A Voice in the Dark: The Ohta Family Murders

You’re supposed to be safe at home. Why wouldn’t you be? And that sense of comfort must be even greater if “home” is a beautiful house you built yourself, where you live happily with your family in a town where you’re successful and respected. You’d have no reason at all to think that someone was watching you with binoculars through the trees, their heart burning ever hotter with rage, ever closer to exploding with murderous fury. Join us for a story of madness and grandiose delusion, a case that rocked 1970s California almost as much as the Manson Family murders did. Sources:Court records: https://law.justia.com/cases/california/supreme-court/3d/5/287.htmlNew York Times archives: https://www.nytimes.com/1971/12/16/archives/killer-of-eye-doctor-and-four-on-coast-is-sentenced-to-die.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/1971/11/30/archives/mechanic-on-coast-guilty-of-killing-5-in-oneman-war.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/1970/10/21/archives/5-slain-on-coast-and-left-in-pool-surgeon-wife-2-children-and.htmlNew York Daily News: https://www.nydailynews.com/2009/03/22/crazed-hippy-killer-caused-horror-with-1970-murder-of-california-doctor/SFGate: https://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/Santa-Cruz-mass-murderer-kills-self-in-prison-3221281.phpCrime Library: https://www.crimelibrary.org/notorious_murders/mass/john_frazier/index.htmlInvestigation Discovery's "A Crime To Remember," episode "Killer Prophet"Join Katie and Whitney, plus the hosts of Last Podcast on the Left, Sinisterhood, and Scared to Death, on the very first CRIMEWAVE true crime cruise! Get your fan code now--tickets go on sale February 7: CrimeWaveatSea.com/CAMPFIREFollow us, campers!Patreon (join to get all episodes ad-free, at least a day early, tons of extra content, and a free sticker!): https://patreon.com/TrueCrimeCampfirehttps://www.truecrimecampfirepod.com/Facebook: True Crime CampfireInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/truecrimecampfire/?hl=enTwitter: @TCCampfire https://twitter.com/TCCampfireEmail: [email protected]! https://true-crime-campfire.myspreadshop.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime-campfire--4251960/support.

Obsession is one of humanity’s greatest boons… and curses. Obsession can fuel a scientist’s entire career in trying to solve a singular problem. An athlete’s obsession can pull them to physics bending heights, a politician’s obsession with a cause can push a world changing bill forward. People can be obsessed over all sorts of great and mundane things: books, trading cards, cars, art without any kind of harm… But when that obsession is about controlling or possessing another person? Things can take a sinister turn. In today’s story, 7 people’s lives are ruined by a single woman’s obsession. Join Katie and Whitney, plus the hosts of Last Podcast on the Left, Sinisterhood, and Scared to Death, on the very first CRIMEWAVE true crime cruise! Get your fan code now--tickets go on sale February 7: CrimeWaveatSea.com/CAMPFIRESources:Court papers: https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ct-supreme-court/1131876.html https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ct-court-of-appeals/1456321.htmlCourant.com: https://www.courant.com/1997/07/16/vermont-man-receives-30-year-sentence-for-manslaughter/  https://patch.com/connecticut/middletown-ct/middletown-double-murder-case-be-featured-crime-documentaryInvestigation Discovery's "Diabolical," episode "Recording Evil"Follow us, campers!Patreon (join to get all episodes ad-free, at least a day early, an extra episode a month, and a free sticker!): https://patreon.com/TrueCrimeCampfirehttps://www.truecrimecampfirepod.com/Facebook: True Crime CampfireInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/truecrimecampfire/?hl=enTwitter: @TCCampfire https://twitter.com/TCCampfireEmail: [email protected]! https://true-crime-campfire.myspreadshop.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime-campfire--4251960/support.

There are some people who, if they find themselves stuck in a hole, will just keep digging deeper. Maybe they think they’ll find some highly improbable way out of their troubles, more likely it’s all they know to do. This week’s story is about a man who kept doubling down on his lies and bad decisions until the lives of those closest to him were torn to pieces. Join us for a twisty tale of deception and betrayal.Join Katie and Whitney, plus the hosts of Last Podcast on the Left, Sinisterhood, and Scared to Death, on the very first CRIMEWAVE true crime cruise! Get your fan code now--tickets go on sale February 7: CrimeWaveatSea.com/CAMPFIRESources:ABC's 20/20, S46 E18, “A Killer Renovation” JCS (Jim Can't Swim): "Husband Tries to Look Sad" https://youtu.be/6d-kCW46kqs?si=c5Q5WTBM45H7-OL-CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dave-tronnes-shanti-cooper-murder-case-florida-48-hours/Orlando Sentinel: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2019/05/17/twist-in-strangulation-case-against-delaney-park-man-detectives-explore-poison-theory-while-interviewing-his-ex/Fox 35 Orlando: https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/medical-examiner-called-as-witness-in-david-tronnes-murder-trialThe Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/20/david-tronnes-guilty-murdering-wife-zombie-house-floridaOrlando Sentinel: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/10/18/orlando-man-found-guilty-for-2018-delaney-park-zombie-house-renovation-homicide/Follow us, campers!Patreon (join to get all episodes ad-free, at least a day early, an extra episode a month, and a free sticker!): https://patreon.com/TrueCrimeCampfirehttps://www.truecrimecampfirepod.com/Facebook: True Crime CampfireInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/truecrimecampfire/?hl=enTwitter: @TCCampfire https://twitter.com/TCCampfireEmail: [email protected]! https://true-crime-campfire.myspreadshop.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime-campfire--4251960/support.

The U.S. military teaches recruits to function together as a well-oiled machine—and for young people who dream of joining the most elite forces, it requires discipline, commitment, and loyalty, not to mention the courage to put yourself in harm’s way for the greater good. For the ones with the deepest commitment, there has to be a fire in the belly that drives them to keep their eye on the prize, no matter what the risks. Most of the time this sets the stage for great achievements. But sometimes, the personality type that lends itself to flawless dedication can teeter over the line into feverish obsession. Where’s the line? When you’ve cultivated a “failure is not an option” attitude your entire life, how do you put the brakes on when that determination starts to bleed into your personal relationships? Join us for the story of one of the most infamous killer couples of the 1990s: Diane Zamora and David Graham. Join Katie and Whitney, plus the hosts of Last Podcast on the Left, Sinisterhood, and Scared to Death, on the very first CRIMEWAVE true crime cruise! Get your fan code now--tickets go on sale February 7: CrimeWaveatSea.com/CAMPFIRESources:Blind Love by Peter MeyerTexas Monthly, Skip Hollandsworth: https://www.texasmonthly.com/true-crime/the-killer-cadets/A&E's "American Justice," 2000: "Duty, Honor, Murder"Follow us, campers!Patreon (join to get all episodes ad-free, at least a day early, an extra episode a month, and a free sticker!): https://patreon.com/TrueCrimeCampfirehttps://www.truecrimecampfirepod.com/Facebook: True Crime CampfireInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/truecrimecampfire/?hl=enTwitter: @TCCampfire https://twitter.com/TCCampfireEmail: [email protected]! https://true-crime-campfire.myspreadshop.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime-campfire--4251960/support.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning podcast returns for its second season!Seven years after his release from prison, former juvenile lifer Luis "Suave" Gonzalez seems tobe thriving. His career has taken off, he’s in a committed relationship and he’s received publicrecognition after telling his story on the podcast. Suave always thought once he was out ofprison and found stability in his new life, he would finally feel truly free. But freedom, it turns out,is more complicated than it seems. "Suave" is a deeply intimate portrait of a man battling thelingering trauma of incarceration and his search for happiness in the outside world after a near-lifetime in prison.In this season we explore the long shadow of prison.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime-campfire--4251960/support.

How far would you go to get what you want? For most of us, there’s a hard limit on the answer to that question, and that limit is hurting someone. Especially someone close to you. But in this week’s story, we meet a man who didn’t believe in limits like that, who would let nothing and no one stand in the way of his ambition and desires. It’s a mindset you might expect from a Wall Street bigshot, but our guy wasn’t that—he was a suburban rabbi, who kept all his demons hidden under a cloak of godliness.Join Katie and Whitney, plus the hosts of Last Podcast on the Left, Sinisterhood, and Scared to Death, on the very first CRIMEWAVE true crime cruise! Get your fan code now--tickets on sale now: CrimeWaveatSea.com/CAMPFIRESources:https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/hit-man-in-slaying-of-new-jersey-rabbis-wife-to-be-freed/ https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/neulander-conspirator-paul-daniels-released-from-prison-after-14-years/https://www.inquirer.com/news/rabbi-fred-neulander-convicted-murderer-dead-nj-prison-20240419.html https://www.inquirer.com/crime/tale-murder-took-years-unfold-20000507.html https://www.nydailynews.com/2002/11/22/killer-rabbis-flame-miss-vicky-falls-for-wife-slayer/ https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/fiveminute-memoir-author-pam-jenoff-recalls-her-uncle-s-murder-confession-8533234.htmlhttps://law.justia.com/cases/new-jersey/appellate-division-unpublished/2006/a3616-02-opn.htmlFollow us, campers!Patreon (join to get all episodes ad-free, at least a day early, an extra episode a month, and a free sticker!): https://patreon.com/TrueCrimeCampfirehttps://www.truecrimecampfirepod.com/Facebook: True Crime CampfireInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/truecrimecampfire/?hl=enTwitter: @TCCampfire https://twitter.com/TCCampfireEmail: [email protected]! https://true-crime-campfire.myspreadshop.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime-campfire--4251960/support.

Vengeance is such a core human urge that there are hundreds and thousands of parables and plays and stories warning us about what a dangerous path it is. In the classic Shakespearean tragedy, Hamlet destroyed himself and the entire Danish royal family in the name of revenge. Francis Bacon wrote “A man that studieth revenge keeps his own wounds green.” Today’s story is a good reminder that if you seek revenge, you should dig two graves. Join Katie and Whitney, plus the hosts of Last Podcast on the Left, Sinisterhood, and Scared to Death, on the very first CRIMEWAVE true crime cruise! Get your fan code now--tickets are on sale now: CrimeWaveatSea.com/CAMPFIRESources:Crime Traveler, Fiona Guy: https://www.crimetraveller.org/2024/12/fiona-beal-murder-case/The Independent, Amy Clare Martin: https://www.the-independent.com/news/uk/crime/fiona-beal-murder-trial-sentence-teacher-b2553200.htmlBBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-68846713NN Journal, Sarah Ward: https://www.nnjournal.co.uk/p/im-not-a-total-monster-i-know-whatEmma Kenny, YouTube channel: Respected Teacher Conned Boyfriend Into Deadly Sex GameFollow us, campers!Patreon (join to get all episodes ad-free, at least a day early, an extra episode a month, and a free sticker!): https://patreon.com/TrueCrimeCampfirehttps://www.truecrimecampfirepod.com/Facebook: True Crime CampfireInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/truecrimecampfire/?hl=enTwitter: @TCCampfire https://twitter.com/TCCampfireEmail: [email protected]! https://true-crime-campfire.myspreadshop.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime-campfire--4251960/support.

For at least the past 200 years or so, there’s been a lot of debate about women and the role we’re supposed to play in society. Historically, we’ve been expected to be the nurturers, the caregivers—the gentler sex, as we used to be called. We cook the food, we nurse the sick, we mind the children. Some of us are perfectly content in that role. But all throughout history, there have also been women who’ve chafed against these expectations. Some of them rebelled in a healthy, heroic way—fighting for women’s right to vote, to manage our own money, to pursue careers. And some have rebelled in a darker, more toxic way, using the very tools of stereotypical womanhood—food and drink—to commit the deadliest crimes. Today we’ll tell you about two of those women. Case 1: Tillie Klimek. Case 2: The Marquise de Brinvilliers.Join Katie and Whitney, plus the hosts of Last Podcast on the Left, Sinisterhood, and Scared to Death, on the very first CRIMEWAVE true crime cruise! Get your fan code now--tickets are on sale now: CrimeWaveatSea.com/CAMPFIRESources:Lady Killers by Tori TelferBritannica: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marie-Madeleine-Marguerite-dAubray-marquise-de-BrinvilliersBounjour Paris: https://bonjourparis.com/history/mystery-and-murder-in-paris-the-infamous-madame-de-brinvilliers/PBS: https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/unforgivable-blackness/mann-act-full-textMedium, Heather Monroe: https://heathermonroe.medium.com/the-strange-murders-of-tillie-klimek-effa70912b5bFollow us, campers!Patreon (join to get all episodes ad-free, at least a day early, an extra episode a month, and a free sticker!): https://patreon.com/TrueCrimeCampfirehttps://www.truecrimecampfirepod.com/Facebook: True Crime CampfireInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/truecrimecampfire/?hl=enTwitter: @TCCampfire https://twitter.com/TCCampfireEmail: [email protected]! https://true-crime-campfire.myspreadshop.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime-campfire--4251960/support.

For people of faith, a minister is supposed to be a figure of trust, a rock to support you in times of trouble. Not everyone who holds that position meets those ideals, though. This week’s story is about a man whose minister’s robes and carefully practiced smiles hid a heart burning with violence and dark desires, someone who would betray every trust given to him and leave pain—not salvation—in his wake. Join us for our latest "Sinister Minister" episode. Join Katie and Whitney, plus the hosts of Last Podcast on the Left, Sinisterhood, and Scared to Death, on the very first CRIMEWAVE true crime cruise! Get your fan code now--tickets are on sale now: CrimeWaveatSea.com/CAMPFIRESources:Investigation Discovery's True Crime with Aphrodite Jones, S4E1, “Sins of the Father" CBS's 48 Hours, S26E17, “Death at the Parsonage” NBC's Dateline, S21E21, “Fallen” Pocono Record: https://www.poconorecord.com/story/news/crime/2013/01/12/suicide-dominates-schirmer-trial-testimony/49162405007/ https://www.poconorecord.com/story/news/crime/2013/01/16/two-wives-one-cause-death/49158909007/ID News: https://www.ldnews.com/story/archives/2015/12/16/schirmer-gets-20-40-years-murder-bethany/77424050/Follow us, campers!Patreon (join to get all episodes ad-free, at least a day early, an extra episode a month, and a free sticker!): https://patreon.com/TrueCrimeCampfirehttps://www.truecrimecampfirepod.com/Facebook: True Crime CampfireInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/truecrimecampfire/?hl=enTwitter: @TCCampfire https://twitter.com/TCCampfireEmail: [email protected]! https://true-crime-campfire.myspreadshop.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime-campfire--4251960/support.

In this week’s episode, we are going to be looking at “Bullshido,” a catch-all term for martial arts practices that are either fake, delusional, or just plain useless. This is the land of no-touch knockouts, touches of death, and mystical masters who can’t manage their own lives. We’ll be asking the question—should you learn self-defense from summon who struggles with basic reality? Spoiler, the answer is no, no you shouldn’t. This is a fun one, y'all. Nobody dies, and everybody is an absolute goober. Sources:Interesting Stuff From Around the World YouTube channel (videos on Ashida Kim, George Dillman and Steven Seagal, plus much more): https://youtube.com/@interestingstufffromaround8014?si=E9-UiKKcTZQ4ng-Jhttps://ashidakim.com/The Dance of the Deadly Hands https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xw5wjwVkFc&t=36sNinja “levitation” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl3QF3t58RkNinja curtains https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCaZmajZ_g4&t=258sKim catches a bullet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PJZjwWwFc4Kim dodges bullets https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc1sN7eeyvM&t=78s https://www.dillman.com/George Dillman on tongues and toes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIL5nD2PQ0Y&t=326s George’s chi bullet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYez2RKQn8c&t=748sGeorge mostly resurrects a pet https://www.youtube.com/shorts/w7hgVWbPxG8Seagal’s Lightning Bolt ad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IId64OJdCKM Seagal running weird https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwwXE-T4HPI Seagal’s very real Russian aikido demo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmEx8Moy7ro Seagal essential oils https://members.tripod.com/life_scents/oldfiles/seagal.html  Join Katie and Whitney, plus the hosts of Last Podcast on the Left, Sinisterhood, and Scared to Death, on the very first CRIMEWAVE true crime cruise! Pay up front or set up a payment plan. Get your fan code now--tickets go on sale February 7: CrimeWaveatSea.com/CAMPFIRE Follow us, campers!Patreon (join to get all episodes ad-free, at least a day early, an extra episode a month, and a free sticker!): https://patreon.com/TrueCrimeCampfirehttps://www.truecrimecampfirepod.com/Facebook: True Crime CampfireInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/truecrimecampfire/?hl=enTwitter: @TCCampfire https://twitter.com/TCCampfireEmail: [email protected]! https://true-crime-campfire.myspreadshop.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime-campfire--4251960/support.