In a small town nestled in Ohio, a series of poison pen letters unleashed chaos and fear that would linger for decades. The Circleville letters represent a dark chapter in American history, showcasing the lengths one individual would go to in order to destroy lives and reputations. This week we delve into the harrowing story behind this campaign of terror, the psychological motivations of the writer, and the tragic consequences that followed. The Circleville letters, a notorious case of anonymous harassment that spanned decades, targeting a community and leading to tragic outcomes. We explore the psychological profile of the perpetrator, the nature of the letters, the community's response, and the failures of the investigation that allowed the writer to remain anonymous. We also highlight the profound impact of the letters on the victims and the community, as well as the tragic consequences that ensued from the investigation's shortcomings. Carrie and MawMaw delve into the mysterious death of Ron Gillespie, the subsequent investigation, and the ongoing terror campaign represented by the Circleville letters. They explore the suspicious circumstances surrounding Gillespie's death, the failures of the sheriff's department, and the wrongful conviction of Paul Freshour. Lastly they highlight the political motivations behind the investigation, the mishandling of forensic evidence, and the chilling threats faced by Mary Gillespie. Ultimately, they raise questions about justice, accountability, and the enduring legacy of the Circleville letters.

In our final, decisive flight of 2025, Carrie and MawMaw are strapping on detective hats and analyzing technical blueprints to close the year on the most audacious acts of air piracy in American history. We’re stepping away from typical horrors to explore a brief, terrifying era when the sky became a frontier for high-stakes criminals—and one aircraft, the Boeing 727, became the perfect getaway vehicle.

In this episode, we dissect the three archetypes of the skyjacking era:

• The Legend (D.B. Cooper): The man who turned Seat 18C into a heist scene, vanishing into a 1971 storm with $200,000 and leaving behind nothing but a J.C. Penney tie and 60 volumes of FBI mysteries.
• The Copycat (Richard Floyd McCoy Jr.): A Green Beret who pulled off a "perfect" $500,000 jump only to be undone by a deposit slip and... a sandwich?
• The Ghost (Wilhelm Specht): The chaotic precursor who proved the human will to escape is absolute, using a simple pen knife to cut his way out of a pressurized cabin at 24,000 feet.

From the physics of "Exit Trauma" and the forensic secrets hidden in titanium particles, to Carrie’s theory on a ground accomplice, we are unraveling why the mystery of D.B. Cooper still haunts the Pacific Northwest 54 years later.

Plus: We share an incredible listener fact from dragongirl15dragon94 regarding our Sodder Children investigation!

In This Episode:

• The Technical Trap: How the "Cooper Vane" ended an era of crime.
• Forensic Deep Dive: The microscopic particles that might finally name a suspect in 2026.
• The Suspects: Analyzing Robert Rackstraw vs. Kenneth Christiansen.
• The IRS Footnote: Why the government still wants its taxes from a man who vanished.

Thank you for an incredible 2025! We’ll see you in 2026 as we kick things off with a town terrorized by a mysterious writer.

Listener Discretion is Advised: This episode contains topics and language that may not be suitable for all listeners and may be triggering for some.

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In the chill of Christmas Eve 1945, a tragedy unfolded in Fayetteville, West Virginia, that would haunt a family and a community for decades. The Sodder family, preparing for a joyful holiday, faced an unimaginable horror when five of their children vanished without a trace in a fire that raised more questions than answers. With theories ranging from kidnapping to political motives, In this episode we delve into the eerie details of that fateful night, exploring the dark shadows of suspicion and the enduring mystery that still captivates hearts today. We highlight the enduring mystery and the psychological impact of ambiguous loss on the Sodder family, culminating in a discussion of the children's legacy and the ongoing quest for truth.

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