Crisis & Consequences

Crisis and Consequences / Charity Doyle
  • 5.0 (9)
  • TRUE CRIME
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Crisis & Consequences is a true crime podcast with a purpose, where we step out of our daily lives and dive into murder stories and the complicated humans behind them. Hosted by Charity Doyle and Karabeth Borresen, each episode blends storytelling, dark humor, and real conversation — because sometimes the best way to understand crisis is by getting lost in a really good crime story.   All proceeds support OneHeart’s mission to empower people to overcome crisis and achieve self-sustainability.

  1. 2D AGO

    A Dollar Fifty – Deadly Consequence of Swatting -Ep.116

    Content Warning:  This episode contains discussions of gun violence, fatal police shooting, suicide, and themes of online harassment. Listener discretion is advised…    Summary  In this episode of Crisis & Consequences, we examine the tragic 2017 swatting incident in Wichita, Kansas—a case that forever changed how law enforcement and the public view digital threats.  What began as an online argument over a $1.50 video game wager escalated into a deadly chain of events, ending in the fatal police shooting of an innocent man: Andrew Finch.  This episode explores how a “prank” rooted in online gaming culture became a real-world tragedy—and how anonymity, technology, and poor decision-making collided with irreversible consequences.    What We Cover  What Is Swatting?  Swatting is a dangerous form of harassment where someone makes a false emergency call—often reporting a violent crime—to send armed police to another person’s home.  What started in early online gaming communities as a form of retaliation or entertainment has evolved into a serious criminal act, costing thousands in resources—and, in this case, a human life.  What Happened That Night  On December 28, 2017, police responded to a horrifying 911 call reporting a hostage situation, murder, and potential arson at a home in Wichita.  But the address given was wrong.  Inside that home was Andrew Finch—a 28-year-old father, uncle, and caregiver—who had no connection to the online dispute that triggered the call.  Within seconds of stepping outside his front door, Andrew was shot and killed by responding officers.  He was unarmed.  He had no idea why police were there.  How It Escalated  This tragedy began with three individuals who never met in person:  An argument during a Call of Duty match   A threat to “swat” over a $1.50 wager   A false address given in defiance   A known serial swatter executing the call   What followed was a devastating example of how digital actions can carry real-world consequences—far beyond what anyone involved may have imagined.    The Aftermath  The legal consequences were significant:  The caller, a repeat offender, received a 20-year federal prison sentence   The individuals involved in the dispute faced prison time for their roles   A civil lawsuit resulted in a $5 million settlement for the Finch family   But no legal outcome could undo the loss.  Andrew Finch’s family was left to navigate unimaginable grief—and the trauma didn’t end there.  In 2019, Andrew’s niece, who witnessed the shooting, died by suicide.    The Bigger Picture  This case exposed deeper issues:  How anonymity online can remove empathy and accountability   How gaming culture, in some spaces, normalized dangerous behavior   How emergency systems can be manipulated with devastating results   How law enforcement is forced to make life-or-death decisions based on incomplete information   Swatting is not a prank. It is the weaponization of emergency response.    Resources & Sources  This episode draws from verified reporting, court records, and national coverage, including:  Federal case records and sentencing documents   National and local news coverage of the Wichita incident   Reporting on swatting trends and legislation   Data from organizations tracking online harassment and cybercrime     Final Note  Andrew Finch was not a gamer.  He was not part of an online feud.  He was simply home with his family.  And because of a $1.50 argument, his life was taken.  This episode is a reminder: what happens online does not stay online.      Sign up to be a Patron today! Get access to the Patron-Only Facebook Group, Bonus Episodes, and more.     crisisandconsequences.com      Do you have a story that you want to share with us on Crisis & Consequences Podcast? Or do you just want to reach out to us with your comments and thoughts?     General email and to Submit listener stories: hello@crisisandconsequences.com       On Social Media     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrisisandConsequences  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisisandconsequencespodast/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9OwsZkt1mM8L0HC_ZlvwSQ  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crisisandconsequences

    41 min

  2. APR 8

    Girl in the Closet – Lauren Kavanaugh Story Ep.115

    Content Warning:  This episode contains detailed descriptions of severe child abuse, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and torture. Listener discretion is strongly advised.    Summary  In this deeply disturbing and heartbreaking episode of Crisis & Consequences, we examine the case of Lauren Kavanaugh—a young girl whose survival shocked the nation in 2001.  Rescued at just eight years old, Lauren weighed only 25.6 pounds and had spent the majority of her life confined to a small, dark closet. What investigators uncovered inside that home revealed not just unimaginable abuse—but a series of systemic failures that allowed it to continue for years.  This episode goes beyond the headlines to explore:  How Lauren’s story began with a failed adoption   The psychological dynamics that led to her being targeted   The long-term impact of extreme trauma   And the difficult, often uncomfortable questions her case forces us to confront   This is not an easy story to hear—but it is an important one.    What We Cover  The Beginning: A Promise Broken  Lauren’s life began with hope—adopted at birth by a family who loved her deeply. But a legal failure returned her to a biological mother who never wanted her, setting the stage for years of abuse.  Life in the Closet  For six years, Lauren lived in isolation—confined to a small, filthy closet, deprived of food, care, and human connection. We examine how she survived both physically and psychologically.  The Psychology of Abuse  This case reveals the devastating impact of scapegoating within dysfunctional family systems, and how untreated mental health issues can escalate into extreme abuse.  The Rescue  When authorities finally entered the home in 2001, what they found was one of the most severe child abuse cases ever documented.  Aftermath & Trauma’s Long Shadow  Lauren’s story didn’t end with her rescue. We explore the lifelong effects of trauma, the challenges survivors face, and how cycles of harm can continue without proper intervention and support.    Why This Story Matters  Lauren Kavanaugh’s case is not just about one child—it exposes critical gaps in the systems meant to protect the most vulnerable.  It raises urgent questions:  When warning signs are present, why aren’t they always acted on?   How do we balance parental rights with child safety?   And what responsibility do communities carry when something feels “off”?   Most importantly, it reminds us that survival is not the same as healing.    Resources & Sources  This episode was researched using publicly available reporting and archival sources, including:  The Dallas Morning News investigative series   “The Girl in the Closet” case coverage   Court records and psychological testimony   National reporting on child abuse and trauma     Final Note  Lauren’s story is one of unimaginable suffering—but also of survival.  While the trauma she endured continues to shape her life, her story stands as a powerful reminder of both the resilience of the human spirit and the responsibility we all share in protecting those who cannot protect themselves.      Sign up to be a Patron today! Get access to the Patron-Only Facebook Group, Bonus Episodes, and more.     crisisandconsequences.com      Do you have a story that you want to share with us on Crisis & Consequences Podcast? Or do you just want to reach out to us with your comments and thoughts?     General email and to Submit listener stories: hello@crisisandconsequences.com       On Social Media     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrisisandConsequences  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisisandconsequencespodast/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9OwsZkt1mM8L0HC_ZlvwSQ  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crisisandconsequences    Subscribe and listen now

    45 min

  3. APR 1

    One Strike Left: Life and Unsolved Murder of Alberta Jones, Ep. 114

    In Episode 114 of Crisis & Consequences, we explore the remarkable life and still-unsolved murder of Alberta Odell Jones—a groundbreaking attorney, civil rights advocate, and the first Black woman admitted to the Kentucky bar. Born and raised in Louisville’s West End during segregation, Jones rose through determination and brilliance to become a pioneering prosecutor and a fierce advocate for justice, voting rights, and vulnerable members of her community. But in August 1965, at the height of her influence and impact, Alberta Jones was brutally murdered. Her body was discovered in the Ohio River after she was beaten and likely thrown from a bridge. Despite a massive investigation, decades of speculation, and later attempts to reopen the case, her murder remains unsolved. This episode examines Jones’s extraordinary legacy, the troubling gaps in the investigation, and the enduring question of whether her death was random violence—or a targeted act meant to silence a powerful voice for change. Episode Highlights Alberta Jones’s upbringing in Louisville’s segregated West End Graduating with honors from Central High School and Louisville Municipal College Her legal education at Howard University School of Law Becoming the first Black woman admitted to the Kentucky bar Early legal work—including helping a young Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) Her role as Louisville’s first female prosecutor in Domestic Relations Court Civil rights activism and voter education initiatives in the 1960s The events of August 5–6, 1965 and the discovery of her body in the Ohio River The stalled investigation and discovery of her purse years later near the bridge A fingerprint match decades later that still failed to produce charges Renewed attention to her legacy and the continued mystery of her murder   Trigger Warnings This episode contains discussions of: Murder and violent crime Historical racism and civil rights-era violence Physical assault Unsolved homicide Listener discretion is advised. Notable Quote “People tell me I’ve got two strikes against me — I’m a woman and I’m Black. But I’ve got one strike left, and I’ve seen people hit home runs with one strike.” — Alberta Jones     Sources  S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division — Alberta Jones case file PBS Frontline — Un(re)solved: Civil Rights Cold Cases The Washington Post reporting on the Alberta Jones case org historical profile of Alberta Odell Jones Newsweek coverage of Jones’s life and legacy Historical reporting from the Louisville Courier-Journal Additional Research Lynette M. Burrows — The Unsolved Murder of Alberta Odell Jones The Line-Up — “Unsolved: The Insidious Murder of Alberta Odell Jones” Stein Whatley Astorino — Alberta Odell Jones: Spotlight During Women’s History Month Sign up to be a Patron today! Get access to the Patron-Only Facebook Group, Bonus Episodes, and more.    crisisandconsequences.com    Do you have a story that you want to share with us on Crisis & Consequences Podcast? Or do you just want to reach out to us with your comments and thoughts?    General email and to Submit listener stories: hello@crisisandconsequences.com     On Social Media    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrisisandConsequences Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisisandconsequencespodast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9OwsZkt1mM8L0HC_ZlvwSQ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crisisandconsequences   Subscribe and listen now-

    24 min

  4. MAR 25

    Slender Man Murder in the Waukesha Woods - Ep. 113

    We examine one of the most disturbing crimes connected to internet folklore: the 2014 Slender Man stabbing in Waukesha, Wisconsin. What began as a fictional horror character posted on an online forum evolved into a global creepypasta phenomenon—and ultimately influenced two twelve-year-old girls to attempt to murder their friend in order to prove loyalty to the fictional entity they believed was real. This episode explores how internet culture, childhood mental illness, and digital folklore collided in a tragedy that shocked the world. We trace the origins of the Slender Man myth, the disturbing planning behind the attack, and the extraordinary survival of victim Payton Leutner. We also examine the legal aftermath, the ongoing debate around children and online content, and the powerful story of resilience that emerged from an act of unimaginable betrayal. Episode Highlights The creation of Slender Man in 2009 by Eric Knudsen (“Victor Surge”) on the Something Awful forum The rapid spread of Slender Man through creepypasta, online forums, and viral media The evolution of digital folklore and collaborative internet storytelling The friendship between Morgan Geyser and Payton Leutner in Waukesha, Wisconsin The introduction of Anissa Weier and the trio’s growing obsession with Slender Man Early signs of Morgan Geyser’s mental illness and fixation on the character The plan to become Slender Man’s “proxies” by committing murder The May 31, 2014 sleepover that led to the attack in David’s Park The brutal stabbing—19 wounds—and Payton Leutner’s miraculous survival Payton’s crawl out of the woods and rescue by a passing cyclist The arrest of Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier hours after the attack Court proceedings and diagnoses, including early-onset schizophrenia The controversial decision to try the girls as adults Their eventual sentencing to psychiatric institutions Payton’s powerful recovery and public interview about forgiveness and resilience The 2021 release of Anissa Weier and ongoing legal developments involving Morgan Geyser The broader cultural impact of the case on discussions about internet safety, mental illness, and youth media consumption Trigger Warnings This episode contains discussions of: Attempted murder Violence against a child Mental illness and psychosis Graphic descriptions of stabbing and physical injury Online content influencing vulnerable individuals Listener discretion is strongly advised. Notable Quote “If the knife had gone the width of a human hair further, she wouldn’t have lived.” — Dr. John Kelemen, surgeon who treated Payton Leutner  Source Material:  News Coverage & Reporting Business Insider — Coverage of the Slender Man stabbing case CNN — Timeline and updates on Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier ABC News — Interviews and reporting on Payton Leutner’s recovery Additional reporting on the case and subsequent legal developments Background & Cultural Context Research on digital folklore and internet myth-making Analysis of creepypasta culture and collaborative storytelling online Academic work on modern myth creation in digital spaces Case Documentation Court proceedings and psychiatric evaluations Reporting on sentencing and conditional release developments Coverage of Morgan Geyser’s 2025 monitoring escape and recapture Sign up to be a Patron today! Get access to the Patron-Only Facebook Group, Bonus Episodes, and more.    crisisandconsequences.com    Do you have a story that you want to share with us on Crisis & Consequences Podcast? Or do you just want to reach out to us with your comments and thoughts?    General email and to Submit listener stories: hello@crisisandconsequences.com     On Social Media    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrisisandConsequences Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisisandconsequencespodast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9OwsZkt1mM8L0HC_ZlvwSQ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crisisandconsequences   Subscribe and listen now-

    36 min

  5. MAR 18

    When AI Love Turns Deadly: The Dark Side of Digital Companionship -Ep.112

    In this episode we explore the unsettling reality behind AI companion apps—technology designed to combat loneliness that, in some cases, has been linked to manipulation, psychological dependency, and tragic outcomes. As loneliness and mental health challenges rise across the United States, millions of people—especially teens—are turning to AI chatbots for emotional support, friendship, and even romantic relationships. Apps like Replika, Character.AI, and Nomi promise connection without judgment, offering companions who are always available and endlessly validating.  But what happens when artificial intelligence built for engagement begins reinforcing harmful thoughts or dangerous behaviors? This episode examines several disturbing real-world cases, including teens who died by suicide after deep relationships with chatbots and a man who attempted to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II after encouragement from his AI “girlfriend.” We explore the psychology behind digital attachment, the ethical and legal questions facing tech companies, and the broader loneliness epidemic fueling the rise of AI companionship.    Episode Highlights    The growing loneliness epidemic in the U.S. and the rise of AI companionship    How apps like Replika, Character.AI, and Nomi create emotional bonds with users    The “ELIZA Effect” and why humans naturally anthropomorphize technology    Case Study: 14-year-old Sewell Setzer III and his relationship with a Character.AI chatbot    Case Study: 13-year-old Juliana Peralta and the lawsuit filed by her family    Case Study: The Belgian man who formed a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot named Eliza    Case Study: The disturbing Nomi chatbot incident involving encouragement of suicide    The Windsor Castle plot and Jaswant Singh Chail’s AI companion “Sarai”    How AI companions can reinforce harmful beliefs instead of challenging them    The psychology of digital attachment and “AI-induced psychosis”    The lawsuits against Character.AI and the legal battle over AI responsibility    New legislation regulating AI companions, especially for minors    The ethical dilemma: engagement metrics vs. human wellbeing    Whether AI companionship is helping loneliness—or making it worse    Trigger Warnings  This episode contains discussions of:    Suicide and suicidal ideation    Violence and attempted assassination    Self-harm    Mental health crises    Manipulative or harmful digital interactions involving minors  Listener discretion is strongly advised.    Notable Quote  “AI companions promise connection without conflict, validation without limits, and affection without effort. But when loneliness meets technology designed for engagement, the results can be dangerously real.”     Source Material:   MIT Media Lab — How AI and Human Behaviors Shape the Psychosocial Effects of Chatbot Use  University of Cambridge — Research on AI companions and mental wellbeing  Harvard Business School — Emotional manipulation by AI companions  Psychology Today — The Dark Side of AI Companions  Document Journal — Reporting on emotional attachment to chatbots  Academic Concepts  The ELIZA Effect — Tendency to attribute human traits to computer programs  Computers Are Social Actors (CASA) theory  Anthropomorphism in technology research  News Coverage & Investigations  Reporting on lawsuits against Character.AI and Google  Coverage of the Sewell Setzer III case  Investigation into AI chatbot encouragement of suicide  Reporting on Jaswant Singh Chail and the Windsor Castle assassination attempt  Additional Reading  Cyber Lovers: The Impact of AI Social Chatbots on Emotional Attachment  From Virtual Companions to Forbidden Attractions: AI Love, Loneliness, and Intimacy  Wired for Companionship: Social Robots and Loneliness in Later Life      Sign up to be a Patron today! Get access to the Patron-Only Facebook Group, Bonus Episodes, and more.     crisisandconsequences.com      Do you have a story that you want to share with us on Crisis & Consequences Podcast? Or do you just want to reach out to us with your comments and thoughts?     General email and to Submit listener stories: hello@crisisandconsequences.com       On Social Media     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrisisandConsequences  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisisandconsequencespodast/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9OwsZkt1mM8L0HC_ZlvwSQ  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crisisandconsequences    Subscribe and listen now-

    55 min

  6. MAR 11

    Disciples of Darkness - The Minivan Murderers - Ep. 111

    In Episode 111 of Crisis & Consequences, we investigate the disturbing case of James Daveggio and Michelle Michaud, known as the “Minivan Murderers,” whose crimes were directly inspired by their obsession with the earlier Gerald and Charlene Gallego case. Living out of a modified Dodge Caravan rigged for abduction and assault, the pair carried out a series of kidnappings and sexual assaults across Northern California and Nevada in 1997, culminating in the torture and murder of 22-year-old Vanessa Lei Samson.  This episode traces how fascination with infamous killers evolved into a blueprint for real-world violence. Through survivor testimony, courtroom evidence, and psychological analysis, we examine the dynamics of killer couples, the dangers of criminal idolization, and the devastating human cost of copycat crime. At its core, this episode centers the victims and survivors while asking hard questions about prevention, media influence, and accountability.    Episode Highlights  The abduction and murder of Vanessa Lei Samson in Pleasanton, California  The green minivan converted into a mobile abduction chamber  Daveggio’s long criminal history and escalating violence  Michelle Michaud’s role as accomplice and active participant  Survivor accounts that helped break the case  The couple’s obsession with the Gallego killers  FBI arrest and the discovery of forensic evidence  Federal kidnapping convictions before the murder trial  The Alameda County trial and death penalty verdicts  Psychological dynamics of killer couples and copycat crime      Trigger Warnings  This episode contains discussions of:  Sexual assault and rape  Murder and extreme violence  Kidnapping and torture  Abuse involving minors  Substance abuse  Listener discretion is strongly advised.    Notable Quote  “Some people might go duck hunting. These people went hunting for women who were vulnerable to abduction.” — Pleasanton Police Chief Bill Eastman  National Resources to Include:   National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233   RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 1-800-656-4673   Questions for SM   Do you think true crime media and collectibles like trading cards play a role in inspiring copycat crimes, or are they simply harmless curiosities?   How should society balance the need to document and discuss notorious criminals with the risk of glamorizing them for vulnerable individuals?   Michelle Michaud’s active participation in these crimes challenges stereotypes about female offenders—what does her involvement say about our assumptions regarding women and violence?         Sources   Sex-torture Killer Daveggio Given Death Penalty / He Murdered Pleasanton Student in 1997   During the trial, prosecutor Angela Backers told a five-man, seven-woman jury that "Michaud described each vicious assault as an 'adventure.' Daveggio referred to them as "huntings.' "   Dossier on Daveggio   People v. Daveggio & Michaud   Jury Finds Minivan Murder Defendants Guilty on All Counts   Pair Allegedly Ran Murder, Abduction Van Woman Taking Walk To Work May Have Been Latest Victim   Victim Tearfully Describes Brutal Rape   "He kept telling me, 'This will make you feel good,' he kept kissing me and trying to bite me, too," she said. "I was really upset. It was terrible." (college student)   Court Upholds Death Penalties for Duo Who Killed Pleasanton Woman   Michelle Lyn Michaud: The Murder of Vanessa Samson   Death Sentence for Couple Who Tortured Pleasanton Woman in Minivan       Sign up to be a Patron today! Get access to the Patron-Only Facebook Group, Bonus Episodes, and more.     crisisandconsequences.com      Do you have a story that you want to share with us on Crisis & Consequences Podcast? Or do you just want to reach out to us with your comments and thoughts?     General email and to Submit listener stories: hello@crisisandconsequences.com       On Social Media     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrisisandConsequences  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisisandconsequencespodast/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9OwsZkt1mM8L0HC_ZlvwSQ  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crisisandconsequences    Subscribe and listen now-

    52 min

  7. MAR 4

    Deadly Duo: Sick & Twisted Sex Slave Saga - Ep.110

    In this episode we examine the horrifying crimes of Gerald and Charlene Gallego, a husband-and-wife serial killer partnership known as the “Sex Slave Killers.” Between 1978 and 1980, the couple abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered at least ten victims across California, Nevada, and Oregon. Using Charlene’s friendly, non-threatening appearance to lure mostly teenage girls into their vehicle, the pair carried out a calculated pattern of kidnapping, torture, and execution that terrorized the West Coast.  This episode explores Gerald Gallego’s violent upbringing, Charlene Williams’ complicated path into complicity, and the disturbing dynamics that allowed their crimes to escalate. We also examine the controversial plea deal that granted Charlene a reduced sentence in exchange for testimony, raising enduring questions about justice, coercion, and accountability — while honoring the lives of the victims whose futures were stolen.    Episode Highlights  Gerald Gallego’s violent childhood and early criminal escalation  Charlene Williams’ background and rapid descent into a deadly partnership  The first abductions in Sacramento and the emerging victim pattern  The Reno fair murders and the couple’s growing boldness  The brutal killings in Nevada and Oregon  The witness and license plate that finally broke the case  The arrest in Omaha and the unraveling of the evidence  Charlene’s controversial plea deal and courtroom testimony  Gerald’s trials, convictions, and death on death row  Charlene’s release and the backlash following her 2013 interview  Ethical questions about complicity, justice, and media influence    Trigger Warnings  This episode contains discussions of:  Sexual assault and rape  Murder and extreme violence  Kidnapping and torture  Domestic abuse  Child victims and exploitation  Listener discretion is strongly advised.    Notable Quote  “There were victims who died and there were victims who lived. It’s taken me a long time to realize that I’m one of the ones who lived.” — Charlene Williams    National Resources to Include:   National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233   RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 1-800-656-4673      Source Material:   Wikipedia: Gerald and Charlene Gallego   Inside The Sacramento Sex Slave Murders Of Gerald And Christine Gallego   Criminal Minds Wiki: Gerald and Charlene Gallego   Serial killer couple Charlene Williams and Gerald Gallego apprehended    The Gallego Sex Slaves Killers   BAY AREA FOCUS -- Ex-Con Starts Life Anew / She lured victims for her serial-killer husband in late '70s   PEOPLE v. GALLEGO (1990)   Charlene Adell Gallego: The Crimes of a Serial Killer   Sacramento's 'Sex Slave Murders' Killer Discovered Living In Area; Speaks After Years Of Silence   Books   "All His Father's Sins: Inside The Gerald Gallego Sex-Slave Murders" by Ray Biondi and Walter Hecox (1988)   "The Sex Slave Murders" by R. Barri Flowers (1996) - Republished edition includes updates   "A Venom in the Blood" by Eric Van Hoffmann (1990)   "Shared Madness: True Stories Of Couples Who Kill" by Christopher Berry-Dee (2010)   "Women Who Kill: Profiles of Female Serial Killers" by Carol Anne Davis (2001)   Television Documentaries   "Gerald and Charlene Gallego: The Love Slave Killers" - Born to Kill? (2014)   "The Love Slave Murders" - Crime Stories (Biography Channel)   "Twisted Twosome" - Wicked Attraction (Investigation Discovery)   Charlene Gallego interview - Leeza (NBC talk show, 1998)       Sign up to be a Patron today! Get access to the Patron-Only Facebook Group, Bonus Episodes, and more.     crisisandconsequences.com      Do you have a story that you want to share with us on Crisis & Consequences Podcast? Or do you just want to reach out to us with your comments and thoughts?     General email and to Submit listener stories: hello@crisisandconsequences.com       On Social Media     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrisisandConsequences  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisisandconsequencespodast/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9OwsZkt1mM8L0HC_ZlvwSQ  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crisisandconsequences    Subscribe and listen now-

    52 min

  8. FEB 25

    Picture Perfect: The Heinous Hart Family Murder/Suicide - Ep. 109

    Episode 109 of Crisis & Consequences investigates the devastating Hart family murder-suicide — a case that shocked the nation and exposed deep cracks in the child welfare system. What appeared online to be a joyful, progressive, picture-perfect adoptive family unraveled into a hidden reality of abuse, starvation, and control. In March 2018, Jennifer and Sarah Hart drove their six adopted children off a cliff along California’s Highway 1 in a deliberate act that ended eight lives. This episode traces the Harts’ path from adoption to tragedy, examining ignored warning signs, repeated institutional failures, and the role of social media in shaping public perception. Charity centers the voices of the children and their biological families, exploring how race, class, and image influenced decisions at every level. More than a true crime story, this episode is a sobering look at how systems designed to protect children can fail — and what that failure costs.   Episode Highlights The discovery of the crashed SUV along California’s Highway 1 in March 2018 Background on Jennifer and Sarah Hart and their adoption of six siblings The abandoned foster daughter and early warning signs of instability The viral 2014 “Free Hugs” photograph and the illusion of a perfect family Documented reports of abuse, malnourishment, and missed intervention opportunities Neighbors’ attempts to help and the final CPS report days before the crash The final drive: phone searches, toxicology findings, and forensic evidence Coroner’s inquest ruling the children’s deaths as homicide Systemic failures across Texas, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington The impact of race, class, and public image on child welfare decisions The lasting grief of the children’s biological families Reflections on social media, performative activism, and hidden abuse   Trigger Warnings This episode contains discussion of: Child abuse and neglect Murder-suicide and family annihilation Child starvation and psychological abuse Foster care system trauma Suicide Listener discretion is strongly advised.   Notable Quote “We thought we were looking at a symbol of hope. We were looking at children asking for help — and a system that refused to see them.”   Source Material & References Story of Harts’ foster child is one of heartbreak, though not the way some might expect  LGBTQ PARENTS AND FILICIDE: Focus on the Hart Family Murders  Jennifer Hart drove her six children to their deaths as her wife looked up how much they would suffer, a jury says  Roxanna Asgarian—Before Children’s Grisly Deaths, a Family Fought for Them and Lost  Hart Parents Intentionally Killed Adopted Children, Jury Rules  The Hart family tragedy: The shocking true story of the murder-suicide behind A Thread of Deceit  Boy who hugged officer in viral 2014 photo missing after parents, siblings die in crash  Looking back at the hug shared around the world  Mystery deepens in search for 15-year-old whose photo went viral during the 2014 Ferguson protests  Abuse, neglect and a system that failed: The tragic lives of the Hart children  A Mother Grapples With an Adoption that Led to Deaths  ‘I knew it was a bigger story’: Hart family murder-suicide story uncovers a failure of the foster care system  Sign up to be a Patron today! Get access to the Patron-Only Facebook Group, Bonus Episodes, and more.    crisisandconsequences.com    Do you have a story that you want to share with us on Crisis & Consequences Podcast? Or do you just want to reach out to us with your comments and thoughts?    General email and to Submit listener stories: hello@crisisandconsequences.com     On Social Media    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrisisandConsequences Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisisandconsequencespodast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9OwsZkt1mM8L0HC_ZlvwSQ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crisisandconsequences   Subscribe and listen now-

    41 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Crisis & Consequences is a true crime podcast with a purpose, where we step out of our daily lives and dive into murder stories and the complicated humans behind them. Hosted by Charity Doyle and Karabeth Borresen, each episode blends storytelling, dark humor, and real conversation — because sometimes the best way to understand crisis is by getting lost in a really good crime story.   All proceeds support OneHeart’s mission to empower people to overcome crisis and achieve self-sustainability.

Information

  • Creator
    Crisis and Consequences / Charity Doyle
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    129
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Crisis and Consquences Podcast, All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Crisis & Consequences

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