The Dark Oak

Episode 86: The Frog Boys of South Korea

On March 26, 1991, a public holiday in South Korea, five boys from Daegu—aged 9 to 13—went missing while searching for salamander eggs near Mount Waryong. After missing their taekwondo lesson, their parents initially searched for them but eventually reported them missing. Unfortunately, police initially dismissed the boys as runaways. Media attention about the lost boys grew, dubbing them the "Frog Boys," and despite a massive search ordered by the president, no trace was found. Hoax calls and inadequate police efforts frustrated the parents. Eventually the boy's fathers even quit their jobs to search nationwide, eventually suspecting a Korean military cover-up as they were followed by intelligence agents.
In 2002, the skeletal remains of all five boys were found on Mount Waryong, showing bullet casings, blunt force injuries, and possible bullet holes, suggesting foul play. Police mishandled the scene and claimed hypothermia; a theory experts rejected. The nearby military base, linked to the casings, was never searched, fueling more theories of military involvement. No arrests have been made, and various lawsuits against the police have failed. In 2015, the statute of limitations was lifted, leaving the case open for new evidence. The parents, who buried their sons' ashes together, are still seeking justice. What happened to the Daegu Frog Boys?
Please, welcome our special guest, Coffee and Cases! Make sure you give them a follow and a five-star review!linktr.ee/coffeeandcases
Sources:
Paulo, D. A. (2020, December 22). Intrigue, scandal, heartbreak: The case of South Korea’s missing ‘frog boys.’ CNA. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/cnainsider/intrigue-scandal-heartbreak-case-south-korea-missing-frog-boys-774406
Banks, A. (2019, January 11). The Frog Boys of South Korea — criminally intrigued. Criminally Intrigued. https://www.criminallyintrigued.com/blog/2019/1/6/the-curious-case-of-the-frog-boys
KSIS : What happened to the Frog Boys? (2024, November 13). KSTATION TV. https://kstationtv.com/2024/11/13/ksis-what-happened-to-the-frog-boys/?lang=en
 
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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 85: What Happened to Olivia Lone Bear?

Please, welcome our special guest, Coffee and Cases! Make sure you give them a follow and a five-star review!linktr.ee/coffeeandcases
When Olivia Lone Bear went missing on October 24, 2017, her family was thrust into a search that would span years, uncovering a series of perplexing details that would leave them without answers. This episode delves into the mysterious circumstances surrounding Olivia's disappearance, from the cryptic final texts sent from her phone to the unexplainable discovery of the truck she had been driving being found just miles from her home. With no clear answers and the investigation stalled, the episode also explores the challenges faced by Indigenous families in the fight for justice, highlighting the systemic barriers that complicate the search for missing women like Olivia.
As we examine the key pieces of this case, we also ask: who might Olivia have been with on the night she disappeared? Was the truck's location an accident or something more sinister? Could the mysterious digital footprints left behind be part of a larger story, and why has no one come forward with answers?
 
Sources:
AP News. (2019, November 20). Affidavit: Woman was strapped into seat of submerged truck. https://apnews.com/general-news-0c2c29a4bc1d4f309ba5cf5a7f3a79c3
Associated Press. (2018, August 1). Body found in truck pulled from lake tied to missing woman: FBI. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2018/08/01/body-found-in-truck-pulled-from-lake-tied-to-missing-woman-fbi/
Associated Press. (2018, August 2). Brother: Body of missing sister recovered on reservation. AP News. https://apnews.com/general-news-b1d5cfb9dfbe40fcaac7e4ec1454e5a3
Associated Press. (2019, November 20). Missing woman whose body was found in a submerged truck in a North Dakota lake was strapped into the passenger seat. Daily Mail. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7708809/Affidavit-Woman-strapped-seat-submerged-truck.html
Canning, A. (2021, August 31). Watch the Dateline episode "The Secrets of Spirit Lake" now. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/watch-dateline-episode-secrets-spirit-lake-now-n1278074
CSVANW. (2018, August 16). CSVANW statement on Olivia Lone Bear. Lakota Times. https://www.lakotatimes.com/articles/csvanw-statement-on-olivia-lone-bear/
Dalrymple, A. (2017, November 16). Investigation into Olivia Lone Bear case got off to 'very slow start,' ND tribal chairman says. Bismarck Tribune. https://www.inforum.com/news/investigation-into-olivia-lone-bear-case-got-off-to-very-slow-start-nd-tribal-chairman-says
Democracy Now. (n.d.). Native American mother of 5 missing in North Dakota. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/democracynow/videos/native-american-mother-of-5-missing-in-north-dakota/10155889437833279/
Democracy Now. (2017, November 29). Native American woman Olivia Lone Bear, mother of 5, missing in North Dakota oil fields. Democracy Now. https://www.democracynow.org/2017/11/29/native_american_woman_olivia_lone_bear
Democracy Now. (2018, August 3). Body of Olivia Lone Bear Found in N. Dakota as Native Women Face Crisis of Murders, Disappearances. https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/3/body_of_olivia_lone_bear_found
Dura, J. (2019, November 20). New details emerge in Olivia Lone Bear case as federal authorities visit Fort Berthold Reservation. Bismarck Tribune. https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/new-details-emerge-in-olivia-lone-bear-case-as-federal-authorities-visit-fort-berthold-reservation/article_7ab709ae-e625-5d3c-8277-96fe812198e4.html
Dura, J., & Emerson, B. (2019, July 31). Still no answers about death of Olivia Lone Bear from FBI. InForum. https://www.inforum.com/news/still-no-answers-about-death-of-olivia-lone-bear-from-fbi
Ecoffey, B. (2018, August 9). Olivia Lone Bear found: Cause of death not made public. Lakota Times. https://www.lakotatimes.com/articles/olivia-lone-bear-found/
Emerson, B. (2019, April 9). North Dakota AG says Olivia Lone Bear report of death exempt from open records. Bismarck Tribune. https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/north-dakota-ag-says-olivia-lone-bear-report-of-death-exempt-from-open-records
Facebook. (n.d.). Searching for Olivia Lone Bear. https://www.facebook.com/searchingforolivialonebear/
Hall, J. (2017, December 6). The Search Continues For Olivia Lone Bear. Roundup Web. https://www.roundupweb.com/story/2017/12/06/news/the-search-continues-for-olivia-lone-bear/10337.html
Hillier, B. (2017, December 11). Family frustrated by lack of search efforts in Native American woman Olivia Lone Bear's disappearance. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/missing-in-america/family-frustrated-lack-search-efforts-native-america-woman-olivia-lone-n828561
Hillier, B. (2018, August 3). FBI confident that body found in submerged truck belongs to missing mother Olivia Lone Bear. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/missing-in-america/fbi-confident-body-found-submerged-truck-belongs-missing-mother-olivia-n897546
HPR1. (2017, November 8). Senatorial eyes on missing person case. https://hpr1.com/index.php/feature/news/senatorial-eyes-on-missing-person-case
HPR1. (2018, August 1). Olivia Lone Bear’s pickup truck found. https://hpr1.com/index.php/feature/news/olivia-lone-bears-pickup-truck-found
Itzcovitz, R. (2018, August 2). As search for Olivia Lone Bear ends, a new Fargo task force begins. Valley News Live. https://www.valleynewslive.com/content/news/As-search-for-Olivia-Lone-Bear-ends-a-new-Fargo-task-force-begins-489937311.html
Keeler, J. (2018, May 7). ‘No crime scene’: The search for Olivia Lone Bear. High Country News. https://www.hcn.org/issues/50-12/tribal-affairs-no-crime-scene-the-search-for-olivia-lone-bear/
KFGO. (2020, July 31). Two years later, feds looking for leads into death, disappearance of Olivia Lone Bear. KFGO. https://www.kfyrtv.com/2020/07/31/two-years-later-feds-looking-for-leads-into-death-disappearance-of-olivia-lone-bear/
KFGO. (2023, July 30). ‘Not forgotten’ – Five years after body found, Olivia Lone Bear investigation continues. The Mighty 790 KFGO. https://kfgo.com/2023/07/30/860502/
KFYO TV. (2017, November 6). Search for Olivia Lone Bear continues nearly two weeks after disappearance. KFYO TV. https://www.kxnet.com/news/search-for-olivia-lone-bear-continues-nearly-two-weeks-after-disappearance/
KFYO TV. (2019, April 9). Lone Bear family reacts to ruling on access to death report. KFYO TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/Lone-Bear-family-reacts-to-ruling-on-access-to-death-report-508342561.html
KFYO TV. (2019, November 21). Lone Bear family, federal investigators speak on Olivia's case. KFYO TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/Lone-Bear-family-federal-investigators-speak-on-Olivias-case-565306751.html
KFYO TV. (2019, November 26). MHA Chairman releases statement on updates to Olivia Lone Bear investigation. KFYO TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/MHA-Chairman-releases-statement-on-updates-to-Olivia-Lone-Bear-investigation--565512391.html
KFYO TV. (2023, October 24). Search continues for answers in death of Olivia Lone Bear. KFYO TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/2023/10/24/search-continues-answers-death-olivia-lone-bear/
KFYR TV. (2017, November 2). New Town authorities create tipline in search for Olivia Lone Bear. https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/New-Town-authorities-create-tipline-in-search-for-Olivia-Lone-Bear-454740883.html
KVVR. (2018, January 23). Search for Missing Native American Woman Expands Beyond Fort Berthold. https://www.kvrr.com/2018/01/23/search-missing-native-american-woman-expands-beyond-fort-berthold/
KXNET. (2019, November 20). BREAKING: New information in Olivia Lone Bear case. KXNET.com https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/breaking-new-information-in-olivia-lone-bear-case/
Langhans Funeral Home. (n.d.). Obituary for Olivia Lone Bear. https://www.langhansfuneralhome.com/obituary/olivia-lone-bear
The Mighty 790 KFGO. (2023, July 30). ‘Not forgotten’ – Five years after body found, Olivia Lone Bear investigation continues. KFGO. https://kfgo.com/2023/07/30/860502/
NBC News. (2024, March 6). Missing and murdered Indigenous people featured in Dateline NBC’s Missing in America and Cold Case Spotlight series. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/in-the-news/missing-murdered-indigenous-people-featured-dateline-nbcs-missing-amer-rcna142027
Nelson, T. (2018, February 4). Bureau of Indian Affairs taking over Olivia Lone Bear investigation. KVRR. https://www.kvrr.com/2018/02/04/bureau-indian-affairs-taking-olivia-lone-bear-investigation
NewsBreak. (2024, March 20). North Dakota woman who disappeared in 2017 was found dead at the bottom of a lake on July 27, 2018. NewsBreak. https://www.newsbreak.com/gistinger-1668135/3374292930279-a-north-dakota-woman-who-disappeared-in-2017-was-found-dead-at-the-bottom-of-a-lake-on-july-27-2018
Ogden, E. (2018, January 23). Olivia Lone Bear search expands to ND cities. Minot Daily News. https://www.minotdailynews.com/news/local-news/2018/01/olivia-lone-bear-search-expands-to-nd-cities/
Prairie Public Broadcasting. (2017, November 1). Search underway for missing Stanley, ND woman. https://news.prairiepublic.org/local-news/2017-11-01/search-underway-for-missing-stanley-nd-woman
Rasmussen, A. (n.d.). Still Unsolved: Olivia Lone Bear Found Dead In Submerged Truck After She Vanished In 2017. Investigation Discovery. https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/crimefeed/seeking-justice/still-unsolved-olivia-lone-bear-found-dead-in-submerged-truck-after-she-vanished-in-2017
Shores, E. (2023, August 22). Reservations gain access to state resources. KFYO TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/2023/08/22/reservations-gain-access-state-resources/
Skurzewski, J. (2017, November 2). New Town authorities create tipline in search for Olivia Lone Bear. KFYR TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/New-Town-authorities-create-tipline-in-search-for-Olivia-Lone-Bear-454740883.html
Skurzewski, J. (2017, November 17). Family of Olivia Lone Bear offering reward for info on her disappearance. KFYO TV. https://www.valleynewslive.com/content/news/Family-of-Olivia-Lone-Bear-offering-reward-for-info-on-her-disappearance-458196573.htm
Skurzewski, J. (2019, March 19). Missing person’s bill gets support from family of Olivia Lone Bear. KFYO TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/Missing-persons-bill-gets-support-from-family-of-Olivia-Lone-Bear-507378991.html
Strong, S. (2021, April 7). Unit within Interior to investigate cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people. KFYO TV. https://www.valleynewslive.com/2021/04/08/unit-within-interior-to-investigate-cases-of-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-people/
Strong, S. (2021, May 8). Marchers gather in Minot to raise awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. KFYO TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/2021/05/08/marchers-gather-in-minot-to-raise-awareness-of-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-people/
StrongWalker. (n.d.). FBI offers $10,000 reward for information in Olivia Lone Bear’s death, whose body was found strapped on passenger’s side of truck in lake. Indigenous Boston. https://indigenous.boston/fbi-offers-10000-reward-for-information-in-olivia-lone-bears-death-whose-body-was-found-strapped-on-passengers-side-of-truck-in-lake
U.S. Department of Justice. (2019, November 20). MEDIA ADVISORY - U.S. Attorney and FBI Leadership Brief Family of Olivia Lone Bear on Death Investigation. https://www.justice.gov/usao-nd/pr/media-advisory-us-attorney-and-fbi-leadership-brief-family-olivia-lone-bear-death#:~:text=Olivia%20Lone%20Bear.,toxicological%20causes%20for%20her%20death
Valley News Live. (2019, August 1). No answers 1 year later in American Indian woman's death. https://www.valleynewslive.com/content/news/Olivia-Lone-Bear-One-Year-Later-513482291.html
 
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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 84: The Unsolved Murder of Elizabeth Barraza

On the morning of January 25, 2019, 29-year-old Liz Barraza cheerfully set up a garage sale in the driveway of the Tomball, Texas home she shared with her husband Sergio and their beloved dachshund, Diesel. The fun loving, vivacious Liz was excited to make a little extra cash to use on her upcoming 5th wedding anniversary trip to sunny Orlando, Florida. While setting up the garage sale, Liz would be shot four times by an unknown assailant. Shockingly, the entire incident was caught on surveillance camera.
Instead of celebrating with his wife, Sergio would be attending a vigil in his Liz' memory on their wedding anniversary. Despite having the suspect's vehicle and the murder on film, the case remains unsolved, possibly because the killer is believed to have been wearing a disguise.
With no known enemies and a community of loved ones left behind, it is hard to imagine who would have wanted to hurt Liz, a woman who spent her life spreading joy and happiness to anyone lucky enough to cross her path.
 
Branch of Hope:
The Peter Mayhew Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization devoted to the alleviation of disease, pain, suffering, and the financial toll brought on by life's traumatic events. By providing its available resources directly to deserving children and adults in need, they assist numerous charitable organizations in order to promote and boost their effectiveness and provide support where needed.    
 
Sources: 
Who killed Liz Barraza. (n.d.). https://www.whokilledlizbarraza.com/
Willey, J. (2024, January 25). Was Liz Barraza killed in murder-for-hire plot? Her father tells ABC13 he believes she was. ABC13 Houston. https://abc13.com/elizabeth-barraza-shot-and-killed-tomball-garage-sale-murder-who-murdered-husband-of-liz/14354199/
Who Killed Elizabeth Barraza? (n.d.). https://www.khou.com/article/news/crime/tomball-texas-elizabeth-barraza-death-garage-sale/285-6c1cae40-d262-4d2e-bc7a-21ccfb300efe
Tomball woman to be honored in memorial 6 years after her unsolved murder. (2025, January 24). ABC13 Houston. https://abc13.com/post/elizabeth-barraza-memorial-tomball-woman-shot-death-driveway-2019-honored-6-years-unsolved-murder/15833300/
 
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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 83: Where is Paola Miranda Rosa?

Paola Miranda Rosa, 31, vanished from Wekiva Springs State Park on December 18, 2021. Last seen on a video created by an unnamed eyewitness, her car was found in the park despite initial denials by a ranger.
The investigation by Osceola County Sheriff's Office was criticized for being inadequate, suggesting suicide or alligator attack with little evidence. Her family, unsatisfied, conducted their own searches, hired a PI, and is now pushing for FBI involvement, especially after the lead detective was added to a Brady list for misconduct. Paola remains missing, with her family advocating for further investigation.
Stefanie was able to speak directly to the Miranda family. You won't believe what she found out.
 
Sources:
Munoz, L. (2024, December 14). Family of missing Osceola County woman seeks FBI involvement. WESH. https://www.wesh.com/article/missing-osceola-county-woman/63188736
Paola Marie Miranda-Rosa – The Charley Project. (n.d.). https://charleyproject.org/case/paola-marie-miranda-rosa
Orlando, F. 3. (2022, May 17). Paola Miranda-Rosa: 5 months since Central Florida woman went missing. FOX 35 Orlando. https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/paola-miranda-rosa-5-months-since-central-florida-woman-went-missing
Parks, A. (2022, December 2). Wekiwa Springs State Park In Apopka, FL | America's State Parks. America\\\’s State Parks. https://www.americasstateparks.org/wekiwa-springs-state-park/
How dangerous are black bears? - North American Bear Center. (2024, January 2). North American Bear Center. https://bear.org/bear-facts/how-dangerous-are-black-bears/
Conflicts: A Research Perspective | Urban Coyote Research. (n.d.). https://urbancoyoteresearch.com/coyote-info/conflicts-research-perspective
American Alligator | National Wildlife Federation. (n.d.). National Wildlife Federation. https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Reptiles/American-Alligator
Talcott, A. (2024, January 4). How many people have been killed by alligators in Florida? The number may surprise you. WKMG. https://www.clickorlando.com/features/2024/01/04/how-many-people-have-been-killed-by-alligators-in-florida-it-may-surprise-you/
Barabino, W. (2021, March 6). What is the Brady List? - Law Office of William J. Barabino. Law Office of William J. Barabino. https://www.williambarabino.com/blog/2021/03/06/what-is-the-brady-list/
 
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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 82: The Bloody Benders

The Bloody Benders were a family of serial killers active in Labette County, Kansas, from 1871 to 1873. Consisting of John Bender Sr., his wife Elvira (or Almira), their son John Jr., and daughter Kate, they operated a small inn and general store on the Osage Trail, which was frequented by travelers. The family would invite guests to sit at a table with their backs against a curtain, where they would be struck from behind with a hammer, usually by John Sr. or John Jr., while distracted by Kate, who was known for her beauty and purported spiritualist abilities.
 
After the murder, the victims' throats were slit, and their bodies were buried in an orchard or thrown into a well on the property. The Benders are believed to have killed between 11 to 20 people, with the actual number uncertain due to the frontier's sparse record-keeping.
 
The family's crimes came to light after the disappearance of Dr. William York in 1873, whose brother, a prominent state senator, organized a search. When authorities arrived at the Bender homestead, the family had already vanished. The property was searched, revealing several bodies, confirming the grim suspicions.
 
The Benders' fate remains a mystery; stories range from them being lynched by vigilantes, escaping to other parts of the country or even abroad, or changing identities. Their story has since become a legendary tale in American folklore.
 
Sources:
Nadel, D. (2024, July 19). The bloody benders: the family that wasn’t. HubPages. https://discover.hubpages.com/education/The-Bloody-Benders-The-Family-That-Wasnt
Sep 25, 1952, page 8 - The Wichita Beacon at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). https://www.newspapers.com/image/720215261/?match=1&terms=bloody%20benders
McCoy, M. (2021, October 31). A mysterious murder site has a new owner. He’s looking for answers about the Bloody Benders. Kansas Reflector. https://kansasreflector.com/2021/10/31/a-mysterious-murder-site-has-a-new-owner-hes-looking-for-answers-about-the-bloody-benders/
 
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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 81: The Karen Read Trial - Part 2 of 2

After a night out on January 28, 2022, 46-year-old Boston Police Officer was discovered dead in his friend's driveway, covered in snow. The already bizarre scene was made more chaotic when John's girlfriend, Karen Read, was allegedly heard by first responders saying "I hit him! I hit him!" 
Almost immediately law enforcement determined that John's death was a result of Karen Read purposely hitting him with her vehicle the night before.....but this case wasn't so cut and dry. Almost all of the witnesses shared relationships with John and were involved in the law enforcement community. Was it possible they were covering up what really happened that night? 
According to Karen Read and her defense team, everyone involved with the case was involved in a conspiracy to frame her and ultimately cover up John's real murderer. 
 
Sources:
karen. (n.d.). wondery. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/karen/id1756594491
Brother of John O’Keefe Speaks out about Karen Read mistrial. (n.d.). wcvb.com.
Karen Read and the Death of John O’Keefe (episode 252-260). (n.d.). https://prosecutorspodcast.com/tag/karen-read/
www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/who-is-karen-read-a-look-at-the-woman-at-the-center-of-a-media-firestorm/ar-BB1lznpM
https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/karen-read-trial-timeline-john-okeefe/
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/15/us/karen-read-murder-trial-boston.html
 
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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 80: The Karen Read Trial - Part 1 of 2

After a night out on January 28, 2022, 46 year old Boston Police Officer was discovered dead in his friend's driveway, covered in snow. The already bizarre scene was made more chaotic when John's girlfriend, Karen Read, was allegedly heard by first responders saying "I hit him! I hit him!" 
Almost immediately law enforcement determined that John's death was a result of Karen Read purposely hitting him with her vehicle the night before.....but this case wasn't so cut and dry. Almost all of the witnesses shared relationships with John and were involved in the law enforcement community. Was it possible they were covering up what really happened that night? 
According to Karen Read and her defense team, everyone involved with the case was involved in a conspiracy to frame her and ultimately cover up John's real murderer. 
 
Sources:
karen. (n.d.). wondery. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/karen/id1756594491
Brother of John O’Keefe Speaks out about Karen Read mistrial. (n.d.). wcvb.com.
Karen Read and the Death of John O’Keefe (episode 252-260). (n.d.). https://prosecutorspodcast.com/tag/karen-read/
www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/who-is-karen-read-a-look-at-the-woman-at-the-center-of-a-media-firestorm/ar-BB1lznpM
https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/karen-read-trial-timeline-john-okeefe/
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/15/us/karen-read-murder-trial-boston.html
 
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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

New Year, New Binge 2025 - Episode 2 of 2

Welcome, true-crime lovers, to New Year, New Binge 2025 Edition! What you’ll find included is your guide to an exciting lineup of podcasts that will make 2025 your best year for listening yet. New Years is a time for resolutions, and mine is simple: to share with you the most captivating, chilling, and downright binge-worthy true-crime podcasts. Whether you’re looking to uncover unsolved mysteries or dive into deep investigative storytelling, I’ve got you covered.
Be sure to follow all of the podcasts you enjoyed so you never miss a new episode. Podcasts are listed below in the order in which you will be introduced to them:
 
Episode 2:
Coffee and Cases Podcast https://linktr.ee/coffeeandcases
Heart Starts Pounding  https://www.heartstartspounding.com/
Mortal Musings Podcast  https://linktr.ee/mortalmusingspodcast
True Crime Creepers https://linktr.ee/TrueCrimeCreepers
Private Dicks Podcast https://linktr.ee/privatedicks
Twisted Travel and True Crime   https://linktr.ee/twistedtraveltruecrimepodcast 

New Year, New Binge 2025 - Episode 1 of 2

Welcome, true-crime lovers, to New Year, New Binge 2025 Edition! What you’ll find included is your guide to an exciting lineup of podcasts that will make 2025 your best year for listening yet. New Years is a time for resolutions, and mine is simple: to share with you the most captivating, chilling, and downright binge-worthy true-crime podcasts. Whether you’re looking to uncover unsolved mysteries or dive into deep investigative storytelling, I’ve got you covered.
Be sure to follow all of the podcasts you enjoyed so you never miss a new episode. Podcasts are listed below in the order in which you will be introduced to them:
 
Episode 1:
Reverie True Crime  https://linktr.ee/paigeelmore 
Fresh Hell Podcast  https://freshhellpodcast.com/
Malice  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/malice-a-true-crime-podcast/id1471251398
Women & Crime  https://www.womenandcrimepodcast.com
True Crimecast  https://linktr.ee/truecrimecast
The Dark Oak Podcast  thedarkoak.com

Episode 79: The Suspicious Death of Ben Keita

On Nov 26, 2016, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, 18-year-old high school student Ben Keita was reported missing by his parents, Ibrahima and Aissata Keita. He apparently left his home in Lake Stevens, Washington State by himself, without his wallet, phone or car.
Temperatures around that time were freezing, and his family was worried the cold could trigger problems for Ben’s sickle cell anemia.
Because Ben left his cell phone behind, the police were not able to get a precise location to begin their search, so they began by looking through a wide sweeping wooded area around the Keita home.  Experienced searchers, including a dog trained to detect human remains, were deployed.
The search for Ben stretched on for days, and then to weeks.
Six weeks passed with no sign of Ben. Then, on January 9, 2017, a group of teenagers wandering into the woods stumbled across an awful sight. About 12 to 14 feet from a trail, and about 10 feet from the nearest backyard fence was the body of Ben Keita. He was hanging from a rope strung over a tall branch in a densely wooded area just blocks from his home. Disturbingly, his body was found in an area that was previously searched multiple times in the days after his initial disappearance.
One end of the rope was fashioned into a noose around Ben’s neck; The other end was attached to a branch that was estimated to be 50 feet in the air. Ben’s feet were 2 and a half feet off the ground. Incredibly his neck was not broken. His official cause of death was recorded as asphyxiation.
Despite the odd circumstances, based on the fact there were no other evidence of trauma, the Snohomish County Medical Examiner determined the manner of death to be suicide.
But Ben’s parents immediately objected to this finding. His family said there was no reason to suspect anything was bothering Ben to the point that he would take his life. Ben was a young black man being raised in the Muslim faith. To Ben's family, Ben's cause of death was nothing short of a lynching.
What happened to Ben Keita?
 
Sources:
Victim Connect Resource Center. (2024, October 29). Victim Connect Resource Center - Confidential referrals for crime victims. https://victimconnect.org/
King, R. (2017, March 9). Parents again call for FBI to investigate death of Ben Keita | HeraldNet.com. HeraldNet.com. https://www.heraldnet.com/news/parents-again-call-for-fbi-to-investigate-death-of-ben-keita/
Hanna, J., & Hassan, C. (2017, March 4). Family asks FBI to probe black Muslim teen’s hanging. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2017/03/03/us/washington-teen-ben-keita-hanging/index.html
Staff, C. (2017, March 3). FBI reviewing case of Muslim teen found hanging from tree. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fbi-reviewing-case-of-muslim-teen-found-hanging-from-tree/
Green, S. J. (2017, March 14). Hate-crime suspicions cloud death of Muslim teen in Lake Stevens. The Seattle Times. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/law-justice/hate-crime-suspicions-cloud-death-of-black-teen/
 
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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