The Book of the Dead

Courtney Liso

Hosted by Courtney Liso, The Book of the Dead is a true crime podcast that focuses on the victims of lesser-known crimes. Each episode presents a deep dive into a case from around the world, dissecting the details to tell the whole story of who each victim was, in addition to what happened to them. Formerly hosted by a mother-daughter team, the podcast has evolved with one host, taking the care necessary to ensure each victim is honored as they should be. Join Courtney every Wednesday at 12am EST for a new chapter in The Book of the Dead. 

  1. Oct 14

    Was Jennifer Kelly's Death Fully Investigated? The 2015 Colorado Springs Case

    What really happened to 36-year-old Jennifer Kelly? In September 2015, Jennifer Kelly died by hanging in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Her death was classified as a suicide, but questions remained and her daughter, Emily, was not ready to stop searching for answers. In this investigative episode of The Book of the Dead Podcast, I work closely with Emily to take a closer look at the circumstances surrounding her mother’s death. Through obtaining police records and tracking down a witness, we began piecing together information that deserves a closer look. This episode examines the available records, the questions surrounding Jennifer’s death, and Emily’s determination to seek answers. While questions and concerns remain, it is important to distinguish documented evidence from unanswered questions and theories. Jennifer was more than the circumstances of her death. She was a mother, a daughter, and a person whose story deserves to be heard. Read the Substack article on Jennifer's case written by Megan Van Loon Content warning: This episode discusses domestic violence, death by hanging, and a potentially traumatic death investigation. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please see the confidential support resources below. You are not alone. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT & IMPORTANT CONTACTS If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, confidential help and support are available. Colorado Springs & Colorado Resources TESSA — Colorado Springs: Provides support and services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Visit tessacs.org to explore available resources. Colorado Springs Police Department — Domestic Violence Hotline: 719-633-3819. Colorado Springs Police Department — Non-Emergency: 719-444-7000. CSPD Victim Advocacy Unit: 719-444-7777. Provides crisis intervention, safety planning, assistance navigating the criminal justice system, and referrals to support services. Official CSPD Victim Advocacy Unit. National Domestic Violence Resources National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.orgfor confidential support, safety planning, and referrals. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 when it is safe to do so. Important: If you are concerned that an abusive partner may monitor your phone or internet activity, consider contacting an advocate from a safer device. Featuring a promo for Bite-Sized Crime Arismendy, E., & Arismendy, E. (2025, April 11). The violent reality of strangulation. The SAFE Alliance.  Dhingra, V. (2019, February 13). Some meaningful points on suicidal death crime scene investigation. Lupine Publishers.  Glass, N., Laughon, K., Campbell, J., Chair, A. D. W., Block, C. R., Hanson, G., Sharps, P. W., & Taliaferro, E. (2007). Non-fatal strangulation is an important risk factor for homicide of women. The Journal of Emergency Medicine, 35(3), 329–325.  Kadali, L., & Turley Jr., R., PA-C. (n.d.). Ethanol (Blood). URochester Medicine.  McEachern, A. (2009, June 5). Local bride shows this Sunday. Herald-Zeitung.  Mcquown, C., MD, Frey, J., PhD, Steer, S., MD, Fletcher, G. E., MD, Kinkopf, B., MD, Fackler, M., MD, & Prulhiere, V. (2016). Prevalence of strangulation in survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 34(7), 1281–1285.  Supporting someone who keeps returning - the hotline. (2025, March 6). The Hotline.  The seven major mistakes in suicide investigation. (n.d.).  Women’s Aid. (2026, July 15). Myths about domestic abuse - Women’s Aid.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. Sep 30

    Epilogue-Christa Pike Revisted

    In this follow to Chapters 31 and 32 of The Book of the Dead, I sat down to discuss Christa Pike and the 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer in Knoxville, Tennessee on the eve of Christa's execution, 3 decades after she brutally took Colleen's life. This is in response to the countless posts and videos I've seen calling for clemency and why this is a situation where the death penalty is a fitting punishment. At the end of the day, Christa got 32 more years than Colleen would ever have, and she has, not once, shown any real remorse. For more background information on this case, you can listen to: Chapter 31: Christa Pike- The She Devil of Tennessee Part 1 Chapter 32: Christa Pike-The She Devil of Tennessee Part 2 Connect with us on Social Media!You can find us at:Instagram: @bookofthedeadpodX: @bkofthedeadpodFacebook: The Book of the Dead PodcastTikTok: BookofthedeadpodOr visit our website at www.botdpod.com Clemency | Christa Pike. (n.d.). My Site 1.  Creekmore, B. (2018, October 8). Job Corps Student Murdered on Agriculture Campus - Volopedia. Volopedia.  FindLaw. (n.d.). FindLaw’s Supreme Court of Tennessee case and opinions. Findlaw. Freeman, R., PhD. (2019, January 17). Are women with Borderline Personality Disorder & Psychopathy similar in Relationships? Neuroinstincts | Dr. Rhonda Freeman.  Gross, G., & Pike, C. (2019). Appeal from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga. In United States Court of Appeals (No. 1:12-cv-00035). Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Holt, E. (2012, March 22). Christa Pike woos Donald Kohut and Justin Heflin to help plan escape. 5KSDK.   Lejserowits, A. (2022, January 26). America’s Youngest Woman Sentenced to Death: Christa Pike. Living Magazine.  Lyon, R. (2022, January 7). The Sacrifice and Mutilation of Colleen Slemmer - Rivy Lyon - Medium. Medium.  Margaritoff, M. (2022, October 5). Christa Pike: The Youngest Woman Ever Sentenced To Death In America. All That’s Interesting.  Mother of Christa Gail Pike’s slaying victim outraged over for-profit website. (n.d.).  Ng, C. (2012, March 22). Tennessee Death Row Woman’s Escape Plot Foiled. ABC News.  North, J., & Matheny, J. (2020, January 31). The Job Corps killing: Passage of time can’t erase Christa Gail Pike’s savage crime. 10News  Pike ’s own words did her in - Court not convinced killer reacted to save another inmate’s life. (n.d.). Rahman, K. (2021, June 15). Colleen Slemmer’s Mom Wants Christa Pike, Only Woman On Tennessee’s Death Row, Executed. Newsweek.  Staff, C. (2012, March 21). Two men arrested in alleged attempt to break out Tenn. death row inmate Christa Gail Pike. CBS News.  Times-Union, K. M. H. F. (2012, March 23). Tennessee says it foiled Death Row breakout plot; victim was Orange Park woman. Florida Times-Union.  Travis Dorman, Knoxville News Sentinel. (2021, June 13). How young is too young for a death sentence? Christa Pike fights move to set execution date. Knoxville News Sentinel.  Trusting others too much cost Colleen Slemmer her life. (n.d.).  Victim begged for life as killer panicked, tape says. (n.d.).  Women on Death Row. (n.d.).  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. Sep 16

    Chapter 152: In the Dead of Night-The Murder of Rhonda Hinson

    Rhonda Hinson was a young woman whose life was brutally cut short in North Carolina in 1981. Decades later, the circumstances surrounding her murder remain shrouded in unanswered questions. In this episode of The Book of the Dead Podcast, we take a closer look at the murder of Rhonda Hinson, the investigation that followed, the evidence and theories surrounding her death, and the questions that have persisted for decades. Who killed Rhonda Hinson? Why was her murder never solved? And after more than 40 years, could the answers to this North Carolina cold case still be out there? Anyone with information about the murder of Rhonda Hinson is urged to call: Cold Case Tip Line- Burke County Sheriff's Office- Phone: 828-764-9549 Connect with us on Social Media!You can find us at:Instagram: @bookofthedeadpodX: @bkofthedeadpodFacebook: The Book of the Dead PodcastTikTok: BookofthedeadpodOr visit our website at www.botdpod.com Folklore. Fear. Dark Psychology.Psychology of the Strange is a narrative psychology podcast that explores the eerie, the uncanny, and the deeply human. Every episode begins with an original atmospheric story rooted in dark folklore, superstition, or real events and then shifts into a psychological analysis that unpacks why these tales grip the human mind.  Bollinger, C. (2001a, September 3). What happened to Rhonda. The News Herald, 1. Bollinger, C. (2001b, September 4). Family exhausts every avenue. The News Herald, 1. East, M. (2024, July 8). A teen in North Carolina was driving home from a work Christmas party when she was shot dead. But, who pulled the trigger? Front Page Detectives.  Graeter, K., & Carter, J. (2025, December 23). 1981 case of teen killed by bullet that went through her car remains unsolved in Burke County.  Griffin, L. J. (2024, December 13). THE KILLING OF RHONDA HINSON December 13, 2024—Rhonda’s 62nd Birthday. Facebook.  Griffin, L. J. (2025a, March 4). THE KILLING OF RHONDA HINSON Evolution of a Break-Up. Facebook.  Griffin, L. J. (2025b, May 21). THE KILLING OF RHONDA HINSON Evolution of a Break-Up—Part VII. Facebook.  Griffin, L. J. (2025c, May 31). THE KILLING OF RHONDA HINSON Evolution of a Break-Up—Part VIII. Facebook.  Hamilton, B. (2025, December 22). “Family deserves answers”: Investigation continues into 44-year-old case of slain teen. Spectrum News 1.  Hensley, M. (2011, December 23). Teen’s death remains unsolved. The News Herald, 1. Nicholas, W. (1982a, January 23). Projectile hits bus near Valdese. The Charlotte Observer, 2B. Nicholas, W. (1982b, January 23). Slain teen’s family still asks why. The Charlotte Observer, 2B. Poynter, R. C. (n.d.). Rhonda Annette Hinson. Find a Grave.  The Associated Press. (1989, September 13). What happened to Rhonda Hinson? Rocky MountTelegram, 12. The Burke County Sheriff’s Office. (2025, December 22). 44th Anniversary of Rhonda Hinson’s Murder [Press release].  Unsolved Mysteries. (2020, September 7). Rhonda Hinson - Unsolved Mysteries.  York, J. (1982, May 23). Daughter’s murder creates backwash of grief and anger. The Charlotte Observer, 1E-9E. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. Sep 10

    Fear of the Dead-The New England Vampire Panic w/ The Family Plot

    In 19th-century New England, fear of tuberculosis collided with an older, darker belief: that the dead could return from the grave to prey upon the living. In this episode, I join Family Plot Podcast to explore the New England Vampire Panic — a chilling period when families, desperate to explain devastating outbreaks of illness, began to suspect that their deceased loved ones were actually vampires. Across New England, graves were opened, bodies examined, and desperate measures were taken in the belief that the dead were somehow responsible for the suffering of those still alive. What we now understand as tuberculosis was once interpreted through a supernatural lens, creating one of the strangest chapters in American history. From exhumations and suspected vampires to the real-life fear and tragedy behind the legends, we're digging into the history of the New England Vampire Panic and asking how a community's desperation can transform disease, death, and grief into something truly terrifying. I'm so excited to have been a guest on Family Plot Podcast for this fascinating journey into one of America's most obscure historical panics. 🩸 Rare history. Dark folklore. Real fear. Check out The Family Plot Podcast here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. Aug 26

    Chapter 151: A Harlem Globtrotter's Last Drive-The Disappearance of Rico Omarr Harris

    Rico Omarr Harris had once seemed destined for a life in basketball. Standing 6-foot-9, Rico was a standout player who attracted attention from college scouts, led Los Angeles City College to a state championship, and eventually played briefly for the Harlem Globetrotters. But years after his basketball career had taken an unexpected turn, Rico was preparing for a new chapter of his life. On October 10, 2014, 37-year-old Rico Omarr Harris left his mother's home in Alhambra, California, and began driving north toward Seattle, where he planned to reunite with his longtime girlfriend and start a new life. He spoke with his mother while driving through the Sacramento area and later left a voicemail for his girlfriend. Then, he vanished. Three days later, Rico's black Nissan was discovered abandoned at a remote Yolo County Regional Parks location along State Route 16. His vehicle was there, but Rico was nowhere to be found. Extensive searches of the surrounding area produced no trace of him, and despite the passage of more than a decade, Rico Harris remains missing. What happened to the former basketball star in Yolo County? Why did he leave his vehicle behind? And how does a man who stood nearly seven feet tall seemingly disappear without a trace? Anyone with information about the disappearance of Rico Harris can contact: Yolo County Sheriff's Department at (530) 666-8282 The case number to reference is 14-2964 Connect with us on Social Media!You can find us at:Instagram: @bookofthedeadpodX: @bkofthedeadpodFacebook: The Book of the Dead PodcastTikTok: BookofthedeadpodOr visit our website at www.botdpod.com Join hosts CJ and Carmita as they set out to cover cases of grizzly serial killers who have brought their nefarious crimes to our beautiful area of the PNW for many years.  Listen Here Fenno, N. (2017, March 18). His dreams of basketball stardom vanished first. Now his mother says, ‘I am not giving up on finding my son’ - Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times. Mertz, A. (2014, October 22). Seattle girlfriend of missing former Harlem Globetrotter confident he will “come home.” FOX 13 Seattle.  MISSING IN AMERICA: Rico Omarr Harris. (2015, June 11). NBC News.  Rico Harris College Stats | College basketball at Sports-Reference.com. (n.d.). College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com.  Rico Omarr Harris. (2017, July 21). State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General. The disappearance of Rico Harris. (2019, June 27). Stories of the Unsolved.  Vanishing Man: The Disappearance of Rico Harris. (n.d.). FOX Sports.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. Aug 12

    Chapter 150: Dead Men Tell No Tales-The Legend of the S.S. Ourang Medan

    Was the Ourang Medan a real ghost ship—or one of the greatest maritime legends ever created?The crew of the Ourang Medan were reportedly found dead aboard their ship in the waters of the Strait of Malacca in the late 1940s. Their bodies were said to have been discovered sprawled across the ship, their faces frozen in expressions of terror, and then came the chilling message allegedly sent from the vessel: “I die.”Before anyone could uncover the truth, the Ourang Medan caught fire and exploded, sending the ship and its secrets to the bottom of the sea.But did the Ourang Medan really exist? Was the crew killed by toxic gas, a dangerous cargo, or something far more mysterious? And how much of the story is actually true? In this episode of The Book of the Dead, we dive into one of the most infamous maritime mysteries ever told: the legend of the Ourang Medan, the ghost ship of Southeast Asia.Connect with us on Social Media!You can find us at:Instagram: @bookofthedeadpodX: @bkofthedeadpodFacebook: The Book of the Dead PodcastTikTok: BookofthedeadpodOr visit our website at www.botdpod.comFeaturing a Promo for Murder Unscripted:Veteran true-crime producer, Ed (Forensic Files, Cold Case Files, City Confidential) and his crime encyclopedia gal pal, Melissa, bring you the most immersive podcast in the genre - breaking down the barrier between fan and creator.Listen HereCover ups after the war. (n.d.). Pacific Atrocities Education.Gov, N. O. O. R. a. R. U. (n.d.). NITROGLYCERIN, DESENSITIZED, [LIQUID] | CAMEO Chemicals | NOAA. Hewitt, L. (2020, October 27). Tragedy on the S.S. Ourang Medan – Fact or Legend? Historic Mysteries.  A, L. (2022, June 3). Unresolved: What Happened To The Ourang Medan — And Did It Exist At All? The Ghost in My MachineRipley’s Believe It or Not. (2020, February 19). The Mysterious Tale Of The S.S. Ourang Medan Ghost Ship. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! The Associated Press. (1940, November 22). Crew dies in SOS mystery. The Daily Mirror, 11.The Shipyard. (2021, October 27). How to Sink a Ghost-Ship: The Story of the SS Ourang Medan. The SS Ourang Medan - the Philadelphia Experiment from A-Z. (2025, December 16). The Philadelphia Experiment From A-Z.Troutner, A. (2022, September 14). The Strange Tale of the Mysterious Dutch Ghost Ship Ourang Medan.... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Chapter 150: Dead Men Tell No Tales-The Legend of the S.S. Ourang Medan

  7. Aug 5

    Chapter 149: The Body in the Garden-The Murder of John Sabine

    For nearly two decades, John Sabine was simply gone.His wife, Leigh, had spent years telling elaborate stories about their lives, convincing friends and family that John had left and started over somewhere else. She was a gifted storyteller whose lies became more outrageous with time, and few people questioned them. But when Leigh died of cancer in 2015, those stories began to unravel.After two friends made a horrifying discovery in the garden of the couple's former home in Beddau, Wales, investigators were confronted by a body wrapped in plastic. After 18 years the remains of John Sabine, had been found. As they worked to find out what happened, police revealed years of manipulation, compulsive deception, and the couple's infamous decision to abandon their five young children before John's disappearance. Today, we'll trace the lies that concealed a murder for nearly two decades, examine the evidence that finally exposed the truth behind one woman's carefully constructed fiction.Connect with us on Social Media!You can find us at:Instagram: @bookofthedeadpodX: @bkofthedeadpodFacebook: The Book of the Dead PodcastTikTok: BookofthedeadpodOr visit our website at www.botdpod.comAroesti, R. (2024, August 11). The Body Next Door review – a jaw-droppingly addictive true-crime tale. The Guardian. BBC News. (2015, November 24). Beddau murder probe launched after remains found near flats.Beddau. (n.d.). RHONDDA CYNON TAF. Beddau murder: “I was screaming it’s a dead body.” (2016, January 6). [Video]. BBC News. Couple Found in Perth. (1970, May 9). Press, 1.Dewey, P. (2024, August 12). Sky’s The Body Next Door: True story behind man murdered with a stone frog and buried in Welsh garden. Wales Online. Guarino, B. (2016, May 20). For 18 years, no one believed the woman who said she killed her husband with a stone frog. Then they found the body. The Washington Post. Late wife suspected of killing husband. (2015, December 12). The Herald, M11.Mercer, R. (2024, August 12). The Body Next Door: How a skeleton prank led to a murder investigation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Chapter 149: The Body in the Garden-The Murder of John Sabine

  8. Jul 29

    What Happened to Yolanda Evette Panek? W/ Missing in the PNW

    Today, you'll hear the story of Yolanda Paneck, brought to you by Carmita from Missing in the PNW. A beautiful young mother is brutally murdered after last being seen at the Capri Motel in Portland, Oregon. The day after her locked car was found abandoned with her two-year-old son inside, alive and a maid at the motel who cleaned her room found the mattress stripped of its sheets and soaked in blood.Though she has never been found her husband was charged and convicted of her murder in March 1996If you have any information on the whereabouts of Yolanda Evette Panek please call the Portland Police Bureau at 503-823-0418.  Carmita is back with brand new episodes on Monday, August 3rd!Check out Missing in the PNW:The Pacific Northwest is known for it's beautiful coastline, green interior, rainy weather, and spectacular mountains, but because of all of this it's also the perfect place to go missing.Listen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsIf you enjoyed the episode, consider leaving a review or rating! It helps more than you know! If you have a case suggestion, or want attention brought to a loved one's case, email me at bookofthedeadpod@gmail.com with Case Suggestion in the subject line.Stay safe, stay curious, and stay vigilant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    What Happened to Yolanda Evette Panek? W/ Missing in the PNW
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4.4
out of 5
52 Ratings

About

Hosted by Courtney Liso, The Book of the Dead is a true crime podcast that focuses on the victims of lesser-known crimes. Each episode presents a deep dive into a case from around the world, dissecting the details to tell the whole story of who each victim was, in addition to what happened to them. Formerly hosted by a mother-daughter team, the podcast has evolved with one host, taking the care necessary to ensure each victim is honored as they should be. Join Courtney every Wednesday at 12am EST for a new chapter in The Book of the Dead. 

Information

  • Creator
    Courtney Liso
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    180
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright The Book of the Dead Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Book of the Dead

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