Southern Fried True Crime

On New Year’s Day in 2008, a young woman named Meredith Emerson, went missing after she went for a hike with her dog. Searchers and law enforcement began a race against time to find her as tips rolled in. But she had met with a man who was later dubbed the “National Forest Serial Killer.” Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched and written by Hannah Newcomb and Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited by Chaes Gray of Gray MultimediaEpisode Suggested by: Rebecca Bannister Sponsors: GreenPan.US promo code: southern fried Best Fiends BetterHelp.com/southernSources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/113-blood-mountain-the-national-forest-serial-killerMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com@southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)If you are suffering with intimate partner abuse: here are resources for differe

On August 1, 2000, the body of a young black woman was found behind a middle school in Mayfield, Kentucky. The new mother, 18 year old Jessica Currin, was found partially clothed, badly burned and already decomposing. The incompetence of local police doomed the case from the beginning. The Kentucky State police and then the KBI eventually took over the investigation. But it took a local homemaker, an amateur sleuth named Susan Galbreath, to finally make a break in the case. Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Haley Gray and Erica KelleyWritten by Hannah Newcomb and Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited by Chaes Gray of Gray Multimedia Sponsors: AcornTV: promo code: southern fried BetterHelp.com/southern Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/112-the-horrific-murder-of-jessica-currinMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com@southfriedtrut

In 1994, a New York writer released a very southern gothic, non-fiction, crime novel. “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” became a national sensation. John Berendt’s seductive prose and his cast of eccentric characters drew readers into the lush culture of Savannah, Georgia. But the central plot was a scandal from 1981. Semi-closeted socialite, Jim Williams, had shot his lover dead in the study of his home. He went through four trials for the murder of Danny Hanson, a record in Georgia at the time. Berendt’s book became a movie in 1997, directed by Clint Eastwood. Many people don’t know the real story of the Mercer House murder. This is a look at the case, as well as the book and movie that captivated the nation. Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Haley Gray and Erica KelleyWritten by Hannah Newcomb and Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited by Chaes Gray of Gray Multimedia Sponsors: EveryPlat

The Death of Andrew Lewis -- a beloved musician is shot. His ex-girlfriend was a witness. The shooter, Eli Miller, was her date and he had been trying to assault Andrew all evening. Miller would claim it was self-defense. But how is shooting someone in the back of the head self-defense?*This is the annual rerelease of Andrew's episode. I wish there was an update, but sadly, there isn't. I will continue to release this episode on the anniversary of Andrew's death every year in the hopes that someone new listens. I know new listeners often skip old episodes, and the audio is not perfect on this one, but it is worth it. And if you feel the need to speak up, the contact info for the Montgomery DA's office is below. The Lewis family has lost hope in receiving justice for their beloved son and brother, but I intend to do everything I can to make sure this travesty of an investigation is not forgotten. Original Music featured on this episode: "Song for Me" - Written and recorded by Andrew Lewis.  Download Andrew's m

In 1986, a young mother was brutally murdered in her Austin, Texas home, early in the morning, while still sleeping in her bed. Her husband had left for work at 5:30am. Her three year old son was left alone in the house. Unfortunately, the night before, her husband had become disappointed when his wife had been too tired to make love. Michael Morton loved his wife, but he left a note for her that would definitely sting any wife. And based mainly on that note alone, corrupt investigators made sure he spent 25 years in prison for the murder of his wife, Christine Kirkpatrick Morton. 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 by Chaes Gray of Gray MultimediaCase suggested by Lacey Gholson Sponsors: BetterHelp.com/southernHelloFresh.com/southernfried10Best Fiendshttps://michael-morton.com/Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/110-its-always-the-husband-the-michael-morton-storyM

RIn the late 80’s and early 90’s, one family of brothers terrorized the Benton County area of northwest Tennessee. The Bruce brothers had rap sheets but the local sheriff could rarely make charges stick because the family intimidated anyone in the community who dared to defy them. In 1991, they were suspected in a double murder and arson but it would take a federal task force to convince witnesses to come forward. The Bloody Bruces and their equally evil matriarch, Kathleen, would continue to terrorize their community even from behind bars as they awaited trial. Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Hannah NewcombWritten by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited by Chaes Gray of Gray MultimediaCase suggested by Ashley HubbsSponsors: StoryWorth.com/southernfriedBest FiendsSources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/109-the-bloody-brucesMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com@southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernf

In 2002, evil came to the small town of Warsaw, Kentucky. A woman and her children were brutally attacked. The monster who brutalized Carolyn Marksberry and her children was quickly apprehended. And showed remorse. Marc Chapman had a death wish. Written, hosted and produced by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioAdditional writing and research by Haley GrayEdited by Chaes Gray of Gray MultimediaCase Suggested by Kelly TyreeSponsors: Acorn.TV promo code: southernfriedEveryPlate.com promo code: 3southernfriedBest FiendsSources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/108-evil-with-a-conscience-marco-chapmanMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com@southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)If you are suffering with abuse in quarantine, here are resources for different countries. Please ask for help: US Crisis Text Line: 741741US National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233UK Domestic Abuse Hotline: 0808 2000 247Aust

In late 2018, a privileged 29 year old man from Chuluota, Florida became obsessed with a Bulgarian webcam model. Grant Amato still lived at home with his parents and older brother, Cody. The brothers were born less than two years apart and had always been very close and had the same goals. Both graduated from nursing school, but Grant fell apart in graduate school, flunking out and then getting fired for stealing drugs from his hospital job. His downward spiral took him to the depths of internet and sex addiction, and his selfishness destroyed his family. Written, hosted and produced by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioResearched by Erica Kelley Edited by Chaes Gray of Gray MultimediaSponsors: Acorn.TV promo code: southernfriedSources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/107-cold-blooded-family-annihilator-grant-amatoMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com@southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)If you are

A new pastor came to Sellerstown, North Carolina in 1969 with his wife to lead a small congregation and lay down roots for his family. From 1972 to 1976, the pastor, his wife and their two small children were terrorized with bombings and shootings. A powerful man named Horry Watts acted as the small town kingpin of Sellerstown. And he was out for vengeance when Reverend Nicols pushed him out of his church’s affairs. His campaign of terror would culminate with the murder of one member of the Nicols family. But the enduring legacy of the pastor and his wife is forgiveness. Written, hosted and produced by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioResearched by Erica Kelley & Haley GrayMajor Source: “The Devil in Pew Number 7” by Rebecca Nicols AlonzoEdited by Chaes Gray of Gray MultimediaSuggested by Amanda AutrySponsors: ThriveMarket.com/southernfried BetterHelp.com/southernSources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/106-terror-in-sell

In one month in 2008, five patients died at a dialysis clinic in Lufkin, Texas. Many others fell mysteriously ill. All of them had contact with one woman. A licensed vocational nurse named Kim Saenz. Written, hosted and produced by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioResearched by Erica KelleyEdited by Chaes Gray of Gray MultimediaSponsor: Luminary.link/towpathSources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/105-angel-of-death-kimberly-saenzMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com@southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)If you are suffering with abuse in quarantine, here are resources for different countries. Please ask for help: US Crisis Text Line: 741741US National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233UK Domestic Abuse Hotline: 0808 2000 247Australia Rape & Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-737-732Canada: http://thelifelinecanada.ca./help/call/If you are having suicidal thoughts during this unprecedented tim

In 2012, in Lafayette, Louisiana, a beautiful girl named Mickey Shunick vanished while riding her bicycle home from a friend’s house. The search for her, led by her fierce sister Charlie, was incredible. And the investigation would reveal just how fierce Mickey herself was. Written, hosted and produced by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioResearched by Haley Gray & Erica KelleyEdited by Chaes Gray of Gray MultimediaSuggested by Listener Amanda LandrySources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/104-the-disappearance-murder-of-mickey-shunickMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com@southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)If you are suffering with abuse in quarantine, here are resources for different countries. Please ask for help: US Crisis Text Line: 741741US National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233UK Domestic Abuse Hotline: 0808 2000 247Australia Rape & Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-737-732Ca

In February of 2010, a woman named Sheila Trott in Indialantic, Florida claimed she had a dream. Or maybe it was a vision. She saw her friend Kelly dead. She saw her at a beach. She said she thought she hurt Kelly. Kelly happened to be dating her estranged husband, the former mayor of Indialantic, Dan Trott. Written, hosted and produced by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioResearched by Erica KelleyEdited by Chaes Gray of Gray MultimediaSuggested by Listener: Lindsey ShankSheila’s “confession” letter: https://www.cbsnews.com/media/48-hours-sheila-trotts-letter-about-kelly-brennans-murder/Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/103-a-love-square-the-murder-of-kelly-brennanMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com@southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)Today’s Sponsors: Luminary.link/TowpathIf you are suffering with abuse in quarantine, here are resources for different countries. Please ask for help: US C

In 1967, The Sinclair family in Auburn, Alabama had been stalked for over a year. A college kid named Edward Seibold had briefly dated the oldest daughter, Cathey. When she rejected him, he became fixated on her widowed mother, 44 year old Juanita. His obsession with these women would turn into a murderous rage. Edward Seibold’s crimes shocked and traumatized the small city of Auburn. Over fifty years later, residents still cannot shake the horror of what happened. Written, hosted and produced by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioResearched by Haley Gray and Erica KelleyEdited & Mixed by Chaes Gray of Gray MultimediaSuggested by Listener: Anne FreeSources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/102-the-sinclair-murdersMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com@southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)Today’s Sponsors:Purple.com/southernfried (use promo code southernfried)Noom.com/southernfriedHow you can help

In 1990, a 57 year old preacher’s wife and grandmother named Blanche Taylor Moore, went on trial for murdering her first husband. She was caught while trying to poison her current husband. An investigation into deaths in Blanche’s life would reveal a sinister woman. A good christian grandmother with a penchant for poisoning people who annoyed her. Written, hosted and produced by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioResearched by Erica Kelley & Haley GrayEdited by Chaes Gray of Gray MultimediaSuggested by Listeners: Greg Husketh and Candice ElliottSources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/101-the-preachers-daughter-blanche-taylor-mooreMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com@southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)Today’s Sponsor:Best FiendsHow you can help be part of the solution to our national problem of systemic racism:Minnesota Freedom FundGeorge Floyd Memorial FundI Run With MaudBlack Visions Collec

In 1999, a gay man named Billy Jack Gaither was brutally murdered in the small town of Sylacauga, Alabama. He wasn’t completely closeted, his siblings and friends knew, but his deeply religious parents did not. He was a friendly man who often gave rides to drunk patrons from his favorite local bar. He had made friends with a man who took advantage of his generosity. But he had no idea just how evil this man was. Written, hosted and produced by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioResearched by Haley GrayEdited by Chaes Gray of Gray MultimediaSources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/100-small-town-hate-the-murder-of-billy-jack-gaitherMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com@southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)Today’s Sponsors:EveryPlate.com and use the promo code southernfried1BetterHelp.com/southernIf you are suffering with abuse in quarantine, here are resources for different countries. Please ask for

In 1994, North Carolina detectives began investigating a former police officer named L.C. Underwood. He was connected to two murders, that at first, didn’t seem to have any connection. The investigative team, led by Detective Sergeant Paula May, would go on an odyssey, uncovering the dark secrets of this dangerous, abusive man. This is part 1 of a 2 part series. Written, hosted and produced by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioResearched by Erica Kelley Edited by Chaes Gray of Gray MultimediaMajor Source: FIRST DEGREE RAGE: The True Story of ‘The Assassin’, An Obsession, and Murder by Paula May: Detective Sergeant Paula May was the lead detective on the case and her publisher reached out and generously offered her book as research for this case. Buy the book here! http://wbp.bz/southernfriedOther Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/98-99-every-move-you-make-double-murderer-lc-underwoodMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtrue

In 1994, North Carolina detectives began investigating a former police officer named L.C. Underwood. He was connected to two murders, that at first, didn’t seem to have any connection. The investigative team, led by Detective Sergeant Paula May, would go on an odyssey, uncovering the dark secrets of this dangerous, abusive man. This is part 1 of a 2 part series. Written, hosted and produced by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioResearched by Erica Kelley Edited by Chaes GrayMajor Source: FIRST DEGREE RAGE: The True Story of ‘The Assassin’, An Obsession, and Murder by Paula May: Detective Sergeant Paula May was the lead detective on the case and her publisher reached out and generously offered her book as research for this case. Buy the book here! http://wbp.bz/southernfriedSources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/98-99-every-move-you-make-double-murderer-lc-underwoodMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com@southfriedtruth

In this first episode, we tell the story of Margaret Sweeney, the first case of fetal abduction on record. We also discuss statistics and other information about fetal abductions as an introduction to this series. Subscribe to Fetal Abduction wherever you listen to podcasts to hear new episodes.Fetal Abduction is hosted and edited by me, Erica Kelley. It’s written by Jessica Ann, and researched by Haley Gray and Kim Fritz. The original graphic art is by Coley Horner, and the original music and audio engineering is by Chaes Gray of Gray Multimedia.

In 2006, a man named Abraham Shakespeare won Florida’s $31 Million Dollar Lottery. Poor and illiterate, Abraham took the lump sum pay out without any financial advisors helping him. First he took care of his family and friends. Then he started helping strangers. Soon, he was so harassed by his community asking him for money, he isolated himself. And was he no match for a grifter named Dee Dee Moore who quickly manipulated him and took over his life. Written, hosted and produced by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioResearched by Erica Kelley Edited by Chaes GraySources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/97-abraham-shakespeare-heart-of-goldMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com@southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)Today’s Sponsor:Best FiendsIf you are suffering with abuse in quarantine, here are resources for different countries. Please ask for help: US Crisis Text Line: 741741US National Domestic Viole

In 2008, a wealthy Nashville housewife and mother was spiraling with addiction. An injury had gotten her hooked on pain pills, and she was drinking too much. Her marriage was failing. She was spinning out of control and was arrested a few times for ugly incidents with her estranged husband. Sadly, her three young children usually witnessed these outbursts. But no one could have predicted what she did on the night of June 22, 2008. Written, hosted and produced by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioResearched by Erica Kelley, Haley Gray & Jessica AnnEdited by Chaes GraySources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/96-to-have-and-to-hold-the-kelley-cannon-storyMerch | Donate | In the Media:https://southernfriedtruecrime.com@southfriedtruth (Twitter) @southernfriedtruecrime (Insta)Today’s Sponsor:BetterHelp.com/southernIf you are suffering with abuse in quarantine, here are resources for different countries. Please ask for help: US Crisis Text Line: