https://twitter.com/MurderishPodSend comments and inquiries to: MurderishJami@gmail.comMURDERISH merch now available at two online stores (t-shirts, mugs & other cool stuff):Threadless online store https://murderishpodcast.threadless.com/TeePublic online store http://tee.pub/lic/-c0zMWCpN-IPodcast Promos: Eye for an Eye & Strictly Homicide podcasts (subscribe, rate & review!)Episode Sponsors:Lawn Kings | Synthetic Grass: www.lawnkingsinc.com (tell them Jami from Murderish sent you!)Freshly | Go to freshly.com/Podcast for $25 off your first order!This episode was Edited, Mixed and Mastered by John Bukenas of Audio Editing Solutions www.audioeditingsolutions.com. Need a great audio editor? John B. is your guy!Intro/Outro music in this episode: Paul Fitzgerald “jenuflec.” Contact Paul at weydebway@hotmail.co.uk if you’re interested in working with him to create music for your podcast …or any project! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2 Apr 20181h 12min

Rod Demery spent many years working as a homicide detective for the Shreveport (Louisiana) Police Department, and he retired in 2016. Rod now works as a special homicide investigator for the district attorney’s office. He is also a United States Navy veteran and served in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield. As if all of that wasn’t enough, Rod is also the star of hit tv show, Murder Chose Me, on Investigation Discovery. Murder Chose Me features Rod telling murder stories in his own words, as well as reenactments provided by a very well-chosen cast who deliver these scenes in a gripping way that really pulls you into the story.MURDERISH now has a Patreon page! If you’d like to support the Podcast and get special perks in exchange, click here: www.patreon.com/murderish  Follow MURDERISH on social media:Facebook: MURDERISH Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/540494462961219/     Twitter: @MurderishPod https://twitter.com/MurderishPodInstagram: MurderishPodcastSend comments and inquiries to: MurderishJami@gmail.comMURDERISH merch now available at two online stores (t-shirts, mugs & other cool stuff):Threadless online store https://murderishpodcast.threadless.com/TeePublic online store http://tee.pub/lic/-c0zMWCpN-I**Featured, mid-roll Podcast Promo**: Murder on the Mind (subscribe, rate & review!)End-roll Podcast Promos: All Crime Not Cattle & Dark Histories (subscribe, rate & review!)Episode Sponsors:Lawn Kings | Synthetic Grass: www.lawnkingsinc.com (tell them Jami from Murderish sent you!)This episode was Edited, Mixed and Mastered by John Bukenas of Audio Editing Solutions www.audioeditingsolutions.com. Need a great audio editor? John B. is your guy!Intro/Outro music in this episode: Paul Fitzgerald “jenuflec.” Contact Paul at weydebway@hotmail.co.uk if you’re interested in working with him to create music for your podcast …or any project! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2 Apr 20181h 1min

In this episode of Murderish, I interview John Meehan’s (AKA Dirty John) first wife, Tonia Bales. You might remember Tonia from the wildly popular Dirty John podcast, where listeners got to hear recorded phone calls between John and Tonia. John’s threats to Tonia during those calls made the hair on my arms stick up. During the interview, Tonia talks about those phone calls and her motivation behind staying on the phone with John even after he threatened her.   MURDERISH now has a Patreon page! If you’d like to support the Podcast, and get special perks in exchange, click here: www.patreon.com/murderish  Follow MURDERISH on social media:Facebook: MURDERISH Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/540494462961219/     Twitter: @MurderishPod https://twitter.com/MurderishPodSend comments and inquiries to: MurderishJami@gmail.comMURDERISH merch now available at two online stores (t-shirts, mugs & other cool stuff):Threadless online store https://murderishpodcast.threadless.com/TeePublic online store http://tee.pub/lic/-c0zMWCpN-IPodcast Promos: Ignorance Was Bliss & Murder Was the Case (listen & subscribe!)Episode Sponsors:Freshly | Go to freshly.com/Podcast for $25 off your first order!Sudio Sweden | Go to sudio.com and use promo code MURDERISH for 15% off!This episode was Edited, Mixed and Mastered by John Bukenas of Audio Editing Solutions www.audioeditingsolutions.com. Need a great audio editor? John B. is your guy!Intro/Outro music in this episode: Paul Fitzgerald “jenuflec.” Contact Paul at weydebway@hotmail.co.uk if you’re interested in working with him to create music for your podcast …or any project!Remember, listening to this podcast doesn’t make you a murderer …it just means you’re murder-ish! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

19 Mars 20181h 17min

In December of 1992, Justin Hopper, was making plans to move and get a fresh start. He was a high school senior at the time when he found himself in a dangerous situation. Justin had been selling drugs, and his instincts told him he needed to get out of that lifestyle before something bad happened. Justin was much more than a drug dealer, though. He was a kind-hearted, caring guy with a sentimental side. He was a football player who maintained good grades in school. Justin shared his plans to escape the lifestyle he was living with his close friend, Suzi. Sadly, Justin had no idea that he only had a few more weeks to live after sharing his plans with Suzi. Justin would never get the fresh start he desired because two gun-loving classmates had other plans for him.MURDERISH now has a Patreon page! If you’d like to support the Podcast and get special perks in exchange, click here: www.patreon.com/murderishFacebook: MURDERISH Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/540494462961219/Twitter: @MurderishPod https://twitter.com/MurderishPodSend comments and inquiries to: MurderishJami@gmail.comThreadless online store https://murderishpodcast.threadless.com/TeePublic online store http://tee.pub/lic/-c0zMWCpN-IFreshly | Go to freshly.com/Podcast for $25 off your first order!Sudio Sweden | Go to sudio.com and use promo code MURDERISH for 15% off!This episode was Edited, Mixed and Mastered by John Bukenas of Audio Editing Solutions www.audioeditingsolutions.com. Need a great audio editor? John B. is your guy!A BIG “thank you” to Michelle Kolacinski, for her help researching this story. Sources for this story: Court documents from Riverside Superior Court, Suzi Hammond (friend of Justin Hopper), Redlands Daily Facts, newspapers.com, The San Bernardino County Sun Newspaper, dadi.org, The Redlands Travel Guide. https://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/2015/12/31/family-of-justin-hopper-case-prosecutor-react-to-aaron-mercados-release/ https://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/2015/12/31/convicted-murderer-aaron-mercado-released-from-prison-in-october/https://www.newspapers.com/image/81309136/?terms=justin+hopperhttps://www.newspapers.com/image/81309187/?terms=justin+hopperhttps://www.newspapers.com/image/81316777/?terms=justin+hopperhttps://www.newspapers.com/image/184509222/?terms=justin+hoppehttps://www.newspapers.com/image/96127634/?terms=justin+hopperhttps://www.newspapers.com/image/81316736/?terms=justin+hopper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9 Mars 201858min

If you enjoyed listening to the Dirty John podcast (who didn’t??) then you’re in for a treat. In this episode of Murderish, I interview Terra Newell. Terra was brutally attacked by John Meehan, AKA “Dirty John” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

19 Feb 20181h 2min