Crime Salad

BLACKCAT | Realm

Truth. Awareness. Accountability.

Crime Salad is a top-ranked true crime podcast hosted by husband-and-wife duo Ashley and Ricky. Each week, they deliver in-depth coverage of real crime stories, unsolved cases, missing persons, and criminal investigations that demand closer attention.

With careful research and thoughtful storytelling, they examine the evidence, the timelines, and the systemic failures that shape each case. From cold cases and suspicious deaths to wrongful convictions and domestic violence tragedies, Crime Salad focuses on facts over speculation and victims over sensationalism.

Their mission is simple: uncover the truth, promote accountability, and keep the focus where it belongs: on the lives affected and the justice still sought.

If you’re looking for a true crime podcast that values integrity, depth, and clarity, you’re in the right place.

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Yesterday · 49 min
The Bone Breaker of Baraboo | The Unimaginable Survival of Thad Phillips
Support Thad Phillips ⚠️ LISTENER WARNING: This episode contains highly graphic details of severe, prolonged physical abuse. Listener discretion is strongly advised. A 13-year-old boy is abducted from his couch in the dead of night and forced into a 43-hour fight for his life. In July 1995, the quiet town of Baraboo, Wisconsin, was rocked when Thad Phillips was kidnapped and tortured by a local teenager named Joe Clark (later known as the "Baraboo Bone Breaker"). Thad’s miraculous survival and harrowing 911 call didn't just save his own life; his incredible bravery ultimately solved the cold case murder of 14-year-old Chris Steiner. Join Ashley and Ricky on this week’s Crime Salad as we dive into one of the most shocking kidnapping survival stories in true crime history. Support Thad: Thad Phillips continues to deal with the physical and financial aftermath of his injuries. Please consider donating to his official GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/79241d9a0 Thanks for supporting the show! 🥗 Follow us on Instagram @CrimeSaladPodcast Share Crime Salad with a friend! It really helps us out! Ad-Free Episodes: Support the show and get exclusive access by joining our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/Crimesaladpodcast Episode Sponsors: HERS: Ready to reach your goals? Visit forhers.com/crimesalad to get personalized, affordable care that gets you there. Weight Loss by Hers is not available in all 50 states. Wegovy® is the registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S. To get started and learn more, including important safety information, Wegovy® clinical study information, and restrictions, visit forhers.com Quince: Upgrade your everyday with premium essentials! Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or visit quince.com/crimesalad to get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Thad Phillips, Joe Clark, Baraboo, Wisconsin, Chris Steiner, Baraboo Bone Breaker, true crime survival story, 1995 kidnapping, unsolved murder, Crime Salad podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 20 · 30 min
The 33-Hour Silence: The Murder of Andrew Jasmine
When Andrew Jasmine goes completely silent for two days, his girlfriend is first to notice. From the outside of his LaPlace, Louisiana, home, everything looks perfectly normal. Inside, the living room is spotless. But just down the hall, investigators find a devastating discovery: Andrew has been shot ten times in his own bed. Was this a personal attack after a heated argument? With no DNA left behind and no signs of forced entry, investigators are forced to investigate a list of close friends. The case threatens to go cold until a neighbor’s 911 call about a fleeing black Chevy Impala leads detectives to a web of digital evidence. In this episode, we unpack how even real detectives will look to Facebook and social media to try to unravel a case in an attempt to get justice for Andrew. Episode Sponsors: K12-Powered Schools: A new school year means new opportunities for positive change. For parents looking for a new path to help your child succeed this year, enroll in K12-Powered Online Schools. Visit K12.com/CRIMESALAD to enroll online today! Support the Show: Ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content; join our Patreon family! patreon.com/Crimesaladpodcast CS Merch: crimesaladpodcast.com Help Grow Crime Salad! Leave us a five-star rating and a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Share Crime Salad with other true crime listeners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 13 · 40 min
The Nightmare Tenant: The Murders of Karen Koep & Davido
In November 2023, the tight-knit community of Lacey, Washington, was rocked when a beloved local chiropractor, Dr. Karen Koep, mysteriously failed to show up for work. When deputies arrived at the home she shared with her husband, Davido, they found a chilling scene: the exterior locks had been bizarrely drilled out, and the air was thick with the chemical smell of bleach. Inside, investigators discovered an "unsurvivable" amount of blood, with the frantic tracks of a household vacuum cleaner dragged straight through it. But Karen and Davido were nowhere to be found. The investigation quickly zeroed in on the couple's rental property compound and a tenant named Timothy Burke. To put it simply, what began as a standard landlord-tenant dispute had secretly mutated into a terrifying, paranoid delusion, culminating in every property owner's absolute worst nightmare. Join Ashley and Ricky this week as they break down the chaotic forensics of the crime scene, the chilling digital footprint left behind by the killer, and the tragic loss of a couple who dedicated their lives to healing and helping those around them. Support the show! 🥗 Follow us on Instagram @CrimeSaladPodcast Ad-Free Episodes: Support the show and get exclusive access by joining our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/Crimesaladpodcast Enjoying the show? Please remember to rate and review Crime Salad on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share Crime Salad with a friend! it really helps us out! Episode Sponsors: HERS: Ready to reach your goals? Visit forhers.com/crimesalad to get personalized, affordable care that gets you there. Weight Loss by Hers is not available in all 50 states. Wegovy® is the registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S. To get started and learn more, including important safety information, Wegovy® clinical study information, and restrictions, visit forhers.com Quince: Upgrade your everyday with premium essentials! Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or visit quince.com/crimesalad to get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 7 · 44 min
3:13 AM Crash Alert: The Murder of Melody Hoffman
Miracle Made: Upgrade your sleep with Miracle Made! Go to https://trymiracle.com/CRIMESALAD and use the code CRIMESALAD to claim your FREE 3-PIECE TOWEL SET and SAVE over 40% OFF At 3:13 AM automated Apple SOS crash alert from a daughter's phone would send any parent into a frantic search. This was the terrifying reality for the mother of 20-year-old Melody Hoffman. But instead of a car crash, she found Melody's shattered phone abandoned on an empty road, a discovery that raised a chilling set of questions. Hours later, a devastating find was made in a secluded area near Lily Pond. In this episode, we untangle the heartbreaking case of Melody Hoffman, a trusting, bright young woman from Marion, Iowa, who was betrayed in a premeditated plot fueled by a volatile love triangle. We walk through the chilling digital deception used to cover the killers' tracks, the timeline of that tragic night, and the forensic evidence that ultimately brought them to justice. Melody believed in the goodness of people and just wanted to make others smile; this is her story. Support the Show: Ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content; join our Patreon family! patreon.com/Crimesaladpodcast Help Grow Crime Salad! Leave us a five-star rating and a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Share Crime Salad with other true crime listeners. Episode Sponsors: Miracle Made: Upgrade your sleep with Miracle Made! Go to https://trymiracle.com/CRIMESALAD and use the code CRIMESALAD to claim your FREE 3-PIECE TOWEL SET and SAVE over 40% OFF Now proudly available in Canada and the UK! K12-Powered Online Schools: New Opportunities with K12! Enroll online today at K12.com/crimesalad. Cash App: Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/lz1ykcyo#CashAppPod Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. HERS: Ready to reach your goals? Visit forhers.com/crimesalad to get personalized, affordable care that gets you there. Weight Loss by Hers is not available in all 50 states. Wegovy® is the registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S. To get started and learn more, including important safety information, Wegovy® clinical study information, and restrictions, visit forhers.com Quince: Upgrade your everyday with premium essentials! Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or visit quince.com/crimesalad to get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 25 · 46 min
The Coward's Route: Ryan Borgwardt
Upgrade your sleep with Miracle Made! Go to https://trymiracle.com/CRIMESALAD and use the code CRIMESALAD to claim your FREE 3-PIECE TOWEL SET and SAVE over 40% OFF From reversing a vasectomy in secret, to exploiting Western Union loopholes, to fleeing to Eastern Europe, this case proves that the truth is often stranger than fiction. We unpack the devastating financial reality of community property laws, the psychological toll of marital waste, and how a father's desperate fight-or-flight response sparked a viral international manhunt. Ryan Borgwardt, a local cabinet maker living in Wisconsin with his wife and three kids, chooses to stage an accidental death like it’s a movie set and flee the country. His travels take him by child-sized inflatable raft, to a hidden e-bike, to a Greyhound bus, and finally onto an international flight to meet a distant connection he fell for online. Will his grand illusion work, or will his family be left absolutely devastated and heartbroken to discover he’s actually not at the bottom of Green Lake but has been planning a cowardly escape route right under their noses? Debt. Lust. Greed. In this bizarre true crime investigation, we dive deep into the chilling timeline of the Green Lake missing kayaker. When an empty kayak and a floating life jacket trigger a massive 58-day underwater sonar search by first responders and Bruce's Legacy, a grieving community believes the worst. But a cracked laptop, a secret second passport, a $375,000 life insurance policy, and a staggering $200,000 in hidden marital debt soon reveal a mind-blowing twist. Need Help? You are not alone. If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, trapped, or struggling with financial anxiety, there are free, confidential resources available 24/7: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 741741 Community Assistance (bills, housing, etc.): Dial 2-1-1 to find local resources. Episode Sponsors: Miracle Made Sheets: Upgrade your sleep and stay in the perfect comfort zone all night long. Go to trymiracle.com/CRIMESALAD and use code CRIMESALAD at checkout to save over 40% off, plus get an extra 20% off and a FREE 3-piece towel set! K12 Powered Schools: See how K12 Powered Schools can help unlock your child’s full potential. Families can enroll at any time during the school year! Learn more and enroll today at K12.com/crimesalad Hang out with us during the week! Instagram: @CrimeSaladPodcast TikTok: @CrimeSaladPodcast Interesting links: Interrogation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZQQOVSmlq4 Viral Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/fwiC5uldAYY?si=fpmx0Xl6vL938Eo4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 19 · 38 min
The Empty Casket: The Bizarre Disappearance of Julie Mott
The Empty Casket: The Bizarre Disappearance of Julie Mott How does a body go missing from a funeral home? After defying the odds and battling cystic fibrosis for 25 years, Julie Mott passed away, only for her remains to be stolen from a San Antonio funeral home in broad daylight just hours after her service. In this episode, we explore the bizarre timeline at Mission Park Funeral Chapels, an obsessive ex-boyfriend, theories of a massive corporate cover-up, and the heartbreaking legal battle that followed. Where is Julie Mott? Case Resources & Tips: If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Julie Mott on August 15, 2015, please contact the San Antonio Police Department tip line at 210-225-TIPS (210-225-8477). Donate in Julie's Honor: Help accelerate the fight for a cure and support life-changing research by donating to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation here: cff.org/donate Support Crime Salad: Patreon: Listen ad-free and get exclusive bonus content at PATREON - Crime Salad Merch: Grab our latest gear at crimesaladpodcast.com Socials: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @CrimeSaladPodcast Support for this episode of Crime Salad is brought to you by K12! See how K12 Powered Schools can help unlock your child’s full potential. Enroll online today at K12.com/crimesalad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 12 · 40 min
Digital Alibi: The Tragic Death of Annie Kasprzak
Upgrade your sleep with Miracle Made! Go to https://trymiracle.com/CRIMESALAD and use the code CRIMESALAD to claim your FREE 3-PIECE TOWEL SET and SAVE over 40% OFF. Go to https://OmahaSteaks.com and use promo code CRIMESALAD at checkout for $35 off. Minimum purchase may apply. On a quiet Sunday morning in March 2012, a jogger on Utah’s Jordan River Trail made a gruesome discovery: pools of blood on a pedestrian bridge and a single red sneaker discarded near the water. Hours later, the lifeless body of 15-year-old Annie Kasprzak was pulled from the river. Just the night before, Annie had vanished from her home, leaving behind a runaway note and a shocking confession. As investigators frantically pieced together her final hours, they were dragged into a chaotic web of deception. From rumors of a teenage pregnancy to a phantom gang member named "LJ," and a revenge-seeking witness who derailed the case for an entire year—nothing in this investigation was what it seemed. When detectives finally traced the digital footprint of the blocked numbers calling Annie’s phone, the truth proved to be far more chilling than anyone could have imagined. Join Richard and Ashley this week as they unravel the fabricated alibis, the stunning digital evidence, and the devastating reality behind the murder of Annie Kasprzak. Cash App: Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/lz1ykcyo #CashAppPod Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Miracle Made: Upgrade your sleep with Miracle Made! Go to https://trymiracle.com/CRIMESALAD and use the code CRIMESALAD to claim your FREE 3-PIECE TOWEL SET and SAVE over 40% OFF. Omaha Steaks: Go to https://OmahaSteaks.com and use promo code CRIMESALAD at checkout for $35 off. Minimum purchase may apply. Hosted by Richard and Ashley, produced by Weird Salad Media, a Realm Network podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 28 · 38 min
The Real Cocaine Bear Story: Andrew Thornton Tri-State Crime Scene
Upgrade your sleep with Miracle Made! Go to https://trymiracle.com/CRIMESALAD and use the code CRIMESALAD to claim your FREE 3-PIECE TOWEL SET and SAVE over 40% OFF What happens when a highly trained, elite narcotics detective realizes the bad guys are having way more fun than the cops? He starts a multi-million-dollar cartel, of course. This week on Crime Salad, Ashley and Ricky are diving headfirst into an 80s action movie. Andrew Thornton II wasn’t just a cop, he was a wealthy Kentucky blue-blood, a paratrooper, and a licensed lawyer who threw it all away to become the mastermind of a massive international drug pipeline known as "The Company." But Thornton's massive ego and extreme paranoia eventually lead to a fateful, pitch-black flight over the Georgia woods. Join us as we untangle a tri-state crime scene featuring 75 pounds of pure Colombian cocaine falling from the sky, a deadly cartel revenge plot, a dead man wearing night-vision goggles and Gucci loafers, and the ultimate winner of the story... a 175-pound black bear who went on to inspire a Hollywood movie. Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/lz1ykcyo #CashAppPod New Cash App customers can earn $10 if they use code SECURE10 in their profile at signup and send $5 to a friend within 14 days. Terms apply. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Listen & Subscribe: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and a review! It helps new listeners find the show. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @CrimeSaladPodcast Check out our merch: crimesaladpodcast.com Listen ad-free: Patreon Apple Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 23 · 29 min
Introducing: The Snare from ABC News & 20/20
Today, we have something a little different for you: it’s the first episode of The Snare, from ABC News and 20/20. The Snare examines the gruesome murder of 18-year-old Angie Dodge, who was killed in her apartment in Idaho Falls in 1996. As investigators hunted for her killer, DNA recovered from the crime scene pointed to an unidentified suspect. Despite the evidence, police built their case against another man, Chris Tapp, securing a conviction that later unraveled while the real killer remained at large. As the years passed, Angie’s mother Carol never gave up on a decades-long mission to uncover the truth. It took twenty long years, but finally, through Carol’s persistence and some incredible new DNA matching technology, Angie’s real killer was put behind bars. The Snare tells the whole story, including audio from Chris Tapp’s interrogation and so much more. Here’s the first episode, and you can keep listening by following The Snare on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 19 · 39 min
The Ghost Plane: The Marcus Schrenker Escape
How far would you go to escape the consequences of your own greed? What happens when a high-flying millionaire's house of cards finally begins to collapse? He vanishes into thin air. Marcus Schrenker had it all: private planes, luxury sports cars, and a massive French chateau. As a trusted financial advisor, he carved out a highly exclusive niche catering to the "cream of the crop," managing the retirement portfolios of commercial Delta Air Lines pilots. But behind the facade of luxury, Schrenker was secretly draining their life savings through deceptive financial schemes and a completely fabricated foreign currency fund. Check out this action-packed episode hosted by Ashley and Ricky of Crime Salad. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: Quince: Elevate your summer wardrobe. Go to Quince.com/crimesalad for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. OneSkin: For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code CRIMESALAD at oneskin.co/CRIMESALAD Listen & Subscribe: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and a review! It helps new listeners find the show. Follow us on Instagram: crimesaladpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 13 · 39 min
The Master Plan of a Family Man | The Murder of Trish Willoughby
In February 1991, a relaxing family vacation to Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Mexico, transformed into a horrific nightmare. Trish Willoughby, a highly successful business owner from Phoenix, Arizona, was found brutally attacked inside a rental condominium at Las Conchas Beach. Her husband, Daniel Willoughby, painted the picture of an open-and-shut tragedy, claiming a random local robbery had occurred while he was visiting a nearby museum with their three young children. But back across the border, the ultimate family-man facade was already beginning to crack. Investigators quickly uncovered a twisted web of intense greed, an unraveling multi-million-dollar empire, and Dan's secret affair with his mistress, Ysenia Patino Gonzalez. What followed was an incredibly rare cross-border investigation that pushed the boundaries of international law. When Arizona investigators finally stepped into the crime scene, forensic evidence completely dismantled Dan’s alibi. Trish Willoughby, Patricia Willoughby, Daniel Hayden Willoughby, Dan Willoughby murder, Ysenia Patino Gonzalez, Rocky Point, Mexico, murder, Puerto Peñasco crime scene, Las Conchas beach condo, Arizona Supreme Court, true crime podcast, Crime Salad, insurance fraud murder, and cross-border investigation. Miracle Sheets Upgrade your sleep and stay in the perfect comfort zone all night long with Miracle-Made Sheets. Inspired by NASA technology, these luxurious sheets use a silver-infused, temperature-regulating fabric that prevents up to 99.7% of bacterial growth—meaning fewer odors, fewer breakouts, and up to 3x less laundry. Go to trymiracle.com/crimesalad and use the promo code CRIMESALAD at checkout to save over 40% off, plus get an extra 20% off and a FREE 3-piece towel set! OneSkin It's time to rethink how we treat our skin. OneSkin's scientifically proven OS-01 peptide doesn't just mask the signs of aging; it targets skin aging at the cellular level to keep your skin looking and acting younger. Build your healthiest skin from the inside out. Get 15% off your first purchase! Go to oneskin.co and use the promo code CRIMESALAD at checkout. Quince Elevate your everyday style without the luxury price tag. Quince offers incredibly high-quality wardrobe and home essentials—like 100% Mongolian Cashmere, washable silk, and premium luggage—at prices up to 50-80% less than similar brands. Plus, they partner with factories committed to safe, ethical, and responsible manufacturing. Upgrade your closet today with free shipping and a 365-day return policy! Go to quince.com/crimesalad to get started. Sponsors & Discounts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 4 · 5 min
Maple Syrup Heist! w/ Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Crimes
We joined Vanessa Richardson for a special deep dive into the sweetest crime Canada has ever seen. Between 2011 and 2012, a small, organized crew systematically drained nearly $18 million worth of maple syrup from the world's only strategic reserve, replacing it with water, barrel by barrel, while nobody noticed. The ingredients? A government-sanctioned monopoly, a decade-long grudge, and a facility with almost no security. The method? Forklifts, burner phones, and a black market network running from Québec all the way to New England. Follow Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Crimes to listen to the full episode: https://pod.link/1828469754 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 4 · 52 min
RE-RELEASE & 2026 UPDATE: The Closed Case of Heather Turner
Go to https://OmahaSteaks.com and use promo code CRIMESALAD at checkout for $35 off. Minimum purchase may apply. This week, we are re-releasing an episode that has stuck with us deeply while we travel to cheer on our oldest son at his state championship track meet! Please make sure you stick around to the very end of this episode, as we have recorded a massive, brand-new segment covering explosive updates that just broke in early 2026. Coroner's findings as "fiction"?! In May 2017, 35-year-old Heather Turner was found unresponsive in her bathroom with a gunshot wound to the head. The shower was still running, and her boyfriend Andy was the one who made the 911 call. Heather had allegedly been planning to leave the relationship the very next day. For nearly nine years, her death was officially labeled "undetermined" that is until February 2026, when the Paulding County Sheriff's Office held a press conference, abruptly closed the cold case, and ruled her death a suicide. But for Heather's family, the official ruling only brought more questions. Thanks to Open Records Requests obtained by the family, a paper trail of unbelievable negligence has come to light. We break down the shocking 2026 updates, exploring an impossible 8-second 911 response timeline, blood-stained evidence left at a funeral home, digital evidence locking up in police custody, and internal police documents that literally label the on-scene Support Heather's Family: Please read the Open Records documents for yourself, say her name, and help this family get the absolute transparency they deserve by visiting the Justice for Heather Turner Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JusticeForHeatherNicoleTurner Resources: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please know you're not alone. Help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text "START" to 88788. Free. Confidential. 24/7 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 30 · 40 min
“Someone hired someone to kill me." | The Plot Against Jack Avery
OneSkin: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code CRIMESALAD at https://www.oneskin.co/CRIMESALAD #oneskinpod Quince: Refresh your everyday with luxury you'll actually use by heading to https://Quince.com/crimesalad for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Imagine being at the height of your career when the FBI knocks on your door to deliver a terrifying message: someone has paid a dark web hitman to end your life. This week, we dive into the chilling, rapidly unfolding case involving pop singer Jack Avery of the band Why Don't We and the mother of his child, TikTok influencer Gabbie Gonzalez. In May 2026, Gabbie, her father (a wealthy Florida attorney), and her ex-boyfriend were all arrested in a coordinated takedown for allegedly orchestrating a $14,000 murder-for-hire plot. We break down the bitter custody battle that started it all, the undercover sting operation that intercepted the dark web hit, and the wild lengths a family allegedly went to in order to secure full custody. Sources & Resources: unsealed affidavits Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office Press Release (May 19, 2026) If you or someone you know is navigating a high-conflict custody battle or experiencing domestic abuse, reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or text "START" to 88788 Support Crime Salad: Get some Crime Salad Swag: crimesaladpodcast.com Listen ad-free on Patreon or Apple Podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 24 · 56 min
The 29-Minute Investigation: Joanna Hunter
Omaha Steaks: Go to https://OmahaSteaks.com and use promo code CRIMESALAD at checkout for $35 off. Minimum purchase may apply. OneSkin: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code CRIMESALAD at https://www.oneskin.co/CRIMESALAD #oneskinpod In this episode of Crime Salad, Ricky and Ashley dive deep into the chilling timeline of Joanna's final hours. We expose the massive, unexplained gaps in Mark's alibi, the harrowing paper trail of restraining orders Joanna filed in her early twenties, and the psychological fortress Mark built around his wife after taking control of the Fellowship Baptist Church. This is more than a true crime story about a botched police investigation. It is a story about a family's relentless pursuit of the truth. We discuss how Joanna's brother, Joe Hunter, and her mother, Patricia, refused to accept the official police narrative. Their fierce advocacy ultimately led to the passage of Joanna's Law (Senate Bill 989) in California, which fundamentally changes how law enforcement must investigate the suspicious deaths of domestic violence victims. Joanna's case remains officially closed as a suicide, and her family needs your help to unlock a real homicide investigation. Tune in to hear the full timeline, the forensic red flags, and how you can take action today. Take Action & Support Joanna’s Family: Joanna's family is working tirelessly to have her death certificate amended from "suicide" to "homicide" or "undetermined." You can support their fight and learn more about the organizations helping victims of hidden homicides at the links below. Alliance for HOPE International (The Justice Project): allianceforhope.com Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center: hopethriveshere.org Joanna’s Voice Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/p/Joannas-Voice-100068890904659/ 48 Hours: Joe Hunter's Mission: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEZutwn6Dpo Domestic Violence Resources: If you or someone you know is navigating intimate partner violence, please know that you are not alone and help is available 24/7. It is completely free and confidential. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) Text: Text the word "START" to 88788 Visit: thehotline.org Our Sponsors: Omaha Steaks: Go to https://OmahaSteaks.com and use promo code CRIMESALAD at checkout for $35 off. Minimum purchase may apply. OneSkin: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code CRIMESALAD at https://www.oneskin.co/CRIMESALAD #oneskinpod Quince: Refresh your everyday with luxury you'll actually use. Head to https://Quince.com/crimesalad for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. (Now available in Canada!) Support Crime Salad: Shop our Memorial Day Sale: Grab your gear at crimesaladpodcast.com Listen Ad-Free: Join our Patreon community at patreon.com/crimesaladpodcast or subscribe directly through Apple Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 17 · 44 min
‘She Saved Him, Can You Save Her?’ Rebecca Zahau | Part 2
Two deaths. Same mansion. Two days apart. In Part 2, we walk through the physical evidence in Rebecca Zahau's death: the knife, the gloves, the painted message, the balcony, the knots, the head injuries, and the tape residue almost no one talks about. We get into the independent investigation into Max Shacknai's fall led by his mother Dina, the 2018 civil trial that found Adam Shacknai responsible, the verdict that was later vacated, and what Rebecca's sister Mary is still fighting for today. Adam Shacknai has consistently maintained his innocence and was never criminally charged. The 2018 civil verdict was vacated as part of a 2019 settlement. There was never a criminal trial related to Rebecca's death. Statements about specific individuals should be understood as allegations, opinions, or attributed claims from named sources. Books mentioned in this episode: Unraveling the Knots by Mary Zahau-Loehner (available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble) Death on Ocean Boulevard: Inside the Coronado Mansion Case by Caitlin Rother Follow the family's fight: Justice for Rebecca M. Zahau (Facebook) If you need support: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 (in the US) National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233, available 24/7 RAINN (sexual assault): 1-800-656-4673 This episode discusses suicide, the death of a child, and allegations of sexual assault. Please take care of yourself while listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 12 · 39 min
‘She Saved Him, Can You Save Her?’ Rebecca Zahau | Part 1
Go to https://www.omahasteaks.com and use promo code CRIMESALAD at checkout for $35 off. Minimum purchase may apply. In July 2011, two people died at the same mansion in Coronado, California, within a week. First, six-year-old Max Shacknai fell from a second-floor banister while in the care of his father's girlfriend, Rebecca Zahau. Two days later, Rebecca was found hanging from a balcony at the Spreckels Mansion, naked, bound, and gagged. The San Diego Sheriff's Department called it a suicide. Rebecca's family has spent over a decade arguing it was something else entirely. This is Part 1 of our two-part series on the death of Rebecca Zahau. Part 2 drops next week. Subscribe wherever you listen so you don't miss it. CONTENT WARNING This episode discusses suicide, the death of a child, and allegations of sexual assault. Please take care of yourself while listening. IF YOU NEED SUPPORT You are not alone. Help is available. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 National Domestic Violence Hotline: call 1-800-799-7233, available 24/7. National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): call 1-800-656-4673 SUPPORT CRIME SALAD If you want to help us keep making the show, here is how: Patreon: patreon.com/crimesaladpodcast Merch: crimesaladpodcast.dashery.com Rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Share this episode with someone who'd want to hear it A NOTE ON THIS CASE Adam Shacknai has consistently maintained his innocence and was never criminally charged in connection with this case. The 2018 civil verdict that found him liable for Rebecca's death was vacated as part of a 2019 settlement. Statements about specific individuals throughout this episode should be understood as allegations, opinions, or attributed claims from named sources, not as statements of fact by us. Information in this episode is drawn from publicly available news reports, court records, autopsy reports, official statements, and books published about the case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 3 · 1 hr 15 min
Justice for Mica Miller: 528 Days of Stalking, Harassment, and Lies
Need help? National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.org. Available 24/7, free and confidential. On April 27, 2024, 30-year-old Mica Francis Miller was found dead at Lumber River State Park in Robeson County, North Carolina. Two days earlier, she had served her husband, Myrtle Beach pastor John Paul Miller of Solid Rock at Market Common, with divorce papers. The medical examiner ruled her death a suicide. Her family has never disputed that ruling. What they have disputed, from the day she died, is what was done to her in the 528 days before she walked into that park. In this episode of Crime Salad, Ashley and Ricky trace the Mica Miller case from her childhood in Wichita, Kansas, through her marriage at Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach, the involuntary psychiatric commitment she said her husband fraudulently initiated, the tire deflation devices, the GPS trackers, the nude photo posted online without her consent, and the police reports that piled up in the months before her death. We walk through the December 2025 federal indictment charging John Paul Miller with cyberstalking and making false statements to investigators, the push for South Carolina's coercive control bill known as Mica's Law (Senate Bill 702), and the suspicious death of Johnnie Jacobs, the fisherman who heard her last cry. This is a case about coercive control, a pastor's wife, and a system that called every cry for help a civil matter until a federal grand jury caught up to what Mica had been telling police all along. Keywords: Mica Miller, Mica Francis Miller, John Paul Miller, JP Miller, Solid Rock Church, Myrtle Beach pastor, Lumber River State Park, coercive control, Mica's Law, cyberstalking indictment, true crime podcast, South Carolina, Robeson County Content warning: This episode discusses suicide, stalking, harassment, and intimate partner abuse. SUPPORT JUSTICE FOR MICA Justice for Mica Miller Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/p/Justice-for-Mica-Miller-61559351220695/ FacebookFacebook Sign the Mica's Law petition on Change.org: https://www.change.org/p/enforce-south-carolina-law-to-protect-against-stalking-and-harassment-mica-s-law Change.org Read about Mica's Law and Mica's List at Way Makers SC: https://waymakerssc.com/micas-law Way Makers Track South Carolina Senate Bill 702 (Criminal Coercive Control): https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/702.htm South Carolina Legislature Find and contact your South Carolina legislators: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/legislatorssearch.php Way Makers FOLLOW & SUPPORT CRIME SALAD Patreon (ad-free episodes): https://patreon.com/crimesaladpodcast Merch: https://crimesaladpodcast.dashery.com Need help? National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or thehotline.org. Available 24/7, free and confidential. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 24 · 49 min
The Murder of April Kauffman: A South Jersey Secret | Crime Salad
Egg Harbor Township in South Jersey is a place where community roots run deep, and no one was more rooted than April Christine Kauffman. A beloved local business owner, fiercely outspoken radio personality, and dedicated veterans' advocate, April was a pillar of Atlantic County. But on May 10, 2012, the affluent, quiet neighborhoods of Linwood, New Jersey, were shattered when April was found murdered inside her own home. In this episode, Ricky and Ashley unpack a case that frustrated a community for years. We dive into the immediate alibi of her husband, prominent endocrinologist Dr. James Kauffman, the shocking involvement of the Pagans Motorcycle Club, and an illicit drug ring hiding in plain sight. Most importantly, we follow the relentless, six-year fight for justice led by April’s daughter, Kimberly Pack, who refused to let the system sweep her mother's case under the rug. Support April's Cause April’s family and friends continue to keep her legacy alive. If you want to follow the ongoing work in her name or support the causes she championed, please visit: Website: aprilkaufman.net Facebook: Justice for April Kaufman Veterans Support: If you are in Atlantic County, consider supporting the American Legion Post 352 in Somers Point, home of the annual April Christine Kauffman Veterans Advocate Award. Thanks for listening and supporting the show. If you want to help keep the show going, get access to ad-free episodes, and join our amazing community, we’d love to have you! Patreon: patreon.com/CrimeSaladPodcast Merch: Grab your gear at crimesaladpodcast.dashery.com Thanks To Our Sponsors Upgrade your sleep with Miracle Made! Go to trymiracle.com/crimesalad and use the promo code CRIMESALAD at checkout to save over 40% off, plus get an extra 20% off and a FREE 3-piece towel set! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 19 · 1 hr 12 min
She'd Go Ballistic | The Suspicious Death of David Elmquist
Head to https://www.tryfum.com/SALAD to get your free gift with purchase, and start The Good Habit today! ⚠️ Listener Discretion is Advised: The following episode contains intense and explicit descriptions of domestic violence, suicide, and a highly traumatic death involving fire. The information presented is based on publicly available records, family statements, and alleged accounts. This podcast is for informational purposes only. We are not law enforcement, legal professionals, or medical experts, and we are not accusing anyone of any crimes. On February 8, 2018, in the freezing cold of Plymouth, Minnesota, 24-year-old David Elmquist was burning alive inside his apartment. His death was ruled a suicide before he was even officially pronounced dead. But for the last six years, his family has fought tirelessly to prove that the official story doesn't add up. With reports of perfectly unburned wrists on a body covered in severe burns, a pristine knife found in a soot-filled room, shifting timelines, and a tragic 38-minute standoff where police waited outside the burning apartment, the physical evidence points to something much darker. Furthermore, just hours before his death, David confided in his parents that he was planning to leave his wife, warning them that if he told her, "she'd go ballistic." In this episode, we unpack the glaring inconsistencies, the alleged forensic bias, the mental health stigma that clouded the investigation, and a father’s relentless fight for justice. Call to Action & Resources: Listen to The Stacked Deck Podcast: Hear the six-part series directly from David’s father, Scott, detailing the entire case.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stacked-deck/id1767907803 Support the Family: Follow the Truth and Justice for David Elmquist Facebook page and sign the petition demanding an independent prosecutor. Sign the Petition Support Crime Salad: Merch: Grab your gear at https://crimesaladpodcast.dashery.com/ Patreon: Listen ad-free and get exclusive content at patreon.com/crimesaladpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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