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Direct Appeal

Dr. Meghan Sacks and Dr. Amy Shlosberg

In August 2008, Sarah Widmer, a healthy 24 year-old woman is found dead in her bathtub, just four months after marrying Ryan Widmer… the only person at home with Sarah that night.

Suspicion quickly fell on Ryan, leading to his arrest and conviction for Sarah’s murder. But could this have been a tragic accident?

Ryan has adamantly maintained his innocence for the last 16 years, but now, two seasoned criminologists examine the very controversial conviction of Ryan Widmer, for the murder of his wife Sarah.

Is Ryan a murder or did something else happen in that bathroom? Join us to find out.

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20 episodes
Avg 43 min
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S2 · E10
Jun 26, 2023 · 58 min
The Conclusion
Ep10: We'll learn whats next in Ryan's appeals process, and is there any possible explanation for what happened that night in the bathroom. Finally, Amy and Meghan give their thoughts on Ryan's guilt or innocence and whether he got a fair trial. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. If you'd like to support Ryan Widmer you can visit the following pages: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028875264608 Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/9wsur-ryan-widmer-an-innocent-man Change.org: https://www.change.org/p/ohio-attorney-for-justice-release-the-dna-in-the-ryan-widmer-case Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to: Jessica Henry and her book, Smoke but No Fire: Convicting the Innocent of Crimes that Never Happened Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 · E9
Jun 19, 2023 · 43 min
Surprise Witness
Ep09: A new mystery witness for the prosecution has everyone wondering who it is... and would they have any information that could seal Ryan's fate? If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 · E8
Jun 12, 2023 · 37 min
The ReTrial
Ep08: Ryan has one more chance at fighting for his freedom, but will his new legal team be able to achieve a different outcome this time around? If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 · E7
Jun 5, 2023 · 34 min
The Jury's Duty
Ep07: In this episode we have a verdict, Ryan is found guilty, but someone comes forward with information that may turn the case upside-down. And Ryan builds a new legal team to take on the challenge ahead. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 · E6
May 29, 2023 · 38 min
The Defense
Ep06: The Defense makes their case that Sarah's death was a tragic accident, but will Ryan take the stand and defend himself? Also, we talk to a 3rd party pathologist and get their thoughts on the autopsy and manner of death. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 · E5
May 22, 2023 · 39 min
The Prosecution Rests
Ep05: The Prosecution calls the rest of their experts, including the "star witness". Just before the Prosecution rests their case, a new theory emerges of what might have happened between Ryan and Sarah that night. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 · E4
May 15, 2023 · 47 min
The Battle Begins
Ep04: Ryan begins to grieve as he plans Sarah's funeral, but he also is planning for the battle of his life both in the courtroom and in the public eye. The Prosecution will present its case to the court. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 · E3
May 8, 2023 · 34 min
Into the Fray
03: In the days following Sarah's death, the media begins to paint their own picture of what may have happened. Ryan is still trying to cope and realizes that he is now coming under suspicion. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 · E2
May 1, 2023 · 44 min
Underwater
Ep02: On this episode, you'll hear Ryan's full account of the night of August 11th, 2008, when he found Sarah dead in their upstairs bathtub, along with the 911 call that will be used in court against him. Also, what happened in the hours after Ryan found Sarah? If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 · E1
May 1, 2023 · 36 min
The Nice Guy
Ep 01: On season 2 of Direct Appeal, we examine the murder conviction of Ryan Widmer for the death of his wife, Sarah Whitmer. Looking at the evidence that was presented, that which was not, and the evidence that may have seemed insignificant at the time, we form our own conclusion about Ryan Widmer's Guilt. It was night like any other. August 11th, 2008, Ryan and Sarah Whitmer married just four months. Were in the beginning-stages of building their new life together. Sarah wasn't feeling well that day, so she decided to go upstairs after dinner to take a bath. Ryan stayed downstairs in the living room a little while longer, and continued to watch the game. Sometime after 10:00 PM Ryan was ready to call it a night, so he headed upstairs to get ready for bed. When he opened the door to the upstairs bathroom, he walked in to find a terrifying scene. Sarah was in the bathtub and didn't appear to be breathing. A panicked Ryan called 911. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 22, 2023 · 1 min
Season 2 Trailer: Ryan Widmer
In August 2008, Sarah Widmer, a healthy 24 year-old is found dead in her bathtub, just four months after marrying her husband Ryan… the only person at home with Sarah that night. Suspicion quickly fell on Ryan, leading to his arrest and conviction for Sarah’s murder. But could this have been a tragic accident? Ryan has adamantly maintained his innocence for the last 15 years, but now, two seasoned criminologists examine the very controversial conviction of Ryan Widmer, for the murder of his wife Sarah. Is Ryan a murder or did something else happen in that bathroom? Join us for the season 2 premiere, May 1st, to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S1 · E18
Dec 3, 2020 · 27 min
One Year Update
After more than one year since the last episode of Direct Appeal, we are back to discuss...
Nov 27, 2019 · 38 min
Introducing Women & Crime: (Cindy James - episode #32)
From the creators of Direct Appeal comes our new project, Women & Crime. Each episode we cover a new female focused true crime case. Enjoy this full length sample, and if you like it – Subscribe Now.
S1 · E17
Nov 8, 2019 · 1 hr 3 min
Deliberation
17: This season’s final episode of Direct Appeal brings you audience tips and alternate theories. Also, Amy and Meghan will reveal their conclusions. To help and participate in our research project, please take our short survey which can be found a...
S1 · E16
Oct 24, 2019 · 1 hr 23 min
The Best Friends
16: Direct Appeal is back after a brief hiatus to follow up on listener tips. We return with three interviews from those who knew Melanie best: a friend from her past, a friend from her present and a surprise interview with a key witness for the prose...
S1 · E15
Sep 19, 2019 · 37 min
Melanie Q&A (part 2)
15: We ask Melanie the your Questions in the second round of Q&A. Thank you for staying tuned during our mid-season break! We are busy following up on your leads and theories and will be sharing them soon. If you have a tip,
S1 · E14
Aug 7, 2019 · 1 hr 7 min
Direct Appeal
14: Melanie is sentenced and transferred to prison. She begins the long process of appeals and holds out hope that her conviction will be overturned. Will the courts grant an appeal or will her life sentence stand?
S1 · E13
Jul 26, 2019 · 42 min
Melanie Q&A (part 1)
13: Listen to Melanie’s answers to your questions in part 1 of our question & answer episodes. If you have a question to ask and didn’t hear it in this episode, you have one more chance! Be sure to submit it to us by 7/31/19 by emailing us at tips@d...
S1 · E12
Jul 17, 2019 · 37 min
The Verdict
12: Both sides make their closing arguments, but an act of God gives one side an advantage. Afterwards, Melanie agonizes while the jury deliberates. The verdict is read and Melanie is sentenced, will she be shown any mercy? Also,
S1 · E11
Jul 10, 2019 · 1 hr 5 min
A Gamble
11: Financial documents reveal suspicious transactions in and out of the McGuire’s joint bank account while lab reports reveal untested DNA and hair and police reports raise shocking new accusations. The prosecution alleges that two anonymous letters ...

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