Southern Fried True Crime

On September 30, 1999, a seemingly petty crime spree would turn into the deadliest massacre in the history of western North Carolina. Three generations of lives snuffed out in a matter of minutes. Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched Haley Gray Written by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Erica KelleySources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/the-phillips-family-massacreSponsors: TryFirstLeaf.com/SFTCProvenSkincare.com code SFTCFunctionofBeauty.com/SFTC

Nellie Jackson opened her business in 1930, the start of the Great Depression. She ran her bordello openly for the next 60 years, through wars and social strife. She was a beloved matron of Natchez, Mississippi despite her profession because she was such a generous, charitable woman. And she became a legend after working as an FBI informant during the Civil Rights movement. She was fearless. She was an excellent business woman and a pillar of her community. Natchez was devastated when she was brutally attacked in July of 1990. Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Haley Gray Written by Erica Kelley Additional Writing by Haley GrayOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Erica KelleySources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/nellie-jacksonSponsors: BetterHelp.com/southernBabbel.com promo code: SFTC

In the series premiere, radio DJ Fred Heckman (Jon Hamm) receives an unexpected call from a listener that turns his life upside down. Follow American Hostage on Amazon Music, to hear all 8 episodes right now: http://wondery.fm/SFTC_AmericanHostage

Sheila Blackthorne Bellush endured ten years of her life with a very sadistic man. She actually divorced him four years into their marriage, but he kept terrorizing her for years. When she finally escaped him and moved out of state with her new husband and children, Allen Blackthorne was enraged. She was no longer under his thumb. So she had to die. Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Haley Gray and Erica KelleyWritten by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Erica KelleySources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/sheila-bellush-1Sponsors: BetterHelp.com/southernThriveCausemetics.com/SimpliSafe.com/southernfriedFriends without the “R” — Best Fiends- US National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233- Canada: visit this website: https://www.ctvnews.ca/w5/here-s-who-to-contact-if-you-need-help-dealing-with-domestic-violence-in-canada-1.5188182- UK Domestic Abuse Hotline: 0808 2000 247- For resources in other countries

Introducing Season 3 of Criminal Conduct, which features an interview with an American Serial Killer in Paradise. Hosts Javier Leiva and John Taylor take you to the country of Panama to investigate the disappearance of several American Expats who went missing after dealing with a man known as Wild Bill. The hosts spent several days interviewing the killer trying to figure out his motivation. Did he kill these people for money or something more sadistic?

On August 11, 2009, 38 year old Kristi Cornwell was talking to her boyfriend Doug on the phone while taking an evening walk. Out of nowhere, Doug heard Kristi say a car had stopped behind her. Then there was a scuffle, and Kristi yelled, “Don’t take me!” A search for Kristi began almost immediately, but she was nowhere to be found. Eight months later, a tip about a Nissan Xterra would solve more crimes than just Kristi’s disappearance.Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Haley Gray Written by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Erica KelleySources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/kristi-cornwellSponsors: BetterHelp.com/southernFirstLeaf.com/SFTC ProvenSkincare.com/SFTC

Lester and Janie Ballard had doted on their only daughter, Leslie Jane. As well-to-do business owners in Little Rock, Arkansas, they were able to give their daughter a pampered, if sheltered, upbringing. Leslie went to private school and then got her master’s degree before joining the family business. And then she met a career criminal and con man named Mike MacKool. Leslie’s entire personality changed and against her parents wishes, she married Mike. Once her father passed away and the MacKools found out Leslie’s inheritance had been changed, they had over two million reasons to want Janie dead. But is it what Leslie really wanted, or was it all Mike’s idea?Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Haley GrayWritten by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Erica KelleySources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/leslie-and-mike-mackoolSponsors: BetterHelp.com/southernBabbel dot com and use promo code SFTC. The Generation W

This is the end of the Darlie Routier case. I’m taking you through the evidence, trial, pro-innocence sources and of course, my own theory of the crime. Written, hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Haley GrayWritten by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Erica KelleySources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/139-140-141-darlie-routier-part-1-part-2-part-3Sponsors: BetterHelp.com/southernThriveCausemetics.com/southernfriedSimpliSafe.com/southernfriedBest Fiends, Friends with out the “R”

After her sons were brutally murdered, Darlie Routier was brought to the hospital with what looked like a very serious slash to her throat and was taken immediately into surgery. But her wounds were superficial. She was in the hospital less than 2 days. She and Darin buried their sons and to many people, acted very strangely. And they did it in front of the press they had invited to their sons graves. Darlie would be arrested four days later. Written, hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Haley GrayWritten by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Erica KelleySources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/139-140-darlie-routier-part-1-part-2Silly String Video: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc987594/m1/Sponsors: BetterHelp.com/southernProvenSkincare.com/SFTCFirstLeaf.com/SFTCThe Generation Why Podcast

Deranged stalkers, heroin hounds, and the leering eyes of the FBI – find out who’s visiting Disgraceland this winter in Season 9 of the award-winning music and true crime podcast. Check out this excerpt from the upcoming episode Taylor Swift: Interstate Stalking, Vanishing Masters, and Love Letters Gone Wrong.Listen to the all new season, as well as the first 8 seasons of Disgraceland, only on Amazon Music.For episode notes and other great shows, visit doubleelvis.com and join the Disgraceland community on Twitch and Instagram for behind the scenes talks, music history discussions, and more.

In the early morning hours of June 6th, 1996, a woman named Darlie Routier called 911, screaming that she and her sons had been stabbed. When police and paramedics arrived on the scene, 6 year old Devon Routier, who would have been 7 in a week, was already dead, from 2 deep stab wounds. 5 year old Damon Routier had four stab wounds to his back and was unresponsive but was still rushed to Baylor hospital where he was pronounced dead at 3:26am, an hour after his mother called 911. Darlie Routier was brought to the hospital with what looked like a very serious slash to her throat and was taken immediately into surgery. She would awake and find that her wounds were deemed superficial and she would be arrested for murder in less than 2 weeks. Written, hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Haley GrayWritten by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Erica KelleySources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/139-140-darlie-routier

In the era of some of the most heinous serial killers of all time, one murderous family went curiously unnoticed: The McCrarys. Led by a psychopathic patriarch and his cunning son-in-law, this Texas clan roamed the country robbing, kidnapping, and killing up to 20 people, most of them taken from donut shops. “Families Who Kill: The Donut Shop Murders” recounts the wild and deeply disturbing story of an unhinged American family and the terrible brutality they unleashed. The podcast features the taped confessions of one of the killers, given when he was serving a life term in Colorado. Listen Here: http://wondery.fm/DSM_SouthernFriedTC

American Scandal is a podcast from Wondery that explores the darker stories that have shaped the United States. From the Unabomber to Bernie Madoff, these are stories that reveal the underbelly of America: ruthless, secretive, and power-hungry. The new season of American Scandal looks at the controversial decision made by a young government official named Daniel Ellsburg to leak the Pentagon Papers, the documents that led Americans to demand an end to the catastrophic Vietnam War. Once Ellsburg realized this terrible truth, he made the bold decision to leak the documents, and the consequences altered the course of American history. This is just a preview of American Scandal, but you can listen to the full episode at http://wondery.fm/AS_SouthernFriedTC

On July 8, 1997, a young sailor returned home after a week at sea, and found his wife dead in their bedroom. Michelle Moore-Bosco had been raped and murdered. Police quickly zeroed in on a neighbor who insisted he was innocent. But after 10 hours of coercive interrogation, he confessed. Six months later, when his DNA was not a match, police changed their theory of the crime. Now, instead of clearing the neighbor, they insisted he didn’t act alone. Over the next few months, police would claim up to 8 suspects had attacked Michelle. Four would actually be indicted. It would take over a decade to prove their innocence, even though police had a DNA match and confession from Michelle’s real killer. Written, hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Haley GrayWritten by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Erica KelleySources:https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/138-the-case-of-the-norfolk-fourSponsors: SimpliSafe.com/southernfri

On March 26,1994, 19 year old Shannon Melendi went on her lunch break - she had been working as the scorekeeper at the Softball Country Club of Atlanta. But Shannon never returned from break, and she was never seen again. Law enforcement treated her disappearance as a runaway and if some high powered politicians hadn't gotten involved, Shannon's killer would never have been brought to justice.Written, hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Haley Gray and Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed Erica KelleySources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/137-georgias-first-no-body-conviction-the-murder-of-shannon-melindiPLEASE sign the petition to deny Butch Hinton parole when he is eligible to apply again. Here is the link the Melendi family created: https://www.change.org/p/victimservices-pap-state-ga-us-keep-shannon-melendi-s-murderer-colvin-butch-hinton-behind-bars-where-he-belongsPersonal letters are very influential and shou

Few things are more devastating than a loved one going missing. On The Vanished podcast from Wondery, host Marissa Jones tells stories of missing persons that have gone overlooked by mainstream media. In a recent episode, Marissa looks into the disappearance of James Foster Chance. The 48-year-old man from Texas went missing in March of 2021. Devastated and without any leads, James’ family began searching for him. But in their search they began uncovering clues that James was not the man they thought he was. And worse -- that he may have disappeared on purpose. Listen to The Vanished at http://wondery.fm/TV_southernfried .

After Steve Beard was shot in the gut with a 20 gauge shotgun, it was a miracle that he initially survived. He suffered for almost 4 months before succumbing to his horrific wounds. And it would take two years to prove that his wife, Celeste Beard, did in fact plan his murder. She destroyed so many lives with her scheming and hurt so many people, including her twin daughters who were forced to live with her lies, until they finally broke free of her. Written, hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Haley GrayOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Erica KelleySponsors: StoryWorth.com/southernfried BeachBound.comBetterHelp.com/southernAuraFrames.com/southernfriedSources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/135-136-the-infamous-case-of-celeste-beard-part-1-part-2Merch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com@southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)Southern Fried True Crime Fans Discussion Group (Faceboo

At 3am on October 2, 1999, 74 year old Texas millionaire, Steven Beard called 911. Panicked and bewildered, he said “My guts blew out of my stomach!” He didn’t know what happened, just that he was literally holding his intestines with his hands. Paramedics thought maybe he had a recent surgery and stitches busted. Until one of them saw a shotgun shell on the floor. Thus began the infamous case of Celeste Beard. Gold digger? Loving mother? Was she a victim or a murderer? Who is the real Celeste Beard?Written, hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Haley Gray and Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Next Day Podcast and Erica KelleySponsors: CALM.COM/southernfried BeachBound.comBetterHelp.com/southernSimpliSafe.com/southernfriedSources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/135-136-the-infamous-case-of-celeste-beard-part-1-part-2Merch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com@southfriedtruth (Twitter) @sout

Private First Class Kelli Bordeaux disappeared on the night of April 13th, 2012 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The petite, blonde, former cheerleader, didn't look like your typical soldier. Kelli was as tenacious as she was beautiful, and she dreamed of becoming a combat medic. But Kelli was also human: at the time of her disappearance, she was married and having an affair. Both men would be investigated exhaustively for two years before the mystery was finally solved. Written, hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Haley GrayOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Erica KelleySuggested by Lance Kenison Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/134-the-disappearance-of-pfc-kelli-bordeauxMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com@southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)Southern Fried True Crime Fans Discussion Group (Facebook)Sponsors: StoryWorth.com/southernfried Best Fiends, that’s friends

In the summer of 1990, just days before classes were to begin at the University of Florida in Gainesville, a monster crept through the night and viciously murdered five college students. He was finally caught and the weeks of terror ended. He was dubbed the Gainesville Ripper and his crimes, slaughtering innocent college students, inspired the horror movie, Scream. Written, hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Haley GrayOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Erica KelleySuggested by Robert Stroh Jr., Stephanie Knuckles, and Stacy CasonSources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/133-the-gainsville-ripperSponsors: CALM.COM/southernfried BeachBound.comBetterHelp.com/southernBuyRaycon.com/southernfriedMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com@southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)