Stab in the Back

It's celebrity stalker edition on Stab in the Back!  First, Anna gives us a look into the many ways we can be a little too preoccupied with our favorite celebrities, and Benton tells the tragic tale of the bomb mailing Björk stalker, Ricardo Lopez.  Then, Anna relays the details of Yolanda Saldívar's obsession with and murder of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez.  Finally, the two dive into the f...

Have you ever wondered about the people who survived being in the clutches of a killer?  Episode 25 is for you!  First, Anna gives a rundown of how a person deals with the aftermath of surviving trauma, and Benton shares the story of Mary Vincent, who survived an ordeal with rapist and would-be killer, Lawrence Singleton.  Then, Anna tells the story of Kate Moir, who outsmarted her kidnappers, Dav...

Good help is hard to find.  The same applies if you want someone murdered.  Join Benton & Anna this week as they dive into the dark world of murder for hire!  First, Anna gives a rundown of the reasons why someone may hire another person to murder, and Benton revisits the case of Dana Ewell and the gruesome triple murder of his entire family.  Then, Anna gives us a glimpse into the dark world...

This week's episode is all about celebrities who snap!  First, Benton tells the sordid tale of wealthy heiress Doris Duke and the accidental(?) death of her best friend, Eduardo Tirrella.  Then, Anna relays the events of the night that the actor who once played the Red Power Ranger, Ricardo Medina, killed his roommate in a blind rage.  Finally, the two dive into a classic episode of Dominick...

This week's episode is coming in hot!  Join Benton and Anna as they discuss all things arson, and the psychology behind pyromania.  First, Anna gives an overview of what defines a pyromaniac, and Benton relays the possible sexual thrill fire may give them.  Then, they go over the details of the most prolific arsonist in American history, John Leonard Orr.  Finally, they take a look at a class...

In this week's episode, Benton and Anna take a look at some of our more modern investigative tools and the history behind them, as well as some cases involving very unusual evidence.  First, Benton takes a look at the Bertillon method for identifying offenders and the remarkable case of William and Will West.  Then, Anna gives a rundown of the tragic case of Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells, w...

This week's episode is all about criminals who wear disguises!  First, Anna gives some insight on why a disguise might be worn during a crime and what it might mean about the psychology of the criminal.  Then, the two discuss the cases of the killer clown from Florida, Sheila Keen Warren, and the bank robbing Geezer Bandit.  Finally, they take a stroll down to Texarkana to examine the Moonlig...

This week it's all about police tunnel vision!  First, Benton lays out the tragic story of Edna Posey, whose murderer is still at large after authorities went after the wrong man.  Then, Anna tells the tale of "Hurricane" Rubin Carter, who was sent to prison for a crime he didn't commit based on prejudice and lies.  Finally, the two dive into the still unsolved murder of Peggy...

We're keeping it local for this episode of Stab in the Back and examining some of the more infamous crimes of Austin, Texas!  First, Benton gives a rundown of the Murder of Steve Beard by his wife Celeste and her accomplice, Tracey Tarlton.  Then, Anna tells the tale of Austin's very own serial killer, the Servant Girl Annihilator.  Finally, the pair take a deep breath and discuss the Yo...

On this episode of Stab in the Back, Benton and Anna discuss the big strides achieved in forensic science over the past century, and a few crazy ladies who are in prison as a result.  First up is the case of LAPD cop Stephanie Lazarus, who murdered her lover's new wife in a jealous rage, only to be convicted because of a bite mark she left on the victim.  Finally, the pair discuss the murder...

Three strikes and you're out!  Join Benton & Anna as they take a look at cases that led to massive changes in our laws.  First, Anna takes a look at the origins of the Amber Alert system, and Benton examines the kidnapping and murder of Polly Klaas, which resulted in more focused three strikes laws across the country.  Finally, the two discuss the murder case of Kitty Genovese, who infamo...

It may not be Halloween, but don't tell Benton & Anna because this week's episode is all about the power and appeal of urban legends!  First, they travel to Victorian England to examine one of the world's most enduring legends, Spring Heeled Jack.  Then, they discuss the case of Cropsey, the kidnapper from Staten Island who lived on the grounds of an abandoned state asylum.  Sta...

Laissez les bons temps rouler!  Join Benton & Anna as they return from their hiatus and take a true crime trip to New Orleans.  First, Benton dives into the mysterious serial killer known as the Axeman of New Orleans, who terrorized the Big Easy in the early 1900's.  Then, Anna relays the tragic case of Zack & Addie, where the former brutally murdered and dismembered the latter, and c...

Happy Valentine's Day from Benton & Anna to you all!  In this very special episode, they examine the mysterious mental disorder known as Folie à deux, where individuals may share psychotic delusions, sometimes to such a degree that murder follows.  Anna shares the story of the San Francisco Witch killers (Michael Bear and Suzan Carson), where both individuals shared Suzan's belief th...

This week, Benton and Anna dive into some very specific cases of families teaming up and killing together.  First, they reminisce about the Menendez brothers and their diabolical bond, and then move on to the notorious case of the Bloody Benders, a murderous family who murdered travelers who were unlucky enough to stop at their lodging for the night.  Finally, they review the case of the Briley br...

This week, Benton & Anna discuss the mysterious condition known as Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy!  First up, they dive into the crimes of notorious killer nurse, Genene Jones, who may have killed up to 60 people under her care.  Then, the cover the classic case of nurse and mother, Marybeth Davis, who made both of her children sick with medications to gain attention and sympathy, eventually sev...

Episode 10 is upon us!  This week, Benton & Anna delve into some truly killer cases of killer women!  First, they discuss the mysterious life and crimes of Belle Gunness, who may just be America's most prolific female serial killer.   Then, they settle in after a classic episode of Forensic Files, profiling the infamous murderer Stella Nickell, who used cyanide hidden in bottles of Excedr...

Y'all, get ready for the ride of your life with this one!  First, Benton and Anna visit the urban legend of La Pasqualita, the Mexican bridal shop mannequin that may just be the actual body of the owner's daughter.  Then, they tackle the the dark world of necrophilia, the strange allure of hyperrealistic love dolls, and ultimately, the strange case of Carl Tanzler, who had such an obsess...

Happy Holidays, everyone!  This week, Benton & Anna delve into two very different missing persons cases.  First, they dive into the disappearance of Amy Lynn Bradley, and whether or not she was a victim of human trafficking while on a cruise in the Caribbean and may truly still be alive.  Then, they tackle the disappearance of Helle Crafts, a classic murder case that inspired the plot of Fargo...

Join Benton & Anna as they come back swingin' with a second helping of cults!  First, Benton dives into the FLDS cult as led by self-proclaimed prophet Warren Jeffs, and whether you really can have too many wives.  Then, Anna takes us through the events leading up to the deaths of the 918 people living at Jonestown, led by Jim Jones of the Peoples Temple.  Stay until the end and play alon...

Join Benton and Anna as they take a dive into the world of cults.  In the first half, Benton takes a stab at understanding the Heaven's Gate mass suicide in California, and for the second half, Anna takes us through the events leading up to the deadly siege on the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas.  Will they be influenced?  Will they start cults of their own?  Take a listen and find ou...

This week, Benton & Anna discuss the confounding condition known as Stockholm syndrome, and its effect on heiress Patty Hearst and her membership in the Symbionese Liberation Army.  Then they take a look at the survival story of Colleen Stan, who lived in a box under a waterbed for 7 years, as a sex slave to Cameron and Janice Hooker.  They also have a lot to say about waterbeds.  Our TV doc t...

In this week's episode, Benton & Anna discuss the dangers of of being a guest on television, first with serial killer Rodney Alcala's appearance on The Dating Game, and then with the infamous murder triggered by a confrontation on the Jenny Jones Show.  Finally, they recall the story of one of the worst mothers on earth, Theresa Knorr, who murdered her two daughters out of sheer jeal...

In this week's episode, Benton & Anna first discuss the last meals of prisoners, and what they would choose themselves for a final culinary experience.  Then, they dive into the life of serial killer/indoor pool enthusiast Herb Baumeister and his particular brand of romance, as profiled on Season 6: Episode 10 of Investigative Reports, "The Secret Life of a Serial Killer".

In this week's episode, Benton and Anna reflect on the death of Michael Jackson, and the anatomy of his bedroom after the fact.  Then, we discuss Iowa serial killer Donald Piper and hotel hygiene,  as featured on Season 3, Episode 21 of Cold Case Files - "Murder Checks In."