Dark Origins

On a quiet Monday morning in January 1979, shots rang out from a house across the street from Grover Cleveland Elementary School in San Diego. The shooter was 16-year-old Brenda Spencer, armed with a rifle her father had given her for Christmas. By the time the chaos ended, the principal and a custodian were dead, and eight children and a police officer were wounded.When asked why she did it, Brenda chillingly replied, "I don't like Mondays. This livens up the day." That haunting statement soon echoed around the world—not just in news reports, but in a song. Irish rock band The Boomtown Rats, fronted by Bob Geldof, were so disturbed by the story that they wrote "I Don’t Like Mondays," a hit that captured the senselessness and tragedy of the attack.In this episode, we explore Brenda Spencer’s life leading up to the shooting, the events of that morning, and how a mass shooting at a school helped give rise to one of the most haunting pop songs of the era.

As a train traveled from Phoenix to Los Angeles, staff grew uneasy. A foul smell was coming from two trunks belonging to a young female passenger. That unease turned to horror when they noticed blood seeping from the cracks. Hoping it was something as simple as spoiled meat, they alerted police to inspect the trunks upon arrival.At the station, officers stopped the petite woman walking away from the luggage—her name was Winnie Ruth Judd. When asked about the trunks, she claimed her husband had the keys... then dropped them and ran. Inside were the bodies of her two closest friends, Agnes Anne LeRoi and Hedvig "Sammy" Samuelson. How did they end up dismembered and hidden in trunks, traveling by train with the woman they once trusted? And where did Ruth go? This chilling case captivated the nation and even inspired an all-puppet film, Murderess: The Winnie Ruth Judd Story, written and directed by Scott Coblio. Join us as we unpack the bizarre, bloody mystery of the “Trunk Murders.”Sources:“Gettysburg Times - Google News Archive Search.” Google.com, 2025, news.google.com/newspapers?id=tMQlAAAAIBAJ&pg=7051. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.John, Finn J.D. “Offbeat Oregon: Oregonians Played Prominent Role in 1930s’ Most Horrific Murder.” The Lincoln County Leader, 5 Mar. 2021, www.thenewsguard.com/community/offbeat-oregon-oregonians-played-prominent-role-in-1930s-most-horrific-murder/article_b9009184-7d2a-11eb-a0d7-63595170049c.html. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.“Murder & Mayhem - the Strange Saga of Winnie Ruth Judd.” Arizona Memory Project, azmemory.azlibrary.gov/nodes/view/303.Pela, Robrt L. “Phoenix New Times.” Phoenix New Times, 24 Sept. 2014, www.phoenixnewtimes.com/arts/ruthless-a-long-lost-confession-letter-may-finally-tell-the-real-story-of-winnie-ruth-judd-6657689.THE. “American Hauntings.” American Hauntings, 2025, www.americanhauntingsink.com/trunk-murderess. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.“The Story of the Phoenix “Trunk Murderess” Winnie Ruth Judd.” The Arizona Republic, 2025, www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/news/local/phoenix/2024/11/25/phoenix-trunk-murderess-winnie-ruth-judd/74188821007/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.“The Twisted Tale of Winnie Ruth Judd: Phoenix’s Favorite Murderess | the Order of the Good Death.” The Twisted Tale of Winnie Ruth Judd: Phoenix’s Favorite Murderess | the Order of the Good Death, 2024, www.orderofthegooddeath.com/article/the-twisted-tale-of-winnie-ruth-judd-phoenixs-favorite-murderess/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.Wikipedia Contributors. “Winnie Ruth Judd.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 4 Feb. 2025, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnie_Ruth_Judd.“Winnie Ruth Judd Reminiscences Letter.” Arizona Memory Project, 2025, azmemory.azlibrary.gov/nodes/view/94275. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

In this episode, we delve into one of South Korea’s most infamous unsolved mysteries: the Frog Boys Murders. What began as a simple day of adventure for five young boys on March 26, 1991, turned into a decades-long nightmare filled with unanswered questions, police missteps, and lingering grief.The boys—aged 9 to 13—left their homes in Daegu, South Korea, to search for salamander eggs on the slopes of Mt. Waryong. But they never returned. What followed was a desperate and highly publicized search, with the entire country gripped by their mysterious disappearance.For 11 years, their fate remained unknown until 2002, when their skeletal remains were discovered in a remote area of the mountain. Initial reports suggested they may have died from exposure, but forensic examinations indicated blunt force trauma to their skulls, pointing toward foul play.We explore the botched investigation, theories surrounding their deaths—including speculation about a possible military cover-up—and the lasting impact on South Korean society. From grieving families demanding justice to the chilling possibility that their killer (or killers) may still be out there, this case remains one of South Korea’s most haunting mysteries.Join us as we dissect the evidence, examine the theories, and reflect on the heartbreaking legacy of the Frog Boys Murders.Sources:“In 1991 Five Boys Went Searching for Frogs. Their Bodies Were Discovered 11 Years Later.” Mamamia, 26 Aug. 2019, www.mamamia.com.au/frog-boys/.“Intrigue, Scandal, Heartbreak: The Case of South Korea’s Missing “Frog Boys.”” CNA, www.channelnewsasia.com/cnainsider/intrigue-scandal-heartbreak-case-south-korea-missing-frog-boys-774406.“KSIS : What Happened to the Frog Boys?” KSTATION TV, 13 Nov. 2024, kstationtv.com/2024/11/13/ksis-what-happened-to-the-frog-boys/?lang=en. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.Wikipedia Contributors. “Frog Boys.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 28 Jan. 2025, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frog_Boys.

In January 2024, 13-year-old Na'Ziyah Harris vanished after stepping off her school bus in Detroit, Michigan. What started as a desperate search for a missing child soon unraveled into a chilling tale of grooming, betrayal, and heartbreak. Na'Ziyah should be living the last precious years of her girlhood—hanging out with friends, focusing on schoolwork, and dreaming of her future. Instead, her life was cruelly cut short. Her body remains unfound, and the man she once called her "uncle" now stands trial for her murder.In this podcast, we dive into the devastating details surrounding Na'Ziyah's life, the events that led to her disappearance, and the ongoing fight for justice. Na’Ziyah’s story is a harrowing reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by so many young girls and the urgent need for change and protection.Sources:Buczek, Joseph, and Jack Springgate. “Detroit Man Charged over Missing 13-Year-Old Na’Ziyah Harris Appears in Court.” Cbsnews.com, CBS Detroit, 17 Jan. 2025, www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/naziyah-harris-murder-detroit-man-charged-court-appearance/.COURT TV. “Man Charged with Impregnating, Murdering 13-Year-Old Na’Ziyah Harris.” YouTube, 30 Sept. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwScFzQq0Xg. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.Detroit, FOX 2. “Missing Na’Ziyah Harris: Suspect’s Search History, How Police Found His Phone.” FOX 2 Detroit, 8 Jan. 2025, www.fox2detroit.com/news/missing-naziyah-harris-more-witnesses-testify-against-murder-suspect-jarvis-butts. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.Foster, Wells. “Accused Detroit Serial Child Abuser Will Stand Trial for Murder.” Https://Www.wilx.com, WILX, 9 Jan. 2025, www.wilx.com/2025/01/09/accused-detroit-serial-child-abuser-will-stand-trial-murder/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.FOX 2 Detroit. “Preliminary Hearing for Na’Ziyah Harris Suspect.” YouTube, 1 Nov. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQWjSwveT9g. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.Sayles, Samantha. “Key Takeaways from Preliminary Hearing in Murder Case of Na’Ziyah Harris.” WDIV, WDIV ClickOnDetroit, 16 Jan. 2025, www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2025/01/17/naziyah-harris-murder-case-disturbing-texts-search-history-read-aloud-in-court/.---. “Na’Ziyah Harris Murder Case: Disturbing Texts, Search History Read Aloud in Court.” WDIV, WDIV ClickOnDetroit, 17 Jan. 2025, www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2025/01/18/texts-search-history-definition-of-a-pedophile-what-to-know-about-naziyah-harris-murder-case/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.---. “Timeline: What We Learned in Na’Ziyah Harris’ Disappearance Nearly 1 Year Later.” WDIV, WDIV ClickOnDetroit, 8 Jan. 2025, www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2025/01/08/timeline-what-we-learned-in-naziyah-harris-disappearance-nearly-1-year-later/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.---. “What We Know: Testimonies Continue in Preliminary Hearing of Man Accused of Killing Missing Detroit Teen.” WDIV, WDIV ClickOnDetroit, 7 Jan. 2025, www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2025/01/07/what-we-know-testimonies-continue-in-preliminary-hearing-of-man-accused-of-killing-missing-detroit-teen/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.Sayles, Samantha, and Dane Kelly. “Breaking down Charges “Groomer, Pedophile” Faces in Death of Detroit Girl, Additional Victims.” WDIV, WDIV ClickOnDetroit, 27 Sept. 2024, www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2024/09/27/breaking-down-charges-groomer-pedophile-faces-in-death-of-detroit-girl-additional-victims-2/.WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7. “Preliminary Hearing Continues against Suspect in Na’Ziyah Harris Case.” YouTube, 8 Jan. 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdAmcLStHls. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

In May 2004 Oakey Albert “Al” Kite was found hog-tied and tortured to death in his basement after he didn’t show up for work. Al’s murder is one of the most mysterious we have covered because investigators still don’t know who perpetrated the crime, and there is no discernible motive other than a sick urge to torture and kill. The investigation has uncovered a lot of information, but not quite enough to tie everything together. Whoever killed Al went by the alias Robert Cooper and found him via an ad Al had placed looking for someone to rent his basement. After the murder, many witnesses came forward to tell police that Robert Cooper had also met with them regarding property they were trying to rent out. The strange thing is that each witness met a slightly different version of Robert, as it appeared he was tweaking different characteristics to conceal his identity. But why? And why did the killer choose Al specifically? We cover the case from start to finish and discuss all of the theories surrounding it in this week’s episode.Sources:Flowers, Ashley. “Oakey “Al” Kite - 9 of Hearts, Colorado, Part 2 - the Deck.” The Deck, Feb. 2023, thedeckpodcast.com/oakey-al-kite-part-2/. Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.The. “Unresolved.” Unresolved, 2014, unresolved.me/the-waverly-stranglings, https://doi.org/1074178/18p6wP1I_normal. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.to, Contributors. “Robert Cooper.” Unidentified Wiki, 2025, unidentified-awareness.fandom.com/wiki/Robert_Cooper, https://doi.org/1091233/24707. Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.“UNKNOWN SUSPECT - UNSOLVED HOMICIDE - AURORA, COLORADO | Federal Bureau of Investigation.” Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2025, www.fbi.gov/wanted/vicap/homicides-and-sexual-assaults/victim-oakey-al-kite-jr. Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.

Four Finnish teenagers, Maila Irmeli Björklund, Anja Tuulikki, Seppo Antero Boisman, and Nils Wilhelm Gustaffson set out to have a fun night camping on the shores of Lake Bodom. It was like a double date since Maila was dating Nils and Anja was dating Seppo. They fished, drank, and swam in the lake before heading to bed in the single tent they brought to share. The next day a man, out for his morning jog, came upon the teens and their tent, which was shredded, tattered, and collapsed. And three of the four were dead, while the fourth was severely injured but alive. The investigation lead police to several suspects but ultimately the case was never solved. Without a conclusion or any justice, the case grew into a sort of Finnish boogeyman that still haunts the country to this day. In 2016 the movie Lake Bodom was created. It took inspiration from the real case to spin up a story about a group of friends that go camping on the shores of Lake Bodom. Unfortunately, the trip is plagued by secrets and manipulation, and it doesn’t end well. Sources:Kaminski, Julia. “The Real Unsolved Murders of Lake Bodom.” SCREAMFEST, 18 May 2017, screamfestla.com/blog/real-unsolved-murders-lake-bodom.“Lake Bodom Murders.” Dyatlov Pass, 2024, dyatlovpass.com/lake-bodom-murders.The Casual Criminalist. “The Lake Bodom Murders.” YouTube, 17 Mar. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ujSsyEBgwE. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.Vidani, Peter. “The Lake Bodom Murders.” Tumblr, 2019, lakebodommurders.tumblr.com. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

A group of hikers was traveling down a logging road on their way to a rentable hut, located in the remote Canadian wilderness, when they stumbled upon a burnt truck with personal belongings scattered around it. Feeling as though they had discovered a crime scene, the hikers decided to take pictures before turning back, calling police as they drove. It took RCMP Officers two days to get to the scene and they noticed that things had been moved since the hikers had been there. They found that the truck belonged to a man named Marshall Iwaasa, who was nowhere to be found. His family told police that the last time they saw him was six days before his car was found at the end of the logging road. They told officers that on that night he had driven two hours from his house to his mom’s house in order to help her with something. He didn’t stay for too long and he told his mom that he planned to stop at his local storage unit before driving back to his place. He never mentioned plans to drive FOURTEEN HOURS to Pemberton, British Columbia. So how did his truck get there? And why? Nobody knows and he has not been seen since. As if the case wasn’t strange enough, evidence was uncovered that linked Marshall’s disappearance to another man, named Daniel Reoch… who had also gone missing. Despite the bizarre circumstances, the RCMP stated they do not believe any foul play occurred. Sources:Barely Sociable. “The Pemberton Incident - an Unsolved Mystery.” YouTube, 30 Oct. 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Yueni460aM. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.Thuncher, Jennifer. “Squamish Vigil Aims to Keep Daniel Reoch’s Memory Alive.” Squamish Chief, Squamish Chief, 27 Nov. 2023, www.squamishchief.com/local-news/nov-26-squamish-vigil-aims-to-keep-daniel-reochs-memory-alive-7837653. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.Wikipedia Contributors. “Disappearance of Marshal Iwaasa.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Aug. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disappearance_of_Marshal_Iwaasa. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.

Keishla Rodriguez Ortiz met Felix Verdejo when the two of them were very young, because they attended the same school growing up. Their friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship when they were in high school. Keishla loyally supported Félix as he chased his dreams to become a professional boxer. At 18 years old Félix qualified for the 2012 olympics. He didn’t end up medaling but a professional spot was waiting for him when he got home to Puerto Rico. The beginning of his professional career was explosive. He held the WBO lightweight title for multiple years. He was expected to be the next big boxing star. Unfortunately he got in his own way and ultimately ruined his career and his life. The beginning of the end began to cheat on Kieshla with an underage girl named Elisa Maria Santiago Sierra. She was 14 and he was 18. He broke up with Kieshla to “date” Elisa, but he never actually stopped seeing Kieshla. When Elisa turned 18, Félix proposed and she said yes. I assume she was not aware of his transgressions with not only Keishla, but several women. Elisa became pregnant with Félix’s daughter and Félix took full advantage of the situation - crafting his image to make him look like a devoted husband and father. But cracks in his image started to appear to the public when Elisa found out about his cheating and threw him out of the house. She did take him back after he promised to change his ways, but it would take a lot longer to patch up his public image. When Kieshla ended up pregnant, Félix knew it was all falling apart. He tried to convince her to get an abortion, but Kieshla refused. She wanted the baby even if Félix didn’t want to step up and be a father. This caused Félix to spiral into planning the murder of his first love and their unborn child,. Sources:Acevedo, nicole. “An Ex-Boxer Is Convicted in Heinous Killing of His Pregnant Girlfriend.” NBC News, 31 July 2023, www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/puerto-rico-femicide-focus-verdejo-conviction-killing-pregnant-keishla-rcna97304.Daily, Juan. “Keishla Rodríguez’s Sister: Verdejo Expressed No Emotion When Hearing Guilty Verdict.” San Juan Daily Star, San Juan Daily Star, 31 July 2023, www.sanjuandailystar.com/post/keishla-rodr%C3%ADguez-s-sister-verdejo-expressed-no-emotion-when-hearing-guilty-verdict#:~:text=Keishla%20Rodr%C3%ADguez%20Ortiz. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.“District of Puerto Rico | Félix Verdejo-Sánchez Sentenced to Life in Prison for Kidnapping Resulting in Death, and Intentionally Killing an Unborn Child | United States Department of Justice.” Www.justice.gov, 3 Nov. 2023, www.justice.gov/usao-pr/pr/felix-verdejo-sanchez-sentenced-life-prison-kidnapping-resulting-death-and-intentionally.Ghost of Crime. “The Double Life of Felix Verdejo - Boxing Star and Murderer || True Crime Documentary.” YouTube, 23 May 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCaimYSeaOs. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.https://www.facebook.com/peoplemag. “Olympic Boxer Félix Verdejo Gets Life for Throwing Girlfriend off Bridge after Pressuring Her to Get Abortion.” Peoplemag, 2021, people.com/olympic-boxer-felix-verdejo-gets-life-murdering-girlfriend-8391294. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.Rafael, Dan. “Felix Verdejo Named ESPN.com Prospect of the Year - ESPN.” ESPN.com, ESPN, 24 Dec. 2014, www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/12075915/felix-verdejo-named-prospect-year. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.Victor Torres Montalvo. “MOCION SENTENCIA LUIS CADIZ MARTINEZ.” Scribd, 2022, www.scribd.com/document/741021823/MOCION-SENTENCIA-LUIS-CADIZ-MARTINEZ. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.Wikipedia Contributors. “F.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 21 July 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F.