The Dark Oak

Hot Pursuit - A Focus on Crime in the Summer Sun - Episode 1

Hello, Shiver-seekers! We have a special summer treat just for you! The Dark Oak Podcast was honored to participate in "Hot Pursuit - a Focus on Crime in the Summer Sun" which includes 17 true crime podcasters all dedicated to solving crimes and helping victims. We are so excited to share two bingeable episodes that are sure to steer you toward your newest summer obsession. Enjoy!
Welcome to Hot Pursuit, a summer true-crime collaboration, where we dive deep into the world of true crime. We’ve gathered many incredible true-crime podcasters to bring you a multi-part series that’s all about the heat of the chase. We'll explore cases where justice was relentlessly pursued, delve into crimes that occurred during the scorching summer months, and highlight cold cases that desperately need some heating up. From heart-pounding pursuits to stories of perseverance and determination, this collaborative effort aims to shed light on cases that have captivated the public’s imagination and those that need your attention now more than ever. 
In episode 1 you’ll hear from the following podcasters (in order); if you enjoy listening, please check out their podcasts by clicking their link below:
Fresh Hell   https://freshhellpodcast.com/
The Trail Went Cold   https://www.trailwentcold.com/Suffer the Little Children  https://linktr.ee/stlcpodMusic City 911 https://musiccity911.com/ Already Gone  https://www.instagram.com/alreadygonepod/Sirens: A Southern True Crime Podcast   Https://bit.ly/TheSirensNetwork Www.thesirenspodcast.comEverything Scary   https://linktr.ee/everythingscary Private Dicks   https://linktr.ee/privatedicks
In episode 2 you’ll hear from the following podcasters (in order); if you enjoy listening, please check out their podcasts by clicking their link below:
The Dark Oak Podcast The Dark Oak | Podcast on Spotifythedarkoak.comKey to the Case  https://linktr.ee/keytothecaseTrue Crime Creepers  https://linktr.ee/TrueCrimeCreepersVintage Homicide  https://linktr.ee/vintagehomicidepodcastExcuse Me, That’s Illegal   www.linktr.ee/excusemethatsillegal.podBeyond the Rainbow   https://beyondtherainbowpodcast.comMurder and Mimosas  https://linktr.ee/murder.mimosas.pod?utm_source=linktree_admin_shareCoffee and Cases   https://linktr.ee/coffeeandcases Method and Madness   Method & Madness Podcast (methodandmadnesspodcast.com)

Episode 56: "A Dingo's Got My Baby!" - The Story of Lindy Chamberlain

A camping trip in one of the most beautiful spots in Australia ends in tragedy when a young family's infant daughter goes missing. Lindy Chamberlain's screams pierced the night when she discovered her 9 week old missing from their family tent that a wild dog had just emerged from. 
 
Unfortunately, Lindy's account of what happened on that fateful evening were too bizarre for investigators to believe, and Lindy was charged with the murder of her beautiful daughter, resulting in one of the largest legal and medial events Australia has ever seen.
 
Sources:
Burke, M. (2023, October 23). “The police were feeding information to the press”: The Australian mother wrongly convicted of murder. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20231019-the-mother-wrongly-convicted-of-murder-who-always-insisted-a-dingo-killed-her-baby
Biography | Lindy Chamberlain – Creighton. (n.d.). https://lindychamberlain.com/biography/
Apple Podcasts. (2020, January 19). A Perfect Storm: The true story of the Chamberlains on Apple Podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-perfect-storm-the-true-story-of-the-chamberlains/id1481929640
 
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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

Episode 55: The Disappearance of Robyn Gardner - Part 2

In today’s episode we will tell you about the tragic story of Robyn Gardner who disappeared from the beautiful Caribbean Island of Aruba while visiting with her travel companion Gary Giordano. Gary says Robyn was lost to a freak snorkeling accident, but Robyn’s friends and family believe Gary is to blame.
Sources:
Burnside, T. (2012, September 11). Man accused in Aruba disappearance sued over $1.5 million policy. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2012/09/11/justice/maryland-aruba-lawsuit/index.html
Egan, N. W. (2011, August 11). Robyn Gardner's Boyfriend Recounts Her Disappearance. Peoplemag. https://people.com/crime/robyn-gardners-boyfriend-richard-forester-recounts-her-disappearance/
Staff, I. (2011, August 11). Roommate of woman missing in Aruba speaks out. Inside Edition. https://www.insideedition.com/2879-roommate-of-woman-missing-in-aruba-speaks-out
Staff, R., & Staff, R. (2011, August 11). Robyn Gardner’s boyfriend reveals: ‘We’d talked about marriage and about the future’. RadarOnline.
https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2011/08/aruba-woman-robyn-gardner-boyfriend-richard-forester-talked-marriage-kids/
Nicole, G. &. (2023, December 13). Snorkeling baby beach - the healthy reef is too exposed. Tropical Snorkeling - Destinations, Equipment & Safety Tips. https://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-baby-beach/
ABC News. (2011, December 2). Gary Giordano Says “Swimming Story was True.” https://abcnews.go.com/US/aruba-suspect-gary-giordano-tells-story-gma/story?id=15059211
Truesdell, J., & Egan, N. W. (2011, August 17). Aruba mystery: What happened to missing Robyn Gardner? Peoplemag. https://people.com/crime/aruba-mystery-what-happened-to-missing-robyn-gardner/
Aruba suspect’s camera had ‘disturbing’ pics. (2023, September 25). [Video]. TODAY.com. https://www.today.com/video/aruba-suspects-camera-had-disturbing-pics-44549187513
Aruba police stage Robyn Gardner reenactment. (2023, September 25). [Video]. TODAY.com. https://www.today.com/video/aruba-police-stage-robyn-gardner-reenactment-44553795932
Associated Press. (2024, January 1). Md. man held in Aruba had troubled past with women. Deseret News. https://www.deseret.com/2011/8/13/20209388/md-man-held-in-aruba-had-troubled-past-with-women/
Staff, I. (2011, August 12). Woman Says She Got Proposition from Gary Giordano. Inside Edition. https://www.insideedition.com/2886-woman-says-she-got-proposition-from-gary-giordano
ABC News. (2011, December 3). Robyn Gardner’s boyfriend suspects human trafficking to blame for disappearance. https://abcnews.go.com/US/robyn-gardners-boyfriend-human-trafficking-explain-disappearance/story?id=15073940
 
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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

Episode 54: The Disappearance of Robyn Gardner - Part 1

In today’s episode we will tell you about the tragic story of Robyn Gardner who disappeared from the beautiful Caribbean Island of Aruba while visiting with her travel companion Gary Giordano. Gary says Robyn was lost to a freak snorkeling accident, but Robyn’s friends and family believe Gary is to blame.
Sources:
Burnside, T. (2012, September 11). Man accused in Aruba disappearance sued over $1.5 million policy. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2012/09/11/justice/maryland-aruba-lawsuit/index.html
Egan, N. W. (2011, August 11). Robyn Gardner's Boyfriend Recounts Her Disappearance. Peoplemag. https://people.com/crime/robyn-gardners-boyfriend-richard-forester-recounts-her-disappearance/
Staff, I. (2011, August 11). Roommate of woman missing in Aruba speaks out. Inside Edition. https://www.insideedition.com/2879-roommate-of-woman-missing-in-aruba-speaks-out
Staff, R., & Staff, R. (2011, August 11). Robyn Gardner’s boyfriend reveals: ‘We’d talked about marriage and about the future’. RadarOnline. https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2011/08/aruba-woman-robyn-gardner-boyfriend-richard-forester-talked-marriage-kids/
Nicole, G. &. (2023, December 13). Snorkeling baby beach - the healthy reef is too exposed. Tropical Snorkeling - Destinations, Equipment & Safety Tips. https://www.tropicalsnorkeling.com/snorkeling-baby-beach/
ABC News. (2011, December 2). Gary Giordano Says “Swimming Story was True.” https://abcnews.go.com/US/aruba-suspect-gary-giordano-tells-story-gma/story?id=15059211
Truesdell, J., & Egan, N. W. (2011, August 17). Aruba mystery: What happened to missing Robyn Gardner? Peoplemag. https://people.com/crime/aruba-mystery-what-happened-to-missing-robyn-gardner/
Aruba suspect’s camera had ‘disturbing’ pics. (2023, September 25). [Video]. TODAY.com. https://www.today.com/video/aruba-suspects-camera-had-disturbing-pics-44549187513
Aruba police stage Robyn Gardner reenactment. (2023, September 25). [Video]. TODAY.com. https://www.today.com/video/aruba-police-stage-robyn-gardner-reenactment-44553795932
Associated Press. (2024, January 1). Md. man held in Aruba had troubled past with women. Deseret News. https://www.deseret.com/2011/8/13/20209388/md-man-held-in-aruba-had-troubled-past-with-women/
Staff, I. (2011, August 12). Woman Says She Got Proposition from Gary Giordano. Inside Edition. https://www.insideedition.com/2886-woman-says-she-got-proposition-from-gary-giordano
ABC News. (2011, December 3). Robyn Gardner’s boyfriend suspects human trafficking to blame for disappearance. https://abcnews.go.com/US/robyn-gardners-boyfriend-human-trafficking-explain-disappearance/story?id=15073940
 
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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

Episode 53: The Strange Death of Kendrick "KJ" Johnson

On January 11, 2013, 17-year-old Kendrick "KJ" Johnson was found deceased in a rolled-up wrestling mat at his high school. Many believe it was an accident, but an equal amount believe KJ was murdered. We tell you everything we know.

Episode 52: Carl Tanzler and His Corpse Bride

Thanks to a vision provided by a dead relative, Carl Tanzler claimed to have been in love with Elena de Hoyos before they even met. Actually, decades before they met. He tried desperately to save her from tuberculosis but was unsuccessful. Unwilling to let death separate them, Carl embarked on an unimaginable and unexplainable journey to keep the body of Elena with him always...as his corpse bride.
 
Sources:
Johnson, C. (2023, November 7). Carl Tanzler, the man who lived with a corpse for seven years. All That’s Interesting. https://allthatsinteresting.com/carl-tanzler
Episodes. (n.d.). Wicked and Grim. https://www.wickedandgrim.com/podcast
 
 
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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
 
 

Episode 51: SeaWorld and the Death of Dawn Brancheau

For decades Sea World has been committed to supporting environmental conservation by providing financial and scientific support to organizations focused on animal rescue and rehabilitation, conservation education, habitat protection and species research. Additionally, the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has donated more than $19 million in support of animal conservation projects on all seven continents across the globe. 
Despite all the good, animal lovers have been asking for years "Is Sea World doing the right thing by their killer whales?" 
After one such whale, Tilikum, caused the death of his highly respected trainer, Dawn Brancheau, during a 'Dining with Shamu Show' in 2010, the dangers of keeping such wild and unpredictable animals in captivity were brought to light. The public turned up the heat on the theme park when shortly after it was revealed that Tilikum was involved in two other human deaths. 
With the release of controversial films like 'Blackfish", Sea World took a hit and to this day has never fully recovered. We are animal lovers (and rescuers) here at The Dark Oak, so we set out to cut through any previously misreported facts and get to the truth...for the whales! 
Sources:
Whale Facts. (2021, October 2). Whale facts and Information. https://whalefacts.org
Orcas VS humans – inherently wild. (n.d.). https://inherentlywild.co.uk/orcas-vs-humans/
International Marine Mammal Project. (2017, August 2). SeaWorld’s breeding and killing of orcas. https://savedolphins.eii.org/news/seaworlds-breeding-and-killing-of-orcas#:~:text=Under%20pressure%20from%20environmental%20and,longer%20breed%20orcas%20in%20captivity.
10 things You Didn’t know about SeaWorld - SeaWorld of Hurt. (2018, April 20). SeaWorld of Hurt. https://www.seaworldofhurt.com/features/ten-things-didnt-know-seaworld/
Roberts, S. (2023, March 22). SeaWorld Fun facts that will make your day. Orlando Informer. https://orlandoinformer.com/blog/seaworld-orlando/seaworld-fun-facts/
Home | SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. (n.d.). https://swbg-conservationfund.org/
SeaWorld’s “69 Reasons you Shouldn’t Believe Blackfish” – My Rebuttal – Inherently Wild. (n.d.). https://inherentlywild.co.uk/seaworlds-69-reasons-you-shouldnt-believe-blackfish-my-rebuttal/
Temp, M., & Weisberg, L. (2024, April 4). Timeline: How SeaWorld grew from a 22-acre park to a nearly 200-acre tourist destination. San Diego Union-Tribune. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2024-04-04/timeline-how-seaworld-grew-from-a-22-acre-park-to-a-nearly-200-acre-tourist-destination
Fisheries, N. (2022, January 4). Killer Whale. NOAA. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/killer-whale
Fate of orcas in captivity - Whale & Dolphin Conservation USA. (2024, May 22). Whale & Dolphin Conservation USA. https://us.whales.org/our-goals/end-captivity/orca-captivity/
Killer Whale Education and Conservation Program | SeaWorld Orlando. (n.d.). https://seaworld.com/orlando/commitment/killer-whales/#:~:text=Killer%20whales%20at%20SeaWorld%20help,last%20generation%20at%20our%20park.
Nature, W. S. P. |. B. T. (2024, May 20). Tilikum: The Whale Who Rebelled - The Whale Sanctuary Project | Back to Nature. The Whale Sanctuary Project | Back to Nature. https://whalesanctuaryproject.org/whales/tilikum-the-whale-who-rebelled/
Heger, E. (2023, October 10). One-third of the world’s captive orcas are in the US, and no one can agree on what to do with them. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/captive-orcas-seaworld-should-they-be-released-sea-pen-2023-10
 
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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

Episode 50: The Unexplained Death of Ryan Singleton

On the 9th of July 2013, a 24-year-old Ryan was driving his car through the Mohave desert through what we know as Death Valley. He was on his way back to Los Angeles after spending the day in Las Vegas, when his car ran out of gas on Hwy 15. After walking several miles towards the closest town in the intense heat, Ryan encountered what should have been an incredible stroke of luck, when a highway patrolman saw Ryan and offered to help him. The highway patrolman eventually dropped Ryan off at a rest stop in Baker, CA, where Ryan called a friend in LA to come and pick him up. When his friend arrived at the rest stop 3 hours later, Ryan was nowhere to be found.  
Over two months passed with no word from Ryan. Then, on September 21, 2023 local hikers found Ryan’s decomposing body in the desert within the previously searched area. A thorough autopsy cited the cause of death as undetermined and, more disturbingly, it was revealed that even though Ryan’s body was relatively intact, he was missing at least 6 of his internal organs leading some to believe Ryan may have been another victim of organ harvesting.
 
Sources:
Politan, V. (2018, December 19). Georgia model vanishes, body found with organs missing. 11Alive.com. https://www.11alive.com/article/news/year-in-review/georgia-model-vanishes-body-found-with-organs-missing/85-442199392
Garcia, A. (2017, June 6). Questions continue to surround Georgia Man’s disappearance and death. Snopes. https://www.snopes.com/news/2017/06/06/questions-continue-surround-georgia-mans-disappearance-death/
Farpoint Films - Dying to be Famous: The Ryan Singleton Mystery. (2024, April 25). Farpoint Films. https://www.farpointfilms.com/dying-to-be-famous-the-ryan-singleton-mystery
Kish, P. (2018, December 19). Mother of model whose body was found without organs still seeks answers. 11Alive.com. https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/mother-of-model-whose-body-was-found-without-organs-still-seeks-answers/85-f59ffb28-6571-4f70-a0fb-b7d42ab37e48
Myers, B. (2022, December 10). Disturbing details found in model Ryan Singleton’s autopsy. Grunge. https://www.grunge.com/1126896/disturbing-details-found-in-model-ryan-singletons-autopsy/
11Alive. (2017, May 24). Georgia model’s body found without organs. What happened? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCLGSfpiJFc
 
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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

Episode 49: The Disappearance of Amy Wroe Bechtel

The 1997 disappearance of Amy Wroe Bechtel has been called one of the most baffling cases in U.S. history. A massive search was launched when she vanished, the search was so large even Russia was asked to assist.
The healthy young athlete went jogging in the Shoshone National Forest and was never seen again.
Amy’s husband led efforts to find his missing wife despite being considered the prime suspect.
As years went by, other possible suspects were discussed….but the mystery of what happened to Amy Wroe Bechtel has never been solved.
Did she succumb to an injury for a fall or a wild animal in the wilderness of Wyoming? Was she the victim of a serial killer? Does her husband know more than he’s shared or is Amy Wroe Bechtel still alive today?
 
Sources:
Nichols, J. (2023, December 9). Disappearance of Amy Wroe Bechtel still haunting after 26 years. Your Wyoming News Source. https://cowboystatedaily.com/2023/12/09/disappearance-of-amy-wroe-bechtel-still-haunting-after-26-years/
Billman, J. (2020, September 17). Long gone girl. Runner’s World. https://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/a20817705/long-gone-girl/
Di Salvatore, B., Di Salvatore, B., & McNamer, D. (2022, July 25). When Amy Bechtel Didn’t Come Home. Outside Online. https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/exploration-survival/long-gone/
 
The Branch of Hope Foundation:
Amy Wroe Bechtel Scholarship Endowment at Northwest College
When Amy Wroe Bechtel went missing, JoAnne Wroe, Amy's mother felt the community come together to show support for their family as they continued their search. 
Her family established a recovery fund to help pay for search expenses and folded that money into an endowment in her name as the case grew cold.  Her mom explained, "We know that this decision would please her. Our children have achieved great success in their lives as a result of their higher education accomplishments, which they truly value. We hope that this scholarship will help others to achieve their goals."
 
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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
 

Episode 48: The Mysterious Death of Jessica Renee Johnson

When Jessica Renee Johnson's friends and family were told that she died by suicide, their worlds were shattered.  Over the  next few weeks and months, details came to light that that just didn't make sense: Jessica was found wearing clothes that no one recognized, she had strange new markings on her body, and the way in which she died was beyond unusual. 
Fighting with authorities for a more thorough investigation, Jessica's family hired their own investigator, Dr. Godwin, whose investigation revealed entirely different findings. 
We spoke directly with Linda, Jessica's mother, while preparing this episode and it is clear that she will never give up until she finds answers for daughter. 
 
Sources:
True Crime Garage Jessica Johnson Part 1. (n.d.).
True Crime Garage Jessica Johnson Part 2. (n.d.).
What Happened to Jessica Johnson Facebook Page. (n.d.). Facebook.
 
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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