EPISODE 272: "Chopping Down the Family Tree": Amy and Ross Vilardi

To celebrate America's 250th Anniversary, we discuss one of the Palmetto State's lesser known patriots who had a huge impact on the American Revolution. Charged with treason by the British Crown, Issac Hayne showed the redcoats what happens when you push a Patriot too far.

In November of 1990, a physical therapist performing a home visit got a gruesome surprise. He found his patient's wife in a pool of blood near their back door. An obscure chain of events ensued once investigators pieced the clues together, including an unlikely story, a bizarre breakup, and culminating in a manhunt.

In 1924, the office of Sheriff of Beaufort County was thrust upon a 23 year old, who was appointed to fulfill the term of his late father. He mad it his mission to get to know the residents of Beaufort because he took his responsibility seriously. So seriously, that he began feeding his facination with the dark arts, hoo doo, and witchcraft. In this episode, we examine his bewildering life and sucesses as he bacame on of the longest serving Sheriff's in American History.

In the Summer of 2015, a 19 year old nursing student was found on a dark deserted stretch of road in rural Hampton County. Theories and rumors have surrounded his death but his family deserves answers.

Memorial Day usually means a day of rememberance, rest, and relaxation for most. However, on Memorial Day weekend in 2000, a group of Bamberg and Orangeburg County residents had another idea. Local banks were all closed and they saw this as an opprotunity to target on business owner in Denmark, SC and make a "withdrawal".

In 1987, a young Hungarian immigrant was found brutally murdered at her apartment complex's laundry room. Persons of interest surfaced but no real suspects emerged. It took 38 years until a volunteer came across information that could finally bring justice to her killer.

In July of1932, what was suppossed to be a routine speeding violation in Fort Mill, SC turned deadly. The repercussions of what happened on the side of US Highway 21 caused a worldwide news phenomenon reaching from Europe, South America, and Hollywood and ending at the South Carolina Governor's Mansion. 

In 2019, a body was found in a driveway in Allendale County. The victim was murdered in cold blood but investigators relied on a recent traffic stop, phone records, and witness statements to bring historic charges against a very involved "acqunaintance". 

In 2007, a wonderful and free spirited young woman fell into a relationship with a very troubled man. He exhibited all the signs of an unpredictable and short fused partner. Unfortunately, his temper turned deadly one February morning.

In 2015, a Pendelton, SC called 911 after discovering four senior citizens and family members murdered in their home. Investigators were stumped until a pair of shoes told the tale that was much closer to home than they ever thought.