River City Mystery - Investigating mysteries in southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and western Kentucky

The Murder of Doris McDonough

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

The Bones of Autumn – Reddit

Interview with Joe Weigant

This episode features an interview with Joe Weigant, the founder of Evansville Paranormal Investigations and Consulting (EPIC) and a retired detective with the Evansville Police Department. Joe shares his unique perspective on paranormal investigations, blending his law enforcement background with his abilities as a psychic and spirit communicator.

Here are the key topics discussed in the episode:

• Introduction to Joe Weigant: Learn about Joe's background as a retired detective and his current work as a psychic and spirit communicator. He also owns Tri-State Holistic Wellness, where he utilizes energy work for holistic healing. [01:18]
• The Philosophy of EPIC: Discover EPIC's approach to paranormal investigations, which focuses on resolving paranormal issues by communicating with and helping spirits cross over, rather than solely collecting evidence. [02:27]
• Reasons for Spirits Remaining Earthbound: Joe explains the various reasons why spirits might linger in the earthly realm, including fear of judgment, strong attachments, or a lack of awareness of their passing. [09:54]
• Methods of Spirit Communication: Understand the challenges spirits face when trying to communicate and the common forms of communication, such as Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVPs) and shadowy figures. [17:41]
• Distinguishing Spirits from "Demons": Joe clarifies the difference between typical spirits and what are often referred to as "demons," describing the latter as entities from other dimensions that feed on emotional energy, particularly fear. [27:52]
• Case Study: Dog-like Creatures and a Powerful Entity: Hear a compelling account of a specific paranormal case where Joe encountered unusual dog-like creatures and a powerful entity that required intervention from Archangel Michael. [37:48]
• Case Study: Helping Murdered Native American Spirits: Joe recounts his experience helping a group of Native American spirits who were murdered and unable to move on. [45:38]
• The Practice of Smudging: Learn about the ancient practice of smudging, which involves burning specific elements to clear negative energy, and the importance of the practitioner's intention. [01:04:16]
• Understanding the Prayer Position: Joe explains the significance of the prayer position in the context of aromatherapy and various cultural practices. [01:21:50]
• Joe's Experience on Paranormal 911: Get insights into Joe's appearance on the Travel Channel show Paranormal 911, including his perspective on the differences between his actual experiences and how they were portrayed on television. [01:23:08]

Show Notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/6

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.tristateholisticwellness.com/

https://www.facebook.com/paranormalpeace/#

The Murder of Blake Crews

This episode examines the tragic and unsolved murder of 20-year-old Blake Crews in Henderson, Kentucky, on January 16, 2015.

Here's a summary of the key aspects discussed:

• The Crime: Learn about the circumstances surrounding Blake's death, where he was found shot multiple times in the face at a house he was watching. [02:28]
• Remembering Blake: The episode emphasizes Blake's positive character, highlighting that he was not involved in drugs or criminal activities. He was a talented musician, actively engaged in his community, and had a promising future ahead of him. [04:30]
• Community Loss: Understand the profound impact of Blake's death on his family, friends, and the wider community, with the episode aiming to encourage anyone with information to come forward. [03:34]
• Personal Accounts: Hear from Blake's mother, Donna, his sister, Amanda, and his friends, Brandon and Kyle, as they share cherished memories and discuss the lasting impact of his untimely death. [03:06]
• Call for Justice: We encourage anyone with knowledge of this case to contact Kentucky State Police Post 16 at 270.826.3312 or anonymously 800-222-5555. [42:18]
• Developments in the Case: Eight of Blake's acquaintances were charged with offenses unrelated to his murder. [07:08]

Show Notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/5

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

LordanARTS - BrainScratch: Justice for Blake Crews

KSP Cold Cases: Blake Crews Investigation

The Odon Fire Poltergeist

This episode explores the strange and unexplained events surrounding the Odon fire Poltergeist in Odon, Indiana, which occurred in the summer of 1940.

Here's a breakdown of the eerie occurrences discussed:

• The Land's History: The episode begins by delving into the history of the property where the mysterious fires took place, starting with Marshall Ketchum, who built a house on the land in the 1860s. [03:32]
• The Unexplained Fires: Learn about the series of spontaneous fires that plagued the home of William Hackler in the summer of 1940. These fires were not isolated incidents and were witnessed and verified by multiple neighbors. [07:10], [08:15]
• Official Investigation: The podcast details the investigation carried out by authorities to determine the cause of the fires. Despite their efforts, the source of the flames remained a baffling mystery. The State Fire Marshall also became involved in the investigation. [08:32], [12:39]
• Local Theories: Explore the various theories that emerged to explain the strange events, including the belief by some that the Hackler home was haunted or under a curse. [11:57]
• Current Unknowns: The episode notes that the precise location of the Heckler farm is currently unknown, and the Hackler family appears to have left the county, adding to the enigma of the story. [15:58]
• Insurance Ad Connection: Discover the interesting connection between the Odon fire story and the Traveler Insurance Company, which used the tale in an advertisement in 1941. [13:13]

Show Notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/4

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

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The Disappearance of Theresa Rideout

This episode explores the cold case of Theresa Rideout, who disappeared from Chandler, Indiana, in 1994 at the age of 36.

Here's a summary of the key details discussed:

• The Unsolved Mystery: The episode introduces Theresa Rideout, fiancée of Jack Barnett, who vanished on September 2, 1994. [00:51]
• Limited Information: The podcast highlights the scarcity of information available regarding Theresa's disappearance, noting the lack of details and even a misspelled name on the Indiana State Police website. [01:22], [02:04]
• Theresa's Life: Learn about Theresa's family life, including the early deaths of her parents and the fact that she had a son named Matt from a previous marriage. [04:19], [04:41]
• The Day She Vanished: The episode reconstructs Theresa's last known movements, including her job at Burger King in Evansville and being seen with Jack Barnett earlier that day. She was last seen leaving work in Jack's red pickup truck after making a night deposit. [08:06], [08:22], [10:52]
• Possible Scenarios: The podcast delves into the leading theories surrounding Theresa's disappearance. The primary theory suggests that Jack Barnett murdered her and hid her body before taking his own life a week later. Another theory explores the possibility of Theresa and Jack being involved in the drug trade, leading to foul play. [18:38], [19:17]
• A Lingering Cold Case: The episode emphasizes that Theresa Rideout's disappearance remains an unsolved mystery to this day. [22:52]

Show Notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/3

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

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Garvin Lake Creature

In this episode, I recount my own unusual sighting that occurred at Garvin Lake in Evansville, Indiana, on Saturday, August 21, 2021.

Here's what the episode covers:

• The Unusual Observation: My wife and I witnessed a green, leafy object moving across the surface of Garvin Lake in a manner similar to ducks. [02:39]
• Disappearance Beneath the Surface: The mysterious object then dove under the water and was not seen again. [05:14]
• Seeking Listener Input: I share my experience and invite listeners to share their own potential explanations or similar encounters. [07:16]
• Plausible Explanation: I suggest one possible explanation for the sighting: a fish caught on a fishing line attached to a branch, causing the unusual movement. [07:52]

Show Notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/2

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

 

Four Seasons

This episode explores the unusual occurrences reported at the Four Seasons Motel in Mount Vernon, Indiana, following the tragic suicide of Jack Barnett in one of the rooms.

Here's a summary of the strange events discussed:

• The Initial Tragedy: The episode recounts the circumstances surrounding Jack Barnett's death by suicide in a room at the Four Seasons Motel. [00:50], [07:15]
• Recurring Paranormal Activity: Shortly after the incident, guests staying in the same room began reporting a peculiar phenomenon: the television would inexplicably turn on by itself at the same time every night. [13:10]
• Seeking Spiritual Intervention: Faced with consistent complaints from guests, the motel owners, Rodney Cox and his mother Jean, decided to seek a spiritual solution and called upon a preacher to perform a cleansing of the affected room. [15:01]
• Resolution of the Haunting: Following the cleansing ritual, the reported paranormal activity in the room apparently ceased. [15:21]
• Connection to Another Mystery: The podcast also briefly touches upon the disappearance of Theresa Rideout, who was Jack Barnett's girlfriend and was last seen on September 2, 1994, adding another layer of mystery to the events. [11:35]

Show Notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/1

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

Read the rest of this entry »