Obscura: A True Crime Podcast

Listener, in this episode of Obscura, we examine a harrowing 9-1-1 call from a Detroit police sergeant determined to end his life by “suicide by cop.” The tragic standoff unfolds with raw dispatch audio, revealing how a degenerative illness and mounting despair lead to a violent confrontation that injures two officers and ends in a fatal shooting. Join us as we shine a light on the darkness within these tapes—exploring the heartbreak, the high stakes, and the haunting aftermath for everyone involved.Our Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURA* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On February 4, 2021, at approximately 1:00 p.m., an individual called 911 to report a woman with two children walking in the middle of Alta Sierra Drive, near Gibboney Lane. The caller reported that as she was driving out of her street, she saw a loose dog as well as a woman with two kids. The caller indicated she asked the woman if it was her dog and “she was really weird about it”.Our Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURA* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A property manager spots two teens entering the Park De Ville Apartments. This area of Houston is considered particularly dangerous. It has a crime safety score of F. The stretch of road includes a payday loan business, a run-down self-serve car wash, and you can see the garbage strewn sidewalks from google maps. The Property manager calls 911 to report the break in and Officers are dispatched.Our Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURA* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Obscura, we examine the tense chain of events that began with a routine traffic stop and ended with a fatal confrontation. On May 12, 2020, 37-year-old Gregory M. Howe, already on law enforcement’s radar following a concealed firearm charge earlier that month, was pulled over for a seatbelt violation. A sudden attempt to flee kicked off a high-speed chase through Daytona Beach, Orange City, and Deltona, ultimately ending in Howe’s driveway. There, he leveled a multi-colored shotgun at a detective and fired, prompting several officers to return fire. Howe was struck multiple times—around 28 by some reports—and pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind lingering questions and a sobering reminder of how a single traffic stop can escalate into tragedy.Our Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURA* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out NOCD: https://www.treatmyocd.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime

Listener, I want to warn you that this episode gets really, really disgusting at certain points. But not quite dark enough to be Black Label. When I research for an episode, I like to follow information to its natural conclusions. Sometimes this can take you to some disturbing places. Understand that going into this episode. Things are going to get pretty gross at points. You’ve been warned.Our Sponsors:* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out NOCD: https://www.treatmyocd.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On December 17, 2015, around 4:00 am, firefighters responded to a house fire on Sumac Street in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. Once there, they found the body of a man in the house and contacted police. These charred remains. So damaged from burns and stab wounds. The victim's mother would run screaming from a courtroom at the first site of the autopsy photos three years later.Our Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURA* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out NOCD: https://www.treatmyocd.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On December 17, 2015, around 4:00 am, firefighters responded to a house fire on Sumac Street in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. Once there, they found the body of a man in the house and contacted police. These charred remains. So damaged from burns and stab wounds. The victim's mother would run screaming from a courtroom at the first site of the autopsy photos three years later.Our Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURA* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On December 17, 2015, around 4:00 am, firefighters responded to a house fire on Sumac Street in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. Once there, they found the body of a man in the house and contacted police. These charred remains. So damaged from burns and stab wounds. The victim's mother would run screaming from a courtroom at the first site of the autopsy photos three years later.Our Sponsors:* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out NOCD: https://www.treatmyocd.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sacred Geometry, Core Love, and ascension chambers. It might sound like word salad. But it all applies to the subject of today’s case. And how a vulnerable person can find themselves in a desperate situation.Our Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURA* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out NOCD: https://www.treatmyocd.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

October 16, 2023Barbie Poplin and her boyfriend, Donald Passmore, are at the home on North Airline Road and everything is going well between them. As the evening carries on, Donald drank at least two half pints of Captain Morgan liquor and ginger ale. Donald is depressed. He’s been dealing with mental health issues after his mother recently died. Since then, he’s been struggling with drugs and alcoholNote:: I play the shooting from two different angles because of the different quality of audio.Our Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURA* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out NOCD: https://www.treatmyocd.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The poster child for capital punishment. A man whose violent history has left a trail of destruction behind him.Our Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURA* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out NOCD: https://www.treatmyocd.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In 1973, three brutal murders were carried out along Interstate 57 in Illinois. The person responsible was only 17 years old.Subscribe to Patreon to get early access to part 02.https://www.patreon.com/obscuracrimepodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURA* Check out L Nutra: https://prolonlife.com/OBSCURASupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Old men declare war. But it is youth that must fight and die.Herbert HooverOur Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURA* Check out L Nutra: https://prolonlife.com/OBSCURASupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Listener, enjoy this Black Label premium episode. Join Black Label at https://www.patreon.com/obscuracrimepodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURA* Check out L Nutra: https://prolonlife.com/OBSCURASupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join Black Label at Patreon.com/obscuracrimepodcast for premium exclusive episodes, early release and ad-free episodes.Our Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURA* Check out L Nutra: https://prolonlife.com/OBSCURASupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Brian Cohee Jr. tells his family doctor that he’s experiencing headaches. He doesn’t tell the doctor about the lights that dance around his bedroom, just from the corner of his eyes. Or that sometimes, when his back is turned, bright light shines through his bedroom window. Impossible because, when he turns around, there is no car or man with shining flashlight.Join the Black Label at Patreon.com/obscuracrimepodcast for premium episodes and additional content.Our Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURA* Check out L Nutra: https://prolonlife.com/OBSCURASupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today’s episode we’re going to cover the inner workings of a troubled mind. This episode is a prelude to an episode that will be full to the brim with source audio that includes 911 calls, body cam footage, and interrogation audio.And, though I will use some source audio here, the content you hear today will be quoted directly from our killer. Much of what I read today will be directly from posts he made to the internet before committing a horrific crime.For this episode I’m going to leave the killer's name out of it. That won't matter until part two. Though I will sprinkle some source audio throughout the episode for flavor. For now we focus on the turbulent mind of someone on a downward spiral to evil.Join Black Label at Patreon.com/obscuracrimepodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURASupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/pr

Join me on Black Label for exclusive episodes at Patreon.com/obscuracriepodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURASupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Robert Salvador and Michael King head to target practice at a local firing range. Upon arriving at the range, King removes a nine-millimeter handgun from under the passenger seat of his Camaro. Salvador and King stay at the range for approximately one hour.When King and Salvador part ways for the day, Salvador has a feeling in his gut. Something is wrong with the Michael King. Something felt off. Over the course of the next eight to nine hours Michael King would prove how horribly correct Salvador’s instincts were.Join Black Label at https://www.patreon.com/obscuracrimepodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURASupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Robert Salvador and Michael King head to target practice at a local firing range. Upon arriving at the range, King removes a nine-millimeter handgun from under the passenger seat of his Camaro. Salvador and King stay at the range for approximately one hour.When King and Salvador part ways for the day, Salvador has a feeling in his gut. Something is wrong with the Michael King. Something felt off. Over the course of the next eight to nine hours Michael King would prove how horribly correct Salvador’s instincts were.Join Black Label for additional darker episodes at Patreon.com/obscuracrimepodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURASupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy