Bad Acts: A True Crime Podcast

Danielle Blinka
  • 4.2 (98)
  • TRUE CRIME
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Twisted true crime tales of dark deeds and despicable people. New episodes every Thursday. Join our Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes here: https://www.patreon.com/badactspod

  1. 5D AGO

    Ep. 279 — “I Love You to Death:” The Worst (But Funniest) Murder Conspiracy Ever

    Send us Fan Mail This week, we talk about the true story of Tony & Frances Toto, whose story hit the big screen in 1990 after Frances tried to murder Tony 5 times with the help of a few hitmen, all of whom were very bad at murder. The dark comedy based on their “rough patch” is called I Love You to Death.  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/badactspod PodMoth: https://podmoth.network/ Ad: Brutal, Bizarre, and Boozy — https://open.spotify.com/show/44Z9VDxjEVGpbPBkYzQorh?si=0556a1a9b65048bd&nd=1&dlsi=7e42cb75c47e4fc4  Episode Source List: https://time.com/archive/6697647/family-man/  https://www.mcall.com/1984/01/17/wife-bruno-plead-guilty-in-toto-case/  https://www.mcall.com/1984/03/07/totos-wife-bruno-sentenced-in-murder-try/  https://www.mcall.com/1984/04/07/2-toto-children-meet-different-fates-at-hearing/  https://www.mcall.com/1991/10/25/barlip-out-of-prison-back-in-jail-same-day/  https://www.mcall.com/1986/11/03/a-tangled-web-behind-the-headlines-of-the-tony-toto-murder-attempt-lies-a-complex-tale-of-conspiracy-and-innuendo-a-story-of-jumbled-lives-bound-by-fate-and-tragedy/  https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-04-05-ca-1192-story.html  https://www.mcall.com/1986/11/03/a-tangled-web-behind-the-headlines-of-the-tony-toto-murder-attempt-lies-a-complex-tale-of-conspiracy-and-innuendo-a-story-of-jumbled-lives-bound-by-fate-and-tragedy/  https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1990/04/24/the-people-who-lived-i-love-you-to-death/  https://local12.com/news/offbeat/couple-together-57-years-survives-infidelity-murder-plot-prison-sentence-tony-frances-toto-i-love-you-to-death-movie-hollywood-film-tristar-pictures-homicide-kill-attempts-teenage-hit-men-affair-jail-relationship-allentown-pennsylvania  https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/lehighvalley/lehigh-county/allentown-area/love-conquers-all-how-5-murder-attempts-4-years-in-prison-led-to-60-years/article_ad10d32a-aa56-4574-9b4a-5defeb91c22d.html  https://www.wsaz.com/2023/02/17/couple-celebrates-57-years-married-despite-multiple-murder-attempts/  https://www.deseret.com/1990/4/8/18855377/i-don-t-love-it-at-all-says-hitman-portrayed-in-film/

    51 min

  2. MAY 14

    Ep. 278 — Ray the Ripper: A Houston Spree Killing

    Send us Fan Mail Over an 8-day period in April 2002, 28-year-old Ray McArthur Freeney preyed on sex workers on Houston, TX’s infamous Bissonnet Strip. He murdered 15-year-old Kirshalynne Jones and 36-year-old Vicky Dean, but they weren’t his only victims. In fact, police caught their killer as he was negotiating prices with his next would-be victim.  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/badactspod PodMoth: https://podmoth.network/ Ad: Getting Down & Wordy Podcast — https://linktr.ee/gettingdownandwordy  Episode Source List: https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/us-5th-circuit/1948025.html  https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/18/18-7414/68106/20181026102251252_App%20A%20-%20Freeney%20v%20Davis%20737%20F%20Appx%20198.pdf  https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/18/18-7414/96557/20190415171947971_Freeney%20br%20oppn%20FINAL.pdf  https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/18/18-7414/80178/20190110191635076_Appendices%20-%20Combined.pdf    https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/18/18-7414/80178/20190110191619655_2019-01-10%20SCOTUS%20Cert%20Petition%20-%20RF%20-%20FINAL.pdf  https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-txsd-4_14-cv-00373/pdf/USCOURTS-txsd-4_14-cv-00373-0.pdf  https://www.tdcj.texas.gov/death_row/dr_info/freeneyray.html  https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/murder-suspect-is-arrested-in-stabbing-of-teen-2092120.php  https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Houston-death-row-inmate-convicted-of-stabbing-2-12751312.php  https://defendernetwork.com/news/local-state/houston-death-row-inmate-convicted-stabbing-2-women-loses-federal-appeal/  https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/mar/05/pimps-use-instagram-to-glorify-sexual-violence-and-abuse-investigation-finds https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/29/kristen-galvan-texas-missing-murdered

    48 min

  3. MAY 8

    Ep. 277 — The Murder of Michelle Shadbolt

    Send us Fan Mail On February 14, 1987, Michelle Shadbolt’s stepmother found her brutally murdered in her living room. Everyone suspected Michelle’s estranged husband, but investigators didn’t have enough evidence to arrest him. That’s because he wasn’t their killer…but someone very close to Michelle was hiding a terrible secret. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/badactspod PodMoth: https://podmoth.network/ Ad: Thick Thighs and Creepy Vibes — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thick-thighs-and-creepy-vibes/id1736179086   Episode Source List: https://law.justia.com/cases/texas/court-of-criminal-appeals/2026/ap-77-125.html https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/5914b52dadd7b04934770fe1  https://law.justia.com/cases/texas/court-of-criminal-appeals/2011/21125.html  https://www.tdcj.texas.gov/death_row/dr_info/irvanwilliam.html   https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/years-later-dna-links-man-to-woman-s-death-1997244.php  https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/houstonchronicle/name/william-irvan-obituary?id=27975915

    1h 4m

  4. APR 30

    Ep. 276 — Amelia & The Devil: A Diabolical Murder Case

    Send us Fan Mail In 2011, Amelia Espinoza was raising her son, 18-year-old Moises Meraz-Espinoza, in Los Angeles. This time, Satan really was waiting in the wings… Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/badactspod PodMoth: https://podmoth.network/ Ad: The ODDentity Podcast — https://linktr.ee/oddentitypod  Wishbone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjjRlr-kmVY  Episode Source List: https://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/california/cacdce/2:2016cv04597/651690/4  https://dockets.justia.com/docket/california/candce/3:2023cv05947/421129  https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/Home/Components/News/News/11495/ https://homicide.latimes.com/post/jane-doe-6/  https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2013-jul-17-la-me-satanic-killer-sentencing-20130718-story.html  https://www.cbsnews.com/news/moises-meraz-espinoza-calif-man-gets-25-years-in-death-dismemberment-of-mom/ https://abcnews.com/US/chilling-confession-teen-allegedly-dismembered-mother-stored-body/story?id=12859387  https://salinasvalleytribune.com/jury-convicts-salinas-valley-state-prison-inmate-of-two-counts-of-assault/  https://abc7ny.com/archive/7941216/  https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-05947/pdf/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-05947-1.pdf  https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-05947/USCOURTS-cand-3_23-cv-05947-0/context  https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/huntingtonparkcitycalifornia/PST045224  https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/51441714/MerazEspinoza_v_Santoyo_et_al  https://ktla.com/news/local-news/satan-worshiper-gets-life-in-prison-for-killing-skinning-mom/

    53 min

  5. APR 23

    Ep. 275 — The “Satanic Cult” Murders You’ve Never Heard About, Pt. 3

    Send us Fan Mail In 1997, 16-year-old Luke Woodham murdered three people and wounded seven in a short crime spree that began at home and ended at Pearl High School in Pearl, Mississippi. His small Mississippi town soon found itself in the grip of the Satanic Panic. It wasn’t long before rumors were flying about Woodham’s friend, 18-year-old Grant Boyette and his supposed satanic cult, The Kroth.  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/badactspod PodMoth: https://podmoth.network/ Ad: Rowan & Pine — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rowan-pine-a-feminist-folklore-mythology-podcast/id1632401774  Episode Source List: https://law.justia.com/cases/mississippi/supreme-court/2001/conv11206.html  https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ms-supreme-court/1439843.html  https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ms-supreme-court/1439897.html  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCfQ8_tMSZ8  https://www.ms.gov/mdoc/inmate/Search/PrintDetails/R4682 https://www.wlbt.com/2021/06/17/making-mississippi-school-shooter/  https://time.com/archive/6731664/mississippi-gothic/  https://www.edweek.org/leadership/six-charged-as-conspirators-in-miss-high-school-slayings/1997/10  https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-15-mn-42915-story.html  https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1997/oct/15/teen-led-satanic-cult-that-plotted-murders/  https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2016/05/25/luke-woodham-wants-parole/32625191/  https://www.ncsl.org/civil-and-criminal-justice/juvenile-life-without-parole  https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ms-supreme-court/1378466.html  https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/service/ll/usrep/usrep543/usrep543551/usrep543551.pdf  https://criminal-justice.iresearchnet.com/types-of-crime/school-violence/luke-woodham/  https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/policy-issues/biases-and-vulnerabilities/juveniles/executions-of-juveniles-since-1976  https://www.wlbt.com/video/2019/02/18/luke-woodham-makes-initial-court-appearance/  https://www.justinsledge.com/faq  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgmPQGWn8pI  https://www.deseret.com/2000/2/11/19490370/man-sentenced-in-school-deaths/  https://www.upi.com/Archives/1998/05/12/Accused-Miss-shooting-mastermind-free/3375894945600/  https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/news/nation-world/1997/10/12/death-satanism-talk-all-around/50591395007/  https://www.cnn.com/US/9806/04/woodham.trial.pm/  https://time.com/archive/6733068/of-arms-and-the-boy/  https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1997/10/15/teen-accused-of-leading-deadly-satanic-cult/  https://mndaily.com/uncategorized/judge-drops-conspiracy-charges-mississippi-school-shooting-cases/07/23/1998/snoadmin/  https://www.pewresearch.org/2006/09/13/the-devils-new-playground-the-shopping-mall/

    57 min

  6. APR 16

    Ep. 274 — The “Satanic Cult” Murders You’ve Never Heard About, Pt. 2

    Send us Fan Mail In 1997, 16-year-old Luke Woodham murdered three people and wounded seven in a short crime spree that began at home and ended at Pearl High School in Pearl, Mississippi. His small Mississippi town soon found itself in the grip of the Satanic Panic. It wasn’t long before rumors were flying about Woodham’s friend, 18-year-old Grant Boyette and his supposed satanic cult, The Kroth.  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/badactspod PodMoth: https://podmoth.network/ Ad: Brutal, Bizarre, and Boozy — https://open.spotify.com/show/44Z9VDxjEVGpbPBkYzQorh?si=0556a1a9b65048bd&nd=1&dlsi=7e42cb75c47e4fc4  Episode Source List: https://law.justia.com/cases/mississippi/supreme-court/2001/conv11206.html  https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ms-supreme-court/1439843.html  https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ms-supreme-court/1439897.html  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCfQ8_tMSZ8  https://www.ms.gov/mdoc/inmate/Search/PrintDetails/R4682 https://www.wlbt.com/2021/06/17/making-mississippi-school-shooter/  https://time.com/archive/6731664/mississippi-gothic/  https://www.edweek.org/leadership/six-charged-as-conspirators-in-miss-high-school-slayings/1997/10  https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-15-mn-42915-story.html  https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1997/oct/15/teen-led-satanic-cult-that-plotted-murders/  https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2016/05/25/luke-woodham-wants-parole/32625191/  https://www.ncsl.org/civil-and-criminal-justice/juvenile-life-without-parole  https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ms-supreme-court/1378466.html  https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/service/ll/usrep/usrep543/usrep543551/usrep543551.pdf  https://criminal-justice.iresearchnet.com/types-of-crime/school-violence/luke-woodham/  https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/policy-issues/biases-and-vulnerabilities/juveniles/executions-of-juveniles-since-1976  https://www.wlbt.com/video/2019/02/18/luke-woodham-makes-initial-court-appearance/  https://www.justinsledge.com/faq  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgmPQGWn8pI  https://www.deseret.com/2000/2/11/19490370/man-sentenced-in-school-deaths/  https://www.upi.com/Archives/1998/05/12/Accused-Miss-shooting-mastermind-free/3375894945600/  https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/news/nation-world/1997/10/12/death-satanism-talk-all-around/50591395007/  https://www.cnn.com/US/9806/04/woodham.trial.pm/  https://time.com/archive/6733068/of-arms-and-the-boy/  https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1997/10/15/teen-accused-of-leading-deadly-satanic-cult/  https://mndaily.com/uncategorized/judge-drops-conspiracy-charges-mississippi-school-shooting-cases/07/23/1998/snoadmin/  https://www.pewresearch.org/2006/09/13/the-devils-new-playground-the-shopping-mall/

    1h 26m

  7. APR 10

    Ep. 273 — The “Satanic Cult” Murders You’ve Never Heard About, Pt. 1

    Send us Fan Mail In 1997, 16-year-old Luke Woodham murdered three people and wounded seven in a short crime spree that began at home and ended at Pearl High School in Pearl, Mississippi. His small Mississippi town soon found itself in the grip of the Satanic Panic. It wasn’t long before rumors were flying about Woodham’s friend, 18-year-old Grant Boyette and his supposed satanic cult, The Kroth.  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/badactspod PodMoth: https://podmoth.network/ Ad: Getting Down & Wordy Podcast — https://linktr.ee/gettingdownandwordy  Episode Source List: https://law.justia.com/cases/mississippi/supreme-court/2001/conv11206.html  https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ms-supreme-court/1439843.html  https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ms-supreme-court/1439897.html  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCfQ8_tMSZ8  https://www.ms.gov/mdoc/inmate/Search/PrintDetails/R4682 https://www.wlbt.com/2021/06/17/making-mississippi-school-shooter/  https://time.com/archive/6731664/mississippi-gothic/  https://www.edweek.org/leadership/six-charged-as-conspirators-in-miss-high-school-slayings/1997/10  https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-15-mn-42915-story.html  https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1997/oct/15/teen-led-satanic-cult-that-plotted-murders/  https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2016/05/25/luke-woodham-wants-parole/32625191/  https://www.ncsl.org/civil-and-criminal-justice/juvenile-life-without-parole  https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ms-supreme-court/1378466.html  https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/service/ll/usrep/usrep543/usrep543551/usrep543551.pdf  https://criminal-justice.iresearchnet.com/types-of-crime/school-violence/luke-woodham/  https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/policy-issues/biases-and-vulnerabilities/juveniles/executions-of-juveniles-since-1976  https://www.wlbt.com/video/2019/02/18/luke-woodham-makes-initial-court-appearance/  https://www.justinsledge.com/faq  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgmPQGWn8pI  https://www.deseret.com/2000/2/11/19490370/man-sentenced-in-school-deaths/  https://www.upi.com/Archives/1998/05/12/Accused-Miss-shooting-mastermind-free/3375894945600/  https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/news/nation-world/1997/10/12/death-satanism-talk-all-around/50591395007/  https://www.cnn.com/US/9806/04/woodham.trial.pm/  https://time.com/archive/6733068/of-arms-and-the-boy/  https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1997/10/15/teen-accused-of-leading-deadly-satanic-cult/  https://mndaily.com/uncategorized/judge-drops-conspiracy-charges-mississippi-school-shooting-cases/07/23/1998/snoadmin/  https://www.pewresearch.org/2006/09/13/the-devils-new-playground-the-shopping-mall/

    1 hr

  8. APR 2

    Ep. 272 — The Murder of Paycin Kritlow

    Send us Fan Mail In July 2020, 18-year-old Paycin Kritlow was celebrating his high school graduation with his lifelong friends when he died at the hands of someone he’d never have expected. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/badactspod PodMoth: https://podmoth.network/ Ad: Thick Thighs and Creepy Vibes — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thick-thighs-and-creepy-vibes/id1736179086  Episode Source List: https://law.justia.com/cases/indiana/court-of-appeals/2022/21a-cr-02658.html https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/in-court-of-appeals/2177530.html https://www.wcpo.com/news/region-indiana/dearborn-county/dearborn-co-community-rallies-for-teen-murdered-day-after-he-graduated-high-school  https://www.fox19.com/2021/11/02/indiana-man-sentenced-killing-sons-friend-graduation-party/ https://news4sanantonio.com/news/nation-world/dearborn-county-man-accused-of-murdering-teen-at-graduation-party-after-rape-allegation https://www.oxygen.com/crime-news/william-baker-sentenced-to-55-years-for-killing-paycin-kritlow  https://www.eaglecountryonline.com/news/local-news/billy-baker-sentenced-to-55-years-in-prison-for-murder-of-sd-grad/  https://www.eaglecountryonline.com/news/local-news/dillsboro-man-facing-murder-charge-after-shooting-death-of-sd-grad/  https://www.youngfamilyfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Paycin-Kane-Kritlow?obId=27884788

    40 min
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4.2
out of 5
98 Ratings

About

Twisted true crime tales of dark deeds and despicable people. New episodes every Thursday. Join our Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes here: https://www.patreon.com/badactspod

Information

  • Creator
    Danielle Blinka
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    287
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Bad Acts: A True Crime Podcast
  • Show Website
    Bad Acts: A True Crime Podcast

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