Friends Who Crime

Ep. 7: Keep Austin Haunted

This week on Friends Who Crime, we’re diving into the haunted history of Austin, TX, with two of its most infamous paranormal hotspots: The Driskill Hotel and The Clay Pit. From ghostly brides and eerie paintings to spirits lingering in an old Bertram family trading post, these stories will send chills down your spine. Joining me for this episode is my friend Neiko, who also happens to be the wizard behind the scenes, helping edit the podcast! It was a blast having him on as a guest this time, and we had way too much fun swapping ghost stories and theories. So, turn down the lights, grab a cozy blanket, and get ready for some spine-tingling campfire tales from the heart of Texas!
🔪✨ Follow, subscribe, and stay spooky! ✨🔪
 
Show Notes:
Book a tour with Haunted ATX! Request Loretta! Follow them @hauntedatx
Follow the show on Instagram @friendswhocrime
Send in your ghost stories over instagram or email them to friendswhocrime@gmail.com
For videos and more info on The Clay Pit hauntings, watch this video of Strange Town!
Ads are coming soon! I've had difficulty with them, so they won't be on this episode as I stated during recording. Enjoy!
Sources:
Plumer, Jeanine. Haunted Austin: History and Hauntings in the Capital City.
"The Bertram Building – Clay Pit." Austin Ghosts. https://austinghosts.com/the-clay-pit-the-bertram-building/
"Who is Haunting the Driskill Hotel?" Austin Ghost Tours. https://austinghosttours.com/who-is-haunting-the-driskill-hotel/
"Driskill Hotel’s Haunted History: Fact vs. Fiction." Austin Monthly. https://www.austinmonthly.com/driskill-hotels-haunted-history-fact-vs-fiction/
"Urban Legends of Austin." Do512. https://do512.com/p/urban-legends-of-austin
"Spooky Austin: Haunted Downtown." Downtown Austin Blog. https://downtownaustin.com/blog/spooky-austin-haunted-downtown/#:~:text=The%20Bertram%20Building%20is%20one,quarters%20upstairs%2C%20restaurants%20and%20more.
"The Haunted Painting of the Historic Driskill Hotel." Texas Hill Country. https://texashillcountry.com/haunted-painting-historic-driskill-hotel/
"10 Haunted Paintings That Will Creep You Out." All That’s Interesting. https://allthatsinteresting.com/haunted-paintings/3
"The Haunted Driskill Hotel." Ghost City Tours. https://ghostcitytours.com/austin/haunted-austin/driskill-hotel/?srsltid=AfmBOoq-t0ayMOdOjZL97bxxnTUoB73mN6w79EMjv9GP5MFu1qHnzdzG
"Rudolph Christian Bertram (1829–1892)." FamilySearch. https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/L6RN-VH5/rudolph-christian-bertram-1829-1892
"The Haunted Driskill Hotel – Ghosts of Texas." YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp-5OYxf0gk

Ep. 6: GUBU

In this episode, we delve into the infamous Malcolm MacArthur case, a chilling double murder that rocked Ireland in 1982 and led to the coining of the term "GUBU" (Grotesque, Unbelievable, Bizarre, and Unprecedented). We'll explore the shocking details of the crimes, MacArthur's unexpected arrest in the Attorney General's home, and the profound political fallout that ensued. Joining us this week is my friend Reid, who brings fresh insights into how this case has left a lasting impact on Irish society and politics.
Show Notes:
I mispronounced too many names in this one, as well as the word "gardai". Apologies and I will try harder next time. 
Follow the show on Instagram @friendswhocrime
Thank you to Neiko Garcia for his editing prowess!!
Sources:
BBC News. "GUBU." BBC Blogs, 2006. https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/worldupdate/2006/06/gubu.html
Kelly, Justin. "'A Sinister Summer' – The Story of Malcolm MacArthur and Murder in Offaly." Offaly Express, August 21, 2022. https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/home/888336/a-sinister-summer-the-story-of-malcolm-macarthur-and-murder-in-offaly.html
McGreevy, Ronan. "GUBU: Irish Double Murder Case 40 Years On." The Guardian, November 7, 2022. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/07/gubu-irish-double-murder-case-40-years-on-podcasts-malcolm-macarthur-charles-haughey
McGreevy, Ronan. "Ireland's Most Notorious Murderer, Malcolm MacArthur: 'Why I Might Have Done What I Did'." The Guardian, June 20, 2023. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/20/ireland-most-notorious-murderer-malcolm-macarthur-why-i-might-have-done-what-i-did
O'Connell, Mark. "A Thread of Violence by Mark O'Connell – A Masterpiece of Murkiness." The Guardian, June 25, 2023. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/jun/25/a-thread-of-violence-by-mark-oconnell-review-a-masterpiece-of-murkiness
RTÉ Brainstorm. "1982: GUBU – Charles Haughey, Malcolm MacArthur and Patrick Connolly." RTÉ, August 2, 2022. https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2022/0802/1313477-1982-gubu-charles-haughey-malcolm-macarthur-patrick-connolly/
"The Malcolm MacArthur Case: Ireland's Infamous GUBU Scandal." Emerald Chronicle. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9O_bInm7Is

Ep. 5: The Coffee Killer

In this episode of Friends Who Crime, I’m joined by my friend Braden to unravel the chilling case of Mirna Salihin. What was meant to be a casual coffee date ended in a shocking murder, leading to one of Indonesia’s most controversial trials. Was Jessica Wongso truly guilty, or is there more to the story? Grab your favorite drink—just maybe not an iced coffee—and tune in for this mysterious deep dive.
Show Notes:
Follow the show on Instagram @friendswhocrime
Thank you to Neiko Garcia for his editing prowess!!
Sources:
ABC News Australia. (2024, August 27). Convicted murderer Jessica Wongso released from prison. Retrieved from ABC News.
BBC News. (2016, October 27). Jessica Wongso and the cyanide coffee murder trial. Retrieved from BBC News.
Bekah302. Sweetened Condensed Poison: The Case of Mirna Salihin. Retrieved from Medium.
BuzzFeed News. The Cyanide Iced Coffee Murder Trial. Retrieved from BuzzFeed.
Chalk Outline. Death by Iced Coffee. Retrieved from Medium.
Cosmopolitan UK. Jessica Wongso: Where Is She Now? Retrieved from Cosmopolitan.
Daily Mail Australia. (2016, January 21). Investigation into the murder of Mirna Salihin by cyanide coffee. Retrieved from Daily Mail.
Foreign Policy. (2016, November 17). Indonesia’s Murder Melodrama Has the Whole Country Watching. Retrieved from Foreign Policy.
Jakarta Globe. Jessica Wongso Maintains Innocence After Parole Appeal & Supreme Court Verdict in Poisoned Coffee Case. Retrieved from Jakarta Globe.
Jurnal Impresi Indonesia. Jessica Wongso and the Search for Hidden Causality in the Poisoned Coffee Case. Retrieved from Jurnal Impresi Indonesia.
Neal, J. The Coffee Killer. In True Crime Case Histories Volume 3 (Chapter 1).
Paris Review. (2015, April 28). Almond Joy. Retrieved from The Paris Review.
Sydney Morning Herald. (2016, June 21). Widower of Cyanide Coffee Victim Wayan Mirna Salihin Calls for Justice. Retrieved from SMH.
The Jakarta Post. (2016, August 31). With No Autopsy, Can We Be Sure Mirna Died from Cyanide? Jessica’s Lawyer Responds. Retrieved from The Jakarta Post.
Ice Cold: Murder, Coffee and Jessica Wongso (Documentary). Netflix.
YouTube. Jessica Wongso Cyanide Coffee Murder Case Explained. Retrieved from YouTube.

Ep. 4: Rebecca Schaeffer

In this episode, we delve into the tragic murder case of Rebecca Schaeffer, a promising young actress whose life was abruptly taken by an obsessed fan. I'm thrilled to have my mom, Katherine, join me as we explore the personal and cultural impact of this notorious case. Together, we unpack the events of that fateful day and discuss how it reshaped Hollywood's approach to celebrity safety and anti-stalking laws. Tune in for an intimate, informative conversation that sheds new light on a story that still resonates today.
Trigger warning: This episode includes a brief mention of suicide.
Show Notes:
Check out the work of Thursday's Child: https://thursdayschildofli.org/ 
Mental health is just as important as physical health. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or text "HELLO" to 741741 for crisis support via text
Sources:
All That's Interesting. “Rebecca Schaeffer.” Retrieved from https://allthatsinteresting.com/rebecca-schaeffer
CBS News. “Actress Killer Stabbed in Prison.” Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/actress-killer-stabbed-in-prison/
The Day Newspaper. (1987, July 4). “Rebecca Shaeffer says co-star really like big sister.”
Deseret News Newspaper. (1989, July 19). “TV Actress Answers Her Door, is Slain by Gunman.”
Eugene Register-Guard Newspaper. (1989, July 24). “Murder Suspect Seemed as Determined as Victim.”
Find A Grave. “Rebecca Schaeffer.” Retrieved from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/1486/rebecca-schaeffer
IMDb. “Rebecca Schaeffer – Biography.” Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0769726/bio/
Los Angeles Times. (1989, July 29). Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-07-29-fi-317-story.html
Medium. “Fanaticism Turned Fatal: The Rebecca Schaeffer Case.” Retrieved from https://medium.com/omitted-history/fanaticism-turned-fatal-the-rebecca-schaeffer-case-f99b71ce7376
People. “Murder Rebecca Schaeffer Anti-Stalking 20/20 Clip.” Retrieved from https://people.com/crime/murder-rebecca-schaeffer-anti-stalking-20-20-clip/
RebeccaSchaeffer.net. Retrieved from http://rebeccaschaeffer.net/
Saturday Evening Post. “The Hollywood Murder That Made States Take Stalking Seriously.” Retrieved from https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2019/07/the-hollywood-murder-that-made-states-take-stalking-seriously/
Times-Union Newspaper. (1991, October 30). “Fan Convicted in Slaying of Rebecca Shaeffer.”
The Union Democrat Newspaper. (1989, July 19). “Actress Schaeffer Slain.”
UPI. “Schaeffer Remembered as Amazing Young Lady.” Retrieved from https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/07/23/Schaeffer-remembered-as-amazing-young-lady/1562617169600/

Ep. 3: The Chowchilla Kidnapping

Step back to 1976 and uncover the chilling events of the Chowchilla kidnapping—a day when a peaceful, small-town morning turned into a nightmare. In this episode, Cortney and I trace the timeline of that fateful day, explore the impact on a tight-knit community, and delve into the investigation that followed. Through detailed accounts and expert insights, we reveal how an 11‑hour ordeal shattered the sense of security in Chowchilla and left lasting questions about resilience, trust, and the nature of fear. Join us as we piece together one of America’s most perplexing abduction cases.
Trigger warning: This episode includes child abduction.
 
Show Notes:
Mental health is just as important as physical health. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or text "HELLO" to 741741 for crisis support via text
Sources:
"1976 Bus Kidnapping." City of Chowchilla, www.cityofchowchilla.org/300/1976-Bus-Kidnapping
"48 Hours: Remembering the Chowchilla Kidnapping." 48 Hours, season 36, episode 20, CBS.
Goulet, Robert. "Ballad of Chowchilla Ray."
"Chowchilla." HBO Max, 2023.
"Chowchilla Kidnapping Collection Find Aid." Online Archive of California, https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/c8f47tmk/
"Chowchilla Kidnapping [YouTube Video]." YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJPh0c6VoyQ
"Edward Ray – A Local Hero." City of Chowchilla, www.cityofchowchilla.org/301/Edward-Ray---A-Local-Hero
"Ed Ray, Bus Driver Who Helped Save Kidnapped Children, Dies at 91." The New York Times, 19 May 2012, www.nytimes.com/2012/05/19/us/ed-ray-bus-driver-who-helped-save-kidnapped-children-dies-at-91.html
People v. Schoenfeld. Casetext, https://casetext.com/case/people-v-schoenfeld
 

Ep. 2: The Unsolved Murder of Donna Doll

In this episode of Friends Who Crime, I’m joined by my friend, Andy, as we dive into the bizarre and unsettling unsolved murder of Donna Doll. In 1970, the quiet college town of DeKalb, Illinois, was rocked by the mysterious death of the NIU student, whose body was found with an eerie and unexplained detail—six pounds of potatoes in her stomach. Was this a crime of passion? A case of poisoning? Or something even stranger? We’ll break down the theories, the suspects, and the lingering questions that still haunt this case 55 years later. And remember- friends don't let friends commit crimes! Follow @friendswhocrime on Instagram!
Trigger warning: This episode includes a brief mention of suicide.
 
Show Notes:
DeKalb County Police are still accepting tips on Donna's murder. Call them at 404-294-2911 with any information you may know surrounding the case. 
Sources:
"Murder case remains unsolved." Northern Star. Link
"Murder by Potatoes: The Curious Case of Donna Doll." The Wicked Truth on Medium. Link
Donna Susan Doll Memorial. Find A Grave. Link
"Who was Donna Doll? The college student murdered in 1970 with six pounds of potatoes in her body." We Got This Covered. Link
r/MyFavoriteMurder discussion on Reddit. Link
"University Student Found Suffocated to Death in Cornfield." Vocal Media. Link
The Daily Chronicle (DeKalb, Illinois), October 20, 1970.
"Bizarre True Crime Stories." Weird Darkness. Link
"Hold the Starch: Confounding Carbohydrates in the Deaths of Donna Doll and Elizabeth Lightfoot." I Did It For Jodie Archive. Link

Ep. 1: Ryan Poston & Shayna Hubers

In the very first episode of Friends Who Crime, Brynn is joined by her friend Kaity to dive into the shocking case of Ryan Poston’s murder. They unravel the toxic relationship between Ryan and Shayna Hubers, the chilling 911 call, Shayna’s bizarre police interrogation, and the dramatic trial that captivated the nation. Was this self-defense or cold-blooded murder? Tune in for wild details, dark twists, and plenty of unfiltered reactions. And remember—true friends don’t let friends commit crimes! Follow @friendswhocrime on Instagram!
 
Show Notes:
Shayna Hubers Interrogation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcPheto_rSw
Ryan Poston's Obituary Page: https://www.dmefuneral.com/obituaries/Ryan-Carter-Poston?obId=4462995
National Domestic Abuse Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/
SAFE Austin: https://www.safeaustin.org/
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/
Sources:
Wikipedia: Murder of Ryan Poston
Ryan Poston's Obituary (Legacy)
Ryan Poston's Obituary (DME Funeral Home)
ABC News: Shocking Things About the Case
Killer Cases, Season 1, Episode 3: “Murder in Kentucky Hills”
20/20 Episode: “Bad Blood”
Kentucky Department of Corrections Offender Lookup (Archived)
YouTube: Trial Footage & Analysis
A&E Real Crime: The Ryan Poston Murder

Friends Who Crime Trailer

In this Friends Who Crime trailer, host Brynn introduces the podcast, sharing her love for true crime and the idea behind the show. Each episode features a different friend reacting to a case Brynn has researched, blending storytelling with humor while keeping the focus on the victims. Tune in for a mix of mystery, friendship, and lighthearted crime talk! First full episode releases on February 4th! Follow FWC on instagram @friendswhocrime