The Dark Oak

Episode 28: The Brown Family Disappearance

When a Florida family went missing in 1985, local authorities were at a complete loss with absolutely no leads. 
Nearly 6 weeks after James and Carolyn Brown and their three children were last heard from, the family was reported missing. Strange phone calls, a dead hamster and a wall that was freshly painted in an effort to cover blood stains, left more questions than answers. 
 
After being recognized in Georgia several weeks later, James Brown confessed to killing his wife and children and disposing of their bodies in locations in both Florida and Georgia, however despite several searches, they were never found. 
 
It quickly became clear that James was suffering from mental health issues and was ruled insane by three psychologists. Given the fact that no bodies were ever found, and James Brown has since recanted his confession, is it possible that he never murdered his family after all? 
 
 
The Branch of Hope:
SafeSpace safespacefl.org
When SafeSpace was founded in Indian River County in October 1979, it was the beginning of an incredible journey to provide safety and support to thousands of domestic violence victims and their children. By 1988, SafeSpace had expanded to St. Lucie and Martin counties and secured its reputation as the local area experts in providing domestic violence services. For more than four decades, SafeSpace has provided nearly half a million safe nights of shelter to more than 40,000 victims and children throughout the Treasure Coast area.
 
In the past year, SafeSpace served 776 victims of domestic violence consisting of 623 adults and 153 children; and provided a total of 9,689 services.
 
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Sources:
Writer, T. S. (2020, January 4). Judge releases man who killed family. Tampa Bay Times. https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1997/01/18/judge-releases-man-who-killed-family/
Scherrer, Y. (2022, November 2). Despite the murderer’s confession, he wasn’t convicted: the case of the Brown family. Medium. https://medium.com/@yasminscherrer/despite-the-murderers-confession-he-was-never-convicted-the-case-of-the-brown-family-da3645b83258
Marie, E. (2022, January 2). Sheketah Brown, 10: Father admitted to killing entire family in 1985. Our Black Girls. https://ourblackgirls.com/2021/09/20/sheketah-brown-10-father-admitted-to-killing-entire-family-in-1985/
Sheketah Michele Brown – The Charley Project. (n.d.). https://charleyproject.org/case/sheketah-michele-brown
Carolyn Denise Brown – The Charley Project. (n.d.). https://charleyproject.org/case/carolyn-denise-brown
 
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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 Holmes and Music by Ryan Creep
 

Episode 27: The Mysterious Survival Story of Casey Hathaway

After three days in the unforgiving wilderness, three-year-old Casey Hathaway was miraculously found unharmed. He said a bear saved him from harm. Is it possible?
We will explore his story as well as five additional stories of children mysteriously surviving in the wilderness including that of Alice Rachel Peck and Ida Mae Curtis.
We conclude by exploring the Kickapoo Tribe cryptid tale of The Great Bear Man.
 
The Branch of Hope:
The Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation Foundation (WORF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in North Carolina where Casey Hathaway lives. It was established to support charitable, scientific, educational, management and outreach activities that promote conservation, preservation, protection, and enhancement of outdoor and wildlife resources and related recreational opportunities in North Carolina.
They encourage scientific evaluation, research, and study of native wild fauna and their habitats.
To vote, head to our Twitter or Facebook page!
Check out our Bigfoot Episode Here
 
Sources:
3-year-old Casey Hathaway told authorities a bear kept him company while he was lost in the woods | CNN
Barnes, S. (2021, December 17). MISSING 3-Year-Old boy says a bear kept him safe while he was lost in the woods. My Modern Met. https://mymodernmet.com/casey-hathaway-kept-warm-by-bear/
Ingber, S. (2019, January 25). Missing 3-Year-Old boy is found alive in woods of North Carolina. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2019/01/25/688604712/missing-3-year-old-boy-is-found-alive-in-woods-of-north-carolina
Staff, K. C. J. O. B. a. W. (2019, January 25). Day 3: Searching for Casey Hathaway. WCTI. https://wcti12.com/news/local/day-two-searching-for-casey-hathaway
Milman, O. (2021, October 29). Bear in mind: lost boy’s tale of ursine guardian “likely to be fantasy.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/28/bear-lost-boy-casey-hathaway-experts-fantasy
Schweig, S. V. (2019, February 1). Little Boy says a bear saved him after he got lost in the woods. The Dodo. https://www.thedodo.com/in-the-wild/little-boy-lost-in-the-woods-says-bear-helped-him-north-carolina
Missing Void. (2020, October 14). Taken by the Bear: The disappearance of Casey Hathaway [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKU6LrGO_Ms
 
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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 Holmes and Music by Ryan Creep
 

Episode 26: Elizabeth Short AKA The Black Dahlia

We delve in to the most brutal, baffling, sensationalized, and shocking murders in American history. We will cover the life of Elizabeth short as well as details of the murder and several key suspects that may represent the faces of evil.
 
Sources:
The Murder of the Black Dahlia: The Ultimate Cold Case Crime magazine. (n.d.). https://crimemagazine.com/murder-black-dahlia-ultimate-cold-case
Hodel, S. (2019, October 2). Black Dahlia crime scene Photos: New Investigation-Hard Evidence and Forensics Revisited 2019 - Steve Hodel. Steve Hodel. https://stevehodel.com/2019/10/01/black-dahlia-crime-scene-photos-new-investigation-hard-evidence-and-forensics-revisited-2019/
Fitts, A. S. (2017, September 20). I know who killed the Black Dahlia: my own father. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/26/black-dahlia-murder-steve-hodel-elizabeth-short
Serena, K. (2023, June 7). The Black Dahlia: Inside the Gruesome Murder of Elizabeth Short. All That’s Interesting. https://allthatsinteresting.com/black-dahlia-elizabeth-short
Black Dahlia. (2022, September 28). Federal Bureau of Investigation. https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/black-dahlia
Gilmore, J. (1998). Severed: The True Story of the Black Dahlia Murder.
 
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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 Holmes and Music by Ryan Creep
 

Episode 25: The Sodder Family’s Christmas Tragedy

When a tragic house fire destroys the Sodder Family home in the early hours of Christmas Day, 1945, it is believed 5 missing children perished in the flames.  As details unfold over the next days, weeks and months, the Sodder parents begin to question whether their children were in the house on the night of the fire. 
 
For decades, a large billboard has stood over Fayette County asking for information on the missing children. The offer of a reward brought in never before reported sightings, bizarre photographs and more questions than answers. 
 
Sources: 
Bragg, B. (2022). No direct evidence: The Story of the Missing Sodder Children. Quarrier Press.
 
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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 Holmes and Music by Ryan Creep
 
 

Episode 24: The Disappearance of Amelia Earhart

On the morning of July 2, 1937, Amelia Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, took off from Lae, New Guinea, on one of the last legs in their historic attempt to circumnavigate the globe. They never made it. What became of the two adventurers? Lost at sea? Crash landed on a deserted island? Captured by the Japanese? We will explore all the options.
 
Branch of Hope: 
The Branch of Hope Fund Recipient for this episode is Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships presented by the Ninety-Nines ninety-nines.org
Each year Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships are usually awarded to qualified members for five different scholarship types, including two specialized scholarships: an Emergency Maneuver Training Scholarship and an International Scholarship for pilots in developing countries. 
In addition, the Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund (AEMSF) provides Research Scholarship Grants and, for Student Pilot members, the First Wings Awards. 99s members and other individuals have donated to the Fund through their estate bequests, individual gifts, and the Perpetual Scholarship program.
Since 1941, the AEMSF has awarded over 800 scholarships plus more than 300 awards to student pilots working toward their first certificate. The amount awarded for these scholarships, including Research Scholar Grants and Fly Now/First Wings Awards exceeds $12 Million. The AEMSF's investment account is currently valued at over $6 Million.
If you would like to vote for Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship presented by the Ninety-Nines as this month's recipient of the Branch of Hope Fund, head to our Twitter page and click on "The 99s AEMSF Scholarship" in the voting poll. 
 
Sources:History, H. (2019). Amelia Earhart: A Life from Beginning to End.
 
Fleming, C. (2012). Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart. Schwartz & Wade.
 
 
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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 Holmes and Music by Ryan Creep
 

Episode 23: The Disappearance and Murder of Laci and Conner Peterson - Re-examined

The disappearance and murder of Laci and Conner Peterson has been in and out of news and media headlines for over twenty years. 
In this episode we compare Scott's version of events to the State's, along with the corresponding evidence in an effort to find the truth.
We discuss Scott's recent appeal where he alleges there is new evidence that a burglary across the street from the Peterson home occurred on the same day that Laci went missing. 
Potential eyewitness sightings are explored and expert testimony is reviewed. 
Finally, we discuss the state of the victims' bodies in an effort to find the truth.... was Laci a witness to a crime where the criminals had to silence her forever? Were she and Conner the victims of a baby ring, or did Scott Peterson kill his wife and unborn son? 
Listen to the evidence and you decide. 
 
Branch of Hope: 
The Branch of Hope Fund Recipient for this episode is Superstition Search and Rescue superstitionsar.org
Superstition Search and Rescue was the first recipient of funds awarded by The Laci and Conner Search and Rescue Fund began by Laci Peterson's family. 
Superstition Search and Rescue has been helping to reunite families with their loved ones for over thirty years. 
They also focus on disaster relief and have most recently helped with the baby formula shortage in their community. 
If you would like to vote for Superstition Search and Rescue as this month's recipient of the Branch of Hope Fund, head to our Twitter page and click on "Superstition Search and Rescue" in the voting poll. 
 
Sources:
Rocha, S. (2006). For Laci: A Mother’s Story of Love, Loss, and Justice. Crown.
kctv.com laci peterson. (n.d.).
 
Scott Peterson Appeal.Org. (n.d.). Scott Peterson Appeal.Org. https://scottpetersonappeal.org/
 
CrimePiper, V. a. P. B. (2022, November 15). Scott Peterson: “Rabia and Ellyn Solve the Case” debunked. CrimePiper. https://crimepiperblog.wordpress.com/2022/10/12/scott-peterson-rabia-and-ellyn-solve-the-case-debunked/
 
Tracy, E. (2023, August 3). California attorney general calls Scott Peterson’s latest claims ‘baseless fishing expedition.’ Modesto Bee. https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/article277848403.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 Holmes and Music by Ryan Creep
 

Episode 22: The Unsolved Murder of Alonzo Brooks

When 23-year-old Alonzo Brooks went missing after attending a party in rural Kansas, his family set out to find their loving, laid back son. After weeks' long searches, authorities came to the conclusion that he must have decided to make the long walk home while intoxicated and shoeless. 
Sadly, nearly a month after he went missing, Alonzo's body was found in a creek near the last place he was seen. 
Theories ranged from Alonzo being the victim of a hate crime, to having flirted with the wrong woman and being met in the dark by her jealous boyfriend. 
Nearly 20 years later, the case has been reopened largely because of rejuvenated interest after being featured on the recent 'Unsolved Mysteries' Reboot. 
Authorities believe that more is known about Alonzo's death than has ever been revealed. Listen to this week's episode and spread the word so that hopefully, in the very near future, justice can be served. 
 
Sources:
ALONZO BROOKS. (2023, July 13). Federal Bureau of Investigation. https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/alonzo-brooks
 
Cnn, B. R. R. a. J. a. a. L. (2021, April 6). Alonzo Brooks' death, whose case was featured on Netflix's 'Unsolved Mysteries,' is ruled a homicide. CNN. https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2021/04/06/us/alonzo-brooks-case-ruled-homicide-unsolved-mysteries-trnd/index.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 Holmes and Music by Ryan Creep
 
 

Episode 21: The History of the Famous Bell Witch

The 1800s haunting of the Bell Farm made history books. A family of 9 suffered from mysterious noises, sleepless nights, whispers, voices and disembodied laughter. One victim of the Bell Witch even became the first person in US history to die from supernatural causes. We will fill you in on all the details.
 
Sources:
Ingram, M. V. (1894). An authenticated history of the famous Bell witch: The Wonder of the 19th Century and Unexplained Phenomenon of the Christian Era . . .
 
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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 Holmes and Music by Ryan Creep
 

Episode 20: The Unsolved Murder of Athalia Ponsell Lindsley

Who killed Athalia Ponsell Lindsley? The logical suspect was a man who had previously threatened her life. A man, that, conveniently, borrowed a machete from the county and never returned it. A man that had been called out by name by the only eyewitness to the murder. A man who lived in the house with a blood trail leading from the crime scene to its front door. Was this simply circumstantial evidence? You tell us.
Sources:
Randall, E. (2016). Murder in St. Augustine: The mysterious death of Athalia Ponsell Lindsley. Arcadia Publishing.
 
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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 Holmes and Music by Ryan Creep
 

Episode 19: The Obscure Lives of Feral Children

We will explore the lives of feral children raised in isolation, away from human contact. How does this strange phenomenon occur? And what becomes of children who befall this horrendous fate? How can we help them regain the ability to communicate, engage with the world and understand what it means to be human?
 
Sources:
dMSEd, K. C. (2022). The Story of Genie Wiley. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/genie-the-story-of-the-wild-child-2795241
The Back of the Archive. (2020, December 13). Genie Wiley: the feral child [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqflmQ5TaFQ
 
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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 Holmes and Music by Ryan Creep