Friends Who Crime

Ep. 14: The Disappearance of Brian Shaffer

This week on Friends Who Crime, I’m joined by my friend Christian to unravel one of the most haunting missing persons cases I’ve ever researched: the 2006 disappearance of Brian Shaffer. Brian was a 27-year-old med student who seemed to vanish into thin air after a night out in Columbus, Ohio. No evidence, no suspects, and no footage of him ever leaving the bar. We go through the timeline, dig into the theories, and talk about how a person could disappear in a place surrounded by security cameras. Also—sorry this episode is a day late, y’all! Life happens.
Sources:
ABC News: "Ohio State Student Still Missing After Bar Visit"
Columbus Monthly: “What Happened to Brian Shaffer?”
Dateline NBC: Missing in America: Brian Shaffer
FBI Missing Persons Database: Brian Shaffer Case File
Nancy Grace Podcast: Crime Stories with Nancy Grace: The Vanishing of Brian Shaffer
Oxygen.com: “The Strange Case of Brian Shaffer’s Disappearance”
Reddit: r/UnresolvedMysteries and r/BrianShaffer
The Lantern (Ohio State University’s Student Paper): “Still No Answers in Shaffer Case”
True Crime Garage Podcast: Brian Shaffer Parts 1 & 2
WBNS 10TV Columbus: “Brian Shaffer Disappearance Timeline”

Ep. 13: The Baker Case

In this solo episode, Brynn dives deep into the mysterious 2006 death of Kari Baker, a beloved teacher and pastor’s wife whose apparent suicide unraveled into a chilling murder case. As the layers peel back, listeners follow the relentless efforts of Kari’s family to uncover the truth after authorities initially failed to investigate. From a suspicious suicide note to a mistress’s explosive courtroom testimony, this case is filled with twists, secrets, and shocking revelations. Tune in for a gripping story of justice that almost never came.
Show Notes
Pre-save Neiko & I's upcoming single!
Sources
ABC News. (2010). Waco’s Beloved Minister, After 20 Years, Claims Guilty Conscience. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/US/wacos-beloved-minister-after-20-years-claims-guilty/story?id=119811804
Casey, Kathryn. Deadly Little Secrets. HarperCollins Publishers.
Justia US Law. (2011). Matt Baker v. The State of Texas. Retrieved from https://law.justia.com/cases/texas/tenth-court-of-appeals/2011/10661.html
NBC News. (2010). Dateline: The Secret. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna34983893
State Bar of Texas / Texas District & County Attorneys Association. (2011). The Murdering Minister. Retrieved from https://www.tdcaa.com/journal/the-murdering-minister/#:~:text=The%20jury%20returned%20several%20hours,a%20minister%20for%20evil%20purposes.
Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Inmate Information: Matthew D. Baker. Retrieved from https://inmate.tdcj.texas.gov/InmateSearch/viewDetail.action?sid=08036627
Texas Monthly. (2021). The Valley of the Shadow of Death. Retrieved from https://www.texasmonthly.com/true-crime/the-valley-of-the-shadow-of-death/
Various court and police records, investigative reporting, firsthand accounts, and official interviews.

Ep. 12: The Idaho College Murders

Four young lives, a quiet college town, and a crime that shocked the nation. In this episode, my brother Blaine joins me as we unravel the chilling details of the Idaho College Murders and the arrest of Bryan Kohberger. We dig into the timeline, the evidence, and the theories swirling around his alleged motive, all while the world waits for the trial to begin. It's a case full of twists, unanswered questions, and a darkness that still lingers.

Ep. 11: Toni Henthorn

This week, my friend James joins me to talk about the chilling and tragic death of Toni Bertolet Henthorn, a beloved doctor who fell to her death during what was supposed to be a romantic anniversary hike. But as we dig deeper, it becomes clear that her husband Harold had more than just a scenic walk planned. From secret life insurance policies to a suspiciously similar incident years earlier, this case is full of red flags and jaw-dropping twists. James and I try to make sense of it all while honoring Toni’s memory and the strength of her family. Buckle up—this one’s a wild ride through the Rockies.
 
Sources
ABC News. Colorado man who pushed wife off cliff exposed after decades of deceit. https://abcnews.go.com/US/colorado-man-pushing-wife-off-cliff-exposed-decades/story?id=118482217
20/20: “Mountain of Lies” episode (ABC News)
Denver7. Murder trial evidence documents Harold Henthorn’s elaborate plot to shove wife from cliff at RMNP. https://www.denver7.com/news/front-range/denver/murder-trial-evidence-documents-harold-henthorns-elaborate-plot-to-shove-wife-from-cliff-at-rmnp
Denver Post. 10-year-old Henthorn daughter now ward of uncle. https://www.denverpost.com/2015/12/23/10-year-old-henthorn-daughter-now-ward-of-uncle/
Horan & McConaty. Obituary for Toni Henthorn. https://www.horancares.com/obituaries/toni-henthorn
In Memory of Toni. University of Mississippi Foundation. https://www.umfoundation.com/2016/02/26/in-memory-of-toni/
Justice.gov. Harold Henthorn arrested for first degree murder related to death of wife in Rocky Mountain National Park. https://www.justice.gov/usao-co/pr/harold-henthorn-arrested-first-degree-murder-related-death-wife-rocky-mountain-national
NBC News. Toni’s family addresses judge at Harold Henthorn’s sentencing. https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/toni-s-family-addresses-judge-harold-henthorn-s-sentencing-n526801
Sportskeeda. 5 chilling details about Toni Henthorn’s murder. https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/shows/5-chilling-details-toni-henthorn-s-murder
Sportskeeda. Where is Harold Henthorn now? Details explored ahead of 20/20 on ABC. https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/shows/where-harold-henthorn-now-details-explored-ahead-20-20-abc
Westword. Harold Henthorn may have tried to kill wife before fatal hike marked with “X,” docs say. https://www.westword.com/news/harold-henthorn-may-have-tried-to-kill-wife-before-fatal-hike-marked-with-x-docs-say-6051753

Ep. 10: The Blood Countess, Elizabeth Báthory

​In this TENTH episode of Friends Who Crime, I’m joined by my little brother, Logan, as we delve into the chilling legend of Elizabeth Báthory, the Blood Countess. Together, we explore the gruesome tales of her alleged crimes, the political intrigues of 16th-century Hungary, and the enduring mysteries that surround her story. Was she truly the most prolific female serial killer in history, or a victim of a sinister conspiracy? Join us as we unravel the truth behind the myth and discuss how her legacy continues to captivate and horrify to this day.

Ep. 9: The Girl In The Barrel

In this episode of Friends Who Crime, I'm joined by friend Savanna to dive into the chilling, decades-old mystery of Reyna Angélica Marroquín. When a sealed barrel is discovered in a Long Island crawl space, the horrifying secret inside unravels a story of love, betrayal, and murder. Together, Brynn and Savanna piece together Reyna’s tragic story and the shocking twist that finally brought her killer to light. It's a case full of buried secrets—literally.

Ep. 8: The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker

In this episode of Friends Who Crime, Brynn is joined by Don to unravel the wild, bizarre, and tragic case of the Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker, Caleb Lawrence McGillvary. What started as a viral internet hero moment quickly spiraled into a shocking murder case that left the world stunned. Was Kai a vigilante drifter caught in a nightmare, or was there a darker truth behind his free-spirited persona? Tune in as Brynn and Don break down the twists, turns, and unsettling reality of this infamous true crime story.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, help is available. You can reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or visit RAINN.org for confidential support.
 
If I don't include sources, will anyone notice or care? This is a test!

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.