Best Cracking Cryptids Podcasts (2025)

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559 // The Black Dahlia's Killer w/ Eli Frankel 1:02:19

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1d ago1:02:19

1:02:19

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna are thrilled to be joined by award winner producer, author and true crime enthusiast, Mr. Eli Frankel. Eli has written "Sisters In Death: The Black Dahlia, The Prairie Heiress, and Their Killer." This is a groundbreaking account of the gruesome 1941 murder of Leila Welsh an…

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558 // Yucaipa Kidnapping - Where is Emmanuel Haro? 27:47

1d ago27:47

27:47

In this new episode, Crawlspace Media's Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna discuss the mysterious disappearance of Emmanuel Haro from Yucaipa, California on August 14th, 2025. Emmanuel is 7 months old with brown hair and brown eyes. He weighs 21 pounds. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the San Bernardino Sheriff De…

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557 // Greg Scarpa: The Mafia's Grim Reaper w/Jonathan Dyer 51:48

3d ago51:48

51:48

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna are joined by author Jonathan Dyer. Jonathan has written the book, Legendary Evil: The Many Faces of a Mafia Killer which details the wild life and horrific crimes of notorious gangster, Greg Scarpa. Pick up your copy of Legendary Evil: https://bookshop.org/p/books/greg-sca…

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283: Sir Mount Everest 30:52

3d ago30:52

30:52

The episode where Sarah brings us a smorgasbord episode about her newest fascination: Mount Everest. The tallest mountain in the world has a fascinating history. Everybody knows Mount Everest (Sir Everest if you will), but we guarantee you will hear lots of fun facts about the climbers, all the deaths and bodies just…hanging out up there, and how m…

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556 // Encounter with the Green River Killer 53:06

5d ago53:06

53:06

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this episode Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna speak with Jill McCabe Johnson about an encounter she had with a man named Gary who was most likely Gary Ridgway - the Green River Killer. This episode was originally published on Crawlspace on June 30th, 2021. Read Jill's article on ⁠Slate⁠: ⁠https://slate.com/human-interest/…

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555 // The Serial Killer Tour Guide w/ Johnny Trevisani 48:10

7d ago48:10

48:10

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna sit down with new friend, author Johnny Trevisani. Johnny has taken a campy approach to serial killer education with his new book, The Serial Killer Travel Guide Across America. So sit back, grab a cup of coffee and take a tour with us! Pick up a copy of The Serial Killer T…

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554 // Out of the Madness w/ Trevor Aaronson & Ellie Knight 54:38

10d ago54:38

54:38

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna are joined by and old friend and a new friend. Trevor Aaronson & Ellie Knight are two award winning journalists who have teamed up to tell some of the most important stories in true crime. In this episode, the July 4th 2022 mass shooting at Highland Park Illinois is the top…

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282: Nothing Natural About That Disaster, aka The Black Forest Haunting 25:44

10d ago25:44

25:44

The episode where Boydston brings us a paranormal about the Black Forest. No, not THAT Black Forest - this one is in Colorado. And it just so happens to have a house that has some spooky spirits hanging out. You’ve got some freaky bedroom spirits, a 90s TV crew, and unnatural swirls. Don’t worry, Lindsey and Sarah are here to demonstrate it all for…

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553 // Bonus Show // 3 // Holly Piirainen, Murder of Dr. Eric Garcia 53:13

12d ago53:13

53:13

In this free version of the Bonus Show, Missing and Crawlspace's Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna discuss their recent episodes on the abduction and murder of Holly Pirrainen from Sturbridge, Massachusetts and the murder of Dr. Eric Garcia from Ketchikan, Alaska with ABC's Chris Connolly. Subscribe to our Premium service on Apple Podcasts to get T…

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552 // The Murder of Dr. Eric Garcia w/ Chris Connelly 54:01

14d ago54:01

54:01

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna are joined by renowned journalist, Mr. Chris Connelly. Chris has a new show, Cold Blooded, Mystery in Alaska which is focused on the 2017 murder of beloved doctor, Eric Garcia in Ketchikan Alaska. Listen to Cold Blooded: https://abc.com/news/c913cd14-fac1-471b-aa41-7970b25e…

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551 // Bundy, Dahmer, Rader - Analyzing Courtroom Statements From Serial Killers w/ Dr. Maryann White 56:49

17d ago56:49

56:49

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode Crawlspace Media's Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna speak with Dr. Maryann White about statements made by serial killers Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and Dennis Rader at their sentencing, and the contrast between them. Sources: Bundy: https://youtu.be/2Er8WrX38Oo. Courtroom Proposal: https://youtu.be/GkjfyE…

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281: Kansas State Penitentiary - On Location 36:27

17d ago36:27

36:27

The episode where we discuss our recent investigation at the Kansas State Penitentiary. We have been waiting to be allowed inside this place for investigations, so you know we jumped on the chance as soon as they opened! This part of the penitentiary opened in 1859 and closed in 2020, making it one of the oldest prisons in the US. We’ll talk about …

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550 // Undercover Life w/ Lou Valoze 1:14:12

19d ago1:14:12

1:14:12

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this episode Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna speak with Lou Valoze about his incredible career as an undercover ATF agent. This episode was originally published on Crawlspace on August 11th, 2021. Check out Lou's site: https://louvaloze.com/. Follow Lou on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louvaloze/. Check out Lou's …

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549 // Idaho 4 Victim Impact Statements & Reaction 53:52

21d ago53:52

53:52

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna play clips and react to the recent family victim impact statements from the hearing at the sentencing of Bryan Kohberger. Kohberger's victims were Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. Sources: https://youtu.be/E74oFswwKFA?feature=shared. https:…

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548 // Missing Carolyn Pruyser - Part 2 1:07:45

23d ago1:07:45

1:07:45

In this new episode Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna speak with Laura Riste about the mysterious disappearance of Carolyn Pruyser from Peace River, Alberta, Canada on May 17th, 1984. Carolyn's car was left on Kaufman Hill Road near midnight on the night of her vanishing. Her window was rolled about halfway down, the keys were in the ignition and h…

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547 // Missing Carolyn Pruyser - Part 1 46:39

24d ago46:39

46:39

In this new episode Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna speak with Laura Riste about the mysterious disappearance of Carolyn Pruyser from Peace River, Alberta, Canada on May 17th, 1984. Carolyn's car was left on Kaufman Hill Road near midnight on the night of her vanishing. Her window was rolled about halfway down, the keys were in the ignition and h…

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280: Prune Your Vineyard, aka Jeff Lundgren 27:41

24d ago27:41

27:41

The episode where Sarah brings us some true crime from (some of) our home state - Missouri! This is the story of cult leader Jeff Lundgren, who led a group of Mormons in the late 1980s. Except he added some stuff that were pretty sure aren’t in the Book of Mormon….like demons swallowing up the Earth and murdering your followers. Or as he liked to c…

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546 // NESK Update: Sunshine Stewart, Suspect Apprehended 30:47

25d ago30:47

30:47

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna provide an update to the rumored active New England Serial Killer. The latest body found was that of 48 year old Sunshine Stewart and 17 year old Deven Young has been taken into custody and charged with her murder . Sunshine was a sailing captain, a marine biologist, lobste…

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545 // British Bigfoot, Conspiracies & Much More - A Tribute to James McMahon 1:04:38

26d ago1:04:38

1:04:38

⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to Crawlspace. In this episode, Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna speak with writer, podcaster and fun guy James McMahon about British Bigfoot, alien big cats, the Smiley Face Killer theory, conspiracy theories and so much more. James sadly passed away in November of 2024 from soft tissue sarcoma. This episode was previously published o…

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544 // The Girl Who Took Down Gacy w/ Courtney Lund O'Neil 48:25

28d ago48:25

48:25

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna are joined by a new friend of the show, someone who puts a deeply personal spin on a familiar serial killer story. Courtney Lund O'Neil brings her debut book Postmortem to the table, a true crime memoire, a harrowing account of her mother's involvement in the conviction of …

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543 // CRAWLSPACE CLASSIC: The Haunting of Jackie Hernandez p.2 46:28

1M ago46:28

46:28

Welcome to this Crawlspace Classic episode! In this episode - PART TWO OF TWO - Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna are joined by friend of the show, Christy Arnhart who brings to the table the absolutely riveting and terrifying story of Jackie Hernandez. Starting in 1989 and continuing for years, Jackie was haunted by a malicious poltergeist, an entit…

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279: It's None of Your Bizness! aka McMillions Part 2 27:10

1M ago27:10

27:10

The episode where we discuss the conclusion of the McMillion’s Scam from last week! We have much better names for this FBI Operation…like Ronald McFraudald (copyright!!) or the Unhappy Meal. Marketing, call us. This episode is slightly unhinged, but what do you expect from an FBI pie guy, Ronald, and a sting operation. This is the fall of Jerry and…

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542 // CRAWLSPACE CLASSIC: The Haunting of Jackie Hernandez p.1 37:17

1M ago37:17

37:17

Welcome to this Crawlspace Classic episode! In this episode - PART ONE OF TWO - Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna are joined by friend of the show, Christy Arnhart who brings to the table the absolutely riveting and terrifying story of Jackie Hernandez. Starting in 1989 and continuing for years, Jackie was haunted by a malicious poltergeist, an entit…

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The Bonus Show Live! 58:32

1M ago58:32

58:32

Welcome to The Bonus Show, by Crawlspace Media! In this episode, recorded live on July 18th 2025, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna discuss the episodes they released on the Missing Podcast and the Crawlspace Podcast. They also provide listeners with an update on the murder of Sunshine Stewart and the apprehension of the 17 year old investigators bel…

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541 // Sweet Bobby w/ Bobby Taghavi 46:14

1M ago46:14

46:14

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna sit down with new friend of the show, Mr. Bobby Taghavi. In his 19 year legal career, Bobby handled over 90 trials to verdict in civil and criminal cases. He spent 12 years at the Orange County District Attorney’s office handling numerous high-profile cases. Bobby was also …

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540 // Serial Killer Profiler Phil Chalmers on Speaking Truth To Evil 1:04:59

1M ago1:04:59

1:04:59

⁠Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna speak with author and serial killer profiler Phil Chalmers about his new book, Speaking Truth to Evil, and much more. Check out Phil's site: https://www.philchalmers.com/. Get Phil's book: https://wildbluepress.com/speaking-truth-to-evil-true-crime-phil-chalmers/. Amazon…

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278: The Fry Grease Protector, aka McMillions Part 1 23:46

1M ago23:46

23:46

The episode where Boydston shares another scam story! This is part 1 so make sure you catch next week’s episode for the finale. This week we are going to tackle the McMillion$ story, aka the Monopoly game McDonald’s promoted between 1989-2001. We all know the game, but do you know the story behind the FBI takedown? You will now! Also…Boydston has a…

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539 // New England Serial Killer Update / Sunshine Stewart Homicide 20:49

1M ago20:49

20:49

Welcome to Crawlspace & Missing. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna provide a grim update to the rumored active New England Serial Killer. The latest body found was that of 48 year old Sunshine Stewart. Sunshine was a sailing captain, a marine biologist, lobsterman, and passionate nature lover. On July 2nd, her body was found on 1…

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538 // Fiction in True Crime w/ Megan Abbott 49:11

1M ago49:11

49:11

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna are joined by new friend of the show, the great writer, Megan Abbott. Megan is prolific in her field with her primary focus on true crime stories. Although her books are fiction, the plot-lines are well-researched and based on actual cases. Her newest book, El Dorado Drive …

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537 // Death & Lovejoy w/ Bess Lovejoy 56:39

2M ago56:39

56:39

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna are joined by another new friend of the show, the wonderful Bess Lovejoy. Bess is a journalist and an author with a primary focus on all things macabre. The discussion contains fascinating topics like graveyard etiquette and the remarkable fates of the corpses of famous peo…

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277: Joseph the Teengaroo- aka The Enfield Monster 32:14

2M ago32:14

32:14

The episode where Lindsey shares a paranormal of our favorite kind - a cryptid! Meet our newest friend, the Enfield Monster. Not to be confused with the Enfield poltergeist, this friend is from Enfield, Illinois. He was sighted in 1973 and terrorized a small town by smelling their rose bushes. What makes him so cool is he has three legs, hisses lik…

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536 // Missing Evelyn Hartley 53:32

2M ago53:32

53:32

In this episode Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna discuss the mysterious disappearance of Evelyn Grace Hartley from La Crosse, Wisconsin on October 24th, 1953. Evelyn was babysitting nearby when she was seemingly abducted from a home. Signs of a struggle were seen in the living room, her sneaker was found at the bottom of the basement stairs, and b…

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535 // The Devil Wears Rothko w/ Barry Avrich 1:05:55

2M ago1:05:55

1:05:55

In this episode, Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna speak with author and filmmaker Barry Avrich about his new book The Devil Wears Rothko about an intense forgery scheme involving priceless art. Get the book here: ⁠https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Devil-Wears-Rothko/Barry-Avrich/9798888454527⁠. ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Devil-Wears-Rothko-I…

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534 // Sister Saint or Sister Sinner w/ Claire Hoffman 54:57

2M ago54:57

54:57

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna are joined by new friend of the show, a great journalist and author, Claire Hoffman. In this conversation, Claire examines and life and potential crimes of the larger than life self-made evangelist and media phenom, Sister Aimee Semple McPherson. To get a copy of Claire's b…

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276: St. George Hotel On Location 24:18

2M ago24:18

24:18

The episode where we share our recent investigation at the St. George Hotel in Weston, MO. Weston is a small town just north of KC and has a haunted hotel AND a haunted underground bar, so you know we had to visit. We’ll talk about our visit, the lovely wine we consumed, a mischievous kid ghost, and the falling ceiling at night. Poor Boydston. Come…

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533 // The Legend of Lizzy Borden w/ Christopher Daley 1:01:31

2M ago1:01:31

1:01:31

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna are joined again by the outstanding historian, lecturer, academic, writer and master storyteller, Mr. Christopher Daley. Chris joined the show earlier in the year to examine the life and times of New England's first serial killer, Franklin Evans. In this conversation, Chris…

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532 // Missing Brianna Maitland - New Witnesses Come Forward 52:34

2M ago52:34

52:34

In this episode, Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna speak with private investigators Greg Overacker and Lou Barry to discuss some new witness accounts in Brianna Maitland's disappearance. This conversation with Greg and Lou was recorded during the 6/11/25 live virtual fundraiser for ⁠Private Investigations For the Missing⁠. If you have any informati…

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531 // The Voynich Enigma w/ Jillian Foley 50:16

2M ago50:16

50:16

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna are joined by a new friend of the show, the great Jillian Foley. Jillian is a "writer and historian of technology, studying things like cryptography, computers, and mathematics, and all the weird shit humans do with it all." She holds a PhD from the University of Chicago in…

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275: Pepsi, Philippines 20:29

2M ago20:29

20:29

The episode where Boydston brings us some true crime but also some fun history. This is the absolute fascinating story of Pepsi and their contest that went sideways in the Philippines in 1992. It’s a real life Willy Wonka y’all, and you’re gonna find out why we love Coca Cola more. Listen, if Pepsi promised you a lot of money but didn’t give it to …

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530 // Fear And Living In New England w/ Prof. David Perlmutter 54:11

2M ago54:11

54:11

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna once again try to understand the dark fascination people have with the possibility of a serial killer operating in New England. They are joined by Prof. David Perlmutter of Texas Tech University. Dr. Perlmutter is the professor of Media and Communications and he shares his …

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529 // The Murder of Joseph Gatto w/ Mike Gatto 59:04

2M ago59:04

59:04

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna are joined by new friend of the show, Mike Gatto. Mr. Gatto is a lifelong politician, reaching extraordinary heights in the California arena. In November of 2013, his father Joseph was found murdered. A single gunshot wound to his abdomen cuts his new life as a successful a…

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274: Stupider Jupiter 33:08

2M ago33:08

33:08

The episode where Lindsey shares the story of the Toynbee Tiles. These are a strange phenomena that started popping up in major cities across the US in the 1980s. And honestly, the less said about this story, the better. It involves Jupiter, reincarnation, transporting spirits, and goat vaginas. You’re welcome. Come say hi on our socials! Facebook-…

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528 // Zodiac Killer Unmasked?! 1:09:13

2M ago1:09:13

1:09:13

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna speak with old friend Mike Morford about his investigation into the identity of the Zodiac killer. Morf has an extensive history of covering the Zodiac case, including having written a book on it: https://www.amazon.com/Case-Zodiac-Killer-Photographs-Criminology/dp/19472905…

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527 // Elizabeth Short, The Black Dahlia 51:32

2M ago51:32

51:32

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna speak with playwright and actress Marissa Alaniz about Elizabeth Short (also known as The Black Dahlia), her murder, and Marissa's play called "Elizabeth". Check out Marissa's work at marissaalaniz.com. Follow Marissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malanizofficial.…

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273: Wolf Out! 30:51

2M ago30:51

30:51

The episode where Sarah brings us a story we’ve never done before…a werewolf. Meet William Ramsey, your typical English gentleman who just so happens to be a wolf. Listen, this is one of those episodes you need to watch on Spotify so you can fully appreciate our howling and wolf impersonations. There’s so many jokes, and we get to talk about the Wa…

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526 // The Man Who Outgrew Robbing Banks w/ Joe Loya 57:56

3M ago57:56

57:56

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna are joined by new friend, Joe Loya. Mr. Loya is an author (The Man Who Outgrew His Prison Cell), Hollywood consultant (Baby Driver), prolific bank robber and ex-convict. He is the subject of Orbit Media's podcast series, The Burden - Get The Money and Run. Joe recalls his c…

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525 // America's First Serial Killer w/ Christopher Daley 50:54

3M ago50:54

50:54

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna are joined by a new friend of the show, Mr. Christopher Daley. Christopher is a historian, public speaker, author and educator. The conversation is about America's first serial killer, not HH Holmes as most people believe. This individual's name is Franklin Evans. Evans c…

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272: Horridge House Part 2 On Location 27:16

3M ago27:16

27:16

The episode where we return to the Horridge House in Vinton, Iowa. We haven’t been to Horridge House since 2021 so it was time for a return visit. Check out episode 95 for all the history behind this place and how our first investigation went. This time we had two changes: 1. We brought our new friend: Lauren! She’s our (lightly) haunted doll and w…

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524 // The Prison Break of Leroy Chasson w/ Daniel Zimmerman 52:24

3M ago52:24

52:24

Welcome to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna are joined by new friend of the show, Mr. Daniel Zimmerman. On Sept. 6th, 1982, Leroy Chasson escaped from Walpole Prison in Massachusetts, one the most violent and notorious prisons in the country. With his wife masquerading as a nurse and brandishing a .45 automatic pisto…

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523 // NESK - Brainscratch Collab - Is There a New England Serial Killer? 1:38:23

3M ago1:38:23

1:38:23

In this new episode Tim Pilleri, Lance Reenstierna, and Mike Morford speak on John Lordan's Brainscratch Youtube show about the possibilities of a new and active serial killer in New England. Check out this episode on John Lordan's LordanArts channel: ⁠https://youtu.be/YyXvnuLC7Po⁠. Follow John Lordan's work: ⁠https://linktr.ee/lordanarts⁠. Follow …