The Dark Oak

Episode 78: The Monsters and Mysteries of Christmas

Merry Christmas Day from The Dark Oak!
Christmas traditions run deep in every culture and every family. In America, the legend of St Nicholas reigns supreme. But it turns out that Santa Claus is only one of the many fables, legends and haunts that come alive around the celebration of Christmas. So, today I present to you, The Monsters of Christmas. Join us for discussions of The Tomten, The Yule Family (including the Yule boys and the Yule Cat), Mari Lwyd, Belsnickel, Krampus, and more!
 
Sources:
December 15). The Monsters of Christmas. Atlas Obscura. https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/monsters-of-christmas
Palmer, A., & Palmer, A. (2021, December 20). Mari Lwyd, or “Caroling with Zombie Horses”: A Christmas Story - Weird Little Worlds Press. Weird Little Worlds Press -. https://weirdlittleworlds.com/mari-lwyd-or-caroling-with-zombie-horses/
Little, B., & Little, B. (2023, December 12). Meet Krampus, the Christmas devil who punishes naughty children. HISTORY. https://www.history.com/news/krampus-christmas-legend-origin
 
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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 77: The Murder of JonBenet Ramsey - Part 2 of 2

We know the tragic story well: a 6-year-old beauty queen is found murdered in her upscale home the day after Christmas. Police and the media immediately zero in on the usual suspects...the remaining three members of the Ramsey family. 
Nearly three decades later we have learned that much of what we were "fed" in the days, weeks, months and years since JonBenet's death has been skewed to fit a particular narrative. Unfortunately, the downside of having a case so widely covered is that much of the widespread information can be incorrect. At The Dark Oak we understand that sometimes it can feel like the victim is lost in the chaos of the investigation and the media frenzy that surrounds it. 
In this episode, Cynthia and Stefanie want to remember JonBenet the person, while exploring the facts surrounding her murder investigation.  
 
Sources: 
The ransom note – a short life in the spotlight. (n.d.). https://sites.gsu.edu/moyasfinalproject/support-1/
JonBenet Ramsey Murder - The 911 Call - Statement Analysis®. (n.d.). https://www.statementanalysis.com/jonbenet-ramsey-murder/
Lovitt, B. (2018, June 25). Who killed JonBenet Ramsey? 8 possible suspects. Rolling Stone. https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-lists/who-killed-jonbenet-ramsey-8-possible-suspects-129125/the-mother-129180/
JonBenet Ramsey murder case: The Denver Post. (n.d.). https://extras.denverpost.com/news/jon031400.htm
https://pherson.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/JonBenet-Ramsey-Case-Study.pdf
https://abcnews.go.com/US/inside-mistakes-jonbenet-ramsey-investigation-noted-police-chief/story?id=29247378
Kenton, L. (2023, August 6). JonBenét Ramsey’s father reveals beauty pageant regrets as he recounts final show on what would be her 33. . . The US Sun. https://www.the-sun.com/news/8758625/jonbenet-ramsey-birthday-beauty-pageant-regrets-dad/
Jon Benet Ramsey Investigation: The Denver Post Online. (n.d.). https://extras.denverpost.com/news/jon22.htm
https://www.walteradavis.com/works/2005/02/essay_there_is_.html. (n.d.). https://www.walteradavis.com/works/2005/02/essay_there_is_.html.
The Denver Post Online: Today’s news. (n.d.). https://extras.denverpost.com/news/jon102.htm
JonBenét Ramsey’s Murder: Timeline of the Child Pageant star’s death and investigation. (2020, November 17). Biography. https://www.biography.com/crime/jonbenet-ramsey-murder-investigation-timeline
 
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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 76: The Murder of JonBenet Ramsey - Part 1 of 2

We know the tragic story well: a 6-year-old beauty queen is found murdered in her upscale home the day after Christmas. Police and the media immediately zero in on the usual suspects...the remaining three members of the Ramsey family. 
Nearly three decades later we have learned that much of what we were "fed" in the days, weeks, months and years since JonBenet's death has been skewed to fit a particular narrative. Unfortunately, the downside of having a case so widely covered is that much of the widespread information can be incorrect. At The Dark Oak we understand that sometimes it can feel like the victim is lost in the chaos of the investigation and the media frenzy that surrounds it. 
In this episode, Cynthia and Stefanie want to remember JonBenet the person, while exploring the facts surrounding her murder investigation.  
 
Sources: 
The ransom note – a short life in the spotlight. (n.d.). https://sites.gsu.edu/moyasfinalproject/support-1/
JonBenet Ramsey Murder - The 911 Call - Statement Analysis®. (n.d.). https://www.statementanalysis.com/jonbenet-ramsey-murder/
Lovitt, B. (2018, June 25). Who killed JonBenet Ramsey? 8 possible suspects. Rolling Stone. https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-lists/who-killed-jonbenet-ramsey-8-possible-suspects-129125/the-mother-129180/
JonBenet Ramsey murder case: The Denver Post. (n.d.). https://extras.denverpost.com/news/jon031400.htm
https://pherson.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/JonBenet-Ramsey-Case-Study.pdf
https://abcnews.go.com/US/inside-mistakes-jonbenet-ramsey-investigation-noted-police-chief/story?id=29247378
Kenton, L. (2023, August 6). JonBenét Ramsey’s father reveals beauty pageant regrets as he recounts final show on what would be her 33. . . The US Sun. https://www.the-sun.com/news/8758625/jonbenet-ramsey-birthday-beauty-pageant-regrets-dad/
Jon Benet Ramsey Investigation: The Denver Post Online. (n.d.). https://extras.denverpost.com/news/jon22.htm
https://www.walteradavis.com/works/2005/02/essay_there_is_.html. (n.d.). https://www.walteradavis.com/works/2005/02/essay_there_is_.html.
The Denver Post Online: Today’s news. (n.d.). https://extras.denverpost.com/news/jon102.htm
JonBenét Ramsey’s Murder: Timeline of the Child Pageant star’s death and investigation. (2020, November 17). Biography. https://www.biography.com/crime/jonbenet-ramsey-murder-investigation-timeline
 
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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 75: The Murder of Patricia Jeschke and Wrongful Conviction of Sandra Hemme

Sandra Hemme, is the longest known wrongfully convicted woman in the United States. Sandra was just 20 years old when she was found guilty of the murder of Patricia Jeschke, despite no solid evidence that she committed the crime. She didn’t know the murder victim, there were no witnesses, and no DNA evidence ever connected to her.
We will give you all the information on Sandra, Patricia's murder, Sandra's conviction and exoneration, and maybe most shockingly of all, the person suspected of being Patricia’s true killer.
 
Sources:
8 facts about Sandra Hemme’s case you need to know - Innocence Project. (2023, May 1). Innocence Project. https://innocenceproject.org/8-facts-about-sandra-hemmes-case-you-need-to-know/
Zeff, S. (2024, October 9). Missouri released Sandra Hemme from prison, so she’s spending time with her dying father. KCUR - Kansas City News and NPR. https://www.kcur.org/news/2024-07-23/missouri-sandra-hemme-innocence-prison-freed-attorney-general-andrew-bailey
Ozarks True Crime — Anne Roderique-Jones. (2023, June 13). Anne Roderique-Jones. https://www.anneroderiquejones.com/ozarks-true-crime
Nov 14, 1980, page 1 - St. Joseph Gazette at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). https://www.newspapers.com/image/563725892/?match=1&terms=Patricia%20Jeschke
Dec 13, 1980, page 13 - St. Joseph News-Press at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). https://www.newspapers.com/image/562524263/?match=1&terms=sandra%20hemme
8 facts about Sandra Hemme’s case you need to know - Innocence Project. (2023, May 1). Innocence Project. https://innocenceproject.org/8-facts-about-sandra-hemmes-case-you-need-to-know/
Apr 10, 1981, page 1 - St. Joseph News-Press at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). https://www.newspapers.com/image/562058591/?match=1&terms=sandra%20hemme
Mar 31, 1983, page 7 - St. Joseph Gazette at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). https://www.newspapers.com/image/563837303/?match=1&terms=sandra%20hemme
Apr 16, 1983, page 27 - St. Joseph News-Press at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). https://www.newspapers.com/image/562460478/?match=1&terms=sandra%20hemme
Jul 19, 2024, page A6 - Johnson City Press at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). https://www.newspapers.com/image/1126157909/?match=1&terms=sandra%20hemme
 
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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 74: The Thanksgiving Day Blount Family Bombing

On the night of November 28th, 1985, several members of the Blount Family had gathered at a family trailer in the Hilltop Mobile Home Park that lay in the suburbs of Fort Worth, Texas. The gathering consisted of Joe Blount, a skilled mechanic, Joe’s wife Susan, Robert who was Joe and Susan’s teenaged son, Joe’s daughter Angela, Joe’s brother Carl Blount and Carl’s estranged son Michael Columbus.
The family sat down and ate dinner between 4 and 5pm, after dinner was finished, Carl went home. At 9pm that night Susan went for a lie down while Joe drove Angela, Robert and Michael to a local convenience store about half a mile away so the kids could grab ice-creams, and he could pick up some beer.
While the others were out, Susan later said she heard a knock at the door but when she looked outside, she didn’t see anyone and went back to sleep. When the others returned to the trailer around 20 minutes after they had left, they found a tan briefcase sitting at the door. The three teenagers were excited that the briefcase might contain valuables or money and brought it inside. At a minimum, they figured they could find out who it belonged to and return it. Angela immediately set it down in the living room, opened it and the bomb inside detonated.
Joe Blount aged 44, Angela aged 15 and Michael aged 18 were all killed instantly by the blast.
Even though a suspect was tried and convicted, they were eventually cleared of all charges and the case remains unsolved to this day.
Who bombed the Blount family?
Sources:
Blanco, J. I. (n.d.). Michael Roy Toney | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers. https://murderpedia.org/male.T/t/toney-michael-roy.htm
A Thanksgiving Mystery, the Blount Family Bombing : r/UnresolvedMysteries. (n.d.).
https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/jyly61/a_thanksgiving_mystery_the_blount_family_bombing/
 
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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 73: The Unsolved Murder of Missy Bevers

April 17, 2016, was a very rainy day in Midlothian, Texas and 45-year-old Missy Bevers was scheduled to teach a fitness class outside of Creekside Church at five the next morning. That evening Missy posted on her FB page” If it’s raining, we’re still training!” giving the time and location of the class with instructions to meet inside the church building instead of their usual spot in the parking lot. 
Around 5:00 am the next morning, students arrived at the church, but instead of being met with the expected smile and encouragement that Missy was known for giving, they found Missy lying unresponsive on the floor surrounded by blood and broken glass. 
Later that day, Missy would be pronounced deceased.
When authorities reviewed the church's surveillance footage, nobody was prepared for what they would see. This video catapulted Missy’s case into the public eye and despite having very clear pictures of Missy's killer, more than 8 years later, her case remains unsolved. 
 
Sources:
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/missy-bevers-murder-investigation-midlothian-texas-police-suspects-leads/287-9de8d7d7-6684-4cb0-9f5f-57bc10847b26
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/husband-of-missy-bevers-discusses-unsolved-case-nearly-8-years-after-her-murder/3464935/
Tom Webster. (n.d.). Missy Bevers - My Research [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESI68Z6Qo-o
MURDER: Missy Bevers. (n.d.). [Video]. YouTube.
 
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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 72: The Disappearance of Cherryl Lamont Pearson

It seemed like a typical day for 37-year-old Dr. Cherryl Lamont Pearson on January 4, 2002. She attended a Memphis Grizzlies game then she headed home to hang with two of her friends. When her friends left at 1am, she told her friends she was heading to be because she needed to be up early to babysit her nieces and nephews the next morning. After taking a 5 second phone call at 1:58am on Saturday, Cherryl disappeared into thin air. What happened to Cherryl Pearson?
 
Sources:
Four years later, grief continues. (2006, May 15). NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna12756112
Missing: Cherryl Lamont Pearson | Bartlett, TN | Uncovered. (n.d.). https://uncovered.com/cases/cherryl-pearson
JR Erickson. (2021, December 19). The Vanishing of Cherryl Lamont Pearson [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ga7k3mjP0Y
Action News 5. (2012, February 17). Missing doctor Bartlett’s only cold case. https://www.actionnews5.com. https://www.actionnews5.com/story/16953495/missing-doctor-bartletts-only-cold-case/
 
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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 71: Inside the Mica Miller Case

On April 27, 2024, 30-year-old South Carolina woman, Mica Miller, placed a disturbing 911 call. She was found later that evening having been killed by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 
At first glance, Mica’s death sounds like a tragic suicide; however, in the days, weeks and months since, many dark secrets have surfaced including allegations of abuse by her estranged husband, Pastor John Paul Miller, leaving many of us asking…. 'Who is actually responsible for Mica Miller’s death?' 
 
Sources: 
Keller, E. (2024, August 1). Major update in Mica Miller case three months after her death. Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/mica-miller-case-update-jp-pastor-1933518
Mica Miller did not kill herself. (n.d.). WILD. https://www.wildernesstowild.com/blog/mica-miller-did-not-kill-herself
Caplan, A. L., & Kantor, W. G. (2024, July 31). Mica Miller's Family Ends Legal Battle with Her Pastor Husband After Her Suicide: 'Put This Behind Us' People.com. https://people.com/mica-miller-family-ends-legal-battle-pastor-husband-after-her-suicide-8686996
Benson, A., & Moody, E. (2024, May 29). WBTW. WBTW. https://www.wbtw.com/news/news13-investigates/news13-exclusive-john-paul-millers-former-associate-says-hes-not-the-man-i-thought-he-was/
Rowles, C. (2024, May 20). TIMELINE: Everything we know about the Mica Miller case. WCIV. https://abcnews4.com/newsletter-daily/mica-miller-timeline-what-we-know-john-paul-jp-pastor-solid-rock-church-market-common-myrtle-beach-south-carolina-suicide-mental-health-lumber-river-state-park-robeson-county-fbi-us-attorneys-office
Facebook. (n.d.). https://www.facebook.com/therobbieharvey/posts/heres-the-full-text-exchange-between-charlotte-mica-miller-and-john-paul-miller-/484282057505382/
Benson, A. (2024, June 4). WBTW. WBTW. https://www.wbtw.com/news/news13-investigates/news13-investigates-solid-rock-pastor-millers-ex-wife-alleges-infidelity-lust-for-power-in-custody-filing/
Crane, E. (2024, June 5). Ex-wife of widowed pastor John Paul Miller accuses him of having sex with prostitutes and underage girls. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2024/06/05/us-news/pastor-john-paul-millers-ex-wife-alleges-he-was-sexually-inappropriate-with-underage-girls/
https://www.fitsnews.com/2024/05/17/mica-miller-saga-the-pastors-paramours-and-another-suspicious-death/
 
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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 70: The Life and Death of Edgar Allen Poe - An Oaktober Fest Special Edition

Welcome to Oaktober Fest, The Dark Oak's celebration of the spooky month of October! Every week this month, we will bring you a case that is sure to get you in the creepy mood.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The father of mystery and the American horror story, Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer, poet, editor, and literary critic who is best known for his poetry and terrifying short stories.  You would be hard pressed to find a reader who didn't get shivers up their spine at the very thought of the Raven's "Nevermore." 
Fittingly, mystery and the macabre not only surrounded Poe in life but also his death, as one election day he was discovered incoherent and disheveled outside of a voting place. Did he have a bad reaction to consuming alcohol? Was he the victim of kidnapping and forced voter fraud? Was he robbed and beaten? 
Cynthia and Stefanie discuss these theories and more in this special Oaktoberfest edition of The Dark Oak! 
 
Sources:
Natale, M. (2023, November 13). A breakthrough clue may untangle the mysterious death of Edgar Allan Poe. Popular Mechanics. https://www.popularmechanics.com/culture/a45782209/edgar-allan-poe-death-mystery/
(The Mystery of Edgar Allan Poe’s Death (U.S. National Park Service), n.d.)
Geiling, N. (2014, October 3). The (Still) mysterious death of Edgar Allan Poe. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/still-mysterious-death-edgar-allan-poe-180952936/
The Poe Museum. (2024b, August 12). https://poemuseum.org/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4DTW4B3Sjs. (n.d.). [Video].
 
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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 69: Bella in the Wych Elm - An Oaktober Fest Special Edition

Welcome to Oaktober Fest, The Dark Oak's celebration of the spooky month of October! Every week this month, we will bring you a case that is sure to get you in the creepy mood.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
On April 18, 1943, local boys Robert Hart, Thomas Willetts, Bob Farmer and Fred Payne wandered into Hagley Wood, part of the estate belonging to Lord Cobham near Wychbury Hill, when they came across a large wych elm.
The wych elm before them was ancient with a gnarled base and long stretched out branches growing in every direction. To the boys, this tree looked like the perfect place to look for their treasure. Young Bob Farmer climbed into the creepy limbs of an elm tree, and reached into the hollow of a tree to retrieve what he thought was a beautiful egg. But he was mistaken, and terror crossed his face when he realized he had discovered a woman's head.
The mystery of the woman in the wych elm takes us through a trail of WWII spies, espionage, witchcraft, the cult, domestic violence and savagery. All to answer the ultimate question of Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?
Sources:
Armitage, R., & Stein, L. (2023, April 6). Unravelling the 80-year-old mystery of the woman found in a wych elm in Hagley Wood. ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-07/mystery-over-who-put-bella-down-the-wych-elm-/102171844
Warburton_Warrior. (n.d.). Who put Bella in the Wych Elm? - Revisited, and new information? : r/UnresolvedMysteries. https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/nxgdb1/who_put_bella_in_the_wych_elm_revisited_and_new/
Lockley, M. (2018, February 25). Revealed after 75 years: The face of Bella in the Wych Elm. Birmingham Live. https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/revealed-after-75-years-face-14329271
Who put Bella in the Wych Elm? (2019, February 21). CrimeReads. https://crimereads.com/who-put-bella-in-the-wych-elm/
Trust, W. (n.d.). English Elm (Ulmus procera) - British Trees - Woodland Trust. Woodland Trust. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/english-elm/
Fenton, N., Neil, M., Risk and Information Management Research Group, School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, & Queen Mary University of London. (2014). Who put Bella in the wych-elm? A Bayesian analysis of a 70 year-old mystery (pp. 2–4). https://www.eecs.qmul.ac.uk/~norman/projects/bella/Bella.pdf
Who Put Bella In The Wych Elm? | ag-website. (n.d.). Ag-website. https://www.adamgerber.co.uk/bella
 
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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