Malice in the Mitten

Tracy Preston
  • 4.8 (16)
  • True Crime
  • Weekly Series

Three Michigan shows, one voice.  Malice in the Mitten - Michigan-focused True Crime. Round Robin - Upbeat round-table talk. F-Bomb - Michigan folklore and frights.   New episodes every Monday, Wednesday & Friday

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  1. Episode 1

    S12 E1 - Seventeen - The Murder of Christa Lynne Ruth Ferree

    In 1991, seventeen-year-old Christa Lynne Ruth Ferree, a Harper Creek High School junior from Battle Creek, Michigan, left home to visit someone she knew. She never came back. Days later, Christa’s body was found hundreds of miles away near Clinton, Oklahoma. She had been strangled. Three teenagers — Thomas Eugene Krause II, John Seeley Loepke Jr., and Brad Trevor Warner — were convicted in her murder and originally sentenced to life without parole. Decades later, because they had been juveniles at the time of the crime, all three were resentenced to 40 to 60 years, reopening painful questions about punishment, rehabilitation, second chances, and the life Christa never got to live.  This episode of Malice in the Mitten tells Christa’s story with care: who she was, how she is remembered, the betrayal that led to her death, the long road from Battle Creek to Oklahoma, and the legal aftermath that brought her case back into court nearly three decades later. Listener note: Thank you to Jessica Elliott for suggesting Christa’s story and helping bring her name back into the light. #MaliceInTheMitten #MichiganTrueCrime #ChristaFerree #BattleCreekMichigan #TrueCrimePodcast Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston, Featuring Christine Mulligan Researched and written by Tracy Preston Original music created exclusively for Malice in the Mitten by Tracy Preston Original artwork by Todd Preston Sources include WWMT News Channel 3 reporting on the 2019 resentencing’s, WBCK coverage of the Battle Creek murder case, MDOC OTIS records, the Harper Creek Educational Foundation Christa Ferree Scholarship Fund, Find a Grave memorial records, The Oklahoman April 1991 article excerpt, and Battle Creek Enquirer obituary/article clippings reviewed during research. Some archival newspaper records are subscription-limited; unsupported secondary retellings were treated as leads only and were not included as verified fact unless supported by additional sourcing.

    1 min

  2. Episode 2

    S12 E2 - Round Robin - Glitch in the Matrix, Deja Vu, Weird Coincidences and Moments that We Can't Explain

    Have you ever had a moment so weird it felt like reality glitched? This week on Round Robin, we’re talking déjà vu, impossible coincidences, missing objects, gut feelings, and the stories we still can’t explain. #RoundRobinPodcast #GlitchInTheMatrix #DejaVu #WeirdButTrue #PodcastLife Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston, Featuring Christine Mulligan, Nina Mulligan and my husband Todd Preston Original music created exclusively for Round Robin by Tracy Preston Original artwork by Todd Preston

    42 min

  3. Episode 3

    S12 E3 - F-Bomb - The Lilac Lady of Marquette - The Ghost Who Still Waits by Lake Superior

    Tonight, on F-Bomb Friday, we travel to Marquette, Michigan, for the haunting legend of the Lilac Lady — a ghostly figure said to linger near the sixth floor of the historic Landmark Inn. Her story is one of love, loss, Lake Superior, and the scent of lilacs drifting through an old hotel where guests have reported strange phone calls, footsteps, cold spots, and sightings of a woman who may still be waiting for someone who never came home. This is not a monster story. It is a ghost story built from grief, memory, and the kind of folklore that refuses to die. #FBombFriday #MichiganFolklore #LilacLady #MarquetteMichigan #HauntedMichigan Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston, Featuring Todd Preston Story Researched and Written by Todd Preston Original music created exclusively for F-Bomb by Tracy Preston Original artwork by Todd Preston Sources: “12 Incredibly Haunted Places in the Upper Peninsula.” Pure Michigan, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, n.d., michigan.org. Accessed 21 May 2026. Best Haunted Hotels. “Landmark Inn Paranormal History.” Best Haunted Hotels, n.d., besthauntedhotels.com. Accessed 21 May 2026. “Central Upper Peninsula Hauntings.” Northern Michigan History, n.d., northernmichiganhistory.com. Accessed 21 May 2026. “Haunted Places in Marquette County.” Travel Marquette, n.d., travelmarquette.com. Accessed 21 May 2026. “Haunted Stories from the Upper Peninsula.” UP Travel, n.d., uptravel.com. Accessed 21 May 2026. James, Sheryl. Michigan Legends: Folktales and Lore from the Great Lakes State. University of Michigan Press, press.umich.edu. “Lilac Scented Memories.” Mackinac State Historic Parks, n.d., mackinacparks.com. Accessed 21 May 2026. “The Ghost of the Lilac Room: Marquette, Michigan.” 99.1 WFMK, n.d., 99wfmk.com. Accessed 21 May 2026. “The Lilac Lady.” Malice in the Mitten, n.d. “Michigan Urban Legends.” My Michigan Beach & Travel, n.d., mymichiganbeach.com. Accessed 21 May 2026. “Michigan’s Ghostly Tales Not for the Faint of Heart.” My City Magazine, n.d., mycitymag.com. Accessed 21 May 2026. “Urban Legends, Haunted Hotspots, and Ghost Sightings in Michigan.” The Gander, n.d., gandernewsroom.com. Accessed 21 May 2026.

    35 min

  4. Episode 4

    S12 E4 - The Name in Two Files - The Cold Case Murders of Kathy Darling & Diane Holloway

    In 1976, young pregnant mother Kathryn “Kathy” Darling was murdered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, while her 15-month-old child was nearby. Three years later, another pregnant woman, Diane Holloway, was murdered in the same city. For decades, the cases remained unresolved — until the Kent Metro Cold Case Team connected one name across both files: Russell Vane. In this episode of Malice in the Mitten, Tracy Preston and Christine Mulligan examine the cold-case investigation, the role of DNA evidence, the limits of old investigative tools, and the delayed justice that finally came after more than thirty years. Suggested by listener Becky Vander Meulen, this episode remembers Kathryn Darling and Diane Holloway not as case files, but as women whose lives, families, and futures mattered. In 1976, young pregnant mother Kathryn “Kathy” Darling was murdered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, while her 15-month-old child was nearby. Three years later, another pregnant woman, Diane Holloway, was murdered in the same city. For decades, the cases remained unresolved — until the Kent Metro Cold Case Team connected one name across both files: Russell Vane. In this episode of Malice in the Mitten, Tracy Preston and Christine Mulligan examine the cold-case investigation, the role of DNA evidence, the limits of old investigative tools, and the delayed justice that finally came after more than thirty years. Suggested by listener Becky Vander Meulen, this episode remembers Kathryn Darling and Diane Holloway not as case files, but as women whose lives, families, and futures mattered. #MichiganTrueCrime #MaliceInTheMitten #ColdCase #GrandRapids #TrueCrimePodcast Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston, Featuring Christine Mulligan Researched and written by Tracy Preston Original music created exclusively for Malice in the Mitten by Tracy Preston Original artwork by Todd Preston Sources: Wolter, Sally. “Notes from the Field: A Multijurisdictional Team Moved Cold Cases to the Front Burner.” National Institute of Justice, 3 Dec. 2019. Price, Cynthia. “Cold Case Successes Result from Collaborative Effort.” Grand Rapids Legal News, 29 Apr. 2011. Public records and reporting vary on the spelling of Kathryn Darling’s name, with some sources using Catherine Darling and others using Kathryn/Kathy Darling. For this episode, we use Kathryn “Kathy” Darling while acknowledging the source variation. This episode relies primarily on the National Institute of Justice account by Detective Sally Wolter and reporting from Grand Rapids Legal News.

    48 min

  5. Episode 5

    S12 E5 - Round Robin - Memorial Day, Arlington, and the Stories We Carry

    Today on Round Robin, we honor Memorial Day through stories of remembrance, Arlington National Cemetery, Decoration Day, Mary Ann Williams, and the quiet power of remembering those who never came home #MemorialDay #RoundRobinPodcast #ArlingtonNationalCemetery #DecorationDay #PodcastEpisode Hosted & Produced by Tracy Preston, Featuring Christine Mulligan, Nina Mulligan and Todd Preston Original music created exclusively for Round Robin by Tracy Preston Original artwork by Todd Preston

    32 min

  6. Episode 7

    S12 E7 - The Day Grand Rapids Held its Breath - The Rodrick Dantzler Massacre

    On July 7, 2011, Grand Rapids, Michigan, was shaken by one of the darkest days in the city’s history. Rodrick Shonte Dantzler killed seven people across two homes before the violence spilled into the streets, leading to a police pursuit, additional shootings, a hostage standoff on Rickman Avenue, and Dantzler’s death by suicide. In this episode of Malice in the Mitten, Tracy Preston and Christine Mulligan examine the case with care, centering the victims: Jennifer Heeren, Kamrie Heeren-Dantzler, Thomas Heeren, Rebecca Heeren, Kimberlee Emkens, Amanda Emkens, and Marisa Emkens. This listener-submitted case, suggested by Tina Hughes, is not only a timeline of a mass shooting. It is also a deeper look at domestic violence, warning signs, firearm access, survival, and the long shadow left behind in a Michigan community. Content warning: This episode discusses domestic violence, mass murder, the deaths of children, gun violence, hostage-taking, suicide, and community trauma. #MaliceInTheMitten #MichiganTrueCrime #GrandRapidsMichigan #DomesticViolenceAwareness #TrueCrimePodcast Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston, Featuring Christine Mulligan Researched and written by Tracy Preston Original music created exclusively for Malice in the Mitten by Tracy Preston Original artwork by Todd Preston Sources: Michigan Public. “Victims Names Released in Grand Rapids Shooting.” Michigan Public, 8 July 2011. Michigan Public. “Grand Rapids Police Search for Suspect in Multi-Homicides.” Michigan Public, 7 July 2011. U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Michigan. “Grand Rapids Man Who Sold Gun Used in Mass Murder Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison.” U.S. Department of Justice, 3 Feb. 2014. U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Michigan. “Grand Rapids Man Pleads Guilty to Transferring Firearm to Convicted Felon.” U.S. Department of Justice, 3 July 2013. Dowling, Jennifer. “Man Accused of Selling Rodrick Dantzler Gun Used in Shooting Spree Awaits Sentencing.” FOX 17 West Michigan, 3 July 2013. Dowling, Jennifer. “Man Charged With Selling Gun to Rodrick Dantzler Makes Guilty Plea.” FOX 17 West Michigan, 27 June 2013. Smith, Lindsey. “Grand Rapids Works on Healing One Week After Deadly Shootings.” Michigan Public, 14 July 2011. CBS News. “Names of 7 Victims of Grand Rapids, Mich. Shooting Spree Released.” CBS News, 8 July 2011. Deseret News. “Man Who Killed 7, Self in Spree Left Suicide Note.” Deseret News, 4 Oct. 2011. “The 2011 Grand Rapids Shootings.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation. Use only as a timeline cross-check, not as a primary source. Source note: This episode was researched using contemporary reporting from Michigan Public, CBS News, FOX 17 West Michigan, Deseret News, and official federal records from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan. The Wikipedia timeline was used only as a secondary cross-check against primary and contemporary reporting.

    1 min

  7. Episode 8

    S12 E8 - Round Robin- The Butterfly Effect

    This week on Round Robin, we're exploring the Butterfly Effect, sharing stories of life-changing choices, strange coincidences, and the moments that shaped who we became. Plus, we honor NASA pioneer Katherine Johnson and discuss the ripple effects of living authentically during Pride Month. #RoundRobinPodcast #ButterflyEffect #LifeChoices #KatherineJohnson #CoincidenceOrFate Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston, Featuring Christine Mulligan and Nina Mulligan Original music created exclusively for Round Robin by Tracy Preston Original artwork by Todd Preston

    37 min

  8. Episode 9

    S12 E9- F-Bomb - Far Flung Folklore

    On this episode of F-Bomb Friday, we pull the camera back from a single Michigan legend and look at the bigger, stranger pattern hiding inside folklore itself. From the Michigan Dogman to European werewolves, Bigfoot to the Yeti, lake monsters to Nessie, shadow people to the Hat Man, Melon Heads, witches, Wendigo stories, little people, and winged creatures like the Thunderbird and Mothman — cultures across the world have described eerily similar monsters for centuries. Are these stories simply proof that human fears are universal? Are they warnings passed down through generations? Or do these repeated legends point to something older… something humanity has been encountering in the dark for far longer than we realize? #FBombFriday #MichiganFolklore #Cryptids #UrbanLegends #MaliceInTheMitten Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston, Featuring Todd Preston Story Researched and Written by Todd Preston Original score created exclusively for F-Bomb by Tracy Preston Original artwork by Todd Preston Sources: https://www.britannica.com⁠ https://en.wikipedia.org⁠ https://www.legendsofamerica.com⁠ https://www.bfro.net⁠ https://www.mothmanmuseum.com⁠

    55 min

  9. Episode 10

    S12 E10 - Michelle Kukulski - The Woman Behind the Murder by Yams Headline

    In this episode of Malice in the Mitten, Tracy Preston and Christine Mulligan tell the story of Michelle Ann Kukulski, a 46-year-old mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and CNA from Grayling, Michigan. Michelle was killed in December 2017 by John Robert O’Connor, her former partner, who was later convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 31 years and 3 months to 50 years in prison. Court records show O’Connor claimed he was provoked by concern over Michelle’s boyfriend, Larry Farley, being around their daughter, but the jury rejected a manslaughter framing and convicted him of murder. This case is often remembered by the shocking phrase “murder by yams,” because court records and reporting state Michelle was repeatedly struck with a can of yams. But this episode centers Michelle — not the object used against her. We examine the relationship, the claimed motive, the concealment of Michelle’s body, the trial, the sentencing, the appeal, and the warning signs of control disguised as concern. Michelle’s obituary remembers her as a CNA at Grayling Nursing and Rehabilitation and as a woman deeply connected to her children, grandchildren, and family. This is not a story about a strange headline. This is the story of Michelle Kukulski — where the story matters, but the truth matters more. #MichelleKukulski #MaliceInTheMitten #MichiganTrueCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #VictimCentered Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston, Featuring Christine Mulligan Researched and Written by Tracy Preston Original music created exclusively for Malice in the Mitten by Tracy Preston Original artwork by Todd Preston Sources: Michigan Court of Appeals. People of Michigan v. John Robert O’Connor. 26 Aug. 2021. Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home. “Michelle Ann Kukulski Obituary.” Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home. UpNorthLive. “Man Sentenced for Killing Long-Time Former Girlfriend.” WPBN/WGTU, 12 July 2019. UpNorthLive. “Crawford County Man Found Guilty of Girlfriend’s Murder.” WPBN/WGTU, 26 Apr. 2019. MidMichiganNow. “Suspect Admits to Killing 46-Year-Old Woman with Can of Yams.” MidMichiganNow, 10 Feb. 2018. Crawford County Avalanche. “Grayling Man Awaits Pending Court Ruling in Crawford County Open Murder Case.” Crawford County Avalanche, 14 Feb. 2018.

    56 min

  10. Episode 11

    S12 E11 - Round Robin - Festival Season!

    It’s festival season in Michigan! Tracy, Christine & Nina talk FrankenFest, Halloween energy, people-watching, themed events, finding your weird little tribe. Plus, Best in Show is the movie pick, and Cassandra Peterson — the woman behind Elvira — is honored as Woman of the Week. Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston, Featuring Christine and Nina Mulligan. Original music created exclusively for Round Robin by Tracy Preston Sound Effects from Uppbeat: Yay-cheerful-crowd-applause-soundroll-1-00-04.mp3 Original artwork by Todd Preston

    30 min

  11. Episode 12

    S12 E12 - F-Bomb - Don't Let Them In - The Legend of the Black Eyed Children

    On this episode of F-Bomb Friday, Tracy Preston brings listeners another haunting Michigan tale rooted in the shadows, strange details, and unsettling atmosphere that make Michigan folklore so unforgettable, this episode leans into the question every good ghost story leaves behind: what if the thing we laugh off… is the thing we should have listened to? With eerie storytelling, Michigan atmosphere, and a little Todd-and-Tracy commentary, this F-Bomb Friday episode is perfect for fans of ghost stories, local legends, haunted Michigan, folklore, and true tales that feel just a little too close to home. #FBombFriday #MichiganFolklore #HauntedMichigan #GhostStories #MaliceInTheMitten Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston Story Researched and Written by Todd Preston Music created exclusively for F-Bomb by Tracy Preston Original artwork by Todd Preston Sound Effect from Uppbeat: knocking-on-door-heavy-betacut-1-00-01.mp3 Sources: https://www.brianbethel.com https://www.coasttocoastam.com https://www.mysteriousuniverse.org https://www.liveabout.com/black-eyed-kids-2594425 https://www.thoughtco.com/black-eyed-kids-2594425 https://www.legendsofamerica.com https://www.strangeoutdoors.com

    50 min

  12. Episode 13

    S12 E13 Justice for Jan - The Bay City Schoolgirl Who Never Came Home

    In 1973, thirteen-year-old Jan Marie Rohrer left her Bay City home for a short walk to school and never made it to class. Nearly a year later, her remains were found in the Crow Island Game Area. More than fifty years later, her murder remains unsolved. This episode tells Jan’s story — her life, her family, the search, the investigation, the possible connection to another unsolved death next door, and the call for justice that still echoes through Bay City. If you have information about Jan’s case, contact Bay City Public Safety 989-894-0161 / 989-892-8571 or CrimeStoppers 800-422-5245. Do not post accusations online. Bring credible information to law enforcement. #JusticeForJan #JanMarieRohrer #BayCityMichigan #MichiganTrueCrime #MaliceInTheMitten Hosted and produced by Tracy Preston, Featuring Christine Mulligan.  Researched and written by Tracy Preston Original music created exclusively for Malice in the Mitten by Tracy Preston Original artwork by Todd Preston Sound Effects from Uppbeat: Rainfall in Autumn Sources: MLive.com. “Arrest in Bay City Cold Case Doesn’t End Mystery of 13-Year-Old’s Murder in 1973.” MLive, 25 Nov. 2019. Waterman, Cole. “Family in Bay City Cold Case Seeks ‘Justice for Jan.’” MLive, 26 Nov. 2019. Waterman, Cole. “Police Confirm an Arrest Was Made This Year in 1973 Slaying of Bay City Teen.” MLive, 5 Dec. 2018. Waterman, Cole. “Nov. 26 Marks 40th Anniversary of Disappearance of Bay City Girl Later Found Slain.” MLive, 26 Nov. 2013. Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: Conviction of Bay City-Born John List 19 Years after Killing Family Proves Cold Cases Can Be Solved.” MLive, 29 Nov. 2012. Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: 1973 Slaying of Bay City Teen Is Not Forgotten by Local Police.” MLive, 29 Nov. 2012. Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: Bay City Man Seeks Justice for Mother’s Unsolved Slaying and Says He Was Questioned in 13-Year-Old’s Disappearance.” MLive, 28 Nov. 2012. Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: Former Bay City Police Detective Shares Theory on 1973 Jan Rohrer Slaying.” MLive, 28 Nov. 2012. Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: Neighbor of Slain Bay City 13-Year-Old Met Violent End in Second Unsolved Case.” MLive, 27 Nov. 2012. MLive.com. “Live Chat: Brother of Slain Bay City 13-Year-Old Jan Rohrer to Discuss 39-Year-Old Death Cold Case.” MLive, 27 Nov. 2012. Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: Best Friend of Slain Bay City Teen Says ‘It’s Been a Struggle for Me.’” MLive, 27 Nov. 2012. Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: Brothers of Slain Bay City Teen Seek Closure in 39-Year-Old Cold Case.” MLive, 26 Nov. 2012. Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: Slaying of 13-Year-Old Bay City Girl in 1973 Remains a Mystery Today.” MLive, 26 Nov. 2012. Bay City Department of Public Safety. “Cold Cases.” City of Bay City, accessed 2026.

    1 min
See All Season 12 (12)

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4.8
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Three Michigan shows, one voice.  Malice in the Mitten - Michigan-focused True Crime. Round Robin - Upbeat round-table talk. F-Bomb - Michigan folklore and frights.   New episodes every Monday, Wednesday & Friday

Information

  • Creator
    Tracy Preston
  • Episodes
    304
  • Seasons
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Malice in the Mitten

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