Podcasts > The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told

The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told • iHeartPodcasts

The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told is an anthology podcast series of the most layered and engrossing true crime stories about female killers, cops, scientists, lawyers, scammers, activists, and more. Hosted by true crime writer, Mary Kay McBrayer, this podcast tells the stories in which women aren’t narrowly defined as victims, but instead are the protagonists.

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The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told • iHeartPodcasts

Episodes

  • Finding My Brother's Killer

    Explore a chilling journey of relentless pursuit for justice in "The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told," as Mary Kay McBrayer, Steve Covino, Levar Harrington, and Penny Farmer delve into the haunting disappearance of Chris Farmer and Peta Frampton. In this installment, listeners will be captivated by the couple's ominous vanishing in 1978 during their Central American expedition, a disappearance that evolved into a horrifying murder case. The episode reveals the pivotal break in the decades-old case when Penny Farmer connects the dots via social media, setting in motion the sequence of events that uncovers the brutal actions of Silas Dwayne Boston.

    Through painstaking efforts and often frustrating international impediments, justice seemed within reach, only for it to be eluded by Boston's untimely death prior to trial. The podcast meticulously details the complexities of jurisdictional challenges and the tragic impasse that left the families without the catharsis of a trial. It's a riveting tale underscoring the poignant aftermath faced by the victims' families and the implications of a crime that reverberates beyond its immediate horror, highlighting the crucible of international law enforcement collaboration in the quest for closure and peace.

    Feb 20, 2024

  • People Don't Sleep in Bras

    Delve into the dark intricacies of manipulation and the search for retribution in "The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told." In an episode that unpacks the chilling saga of Celeste Beard, renowned host Mary Kay McBrayer, along with Susie Spencer and special guest Mario Lopez, examines the toxic web Celeste weaved around her relationships, leading to catastrophic outcomes. The narrative unfolds around Celeste's exploitation of Tracy Tarleton's affections, resulting in the shooting of Celeste's husband, and it doesn't shy away from the harrowing revelations of familial abuse, shedding light on a daughter's quest for justice against a manipulative mother.

    While tracing the aftermath of Celeste Beard's heinous maneuverings, the episode juxtaposes the paths of Tarleton and Beard post-crime. Listeners are taken on a journey through Tracy's road to redemption and recovery, alongside the community's efforts to support her transition back into society—contrasting sharply with Celeste's path, marked by persistent denial and lack of remorse. Exploring these divergent trajectories after the crime, the show offers a stark examination of the human capacity for change and defiance in the face of irrefutable justice.

    Feb 13, 2024

  • The Murder Factory (Pt 2)

    Dive into the dark and perplexing history of the Archer Home with "The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told." In this episode, Mary Kay McBrayer, Steve Covino, and Levar Harrington lead us through the labyrinthine investigation that unearthed the chilling deeds of Amy Archer Gilligan. As the probe unfolds, we discover Amy's penchant for spinning a web of lies, her shifting tales about the unfortunate demises of the home's residents casting shadows of doubt and suspicion.

    As more details come to light, the episode unpacks the autopsy findings that blew the case wide open, revealing arsenic as the grim reaper's instrument. The exhumation of several victims lends a mortuary air to the narrative, painting a grim picture of repeated poisonings. The trial that ensues is a patchwork of witness testimonies, with incriminating bank records, personal accounts, and medical evidence that weave a tapestry of overwhelming guilt. Learn how Amy Archer Gilligan's fate was sealed by her own hand, leading to a life sentence far from society's gaze in an asylum for the criminally insane.

    Feb 6, 2024

  • The Murder Factory (Pt 1)

    Dive into a chilling tale of greed and deception with "The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told" as they unravel the story behind the "Murder Factory." In this episode, hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer, listeners are taken to the turn of the 20th century, where Amy Archer Gilligan becomes notorious as elderly residents under her care at Archer House begin to pass away under mysterious circumstances—one alarming case follows the rapid demise of Michael Gilligan, raising questions about Amy's motives and methods.

    As the narrative unfolds, resident Franklin Andrews voices his distress regarding the unsettling pattern of deaths, suspecting Amy of malevolence. With the body count mounting, both residents and the press dub the nursing facility a "murder factory," marking a once peaceful retirement home as the epicenter of speculated serial killings. McBrayer meticulously pieces together the facts that fueled suspicions of murder, weaving through a narrative that highlights the fears and accusations cast upon the grim history of Archer House.

    Jan 30, 2024

  • I Survived a Serial Killer

    Dive into the chilling reality behind the infamous "Railroad Killer" with The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told, featuring survivor and advocate Holly Dunn. This harrowing episode peels back the curtain on Rafael Reséndez Ramirez's violent spree of murders, highlighting Holly's harrowing survival and the intense national manhunt that brought the killer to justice. As Holly recounts her ordeal and the efforts she made to assist law enforcement, listeners are given a raw glimpse into the obstacles that lay in the path of capturing this evasive predator, and the eventual victory of his apprehension.

    In a candid examination of the judicial process and the aftermath of trauma, we see Holly's bravery as she confronts her attacker in court, contributing critical testimony that sealed his fate. The story doesn't end with the trial, however; Holly's resilience shines through as she channels her traumatic experience into empowerment, establishing Holly's House to support others who have suffered similar fates. The episode delves into Holly’s profound impact on her community and beyond, as she tirelessly works towards victim support and safety advocacy, making her story one of triumph over adversity.

    Jan 23, 2024