A Simpler Time True Crime

Megan Storm
  • 4.9 (70)
  • TRUE CRIME
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

 I’m Megan, your host, and each week I revisit unsolved cases from decades past—stories that have too often been forgotten or overlooked. Together, we examine the facts, question the myths of “the good old days,” and ask whether a simpler time was ever really a safer one.  This podcast honors the people at the heart of each case—focusing not on sensationalism, but on the lives affected and the justice still waiting to be served.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/a-simpler-time-true-crime--6665681/support.

  1. A Crime Lost To Time: The Unsolved Murder of Tess Hilt

    2D AGO

    A Crime Lost To Time: The Unsolved Murder of Tess Hilt

    In the late summer of 1973, a graduate student is living alone in an off-campus apartment, taking summer classes to get ahead. She’s well known on campus, the kind of person who’s involved in everything. She’s also a gifted musician with a lot going for her. After a day spent socializing, her night ends with a short walk home, what should have been just a 60 foot stroll across her apartment courtyard. But by the next day, no one can get in touch with her. That evening, a friend goes to check on her apartment and walks into a nightmare. Tess had been the victim of a violent homicide. Over the years, the case has moved in different directions. There have been leads that seemed promising at the time, but definitive answers have stayed out of reach. For decades, her murder has stayed with this small college town. And for nearly 15 years, one former classmate has been working to keep her story in front of people, hoping someone will finally come forward with information. TIPS: Maryville Police Dept at (660) 562-3209 Case suggestions: simplertimecrimepod@gmail.com IG: @simplertimecrimepod Youtube: https://youtube.com/@simplertimecrimepod?si=OlCWQ2Ky8qFaof02 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@simplertimecrimep?_t=8s31x9iCrNv&_r=1 Music By Universfield: https://pixabay.com/music/mystery-dramatic-atmosphere-with-piano-and-violin-143149/ Thumbmail art: Lauren Kelty, host of True Crime BFF Podcast Sources: https://justicefortess.com/ https://academicworks.cuny.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3090&context=gc_etds https://defrostingcoldcases.com/open-letter-from-m-holmes-re-tess-hilt/ https://defrostingcoldcases.com/remembering-teresa-tess-sue-hilt/ https://www.facebook.com/TeresaSueHiltTributePage https://www.nwmissourinews.com/news/article_f2b1cbfe-b314-11ef-92ec-a3c5c678ec5e.html https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-joseph-news-press-maryville-co-ed-fo/194858231/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-times-college-co-ed-foun/194858498/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-joseph-gazette-talking-with-everyone/194880807/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-joseph-news-press-stabbed-numerous-t/194881067/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-joseph-news-press-stabbed-multiple-t/194887485/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-standard-woman-student-slain/194887573/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-joseph-gazette-no-suspects-in-invest/194887670/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-joseph-news-press-interview-friends/194888558/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-joseph-gazette-polygraph-clears-yout/194891736/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/washington-missourian-autopsy/194892890/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-joseph-news-press-interview-50-in-mu/194916025/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-times-sedalia-murder-sla/194916440/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-times-sedalia-victim-was/194917043/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-maryville-daily-forum-rumorsproposa/194917302/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-maryville-daily-forum-man-wanted-for/194919990/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chillicothe-constitution-tribune-see/194920085/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-maryville-daily-forum-hilt-tape/194920747/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-maryville-daily-forum-full-autopsy/194921434/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-joseph-news-press-still-seeking-lead/194923469/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-joseph-news-press-6-month-mark-22/194928488/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chillicothe-constitution-tribune-dr/194929104/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-maryville-daily-forum-student-refuse/194929715/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-joseph-news-press-1-year-mark/194935124/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-helen-hansan/194936022/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-tess-hilt-kc-start/194936977/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-2012-piece-22/194938464/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-joseph-news-press-reheating-a-cold-c/194938558/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-joseph-news-press-2016-piece-22/194938686/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/a-simpler-time-true-crime--6665681/support.

    45 min
  2. No Soldier Left Behind: The Unsolved Murder of Solomon Robinson

    MAR 30

    No Soldier Left Behind: The Unsolved Murder of Solomon Robinson

    On an early spring evening in 1998, a young soldier returns home on leave, visiting his family for the first extended time since enlisting in the U.S. Army. He’s back in the Bronx neighborhood where he grew up, a place where he had already begun to defy expectations and set his life on a different path.  Late on a Friday night, he heads out and cuts through the same local park he passed through countless times before. In an instant, he is ambushed and killed next to the very basketball courts he grew up playing on. Where he was just earlier that day. Dozens of people were nearby that night who could put the pieces together for this puzzle. And yet, all these years later, no one has fully come forward to do so and bring justice in his case.  In this episode, I share his story alongside retired NYPD First Grade Detective Robert Klein, who spent the later part of his career working to uncover the truth and seek justice for Solomon. TIPS: Contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS . You can also contact your local FBI office. At the time of this recording, there is still a substantial reward for information in this case. Case suggestions: simplertimecrimepod@gmail.com IG: @simplertimecrimepod Youtube: https://youtube.com/@simplertimecrimepod?si=OlCWQ2Ky8qFaof02 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@simplertimecrimep?_t=8s31x9iCrNv&_r=1 Music By Universfield: https://pixabay.com/music/mystery-dramatic-atmosphere-with-piano-and-violin-143149/ Thumbmail art: Lauren Kelty, host of True Crime BFF Podcast Source Material: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/solomon-robinson https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-solomon-r-1/194164949/ https://www.nydailynews.com/1999/06/02/moms-heartbreak-still-no-clues-in-teens-slay/ https://crimejunkiepodcast.com/murdered-solomon-robinson/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-s-brown/194269250/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx8rrf3HP2M https://www.amny.com/new-york/bronx/detective-bronx-soldier-murder-case-1998/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/a-simpler-time-true-crime--6665681/support.

    55 min
  3. Cruel and Calculated: The Murder of Oakey "Al" Kite

    MAR 23

    Cruel and Calculated: The Murder of Oakey "Al" Kite

    Its May 2004 in Aurora, Colorado and a 53-year-old man is starting a fresh chapter of his life. To help keep up with expenses, he rents out a basement apartment within his townhome.  After his most recent roommate moves out, he places an ad to fill the space. Things look promising when he identifies someone interested in the place who even puts money down and signs a rental agreement. But when the homeowner doesn’t show up for work, concern starts to build, and a welfare check is called in. The police who respond are met with a scene unlike anything they’ve ever seen before. Suspicion quickly falls on the prospective roommate, but as they try to track him down to question him, they realize nothing is as it seems. This year marks 22 years since the murder of Al Kite, a case that remains one of the most brutal in Colorado’s history. But it is not without movement. A single piece of evidence has continued to speak over time and police are without a doubt zeroing in on who is responsible. TIPS: Det McDonald at the Aurora Police Dept at (303) 739-6013. You can also contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867 Case suggestions: simplertimecrimepod@gmail.com IG: @simplertimecrimepod Youtube: https://youtube.com/@simplertimecrimepod?si=OlCWQ2Ky8qFaof02 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@simplertimecrimep?_t=8s31x9iCrNv&_r=1 Music By Universfield: https://pixabay.com/music/mystery-dramatic-atmosphere-with-piano-and-violin-143149/ Thumbmail art: Lauren Kelty, host of True Crime BFF Podcast Source Material: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/vicap/homicides-and-sexual-assaults/victim-oakey-al-kite-jr https://unresolved.me/oakey-al-kite https://unresolved.me/oakey-al-kite https://www.reddit.com/r/UnsolvedMysteries/comments/1r1dex3/the_unsolved_2004_murder_mystery_of_oakey_al_kite/#:~:text=The%20Cold%20Case%20murder%20in%202004%20of,his%20DNA%20which%20links%20him%20to%20Romania. https://thedeckpodcast.com/oakey-al-kite-part-1/ https://thedeckpodcast.com/oakey-al-kite-part-2/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylCYmQhlzCc https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Livermore-Engineer-s-Mysterious-Death-3240466.php https://www.amazon.com/DNA-Murder-Paul-Holes-Season/dp/B07YSZ5MXZ episode 5  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/a-simpler-time-true-crime--6665681/support.

    50 min
  4. The Most Baffling Case We've Ever Seen: The Unsolved Disappearance of Jason Jolkowski

    MAR 16

    The Most Baffling Case We've Ever Seen: The Unsolved Disappearance of Jason Jolkowski

    In the early summer of 2001, a young man just weeks away from his twentieth birthday was called into work early at the restaurant where he worked. His car was in the shop, so he arranged a ride with a female coworker. They agreed to meet at the local high school before heading to their shift together. Jason left home to meet her. He never made it. No one reported seeing a struggle. Nothing appeared out of place. And whatever happened unfolded in the middle of the day. This is one of the most requested cases I have received from listeners, and it is easy to see why. There is no clear narrative to follow. Even the simplest explanation is difficult to pin down. In the decades since Jason vanished, his family has continued searching while also creating resources to help other families living with the same uncertainty. This summer marks twenty five years since Jason was last seen and the questions surrounding this case have not quieted down with time, they’ve only grown louder. TIPS: Omaha Police Department (402-444-5656), Omaha Crime Stoppers (402-444-STOP), or the FBI. Tips can be submitted anonymously and may be eligible for a reward. Case suggestions: simplertimecrimepod@gmail.com IG: @simplertimecrimepod Youtube: https://youtube.com/@simplertimecrimepod?si=OlCWQ2Ky8qFaof02 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@simplertimecrimep?_t=8s31x9iCrNv&_r=1 Music By Universfield: https://pixabay.com/music/mystery-dramatic-atmosphere-with-piano-and-violin-143149/ Thumbmail art: Lauren Kelty, host of True Crime BFF Podcast Sources Material and Discussion: https://charleyproject.org/case/jason-anthony-jolkowski https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk3rEqyHwtk&t=134s Krime with Kait episode https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/1pj6wg2/vanished_during_a_short_walk_just_8_minutes_from/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRflYU5WFCE  True Crime Treadmill https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/o18m3h/it_has_been_20_years_since_jason_jolkowski/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-grand-island-independent-family-conc/193362781/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald-family-seeking-clues/193363511/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald-mahoney-park/193365094/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-nonpareil-not-your-typical-19/193365199/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald-employers-set-up-rewa/193365476/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald-family-seeks-clues-1/193366086/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald-family-search-for-clu/193366327/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-grand-island-independent-website/193399232/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-grand-island-independent-website/193399232/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-catholic-voice-omaha-archdiocesan-n/193400060/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-nonpareil-iwcc-still-missing/193400508/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-grand-island-independent-grandparent/193400700/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-grand-island-independent-benefit-con/193400769/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-grand-island-independent-grassroots/193401694/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald-missing-son-helps-sav/193402000/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald-25-years-still-searc/193406572/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-grand-island-independent-project-jas/193406725/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-grand-island-independent-mother-help/193407083/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-grand-island-independent-copes-by-he/193407369/   https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald-hundreds-more-missing/193407681/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald-someone-knows-what-ha/193407795/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald-more-project-jason/193408053/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald-hire-more-police/193420267/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/telegraph-advocacy-work/193420439/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/a-simpler-time-true-crime--6665681/support.

    41 min
  5. I'm The Main Suspect: The Disappearance of Erica Fraysure

    MAR 9

    I'm The Main Suspect: The Disappearance of Erica Fraysure

    In the fall of 1997, a college senior says goodbye to her mother and heads out for the evening, planning to spend a little time with friends cruising around her small hometown. But when her curfew comes and goes without a call, her family immediately knows something is wrong. After a sleepless night spent searching and calling friends, her mother and stepfather contact police. Then Erica’s car is found. But Erica is nowhere to be seen. In a town of just 650 people where everyone knows everyone, suspicion quickly begins to creep into everyday places. The neighbor you pass at the grocery store. The man standing next to you at the gas pump. Even friends. A detective known for solving every homicide he took on from the beginning becomes deeply invested in Erica’s case. He spends the remainder of his career trying to find answers. At the center of it all is Erica’s mother, who refuses to stop searching for her daughter. Over the years hundreds of people have been interviewed and several were polygraphed. The case has taken unexpected turns, including one man close to Erica who openly named himself as the prime suspect. Nearly three decades later, Erica Fraysure is still missing. Her disappearance forever changed her friends, her family, and the small town she called home.  TIPS: Kentucky State Police Post 6 at (859) 428–1212 Case suggestions: simplertimecrimepod@gmail.com IG: @simplertimecrimepod Youtube: https://youtube.com/@simplertimecrimepod?si=OlCWQ2Ky8qFaof02 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@simplertimecrimep?_t=8s31x9iCrNv&_r=1 Music By Universfield: https://pixabay.com/music/mystery-dramatic-atmosphere-with-piano-and-violin-143149/ Thumbmail art: Lauren Kelty, host of True Crime BFF Podcast Source Material: https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp2/82/702/2522707/ https://maysville-online.com/news/117959/more-than-a-memory https://charleyproject.org/case/erica-lee-fraysure https://www.pulaskisheriff.com/new/reginacox.htm https://charleyproject.org/case/regina-renee-cox Shane Simcox Interview with WCPO 9 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hl6u3nU6rg0 https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/jdqmh5/erica_lee_fraysure_disappeared_in_unusual/ Shane Simcox Interview with WCPO 9 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vFVXexzbJM Former teacher interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiHfh4WTKko Interview with Erica’s mother Maggie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Co2D_pVv28 2012 Coverage on the case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eY7OPL9yf44 The Search for Erica: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3Sc24KnHCA https://www.wcpo.com/news/insider/i-team-unsolved-20-years-later-classmates-say-erica-fraysures-disappearance-ruined-their-lives https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/cold-case-spotlight/kentucky-community-still-fearful-20-years-after-erica-fraysure-disappears-n812836 https://maysville-online.com/news/141344/fraysure-mystery-continues-to-frustrate-police-2 https://www.wave3.com/2020/10/22/investigators-still-pursuing-leads-case-missing-teen/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-winchester-sun-search-continues-for/192634634/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-paducah-sun-search-halted/192634725/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/lexington-herald-leader-vanishing-of-stu/192846616/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/lexington-herald-leader-vanishing-shakes/192850162/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-threatening-phone-ca/192850395/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bracken-county-news-reward-offered/192850903/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bracken-county-news-another-reward/192854212/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/kentucky-new-era-amw-feature/192854351/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/clinton-county-news-potential-connection/192854866/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bracken-county-news-bracken-county-h/192854915/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bracken-county-news-no-new-leads/192855025/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/lexington-herald-leader-family-friend-s/192855519/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-nearly-a-month/192855590/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-winchester-sun-police-wont-confirm-m/192856081/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bracken-county-news-missing-teens-k/192856972/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bracken-county-news-candelight-servi/192868309/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/lexington-herald-leader-town-still-hopes/192868389/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bracken-county-news-tree-of-hope/192872626/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/lexington-herald-leader-mailer-12/192872896/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/lexington-herald-leader-direct-mail-22/192872955/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bracken-county-news-mailer-33/192873104/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bracken-county-news-shane-s-arrested/192873720/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-cincinnati-post-shane-s-last-ride/192873886/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-cincinnati-post-cisterns-checked/192874554/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-cincinnati-post-erica-seemed-fine-du/192875091/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/lexington-herald-leader-tugs-at-state-tr/192876313/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/lexington-herald-leader-tugs-at-trooper/192882313/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bracken-county-news-keep-hope-alive/192882847/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-paducah-sun-graduation/192883134/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bracken-county-news-simcox-15-year-s/192884601/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-falmouth-outlook-murder-suicide/192885254/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-falmouth-outlook-sylvia-browne/192889086/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-falmouth-outlook-s-browne-22/192889181/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/lexington-herald-leader-lake-dragged/192889513/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/lexington-herald-leader-mother-starts-ow/192889763/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-cincinnati-enquirer-cin-enq-family/192891396/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-cincinnati-enquirer-family-wants-to/192891664/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-cincinnati-enquirer-tristate-disappe/192892638/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-cincinnati-post-laney-g/192893296/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-messenger-fraysure-case-still-unsolv/192894941/ Source Material: Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/a-simpler-time-true-crime--6665681/support.

    53 min
  6. Campus Rideshare: The Unsolved Murder of Sheila Collins

    MAR 2

    Campus Rideshare: The Unsolved Murder of Sheila Collins

    In late January of 1968, an Iowa State University freshman was hoping to make her way home to Evanston, Illinois for the weekend. She had planned to ride back with her boyfriend, but when those plans fell through, she needed another way home. Rather than thumbing a ride along the side of the highway, students on campus had something a little more organized. A ride board where people could offer rides or request one themselves. Sheila Collins added her name and was relieved when a last-minute ride became available. But Sheila never arrived home. Two days later, a father and son discovered her body in a ditch along a rural gravel road. Decades later, her case still lingers in the community, haunting generations of students and community members alike who continue to wonder what happened that cold Friday evening. TIPS: Story County Sheriff’s Office at 515-382-6566. Case suggestions: simplertimecrimepod@gmail.com IG: @simplertimecrimepod Youtube: https://youtube.com/@simplertimecrimepod?si=OlCWQ2Ky8qFaof02 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@simplertimecrimep?_t=8s31x9iCrNv&_r=1 Music By Universfield: https://pixabay.com/music/mystery-dramatic-atmosphere-with-piano-and-violin-143149/ Thumbmail art: Lauren Kelty, host of True Crime BFF Podcast Source Material: https://iowastatedaily.com/4824/special-sections/part-five-unsolved/ https://iowastatedaily.com/4916/special-sections/greenlee-investigates-the-murder-of-sheila-jean-collins/ https://iowaunsolvedmurders.com/beyond-1965-selected-unsolved-iowa-murders/destination-unknown-murder-of-geraldine-maggert-1968/ https://prezi.com/view/6Fcepiu5R9dMgCo8wno9/ https://captimes.com/entertainment/uw-madison-students-1968-murder-inspires-a-true-crime-podcast/article_eb74a8c6-2448-11ef-a9d9-a35d143b5dbe.html https://iowaunsolvedmurders.com/beyond-1965-selected-unsolved-iowa-murders/a-story-yet-to-be-told-murder-of-sheila-jean-collins-1968 https://www.newspapers.com/article/quad-city-times-quiet-studious-coed-stra/192386854/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/des-moines-tribune-posted-note-12/192387178/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/des-moines-tribune-posted-for-ride-22/192387384/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-des-moines-register-2-sheilas-12/192387664/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-des-moines-register-2-sheilas-22/192387798/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/quad-city-times-ride-notice-linkedno-fo/192389440/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-nonpareil-no-clues/192390379/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-des-moines-register-going-my-way/192390605/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-des-moines-register-going-my-way-12/192390757/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-fbi-cannot-be-involved/192394490/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/des-moines-tribune-newspaper-reward-200/192395521/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/quad-city-times-clues-few/192395952/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/des-moines-tribune-youth-offender-rape/192396118/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/quad-city-times-psychics/192398182/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-six-men-working-16-hour-days/192399101/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/des-moines-tribune-no-major-breaks-in-th/192399175/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-nonpareil-charles-v-atty-gen/192399379/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/quad-city-times-police-still-probing-coe/192399925/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-nonpareil-3-murders-still-rema/192401875/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-ft-called-off-leads-checke/192401912/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-nonpareil-former-student-quest/192402978/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-des-moines-register-eugene-newberg-m/192403084/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-michiganisu-link-studied/192417326/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-jane-mixer-22/192417367/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-friends-questioned/192425018/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/a-simpler-time-true-crime--6665681/support.

    41 min
  7. The Blizzard of '96: The Murder of Thomas Dorr Sr.

    FEB 23

    The Blizzard of '96: The Murder of Thomas Dorr Sr.

    On January 7th, 1996, a historic storm moved into the Northeastern United States, and first responders across the region began preparing for what they knew could be a long and unpredictable night. When Thomas Dorr received a call from the firehouse where he volunteered in his town, he told them he would head in and stay overnight to help if needed. But Tom never made it to the firehouse. A search for him would end in a devastating discovery at a local park near his home. In the years that followed, suspicion turned toward those closest to him. Still, three decades later, no one has ever been charged in Tom’s brutal death. At nearly 6'8", Tom was referred to by friends as the "Gentle Giant" because of his calm demeanor and love of animals. He was known as a hardworking and dedicated member of his community, someone who consistently showed up when others needed help. His friends and colleagues have worked to keep his name and story alive ever since. This episode aims to do the same. TIPS: Westchester County Police Department Detectives Division at  (800) 898-TIPS (8477) or you can submit online at tips@wccops.com. Case suggestions: simplertimecrimepod@gmail.com IG: @simplertimecrimepod Youtube: https://youtube.com/@simplertimecrimepod?si=OlCWQ2Ky8qFaof02 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@simplertimecrimep?_t=8s31x9iCrNv&_r=1 Music By Universfield: https://pixabay.com/music/mystery-dramatic-atmosphere-with-piano-and-violin-143149/ Thumbmail art: Lauren Kelty, host of True Crime BFF Podcast Source Material: https://www.theexaminernews.com/cold-case-unraveled-revisiting-gentle-giant-tom-dorr-sr-s-gruesome-murder/ https://pix11.com/news/firefighters-wife-and-son-remain-suspects-in-his-bloody-unsolved-death/ https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/thomas-dorr-murder-cold-case/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/tarrytown-daily-news-firefighter-slain-i/191599977/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/citizen-register-pleasantville-residents/191881187/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/tarrytown-daily-news-unsolved-killings-s/191881542/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/tarrytown-daily-news-stump-investigators/191881593/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-historic-blizzard/191893792/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-city-catches-storms-drift/191893965/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/tarrytown-daily-news-police-checking-lea/191896390/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-reporter-dispatch-friends-mourn-slai/191897140/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-reporter-dispatch-vigil-held-family/191897327/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/tarrytown-daily-news-evidence-examined-i/191897462/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-times-6-month-mark-firefighter/191897644/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/putnam-reporter-dispatch-firefighter-par/191899339/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/tarrytown-daily-news-raising-money-for-r/191899678/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-reporter-dispatch-slaying-bring-memo/191900674/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-statesman-dorr-reward/191901396/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-reporter-dispatch-1-year-vigil/191901826/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-reporter-dispatch-friends-remember-1/191901952/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/tarrytown-daily-news-96-a-year-of-viole/191902198/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-reporter-dispatch-2-year-anniversary/191902577/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-news-memorial-tree/191902819/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-news-unsolved-homicides-12/191903272/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-news-unsolved-22/191903313/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-news-5-years-later-2-suspec/191903543/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-news-police-investigate-wife/191904090/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-news-slaying-suspect-tries-f/191905126/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-news-retirement-hearing-22/191905332/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-news-8-year-anniversary/191905883/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-news-10-year-anniversary/191906022/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-news-13-year-vigil/191906226/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-news-reward-boosted-in-1996/191906484/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-news-21-year-anniversary/191906581/   Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/a-simpler-time-true-crime--6665681/support.

    37 min
  8. A Mother's Search For Answers: The Abduction of Mitchell Owens

    FEB 16

    A Mother's Search For Answers: The Abduction of Mitchell Owens

    In February of 1983, young mother Ora Owens woke up to every woman’s worst nightmare. A man standing over her bed watching her as she slept as she is home alone with her children. After leaping out of bed to try to run for help, the stranger caught up to her, dragging her back into her bedroom and violently attacking her. In the middle of the attack, her four-year-old son Mitchell walked in. He bravely said to the assailant “You’re hurting my mom, and I’m going to tell.” After that Ora was knocked unconscious. Miraculously, she was found still clinging to life and rushed to the hospital. When she awoke, her life was forever shattered when she learned that her other two boys were found at the house, but her son Mitchell was gone. 43 years have passed without any answers as to who tried to kill her that night and what happened to her son. I’m so grateful that Ora has entrusted me with her story and it’s a responsibility I do not take lightly. In this episode, she sits down with me to tell her story fully for the first time publicly on this type of platform. We will tell you more about Mitchell and more about the case than just the scant information in newspaper clippings. And in the end, you’ll hear where the case stands and where there are calls to action. Because what once seemed like an impossible case to solve may now have some light at the end of the tunnel. Ora's GoFundMe for Helping Cold Case Families: https://gofund.me/678c6399f  TIPS: Menlo Park Police Department at (415) 858-3300 Case suggestions: simplertimecrimepod@gmail.com IG: @simplertimecrimepod Youtube: https://youtube.com/@simplertimecrimepod?si=OlCWQ2Ky8qFaof02 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@simplertimecrimep?_t=8s31x9iCrNv&_r=1 Music By Universfield: https://pixabay.com/music/mystery-dramatic-atmosphere-with-piano-and-violin-143149/ Thumbmail art: Lauren Kelty, host of True Crime BFF Podcast Sources: https://oag.ca.gov/missing/person/mitchell-deon-owens https://charleyproject.org/case/mitchell-deon-owens https://charleyproject.org/case/kevin-andrew-mccarthy-collins https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-second-page-o/148174240/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-second-page-o/148174240/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-february-10th/148174579/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-peninsula-times-tribune-mitchell-owe/148175744/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-peninsula-times-tribune-april-1984-n/148200394/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-peninsula-times-tribune-search-effor/148200542/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/press-enterprise-photo-cartons/168561291/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-21083-owens/188328011/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-22-wants-son/188330394/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/a-simpler-time-true-crime--6665681/support.

    1h 9m
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About

 I’m Megan, your host, and each week I revisit unsolved cases from decades past—stories that have too often been forgotten or overlooked. Together, we examine the facts, question the myths of “the good old days,” and ask whether a simpler time was ever really a safer one.  This podcast honors the people at the heart of each case—focusing not on sensationalism, but on the lives affected and the justice still waiting to be served.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/a-simpler-time-true-crime--6665681/support.

Information

  • Creator
    Megan Storm
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    104
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Megan Storm
  • Show Website
    A Simpler Time True Crime

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