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Most recently published stories in Criminal.
In Cold Blood: Anatomy of a True Crime Classic. Content Warning.
The True Crime Reader: Truman Capote’s 'In Cold Blood' Welcome to The True Crime Reader, the podcast where literature meets real life—and the line between truth and narrative blurs. I’m your host, and today we’re journeying into the heart of rural 1950s America to examine Truman Capote’s genre-defining work, In Cold Blood. This episode, we’ll peel back the layers of a book that didn’t just recount a murder—it transformed journalism, challenged the ethics of true crime, and left a profound mark on how we tell stories about violence, psychology, and the American Dream.
By Kristen Barenthaler8 months ago in Criminal
A Horror Movie Come to Life: Inside the Nightmare at 100 Washington Avenue
This article is Chapter 4 of the complete Jonathan Gerlach investigation. The Raid on Washington Avenue On the morning of January 6, 2026, the residents of Washington Avenue woke up to a swarm of law enforcement vehicles. But this wasn't a standard drug bust. The officers entering 100 Washington Avenue were wearing hazmat gear and respirators.
By Sunshine Firecracker™8 months ago in Criminal
The Murder Sheet Podcast links TX killing To KY Cold Case
At a time when violent crimes are at historical lows (despite what the current administration claims), there are more true-crime podcasts, books, TV shows, and general interest in the genre. True-crime podcasts are extremely expensive to make because of research costs, public records requests, potential investigator fees, out-of-studio recording costs, and production expenses.
By Frank Racioppi8 months ago in Criminal
A Real Story: The Day Ameneh Bahrami Lost Her Sight. AI-Generated.
In 2005, Tehran woke up to what seemed like an ordinary morning. Buses were running, offices were opening, and students were heading to their universities. The city was moving through its usual routine. No one knew that, in one small part of the city, a tragedy was about to occur—one that would later shock the entire world.
By shakir hamid8 months ago in Criminal
Study reveals Louisiana State Police uses force disproportionately against Black people
It’s not the NYPD or LAPD that’s the news for using excessive force but the Louisiana State Police Department. In cases where women have been dragged on the pavement by a cop with a chip in his shoulder to the fact that cops chase after whomever is speeding, only the numbers tell the tale.
By Skyler Saunders8 months ago in Criminal
Crime Chronicles: Darya Nikolaevna Saltykova
A little while ago, we covered the story of Delphine LaLaurie (1787 - 1849), the New Orleans socialite who tortured and murdered her slaves. We also covered Erzsebet Bathory (1560 - 1614), who did the same thing in Hungary around 200 years before that; I didn't think I'd find another one, but I did - in Russia.
By Greg Seebregts8 months ago in Criminal
The Monster in the Details: How a can found in Yeadon solved a crime Ephrata missed.
This article is Chapter 3 of the complete Jonathan Gerlach investigation. The Million-Dollar Mistake Jonathan Gerlach stole over 100 human skulls. He transported bodies across county lines. He maintained a "museum" in a rowhome and a "warehouse" in a storage unit. For months, he operated with impunity right under the nose of the Ephrata Police Department.
By Sunshine Firecracker™8 months ago in Criminal
The Second Crime Scene: The 8 Bodies Found in the Ephrata Storage Locker
This article is Chapter 2 of the complete Jonathan Gerlach investigation. DOSSIER ENTRY: THE SECOND CRIME SCENETARGET LOCATION: EPHRATA SELF STORAGE (FACILITY NAME REDACTED)SEARCH DATE: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026EVIDENCE RECOVERED: 8 INTACT HUMAN CORPSES / SKELETAL REMAINSTHEORY: "FINISHED GOODS WAREHOUSE"STATUS: VERIFIED (AFFIDAVIT OF PROBABLE CAUSE)
By Sunshine Firecracker™8 months ago in Criminal
Inside the House of Skulls: The Complete Investigation into the Ephrata Bone Factory
The Illusion Shatters By Sunshine Firecracker, J.D. Let the record reflect: On January 6, 2026, the Borough of Ephrata didn't just find a crime scene; it found its own reflection in the mirror.
By Sunshine Firecracker™8 months ago in Criminal
Inside the House of Skulls: The Full Timeline of the Jonathan Gerlach Investigation
INVESTIGATION TARGET: JONATHAN C. GERLACHINCIDENT LOCATION: 100 WASHINGTON AVENUE, EPHRATA PACHARGES: ABUSE OF CORPSE (x100), THEFT, DESECRATIONSTATUS: INCARCERATED ($1M BAIL)KEYWORDS: #HouseOfSkulls #JonathanGerlach #EphrataCrime #MountMoriah
By Sunshine Firecracker™8 months ago in Criminal
A Mother's Love Lost. Content Warning.
It was December 30th, 1988, just two days before the New Year. Jack Dale Walker had convinced a coworker to drive him out to the trailer where his girlfriend lived. Hansel Norton, the co-worker, had known Jack for barely three full weeks. Hansel was trying to be a good friend to this new friend. So, Jack, was young, only 22 years old and appeared to be love sick for the girl who was the mother of his baby.
By Cassie Moore8 months ago in Criminal
Donald Trump Withdrawing U.S. Forces From Qatar Amid Fears of Iranian Escalation
Donald Trump Considers Withdrawing U.S. Forces From Qatar Amid Fears of Iranian Escalation The recent killing of approximately 2400 protesters in Iran has once again drawn global attention to the deep political and security crisis inside the country. These deaths, linked to widespread demonstrations against economic hardship, political repression, and government authority, have intensified regional tensions and raised serious concerns about Iran’s internal stability. As unrest grows and the risk of external escalation increases, the security balance in the Middle East has come under renewed scrutiny. Against this backdrop, former U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly considered the possibility of withdrawing American forces from the U.S. military base in Qatar. The move is described as a precautionary step driven by fears of potential Iranian retaliation or escalation that could place U.S. troops at risk. This development highlights how domestic unrest in Iran can quickly evolve into a broader regional and international security issue.
By America today 8 months ago in Criminal
