7 episodes

When police saw what was left of Carol Ryan’s body, dumped in the driveway of a suburban compost site, they wondered what weapon could cause that level of devastation. The truth was grislier than anyone imagined, and the unsolved mystery of Carol’s murder has haunted Central New York for 27 years. 
 
Carol’s only son blames police. After hundreds of interviews, investigators couldn’t make any leads stick. Three cops believe they know the man who killed Carol. He’s still out there. But they haven’t been able to prove it. The lead detective calls it the greatest regret of his career. 

This six-part podcast from syracuse.com explores the death and life of Carol Ryan and the chilling effect her unsolved murder had on a community. Reporter Katrina Tulloch spent over a year digging into the case, interviewing 25 people including law enforcement, medical professionals, industry experts, witnesses and people who knew Carol. 

The podcast outlines how Carol spent the hours leading up to her murder, how first responders bungled the crime scene, the challenges police have faced in trying to find her killer, and how DNA technology could break open the case any day.

Firecracker: The Murder of Carol Ryan Wondery

    • True Crime
    • 4.8 • 8 Ratings

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When police saw what was left of Carol Ryan’s body, dumped in the driveway of a suburban compost site, they wondered what weapon could cause that level of devastation. The truth was grislier than anyone imagined, and the unsolved mystery of Carol’s murder has haunted Central New York for 27 years. 
 
Carol’s only son blames police. After hundreds of interviews, investigators couldn’t make any leads stick. Three cops believe they know the man who killed Carol. He’s still out there. But they haven’t been able to prove it. The lead detective calls it the greatest regret of his career. 

This six-part podcast from syracuse.com explores the death and life of Carol Ryan and the chilling effect her unsolved murder had on a community. Reporter Katrina Tulloch spent over a year digging into the case, interviewing 25 people including law enforcement, medical professionals, industry experts, witnesses and people who knew Carol. 

The podcast outlines how Carol spent the hours leading up to her murder, how first responders bungled the crime scene, the challenges police have faced in trying to find her killer, and how DNA technology could break open the case any day.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    Explosion of Hate

    Explosion of Hate

    A killer remains at-large 27 years after Carol Ryan was brutally attacked in Central New York, raped with an explosive device, and left for dead. Host Katrina Tulloch dives into a new investigation into the unsolved murder, with new information revealed by the victim’s only son and detectives. 
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    • 25 min
    Last Night Alive

    Last Night Alive

    Carol Ryan was in good spirits, bar-hopping the night before she was murdered. Her only son reveals the depression she was hiding, and trauma from past abusive relationships. Host Katrina Tulloch unpacks clues from witness interviews on this disturbing unsolved Central New York homicide case. 
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    • 24 min
    Level of Violence

    Level of Violence

    The murder of Carol Ryan was one of the most inhumane, savage homicides in Central New York history, and it’s still unsolved. Host Katrina Tulloch interviews the former medical examiner who wrote Carol’s autopsy report — a 22-page document revealing monstrous torture at the hand of her killer.  
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    • 25 min
    The Cabinet of Carol Ryan

    The Cabinet of Carol Ryan

    Who killed Carol Ryan? Detectives chased hundreds of leads trying to solve this horrific cold case in Central New York. Was it Carol’s ex-boyfriend? Her ex-husband? A total stranger? Host Katrina Tulloch interviews detectives, legal experts, and several relatives of people interviewed by police who say they would not be surprised if their family members were responsible. 
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    • 26 min
    The Stranger Who Lied

    The Stranger Who Lied

    There is a man who walks free, who lied to police about where he was the night Carol Ryan was viciously attacked. Host Katrina Tulloch interviews the original lead detective on Carol’s case, who believes he knows exactly who the killer is. But they just can’t prove it. 
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    • 23 min
    Sliver of a Chance

    Sliver of a Chance

    Carol Ryan’s family holds onto hope for a break in her cold case. DNA technology dangles with promise, and detectives have resubmitted case evidence. Host Katrina Tulloch interviews forensic experts who unpack the likelihood that Carol will receive justice. 
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    • 24 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
8 Ratings

8 Ratings

ffgggugy ,

Heartbreaking

Very hard to listen to at times and left me thinking about this case for days. It left me heartbroken, sad and very angry. I hope the family can find some justice eventually.

An amazing podcast that tackles a very horrific case.

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