Almost Fiction

In 2012, 12-year-old Autumn Pasquale left home in Clayton, New Jersey, to ride her new BMX—and never came back. This episode unpacks the facts of her killing by 15-year-old Justin Robinson, the frantic two-day search, the plea deal and sentencing, and the painful aftermath that split a small town. We also examine the harder question this case raises: how much parental supervision is enough—and what does accountability look like when a child kills? Thoughtful, clear-eyed, and unsensational, this story looks at the people, the evidence, and the consequences. Follow Almost Fiction for new cases, and please consider rating the show to help others find it. Sources: Is it a crime to raise a killer? By Lisa Belkin for YahooNews.com. September 12, 2014. https://www.yahoo.com/news/is-it-a-crime-to-raise-a-killer--190558283.html A killer explains the slaying of a child: 'I didn't kill her for no bike'. By Matt Gray for NJ.com. March 27, 2018. https://www.nj.com/news/2018/03/a_killer_explains_slaying_of_a_child_i_didnt_kill.html Man involved in Autumn Pasquale's death to remain in jail on home invasion charges. By Caitlyn Stulpin for NJ.com. June 07, 2017. https://www.nj.com/camden/2017/06/man_behind_violent_home_invasion_and_2012_murder_o.html Brother of Autumn Pasquale's confessed killer released from jail. By 6ABC. September 25, 2013. https://6abc.com/archive/9261014/ Dante Robinson of Clayton sentenced for role in Sicklerville home invasion. By Jim Walsh for Courier Post. October 23, 2020. https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/2020/10/23/dante-robinson-clayton-sicklerville-home-invasion-robbery-autumn-pasquale/6008364002/ Autumn Pasquale's family: 'If you're going to raise a murderer, you're going to take responsibility'. By Carly Q. Romalino for South Jersey Times. October 1, 2013. https://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/2013/10/autumn_pasquales_family_if_youre_going_to_raise_a_murderer_youre_going_to_take_responsibility.html Autumn Pasquale murder: Judge sentences Justin Robinson to 17 years. By South Jersey Times. September 12, 2013. https://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/2013/09/autumn_pasquale_judge_sentences_her_killer_justin_robinson_to_17_years.html Judge dismisses civil lawsuit in death of Autumn Pasquale. By Associated Press. June 15, 2016. https://whyy.org/articles/judge-dismisses-civil-lawsuit-in-death-of-autumn-pasquale/ South Jersey investigators find young girl's body. By ABC11. October 23, 2012. https://abc11.com/archive/8183567/ Parents of slain Autumn Pasquale settle lawsuit. February 28, 2013. https://whyy.org/articles/parents-of-slain-autumn-pasquale-settle-lawsuit/

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Dive into the chilling true crime story of Edgar Herbert Smith, the manipulative killer who charmed his way off death row only to strike again. From the brutal 1957 murder of 15-year-old cheerleader Victoria Zielinski in New Jersey to Smith's bestselling books, celebrity endorsements, and shocking 1976 attack on another victim, this episode uncovers a tale of deception, false redemption, and justice delayed. Explore how a sociopath exploited hope for second chances, fooling intellectuals like William F. Buckley and evading consequences for decades. Perfect for fans of serial killers, wrongful convictions, and dark psychology. Listen now to Almost Fiction Podcast's deep dive into this infamous case of lies, betrayal, and the dangers of misplaced trust. #TrueCrime #MurderMystery #Podcast Sources: The Great Prevaricator. By Lona Manning For Crime Magazine. October 9, 2009. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Smith_(murderer) Edgar Smith, 1957 killer of Ramsey High School cheerleader, dies at 83. By Keldy Ortiz For NorthJersey.com. September 24, 2017. How Killer Edgar Smith Duped Many, Including William F. Buckley Jr., Into Believing He Was Innocent. By Elena Ferrarin For AETV.com. September 07, 2022. https://murderpedia.org/male.S/s/smith-edgar.htm Archive: Imprisoned killer's former wife is haunted by fear he'll get out. By Mike Kelly For NorthJersey.com. September 24, 2017. Smart Men; Stupid Choices: William F. Buckley, Jr. By Laura Wilkerson For Salon.com. September 23, 2011. Edgar Smith, death row inmate whose release was championed by William F. Buckley Jr., dies at 83. By The Associated Press. Saturday, September 23, 2017.e

Description: Dive into the chilling true crime saga of Michelle Lyn Michaud and James Anthony Daveggio, the infamous killer couple who terrorized California and Nevada in the 1990s. From abductions in a modified "torture van" to brutal rapes, tortures, and the murder of Vanessa Samson, this episode uncovers their meth-fueled rampage, twisted fantasies inspired by other killers, and the shocking assaults on victims including their own family members. Explore Jim's violent youth, Michelle's dark past, and their deadly partnership that led to death row. Perfect for fans of serial killers, couple murderers, true crime podcasts, kidnapping cases, and forensic psychology. #TrueCrime #SerialKillers #DeathRow #MichaudDaveggio #MurderMystery Sources: Parker, RJ. ABDUCTION: The Minivan Murders: Killer Couple Michelle Michaud and James Daveggio. Kindle Edition. IN THE SUPREME COURT OF CALIFORNIA THE PEOPLE, Plaintiff and Respondent, S110294 v. JAMES ANTHONY DAVEGGIO and MICHELLE LYN MICHAUD, Alameda County Defendants and Appellants. Super. Ct. No. 134147. Filed 4/26/18. https://maamodt.asp.radford.edu/psyc%20405/serial%20killers/Daveggio,%20James%20_fall,%202007_.pdf United States of America, Plaintiff-appellee v. Michelle Lyn Michaud, Defendant-appellant, 268 F.3d 728 (9th Cir. 2001). In the Supreme Court of the United States MICHELLE LYN MICHAUD, v. STATE OF CALIFORNIA. No. 18-5079. https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/18/18-5079/55822/20180727182319666_Opposition.pdf Court Upholds Death Sentences In Pleasanton Woman's Murder. For CBS News. April 26, 2018.

Description: In this episode, we investigate the case of Paul Frederick Runge, an Illinois predator whose crimes spanned rape, murder, dismemberment, and even arson. From the disappearance of Stacey Frobel to the murders of sisters Džanet and Amila Pagenbegović, and the mother-daughter killings of Yolanda Gutierrez and 10-year-old Jessica Muñiz, we trace how patterns, DNA, and a rare immunity deal finally broke the case. We also examine the overlooked role of his then-wife, Charlene, and how some accounts seem to minimize her involvement. If you find the show valuable, follow and share to help others discover it. Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2m2UNIEBbg PEOPLE v. RUNGE. Supreme Court of Illinois. No. 103529. Decided: May 21, 2009. 2 Cases Dropped Against Serial Killer Paul Runge. CBS Chicago. August 24, 2011. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/2-cases-against-serial-killer-paul-runge-to-be-dropped/ Gov. Quinn Commutes Death Sentence of Oak Forest Serial Killer Paul Runge. By Lauren Traut for Patch.com. Posted Wed, Mar 9, 2011 at 6:19 pm CT. https://patch.com/illinois/oakforest/gov-quinn-commutes-death-sentence-of-oak-forest-seriaa98a21589a. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Runge_(serial_killer) https://murderpedia.org/male.R/r/runge-paul.htm

Dive into one of America's most brutal true crime stories: the 1984 Geronimo Bank Murders. In this gripping episode of Almost Fiction, uncover how two debt-ridden lovers, Jay Wesley Neill and Robert Grady Johnson, turned desperation into a deadly Oklahoma bank robbery, stabbing and shooting innocent victims, including a pregnant woman, in a small-town heist gone horrifically wrong. Explore conflicting confessions, survivor testimonies, and the long fight for justice that ended in execution and life sentences. Perfect for fans of dark history, unsolved mysteries, and chilling true crime podcasts. Follow for daily cases on Instagram @almostfictionpod. Sources: https://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/05/20/A-teenage-survivor-of-a-bloody-bank-robbery-Monday/7006485409600/ Geronimo bank robber put to death. By News on 6. December 12th 2002, 12:00 am. https://murderpedia.org/male.N/n1/neill-jay-wesley.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geronimo_bank_murders Jay Wesley Neill, Plaintiff-appellant, v. Gary Gibson, Warden, Oklahoma State Penitentiary, Respondent-appellee, 278 F.3d 1044 (10th Cir. 2001) December 7, 2001. JAY WESLEY NEILL, APPELLANT v. STATE OF OKLAHOMA, APPELLEE Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. OK CR 69 896 P.2d 537. Case Number: F-92-975. 1994. http://www.clarkprosecutor.org/html/death/US/neill818.htm https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/us-10th-circuit/1050363.html JOHNSON v. MULLIN. United States Court of Appeals,Tenth Circuit. Robert Grady JOHNSON, Petitioner-Appellant, v. Mike MULLIN, Warden, Respondent-Appellee. No. 06-6260. Decided: October 26, 2007.

Description: In 1967, Frank Athen Walls was born blue, a medical condition that would mark the beginning of a troubled life. By 19, he became one of America's youngest serial killers, leaving a trail of victims across Florida's beaches and neighborhoods. This episode explores his descent from a struggling teen to death row inmate, through the heartbreaking stories of Tommie Lou Whiddon, Cynthia Condra, Audrey Gygi, and the double homicide of Edward Alger and Ann Peterson. It’s a haunting examination of mental illness, justice, and the lives forever changed by a young man's brutal choices. Welcome back to another episode of Almost Fiction. Sources: Supreme Court of Florida. No. 80,364. Frank A. Walls vs. State of Florida. July 7, 1994. Supreme Court of Florida. No. SC03-633. Frank A. Walls vs. State of Florida. No. SC03-1955. February 9, 2006. Walls admits to three more murders. Author Not Noted for NWFDailyNews.com. October 6, 1994. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_A._Walls Serial killer remains reviled after 30 years. By Tom McLaughlin for NWFDailyNews.com. December 3, 2016. https://archive.ph/20250307213558/https://www.nwfdailynews.com/story/news/crime/2016/12/03/serial-killer-remains-reviled-after-30-years/14802878007/. Remembering Tommie Lou: Thirty year anniversary of death approaching. By Kelly Humphrey for NWFDailyNews.com. March 21, 2015. https://archive.ph/20250308113334/https://www.nwfdailynews.com/story/news/2015/03/21/1-454411/33963039007/. Serial killer Frank Walls ruled smart enough to be held responsible for 1980s-era murders. By Tom McLaughlin for Northwest Florida Daily News. November 30, 2021. Death sentence again upheld for Okaloosa County serial killer. By WEAR staff for WEARNews.com. February 22, 2023. https://archive.ph/20250308114040/https://weartv.com/news/local/death-sentence-again-upheld-for-okaloosa-county-serial-killer.

In this gripping true crime episode, we unravel the story of George Kent Wallace, a man infamously known as "The Mad Paddler", whose decades-long trail of violence haunted communities across North Carolina, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Explore how Wallace, hiding in plain sight and exploiting law enforcement failures, preyed on young victims in a chilling pattern of kidnapping, assault, and murder. We delve into his troubled upbringing, the red flags ignored, and the loopholes in the justice system that let him evade capture time and again. Featuring survivor accounts, expert analysis, and a deep dive into court records, this episode provides a sobering look at the enduring impact on victims’ families and the questions that still linger. If you’re searching for true crime podcasts about serial killers, unsolved mysteries, and the failures that let monsters thrive in the shadows, this episode will keep you listening until the very end. Sources: WALLACE v. STATE. 1995 OK CR 19. 893 P.2d 504. Case Number: C-91-309. Decided: 03/27/1995. Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. George Kent Wallace, Petitioner-appellant, v. Ron Ward, Warden, Oklahoma State Penitentiary, Respondent-appellee, 191 F.3d 1235 (10th Cir. 1999). September 10, 1999. George Kent Wallace faces executioner. By Jimmy Tomlin for High Point News Enterprise. May 5, 2016. https://www.swtimes.com/story/news/2016/05/05/george-kent-wallace-faces-executioner/24258309007/. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/13768431/george_kent-wallace KIDNAPPER CONFESSES TO BOYS' SLAYINGS. By Unknown Author for Greensboro.com. January 5, 1991. https://greensboro.com/kidnapper-confesses-to-boys-slayings/article_a3b660ac-95dd-5e70-816e-7f4abf769be2.html. Killer of two teens set for execution. By Unknown Author for UPI.com. August 10, 2000. https://www.upi.com/Archives/2000/08/10/Killer-of-two-teens-set-for-execution/6696965880000/. Paddler moves on to murder — and to Fort Smith. By Staff Writer for Fort Smith Times Record. May 4, 2016. https://www.swtimes.com/story/news/2016/05/04/paddler-moves-on-to-murder/26314986007/. WALLACE v. STATE (1997). Court of Criminal Appeals of Oklahoma. George Kent WALLACE, Petitioner, v. The STATE of Oklahoma, Respondent. No. PC-95-1246. Decided: March 18, 1997. Man executed in deaths of Arkansas teens. By Unkown Author for NewsOn6.com https://www.newson6.com/story/5e3684f02f69d76f6209a383/man-executed-in-deaths-of-arkansas-teens Escaped victim watches killer's execution. By Bobby Ross Jr. for TheOklahoman.com. August 11, 2000. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2000/08/11/escaped-victim-watches-killers-execution/62186701007/ true crime podcast, serial killer stories, unsolved crimes, George Kent Wallace, The Mad Paddler, North Carolina crime, Arkansas true crime, Oklahoma murders, kidnapping case, survivor testimony, notorious criminals, infamous murderers, law enforcement failure, 20th century crime, real crime stories, criminal psychology, court transcripts, chilling confessions, justice system flaws, victim stories, dark history podcast, crime investigation, killer documentary, Spotify exclusive true crime, trending true crime, missing persons, crime scene, chilling podcast, disturbing cases, shocking crimes

Description: Exploring one of Connecticut's most infamous true crime cases, this episode delves deep into the chilling story of Todd Rizzo, aka "The Sledgehammer Killer." Discover how an 18-year-old former Marine lured a 13-year-old boy to his death "just to see what it felt like," and unravel the complex web of psychological, social, and legal issues raised by the case. With court records, expert testimony, appeals, and local news insight, we examine the factors that shaped both Rizzo’s life and the outcome of his trial, including major debates about the death penalty, childhood trauma, and criminal justice reform in Connecticut. Perfect for fans of true crime, legal analysis, and stories that challenge your views on guilt, mitigation, and punishment. Sources: Supreme Court of Connecticut. STATE of Connecticut v. Todd RIZZO. No. 16197. Decided: October 14, 2003. Supreme Court of Connecticut. STATE of Connecticut v. Todd RIZZO. No. 17527. Decided: November 29, 2011. Sledgehammer Killer Wants Off Death Row. By Bob Connors for NBCConnecticut.com. October 22, 2010. Connecticut court bars execution of 11 death row inmates. By Pat Eaton-Robb for The Associated Press. August 13, 2015. https://www.norwichbulletin.com/story/news/courts/2015/08/13/connecticut-court-bars-execution-11/33682632007/. Death row inmate resentenced to life in prison. By Unknown Author for TheAssociatedPress.com. May 9, 2018. https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/death-row-inmate-resentenced-to-life-in-prison-2/. Connecticut Supreme Court upholds death penalty, sentence of convicted murderer Todd Rizzo. November 21, 2011. https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/11/connecticut_supreme_court_upho.html. On Death Row: Todd Rizzo. BY SCANMAN1722 for CT LocalPolitics.com. May 17, 2009. https://ctlocalpolitics.wordpress.com/2009/05/17/on-death-row-todd-rizzo/. Mothers say convicted killer was once a trusted baby sitter. Unknown Author. May 29, 2005. https://murderpedia.org/male.R/r/rizzo-todd.htm.

Step into the chilling true story of Dixie Lynn Shanahan-Duty, a case that shocked Defiance, Iowa… and the nation. This episode uncovers the turbulent life of Dixie, marked by years of domestic abuse at the hands of Scott Shanahan, and the tragic events that led her to take a life and stand trial for murder. Was it self-defense or something more complex? Explore the blurred lines of victim and perpetrator, community silence, and the justice system’s response. With detailed case facts, first-hand accounts, and a nuanced look at domestic violence, this episode challenges listeners to question their own ideas of right and wrong. Perfect for fans of true crime, courtroom drama, and real-life mysteries, this in-depth examination leaves no stone unturned. Press play for a gripping, professionally told story that's as thought-provoking as it is unforgettable. Sources: State of Iowa v. Dixie Lynn Shanahan. No. 19/04-0855. Filed April 7, 2006. The Punishment of Dixie Shanahan: Is There Justice for Battered Women Who Kill? By Leigh Goodmark, Assistant Professor, University of Baltimore School of Law. February 23, 2007. Who is Dixie Shanahan Duty and why did she murder her husband? By Linh Ta for The Des Moines Register. June 20, 2018. Dixie Shanahan-Duty Talks About Life in Prison. By Tom McMahon for Nonpareilonline.com. October 18, 2007 Vilsack Commutes Dixie Shanahan Duty’s Sentence for Murdering Abusive Husband. By Unown Author for RadioIowa.com. January 5, 2007. Iowa v. Shanahan: Battered Wife Kills Husband. For Court.TV.com. August 25, 2004 Jury Finds Woman Guilty in Husband's Shooting Death. By Unkown Author for SiouxCityJournal.com. May 1, 2004. Dixie Shanahan-Duty Loses Custody of Kids. By ADMIN for RadioIowa.com. Jan 5, 2007. https://www.radioiowa.com/2007/01/05/dixie-shanahan-duty-loses-custody-of-kids/.

The chilling saga of Charles Chitat Ng and Leonard Lake comes to a dramatic close in Part 4 of our Almost Fiction series. Follow the relentless pursuit of justice across borders, from a failed shoplifting attempt to a years-long international extradition battle, as we unravel the web of lies, confessions, betrayals, and courtroom drama that defined one of North America's most shocking murder cases. Discover the surprising twists involving star informant Mo Laberge, harrowing escapes, assassination plots, and the long-awaited trial that held the world transfixed. With exclusive details, psychological insights, and a look at the system’s quest for closure, this is the gripping conclusion you’ve been waiting for. Follow Almost Fiction on Instagram @AlmostFictionPod for daily true crime shorts, behind-the-scenes content, and all things strange but true.

The walls begin to close in on Charles Ng and Leonard Lake as a simple theft spirals into something much darker. Part 3 of our case delves into the moment their carefully constructed facade starts to crumble. The pair is scrambling now, trying to run from the impending consequences to their horrific actions. Welcome back to Almost Fiction. Sources: https://casetext.com/case/people-v-charles-chitat-ng Henton, Darcy; Owens, Greg. No Kill No Thrill: The True Story of Serial Killers Charles Ng And Leonard Lake. Kindle Edition. People v. Charles Chitat Ng, 13 Cal.5th 448, 474 (Cal. 2022) Links: Ko-fi.com/chaseellerman - Buy me an Arizona Green Tea https://www.facebook.com/groups/1251161132141164 AlmostFictionPod@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/almostfictionpod?igsh=ZXlxaWphYzNlanlj&utm_source=qr https://www.youtube.com/@AlmostFictionPod

Discover the chilling story of Charles Ng and Leonard Lake, two ex-Marines whose paths crossed in California, leading to one of America's most disturbing criminal cases. Part 2 delves into their escalating crimes from 1984-1985, including disappearances, sexual assaults, and murders. From Lake's disturbing "Operation Miranda" to the vanishing of multiple victims, this episode examines how these predators lured victims in, and covered up their disgusting crimes. Welcome to Almost Fiction Season 4. Ko-fi.com/chaseellerman - Buy me an Arizona Green Tea https://www.facebook.com/groups/1251161132141164 AlmostFictionPod@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/almostfictionpod?igsh=ZXlxaWphYzNlanlj&utm_source=qr https://www.youtube.com/@AlmostFictionPod Sources: https://casetext.com/case/people-v-charles-chitat-ng Henton, Darcy; Owens, Greg. No Kill No Thrill: The True Story of Serial Killers Charles Ng And Leonard Lake. Kindle Edition. People v. Charles Chitat Ng, 13 Cal.5th 448, 474 (Cal. 2022)

Charles Ng and Leonard Lake - Part 1: Before the Horror. Explore the troubled early lives of two killers before they ever joined forces. From Ng's strict upbringing in Hong Kong to Lake's abandoned childhood in San Francisco, discover how their paths to violence began. This episode covers thier military service, early crimes, and the fateful meeting that would lead to one of America's most shocking criminal partnerships. Ko-fi.com/chaseellerman - Buy me an Arizona Green Tea https://www.facebook.com/groups/1251161132141164 AlmostFictionPod@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/almostfictionpod?igsh=ZXlxaWphYzNlanlj&utm_source=qr https://www.youtube.com/@AlmostFictionPod Sources: https://casetext.com/case/people-v-charles-chitat-ng Henton, Darcy; Owens, Greg. No Kill No Thrill: The True Story of Serial Killers Charles Ng And Leonard Lake. Kindle Edition. People v. Charles Chitat Ng, 13 Cal.5th 448, 474 (Cal. 2022)

In May 2013, 17-year-old Georgia Williams vanished after telling her parents she was helping a friend with a photo shoot. That friend was Jamie Reynolds, a boy with a hidden obsession, a disturbing past, and a plan he had written in horrifying detail years before. This episode explores the chilling case of Georgia Williams’s murder, the warning signs authorities ignored, and the predator hiding in plain sight. With exclusive insight, narrative depth, and haunting detail, we expose the cracks in the system that allowed a known threat to escalate into tragedy. Sources: https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/worlds-most-evil-killers/6655699059636331112/seasons/6/episodes/jamie-reynolds-episode-2/e7974646-335a-3892-ba8a-7e0386e3b62d Judiciary of England and Wales: In the Crown Court at Stafford. The Queen v Jamie Reynolds: Sentencing Remarks. December 19, 2013. https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/JCO/Documents/Judgments/r-v-jamie-reynolds.pdf. Georgia Williams murder: 'Sexual deviant' Jamie Reynolds jailed for life after luring teenager to his home and hanging her. By Richard Vernalls for Independent.co.uk. December 20, 2013. 'I cry endlessly from morning to night... we have been damned by evil to endure this misery to the end of our lives': Agony of father of murdered teenager Georgia Williams as her killer is jailed for life. By James Rushand Lucy Crossley - DailyMail.co.uk. December 19, 2013. Jamie Reynolds took photos of himself killing Georgia Williams, court hears. By Hayley Dixon for Telegraph.co.uk. December 2, 2013. Jamie Reynolds charged with murder of Georgia Williams. Telegraph.co.uk. June 1, 2013. Fears are growing for the safety of Georgia Williams, the missing 17-year-old daughter of a police officer, after a man whom she rejected on Valentine’s Day was arrested. By Nick Britten For Telegraph.co.uk. May 29, 2013. Jamie Reynolds: Sex fantasy led to Georgia Williams murder. No Author Noted for BBC.com. October 14, 2015. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-34475373. Timeline: Georgia Williams murder. No Author Noted for BBC.com. October 14, 2015. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-shropshire-25137700. Georgia Williams: killer had been cautioned after similar attack. By Steven Morris for TheGuardian.com. October 15, 2015. Georgia Williams: police admit failing murdered 17-year-old: Serious case review finds 'shortfalls' in investigation of killer's previous offence by The Week Staff for TheWeek.com. October 14, 2015. https://theweek.com/56615/georgia-williams-police-admit-failing-murdered-17-year-old.

In this gripping true crime episode, we investigate the haunting case of Nathan Ybanez, a 16-year-old who murdered his mother after years of alleged abuse. This deeply emotional story examines how a system meant to protect children failed repeatedly, leading to tragic consequences. Featuring exclusive details about Nathan's troubled childhood, his desperate calls for help, and the controversial trial that sent a teenager to prison for life, this episode challenges everything we think we know about juvenile justice, from the inadequate legal defense to the ignored warning signs, we uncover how multiple institutions failed to prevent this tragedy. Join us for this powerful examination of abuse, justice, and redemption that has captivated true crime audiences and sparked crucial debates about juvenile sentencing reform. Sources: Scars of abuse concealed. By Miles Moffeit for DenverPost.com. October 28, 2006. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/whenkidsgetlife/five/nateerik.html Journal entry from Nathan Ybanez. RocktMountainNews.com. September 20, 2005. New trial sought for teen who killed mom. By Miles Moffeit For DenverPost.com. May 7, 2016. https://www.denverpost.com/2007/08/27/new-trial-sought-for-teen-who-killed-mom/. 'Thankful For The Opportunity': Erik Jensen Ready For Second Chance After Being Released From Prison. Author not noted for CBSNews.com. March 5, 2020. https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/erik-jensen-nathan-ybanez-prison-sentence-jared-polis/. Prison theatre: Finding freedom and purpose in the power of making art. By John Moore for Denver Centre of the Performing Arts. September 16, 2019. https://www.denvercenter.org/news-center/prison-theatre-finding-freedom-power-purpose-making-art/. In this gripping true crime episode, we investigate the haunting case of Nathan Ybanez, a 16-year-old who murdered his mother after years of alleged abuse. This deeply emotional story examines how a system meant to protect children failed repeatedly, leading to tragic consequences. Featuring exclusive details about Nathan's troubled childhood, his desperate calls for help, and the controversial trial that sent a teenager to prison for life, this episode challenges everything we think we know about juvenile justice, from the inadequate legal defense to the ignored warning signs, we uncover how multiple institutions failed to prevent this tragedy. Join us for this powerful examination of abuse, justice, and redemption that has captivated true crime audiences and sparked crucial debates about juvenile sentencing reform. Sources: Scars of abuse concealed. By Miles Moffeit for DenverPost.com. October 28, 2006. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/whenkidsgetlife/five/nateerik.html Journal entry from Nathan Ybanez. RocktMountainNews.com. September 20, 2005. New trial sought for teen who killed mom. By Miles Moffeit For DenverPost.com. May 7, 2016. https://www.denverpost.com/2007/08/27/new-trial-sought-for-teen-who-killed-mom/. 'Thankful For The Opportunity': Erik Jensen Ready For Second Chance After Being Released From Prison. Author not noted for CBSNews.com. March 5, 2020. https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/erik-jensen-nathan-ybanez-prison-sentence-jared-polis/. Prison theatre: Finding freedom and purpose in the power of making art. By John Moore for Denver Centre of the Performing Arts. September 16, 2019. https://www.denvercenter.org/news-center/prison-theatre-finding-freedom-power-purpose-making-art/.

In 2012, Celeste Fronsman was abducted, tortured, and burned alive in rural Ohio. Her killers? People she thought were her friends. In this episode of Almost Fiction, we explore the dark world of addiction, abuse, and betrayal, and how Celeste’s final words helped solve her own murder. Sources: Lafonse Dixon v. Warden Richland Correctional Institution. Case NO. 2:16-CV-0251-EAS-KAJ. Filed November 21, 2016. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-ohsd-2_16-cv-00251/pdf/USCOURTS-ohsd-2_16-cv-00251-0.pdf. Those responsible for Celeste Fronsman's death serving life. By Kate Snyder for ZanesvilleTimesRecorder.com. September 14, 2017. https://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/story/news/local/2017/09/14/those-responsible-celeste-fronsmans-death-serving-life/662198001/. Culberson to be sentenced in Fronsman murder. By Ed Balint for TimesReporter.com. November 5, 2013. https://www.timesreporter.com/story/news/local/canton/2013/11/06/culberson-to-be-sentenced-in/41981635007/. Former lover gets life sentence for Canton woman's burning death. By Eric Lyttle for The Columbus Dispatch. November 7, 2013. https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/crime/2013/11/06/former-lover-gets-life-sentence/23746132007/. Ohio Man Guilty of Setting Woman Ablaze. Author not noted for The Columbus Dispatch. October 16, 2013. https://www.firehouse.com/home/news/11192998/ohio-man-facing-death-penalty-for-burning-woman. 5 years later: Celeste Fronsman murder case stays with officials. By Kate Snyder for ZanesvilleTimesRecorder.com. September 15, 2017. https://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/story/news/local/2017/09/14/5-years-later-celeste-fronsman-murder-case-stays-investigators/626693001/. Celeste Fronsman Murder: LaFonse Dixon sentenced to life in prison in death of Ohio woman who was beaten and burned. By Crimesider Staff for CBSnews.com. November 4, 2013. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/celeste-fronsman-murder-lafonse-dixon-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-in-death-of-ohio-woman-who-was-beaten-and-burned/. Fronsman investigation unique for Muskingum. By Ed Balint for CantonRep.com. November 9, 2013. November 9, 2013. Woman sentenced to life for Fronsman burning death. Author not Noted for CoshoctonTribune.com. November 7, 2013. Canton woman pleads guilty to murder in Fronsman death. By Kathy Thompson for ZanesvilleTimesRecorder.com. September 27, 2012.

In the shocking conclusion of our three-part true crime series, we uncover the final days of Charles William Yukl, a manipulative killer whose parole failure led to a second brutal murder in 1970s New York City. After convincing the system he was rehabilitated, Yukl lured an aspiring actress to his apartment under the pretense of casting her in a fake film. What followed was a horrific repeat of his first crime, strangulation, assault, and deception, all while hiding in plain sight. With disturbing psychological insights and haunting survivor accounts, this episode dives deep into the failures of parole boards, psychiatric oversight, and the criminal justice system. It’s a devastating reminder of what happens when dangerous people are given a second chance, and how the system too often listens to the wrong voices. Sources: https://www.nytimes.com/1974/08/25/archives/-village-slaying-laid-to-paroled-killer.html https://case-law.vlex.com/vid/people-v-yukl-893896295 https://www.nytimes.com/1974/09/03/archives/sexslaying-case-posing-questions-to-justice-system-sexslaying-case.html https://mail.murderpedia.org/male.Y/y/yukl-charles.htm https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/spontaneous_exclamation Tanenbaum, Robert K., and Peter S. Greenberg. The Piano Teacher: The True Story of a Psychotic Killer. eBook ed., Simon and Schuster, 1987.

In Part 2 of our deep dive into the life of Charles William Yukl, we explore the years that followed his shocking manslaughter conviction. After serving just a portion of his time, Yukl was released on parole, and what happened next is a chilling reminder of how the justice system can fail. Set in 1970s Manhattan, this episode traces Yukl’s disturbing reentry into society: his fake credentials, psychological manipulation, therapy sessions, and how he infiltrated New York’s struggling artist scene under the guise of casting a fake film. And as he lured aspiring actresses with false promises of stardom, Yukl’s violent urges and delusions began to resurface, all while he presented himself as a rehabilitated model citizen. Featuring firsthand details from The Piano Teacher: The True Story of a Psychotic Killer, this is a story of deception, danger, and missed red flags. If you're into true crime, serial killers, parole system failures, and 1970s New York noir, this is an episode you won’t forget.

In this chilling episode of Almost Fiction, we begin the disturbing story of Charles William Yukl, a classically trained pianist, teacher, and, ultimately… convicted killer. From his troubled upbringing and intense musical training to his years of hidden darkness, we uncover how a seemingly mild-mannered man led a double life. Based heavily on the book The Piano Teacher by Robert K. Tanenbaum and Robert Greenberg, this episode dives deep into Yukl’s past, his manipulations, and the brutal 1966 murder of Suzanne Reynolds. It’s a terrifying portrait of depravity hiding under a mask of weakness. Sources: https://www.nytimes.com/1974/08/25/archives/-village-slaying-laid-to-paroled-killer.html https://case-law.vlex.com/vid/people-v-yukl-893896295 https://www.nytimes.com/1974/09/03/archives/sexslaying-case-posing-questions-to-justice-system-sexslaying-case.html https://mail.murderpedia.org/male.Y/y/yukl-charles.htm https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/spontaneous_exclamation Tanenbaum, Robert K., and Peter S. Greenberg. The Piano Teacher: The True Story of a Psychotic Killer. eBook ed., Simon and Schuster, 1987.