Matcha & Murder

Shay Lesser

Step into the chilling world of true crime—one sip at a time—with Matcha & Murder. Each week, join Shay as she explores mysterious cases, unsolved crimes, and notorious killers through immersive storytelling and careful research. From well-known cases to those that never got the attention they deserved, every episode Shay digs into the facts while honoring the real people behind the headlines. Subscribe and settle in—because every story has a darker side.

Episodes

  1. APR 11

    "Unless I get Lost": The Unsolved Disappearance of Christopher Kerze

    If you have any information regarding Christopher’s disappearance you can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited children at 1-800-843-5678 or Eagan Police Department at 1-651-675-5700. Soul Asylum - Runaway Train (Official HD Video) Christopher Kerze: Our Story  Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vKCHxYXjfoFfI6vxKioc2?si=A2x6fK-WSZaxuFraz4j9OQ Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/matcha-murder/id1870377924  Disclaimer: This podcast is created for educational and informational purposes only. The content discussed is based on publicly available information, including news reports, documentaries, books, and other sources. While I do my best to research each case thoroughly and present accurate information, some details may be incomplete, evolving, or disputed. This podcast may include discussions of sensitive topics such as violence, abuse, and death. Listener discretion is advised. All opinions expressed are my own and are intended to encourage thoughtful discussion, not to present definitive conclusions about any case or individuals involved. Additionally, any audio clips, images, or referenced materials used in this episode are included under the principles of fair use, as outlined in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act. These materials are used for purposes such as commentary, criticism, and education, and all rights remain with their respective copyright owners. If you or someone you know has been affected by the topics discussed in this episode, please consider reaching out to a trusted resource or professional for support.

    16 min
  2. MAR 4

    The Black Dahlia Mystery: Hollywood's Infamous Cold Case

    Unlock the chilling mystery behind one of America's most infamous unsolved cases—the Black Dahlia. This episode is filled with graphic details, elusive suspects, and cryptic letters, we dive deep into the evidence, suspects, and theories that have fueled fascination for nearly 80 years. Discover why authorities suspected everything from a prominent surgeon to a Navy vet—and why each lead ultimately fell apart. We explore how media hysteria, false confessions, and limited forensic science hampered justice, creating a myth that still captivates us today. Disclaimer: This episode of Matcha & Murder contains violence and murder. Viewer discretion is advised.  This episode was researched using publicly available information, including court records, police reports, news coverage, books, documentaries, and interviews. Care was taken to present the facts as accurately and respectfully as possible. Any opinions expressed are my own, and any unclear or disputed details are noted. Always do your own research. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law This podcast is created with the intention of education, awareness, and honoring the real people affected by these cases. Any news clips, body cam footage, interrogation footage, photographs, or media excerpts used are included under Fair Use guidelines to provide context, analysis, and commentary for documentary storytelling. All rights are reserved by the original creators. No copyright infringement is intended. Sources for this episode:  https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/black-dahlia https://www.novelsuspects.com/articles/a-brief-history-of-the-black-dahlia/ https://people.com/elizabeth-short-murder-who-killed-black-dahlia-11883954 https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/black-dahlia-zodiac-killings-new-theory-21259726.php https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/news/stories/2006/october/dahlia_102006

    26 min
  3. FEB 25

    Unmasking the BTK Killer: Dennis Rader

    This episode Shay delves into the chilling case of Dennis Rader, known as the BTK killer, who terrorized Wichita, Kansas, for decades. The conversation explores Rader's early life, his disturbing behaviors, and the brutal murders he committed, including the infamous Otero family killings. It also covers his eventual capture, confession, and the lasting impact of his crimes on the victims' families and the community. The episode emphasizes the duality of Rader's life as a seemingly ordinary man and a sadistic killer, highlighting the complexities of his psychological profile and the challenges faced by law enforcement in bringing him to justice. Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vKCHxYXjfoFfI6vxKioc2?si=1c027f69c8404f58&nd=1&dlsi=0d4a6dca0110470b Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/matcha-murder/id1870377924 Sources: https://www.aetv.com/articles/dennis-raderwww.dailymail.comhttps://www.aetv.com/articles/dennis-rader https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dennis-Raderhttps://people.com/who-is-the-btk-killer-dennis-rader-11827666 https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/biography/dennis-rader https://www.oxygen.com/all/btk-killer#:~:text=The%20BTK%20Killer%2C%20known%20as,Kansas%20from%201974%20to%201992 https://www.oxygen.com/snapped/crime-time/btk-killer-dennis-rader-serial-killer-next-door-shocking-story https://www.kansas.com/news/local/article2188682.htmlhttps://www.netflix.com/title/81678043 Disclaimer:This episode of Matcha & Murder contains violence and murder. Viewer discretion is advised. This episode was researched using publicly available information, including court records, police reports, news coverage, books, documentaries, and interviews. Care was taken to present the facts as accurately and respectfully as possible.Any opinions expressed are my own, and any unclear or disputed details are noted. Always do your own research.This podcast is created with the intention of education, awareness, and honoring the real people affected by these cases.Any news clips, body cam footage, interrogation footage, photographs, or media excerpts used are included under Fair Use guidelines to provide context, analysis, and commentary for documentary storytelling. All rights are reserved by the original creators. No copyright infringement is intended.

    33 min
  4. FEB 9

    The Unsolved Case of Ann Harmeier

    In this episode, Shay explores the tragic disappearance and murder of Ann Harmeier, a 20-year-old college student who vanished in 1977 while driving back to Indiana University. The episode dives into Ann’s life, the events leading up to her disappearance, the extensive search efforts carried out by the community, and the investigation that followed. Shay also discusses the lasting impact Ann’s case has had on her family, friends, and community. Decades later, Ann’s story remains a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change and the importance of continuing to remember and honor victims whose stories deserve to be told. Follow social media dedicated to solving Ann’s case: https://www.facebook.com/WhoKilledAnn/ https://www.instagram.com/who_killed_ann  Anyone with information concerning any of these cases, please contact: Indiana State Police District Investigative Commander 1500 North Packinghouse Road Suite 200 Bloomington, IN 47404 1.812.332.4411 or 1.800.423.1286 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vKCHxYXjfoFfI6vxKioc2?si=1c027f69c8404f58 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/matcha-murder/id1870377924 Sources for this episode:  fox59.com nbcnews.com limestonepostmagazine.com limestonepostmagazine.com heraldtimesonline.com wthr.com indystar.com  Disclaimer: This episode of Matcha & Murder was researched using publicly available information, including court records, police reports, news coverage, books, documentaries, and interviews. Care was taken to present the facts as accurately and respectfully as possible. Any opinions expressed are my own, and any unclear or disputed details are noted. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own independent research. This podcast is created with the intention of education, awareness, and honoring the real people affected by these cases.

    11 min
  5. JAN 19

    Elizabeth Smart: A Story of Survival

    Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of child abduction, captivity, psychological abuse, and sexual violence. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode, Shay Lesser takes a closer look at the abduction of Elizabeth Smart, who was taken from her home at just 14 years old and held captive for nine months. Beginning with the night of June 5th, the episode examines the events leading up to her disappearance, the psychological manipulation used by her captor, Brian David Mitchell, and the strategies Elizabeth relied on to survive. The episode also explores the extensive search efforts by her family and law enforcement, the moment Elizabeth was finally found, and the lasting impact of captivity. This case highlights the complexities of fear, survival, and victim behavior—and follows Elizabeth’s powerful journey from survivor to advocate through her work with the Elizabeth Smart Foundation. Elizabeth Smart Foundation: https://www.elizabethsmartfoundation.org/ Follow on Instagram: Instagram.com/matchaxmurder Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DV51OTTma0g?si=GSe7K6ySYdSX0x2g Disclaimer: This episode of Matcha & Murder was researched using publicly available information, including court records, police reports, news coverage, books, documentaries, and interviews. Care was taken to present the facts as accurately and respectfully as possible. Any opinions expressed are my own, and any unclear or disputed details are noted. This podcast is created with the intention of education, awareness, and honoring the real people affected by these cases. Sources for this episode include: Elizabeth Smart Autobiography History.com: Police recover Elizabeth Smart and arrest her abductors Elizabeth Smart: My Story Ted Talk Elizabeth Smart Book: My Story

    19 min
5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Step into the chilling world of true crime—one sip at a time—with Matcha & Murder. Each week, join Shay as she explores mysterious cases, unsolved crimes, and notorious killers through immersive storytelling and careful research. From well-known cases to those that never got the attention they deserved, every episode Shay digs into the facts while honoring the real people behind the headlines. Subscribe and settle in—because every story has a darker side.