Bernadette Vander Meer: The Pastor's Secret // 629

In 2014, two abandoned suitcases were discovered along a rural Wisconsin road. But the victims were completely different. One, a teenager from the West Coast, and the other, a Midwestern mom. But through their identities, investigators uncovered a shocking situation: a former police officer had spent years cultivating a secret life under the online alias “Mr. Handcuffs.” These are the murders of Jenny Gamez and Laura Simonson… and the crimes of the Wisconsin Suitcase Murderer, otherwise known as Steven Zelich…   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In April of 2011, a 19-year-old woman left a Denver nightclub after a night out with friends, only to vanish into the night. As investigators worked to retrace her final movements, a series of unsettling clues—and one chilling text message—pointed them toward a mystery that seemed to grow more perplexing with every lead. Months later, an unrelated act of violence would change everything, revealing a shocking connection no one saw coming… This is the murder of Kenia Monge: The Woman in the White Van. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In August of 2006, a 29-year-old woman headed out for a sunrise hike at one of the most intense peaks in the country, only to "fall" to her death. But when investigators looked deeper into a youth pastor in her life, they uncovered a trove of disturbing behavior, grooming, and murder. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the summer of 2004, two young bible camp counselors set out on a peaceful trip along California’s northern coastline. But when they failed to return home, a search led authorities to a heartbreaking discovery that devastated their families and baffled investigators for over a decade…until another murder brought the answers they so desperately sought. These are the murders of Lindsay Cutshall and Jason Allen Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In June of 2021, a 42-year-old father running a successful farm in Iowa was found dead inside his home in what initially appeared to be a break-in gone wrong... But when investigators began poking around and asking questions, disturbing clues emerged in the form of Snapchat messages and texts – painting a horrifically detailed picture. This is the murder of Ryan Cooper.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In August of 2004, a 40-year-old woman boarded an Alaskan cruise alone in Seattle, looking forward to a week at sea. But just days into the voyage, she seemingly vanished without a trace. Her cabin remained filled with personal belongings, yet no one could explain where she had gone or when she had even disappeared... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In June of 2009, a 30-year-old Amish woman was found dead in her bed inside a quiet Ohio farming community. At first glance, the crime seemed unthinkable in her tight-knit world known for their simplicity, faith, and tradition. But as investigators dug deeper, they uncovered contraband cell phones, salacious online relationships, and a life in hiding that no one saw coming. This is the murder of Barbara Weaver, and the story of the internet persona of the Amish Stud. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In July of 2014, a law professor was shot in broad daylight outside his home in Tallahassee, Florida. And detectives quickly suspected that the killing was anything but random, yet the truth would take years to unravel. What emerged was a history of extensive family conflict, hidden motives, and an investigation that would eventually draw an entire family into the spotlight. This is the murder of Dan Markel, and the story of the Adelson’s: Monster-in-Laws Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In July of 1991, a 34-year-old woman set off on the waters of Lake Sammamish, Washington with her husband for their anniversary. But she wouldn’t make it back to shore alive… What initially appeared to be a tragic drowning accident soon raised troubling questions, leading investigators down a path that would uncover a far more complicated story—and a past no one could ignore… This is the murder of Cynthia Baumgartner Roth: The Lake Sammamish Drowning. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In May of 2024, a 35-year-old Hollywood makeup artist was attacked in her home with a knife, suffering injuries so severe she was declared clinically dead twice. As investigators raced to find the person responsible, they quickly uncovered a series of events that had unfolded in the days leading up to the attack—showcasing the horrors behind his abuse and control. This is the incredible story of Allie Shehorn. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.