[Unsolved] Jill Dando: Britain's Beloved Presenter
On April 26, 1999, beloved British television presenter Jill Dando was shot and killed on her London doorstep in broad daylight. The murder shocked the UK and sparked one of the largest investigations in British history. Barry George was convicted in 2001 but acquitted in 2008 due to lack of evidence. Despite decades of investigation and countless theories, Jill Dando's murder remains unsolved. Who killed one of Britain's most beloved TV personalities?
[Update] Marie Versos & Debbie Cisco: The Murders That Changed Ohio Law
On October 2, 2018, Cheryl Coker vanished from her Riverside, Ohio home. Her SUV was found in a Kroger parking lot with her purse and phone inside. Cheryl—a bubbly mom and grandmother—had not left voluntarily. For 18 months, her family searched desperately. In April 2020, her remains were found in a wooded area. Police believe she was murdered at home. The only person of interest is her husband, Bill Coker. Despite strong evidence, no charges have been filed. Cheryl's family is still waiting for justice.
Ruth Ellis: The Last Woman Hanged in Britain
In 1955, Ruth Ellis shot and killed her abusive lover David Blakely outside a London pub. At trial, she showed no remorse and admitted she intended to kill him. The jury took 14 minutes to convict her. On July 13, 1955, Ruth became the last woman executed in the UK. Her story is one of domestic abuse, desperation, and a legal system that failed her. Her execution sparked outrage and helped abolish capital punishment in Britain.
[Florida Files] Bone Valley: The Leo Schofield Case
In 1987, Michelle Schofield was murdered in Lakeland, Florida. Her husband Leo was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. But Leo has always maintained his innocence. The Bone Valley podcast, created by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gilbert King, uncovered shocking evidence never presented at trial: DNA pointing to another suspect, ignored witness testimony, and a serial killer's confession. Despite this new evidence, Leo remains in prison. This episode features an interview with Gilbert King about his investigation and Leo's ongoing fight for freedom.
[Unsolved] Ryan Shtuka: Missing in Sun Peaks, British Columbia
On February 17, 2018, 20-year-old Ryan Shtuka left a house party in Sun Peaks, British Columbia, and vanished. What should have been a short walk home became a haunting mystery. Despite extensive searches involving hundreds of volunteers and specialized teams, no trace of Ryan has been found. His family created the Shtuka Sora search organization and continues fighting for answers. Ryan's mother describes being caught between grief and hope—unable to fully grieve, but unable to give up.
Mystery Drones: The 2019 Sky Invasion (Interview with Obscure Podcast)
In late 2019 and early 2020, residents of rural Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas reported massive swarms of mysterious drones flying over their property at night. Law enforcement saw 50 at once. Locals described large white drones surrounded by smaller ones with flashing lights. The FAA and FBI investigated but never solved the mystery. This episode features Gabe from the Obscure podcast, who investigated the phenomenon firsthand. Were they government surveillance? Private companies? Something else? The mystery remains unsolved.
[Unsolved] Brian Shaffer: The Man Who Vanished from a Bar
On April 1, 2006, 27-year-old medical student Brian Shaffer went to the Ugly Tuna Saloona bar in Columbus, Ohio with friends. Security cameras captured him entering—but he was never seen leaving. When the bar closed, Brian had vanished. Despite extensive searches and hundreds of tips, no trace of Brian has been found in nearly 20 years. How does someone disappear from a crowded bar without being captured on camera? This case remains one of Ohio's most baffling unsolved mysteries.
[Mystery] The Ghost Blimp: The L-8's Vanished Crew
On August 16, 1942, a US Navy blimp lifted off from San Francisco on routine patrol. Hours later, it crashed in Daly City—but the two crew members had vanished. The doors were open, equipment untouched, no distress call, no sign of struggle. Just an empty blimp drifting like a ghost ship. Eighty years later, the mystery remains unsolved. What happened to Lieutenant Ernest Cody and Ensign Charles Adams? This is one of the strangest unsolved mysteries in American military history.
True Crime Firsts: Groundbreaking Moments in Criminal Justice
Mandy and Melissa explore true crime firsts in this special bonus episode! They discuss the groundbreaking moments that changed criminal investigations forever, including the first DNA conviction (Colin Pitchfork, 1987), the first woman executed by the US government (Mary Surat for aiding in Lincoln's assassination), and a bizarre case where a parrot may have witnessed a murder. A fun, educational episode for true crime fans who love the history and science behind modern crime-solving!
[Unsolved] Bison Dele: The NBA Champion Who Vanished at Sea
In July 2002, former NBA champion Bison Dele sailed across the South Pacific with his girlfriend Serena Karlan, his brother Miles Dabord, and skipper Bertrand Saldo. In September, Miles returned alone. Bison, Serena, and Bertrand had vanished. Miles tried to access Bison's money before dying by suicide. Investigators believe Miles killed all three at sea, but their bodies were never found. Without evidence or a living suspect, the case remains unsolved.
[Update] Brittanee Drexel: The 13-Year Mystery Solved
In April 2009, 17-year-old Brittanee Drexel vanished during spring break in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For 13 years, her family searched for answers. In 2022, the case broke open when Raymond Moody confessed to kidnapping, raping, and murdering Brittanee. He led police to her remains and pleaded guilty, receiving life in prison. This update episode covers the 2009 disappearance, the years of searching, and the 2022 breakthrough that finally brought closure to Brittanee's family.
Harvey Milk: The Assassination of Hope
On November 27, 1978, Harvey Milk—the first openly gay elected official in California—was assassinated in San Francisco City Hall by former supervisor Dan White. White also killed Mayor George Moscone. White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter, not murder, after his defense cited depression and junk food consumption. The lenient verdict sparked riots.
[Crossover] Interview with Annie Elise from 10 to Life
Mandy and Melissa interview Annie Elise, host of the massively popular true crime podcast and YouTube channel 10 to Life. Annie shares her journey from fashion to true crime, discusses the challenges of YouTube censorship, and talks about the emotional toll of covering sensitive cases. The conversation includes insights on Ruby Frankie, Casey Anthony, Gypsy Rose, and more. Plus, a hilarious Vanderpump Rules trivia game! A fun and insightful crossover episode for true crime fans.
[Unsolved] Stephanie Wasilishin: Murdered on an Arizona Trail
On June 10, 2003, 28-year-old Stephanie Wasilishin went for a run on a trail near Prescott, Arizona. She never returned. Her body was discovered the next day—she had been sexually assaulted and murdered. Investigators collected DNA evidence, but despite extensive investigation and numerous leads, no one has ever been arrested. Stephanie's family has spent more than 20 years waiting for justice. Her killer is still out there.
If you have information, contact Yavapai County Sheriff's Office: (928) 771-3260
March Mailbag: Hilarious Listener Stories and Low-Stakes Crimes
In this fun bonus Mailbag episode, Mandy and Melissa share hilarious stories submitted by listeners! From bizarre local news headlines to family members who committed low-stakes crimes, this episode is a lighter take on true crime. Mandy and Melissa laugh through absurd stories, share embarrassing personal moments, and remind everyone that true crime doesn't always have to be dark. A perfect palate cleanser between heavy cases!
Submit your story for the next Mailbag at momsandmysteries.com!
Dail Dinwiddie: How DNA Solved a 27-Year-Old Murder
On September 24, 1992, 23-year-old Dail Dinwiddie was murdered in her Columbia, South Carolina apartment. She had been sexually assaulted and strangled. The case went cold for 27 years. In 2019, investigators used advanced DNA technology and forensic genealogy to identify the killer: Zachary Bunner. In 2023, he was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. After nearly three decades, Dail's family finally got the justice they had been waiting for.
The Coweta Case: How a Georgia Sheriff Took Down a Killer
In Prohibition-era Georgia, John Wallace ruled Coweta County as a ruthless moonshiner and murderer who controlled local law enforcement. In April 1948, Wallace and three accomplices murdered cattle farmer Wilson Turner. But Wallace made a fatal mistake: he dumped the body in Meriwether County, where Sheriff Lamar Potts refused to be intimidated. The investigation and trial that followed exposed decades of corruption and became one of Georgia's most famous murder cases.
Revisiting Gabby Petito: Red Flags & Interview with Mom Nichole Schmidt
In this special revisit episode, Mandy and Melissa return to Gabby Petito's story as part of a domestic violence awareness series. Gabby was murdered by her fiancé Brian Laundrie during a cross-country van trip in 2021. This episode focuses on the red flags in their relationship and includes a special interview with Gabby's mother, Nicole Schmidt, discussing warning signs, resources, and how to talk to children about healthy relationships.
Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788
[Unsolved] Destiny McClain: Killed Outside a Phoenix Nightclub
On July 26, 2021, 23-year-old Destiny Chaise McClain was shot and killed outside a nightclub in Phoenix, Arizona. She had been out with friends when shots rang out at a taco truck. Destiny was struck and died from her injuries. Her murder remains unsolved. No arrests have been made. Destiny was bold, hilarious, and deeply loyal to her family—her mother Brenda and sisters Brianna, Essence, and Faith. Her family continues to fight for justice.
If you have information, contact Phoenix PD or Silent Witness: 480-WITNESS
[Unsolved] Mary Pinchot Meyer: The JFK Mistress Murdered in DC
On October 12, 1964, Mary Pinchot Meyer was shot execution-style while walking along a canal towpath in Washington, DC. Mary was a socialite with connections to the most powerful people in America—including President John F. Kennedy, with whom she was rumored to have had an affair. Her ex-husband worked for the CIA. Her murder was never solved, fueling decades of conspiracy theories. Was she killed because of what she knew? This is the story of a mysterious death that remains unsolved.
