Bathsheba Spooner’s story reads like an 18th‑century true crime novel—except every word is real. In this episode, we travel to Revolutionary‑era Massachusetts to uncover the “most extraordinary crime ever perpetrated in New England”: the 1778 murder of Joshua Spooner, orchestrated by his wife, Bathsheba Ruggles Spooner. A Loyalist general’s daughter trapped in a loveless, abusive marriage; a teenage Continental soldier lover; two British deserters hiding in a barn; and a body dumped in a well—this case has everything: politics, passion, betrayal, and a shocking execution that still raises ethical questions today. What we cover in this episode: Bathsheba’s upbringing as the privileged but isolated daughter of Loyalist Brig. Gen. Timothy Ruggles Her turbulent marriage to Patriot‑leaning Joshua Spooner in Brookfield, Massachusetts The arrival of young soldier Ezra Ross and the secret affair that led to pregnancy How British deserters William Brooks and James Buchanan were drawn into a murder‑for‑hire plot The night of March 1, 1778: Joshua’s murder at the well and the conspirators’ botched cover‑up The rapid investigation, arrest, and sensational trial before Chief Justice William Cushing Bathsheba’s pregnancy plea, the controversial examination by matrons, and why her execution went ahead anyway The July 2, 1778 hanging of Bathsheba, Ross, Brooks, and Buchanan—and the disturbing autopsy that followed How politics, gender norms, and wartime hysteria shaped the outcome of the case This is a meticulously researched, narrative‑driven deep dive that blends: Primary sources (trial records, contemporary pamphlets, “dying speeches”) Legal and historical analysis of 18th‑century criminal procedure Revolutionary War context—Loyalists vs. Patriots, British “Convention Army” prisoners, and the young American legal system finding its footing If you’re into: True crime with serious archival receipts The American Revolution beyond the usual “Founding Fathers” narrative Cases that sit at the intersection of gender, power, and law …then this episode is for you. Listen in as we ask: Was Bathsheba Spooner executed for murder—or also for her politics, her defiance of gender expectations, and the sins of her Loyalist father? 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss a case. sources used for this podcast: https://www.hitched2homicide.com/bathsheba-spooner #truepodcast #truecrimepodcast #historicaltruecrime #truecrimeyoutube #podcastepisode #newpodcastepisode #bathshebaspooner #EzraRoss #revolutionarywar #18thcenturycrime #colonialamerica #massachusettsHistory #Americanrevolution #loyalistsandpatriots #earlyamericanlaw #deathpenalthyhistory

A young biotech worker found dead, a bed covered in rose petals, and a wife who just happened to be a county toxicologist with access to one of the most powerful opioids on earth. This is the story of Gregory de Villers and the so‑called “American Beauty Murder” of 2000. In this episode, we dive deep into how Kristin Rossum—once a high‑achieving toxicologist in San Diego—was accused and ultimately convicted of poisoning her husband with fentanyl, then staging a haunting “romantic” death scene inspired by her favorite film. We’ll walk through the couple’s relationship, Kristin’s long battle with meth addiction, her secret affair with her supervisor, the missing fentanyl from the medical examiner’s lab, and the forensic evidence that turned an apparent suicide into a first‑degree murder conviction. What you’ll hear in this episode: • The background of Greg de Villers and Kristin Rossum • Kristin’s relapse into meth and the double life she was leading • How fentanyl became “the perfect poison” in this case • The eerie rose petal crime scene and its connection to American Beauty • The investigation that exposed missing drugs from the county lab • Key trial moments, Kristin’s testimony, and the jury’s verdict • The massive wrongful death judgment and later appeals • How this case changed conversations about forensic labs, ethics, and access to controlled substances If you’re a fan of detailed, evidence‑driven true crime storytelling—with an emphasis on forensics, trial strategy, and victim-centered narratives—this Hitched 2 Homicide episode is for you. Make sure to: Like the video if you enjoy in‑depth case breakdowns Subscribe for more long‑form true crime episodes every week Drop a comment with your thoughts on the verdict and whether justice was served Sources used for this podcast: https://www.hitched2homicide.com/american-beauty-killer Share this episode with fellow true crime fans who love cases involving forensic science and staged crime scenes 🔔 Don’t forget to turn on notifications so you never miss a new upload. 🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST Apple: https://apple.co/3J0mv1t Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2T1TU4J BLEAV: https://bleav.com/shows/hitched-2-homicide/ Follow and Read Books by Kris Calvert: https://www.kriscalvert.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kriscalvertauthor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kriscalvert30 Twitter: https://twitter.com/kriscalvert Follow and Listen to Music by Rob Pottorf iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rob-pottorf/218771755 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4wQsEputlA1KjFcer15r5l Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/station/3833537583429775006 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robpottorfmusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobPottorfMusic Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobPottorfMusic Follow Scottie on Instagram 🐶: https://www.instagram.com/scottietotherescue/ DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY: The content presented in this podcast and any associated video, blog, or social media is produced for entertainment and informational purposes only. Hitched 2 Homicide is not a legal authority, and nothing contained herein constitutes legal advice, factual findings, or editorial conclusions of any kind. All opinions expressed are solely those of the hosts and do not represent the views of any affiliated network, platform, or sponsor. All cases discussed are researched using publicly available sources, open records, court documents, and archived materials. We make every effort to ensure accuracy; however, we make no warranties — express or implied — regarding the completeness or reliability of the information presented. PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE: All individuals referenced in connection with pending or concluded criminal matters are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. All individuals referenced in connection with pending or concluded civil matters are presumed not liable unless and until adjudicated otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction. FAIR USE: Some material incorporated into this podcast is presented under the Fair Use doctrine (17 U.S.C. § 107) for purposes of commentary, criticism, and education. Copyright in such material is retained by the respective original author or rights holder. Hitched 2 Homicide makes no claim of ownership over third-party copyrighted content. OUR COMMITMENT TO VICTIMS: At Hitched 2 Homicide, we are committed to honoring the lives of the victims at the center of every case we cover — not just the circumstances of their deaths. We approach each story with respect for victims, their families, and their loved ones, and we strive to ensure that every person we discuss is remembered as a whole human being first. All sources relied upon in the production of each episode are credited to the best of our ability. Any errors brought to our attention will be promptly corrected. Hitched 2 Homicide. All rights reserved.

Jason Landry disappeared on December 14, 2020, while driving from Texas State University in San Marcos to his family’s home in Missouri City, Texas, for Christmas break. Hours later, his wrecked Nissan Altima was discovered on a remote road near Luling, Texas—but Jason was gone. His car was found with the lights on and the keys in the ignition. His phone, wallet, backpack, and clothing were located in or near the crash scene along Salt Flat Road. Despite massive searches, law enforcement efforts, volunteer search teams, private investigators, and years of public attention, Jason Landry has never been found. In this episode, we examine the full Jason Landry timeline, the crash scene, the evidence left behind, the rural Texas search area, the geofence warrant, the major theories, and the unanswered questions surrounding one of the most haunting missing person cases in Texas. Did Jason walk away from the crash injured and disoriented? Was he picked up by someone? Was he alone when he disappeared? Or is the truth still hidden somewhere in Caldwell County? Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction: The Disappearance of Jason Landry 04:07 — Who Was Jason Landry? 06:20 — Jason at Texas State University 11:43 — The Drive from San Marcos Toward Missouri City 13:00 — Jason Misses his Turn, and the Crash on Salt Flat Road 15:02 — The Car and the Missing Student found by Volunteer Firefighter 17:04 — Jason’s Wallet, Backpack, and Clothing found on Salt Flat Road 19:04 — Jason's parent's called at home 20:15 — Kent Landry at the Crash site 22:20 — The Search Begins 27:48 — A Theory by Law Enforcement 29:17 — A History of Violence in the Area 31:01 — Kim Rossmo Joins the Search 35:05 — Paradoxical Undressing 39:03 — Abel Pena Joins the Case 45:34 — The Texas AG's Cold Case Office Closes the Case. Or Do They? 47:43 — The Search Continues 06:20 — Jason at Texas State University 11:43 — The Drive from San Marcos Toward Missouri City 13:00 — Jason Misses his Turn, and the Crash on Salt Flat Road 15:02 — The Car and the Missing Student found by Volunteer Firefighter 17:04 — Jason’s Wallet, Backpack, and Clothing found on Salt Flat Road 19:04 — Jason's parent's called at home 20:15 — Kent Landry at the Crash site 22:20 — The Search Begins 27:48 — A Theory by Law Enforcement 29:17 — A History of Violence in the Area 31:01 — Kim Rossmo Joins the Search 35:05 — Paradoxical Undressing 39:03 — Abel Pena Joins the Case 50:59 — How to Submit a Tip 51:15 — Final Thoughts If you have any information about the disappearance of Jason Landry, contact the Anonymous Tip Line at : 726-777-1359, or the Texas Attorney General’s Cold Case and Missing Persons Unit: 512-936-0742 Jason Landry missing, Jason Landry disappearance, Texas State student missing, missing college student Texas, Luling Texas missing person, Salt Flat Road, Caldwell County Texas, Jason Landry theories, Jason Landry case, unsolved missing person, missing person documentary, true crime missing persons, Texas true crime, cold case, mysterious disappearance, disappeared, college student vanished. #JasonLandry #MissingPerson #TrueCrime #TexasTrueCrime #UnsolvedDisappearance #MissingCollegeStudent #LulingTexas #CaldwellCounty #TexasStateUniversity #SaltFlatRoad #ColdCase #UnsolvedMystery #TrueCrimeCommunity #Hitched2Homicide

The shocking true story of Mackenzie Shirilla – the 2022 murder-suicide car crash that killed her boyfriend Dominic Russo and friend Davion Flanagan. In this deep dive, we break down the full Mackenzie Shirilla case, from the horrific 100 mph crash into a building in Strongsville, Ohio, to the chilling black box evidence, toxic relationship drama, trial, and controversial conviction. Now with Netflix’s explosive 2026 documentary reigniting interest, we examine: Was it a tragic accident caused by a medical emergency, or a deliberate act of rage? Inside the dramatic bench trial, the judge’s scathing verdict calling it “literal hell on wheels,” Mackenzie Shirilla’s claims of memory loss, and the families’ heartbreaking statements. This case raises difficult questions about teenage love, intent, and justice. One of the most disturbing true crime stories of the decade. If you’re fascinated by cases like the Delphi Murders, Gabby Petito, or other vehicular true crime stories, this one will stay with you. 👉 Subscribe for weekly true crime documentaries, deep dives, and case updates. 💬 What do YOU think — accident or intentional murder? Comment below (respectfully). ⚠️ Resources: National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-7233 To sign the Petition on Change.org for Dominic and Davion's Bill go to: https://www.change.org/p/dom-and-davion-s-law-victims-before-influencers-modernize-son-of-sam-laws To contribute to the Davion Flanagan Scholarship go here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/davion-flanagan For all the police footage and audio and video associated with this case go to: https://www.shirilla.net Sources used for this podcast: https://www.hitched2homicide.com/post/mackenzie-shirilla-hell-on-wheels #MackenzieShirilla #TrueCrime #MackenzieShirillaCase #DominicRusso #DavionFlanagan #NetflixTrueCrime #OhioTrueCrime #MurderSuicide #CarCrash #HellOnWheels #TrueCrimeStory #TrueCrimeCommunity #CrimeDocumentary #2026Netflix #ViralTrueCrime True Crime | Mackenzie Shirilla Netflix Documentary | Full Story Explained

The Benders’ roadside inn promised warm meals and a soft bed. Instead, travelers vanished without a trace. In this episode, we investigate the chilling story of the “Bloody Benders,” the Kansas frontier family suspected of luring guests to their deaths in the 1870s. We break down the historical record, newspaper accounts, court archives, and modern archaeological digs to trace what really happened on that homestead—and why the Benders’ ultimate fate remains one of America’s most enduring true crime mysteries. You’ll hear about their victims, the discovery of the graves, the mob that descended on the property, and the many theories about where the Benders went after they fled into the night. This isn’t just a retelling of a legend. We compare conflicting reports, address myths that have circulated for over a century, and highlight how modern researchers, historians, and tribal communities are revisiting this case with a more critical eye. We also explore the cultural context of post–Civil War Kansas, the Osage Trail, and the realities of violence on the American frontier. If you’re a fan of historical true crime, cold cases, and long form narrative investigations, this episode is for you. Grab your headphones, dim the lights, and step inside the Benders’ infamous “wayside tavern” as we separate fact from folklore. Timestamps 0:00 – Intro 4:26 – The Osage Trail and the frontier boom 12:13 – The Bender family: who they were, what we know 16:45 – Disappearances, missing travelers, and early suspicions 24:35 – The Bender house of horrors 27:10 – Those who go missing 33:05 – The search for the missing and the York brothers posse 42:18 – The horrific discovery and the manhunt 52:29 – Modern research, archaeology, and lingering questions 58:44 – Final thoughts and Bless Your Heart If you enjoyed this deep dive, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss a new episode. Share this video with your fellow true crime fans, and let me know in the comments what you think really happened to the Bloody Benders. DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY All information contained in this audio podcast or video presentation is provided for entertainment purposes only. The authors leave any and all conclusions to individual members of the audience. The author offers no statements of fact beyond those available through diligent private research or through information freely available in the public record. To the extent that pending or settled criminal matters or crime or possible crimes, are discussed in this audio podcast or video presentation, all parties or defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. To the extent that any pending or settled civil matters are discussed in this video presentation, all parties or defendants are presumed not liable unless proven liable in a court of law. Copyright for material incorporated and presented under Fair Use is retained by the original author or copyright holder where applicable. Our cases are researched using open source and archive materials, and the subjects are real crimes and people. We strive to produce each episode with respect to the victims, their families and loved ones. At Hitched 2 Homicide we are committed to always discussing how victims lived, and not just how they died. All podcast information is gleaned from sources given. All opinions in the podcast are solely of Hitched 2 Homicide and are for entertainment purposes only. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Copyright & Ownership This podcast episode, including all audio, video, and written content, is the property of Hitched 2 Homicide and its creators, © 2025 Kris Calvert & Rob Pottorf of RP Music, Inc. All rights reserved. Do not copy, reproduce, or distribute any part of this content without express written permission.For licensing, press inquiries, or collaboration requests, contact: kris@hitched2homicide.comFor more true crime episodes, visit: www.Hitched2Homicide.com Thanks for listening and remember… Southern charm won’t save you from true crime. THIS PODCAST IS FILMED AT RP STUDIOS, INC.© 2025 RP MUSIC, INC. FOR HITCHED 2 HOMICIDE Follow H2H Join H2H In-laws and Outlaws: https://www.facebook.com/groups/h2hinlawsandoutlaws Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hitched2homicide/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hitched2HomicidePodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/H2H_Podcast Follow and Read Books by Kris Calvert: https://www.kriscalvert.com https://www.hitched2homicide.com sources used for this podcast: https://www.hitched2homicide.com/post/the-bloody-benders

In September 2006, the quiet Black Bear Bed & Breakfast in Newry, Maine became the scene of one of the state’s most disturbing murder cases. Over Labor Day weekend, Christian Charles Nielsen shot and killed four people: inn owner Julie Bullard, handyman James “Jimmy” Whitehurst, Julie’s daughter Selby Bullard, and Selby’s friend Cynthia “Cindy” Beatson. The killings began with a supposed fishing trip to Upton, Maine, where Nielsen murdered Jimmy Whitehurst. Days later, the violence moved back to the Black Bear B&B near Sunday River, where Julie, Selby, and Cindy were also killed. Nielsen later confessed, but the question that haunted investigators was simple: why? In this episode of Hitched 2 Homicide, we examine the Christian Nielsen murders, the history of the Black Bear Bed & Breakfast, the relationships between the victims, the timeline of the 2006 Maine Labor Day weekend murders, and the chilling aftermath of a case with no clear motive. This is the story of the Black Bear Bed & Breakfast murders — a peaceful Maine inn, a man living under its roof, and four lives taken for reasons that may never truly make sense. Timestamps 00:00 – 4:58 Opening 04:58 – 10:54 Early Life of Christian Nielsen 10:54 – 14:04 Meet Julie Bullard 14:04 – 16:14 Meet Selby Bullard 16:14 – 17:56 Meet Jimmy Whitehurst 17:56 – 23:13 Christian Nielsen living at the Black Bear B&B 23:13 – 24:52 Labor Day Weekend 2006 Newby, Maine 24:52 – 25:14 Christian and Jimmy go "fishing." Jimmy is murdered 25:14 – 27:38 Christian returns to the scene of the crime in Upton 27:38 – 28:07 Christian murders B&B owner, Julie Bullard at the B&B 28:07 – 30:15 Selby Bullard and Cindy Beatson are murdered at the B&B 30:15 – 32:20 Christian calls his father, Charles Nielsen 32:20 – 33:05 Charles discovers bodys on property, his wife calls 911 33:05 – 33:53 Maine State Trooper, Dan Hansen arrives on the scene 33:53 – 36:16 Trooper Dan Hansen finds bodies and three dogs at the B&B 36:16 – 39:14 Christian gives details of where to find body in Upton 39:14 – 42:24 Det. King interrogates Christian 42:24 – 43:50 Christian is arrested and goes on hunger strike while defense tries to have his confession thrown out 43:50 – 44:18 Christian sentencing hearing 4 life terms no parole 49:44 Bless your Heart Watch next: More true crime cases from Hitched 2 Homicide Subscribe for weekly true crime stories, cold cases, solved murders, and criminal investigations. Sources used for this podcast: https://www.hitched2homicide.com/post/christian-nielsen JOIN THE IN-LAWS AND OUTLAWS : https://www.facebook.com/groups/h2hinlawsandoutlaws FOLLOW H2H ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/hitched2homicide/ FOLLOW H2H ON X: https://x.com/H2H_Podcast Start Kris's Books today for FREE: https://www.kriscalvert.com/free #ChristianNielsen #BlackBearBedAndBreakfast #BlackBearBBMurders #MaineTrueCrime #NewryMaine #TrueCrimePodcast #Hitched2Homicide #JulieBullard #SelbyBullard #JimmyWhitehurst #CynthiaBeatson #SolvedTrueCrime #TrueCrimeCommunity #MurderCase #TrueCrimeYouTube