Best of MURDERISH: E9 "Tonia Bales, Dirty John's First Wife"

In the fall of 1989, Boston natives Carol and Chuck Stuart were just two months away from expecting their first child. The young couple were four years into their marriage and expanding their family felt like the next logical step. On October 23, 1989, the Stuarts were driving home from a birthing class when disaster struck. The events that followed would not only shatter their lives, it would change the city of Boston forever.  Follow Jami on Instagram & TikTok @JamiOnAir and join the Serial Streamers true crime TV club! Subscribe to Jami’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jamionair Sponsors Greenlight: Visit greenlight.com/MURDERISH to sign up and get your first month free. AquaTru: Visit AquaTru.com and enter code MURDERISH at checkout for 20% off any water purifier. Gabb Wireless: Visit gabb.com/MURDERISH to get $25 off any device for new customers. Dr. Marty’s: Visit DrMartyPets.com/MURDERISH for up to 54% off Nature’s Blend + a free bag of Cod Crispies. RoBody: Visit Ro.co/MURDERISH for a membership that starts at $99 for your first month.  Dirty Money Moves: Women in White Collar Crime - Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirty-money-moves-women-in-white-collar-crime/id1619521092. Lipstick & Lies - Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lipstick-lies/id1704189120?i=1000625570159 Research and writing by: Alison Schwartz Want to advertise on this show? We’ve partnered with Cloud10 Media to handle our advertising requests. If you’re interested in advertising on MURDERISH, please send an email to Sahiba Krieger [email protected] and copy [email protected].  Missing person - Jerry Zawacki: Anyone with information on Jerry Zawacki’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the NYSP at (716) 297-8730. Visit Murderish.com to learn more about the podcast and Creator/Host, Jami, and to view a list of sources for this episode.  Listening to this podcast doesn’t make you a murderer, it just means you’re murder..ish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tristan Jensen was a young teenager who had his whole life ahead of him. He and his family lived in Redlands California. Unfortunately, he crossed paths with another boy who would end his life much too soon. After police caught up to Tristan’s murderer, JP Remsen, they discovered just how cold, and callous the boy was. Valaree Schwab was a smart and outspoken teenager. According to her family, Valaree was bullied at school for being so outspoken. On what should have been a typical day at school, Valaree and her boyfriend were stalked and followed to a nearby restaurant. The angry mob outside was shouting for Valaree to come outside. She and her boyfriend waited until they thought it was safe, and then exited the restaurant. What happened next would forever change the lives of several teenagers and their families. Tragically, Valaree lost her life. Sponsor: RoBody: Visit ro.co/MURDERISH to get your first month for $99, and $145/month after that Dr. Marty's: Go to drmartypets.com/MURDERISH for up to 54% OFF Nature’s Blend and get a free bag of Cod Crispies, their bestselling wild-caught cod skin treats. Let’s get social: Follow MURDERISH on Instagram & TikTok @MurderishPodcast. We’re also on Facebook. Visit murderish.com to learn more about Jami and the podcast. You can also buy merch & sign up to become a MURDERISH | Behind the Mic Patreon member and get access to exclusive perks.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Murderish & Dirty Money Moves fans! Let me introduce you to Beyond the Blinds, a show where hosts Troy and Kelli are here for all of your celebrity gossip needs! They take you beyond the "celebrity blinds" and dive deeper into the dark side of Hollywood. This podcast is full of scandal, intrigue, and gossip surrounding your favorite celebrities. Please note this podcast is for entertainment purposes only, it's all alleged. Listen to Beyond the Blinds on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/blinds Follow them on Instagram @beyondtheblindspod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dirty Money Moves: Women in White Collar Crime is BACK! In Season 3, we’re deep diving into the case involving Tracii Hutsona, a self-described “winner” who appeared to have it all: successful businesses, multimillion dollar mansions, luxury cars, and plenty of cash to spend on high end jewelry and vacations. She’s an intriguing woman who’s had a lengthy acting and modeling career, one that saw her on the cover of several major magazines, including Italian Vogue. She also had alleged romantic ties to Keanu Reeves. But the facts of Tracii’s life that make her so intriguing, are also the facts we’re checking and not much about Tracii seems to be real, except maybe her abilities as a con artist. Most recently, she made headlines for embezzling more than $1 million from Joumana Kidd, actress and ex wife of NBA star Jason Kidd, via Tracii’s luxury concierge business. Tracii opened a restaurant in San Diego, fittingly called “Breakfast Bitch,” which was funded, in part, by Joumana’s money. These recent crimes may have grabbed all the media attention, but they are by no means Tracii’s first run-ins with the law. She’s had a long history of schemes, going back 30 years. Yet, the most shocking thing about Tracii isn't the dollar amount she’s managed to steal over the years, but the way in which she victimizes the people closest to her, over and over again. This is the story of an extremely charismatic woman who can manipulate even the most savvy person into believing exactly what she needs them to, all in the pursuit of a lifestyle of luxury, glamor, and self-indulgence. By the end of this season, you might be surprised as to how all of this chaos plays out. Listen to new episodes of Dirty Money Moves: Women in White Collar Crime every Thursday on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirty-money-moves-women-in-white-collar-crime/id1619521092. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the summer of 1993, basketball legend Michael Jordan received the most devastating news of his life. His father, James Jordan, hadn’t been seen or heard from in three weeks. Soon, the Jordan family received the news everyone feared. The NBA superstar’s father and best friend, James Jordan, had been murdered. Follow Jami on Instagram & TikTok @JamiOnAir and join the Serial Streamers true crime TV club! Subscribe to Jami’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jamionair Sponsors: Farmacy: Visit farmacybeauty.com and use code MURDERISH for 20% off your order. Posh Peanut: Visit PoshPeanut.com/MURDERISH  and use code MURDERISH for 20% off your first order. Hiya: Visit hiyahealth.com/MURDERISH to get 50% off your first order. Shopify: Visit shopify.com/murderish (all lowercase) to upgrade your selling today. Honeylove: Visit Honeylove.com/MURDERISH for 20% off. Dirty Money Moves: Women in White Collar Crime - Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirty-money-moves-women-in-white-collar-crime/id1619521092. Lipstick & Lies - Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lipstick-lies/id1704189120?i=1000625570159 Research and writing by: Alison Schwartz Want to advertise on this show? We’ve partnered with Cloud10 Media to handle our advertising requests. If you’re interested in advertising on MURDERISH, please send an email to Sahiba Krieger [email protected] and copy [email protected].  Missing persons - Abigail, Koa Kai and Kush Kohole Bernstein: Anyone with information on Abigail, Koa Kai or Kush Kohole’s whereabouts are encouraged to contact the FBI’s Honolulu Field Office at (808) 673-2719 or the FBI’s toll free tip line (800) CALL-FBI. Visit Murderish.com to learn more about the podcast and Creator/Host, Jami, and to view a list of sources for this episode.  Listening to this podcast doesn’t make you a murderer, it just means you’re murder..ish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Murderish, I interview John Meehan’s (AKA Dirty John) first wife, Tonia Bales. You might remember Tonia from the wildly popular Dirty John podcast, where listeners got to hear recorded phone calls between John and Tonia. John’s threats to Tonia during those calls made the hair on my arms stick up. During the interview, Tonia talks about those phone calls and her motivation behind staying on the phone with John even after he threatened her. Sponsor: RoBody: Visit ro.co/MURDERISH to get your first month for $99, and $145/month after that Let’s get social: Follow MURDERISH on Instagram & TikTok @MurderishPodcast. We’re also on Facebook. Visit murderish.com to learn more about Jami and the podcast. You can also buy merch & sign up to become a MURDERISH | Behind the Mic Patreon member and get access to exclusive perks.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

19-year-old Noah Presgrove left a house party in the early morning hours of September 4, 2023 in Terral, Oklahoma. The teenager had been drinking and partying at the house for two days, along with many of his friends. A big rig driver spotted Noah’s nude and battered body on the side of Highway 81, and immediately called 911. Nearly everyone assumed Noah had been killed by a hit and run driver, however, details surrounding his death and evidence found at the scene make many believe Noah was murdered. Noah’s case has garnered a lot of attention, which his loved ones hope will pressure law enforcement to find out who killed Noah. The question is …was Noah’s death accidental, or was he the victim of foul play at the hands of people close to him? Noah Presgrove GoFundMe: gofundme.com/f/help-bring-justice-for-noah Anyone with information regarding Noah’s death is encouraged to contact state authorities at (580) 353-0783. Follow Jami on Instagram & TikTok @JamiOnAir and join the Serial Streamers true crime TV club! Subscribe to Jami’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jamionair Sponsors Hiya: Visit hiyahealth.com/MURDERISH to get 50% off your first order. RoBody: Visit ro.co/MURDERISH to get your first month for $99, and $145/month after that. Greenlight: Visit Greenlight.com/MURDERISH to get your first month free. Honeylove: Visit honeylove.com/MURDERISH to get 20% off your order. Dirty Money Moves: Women in White Collar Crime - Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirty-money-moves-women-in-white-collar-crime/id1619521092. Lipstick & Lies - Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lipstick-lies/id1704189120?i=1000625570159 ‘Strange & Suspicious’ by TMZ TV: Available on 12 major FOX stations - check your cable listings. Research and writing by: K. Brant Want to advertise on this show? We’ve partnered with Cloud10 Media to handle our advertising requests. If you’re interested in advertising on MURDERISH, please send an email to Sahiba Krieger [email protected] and copy [email protected].  Visit Murderish.com to learn more about the podcast and Creator/Host, Jami, and to view a list of sources for this episode.  Listening to this podcast doesn’t make you a murderer, it just means you’re murder..ish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Patricia Esparza was arrested in October 2012, nobody could believe it ...not even Patricia. She had spent the last decade living abroad, working as a respected psychology professor. There was no way she could have anticipated that returning to the U.S. would bring to the forefront a dark event from her distant past. As more details came to light, the complex nature of this case would explain why it remained unsolved for nearly two decades. Let’s get social: Follow MURDERISH on Instagram & TikTok @MurderishPodcast. We’re also on Facebook. Visit murderish.com to learn more about Jami and the podcast. You can also buy merch & sign up to become a MURDERISH | Behind the Mic Patreon member and get access to exclusive perks.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The high-profile trial of Massachusetts finance professor Karen Read ended without resolution last month. In the year’s most closely watched legal proceedings, the jury, composed of six men and six women, failed to agree on whether Read was guilty of murdering her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, or on the two other charges against her. O’Keefe, 46, was found battered, freezing and unconscious outside a Canton, Massachusetts home on the morning of January 29th, 2022, and later pronounced dead at the hospital. At trial, the commonwealth argued Karen, drunk and upset, struck John with her SUV and abandoned him in a snowstorm. Karen’s defense maintained her innocence, alleging that John was killed by fellow law enforcement officers during a house party and that Karen Read was framed by those officers. The live-streamed trial was a rollercoaster with all the drama of a Hollywood script: a police cover-up, misconduct, misogynistic and highly unprofessional text messages from the lead detective, a potential love triangle, lies, and betrayal. Millions were glued to the story, especially in New England, where papers referred to it as “Boston’s trial of the century.” What happens next is anyone’s guess as the story is far from over. Follow Jami on Instagram & TikTok @JamiOnAir and join the Serial Streamers true crime TV club! Subscribe to Jami’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jamionair Sponsors Posh Peanut: Visit PoshPeanut.com/MURDERISH and use code MURDERISH for 20% off your first order. Shopify: Visit shopify.com/murderish (all lowercase) to sign up for a $1/month trial period. Greenlight: Visit Greenlight.com/MURDERISH to get your first month free. Dirty Money Moves: Women in White Collar Crime - Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirty-money-moves-women-in-white-collar-crime/id1619521092. Lipstick & Lies - Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lipstick-lies/id1704189120?i=1000625570159 ‘Strange & Suspicious’ by TMZ TV: Available on 12 major FOX stations - check your cable listings. Research and writing by: K. Brant Want to advertise on this show? We’ve partnered with Cloud10 Media to handle our advertising requests. If you’re interested in advertising on MURDERISH, please send an email to Sahiba Krieger [email protected] and copy [email protected].  Visit Murderish.com to learn more about the podcast and Creator/Host, Jami, and to view a list of sources for this episode.  Listening to this podcast doesn’t make you a murderer, it just means you’re murder..ish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In March of 2016, a 40-year-old single mother was ready to meet someone with whom she could spend her life. Her relationship with the father of her children hadn’t worked out, though they remained amicable. It was during this time that she failed to arrive back home after a night out, sparking fear within her family that something terrible had happened to her. Their worst fears would come true as they learned the horrific details of what happened to the mother of three. Let’s get social: Follow MURDERISH on Instagram & TikTok @MurderishPodcast. We’re also on Facebook. Visit murderish.com to learn more about Jami and the podcast. You can also buy merch & sign up to become a MURDERISH | Behind the Mic Patreon member and get access to exclusive perks.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices