True crime fans have a lot to answer for. Somewhere along the way, an entire generation decided the best way to unwind after work was to listen to a stranger describe a gruesome crime while folding laundry. We can't judge, because we're here too, and we have already checked that the front door is locked twice.
The deadhost.exe Instagram page is the reason so many of us are awake past midnight. Their bio promises "a look into forgotten crimes, strange history & eerie moments caught on tape," and they deliver on every word. This collection pulls together the stories that made people stop in our scroll tracks, from narrow escapes to discoveries nobody was meant to make. Read them with the lights on.
#41
On November 9, 1971, John List m******d his wife, Helen, his mother, Alma, and his three children inside their mansion in Westfield, New Jersey. He arranged the bodies of his wife and children on sleeping bags in the home’s ballroom, leaving his mother’s body upstairs. Before disappearing, List canceled deliveries, lowered the thermostat, and left religious music playing through the house. He also wrote a lengthy confession explaining his actions. The bodies remained undiscovered for nearly a month, until police entered the mansion on December 7.
List had carefully planned his disappearance. He traveled across the country, assumed the identity Robert P. Clark, and eventually settled into an entirely new life. He found work as an accountant, joined a church, and even remarried in 1985. His new wife had no idea that the quiet man she married was wanted for m**dering five members of his previous family. Despite an enormous manhunt, List managed to avoid capture for nearly 18 years.
In 1989, the television program America’s Most Wanted featured the unsolved m**ders and displayed an extraordinary piece of evidence: a realistic clay bust created by forensic sculptor Frank Bender. Using old photographs, Bender had predicted what List might look like nearly two decades after vanishing. The resemblance was astonishing. A former neighbor recognized the man she had known as Robert Clark, leading investigators to his location. On June 1, 1989, List was arrested in Virginia. He was convicted of five m**ders in 1990 and sentenced to five consecutive life terms. The clay sculpture became one of the most remarkable examples of forensic artistry helping solve a criminal case.
List had carefully planned his disappearance. He traveled across the country, assumed the identity Robert P. Clark, and eventually settled into an entirely new life. He found work as an accountant, joined a church, and even remarried in 1985. His new wife had no idea that the quiet man she married was wanted for m**dering five members of his previous family. Despite an enormous manhunt, List managed to avoid capture for nearly 18 years.
In 1989, the television program America’s Most Wanted featured the unsolved m**ders and displayed an extraordinary piece of evidence: a realistic clay bust created by forensic sculptor Frank Bender. Using old photographs, Bender had predicted what List might look like nearly two decades after vanishing. The resemblance was astonishing. A former neighbor recognized the man she had known as Robert Clark, leading investigators to his location. On June 1, 1989, List was arrested in Virginia. He was convicted of five m**ders in 1990 and sentenced to five consecutive life terms. The clay sculpture became one of the most remarkable examples of forensic artistry helping solve a criminal case.
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3points
#42
On April 27, 2006, 17-year-old Ashley Reeves disappeared near Belleville, Illinois. Investigators eventually questioned 26-year-old Samson Shelton, a high-school teacher who had previously taught at a school Ashley attended. Shelton admitted attacking Ashley during an encounter, breaking her neck and carrying her into a wooded area where he left her believing she was d**d.
Ashley remained in the woods for more than 30 hours with devastating injuries and covered in insect bites. Shelton eventually accompanied investigators to the area. Searchers entered believing they were looking for a body, but when they finally located Ashley in the darkness, investigator Steve Johnson noticed her take a breath. She was rushed to a hospital and survived.
While Ashley had been lying injured in the woods, Shelton was recorded line dancing at a local country music club. He later pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree m****r and received a 20-year prison sentence. Ashley endured extensive rehabilitation and had to relearn basic functions including swallowing, talking and moving parts of her body.
Ashley remained in the woods for more than 30 hours with devastating injuries and covered in insect bites. Shelton eventually accompanied investigators to the area. Searchers entered believing they were looking for a body, but when they finally located Ashley in the darkness, investigator Steve Johnson noticed her take a breath. She was rushed to a hospital and survived.
While Ashley had been lying injured in the woods, Shelton was recorded line dancing at a local country music club. He later pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree m****r and received a 20-year prison sentence. Ashley endured extensive rehabilitation and had to relearn basic functions including swallowing, talking and moving parts of her body.
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3points
#43
In November 2004, retirees Tom and Jackie Hawks were preparing to sell their 55-foot yacht, Well Deserved, after spending years traveling aboard it. They wanted to move back onto land to be closer to their family and new grandchild when prospective buyer Skylar Deleon contacted them about purchasing the boat.
On November 15, the Hawks took Deleon and accomplices out from Newport Beach for a sea trial. Prosecutors said the couple were overpowered, handcuffed and forced to sign documents transferring ownership of the yacht before being bound to its heavy anchor and thrown alive into the Pacific Ocean. The yacht later returned to its berth, but Tom and Jackie never came back.
The disappearance quickly unraveled after relatives noticed suspicious paperwork and activity involving the Hawks’ finances and property. Deleon and several accomplices were eventually convicted for their roles in the m**ders. Despite extensive investigation, Tom and Jackie’s bodies have never been recovered.
On November 15, the Hawks took Deleon and accomplices out from Newport Beach for a sea trial. Prosecutors said the couple were overpowered, handcuffed and forced to sign documents transferring ownership of the yacht before being bound to its heavy anchor and thrown alive into the Pacific Ocean. The yacht later returned to its berth, but Tom and Jackie never came back.
The disappearance quickly unraveled after relatives noticed suspicious paperwork and activity involving the Hawks’ finances and property. Deleon and several accomplices were eventually convicted for their roles in the m**ders. Despite extensive investigation, Tom and Jackie’s bodies have never been recovered.
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3points
#44
On November 15, 2004, 52-year-old Peter Porco was attacked with an axe while sleeping in his home in Delmar, New York. Despite suffering catastrophic head injuries, investigators determined he briefly regained consciousness after the attack.
In those final moments, Porco reportedly got out of bed, walked downstairs, packed his lunch, loaded the dishwasher, attempted to shave, and tried to leave for work before collapsing. Medical experts testified that these actions were possible because parts of the brain responsible for routine motor functions can continue working despite devastating injuries.
Investigators identified Peter’s son, Christopher Porco, as the attacker. He was convicted of m**dering his father and attempting to m****r his mother, Joan Porco, in 2006 and was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison. The case remains one of the most astonishing examples of automatic human behavior ever documented following a fatal attack.
In those final moments, Porco reportedly got out of bed, walked downstairs, packed his lunch, loaded the dishwasher, attempted to shave, and tried to leave for work before collapsing. Medical experts testified that these actions were possible because parts of the brain responsible for routine motor functions can continue working despite devastating injuries.
Investigators identified Peter’s son, Christopher Porco, as the attacker. He was convicted of m**dering his father and attempting to m****r his mother, Joan Porco, in 2006 and was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison. The case remains one of the most astonishing examples of automatic human behavior ever documented following a fatal attack.
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3points
#45
In January 2016, 28-year-old Cory Breton and 31-year-old Iuliana Triscaru were abducted in Queensland, Australia. Prosecutors said they were tied up, brutally a***ulted and forced into a large metal toolbox.
The toolbox was loaded into the back of a ute and taken to Scrubby Creek. Authorities said the box was dumped into the water while both victims were still alive inside. Their bodies were found after the toolbox was recovered from the creek.
The case became infamous because of how unbelievably cruel the method was. Several people were eventually convicted over the m**ders, and the image at the center of the case is impossible to forget: a couple trapped inside a toolbox at the bottom of a creek.
The toolbox was loaded into the back of a ute and taken to Scrubby Creek. Authorities said the box was dumped into the water while both victims were still alive inside. Their bodies were found after the toolbox was recovered from the creek.
The case became infamous because of how unbelievably cruel the method was. Several people were eventually convicted over the m**ders, and the image at the center of the case is impossible to forget: a couple trapped inside a toolbox at the bottom of a creek.
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3points
#46
In June 2019, 23-year-old Mackenzie Lueck, a University of Utah student, disappeared after returning to Salt Lake City from a trip and meeting Ayoola Ajayi, a man she had connected with online. Phone records placed both of them at the same park during the early morning hours when they met.
Investigators searched Ajayi’s home and discovered burned material in his backyard, including tissue that matched Mackenzie’s DNA and charred personal belongings. Authorities said Ajayi had k****d her, burned and buried her body behind the house, then later dug up the remains and moved them to a shallow grave in Logan Canyon.
Ajayi pleaded guilty in October 2020 to aggravated m****r and desecration of a human body, admitting that he had planned Mackenzie’s k*****g. Later that month, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Investigators searched Ajayi’s home and discovered burned material in his backyard, including tissue that matched Mackenzie’s DNA and charred personal belongings. Authorities said Ajayi had k****d her, burned and buried her body behind the house, then later dug up the remains and moved them to a shallow grave in Logan Canyon.
Ajayi pleaded guilty in October 2020 to aggravated m****r and desecration of a human body, admitting that he had planned Mackenzie’s k*****g. Later that month, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
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3points
#47
On January 24, 2012, 20-year-old Melissa Dohme met her former boyfriend Robert Burton outside her home in Clearwater, Florida. He had repeatedly contacted her asking for one final hug after their breakup. During the meeting, Burton attacked Melissa and st**bed her 32 times before leaving her in the street believing she was d**d.
Melissa suffered devastating injuries and massive blood loss. She was airlifted to a hospital, where she underwent emergency treatment and ultimately survived. Burton later pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree m****r and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
One of the first responders who helped save Melissa that night was firefighter-paramedic Cameron Hill. The two reconnected after her recovery, eventually began dating, and in 2015 Cameron proposed to Melissa on the field at a Tampa Bay Rays game. She said yes, turning one of the darkest nights of her life into the beginning of an extraordinary second chapter.
Melissa suffered devastating injuries and massive blood loss. She was airlifted to a hospital, where she underwent emergency treatment and ultimately survived. Burton later pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree m****r and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
One of the first responders who helped save Melissa that night was firefighter-paramedic Cameron Hill. The two reconnected after her recovery, eventually began dating, and in 2015 Cameron proposed to Melissa on the field at a Tampa Bay Rays game. She said yes, turning one of the darkest nights of her life into the beginning of an extraordinary second chapter.
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3points
#48
On May 26, 1990, 40-year-old Marlene Warren was having breakfast with her son at their home in Wellington, Florida, when an unexpected visitor pulled into the driveway. A person dressed in a colorful clown costume approached the front door carrying flowers and two balloons, including one that read “You’re the Greatest.” Thinking it was a harmless surprise, Marlene opened the door and accepted the gifts. Moments later, the clown pulled out a handg*n and sh*t her in the face. Her son witnessed the aftermath as the k**ler calmly returned to a white Chrysler convertible and drove away. Marlene d**d in the hospital two days later.
Investigators quickly focused on Sheila Keen, a woman who worked for Marlene’s husband, Michael Warren, at his car dealership. Witnesses claimed the two were having an affair, although both denied it. Detectives discovered that a woman resembling Sheila had purchased clown supplies shortly before the m****r, and the getaway car had been stolen from Michael’s dealership. Orange wig fibers were also recovered from the abandoned vehicle. Despite the suspicious evidence, prosecutors did not have enough to charge anyone. Then, in 2002, something extraordinary happened: Sheila married Michael Warren, the widower of the woman k****d by the clown.
The m****r remained unsolved until investigators reopened the case using newer forensic technology. In September 2017, police arrested Sheila Keen-Warren in Virginia, where she and Michael had been operating a restaurant. In April 2023, she pleaded guilty to second-degree m****r and received a 12-year prison sentence, although she continued to maintain her innocence. On November 2, 2024, Sheila was released from prison after receiving credit for time already served and good behavior. More than three decades after Marlene was m******d by someone disguised as a clown, the woman convicted of k*****g her was once again free.
Investigators quickly focused on Sheila Keen, a woman who worked for Marlene’s husband, Michael Warren, at his car dealership. Witnesses claimed the two were having an affair, although both denied it. Detectives discovered that a woman resembling Sheila had purchased clown supplies shortly before the m****r, and the getaway car had been stolen from Michael’s dealership. Orange wig fibers were also recovered from the abandoned vehicle. Despite the suspicious evidence, prosecutors did not have enough to charge anyone. Then, in 2002, something extraordinary happened: Sheila married Michael Warren, the widower of the woman k****d by the clown.
The m****r remained unsolved until investigators reopened the case using newer forensic technology. In September 2017, police arrested Sheila Keen-Warren in Virginia, where she and Michael had been operating a restaurant. In April 2023, she pleaded guilty to second-degree m****r and received a 12-year prison sentence, although she continued to maintain her innocence. On November 2, 2024, Sheila was released from prison after receiving credit for time already served and good behavior. More than three decades after Marlene was m******d by someone disguised as a clown, the woman convicted of k*****g her was once again free.
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3points
#49
On July 21, 2022, 32-year-old Klil Kimhi was attending a company pool party at a private villa in Karmei Yosef, Israel. Around 50 people were at the gathering, with several swimming in the backyard pool. Suddenly, the ground beneath the pool collapsed, opening a massive sinkhole approximately 43 feet deep. Water, inflatable pool toys and two swimmers were pulled toward the opening as horrified guests watched.
The terrifying collapse was captured on a guest’s phone. Within seconds, nearly all the water disappeared into the underground cavity. One 34-year-old man managed to climb out with minor injuries, but Klil was pulled beneath the surface and vanished underground. Emergency teams rushed to the property, where rescuers carefully entered the unstable cavity to search for him.
After approximately four hours, rescue workers finally located Klil’s body inside the underground passage. He was pronounced d**d at the scene. Investigators later discovered that the swimming pool had been constructed without the required permits over an area containing underground cavities. In 2024, the villa’s owner was charged with causing d***h by negligence. Photographs taken afterward showed an enormous hole torn through the bottom of the pool, with bright pink inflatable flamingos resting beside the opening.
The terrifying collapse was captured on a guest’s phone. Within seconds, nearly all the water disappeared into the underground cavity. One 34-year-old man managed to climb out with minor injuries, but Klil was pulled beneath the surface and vanished underground. Emergency teams rushed to the property, where rescuers carefully entered the unstable cavity to search for him.
After approximately four hours, rescue workers finally located Klil’s body inside the underground passage. He was pronounced d**d at the scene. Investigators later discovered that the swimming pool had been constructed without the required permits over an area containing underground cavities. In 2024, the villa’s owner was charged with causing d***h by negligence. Photographs taken afterward showed an enormous hole torn through the bottom of the pool, with bright pink inflatable flamingos resting beside the opening.
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3points
#50
In December 2024, Mary Gingles discovered a backpack hidden in the garage of her Tamarac, Florida home that she said had been left by her estranged husband, Nathan Gingles. Inside were items including duct tape, plastic wrap, gloves and apparent restraints. She also reported finding a note referencing methods including an air embolism, medication o******e and waterboarding.
Mary repeatedly warned authorities that she believed Nathan intended to k**l her. She had domestic violence injunctions against him and documented alleged break-ins, a tracker placed on her vehicle and interference with her security cameras. Just ten days before her d***h, Mary wrote in a court filing that she believed the backpack contained items he would need to m****r her.
On February 16, 2025, Nathan allegedly k****d Mary, her father David Ponzer, and neighbor Andrew Ferrin, whose home Mary had run into while trying to escape. Prosecutors have charged Nathan with the k**lings, and he has pleaded not guilty. An internal investigation into law enforcement’s handling of Mary’s earlier reports ultimately resulted in eight Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies being fired.
Mary repeatedly warned authorities that she believed Nathan intended to k**l her. She had domestic violence injunctions against him and documented alleged break-ins, a tracker placed on her vehicle and interference with her security cameras. Just ten days before her d***h, Mary wrote in a court filing that she believed the backpack contained items he would need to m****r her.
On February 16, 2025, Nathan allegedly k****d Mary, her father David Ponzer, and neighbor Andrew Ferrin, whose home Mary had run into while trying to escape. Prosecutors have charged Nathan with the k**lings, and he has pleaded not guilty. An internal investigation into law enforcement’s handling of Mary’s earlier reports ultimately resulted in eight Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies being fired.
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3points
#51
In March 2023, Angela Craig, a 43-year-old mother of six from Aurora, Colorado, began suffering unexplained dizziness, headaches and other symptoms that repeatedly sent her to the hospital. Prosecutors later said her husband, dentist James Craig, had been poisoning drinks he prepared for her, including protein shakes.
While Angela was still sick, a suspicious package addressed to James arrived at his dental practice. He had previously told an office manager not to open his personal deliveries, but another employee opened it anyway. Inside was a container labeled potassium cyanide with a biohazard marking. After employees realized Angela’s symptoms could match cyanide poisoning, Craig’s business partner alerted hospital staff and police.
Angela d**d on March 18, 2023. At Craig’s 2025 trial, prosecutors said he had poisoned her over roughly 10 days before administering a fatal dose of cyanide while she was hospitalized. A jury convicted him of first-degree m****r on July 30, 2025, and he was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
While Angela was still sick, a suspicious package addressed to James arrived at his dental practice. He had previously told an office manager not to open his personal deliveries, but another employee opened it anyway. Inside was a container labeled potassium cyanide with a biohazard marking. After employees realized Angela’s symptoms could match cyanide poisoning, Craig’s business partner alerted hospital staff and police.
Angela d**d on March 18, 2023. At Craig’s 2025 trial, prosecutors said he had poisoned her over roughly 10 days before administering a fatal dose of cyanide while she was hospitalized. A jury convicted him of first-degree m****r on July 30, 2025, and he was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
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3points
#52
In October 2023, 43-year-old Kristil Krug began receiving terrifying messages from someone claiming to be an ex-boyfriend she had dated more than 20 years earlier. The messages became increasingly threatening, with the sender claiming to watch her movements and even threatening her husband, Daniel. One particularly disturbing message included a photograph of Daniel getting out of his car at work, seemingly proving that the mysterious stalker was watching them both.
On December 14, 2023, Kristil was found m******d inside the garage of her Broomfield, Colorado home after dropping her children off at school. Investigators discovered that someone had disabled the home security system and covered the doorbell camera with blue masking tape. But the strangest evidence came from the threatening photograph. Digital forensic experts determined that Daniel had actually taken the picture himself using a phone’s selfie timer, then sent it to his wife while pretending to be her stalker.
Detectives eventually traced the threatening emails and burner phones back to Daniel, discovering that he had spent months manufacturing the stalking campaign to frighten his wife and manipulate their failing marriage. He had even scheduled text messages from Kristil’s phone to arrive after her d***h, making it appear she was still alive. On April 17, 2025, a jury convicted Daniel of first-degree m****r, stalking and criminal impersonation. The following day, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole, plus an additional nine and a half years.
On December 14, 2023, Kristil was found m******d inside the garage of her Broomfield, Colorado home after dropping her children off at school. Investigators discovered that someone had disabled the home security system and covered the doorbell camera with blue masking tape. But the strangest evidence came from the threatening photograph. Digital forensic experts determined that Daniel had actually taken the picture himself using a phone’s selfie timer, then sent it to his wife while pretending to be her stalker.
Detectives eventually traced the threatening emails and burner phones back to Daniel, discovering that he had spent months manufacturing the stalking campaign to frighten his wife and manipulate their failing marriage. He had even scheduled text messages from Kristil’s phone to arrive after her d***h, making it appear she was still alive. On April 17, 2025, a jury convicted Daniel of first-degree m****r, stalking and criminal impersonation. The following day, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole, plus an additional nine and a half years.
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3points
#53
Shortly after midnight on January 1, 2021, Morgan Metzer awoke at her Canton, Georgia home to a masked intruder dressed in black. He attacked her, restrained her wrists with zip ties and disguised his voice with a low, Batman-like sound before leaving her bound on the back porch.
Roughly 40 minutes later, Morgan heard someone approaching and feared her attacker had returned. Instead, she recognized the voice of her recently divorced ex-husband, Rodney “Rod” Metzer, who appeared to have discovered her and called 911. Investigators soon determined that Morgan’s supposed rescuer was actually the masked attacker.
Evidence piled up quickly. Investigators found matching zip ties in Rod’s apartment and surveillance footage showing him purchasing them at Lowe’s about 36 hours before the attack. Rod ultimately pleaded guilty to 14 charges and was sentenced to 25 years in prison followed by 45 years of probation.
Roughly 40 minutes later, Morgan heard someone approaching and feared her attacker had returned. Instead, she recognized the voice of her recently divorced ex-husband, Rodney “Rod” Metzer, who appeared to have discovered her and called 911. Investigators soon determined that Morgan’s supposed rescuer was actually the masked attacker.
Evidence piled up quickly. Investigators found matching zip ties in Rod’s apartment and surveillance footage showing him purchasing them at Lowe’s about 36 hours before the attack. Rod ultimately pleaded guilty to 14 charges and was sentenced to 25 years in prison followed by 45 years of probation.
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3points
#54
In October 1985, 17-year-old Michele “Missy” Avila was found d**d in a creek in California’s Angeles National Forest. Investigators initially had no clear suspect. Two young women who had known Missy for years, Karen Severson and Laura Doyle, publicly acted devastated by her d***h and attended her funeral.
Karen became especially close to Missy’s grieving mother, Irene. She brought flowers to Missy’s grave, talked about finding whoever was responsible and eventually moved into the Avila family’s home to comfort them. Laura also sent Irene a sympathy card. Neither woman told the family that they themselves had participated in Missy’s m****r.
Nearly three years later, witness Eva Chirumbolo finally came forward. Karen and Laura were arrested, and in 1990 both were convicted of second-degree m****r. They received sentences of 15 years to life. The horrifying truth meant that while Irene had been mourning her daughter, one of the people responsible had been living under her roof and presenting herself as another grieving friend.
Karen became especially close to Missy’s grieving mother, Irene. She brought flowers to Missy’s grave, talked about finding whoever was responsible and eventually moved into the Avila family’s home to comfort them. Laura also sent Irene a sympathy card. Neither woman told the family that they themselves had participated in Missy’s m****r.
Nearly three years later, witness Eva Chirumbolo finally came forward. Karen and Laura were arrested, and in 1990 both were convicted of second-degree m****r. They received sentences of 15 years to life. The horrifying truth meant that while Irene had been mourning her daughter, one of the people responsible had been living under her roof and presenting herself as another grieving friend.
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3points
#55
In September 1999, a homeowner in Jericho, New York opened a 55-gallon drum that had been sitting in the crawl space beneath his house. Inside were the remains of a pregnant woman. Investigators eventually identified her as 27-year-old Reyna Angélica Marroquín, an immigrant from El Salvador who had disappeared in 1969.
Evidence inside the drum led detectives to Howard Elkins, Reyna’s former employer and a previous owner of the house. Elkins had also been part owner of the plastics company where Reyna worked, and investigators discovered that Reyna and Elkins had been involved in a relationship. A plastic flower stem recovered from the drum provided another connection to the factory.
Investigators learned that Reyna had been pregnant when she d**d and sought Elkins’s DNA to determine whether he was the father. Elkins refused to provide a sample and d**d shortly after detectives questioned him. Investigators later obtained DNA that confirmed Elkins was the father of Reyna’s unborn child, making him the prime suspect in a m****r that had remained hidden for 30 years.
Evidence inside the drum led detectives to Howard Elkins, Reyna’s former employer and a previous owner of the house. Elkins had also been part owner of the plastics company where Reyna worked, and investigators discovered that Reyna and Elkins had been involved in a relationship. A plastic flower stem recovered from the drum provided another connection to the factory.
Investigators learned that Reyna had been pregnant when she d**d and sought Elkins’s DNA to determine whether he was the father. Elkins refused to provide a sample and d**d shortly after detectives questioned him. Investigators later obtained DNA that confirmed Elkins was the father of Reyna’s unborn child, making him the prime suspect in a m****r that had remained hidden for 30 years.
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3points
#56
On April 19, 2023, 20-year-old Alexa Bartell was driving near Denver, Colorado, while talking to a friend on the phone when a 9-pound landscaping rock was thrown through her windshield. The rock struck Alexa, and her car left the road. Her friend later tracked her phone and found her unresponsive inside the vehicle.
Investigators learned that Joseph Koenig, Nicholas Karol-Chik and Zachary Kwak had been driving around throwing rocks at passing vehicles that night. After Alexa’s car crashed, the group circled back, and Kwak took a photograph of the wreck. According to court documents, he said he believed one of the others would want the image as a “memento.”
Koenig was convicted in 2025 of first-degree m****r and other charges and was sentenced to life in prison without parole plus 60 years. Karol-Chik pleaded guilty to second-degree m****r and received 45 years in prison, while Kwak received 32 years after pleading guilty to a*****t-related charges.
Investigators learned that Joseph Koenig, Nicholas Karol-Chik and Zachary Kwak had been driving around throwing rocks at passing vehicles that night. After Alexa’s car crashed, the group circled back, and Kwak took a photograph of the wreck. According to court documents, he said he believed one of the others would want the image as a “memento.”
Koenig was convicted in 2025 of first-degree m****r and other charges and was sentenced to life in prison without parole plus 60 years. Karol-Chik pleaded guilty to second-degree m****r and received 45 years in prison, while Kwak received 32 years after pleading guilty to a*****t-related charges.
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#57
In November 2016, 28-year-old doctor Angela Jay returned to her home in Port Macquarie, Australia, and was ambushed by her former boyfriend, Paul Lambert. Their relationship had lasted only a few months, but after Angela tried to end it, Lambert became increasingly controlling and threatening. Angela had gone to police and applied for a protective order before the attack.
Lambert hid inside Angela’s home and attacked her when she returned from work. She was s***bed 11 times and doused in petrol, but managed to escape before he could set her on fire. Despite her injuries, Angela reached a neighbor’s home, where she remained remarkably calm while helping them follow emergency instructions until paramedics arrived.
Lambert fled and was pursued by police. After a high-speed chase, officers confronted him near Bonville, where he lunged toward them with a knife after a Taser failed to stop him. Police s**t and k****d him. Angela survived and later became a prominent advocate against domestic violence.
Lambert hid inside Angela’s home and attacked her when she returned from work. She was s***bed 11 times and doused in petrol, but managed to escape before he could set her on fire. Despite her injuries, Angela reached a neighbor’s home, where she remained remarkably calm while helping them follow emergency instructions until paramedics arrived.
Lambert fled and was pursued by police. After a high-speed chase, officers confronted him near Bonville, where he lunged toward them with a knife after a Taser failed to stop him. Police s**t and k****d him. Angela survived and later became a prominent advocate against domestic violence.
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#58
In 1985, 25-year-old British mountaineer Joe Simpson and 21-year-old Simon Yates became the first climbers to ascend the west face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes. Disaster struck during their descent when Simpson fell and severely shattered his right leg. Yates attempted to lower his injured partner thousands of feet down the mountain as worsening weather surrounded them.
Eventually Simpson was accidentally lowered over an ice cliff, leaving him hanging where Yates could neither pull him back up nor safely lower him farther. Yates was being dragged toward the edge himself and made the desperate decision to cut their rope. Simpson plunged roughly 100 feet before falling farther into a massive glacier crevasse. Yates later descended, saw the crevasse and believed there was no possibility his partner had survived.
Simpson was alive. Unable to climb back through the opening above him, he lowered himself deeper into the crevasse until he discovered another route onto the glacier. With his shattered leg, little food or water and nobody searching for him, Simpson spent roughly three and a half days crawling and dragging himself toward base camp. He finally arrived only hours before his companions were preparing to leave. Simpson later documented the ordeal in his bestselling memoir Touching the Void.
Eventually Simpson was accidentally lowered over an ice cliff, leaving him hanging where Yates could neither pull him back up nor safely lower him farther. Yates was being dragged toward the edge himself and made the desperate decision to cut their rope. Simpson plunged roughly 100 feet before falling farther into a massive glacier crevasse. Yates later descended, saw the crevasse and believed there was no possibility his partner had survived.
Simpson was alive. Unable to climb back through the opening above him, he lowered himself deeper into the crevasse until he discovered another route onto the glacier. With his shattered leg, little food or water and nobody searching for him, Simpson spent roughly three and a half days crawling and dragging himself toward base camp. He finally arrived only hours before his companions were preparing to leave. Simpson later documented the ordeal in his bestselling memoir Touching the Void.
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#59
On December 21, 1992, 25-year-old teacher Christy Mirack failed to arrive at the Pennsylvania elementary school where she worked. A coworker went to her home and found her m******d inside. Investigators collected DNA from the crime scene, but no suspect could be identified and the case remained unsolved for decades.
In 2018, investigators used genetic genealogy to narrow the DNA profile to Raymond Rowe, a well-known local wedding DJ who performed under the name DJ Freez. Detectives secretly followed Rowe until he discarded a piece of chewing gum and a water bottle while working at an elementary school event. Testing showed that DNA from both items matched the DNA recovered from Christy’s m****r scene.
Rowe was arrested in June 2018. In January 2019, he admitted k*****g Christy and pleaded guilty to criminal homicide and other charges. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 60 to 120 years.
In 2018, investigators used genetic genealogy to narrow the DNA profile to Raymond Rowe, a well-known local wedding DJ who performed under the name DJ Freez. Detectives secretly followed Rowe until he discarded a piece of chewing gum and a water bottle while working at an elementary school event. Testing showed that DNA from both items matched the DNA recovered from Christy’s m****r scene.
Rowe was arrested in June 2018. In January 2019, he admitted k*****g Christy and pleaded guilty to criminal homicide and other charges. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 60 to 120 years.
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3points
#60
On December 19, 1979, 18-year-old high school senior Michelle Martinko went shopping at Westdale Mall in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Early the following morning, she was discovered inside her family’s car in the mall parking lot. Michelle had been s***bed repeatedly, but despite an enormous investigation, detectives could not identify her k**ler.
Investigators preserved Michelle’s clothing and evidence from inside the car. Years later, improved testing revealed something crucial: male DNA from blood on Michelle’s dress matched male DNA recovered from the gearshift. Detectives believed her attacker had cut himself during Michelle’s struggle, meaning he had unknowingly left investigators a genetic fingerprint at the crime scene.
Investigative genetic genealogy eventually led detectives to Jerry Lynn Burns. Police secretly obtained Burns’ DNA and matched it to the crime-scene profile. He was arrested on December 19, 2018, exactly 39 years after Michelle went shopping at the mall. Burns was later convicted of first-degree m****r and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Investigators preserved Michelle’s clothing and evidence from inside the car. Years later, improved testing revealed something crucial: male DNA from blood on Michelle’s dress matched male DNA recovered from the gearshift. Detectives believed her attacker had cut himself during Michelle’s struggle, meaning he had unknowingly left investigators a genetic fingerprint at the crime scene.
Investigative genetic genealogy eventually led detectives to Jerry Lynn Burns. Police secretly obtained Burns’ DNA and matched it to the crime-scene profile. He was arrested on December 19, 2018, exactly 39 years after Michelle went shopping at the mall. Burns was later convicted of first-degree m****r and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
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