When Innocence is Betrayed: A Neonatal Ward Nightmare

Several guests fall gravely ill and lose their lives after attending a meal hosted by Erin Patterson. Among the victims, the symptoms were immediate and severe, but curiously, Erin's symptoms did not align with the rest, casting a shadow of suspicion over her. In this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack dive into the twisted tale of the death cap mushroom, a case that sends shockwaves across Victoria, Australia. From exploring the forensic complexities of the case to uncovering the historical context of poisonings, Joe Scott and Dave guide listeners through a web of mysteries, detailed autopsy procedures, and the legal intricacies that come into play.  Time codes: [00:00:20] Joseph Scott Morgan discusses various types of mushrooms, ending with the fatal death cap mushroom. [00:03:04] Dave Mack tells the story of Erin and Simon Patterson's split, the deadly lunch, and the unfolding drama. [00:05:11] A twist is revealed when Dave states that Erin's symptoms do not match those of the other guests. [00:08:01] Joe Scott discusses the challenges of identifying toxins in a body. [00:13:20] A pattern of people falling ill when Erin cooks, dating back to May 2022, is revealed. [00:15:36] Details are shared about the gruesome effects of toxins on the liver and kidneys. [00:18:44] Joe Scott contemplates intentional poisoning. [00:19:16] References to historical cases of poisoning with death cap mushrooms. [00:25:00] Morgan explains food identification even after digestion. [00:30:33] Insight into the role of pathologists adds legal dimensions.  [00:32:40] Questions about weaponizing common food items open a new line of inquiry. [00:33:21] Joe Scott emphasizes the importance of medical charting. [00:35:20] The investigation's scope broadens when considering other geographically close cases.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 Aug 202336min

When law enforcement takes aim at Roy McGrath, the incident leaves behind not only a dead man but a perplexing forensic puzzle. The complex details of this case, including McGrath's alleged financial misdeeds, his relationship with Governor Larry Hogan, and a controversial severance package, set the stage for a dramatic investigation. Hosts Joe Scott Morgan and Dave Mack explore McGrath's political career, high-end fugitive lifestyle, and the fascinating forensics behind his demise. From the discovery of McGrath's SUV outside of Knoxville to the intricate process of examining gunshot wounds at the morgue, this episode dives deep into the truth and uncertainty that permeate the world of forensic science. A tale of bullets, lies, and a pursuit for truth, it's a story that's as complex as the wound tracks left behind.   Time codes: [00:00:00] Joseph Scott Morgan introduces the episode's topic, exploring law enforcement shootings and who investigates these incidents. He mentions the case of Roy McGrath, who was in the national spotlight and was being searched for by the FBI and U.S. Marshals. [00:01:40] The critical question is asked: who polices the police? [00:02:00] Joe Scott and Dave discuss the background of Roy McGrath, including his alleged financial misdeeds. [00:03:40] The controversial severance package from the Maryland Environmental Service (MES) involving Roy McGrath is unveiled. [00:08:41] Dave explains McGrath's reaction to the news of his fraudulent activities being exposed. [00:09:40] The challenge of evading modern law enforcement agencies with advanced technology. [00:12:17] Discussion about the suspect's escape, his property in Florida, and the fact that he had no plans of appearing in court. [00:15:25] The dramatic scene unfolds where the FBI locates McGrath outside of Knoxville, raising questions about potential risks to bystanders. [00:18:20] The case's complexity is explored, particularly the two separate wound tracks from simultaneous gunfire. [00:23:22] An explanation of the process of examining gunshot wounds, illuminating hidden details. [00:24:26] Morgan delves into the 'lead storm' concept, fragmenting lead that helps determine bullet trajectory. [00:26:29] The difficulty in determining McGrath's cause of death is discussed, despite there being a gunshot wound. [00:28:40] The concept of "acoustic shadows" is introduced as are questions about the process of reconstructing the event, touching on potential legal aspects. [00:30:08] Morgan concludes, emphasizing the value of truth and uncertainty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22 Aug 202328min

Angela Rowe and her three children are executed in a night of terror, where the sanctuary of their home becomes the site of a horrifying massacre. The crime scene, locked from the inside, bears the marks of stealth and calculation, painting a grim picture of the final moments of this family's life. The bullets that ended their lives set off an intricate and multi-layered investigation. In this episode, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack unravel the complex forensics, dissecting elements such as the significance of the murder weapon, the absence of rigor mortis, skin slippage, and even the thermostat's role at the crime scene. The name Leonard Taylor surfaces as a suspect, leading to a discussion of his self-defense claims, the chilling methodology of his crime, the calculated nature of his acts, and his execution in the Missouri State Penitentiary on February 7th, 2023.   Time codes: 00:00:20: Joe Scott Morgan introduces single motherhood's struggles and potential dangers. He reveals the focus on Angela Rowe's homicide case and her three children. 00:03:00: Dave Mack discusses the tragic outcome of Angela Rowe's case and the uncertainty surrounding the time of death. 00:05:06: Morgan explains the time lag in discovering the bodies. 00:08:28: Dave Mack questions how investigators maintain their composure and the emotional impact of dealing with child victims.  00:11:20: Joe Scott explains the process of decomposition and how it is affected by factors such as temperature, and discusses the importance of observing the thermostat at a crime scene to understand the ambient environmental temperature 00:14:40: The terms “skin slippage” and “marbling” are explained. 00:16:39: Details about the locked house and the perpetrator's escape through a window are shared. 00:18:45: The focus on building a timeline leads to the mention of Leonard Taylor, and his claim of self-defense. 00:21:40: Morgan reveals the gruesome details of the autopsy report, explaining the multiple gunshot wounds each victim sustained. 00:24:51: The disturbing scene with the children as earwitnesses is described. 00:25:34: Joseph Scott Morgan reveals that the perpetrator was witnessed discarding a revolver into a sewer, a crucial piece of evidence that was never recovered. Challenges in determining the caliber are explained due to the absence of the weapon. 00:27:13: Dave Mack questions the importance of the missing murder weapon in the eyes of the jury. 00:28:29: Circumstantial evidence such as uncollected newspapers and mail is pointed out. 00:29:46: Joe Scott Morgan reveals that on February 7th, 2023, Leonard Taylor is executed in the Missouri State Penitentiary.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 Aug 202329min

Grant Solomon, an 18-year-old prodigious athlete destined for greatness, tragically loses his life in a perplexing incident. The initial account of Grant's death is filled with inconsistencies and suspicious circumstances—his father Aaron Solomon's conflicting stories, the mysterious disappearance of witnesses, and the lack of expected physical evidence all contribute to the mystery. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack dig deep into these complexities, exploring everything from family dynamics and the meticulous details of attending professional sports training facilities to the forensics of accident investigations. Through expert analysis and engaging storytelling, they unravel a case shrouded in uncertainty.    Time codes: [00:00:20] Joseph Scott Morgan reflects on the value of relationships with children and introduces the case of a young man who tragically died at 18 years old. 00:03:20 - Dave Mack introduces Grant Solomon, a blue chip athlete with a promising future, and his parents, who are well-established in their respective careers. 00:05:20 -  The mystery surrounding Grant Solomon's death and the potential motive that could be tied to family issues are shared. 00:08:02 - Dave and Joe Scott discuss the high cost and meticulous preparation involved in attending professional sports training facilities and the logistics of showing up to such a facility without an appointment, suggesting an oddity in the situation. 00:12:20 - Joe talks about young drivers' potential mistakes, leading to Grant's death, and emphasizes the importance of eyewitness testimony in car accident cases. 00:15:32 - Joe and Dave discuss the importance of experts in assessing mechanical failures and the process of examining vehicles post-accident. 00:18:00 - Dave narrates the incident as explained by Aaron Solomon, Grant’s father, the only known witness. 00:19:00 - Joe and Dave discuss the significance of a player's baseball gear, specifically the bat. 00:21:20 - Dave reveals the ongoing custody battle between Grant's divorced parents at the time of his death, a video captured unknowingly by Grant's mother, and the inconsistencies in Aaron's account of the events leading up to Grant's death.  00:23:35 - Joseph Scott Morgan provides a detailed description of the scene, including the layout of the parking lot and the building.  00:25:32 - Joseph introduces blunt force trauma, a leading injury cause in America. 00:30:16 - The condition of Grant's shoes and lack of typical accident wear and tear are discussed. 00:31:57 - Joe Scott emphasizes the likelihood of trace evidence and the unusual lack of it in Grant's case. 00:34:36 - Joe and Dave discuss the cause of Grant's death, a single injury to the back of his head, and consider alternative explanations for how it could have occurred. 00:36:30 - Questions arise about the narrative of Grant being rolled over, citing a lack of evidence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 Aug 202326min

Ildiko Krajnyak, having just returned from a visit to her family in Hungary, finds herself on the cusp of a life-altering moment as she opens a seemingly innocuous package, only to be thrust into a realm of near-instant vaporization by a devastating explosion. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack unfurl the intricate threads of Stephen Beal's connection to Ildiko Krajnyak. They delve deep into the captivating dynamics that once defined the relationship between Beal and Krajnyak, former lovers and business partners, and explore the deadly explosion that tragically marked their intersecting paths. Alongside this narrative, Joe Scott and Dave illuminate facets of the human psyche, the complexities of relationships, and the intricate artistry involved in crafting lethal devices.    Time Codes: 00:00:20 - Joseph Scott Morgan introduces the potential inside a package, setting the episode's tone about potential energy and explosive themes, hinting at a devastating event where a package almost vaporized its opener. 00:03:20 - Stephen Beal, with his obsession as a model rocket hobbyist, is introduced as the episode's main subject. 00:04:20 - Dave Mack delves deeper into Beal's progression from model rockets to destructive explosives, he touches upon the mysterious circumstances surrounding Stephen's first wife, suggesting a potential link to Ildiko Krajnyak's case. 00:07:38 - Joe Scott discusses the challenges of assimilating into a new culture in the context of Ildiko, a Hungarian woman who was very attached to her family. 00:08:20 - Dave Mack elaborates on the professional relationship between Stephen and Ildiko Krajnyak after their romantic split with reflection on the complexities of maintaining business ties after a personal relationship ends. 00:10:40 - Dave gives insights into Ildiko Krajnyak's new romantic affiliations and Stephen's continued obsession with her. He narrates the tragic event when Ildiko was nearly vaporized after a package exploded as she opened it. 00:15:22 - Joseph Scott Morgan recalls a gas explosion from his past, shedding light on the horrors of such incidents. Dave Mack offers a riveting survivor's perspective on enduring an explosion. 00:18:31 - Morgan walks listeners through the investigator's precise methods in an explosion's aftermath, describes the challenges, and highlights the complexity of the task. 00:20:09 - The Olympic Park bombing is referenced, emphasizing the enduring trauma of explosion victims. 00:22:57 - Morgan describes the significance of minutiae at a crime scene, explaining the process of triaging survivors and securing a scene after an explosion, highlighting the potential of everything as evidence. 00:24:14 - Mack decodes the investigative process post-explosion, including deciphering the intended victim. The intricacies of blast trauma and bomb residue in forensic science are explained. 00:30:41 - Discussion of the complexities of constructing a lethal device with common materials, with emphasis on the importance of knowledge and access to the environment where the device will be placed. 00:32:07 - Dave Mack points out the immediate suspicions about Stephen Beal after Ildiko Krajnyak's tragedy and highlights the strategic search at Beal's residence, leading to explosive discoveries. 00:34:23 - Joe Scott Morgan expresses his suspicion over Beal's claim that he did not have the materials to create an explosion that large, pointing out the length of time it took for this case to make it through the systemSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Aug 202334min

Remains are found in two locations along the New York Coast. Legs are found in a plastic bag on Fire Island’s Blue Point Beach. A skull was found near the remains of Long Island Serial Killer victim Jane Doe No. 3, also known as “Peaches,” on a beach in Nassau County.  We now know the body parts are from the same victim:  Karen Vergata, 34, a mother of two.  It took nearly 30 years to identify the dismembered remains. The cause of death isn't known.  Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack look at the case of Fire Island Jane Doe.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8 Aug 202319min

Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack provide an update and captivating insights into the intricacies of the Gilgo Beach case, the suspect, Rex Heuermann, and the challenges faced by investigators. Speculations arise surrounding Heuermann’s behaviors and the possibilities of further crimes despite his hiatus. They examine the intricacies of the case, the perplexing behavior of serial perpetrators, and how a deep understanding of forensics can shine a light on the darkest of mysteries.   Time codes: [00:00:20] Joseph Scott Morgan tells of Benjamin Parks' gold discovery in 1828, the biggest in America back then, likening the gold discovery to forensic investigation, where evidence demands meticulous searching. [00:02:00] Introduction to the episode’s main topic: the enigmatic Gilgo Beach murders and revelations of recent court developments. [00:03:20] Dave Mack outlines the consuming nature of the Gilgo Beach investigation. [00:04:00] Career impacts and missed chances due to the case's complications are touched upon by Joe Scott. [00:05:00] The hosts dive into Rex Heuermann's arrest, his closeness to the crime scene, and possible additional charges in connection to the Gilgo Beach murders. [00:06:20] Discussion on the recent court hearing for Heuermann and the significant evidence passed to the defense team. [00:08:11] Dave Mack reveals the vast manhours and resources put into the Gilgo Beach murder investigations and elucidates how Shannon Gilbert's separate case led to discovering the Gilgo Beach murders. [00:10:20] Heuermann's knowledge of Long Island, especially the waterways, and its potential use in evading detection is debated. [00:13:12] The late DNA cheek swab request from authorities becomes a point of intrigue. [00:15:27] The communication between Rex Humerman and his wife post-arrest sparks speculation. Joseph Scott Morgan contemplates whether Rex might have brought a victim to his residence. [00:17:20] Evidence removed from Hueurmann’s Long Island home indicates possible renovations as methods to conceal evidence. [00:20:00] The challenges of investigating a cluttered crime scene are delved into.  [00:23:07] The tragic victims involved in the case are introduced. Joe Scott speculates about the Gilgo victims' cause of death, the scarcity of physical evidence, and the puzzling behaviors of serial criminals. [00:26:00] Dave Mack addresses the murder's ongoing investigation and the nonexistence of a statute of limitations. The perpetrator's potential pause in crimes is questioned.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8 Aug 202328min

11-year-old Martha Guzman's life is brutally cut short within a mere 30-minute timeframe at the hands of her mother's ex-boyfriend. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack delve deep into the harrowing details of Martha's murder, highlighting the tumultuous relationship casting a shadow over Martha’s domestic life and the implications it had on her mother's choices. Joe Scott draws attention to poignant details, in particular Martha’s painted fingernails. He further educates listeners on the chilling realities of wrist injuries and the dreadful intimidation wielded by knives.    Time-codes: [00:00:20] - Joseph Scott Morgan introduces the idea of time's fleeting nature and introduces the case of an 11-year-old girl whose life was taken within a 30-minute window. [00:01:32] - The heart-wrenching reveal of Martha Guzman’s murder. [00:08:06] -Dave Mack discusses Martha Guzman's home life, filled with chaos, alcohol, and abuse caused by her mother's boyfriend, Miguel Ruiz Lobo. Despite being only 11 years old, Martha recognized the toxicity of the relationship and convinced her mother to make the difficult decision to ask Lobo to leave. [00:09:00] - The perils of an unstable household with an abusive partner and Martha's mother’s desperate attempt for a restraining order. [00:10:22] - The gruesome details of the crime scene, along with a discussion about the shocking amount of blood resulting from sharp force injuries and the size disparity between the perpetrator and victim. [00:13:00] - Dave Mack and Joe Scott discuss how Miguel Ruiz Lobo attempted to blame Martha for her own injuries, claiming self-harm to stage her death as a suicide. [00:16:18] - Joseph Scott Morgan describes the horrifying moment a mother discovers her child's lifeless body and her desperate attempts to save the child. He talks about the mother's actions in the moment and the grim reality of the situation. [00:17:23] - Morgan recalls haunting memories, noting Martha’s painted nails. [00:23:51] - Discussion about the use of a knife as a means of terrorizing someone and an explanation of how it can be pressed against the skin to create a slight abrasion. [00:24:48] - Morgan explains the critical function of wrist tendons. [00:26:17] - Joe Scott and Dave touch on the nine-year-long journey to obtain justice for the victim, Martha Guzman. Joe Scott Morgan informs the audience of the outcome, bringing closure to this tragic case. [00:26:40] - The episode ends with a strong message urging anyone dealing with domestic abuse to seek help. Joseph Scott Morgan provides the National Domestic Violence Hotline number (1-800-799-SAFE) as a resource for those in need of assistance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3 Aug 202326min