Épisodes

  • Episode 139: Changeling in Real Life: The Disappearance of Walter Collins

    Episode 139: Changeling in Real Life: The Disappearance of Walter Collins
    Feb 4 2026
    In March 1928, 9-year-old Walter Collins disappeared from Los Angeles after going to the movies. His single mother, Christine Collins, reported him missing, triggering a massive LAPD search amid the department's corruption scandal and recent criticism over the brutal Marion Parker murder. Five months later, the LAPD reunited Christine with an impostor boy from Illinois claiming to be Walter to salvage their reputation. Despite obvious physical differences and confirmation from others that he wasn't her son, Captain J.J. Jones coerced her into taking him home and, when she persisted with evidence, had her involuntarily committed to a psychiatric ward for about a week under "Code 12" to silence her. The boy soon confessed to being 12-year-old runaway Arthur Hutchins Jr., securing Christine's release and sparking public outrage. Meanwhile, the case linked to the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders: serial killer Gordon Stewart Northcott, aided by his mother and nephew Sanford Clark, abducted, abused, tortured, and murdered young boys on his farm. Evidence and confessions tied Walter to the victims—he was reportedly killed with an axe—though his body was never definitively found. Northcott was hanged in 1930; his mother received life. Christine sued successfully for false imprisonment (though payment was evaded) and helped inspire a 1931 law requiring due process for psychiatric commitments. She never accepted Walter's death, searching until her own in 1964. The story, dramatized in the 2008 film Changeling, exposes police corruption, institutional misogyny, and profound maternal grief. This month's Branch of Hope sponsored charity is: The Parents of Murdered Children. POMC provides ongoing emotional support, education, prevention, advocacy, and awareness for survivors of homicide victims, while working toward a world free of murder. It is the only national self-help organization specifically focused on the aftermath of murder. It emphasizes helping survivors reconstruct a "new life" after acute grief and dealing with the criminal justice system. To find more information go to pomc.org Sources:

    The Wineville Chicken Coop Murders – Crime Library. (n.d.). https://crimelibrary.org/serial_killers/predators/gordon_stewart_northcott/

    Abramowitz, R. (2019, March 1). THE OTHER SON - Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-oct-19-ca-changeling19-story.html

    Blair, E. (2008, October 24). Behind “Changeling,” a tale too strange for fiction. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2008/10/24/95935010/behind-changeling-a-tale-too-strange-for-fiction

    The Road Out Of Hell: Sanford Clark and The True Story of the Wineville Murders: Flacco, Anthony, Clark, Jerry, Stone, Michael: 9781402768699: Amazon.com: Books. (n.d.). https://www.amazon.com/Road-Out-Hell-Sanford-Wineville/dp/1402768699

    Changeling (2008) ⭐ 7.7 | Biography, crime, drama. (2008, October 31). IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0824747/

    Join The Dark Oak Discussion:

    Patreon

    The Dark Oak Podcast Website

    Facebook

    Instagram

    Twitter

    TikTok

    Youtube

    This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 5 min
  • Episode 138: Twins Divided: The Story of Frederick and Cedric Young

    Episode 138: Twins Divided: The Story of Frederick and Cedric Young
    Jan 28 2026

    Identical twins Frederick and Cedric Young were caught in a wrongful-conviction controversy after a 1993 string of armed robberies, when Frederick was convicted largely on eyewitness identification and guns found in his car, despite alibis, claims of mistaken identity, and later testimony that Cedric was the real perpetrator. The case, featured on Unsolved Mysteries, highlights serious flaws in eyewitness testimony and the difficulty of exoneration when crimes involve identical twins and no definitive DNA evidence.

    Sources:

    Kayley Ramsey. (2024, August 27). After 27 years in prison, Frederick Young breaks free of the cycle. Smart Justice. https://smartjustice.org/incarceration/after-27-years-in-prison-frederick-young-breaks-out-of-the-cycle

    2025 Archive | Most recent Court of Appeals Summaries | Iowa Judicial Branch. (n.d.). Copyright 2026 Iowa Judicial Branch. All Rights Reserved. https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/court-of-appeals/most-recent-coa-summaries/archive/2025

    Which twin do you believe? The case of Frederick and Cedric Young. (n.d.). Criminal. https://vocal.media/criminal/which-twin-do-you-believe-the-case-of-frederick-and-cedric-young

    FilmRise True Crime. (2017, March 9). Unsolved Mysteries with Dennis Farina - Season 4, Episode 16 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O8Ljh5rS-I

    This episode supports The Branch of Hope Foundation January 2025 sponsored charity:

    The Honey & Barry Sherman Legacy Foundation - A charitable organization established in 2020 by their daughter Alex Krawczyk to honor the memory and continue the philanthropic vision of Barry Sherman, the founder of Apotex, and his wife Honey, following their tragic deaths in 2017. Its primary purpose is to support charitable organizations focused on healthcare equity, human rights, scientific education and research, and Jewish community institutions, thereby furthering the couple's unfinished philanthropic aims. The foundation directs grants to initiatives that improve lives, advance medical care and accessibility (such as donations to hospitals and vision care programs), promote scientific discovery, and strengthen community organizations. By building on the Shermans' long-standing commitment to giving it creates a lasting legacy of impactful philanthropy.

    Join The Dark Oak Discussion:

    Patreon

    The Dark Oak Podcast Website

    Facebook

    Instagram

    Twitter

    TikTok

    Youtube

    This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    50 min
  • Episode 137: The Indiana Dunes Mystery

    Episode 137: The Indiana Dunes Mystery
    Jan 21 2026

    On July 2, 1966, three young women went to Indiana Dunes State Park for a day of sunbathing and swimming. Witnesses reported seeing them leave their belongings unattended around noon and enter the water together, but they were later seen boarding a boat with an unknown man. After some time, the women were seen returning to the beach, before getting on a second boat with three unknown males. Unfortunately, they were never seen again. Could there have been a deadly boating accident? An abduction? A botched abortion on the water? Theories have swarmed this case for decades and tragically we still don't know what happened to Renee Bruhl, Ann Miller and Patricia Blough.

    Sources:

    What happened to three young sunbathers who disappeared at Indiana Dunes State Park 57 years ago? (2023, February 7). NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/cold-case-spotlight/happened-three-young-sunbathers-disappeared-indiana-dunes-state-park-5-rcna69110

    Malik, I. (2025, April 2). The Indiana Dunes Mystery: What happened to the three women who vanished in 1966? | Unsolved Mysteries Iceberg. Factual America Podcast. https://www.factualamerica.com/crime-scene-stories/the-chilling-lake-michigan-mystery-indiana-dunes-triple-disappearance-explained-unsolved-mysteries-iceberg

    1966 Three Sunbathers disappear from Beach -. (2019, November 9). https://www.michiganmysteries.com/missing-persons/1966-three-sunbathers-disappear-from-beach/

    656DFIN - Ann Miller. (n.d.). https://www.doenetwork.org/cases/656dfin.html

    Join The Dark Oak Discussion:

    Patreon

    The Dark Oak Podcast Website

    Facebook

    Instagram

    Twitter

    TikTok

    Youtube

    This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 2 min
  • Episode 136: The Mysterious Deaths of Brittany Murphy & Simon Monjack

    Episode 136: The Mysterious Deaths of Brittany Murphy & Simon Monjack
    Jan 15 2026
    Brittany Murphy, the talented actress known for Clueless, Girl, Interrupted, 8 Mile, and Uptown Girls, died at age 32 on December 20, 2009, in her Hollywood Hills home from accidental pneumonia, severe anemia, and prescription drug intoxication. Five months later, her husband Simon Monjack died in the same house from nearly identical causes. Official investigations ruled both deaths accidental and preventable, with no evidence of foul play, illegal drugs, toxic mold, or poisoning. Despite this, speculation continues around toxic mold, heavy metal poisoning (based on a disputed hair test), Sharon Murphy’s possible role (as Brittany’s devoted mother, sole heir, and close companion to Simon after the death), the home’s eerie history (previous owners Madonna and Britney Spears reported unsettling “haunted” experiences), and even far-fetched links to Sean “P Diddy” Combs. As of 2026, experts maintain the deaths were tragic coincidences due to untreated illness and self-medication, with no credible evidence supporting conspiracy theories.

    This episode supports The Branch of Hope Foundation January 2025 sponsored charity:

    The Honey & Barry Sherman Legacy Foundation - A charitable organization established in 2020 by their daughter Alex Krawczyk to honor the memory and continue the philanthropic vision of Barry Sherman, the founder of Apotex, and his wife Honey, following their tragic deaths in 2017. Its primary purpose is to support charitable organizations focused on healthcare equity, human rights, scientific education and research, and Jewish community institutions, thereby furthering the couple's unfinished philanthropic aims. The foundation directs grants to initiatives that improve lives, advance medical care and accessibility (such as donations to hospitals and vision care programs), promote scientific discovery, and strengthen community organizations. By building on the Shermans' long-standing commitment to giving it creates a lasting legacy of impactful philanthropy. Sources:

    Chubb, H., & Krauser, E. (2025, December 20). What Happened to Brittany Murphy's Home After Her Death? Inside the Dark History Behind the Hollywood Hills Mansion. People.com. https://people.com/what-happened-to-brittany-murphy-home-11873759

    Sean Combs: The Reckoning - Netflix. (n.d.). https://www.netflix.com/title/81906780

    Sager, J., & Rudolph, C. (2025, December 20). Brittany Murphy’s death, 16 years later: revisiting her sudden passing and the questions that still linger. People.com. https://people.com/brittany-murphy-death-everything-to-know-11871547

    ABC News. (2010, July 28). Brittany Murphy and husband Simon Monjack died of similar causes. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/murphy-monjack-twin-deaths-mystery-mold-coroner/story?id=11259720

    Tron, G. (2023, December 26). Three persistent rumors circulating since Brittany Murphy’s mysterious death. Oxygen. https://www.oxygen.com/true-crime-buzz/three-rumors-circulating-since-brittany-murphys-death

    Inside the theories surrounding Brittany Murphy’s tragic passing, exactly 16 years on. (n.d.). https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/inside-the-theories-surrounding-brittany-murphys-tragic-passing-exactly-16-years-on/ar-AA1SIJOA

    ABC News. (2010, July 28). Brittany Murphy and husband Simon Monjack died of similar causes. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/murphy-monjack-twin-deaths-mystery-mold-coroner/story?id=11259720

    Join The Dark Oak Discussion:

    Patreon

    The Dark Oak Podcast Website

    Facebook

    Instagram

    Twitter

    TikTok

    Youtube

    This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 26 min
  • Episode 135: The Murder of Billionaires Barry and Honey Sherman

    Episode 135: The Murder of Billionaires Barry and Honey Sherman
    Jan 8 2026

    When billionaire Barry Sherman and his wife Honey were found dead in their mansion, bodies staged in a bizarre manner, police initially believed the deaths were the result of a murder/suicide. After pushback from the Sherman family Toronto police came to the conclusion that the couple had been brutally murdered.

    The investigation into their deaths has been extensive but the murders remain unsolved. Despite numerous leads and a $35 million reward offered by their family for information leading to an arrest, no suspects have been charged. Over the years various theories have emerged regarding the motive and potential suspects, ranging from business-related conflicts to family disputes. The couple's wealth and Barry's aggressive business practices may have created enemies, leading to speculation about possible motives for the murders.

    This episode supports The Branch of Hope Foundation January 2025 sponsored charity:

    The Honey & Barry Sherman Legacy Foundation - A charitable organization established in 2020 by their daughter Alex Krawczyk to honor the memory and continue the philanthropic vision of Barry Sherman, the founder of Apotex, and his wife Honey, following their tragic deaths in 2017. Its primary purpose is to support charitable organizations focused on healthcare equity, human rights, scientific education and research, and Jewish community institutions, thereby furthering the couple's unfinished philanthropic aims. The foundation directs grants to initiatives that improve lives, advance medical care and accessibility (such as donations to hospitals and vision care programs), promote scientific discovery, and strengthen community organizations. By building on the Shermans' long-standing commitment to giving—evident in their prior support through entities like the Apotex Foundation—it creates a lasting legacy of impactful philanthropy.

    Sources: Donovan, K. (n.d.). The Billionaire Murders: The Mysterious Deaths of Barry and Honey Sherman. National Geographic Books

    True Crime And Cocktails. (2023, September 12). Episode 141: Barry and Honey Sherman [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKpsVGrL500

    Join The Dark Oak Discussion:

    Patreon

    The Dark Oak Podcast Website

    Facebook

    Instagram

    Twitter

    TikTok

    Youtube

    This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 44 min
  • Episode 134: Where is Patty Vaughn?

    Episode 134: Where is Patty Vaughn?
    Dec 20 2025
    On Christmas Day 1996, 32-year-old Patty Inez Brightwell Vaughan, a devoted mother of three from La Vernia, Texas, vanished after a tumultuous separation from her allegedly abusive husband, J.R. Vaughan. Amid mounting evidence of domestic strife, Patty had begun a new relationship and planned a fresh start, but that day turned violent: her estranged husband was the last person to see her, claiming she stormed out upset after arguments. Her abandoned minivan was soon discovered with a deliberately deflated tire, freshly cleaned yet stained with her blood, while her home revealed extensive blood spatter, cleanup attempts with bleach, and luminol-reactive drag marks—clear signs of a struggle. Despite intense suspicion on J.R., who quickly filed for divorce, collected life insurance after having her declared dead, and later changed his name and moved away, no body has been found, and circumstantial evidence has prevented charges in this decades-old no-body homicide case, leaving Patty's family still seeking justice and closure. Sources:

    Details - Unsolved homicide. (n.d.). https://www.dps.texas.gov/apps/coldCase/Home/Details/284

    Sanchez, Y. V. a. P. (2024, December 24). A family’s heartache: Patty Vaughan’s voice silenced by an unsolved Christmas tragedy. KABB. https://foxsanantonio.com/news/yami-investigates/a-familys-heartache-patty-vaughans-voice-silenced-by-an-unsolved-christmas-tragedy

    Robinwarder. (n.d.). The 1996 Christmas Day Disappearance of Patty Vaughan: Vanishes After an Argument with Her Estranged Husband : r/UnresolvedMysteries. https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/a5hkyt/the_1996_christmas_day_disappearance_of_patty/

    Family of Patty Vaughan hopes for answers 23 years after she vanished from Texas home on Christmas Day 1996. (2019, December 21). NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/family-patty-vaughan-hopes-answers-23-years-after-she-vanished-n1106151

    Day, J. (2022, February 3). Missing in Texas: The case of Patty Vaughn. Lost Souls of America. https://lostsoulsofamerica.wordpress.com/2021/12/22/missing-in-texas-the-case-of-patty-vaughn/

    Darrah, N. (2021, December 26). Seven mysteries in case of missing mom-of-three Patty Vaughan who disappeared on Christmas 25 years ago. . . The US Sun. https://www.the-sun.com/news/4341500/christmas-missing-mom-patty-vaughan-disappeared/

    Join The Dark Oak Discussion:

    Patreon

    The Dark Oak Podcast Website

    Facebook

    Instagram

    Twitter

    TikTok

    Youtube

    This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 6 min
  • Episode 133: The Death of Asia and Ashton Brown

    Episode 133: The Death of Asia and Ashton Brown
    Dec 12 2025
    In February 2015, 22-year-old Asia LaRose Brown, a dedicated single mother and security guard from Greensboro, North Carolina, and her 2-year-old son Ashton were brutally murdered in a case that remains unsolved more than a decade later. On February 20, Asia bought a used 2005 Buick LaCrosse in High Point, registered it at the DMV alone, and later stopped at an AutoZone in Greensboro around 3:20 p.m. to buy car accessories; this was the last time she was seen alive on surveillance footage, appearing calm and unhurried. She and Ashton vanished that afternoon, and when she missed work shifts over the weekend, a welfare check was requested. Exactly 72 hours later, on February 23, her burned-out car was discovered in a wooded area near Thurston Avenue, less than two miles from her home. Inside the trunk, covered by a blue plastic tarp, police found the charred bodies of Asia and Ashton; the fire had been deliberately set with gasoline after they were killed. Autopsies revealed both died from multiple gunshot wounds from a .40-caliber handgun—Asia in the head and torso, and Ashton at close range—with the murders likely occurring within hours of Asia leaving the AutoZone. The car’s seller, Ashton’s father, and other persons of interest were cleared, and no evidence linked Asia to drugs or crime despite Greensboro’s opioid crisis at the time. The blue tarp, purchased at a nearby Walmart, and the removal of the license plates suggest premeditation, yet the case has yielded few solid leads despite extensive investigation involving dozens of officers, FBI profilers, and forensic experts. As of December 2025, the double homicide remains active but cold, with Asia’s family continuing to hold vigils and advocate for justice, especially for Black mothers affected by violence. A $15,000 reward is still offered for information leading to an arrest, and anyone with tips is urged to contact Greensboro Police or Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000. Sources:

    Chris Venzon (WFMY News2). (2020, March 10). Who killed 2-year-old Ashton and his mother Asia? Five years later, the Greensboro case remains unsolved. wfmynews2.com. https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/crime/asia-brown-ashton-brown/83-31aea1d9-92fc-4277-97cc-2f24c3b019c5

    Megan Allman (WFMY News 2 Digital). (2022, February 23). Who killed a Greensboro mom and her 2-year-old son? $15K reward in the 2015 cold case. wfmynews2.com.

    https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/crime/greensboro-mom-asia-brown-and-son-ashton-found-dead-in-trunk-of-burned-buick-lacrosse/83-4705c25b-db8c-433e-aec0-41d7bbba35e4

    Sarah Newell Williamson sarah.williamson@greensboro.com. (2016, February 27). District Attorney Jim O’Neill talks about stabbing at North Forsyth High School [Video]. Greensboro News and Record. https://greensboro.com/news/crime/police-still-seeking-clues-in-year-old-killing-of-asia/article_64ad7df0-9c60-5d0e-a2af-85a2eeb6c069.html

    NANCY McLAUGHLIN nancy.mclaughlin@greensboro.com. (2022, February 28). District Attorney Jim O’Neill talks about stabbing at North Forsyth High School [Video]. Greensboro News and Record. https://greensboro.com/news/who-killed-asia-and-ashton-and-why-seven-years-later-there-are-no-answers/article_9e2e3e98-9812-11ec-a7b3-dfdd999af705.html

    Join The Dark Oak Discussion:

    Patreon

    The Dark Oak Podcast Website

    Facebook

    Instagram

    Twitter

    TikTok

    Youtube

    This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 7 min
  • Episode 132: Asha Degree

    Episode 132: Asha Degree
    Dec 4 2025

    When 9-year-old Asha Degree went missing in the middle of the night, those close to her were baffled. Asha was a rule follower and sneaking out of her home during the early morning hours was completely out of character. Asha's case has remained a mystery for more than 25 years; however, her case may serve as a reminder to other victim's loved ones that they can never give up. Just last year a family was investigated regarding Asha's disappearance and though we still have more questions than answers, there is the hope that one day her family will finally know what happened.

    Sources:

    King, A. (2025, July 17). Family linked to Asha Degree case shares their side of the story. wcnc.com. https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/family-speaks-out-about-asha-degree-case/275-abb68d7c-b65b-4c4b-871f-5e00179edba8

    Johncox, C. (2025, August 5). Asha Degree’s 35th birthday: Where case of missing Shelby girl stands decades later. https://www.wbtv.com. https://www.wbtv.com/2025/08/05/asha-degrees-35th-birthday-where-case-missing-shelby-girl-stands-decades-later/

    NCSBI - Asha Jaquilla Degree. (n.d.). https://www.ncsbi.gov/Divisions/Cold-Case-Investigation-Team/Missing-Persons/Asha-Jaquilla-Degree

    Join The Dark Oak Discussion:

    Patreon

    The Dark Oak Podcast Website

    Facebook

    Instagram

    Twitter

    TikTok

    Youtube

    This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 16 min