Sleepless At 3AM

She was 17. Full of dreams, ready to start her first job, and just weeks away from graduating high school. But in late 1988, Junko Furuta’s life was stolen in one of Japan’s most shocking and heartbreaking crimes. Held captive for 44 days, her suffering exposed not only the darkness of her attackers but also the failings of a system meant to protect her. In this episode of Sleepless at 3AM , I tak...

Ashley Bocanegra was a 30-year-old mother who had just started rebuilding her life—new job, new goals, and a quiet home in a gated Georgia community where she hoped to raise her son in peace. But behind those gates, a twisted web of jealousy, betrayal, and rage was already tightening around her. What started as a secret office romance ended in a brutal, calculated ambush—one carried out not by str...

Columbine didn’t end when the gunfire stopped. In the years that followed, the tragedy took on a life of its own—shaped by media myths, martyr stories, and a culture that sometimes blurs the line between curiosity and glorification. In this episode, I unpack the aftermath. The copycat crimes. The “Columbine effect.” The haunting legacy that Eric and Dylan left behind—and how it still shows up toda...

On April 20th, 1999, two high school seniors walked into Columbine High School with guns, explosives, and a plan that would shatter countless lives and change the way we think about school safety forever. In this episode, I walk you through the timeline of that devastating day—what happened minute by minute, who was lost, and how those who survived are still carrying the weight. You’ll hear about...

Long before the gunfire and headlines, there were journals, warning signs, and choices. In this episode, I go back—before the massacre at Columbine High School—to examine the lives of Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. Who were they really? Were they bullied outcasts, psychopaths in the making, or something else entirely? I’ll walk you through their friendships, their online footprints, their disturbi...

In today’s Dark History story, we’re gonna check out one of the most brutal and tragic chapters of Dutch history. The De Witt brothers, Johan and Cornelis, were once powerful figures in the Dutch Republic, but in 1672, their world would unravel in the most horrific way. Betrayed, hunted, and publicly executed by a mob driven by political hatred, the brothers’ violent end marked a turning point in...

A pizza delivery, a collar bomb, and a scavenger hunt with deadly stakes. In this episode, I unravel the bizarre and horrifying case of Brian Wells—an ordinary man caught in an extraordinary and sinister plot. Was he a victim or a co-conspirator? Who were the twisted minds behind the plan, and how did they find each other? From frozen bodies in freezers to shocking confessions years later, this st...

When Alison Botha's life was violently shattered one night in 1994, survival seemed impossible — yet against all odds, she fought back. In this episode, I take you through Alison’s story: her unimaginable attack, her relentless will to live, the groundbreaking trial that followed, and the legacy she built from her pain. From the darkest corners of human cruelty to the astonishing power of hope...

In 2007, the world of professional wrestling was shaken to its core by an unthinkable tragedy. Chris Benoit was a world-renowned wrestler, celebrated for his technical skill and dedication to his craft. But behind the curtain was a man spiraling into darkness. This week, I'm giving you a special episode while I am recovering from surgery. My boyfriend, JJ will be narrating my research as we dive i...

In today’s episode, we'll dive into the tragic and chilling case of Preston Lord, a young man whose life was brutally cut short by a group of teens known as the Gilbert Goons. What seemed like an ordinary night at a house party turned into a deadly attack that would shake the community to its core. Stick around as we unravel the story of violence, gang mentality, and a justice system that fail...

Join me for a special live episode of Sleepless at 3AM  as I guest on Invasions101's  Twitch channel for another Ask Rae Anything  session! Catch the unscripted LIVE , where I answer some of your burning questions. Want to support the show? Join the $5 Sleepyheads tier to gain early access to episodes, a live 24/7 chat with myself and other listeners, as well as bonus content! If you join the 3AM...

Abandoned halls whisper with the echoes of the past, and shadows stretch where the light dares not linger. The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is more than just a decaying relic—its walls hold the stories of suffering, madness, and restless spirits. From inhumane treatments to chilling paranormal encounters, this asylum’s dark history refuses to be forgotten. Dare to step inside? Make yourself comf...

She was a rising star with a bright future, known for her roles in "The Land Before Time" and "All Dogs Go To Heaven," but behind the scenes, 10 year old Judith Barsi and her mother, Maria, were trapped in a cycle of fear and abuse at the hands of Judith's father, Jozsef. In this episode, I uncover the heartbreaking reality behind Hollywood's lost child star and the war...

My curiosity was peaked when I first heard of the world's most mysterious book. Join me for a short story about the Voynich Manuscript—a baffling, ancient text written in an unknown script that's adorned with bizarre illustrations. Discover its history, explore a fascinating theory or two, and take a break with me <3 Show Notes: The complete Voynich Manuscript https://collections.library.yale.e...

Join us for an eye-opening episode as we uncover the depths of corruption within the Little Elm Police Department. From deceit to cover-ups, we'll explore how these actions have impacted the community and justice system. Plus, hear the latest updates on Haley's journey and the progress being made. This is an episode you won't want to miss! Show notes: Justice for Haley Cheney FB Page h...

Haley Lynn Cheney was 24 years old before she was found shot in her car at her boyfriend's residence. I have been working closely with the Cheney and Alvarado families to put this episode together, and share Haley's story with you. This is a call to action to speak out and help us reopen Haley's case. If you feel so inclined to help the family financially in their endeavor, you can don...

Hey guys! This was a really fun segment to put together, thank every single one of you for the questions! If you didn't hear your question, or you didn't get the chance to ask, just comment on any social media post with the hashtag #AskRaeAnything or #ARA for short. It was fun answering these amazing questions and I can't wait for the next volume!!

In this gripping episode, I delve into the harrowing and heart-wrenching true crime story of Sylvia Likens, a young girl whose life was cut tragically short. Join me as I uncover the disturbing details of her ordeal, explore the dark circumstances that led to her untimely death, and reveal the case that shook a community. With chilling facts and a deep dive into the events, this episode promises t...

Hey guys! This announcement is real and unedited, I just wanted to sit down with you & talk about some things going on. I was entirely too frustrated on Friday, when my external hard drive went rogue, and it caused my chronic illness to flare up so I had to leave it alone. I am working steadily to get this episode put together and uploaded for all of us to enjoy. I worked hard putting everythi...

Hey there! My name is Rae, and I'm a 39-year-old from a small town in Georgia. I'm just the weirdo in the corner, holding her tri-paw’d pomeranian, telling you about everything that keeps me up at night. Whether it's True Crime, Dark History, or Conspiracy Theories, I'm here to share my passion for the mysterious, the unknown, the spook, and my very own particular brand of weird with all of you. T...