Investigating the mysteries of southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and western Kentucky.
Episodes
Friday Oct 06, 2023
Friday Oct 06, 2023
This episode delves into reported Bigfoot or Sasquatch encounters in the Southern Indiana region, focusing on the Hoosier National Forest area. The episode features firsthand accounts from individuals who claim to have experienced an encounter.
Here's a summary of the key encounters discussed:
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Introduction to Southern Indiana Bigfoot Sightings: The episode begins by referencing reported sightings documented on the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) website, setting the stage for personal encounter stories. [01:11], [01:21]
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Angela's Interstate 64 Encounter (June 2022):
- Location: Angela recounts her experience while driving eastbound on Interstate 64, near Turkey Run within the Hoosier National Forest. [02:44], [03:02]
- Description: She observed a large, solid black figure, estimated to be at least 8 feet tall, standing in the median between the eastbound and westbound lanes. The figure had a distinct body shape with a head, shoulders, back, rump, and legs. [03:32], [04:05]
- Interaction: The figure noticed her approaching car and remained still until she was very close. It then took a single step into the treeline and disappeared. [04:40]
- Key Details: Angela emphasized the figure's immense thickness, blocking any view of the trees behind it. She was certain it was not a person in a ghillie suit due to its solid black color. The encounter occurred around 6:30 AM in clear, sunny conditions with no other traffic. [05:43], [06:11], [06:37]
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Bill's Multiple Encounters (2017-2019):
- First Encounter (2017): Bill and his fiance heard an unusual howl-like sound ending in a squeal, unlike any animal sound he had ever heard before, despite his rural upbringing. Two days later, he observed a bush-like figure moving on a windless hillside. Upon closer inspection with his truck lights, he saw a squatting figure with a white patch on its chest, estimated to be around seven feet tall when standing. [07:38], [09:03]
- Second Encounter (Mid-Spring 2018): While squirrel hunting, Bill heard two distinct sounds of rocks being smacked together, both in front and then behind him, suggesting the presence of two creatures. Feeling flanked, he fled, later seeing a gorilla-like silhouette grasping a tree on a ridge line. The figure then turned, revealing broad shoulders, no visible neck, and proportionate legs. [20:13]
- Third Encounter (April/May 2019): While stargazing at Flat Rock with his pregnant fiance and her child, they noticed a significant police presence. After the police left, all natural night sounds ceased, and they heard heavy footsteps descending a hillside. The heavy steps would pause for about 15 seconds between each step. They also heard a sound described as similar to a chimpanzee being beaten up. [26:16]
- BFRO Report: Bill mentioned reporting his second encounter to the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization. [22:58]
Show Notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/14
Join the River City Mystery Discord channel to meet others from the tri-state area who are into true crime and the paranormal. https://www.rivercitymystery.com/discord
Links mentioned in episode:
Bill's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@billthreet1022
Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization: https://bfro.net/
Washington County BFRO report: https://bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=65589
Martin County BFRO report: https://bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=60871
Indiana Bigfoot Researchers Organization Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IBROrganization/
Map of the Turkey Fork area of Interstate 64 (88 mile marker) where Angela had her encounter: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/TurkeyFork.jpg
Tuesday Aug 15, 2023
Tuesday Aug 15, 2023
This episode investigates the murder of 50-year-old Troy DeWayne Smith, who was found dead in his Evansville, Indiana, apartment on May 24, 2020.
Here's a summary of the key details discussed:
- The Discovery: Learn about the discovery of Troy's body by his brother, TaRon, and the initial misclassification of the death as an overdose. [01:04], [01:12], [01:37]
- TaRon's Account: Hear TaRon's emotional account of receiving a concerning call from Troy's acquaintances, finding his brother, and his suspicions about the individuals who contacted him. [02:54], [04:03], [05:39]
- The Investigation Unfolds: Understand how the case was eventually recognized as a murder after an autopsy revealed a gunshot wound to the back of Troy's head. [05:23]
- Detective Involvement: Learn about the initial detective on the case and the subsequent involvement of a new detective who confirmed the case remains open after pressure from Troy's family. [07:11], [08:05]
- Potential Suspects: TaRon shares his suspicions about a specific individual who had a prior altercation with Troy, believing this person may be responsible for the murder. [10:04]
- Troy's Life: Gain insight into Troy's character as a quiet man who may have struggled with drug issues and associated with a dangerous crowd. [13:37]
- Call for Information and Reward: The episode concludes with an appeal to the public for any information related to Troy's murder. Authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to a successful prosecution. [15:04]
If you have any information that could help solve this case, please contact the Evansville Police Department at 812-436-4025, or leave an anonymous tip at 800-78-CRIME. A $5,000 reward is being offered by Troy’s mother for information leading to a successful prosecution.
Show Notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/13
Join the River City Mystery Discord channel to meet others from the tri-state area who are into true crime and the paranormal. https://www.rivercitymystery.com/discord
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
This episode explores the fascinating topic of buried treasure legends and stories in the Tri-State area, encompassing Southern Illinois, Southern Indiana, and Western Kentucky.
Here are some of the key treasures and legends discussed:
- Kentucky Cornfield Gold: The episode begins with the exciting recent discovery of over 700 rare US gold coins in a Kentucky cornfield, estimated to be worth more than $2 million, highlighting the real possibility of finding buried treasure. [00:08]
- Why People Buried Treasure: The host provides historical context, explaining that before the establishment of the FDIC, people often chose to bury their valuable possessions as a safer alternative to banks. [01:45]
- Farmersburg Gold (Indiana): This episode recounts a 1987 report detailing the alleged burial of gold by soldiers near Farmersburg, Indiana. [04:22]
- Pirate Treasure at Cave-in-Rock (Illinois): Listeners are introduced to the enduring legends of pirate treasure supposedly hidden within the caves of Cave-in-Rock, Illinois. [07:04]
- Riverboat Silver near Golconda (Illinois): The episode shares tales of silver dollars lost from a wrecked riverboat near the town of Golconda, Illinois. [08:17]
- Harp Brothers' Gold near Dixon (Kentucky): The notorious Harp brothers, infamous outlaws, are linked to rumors of hidden gold coins near Dixon, Kentucky. [09:02]
- The Possibility of More: The show concludes with Matt expressing a strong belief that more buried and sunken treasure awaits discovery in the Tri-State area, using the recent Kentucky find as compelling evidence. [11:36]
- Important Reminder: The episode ends with a crucial reminder for anyone interested in treasure hunting to always obtain permission before searching on private property. [11:58]
Show Notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/12
Join the River City Mystery Discord channel to meet others from the tri-state area who are into true crime and the paranormal. https://www.rivercitymystery.com/discord
https://indstate.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/folklore/id/3872/rec/10
https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/12/millions-rare-gold-coins-unearthed-kentucky-cornfield/
Thursday Jun 29, 2023
Thursday Jun 29, 2023
This episode focuses on the ongoing search for 24-year-old Andi Wagner, who was last seen in Evansville, Indiana, on August 6, 2022.
Here's a summary of the key information discussed:
- The Search Efforts: The episode highlights the active involvement of Andi's family and friends in the search, including their efforts on the "Where is Andi?" Facebook page. [02:52]
- Community Collaboration: Learn about the collaboration between Rick White, the former Emergency Management Director in Union County, Kentucky, and YouTubers Trey and Ronnie, who organized searches in local waterways. [04:21]
- Family Insights: Hear a clip from an interview with Andi's cousin, Frankie Lee, who discusses the unusual circumstances surrounding Andi's disappearance and mentions a neighbor's involvement with ring camera footage. [06:02]
- Search Updates and Theories: The host interviews Rick White about the planned search efforts and his perspectives on the case, including potential reasons for the lack of progress in the investigation. [18:21]
- Call for Information: The episode concludes with a direct appeal to anyone who may have information about Andi's whereabouts to contact the Evansville Police Department at 812-436-7979. [32:44]
Show Notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/11
Join the River City Mystery Discord channel to meet others from the tri-state area who are into true crime and the paranormal. https://www.rivercitymystery.com/discord
Where is Andi - Facebook Group
*****
In this episode:
Interview with Rick White, former Emergency Management Director in Union County, Kentucky.
Rick's TikTok: Front Porch America
JuJu's Rabbit Hole - Interview with Franky Lee (Andi's cousin)
Friday Mar 10, 2023
Friday Mar 10, 2023
This episode explores the intriguing phenomenon of phantom trains, sharing eerie accounts and legends of trains heard or even seen when no physical train is present.
Here's a summary of the occurrences discussed:
- Police Hear a Ghost Train: The episode begins with a news story about two police officers in Swadlincote, England, who reported hearing a phantom train on a railway line that no longer exists. [01:12]
- Barbie's Revival Experience: Matt's sister, Barbie Deig, recounts her own unsettling experience from the early 1990s at a revival where she and many others distinctly heard a train despite no train being visible. [03:41]
- Famous Phantom Train Legends: Matt discusses well-known instances of phantom trains throughout history, including the spectral sightings of Abraham Lincoln's funeral train. [08:15]
- Share Your Stories: The host encourages listeners who have had similar experiences with phantom trains or who attended the mentioned revival to share their stories on the podcast's Discord server. [08:46]
Show Notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/10
Join the River City Mystery Discord channel to meet others from the tri-state area who are into true crime and the paranormal. https://www.rivercitymystery.com/discord
https://www.coasttocoastam.com/article/british-cops-report-hearing-phantom-train/
Saturday Jan 07, 2023
Saturday Jan 07, 2023
This episode dives into the bizarre and enduring mystery of the Kelly-Hopkinsville "Little Green Men" Encounter, a case often cited as a significant Close Encounter of the Third Kind.
Here's a breakdown of the key details discussed:
- Geraldine Sutton Stith's Account: The episode features an interview with Geraldine Sutton Stith, the daughter of Elmer Lucky Sutton, one of the eleven individuals who claimed to have been terrorized by strange creatures on their rural Kentucky farm in the summer of 1955. [01:01]
- The Initial Sightings: Learn about the first sighting by Billy Ray Taylor, who reported seeing an unusual oval, silver object with rainbow colors in the sky. [02:16] Later that evening, both Billy Ray and Lucky Sutton encountered the first of the creatures, described as having large ears, glowing eyes, and arms that extended to the ground. [05:40]
- The Farm Under Siege: Hear the incredible story of how the family reacted to the appearance of multiple creatures, including their attempts to shoot the beings, which seemed to have no effect. [08:46]
- Seeking Help in Hopkinsville: Understand the family's fear and their decision to seek assistance from the authorities in Hopkinsville. [09:01]
- The Official Response: The episode details the investigation by local police and others, who arrived at the farm but found no concrete evidence of the creatures. [09:46]
- The Aftermath for the Sutton Family: Learn about the profound impact of the encounter on the Sutton family, leading them to sell their farm within two weeks due to fear. [14:24] The episode also notes that the case was never officially investigated by any higher authorities. [17:21]
- Challenging Explanations: While some have proposed alternative explanations for the sightings, such as owls, cats, or monkeys, the speaker, Geraldine Sutton Stith, firmly believes it was an encounter with extraterrestrial beings. [25:42]
- Addressing Misconceptions: The episode clarifies a common misconception about the case, stating that alcohol was not a factor during the night of the alleged encounter. [35:56]
Show Notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/9
Join the River City Mystery Discord channel to meet others from the tri-state area who are into true crime and the paranormal. https://www.rivercitymystery.com/discord
Check out Geraldine's Etsy page for her books and merch:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/aliensandgoblins
Information on Geraldine's appearance on UFO Witness:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13889478/
Wednesday Dec 21, 2022
Wednesday Dec 21, 2022
This episode features an interview with author, medium, and paranormal investigator Joni Mayhan, who shares her experiences and knowledge of the paranormal, with a particular focus on the historically rich town of New Harmony, Indiana.
Here's a breakdown of the fascinating topics covered:
- Introduction to Joni Mayhan: Learn about Joni's background as an author of books on haunted locations in Posey County and New Harmony, Indiana, and her belief in the importance of history in understanding paranormal activity. [01:02], [01:09]
- The Unique Energy of New Harmony: Discover why New Harmony is considered a unique location for paranormal phenomena, possibly due to its history of utopian societies and potential geological factors. [02:38]
- Acceptance in a Small Town: Hear about Joni's experience as an openly practicing medium and paranormal investigator in a small, religious community. [05:14]
- Haunted Ghost Walks: Learn about the popularity of Joni's ghost walks in New Harmony and their contribution to the town's tourism. [06:41]
- First Encounter at the Arbor House: Joni recounts her initial paranormal experience in New Harmony at the Arbor House, where she encountered the spirit of an older woman. [08:32]
- Upcoming Public Investigation: Find out about an upcoming public paranormal investigation at the historic Arbor House. [08:25]
- Clairaudience Explained: Understand Joni's ability to perceive paranormal activity through hearing specific tones. [09:55], [13:12]
- Being a "Ghost Magnet": Joni describes herself as someone who attracts paranormal activity and the importance of having a mentor for protection. [14:24]
- Goals of Paranormal Investigations: Learn about Joni's objectives during investigations, which include assisting residents and helping spirits transition. [16:18]
- Activities of Ghosts: Explore the possibilities of what ghosts might do in their afterlife. [17:57]
- New Harmony as a "Thin Place": The episode discusses the concept of New Harmony being a location where the veil between the living and the dead is thin. [19:05]
- Unusual Hauntings: Hear about the strange case of a newly built Dollar General store that is reportedly haunted. [19:48]
- Likely Haunted Locations: Joni shares insights into the types of places, such as nursing homes and hospitals, that are often associated with hauntings. [24:14]
- Paranormal Investigation Equipment: The episode mentions the tools commonly used in paranormal investigations, including Spirit Boxes and SLS cameras. [25:51]
- A Skeptical Investigator: Discover that Joni identifies as a skeptic who values evidence and approaches paranormal phenomena with caution. [27:45]
- Animal Sensitivity to Ghosts: Learn about the belief that animals, especially cats, can detect the presence of ghosts. [31:37]
- Ghostly Interactions: The varying abilities of ghosts to interact physically with their surroundings are discussed. [33:10]
- Earthbound Spirits and Suicide: Joni shares her experiences with spirits of individuals who died by suicide often remaining Earthbound and her ability to assist them in crossing over. [34:07]
- Communicating with Ghosts: Hear about Joni's methods of communicating with ghosts, sometimes through automatic writing. [35:14]
- The Afterlife Mystery: The difficulty in obtaining information about the afterlife from Earthbound spirits is mentioned. [37:03]
- Validating Ghostly Presence: Learn about the techniques used to validate the presence of ghosts during paranormal investigations. [37:23]
Show Notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/8
Join the River City Mystery Discord channel to meet others from the tri-state area who are into true crime and the paranormal. https://www.rivercitymystery.com/discord
Haunted New Harmony | Where History and Hauntings Collide (jonimayhan.com)
Joni Mayhan (@jonimayhan933) TikTok | Watch Joni Mayhan's Newest TikTok Videos
Sunday Dec 11, 2022
Sunday Dec 11, 2022
This episode delves into the tragic and unsolved murder of 36-year-old Doris McDonough, a wife and mother who was brutally killed in her Evansville, Indiana, home on October 3, 1968.
Here's a summary of the key details discussed in the episode:
- The Brutal Crime Scene: Learn about the horrific discovery of Doris' body in her kitchen, detailing the severe head, face, neck, and back trauma she sustained from being beaten with a heavy, blunt object. [00:43], [00:48]
- Initial Investigation Details: Understand the initial confusion of investigators who first suspected a shooting, only to discover through the autopsy that Doris was beaten to death. The presence of a struggle and towels wrapped around her head wounds are also highlighted. [03:34]
- The Missing Hammer: The episode points out the significant detail of a missing claw hammer from the McDonough residence, which investigators theorized could have been the murder weapon. [04:30]
- Husband's Account and Timeline: In this episode, we meticulously examine the detailed timeline provided by Doris' husband, William McDonough, to the Evansville Press just eight days after the murder, outlining his activities on the day of the crime. [08:04]
- Inconsistencies and Suspicious Elements: Matt critically analyzes William's timeline, drawing attention to certain inconsistencies and odd explanations, such as the timing of his visits and the reason given for leaving the back door unlocked. [13:55]
- A Case Gone Cold: Despite the initial investigation and scrutiny of the evidence, the episode underscores the fact that no one was ever charged in Doris McDonough's murder, and the case remains unsolved to this day. [07:13]
- Research Sources: The host acknowledges and credits "The Bones of Autumn" from Reddit and her book, "Unsolved Indiana Murder Mysteries, Bizarre Deaths and Unexplained Disappearances," as key sources for the information presented in the episode. [07:22]
Show Notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/7
Join the River City Mystery Discord channel to meet others from the tri-state area who are into true crime and the paranormal. https://www.rivercitymystery.com/discord
Unsolved Indiana: Murder Mysteries, Bizarre Deaths, & Unexplained Disappearances by Autumn Bones