Moms and Mysteries: A True Crime Podcast

Two Florida moms, hundreds of mysteries, and one obsession: 'How did this happen?' Mandy and Melissa bring you twice-a-week deep dives into true crime—from Florida's most bizarre cases to infamous mysteries worldwide—all with the warmth, wit, and dark humor of two friends who've been hooked on mysteries since childhood. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

The Murder of Lauren Burk (Revisited) 12/25/2025

[Wrongful Conviction] The Ten-Minute Murder: The Wrongful Conviction of Oscar Slater 12/23/2025

NXIVM: Justice + Allison After NXIVM (Part 2) 12/18/2025

NXIVM: The Promise of Empowerment (Part 1) 12/16/2025

The Impossible Murder of Julia Wallace 12/11/2025

The Body in the Basement: The Murder of James Carroll 12/09/2025

Project X: The Birthday Party That Caused a Riot 12/04/2025

The Rooftop Robber: The Wild Story of Jeffrey Manchester 12/02/2025

Nicole Sanchez: A Sister's Fight for Justice 11/27/2025

Kelsey Berreth: The Thanksgiving Murder Plot 11/25/2025

When Pranks Turn Deadly 11/20/2025

Daniel Brophy: "How to Murder Your Husband" 11/18/2025

Nikki Cheng Saelee McCain: Husband Charged with Murder 11/13/2025

Jane Mixer: The Controversial Conviction 11/11/2025

Jane Mixer: The Controversial Conviction In 1969, Jane Louise Mixer, a 23-year-old law student at the University of Michigan, was trying to catch a ride home to tell her parents she was engaged to her boyfriend Phil. Jane was an exceptional student—top 10% of her high school class, honor student, debate team member, cheerleader, and voted "best all around girl." She graduated from the University of Michigan in 1968 and enrolled in law school, where she was one of the only female students in the entire program. But Jane never made it home that day. She was found shot and strangled in a cemetery, her belongings eerily arranged beside her. For over 30 years, Jane's case sat frozen in time. Many believed John Norman Collins, a serial killer convicted of murdering another Michigan student, was responsible. But in 2001, DNA testing pointed to a different man: Gary Leiterman, a 62-year-old former nurse. In 2005, Gary was convicted of Jane's murder based on DNA evidence, handwriting analysis, and the fact that he owned a .22 caliber gun. But the conviction was highly controversial. Three scientists later argued that the DNA evidence was likely the result of lab contamination. Gary maintained his innocence until his death in prison on July 4, 2019, at age 76. Was Gary Leiterman truly guilty? Or was Jane Mixer's real killer never caught? Thank you to this week's sponsors! Don’t miss out on early Black Friday deals. Head to now to shop Wayfair's Black Friday deals for up to 70% off! Sale ends December 7th. Right now, IQBAR is offering our special podcast listeners 20% off all IQBAR products—including the sampler pack—plus FREE shipping. To get your 20% off, text MOMS to 64000. Step into the holiday season with layers made to feel good, look polished, and last— from Quince. Perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself. Go to for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Right now try your first bag of Kitty Litter for just $14.99 and get a free cat toy at . New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday! Follow us on Instagram: @momsandmysteries Join our Patreon: Visit our website: #TrueCrime #Podcast #FloridaMoms #JaneMixer #Michigan #UniversityOfMichigan #DNAEvidence #WrongfulConviction #ColdCase /episode/index/show/64f07550-df09-4619-8e90-6ee6031a9760/id/38967460

[Unsolved] Cheryl Coker: The Kroger Parking Lot 11/06/2025

A Deadly Inheritance: The Von Stein Murder 11/04/2025

Absurd Lawsuits: Scams, Frauds, and Greed 10/30/2025

Janie Ballard: A Daughter's Deadly Greed 10/28/2025

Science Gone Wrong: The Bizarre and Terrifying Experiments History Forgot 10/23/2025

The Krugersdorp Killings: A Prophet's Cult 10/21/2025

The Piketon Massacre: New Trials, New Sentences—An Update on the Rhoden Family Murders 10/16/2025

The Piketon Massacre: New Trials, New Sentences—An Update on the Rhoden Family Murders We are revisiting one of the most brutal and complex crimes we have ever covered: The Pike County Massacre, also known as the Rhoden Family Murders. Six years ago, we first discussed the shocking event where eight members of the Rhoden family—four adults, three young men, and a teenage boy—were executed at four different homes in rural Ohio on the same night. At the time of our original episode in 2019, the Wagner family had just been arrested. Now, years later, the trials and sentencing of the four members of the Wagner family are complete, and we are bringing you a comprehensive update on the fate of George Wagner IV, Jake Wagner, Angela Wagner, and Billy Wagner. In this update, we detail the chilling motive that led to the execution-style murders: Custody and Obsession: The motive was centered on a heated custody battle over a young child shared by killer Jake Wagner and victim Hanna May Rhoden. The Plea Deals: We discuss the shocking plea deal struck by Jake Wagner, who pled guilty to all eight murders to spare his mother and father from the death penalty. The Sentences: We cover the emotional and tense courtroom proceedings that led to the sentences for all four family members, including the life without parole sentences handed down. The Unanswered Questions: While justice has been served in the eyes of the law, we still explore the lingering questions surrounding the planning, the execution, and the sheer ruthlessness required to wipe out an entire family. Join us as we close the chapter on this dark episode in Ohio's history, examining the convictions, the sentences, and the final search for peace for the surviving Rhoden family members. Thank you to this week’s sponsors! Whatever challenges you’re facing, Grow Therapy is here to help. Sessions average about $21 with insurance and some pay as little as $0, depending on their plan. Visit today to get started. Availability and coverage vary by state and insurance plan. Check-out bonus episodes up on Spotify and Apple podcast now! Get new episodes a day early and ad free, plus chat episodes, at . To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit . Check-out to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more. /episode/index/show/64f07550-df09-4619-8e90-6ee6031a9760/id/38584935

[Unsolved] Who Killed Ronni Chasen? Hollywood's Mystery 10/14/2025

Jesse Baird & Luke Davies: Cop Turned Killer 10/09/2025

Mindy Kassotis: The Navy JAG Murder Mystery 10/07/2025

The TikTok Murder Pipeline: DV4D Runaway Victims, and the Cost of Viral Fame 10/02/2025

The TikTok Murder Pipeline: DV4D Runaway Victims, and the Cost of Viral Fame The pursuit of viral fame on TikTok has created a dark undercurrent in the world of true crime. This episode exposes the alarming pattern of TikTok stars hiding violent reality behind their polished online personas, leading to shocking consequences. We examine crimes intertwined with the app, some happening right now in 2025. We dive into the chilling, developing case of musician DV4D(David Anthony Burke). His rise to fame with the hit song "Romantic Homicide" was shattered when the decomposed body of 15-year-old runaway Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found in his Tesla in the Hollywood Hills. Viral Lives, Violent Ends: Other TikTok True Crimes D4vd's story is not an isolated incident. The pressure to maintain a perfect online image has driven others to commit unthinkable acts: JinnKid (Ali Abulaban): The double murder committed by influencer Ali Abulaban (JinnKid). He used a listening app on his five-year-old daughter's iPad to spy on his estranged wife, Ana, before executing her and her friend, Rayburn Barron. The Bukhari Murders: The ruthless blackmail and double murder plot involving UK mother-daughter TikTok duo Mahek Bukhari and Ansreen Bukhari. They killed two victims, Saqib Hussain and Hashim Ijazuddin, to protect Mahek's influencer career and their reputation. Sarah Grace Patrick: The manipulative case of a 17-year-old who used TikTok to post grieving videos after allegedly murdering her own parents, all while secretly pitching her family's tragedy to true crime influencers and bloggers. This episode examines how technology has become a double-edged sword, creating new motives for murder and giving people tools for manipulation and deception. Thank you to this week’s sponsors! Right now IQBAR is offering our special podcast listeners 20% off all IQBAR products—including the sampler pack—plus FREE shipping. Just Text MOMS to 64000. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. Your happiness is Skylight’s happiness, so if in 120 days you are not 100% thrilled with your purchase, you can return it for a full refund. No questions asked. Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch Calendars by going to . Check-out bonus episodes up on Spotify and Apple podcast now! Get new episodes a day early and ad free, plus chat episodes, at . To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit . Check-out to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more. /episode/index/show/64f07550-df09-4619-8e90-6ee6031a9760/id/38398630

MURDER: Thabo Bester: The Facebook Rapist and the Doctor Who Helped Him Escape Prison 09/30/2025

MURDER: Thabo Bester: The Facebook Rapist and the Doctor Who Helped Him Escape Prison The official story was that convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester died in a South African prison fire on May 3, 2022, but the truth was far more shocking: he had faked his own death with a stolen corpse and easily walked out of a maximum security prison. Known as "The Facebook Rapist" for luring women with fake international modeling opportunities, Bester was serving a 30-year sentence for the rape and robbery of two women and the murder of his girlfriend, Nomfundo Tyhulu, in 2011. In this episode, we unravel the chaotic details of his escape and his life on the run: The Fake Death: An investigation into the cell fire and the burned remains raised immediate suspicion. The body used to stage his death was later confirmed to have died before the fire from blunt force trauma to the head, and DNA did not match Bester . The Accomplice: Dr. Nandipha Magudumana (Dr. Nandi): Celebrity physician Dr. Nandi, who claimed to be Bester's customary law wife, was his essential partner in crime. She initially collected the body and was later spotted shopping with Bester, aiding his life as a fugitive. She is a glamorous doctor who had it all, but chose a criminal life as a "cold-blooded accomplice". Life as a Fugitive: Before his escape was confirmed, Bester was running multiple scam companies from prison. After walking out, he continued his fraudulent schemes with Dr. Nandi, meeting clients and living in a rented mansion until their arrest in Tanzania in April 2023. This incredible true crime saga is also the subject of the Netflix docuseries, Beauty and the Bester. Thank you to this week’s sponsors! Take care of your liver with Dose! Save 25% on your first month of subscription by going to or entering MOMS at checkout. Keep it classic and cozy this fall with long-lasting staples from Quince. Go to for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Check-out bonus episodes up on Spotify and Apple podcast now! Get new episodes a day early and ad free, plus chat episodes, at . To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit . Check-out to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more. Sources: /episode/index/show/64f07550-df09-4619-8e90-6ee6031a9760/id/38241555

The Killing of Professor Dan Markel: The Adelson Family's Web of Deceit (Part 2) 09/25/2025

The Killing of Professor Dan Markel: The Adelson Family's Web of Deceit (Part 2) In the gripping second part of the Daniel Markel case we delve deeper into the intricate web of deceit surrounding the murder-for-hire plot. This episode focuses on the trials of the two masterminds behind the shocking crime: Charlie and Donna Adelson. Charlie Adelson's Trial: The episode begins with the conviction of Charlie Adelson. The state's case was built on compelling evidence, including audio recordings from a Miami restaurant where Charlie discussed killing a blackmailer or a police officer. The money trail connecting the Adelson family's dental practice to Katie Magbanua, the ex-girlfriend of the hitman, also played a crucial role. Charlie took the stand in his own defense, claiming he was being extorted by the hitmen. This defense was ultimately not believed by the jury, leading to his conviction for first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation. Donna Adelson's Arrest and Trial: Just seven days after her son's conviction, the matriarch, Donna Adelson, was arrested at Miami International Airport as she and her husband, Harvey, were attempting to flee to Vietnam, a non-extradition country. Key evidence against her included monitored phone calls where she discussed fleeing the country and a recording where she was overheard mulling over extradition policies and reading text messages from her daughter, Wendi. During her trial, testimony from her fellow inmates revealed her attempts to orchestrate false testimony and her admission of her role in the murder. The verdict was unforgettable, as Donna gasped dramatically when she was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation, becoming the fifth person convicted in Dan's murder. The Family's Web of Lies: The podcast also uncovers new details about the involvement of other family members. Wendi Adelson, Dan's ex-wife, testified under immunity but was confronted with her past inconsistencies about her knowledge of the murder plot. It was also revealed that Donna and Wendi had a deep knowledge of Dan's daily routine, and Wendi's ex-boyfriend testified that she once mentioned Charlie looking into a hitman for $15,000. Legacy and Justice: The episode concludes with the powerful impact of the case on Dan Markel's parents, Ruth and Phil Markel. Their advocacy led to a new law and a long-awaited reunion with their grandsons. Thank you to this week's sponsors! Join the more than 3 million families who have chosen K12, and empower your student to reach their full potential now. There is still time to enroll for this school year! Go to today to find a tuition-free K12-Powered School near you and enroll now. Boll & Branch makes upgrading your bed easier than ever with curated Bundles for a sanctuary of comfort. For a limited time get 20% off Bed Bundles, plus free shipping and returns, at . Whatever challenges you’re facing, Grow Therapy is here to help. Sessions average about $21 with insurance and some pay as little as $0 depending on their plan. to get started. Availability and coverage vary by state and insurance plan. Get new episodes a day early and ad free, plus chat episodes, at To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit . Check-out to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more. Sources: Dan Markel Murder January 17, 2018 February 26, 2006 , November 15, 2023 July 29, 2022 May 30, 2022 June 20, 2018 April 21, 2022 Sept. 20, 2019 Oct 11, 2019 Nov 6, 2023 Dec 12, 2023 Oct. 30, 2023 (Jeff, June, testimonies) (Rob and Wendi’s testimonies) https://www.abajournal.com/news/article/bump-operation-led-to-phone-calls-restaurant-meeting-jurors-told-in-trial-for-murder-of-law-prof-markel . . /episode/index/show/64f07550-df09-4619-8e90-6ee6031a9760/id/38241550

The Killing of Professor Dan Markel: A Family Feud Turns Deadly (Part 1) 09/23/2025

The Killing of Professor Dan Markel: A Family Feud Turns Deadly (Part 1) In this episode, we delve into the shocking murder of Harvard-educated law professor Dan Markel. His life was cut short in a targeted hit that investigators believe was a murder-for-hire plot. This is more than just a true crime drama; it's a story of a devoted father and brilliant legal scholar caught in a bitter family feud that spiraled into something unthinkable. Dan's divorce from his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, became an all-out war over the custody of their two young sons and relocation to South Florida. You'll hear about the powerful and controlling Adelson family, specifically Wendy's parents, Donna and Harvey, and her brother, Charlie, who had an "obsession" with their hatred of Dan. As the story unfolds, you’ll discover disturbing emails from Donna Adelson detailing a plan to manipulate Dan, including using his Jewish faith against him, and even joking about dressing the children in Hitler Youth uniforms. The police investigation quickly turned to the Adelson family after Wendy made some unusual comments and her boyfriend, Jeff Lacasse, urged them to look into her family. The timing of the murder, which took place just after a hearing on family control was set, was not lost on investigators, who saw a clear motive for murder. After his death, Wendy quickly moved their children to Miami and cut off contact with Dan's parents. Join us for Part 1 of this unbelievable case as we explore the chilling details that lead to the death of Dan Markel. The second part of this episode is available now on and will be available everywhere on Thursday. Thank you to this week's sponsors! Keep it classic and cozy this fall cool—with long-lasting staples from Quince. Go to for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. See thicker, stronger, faster-growing hair with less shedding in just 3-6 months with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to and enter the promo code MOMS. Get new episodes a day early and ad free, plus chat episodes, at To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit . Check-out to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more. Sources: Dan Markel Murder January 17, 2018 February 26, 2006 , November 15, 2023 July 29, 2022 May 30, 2022 June 20, 2018 April 21, 2022 Sept. 20, 2019 Oct 11, 2019 Nov 6, 2023 Dec 12, 2023 Oct. 30, 2023 (Jeff, June, testimonies) (Rob and Wendi’s testimonies) https://www.abajournal.com/news/article/bump-operation-led-to-phone-calls-restaurant-meeting-jurors-told-in-trial-for-murder-of-law-prof-markel . . /episode/index/show/64f07550-df09-4619-8e90-6ee6031a9760/id/38241540

The Art of the STEAL: When Passion Drives Crime 09/18/2025

The Art of the STEAL: When Passion Drives Crime This week, we discuss a series of "intellectual crimes" in which the stolen objects were more valuable for their history and status than for their resale price. And stick around for an artsy "Last Thing Before We Go". Thank you to this week's sponsors! Help your liver and save 25% on your first month of subscription by going to or entering MOMS at checkout. Get organized now, with Skylight! Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15-inch Calendars by going to . Download the free Rakuten App or go to to start saving today. And right now, IQBAR is offering our special podcast listeners twenty percent off all IQBAR products—including the sampler pack—plus FREE shipping. To get your 20% text MOMS to 64000. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. The Boston Public Library's "Lost" Art: We dive into the bizarre case of two priceless artworks—an Albrecht Dürer engraving and a Rembrandt van Rijn etching—that went missing from one of the country's most prestigious libraries. The disappearance caused a media uproar and led to the resignation of the library's president . But in a twist, the art was never stolen; it was just in the wrong spot for an entire year. The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: We explore the story of John Charles Gilkey, a man driven by intellectual vanity who used stolen credit card numbers to amass a collection of rare books worth over $200,000. Gilkey wasn't in it for the money; he simply wanted to appear to be a sophisticated intellectual . His obsessive "bibliokleptomania" forced the rare book community to tighten security and share information on thefts. The Notorious Map Thief: Next, we cover Edward Forbes Smiley III, a charming and respected rare map dealer whose financial troubles led him to a life of crime. Using an X-Acto blade, he would carefully slice rare maps out of centuries-old atlases from institutions like Yale and Harvard. We reveal how a single misplaced blade led to his downfall, exposing his theft of nearly 100 maps . The Notorious Map Thief: Next, we cover Edward Forbes Smiley III, a charming and respected rare map dealer whose financial troubles led him to a life of crime. Using an X-Acto blade, he would carefully slice rare maps out of centuries-old atlases from institutions like Yale and Harvard. We reveal how a single misplaced blade led to his downfall, exposing his theft of nearly 100 maps. Check-out bonus episodes up on Spotify and Apple podcast now! Get new episodes a day early and ad free, plus chat episodes, at . To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit . Listen and subscribe to Melissa’s other podcast, Criminality!! It’s the podcast for those who love reality TV, true crime, and want to hear all the juicy stories where the two genres intersect. Subscribe and listen here: Check-out to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more. /episode/index/show/64f07550-df09-4619-8e90-6ee6031a9760/id/38241535

The Real-Life Laura Palmer: The Unsolved Murder of Hazel Drew 09/16/2025

The Real-Life Laura Palmer: The Unsolved Murder of Hazel Drew On a warm summer night in 1908, 19-year-old Hazel Drew disappeared from Troy, New York. Her body was found days later, and the brutal details of the crime sparked a century-old mystery. Join us as we explore the unsolved murder that inspired the fictional character of Laura Palmer from the cult classic TV series, Twin Peaks. We dive into the bizarre clues, conflicting timelines, and a tangled web of suspects that left investigators with more questions than answers. From the mysterious letters found in her trunk to her complicated secret life, this true crime case has all the elements of a classic whodunit. Listen now to uncover the real-life mystery behind the case and decide for yourself who killed Hazel Drew. Thank you to this week's sponsors! Keep it classic and cozy this fall cool—with long-lasting staples from Quince. Go to for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Start your risk-free Greenlight trial today at . Cozify your space with Wayfair’s curated collection of easy, affordable fall updates. From comfy recliners to cozy bedding and autumn decor. Find it all for way less at . Check-out bonus episodes up on Spotify and Apple podcast now! Get new episodes a day early and ad free, plus chat episodes, at . To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit . Listen and subscribe to Melissa’s other podcast, Criminality!! It’s the podcast for those who love reality TV, true crime, and want to hear all the juicy stories where the two genres intersect. Subscribe and listen here: Check-out to find links to our tiktok, youtube, twitter, instagram and more. Sources: , /episode/index/show/64f07550-df09-4619-8e90-6ee6031a9760/id/38218320

Moms and Mysteries: A True Crime Podcast

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