Unresolved

"Whoever's responsible - no doubt they know that there are now lots of people wanting to put a bullet in their head. If it were me, if I was going to do something like this, I would make pretty darn sure that nobody could trace it back to me."On 19 July 2015, an anonymous group calling themselves the "Impact Team" announced via an online post that they'd managed to obtain a large cache of information from website Ashley Madison's parent company, Avid Life Media. The mysterious hacker(s) posted just a small fraction of the stolen data, along with a demand: for Avid Life Media to take down Ashley Madison, a website dedicated to facilitating infidelity, or else they'd release the rest of the data (which included user information).Over the next several weeks, the threat of this leak loomed large over users, while Avid Life Media insisted that they'd done enough to plug up their security holes. It wasn't until mid-August that the "Impact Team" made good on their threat...Research, writing, hosting, and production

"When a person is set loose by the courts to go back to the community they have been preying on, what recourse do the citizens of that community have then?"On the morning of 10 July 1981, 47-year-old Ken Rex McElroy went to a tavern in Skidmore, Missouri. The pub quickly filled up with other local townspeople, many of whom had lived in fear of the other man for years. After finishing a drink, Ken began walking out to his pickup truck and was shot twice. He died at the scene.As the shooting took place right outside of the crowded tavern, there were later determined to be 46 potential witnesses to the murder, including Trena McElroy, Ken's young wife. Only one, Trena herself, would ever attempt to identify a culprit...Research & writing by Olivia ParadiceHosting & production by Micheal WhelanLearn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.meIf you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or ProducerBecome a supporter o

"I don't know what's happened to the kid. I don't know if he's a victim. I don't know if he's a suspect. I don't know what he is."On the afternoon of 2 March 1996, Ronald Klungness returned to his home in Bonney Lake, Washington after a day of work. Greeted by an empty house, he resigned himself to a quiet dinner alone and then fell asleep in the living room. When he awoke just after 6:00 PM, he went looking for his family, only to discover his wife Susan's body in a back bedroom. Their 14-year-old son, Jeffrey, was nowhere to be found.In the weeks that followed, investigators would probe the mysterious circumstances of Susan's murder. Most mysterious, however, were the circumstances of teenaged Jeffrey's disappearance, having last been seen in the presence of a family friend with a violent past...Research, writing, hosting, and production by Micheal WhelanLearn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.meIf you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unre

"It's no use. She's beyond aid. She can't speak. Don't touch her. The thing to do is call the police."On 16 May 1937, 29-year-old Laetitia Toureaux boarded line 8 on the Paris metro, having arrived at the Porte de Charenton station just after 6:30 PM. With it being a warm Sunday in the Spring (and Pentecost, no less) the station was bustling with activity. For that reason, instead of sitting in the cramped second class cars, Laetitia purchased a ticket to sit in the completely empty first class car, a decision she didn't normally make.Roughly one minute after leaving the Porte de Charenton station, the metro pulled up at its next scheduled stop, Porte Dorée. A handful of first class passengers there boarded the train and were met by a horrific sight...Research & writing by Olivia ParadiceHosting & production by Micheal WhelanLearn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.meIf you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Pa

"I can't describe what the look on her face did to me; it made me sick to my stomach. It was a look of sheer terror."On 26 August 1995, 23-year-old Heather Teague decided to sunbathe along the Kentucky side of the Ohio River, near Newbergh Beach. Having made loose plans to have a friend meet up with her, Heather found a secluded spot along the beach, took a dip in the water to cool off, then laid out on her towel to relax. Unbeknownst to her, there were multiple sets of eyes on her.Watching through a telescope across the river, Tim Walthall was able to clearly see Heather. He also noticed another man with shaggy hair and a beard hiding in some bushes nearby Heather, waiting. Moments later, the bearded man would produce a gun and abduct Heather in broad daylight...Research & writing by Bethany BransonHosting & production by Micheal WhelanLearn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.meIf you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to

Some random thoughts of mine following the conclusion of our seven-part Waco seriesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/unresolved--3266604/support.

"They do not see themselves as martyrs. They see themselves as agents of God's wrath on Earth."In the days leading up to April 19, 1993, high-ranking figures grew increasingly concerned that the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas had no intention of surrendering anytime soon. FBI officials speculated that David Koresh's writing of a manuscript centered around the seven seals was just another delaying tactic, meant to buy him and his supporters additional time.While many cautioned the FBI to continue holding out - to let Koresh see through the writing of this manuscript - others were hesitant to let him have that time. Soon, the government would move forward with a plan to end the Branch Davidian holdout once and for all...Part 7/7Research, writing, hosting, and production by Micheal WhelanLearn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.meIf you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or ProducerMusic CreditsSpearfisher - "Memo

"They were trying to have sleep disturbance and they were trying to take someone that they viewed as unstable to start with, and they were trying to drive him crazy. And then they got mad 'cos he does something that they think is irrational."On the morning of February 28th, 1993, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms attempted to serve a search warrant against David Koresh and the rest of the Branch Davidians living in a compound just outside of Waco, Texas. However, in doing so, the ATF had lit a powder keg that had been building up in size and potency for months, if not years.Having long expected this day to come, David Koresh attempted to find calm by establishing some kind of routine inside the compound. Meanwhile, a confused response began to form outside, as members of the FBI attempted to gain control of the quickly-devolving situation...Part 6/7Research, writing, hosting, and production by Micheal WhelanLearn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.meIf you would like to support this podca

"We fell right into the hands of Koresh and all those nuts. This is what he wanted, to make it appear that the government was going to kill his people. He wanted Armageddon. Our biggest mistake was that we made it so easy for him."In 1992, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms opened up an investigation into David Koresh and the rest of the Branch Davidians living in their compound near Waco, Texas. Hoping to find evidence of illegal weapons, the ATF began a series of undercover operations to obtain proof the following January.After nearly two months of surveillance and infiltration, the ATF gave the order to move forward with a plan to raid the Mount Carmel Center, which Koresh and the Davidians had recently transformed into a stronghold. The ATF's operation, codenamed "Showtime," would set the stage for the fiasco that followed...Part 5/7Research, writing, hosting, and production by Micheal WhelanLearn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.meIf you would like to support this podcast and others

"If any adult in the area around the cabin is observed with a weapon after the surrender announcement had been made, deadly force could and should be used to neutralize the individual."The 1992 Ruby Ridge siege is a seminal event in American history, having become a symbol of government overreach and serving as a precursor to the Waco tragedy in 1993. It also served as a rallying cry for anti-government groups and militias throughout the 1990s, and led to an increase in violent rhetoric that lingers to this day.For that reason, we're going to take a slight detour in our ongoing coverage of the Branch Davidian saga to briefly touch upon this story, and learn about how it ultimately had an effect on the events unfolding down in Waco, Texas...Research, writing, hosting, and production by Micheal WhelanAll music composed by Micheal WhelanLearn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.meIf you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a P

"We're doing what we're doing and nobody's going to stop us."In 1988, David Koresh and his followers returned to their old home just outside of Waco, where the Shepherd's Rod movement had settled decades prior. With his longtime nemesis George Roden gone, David was finally able to settle into his new role as the president of the church.As the Branch Davidians began the arduous process of rebuilding the Mount Carmel Center - and his authority swelled - David began implementing a series of changes that would ultimately bring his burgeoning kingdom crashing down around him...Part 4/7Research, writing, hosting, and production by Micheal WhelanAll music composed by Micheal WhelanLearn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.meIf you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or ProducerBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/unresolved--3266604/support.

"When they sent that letter out, I knew they were coming. They sent an article removing me as trustee, now they've come to finish the job and remove me from the land."In 1985, Vernon Howell left Mount Carmel with his followers, bound for destinations unknown. Over the next few years, they would struggle to find a place to build their permanent headquarters as they attempted to try and swell their ranks with new converts.Meanwhile, back in Waco, George Roden's erratic nature left him with a dwindling congregation. So he decided to risk a gambit in order to try and win them back. In 1987, he exhumed a body and issued a challenge to his rival, claiming that whoever was able to resurrect the long-deceased woman would be named the uncontested leader of the Branch Davidians. Vernon Howell - now using the name David Koresh - had other plans...Part 3/7Research, writing, hosting, and production by Micheal WhelanAll music composed by Micheal Whelan, except for "Man Man in Waco" by David Koresh, taken from one of his fe

"In his younger years, he had a hard time. He was always looking for something. He had his rock-and-roll; he had his women. But it was never enough."Vernon Wayne Howell struggled to find a sense of stability early in life. Born to a single teenage mother in Texas in 1959, Vernon was abandoned to his maternal grandmother before his second birthday. His mother would take custody of him again later in his childhood, but it was alleged that her husband - Vernon's stepfather - was abusive toward him.Entering adulthood as a high school dropout, Vernon had a lot of issues that had yet to be addressed. After suffering a series of rejections in his personal life, he ended up turning toward the one constant in his life, faith. During his search there, he ended up coming across a group of like-minded individuals in central Texas, who viewed the Bible similarly to himself. Through them, Vernon would find the things that had been eluding him for years...Part 2/7Research, writing, hosting, and production by Micheal WhelanA

"Our prayers for such an undertaking on behalf of God's people will be answered by whatever the results to this call might be."More than a century before David Koresh or the Branch Davidians became household names, the religious movements that led to their existence began growing out of the American Northeast. First came William Miller and the Millerites, a collapsed movement that ended up inspiring the Seventh-Day Adventists years later.In the early 20th century, an Adventist named Victor Houteff wrote a book titled The Shepherd's Rod, which he hoped would help reform the church. After being disfellowshipped for creating a "disloyal" and "divisive movement," Houteff ended up building his own church, the Davidians, nearby Waco, Texas...Part 1/7Research, writing, hosting, and production by Micheal WhelanLearn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.meIf you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or ProducerMusic Credits:N

"There are no heroes or villains in this story, but neither are there saints or martyrs."Today's episode features an interview with author Jeff Guinn, author of the new book "Waco: David Koresh, the Branch Davidians, and a Legacy of Rage." In it, we chat about Jeff's work writing the book, as well as details about the Branch Davidians, David Koresh, and more.Please make sure to check out Jeff's book wherever you can, or learn more at Simon & Shuster:https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Waco/Jeff-Guinn/9781982186104Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/unresolved--3266604/support.

"There are a lot of actions this killer took. Stabbing her 18 times, setting the house on fire.... They took additional measures that weren't necessary to kill her, a level of overkill."In the early morning hours of 30 April 2008, authorities in Kitsap County, Washington were contacted by residents in Port Orchard. There, along the 1100 block of Sidney Avenue, a fire had broken out, and just before 4:00 AM that Wednesday, the flames had become evident to sleeping neighbors.Firefighters quickly put out the flames and discovered the remains of the woman that lived inside, 47-year-old Linda Malcom. A Navy veteran, Linda had lived in the home for over a decade, and was prepared to move to nearby Bremerton just days later. Yet, before she could take this next step in her life, an unknown subject had stabbed her to death and then set her longtime home on fire...Special thanks to Jennifer Bucholtz and George Jared, who have taken on Linda's case as their next case to highlight. Jennifer and George have highlighted s

This is a brief preview for the newest episode of my Patreon-exclusive show, Resolved, available now for all $5+ supporters. To learn more about this series - and how you can listen - consider heading to:https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpodThis episode can be found at the following link:https://www.patreon.com/posts/77477215Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/unresolved--3266604/support.

"The dying woman who points at her own killer - it was like a bad novel by Agatha Christie."On Monday, 24 June 1991, 65-year-old Ghislaine Marchal had plans to meet up with a friend for lunch in the French town of Mougins. When she failed to respond to any phone calls or attempts to rouse her inside of her home, friends contacted her home's security company, and eventually, law enforcement.Police arrived at the property later that evening, and during their search, became interested in a an annex leading down to a cellar. There, behind a barricaded door, they'd find Ghislaine's body, along with a message written in blood...Research & writing by Olivia ParadiceHosting & production by Micheal Whelan"Unresolved" themes composed by Ailsa TravesLearn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.meIf you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or ProducerBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/unr

There has been an update in the University of Idaho Murders (episode #226 from just a few weeks ago). Earlier today, authorities announced that they had detained 28-year-old Bryan Kohberger, a graduate student from nearby Washington State University...To learn more about this story, listen to "The University of Idaho Murders" at the following link:https://www.spreaker.com/user/unresolvedproductions/the-university-of-idaho-murders-spreakerResearched, written, hosted, and produced by Micheal WhelanIf you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or ProducerBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/unresolved--3266604/support.

There has been an update in the GirlsDoPorn story (episode #156 from 2020). Earlier this week, officials in Spain arrested Michael James Pratt, the founder of GirlsDoPorn who became a fugitive back in 2019...To learn more about this story, read or listen to "GirlsDoPorn" at the following link:https://unresolved.me/girlsdopornResearched, written, hosted, and produced by Micheal WhelanIf you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or ProducerBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/unresolved--3266604/support.