Crime Daddies

Crime Daddies

Welcome to Crime Daddies. Our names are Hunter Frampton and Jacob Smith and we’re just two guys from Southeast Missouri talking through true crime cases the way we would if you were sitting in the room with us. Most episodes, one of us tells the story straight through while the other hears it for the first time, so you’re getting real reactions, real questions, and sometimes us just trying to wrap our heads around how messed up people can be. We cover a lot of cases from around here, along with others that don’t get talked about enough. Nothing fake, just us working through the story as it unfolds.

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 25: Love, Lies, & Murder - The Kelly Cochran Story

    This week, Jacob takes Hunter on a deep dive into the disturbing story of Kelly Cochran—a woman whose ordinary Midwestern life eventually unraveled into murder, manipulation, and a trail of conflicting stories. After moving to Michigan with her husband Jason, Kelly began an affair with coworker Chris Regan. What followed was a deadly chain of events involving a supposed “murder pact,” Chris's disappearance, his remains being hidden in the Michigan wilderness, and eventually Jason's own death. But Kelly wasn't done telling her story. As investigators closed in, she changed her story again and again, leaving detectives to separate the truth from the lies. One investigator decided to play Kelly at her own game—and a simple message carved into a tree would finally push her toward a confession. Jacob takes Hunter through the murders, the investigation, Kelly's ever-changing stories, her conviction, and the disturbing claims that she may have been responsible for even more deaths. How do you catch someone who never stops changing their story? This episode contains discussion of murder, drug use, sexual content, dismemberment, and other disturbing subject matter. Takeaways Kelly Cochran's relationship with Jason and the events that led to their move to MichiganThe affair between Kelly and Chris Regan and the alleged Cochrane murder pactChris Regan's disappearance and the evidence connecting him to the Cochrane homeJason Cochran's death and how it reopened the investigationThe detective who turned Kelly's manipulation tactics against herKelly's changing stories, confession, and eventual convictionsThe unproven claims that Kelly may have been connected to additional murdersThe importance of separating the evidence from the mythology surrounding a caseChapters 00:00 Introduction01:35 Why Female Killers Get Attention08:53 Kelly Cochran's Early Life10:16 Kelly and Jason15:23 Jason's Chronic Pain20:27 Moving to Michigan22:58 Chris Regan25:51 The Affair34:17 The Love Triangle36:31 The Cochrane Murder Pact39:26 The Night Chris Regan Disappeared41:25 Kelly's First Version of Events44:45 The Dismemberment49:34 Chris's Remains Are Hidden52:01 Chris Is Reported Missing57:58 Kelly and Jason Return to Indiana01:00:33 Jason's Death01:05:26 The Investigation Turns01:13:01 The Detective's Game01:15:59 "Chris Is Here"01:18:18 The Search for Chris01:21:53 Kelly Flees01:23:54 Another Story01:27:52 Chris's Remains Are Found01:30:25 Kelly's Trial01:31:59 Conviction

    Episode 25: Love, Lies, & Murder - The Kelly Cochran Story

  2. Sep 1

    Episode 24: Monster of Fort Leonard Wood

    In 1977, four teenagers were pulled over at Fort Leonard Wood by Military Policeman Johnny Lee Thornton. He told them their car matched the description of a robbery suspect—but there was one problem: the robbery never happened. What followed was a terrifying night that left three teenagers dead and one survivor, Juanita Deckard, fighting to stay alive in the freezing Missouri woods. This week, Hunter tells Jacob the story of Thornton, the evidence that eventually exposed him, his bizarre insanity defense, and the disturbing questions about whether he may have been connected to other disappearances at Fort Leonard Wood. What happens when the person with the badge becomes the biggest threat? This episode contains discussion of murder, sexual assault, kidnapping, and other disturbing subject matter. Takeaways Discovery of the victim in freezing conditionsEscalation of the incident at the military baseExploration of Johnny Lee Thornton's troubled background Thornton's actions and encounters with individuals raise questions about his mental state and the motive behind the shootings.The discovery of Thornton's handwritten notes and his memory loss become central to the investigation, shedding light on his psychological condition and potential motives. Resilience in the face of traumaThe complexity of criminal investigations Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Case Overview02:57 Discovery of the Victim07:18 The Incident at the Military Base11:13 Johnny Lee Thornton's Background42:31 The Triggering Incident43:08 The Night of January 13th, 197744:22 Encounters with Thornton45:26 Thornton's Actions and Reports46:54 Thornton's Shift Ends49:52 Discovery of Abandoned Car53:20 Investigation Escalation54:12 Realization of Involvement55:11 Escalation of Investigation56:02 Standoff with Thornton01:00:10 Thornton's Statements01:03:08 Thornton's Memory and Condition01:11:22 Thornton's Handwritten Notes01:29:22 The Terrifying Encounter01:31:17 The Nightmare Unfolds

    Episode 24: Monster of Fort Leonard Wood

  3. Aug 25

    Episode 23: Tip Line Vol. 3

    The Crime Daddies are back with some more listener submitted Tip Line stories. The main focus of the episode is on three Missouri mysteries: the story of Gail Sherry King, the unsolved mystery of Alton Lake Jane Doe, and the disappearance of Megan Latham. Then, the podcast episode delves into the story of Rosemary Taylor Sisk, a woman from Bernie, Missouri, whose life was tragically cut short. It explores the details of her relationships, the events leading up to her shooting, the trial, and the aftermath. The episode also reflects on the impact of domestic violence and the importance of remembering the victims. Takeaways Unsolved mysteries can have a lasting impact on the lives of those involved.Every missing person deserves to be found and remembered.Sharing stories and information can help bring answers to families affected by unsolved cases. Tragic loss of a lifeImpact of domestic violence Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tip Line Episode01:05 The Missouri Mysteries02:30 The Story of Gail Sherry King10:18 The Unsolved Mystery of Alton Lake Jane Doe19:22 The Disappearance of Megan Latham30:14 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action43:24 Introduction to Bernie, Missouri44:01 Life in Bernie, Missouri48:11 The Story of Rosemary Taylor Sisk48:42 Rosemary's Life and Relationships57:12 The Shooting and Aftermath

    Episode 23: Tip Line Vol. 3

  4. Aug 18

    Episode 22: Slain In Savannah

    This week your Crime Daddies begin discuss the history and ambiance of Savannah, Georgia, setting the stage for the main case. The chapter concludes with the lead-up to the fatal confrontation between Jim Williams and Danny Hansford. The Mercer House murder case involves the shooting of Danny Hansford by Jim Williams, leading to four trials and a controversial verdict. The case has sparked public interest, inspired a best-selling book, and influenced tourism in Savannah. The story raises questions about self-defense, manipulation of evidence, and the influence of social connections. Takeaways Podcast quality improvementIntroduction to Savannah, GeorgiaLead-up to the fatal confrontation Controversial VerdictInfluence of Social Connections Chapters 00:00 Podcast Quality and Promise of a Lighthearted Case02:31 Introduction to Savannah, Georgia28:44 Lead-up to the Fatal Confrontation33:44 The Mercer House Murder34:37 Gunpowder Residue and Firearm Details38:43 Crime Scene Alteration and Suspicious Aspects40:58 Trials and Legal Battles52:13 Impact and Legacy

    Episode 22: Slain In Savannah

  5. Aug 11

    Episode 21: Ozark Outlaw - Alis Ben Johns

    The boys begin this episode with a discussion about the Ozarks and its historical significance. It then transitions into the story of Alis Ben Johns, a fugitive and serial killer, and his violent acts in central Missouri. The narrative covers his confrontations, escapes, and the escalating danger he poses to the community. A six-month crime spree in Missouri led to a series of violent incidents, including robberies, home invasions, and murders, committed by fugitive Alis Ben Johns. The capture of Johns ended the violence, but the story remains a chilling reminder of how quickly violence can spread and how difficult it can be to stop it once it begins. Takeaways Ozarks history and significanceThe story of Alice Ben Johns, a dangerous fugitive and serial killer Violent crime sprees can occur in rural areas, impacting communities and individuals in unexpected ways.The capture of a fugitive can bring relief to affected communities, but the damage caused by the crimes remains. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Ozarks02:22 Formation and Early Inhabitants of the Ozarks04:39 European Exploration and Settlers in the Ozarks09:15 Impact of the Civil War on the Ozarks11:10 Transformation of the Ozarks in the 20th Century13:20 The Story of Alice Ben Johns Begins14:28 Johns' Violent Confrontations and Escapes26:06 Johns' Escalating Danger and Brazen Acts31:30 The Beginning of a Crime Spree35:00 Escalation of Violence39:21 The Hunt for the Fugitive40:37 The Dramatic End

    Episode 21: Ozark Outlaw - Alis Ben Johns

  6. Aug 4

    Episode 20: Kentucky Vampire Cult

    On this episode of Crime Daddies, Jacob shares a horror story he first heard in college—that just blocks away from his dorm in Murray, Kentucky, was the birthplace of a cult led by a self-proclaimed 500-year-old vampire. Creepy local legend... or was he just an idiot for believing it? As it turns out, the truth is far more disturbing. Join us as we unravel the infamous case of the Kentucky Vampire Clan and its leader, Rod Ferrell. We explore how a group of teenagers became consumed by fantasy, the brutal double homicide that shocked Florida, the investigation that brought the killers to justice, and the media frenzy that followed one of America's most bizarre true crime cases. Takeaways The influence of charismatic individuals can lead to the formation of dangerous cults.The blurred line between fantasy and reality can have devastating consequences. Forensic investigation played a crucial role in reconstructing the sequence of events and collecting physical evidence.The case raised questions about the influence of cult-like behavior and the impact of psychological factors on criminal behavior. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Vampires00:50 The Town of Murray, Kentucky02:19 Murray State University and Alumni14:21 Rod's Influence and Cult Formation23:03 Planning the Murders25:19 The Murders and Aftermath35:03 The Crime Scene Investigation37:15 The Autopsies40:46 Reconstructing the Victims' Final Hours41:17 The Investigation Shifts to Heather Wendorf43:50 The Vampire Clan's Travels47:48 The Arrest of the Vampire Clan51:14 The Trial and Sentencing Aftermath and Media Attention

    Episode 20: Kentucky Vampire Cult

  7. Jul 28

    Episode 19: Tip Line Vol. 2

    The conversation this week comes from you the listeners as the boys hop into another edition of their Crime Daddies Tip Line podcast, the setting of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, crime statistics and comparison, the murder of Tommy Rowland, the investigation and prosecution, the Midwest Mafia and organized crime, challenges in solving the case, and the murder of Cecil and Ethel Phillips in Malden in the 1990s. The conversation delves into the shocking discovery of a crime scene, the investigation process, and the subsequent trial and verdict. It explores the significance of circumstantial evidence and the meticulous process of building a case one clue at a time. Takeaways Organized crime in rural areasChallenges in prosecuting cold cases Circumstantial evidence can be compellingJustice is built one clue at a time Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Tip Line03:18 The Setting: Popper Bluff, Missouri06:07 Crime Statistics and Comparison12:39 The Murder of Tommy Rowland25:40 Investigation and Prosecution29:29 The Midwest Mafia and Organized Crime34:29 Challenges in Solving the Case40:16 The Murder of Cecil and Ethel Phillips44:56 The Shocking Discovery45:35 The Crime Scene Investigation47:10 The Back Door Clue48:15 The Secret Safe49:34 The Missing Boots50:30 Suspicious Behavior50:59 The Evidence Unfolds

    Episode 19: Tip Line Vol. 2

  8. Jul 22 ·  Bonus

    BONUS EPISODE: How Does A Whole Town Disappear?

    Imagine living in a place you’ve called home for years, surrounded by friendly neighbors, children playing outside, and a sense of belonging. Then, one day, everything changes when you discover that the ground beneath your feet is literally toxic. This is the haunting reality of Times Beach, Missouri—a town that, due to corporate negligence, was wiped off the map. In this post, we will explore the chilling story of how one community fell victim to environmental disaster and what it means for us today. Takeaways Toxic contamination led to the erasure of an entire townThe psychological and emotional impact of the event was profound Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Crime Daddies02:47 The Story of Times Beach, Missouri03:21 The Toxic Business Decision04:31 The Spread of Contamination05:29 The Discovery of Contamination08:11 Evacuation and Displacement10:19 The Erasure of Times Beach11:19 Psychological and Emotional Impact13:06 Reflections on Government and Politics

    BONUS EPISODE: How Does A Whole Town Disappear?
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About

Welcome to Crime Daddies. Our names are Hunter Frampton and Jacob Smith and we’re just two guys from Southeast Missouri talking through true crime cases the way we would if you were sitting in the room with us. Most episodes, one of us tells the story straight through while the other hears it for the first time, so you’re getting real reactions, real questions, and sometimes us just trying to wrap our heads around how messed up people can be. We cover a lot of cases from around here, along with others that don’t get talked about enough. Nothing fake, just us working through the story as it unfolds.

Information

  • Creator
    Crime Daddies
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Crime Daddies

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