In August of 1952, 43-year-old Ruby McCollum, a black woman, was two months pregnant. The father was a 48-year-old white politician named Dr. Clifford Leroy Adams, Jr. For seven years, Dr. Adams had manipulated, bullied, and raped Ruby. He forced her to bear one of his children already, and this unborn child would be the second. On Sunday, August 3rd, Ruby entered Dr. Adams’ medical practice for help with an ailing shoulder. But when Dr. Adams tried to force himself on Ruby once more, she snapped. And the State of Florida believed she should face the electric chair for it. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/ruby-mccollum Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched and written by Andrea MarshbankAdditional writing by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Brandon Schexnayder of Southern Gothic & Erica KelleyCase requested by Rachel, Tracy, and DanitaThis episode is brought to you by BetterHelp online therapy. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/southern and get on your way to being your best self.Customize the US’s best home security system for your home by going to SimpliSafe.com/southernfried. There’s no safe like SimpliSafe.It’s the 5 year anniversary of the podcast Morbid! Check out their special anniversary series wherever you get podcasts, or early and ad free on Amazon Music or the Wondery app.

Southern Fried True Crime

Blanket of Silence: Ruby McCollum

On a Friday afternoon, Dr. Rick Lohstroh parked in his ex-wife Deborah Geisler’s driveway waiting to pick up his two sons. It had been a nasty custody battle and their ten year old son, Aaron, had turned completely against his father. Every pickup day was drama. This day it was worse, Deborah and the boys were running late after having to get her car towed and everyone was in a foul mood. While Deborah was helping her seven year old son, Kurt, tie his shoes, Aaron found his backpack and climbed into the back of his dad’s SUV, in the seat directly behind him. In his backpack was a loaded pistol he found in his mother’s closet. What happened next was an unimaginable tragedy. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/dr-rick-lohstrohHosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched and written by Andrea MarshbankAdditional research and writing by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Brandon Schexnayder of Southern Gothic & Erica KelleyThis episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ SOUTHERN and get on your way to being your best self.” 

178: Parental Alienation & The Death of Dr. Rick Lohstroh

In March 2007, 41-year-old Theresa spent the day moving boxes from her old house to her new apartment. The LaFayette, Georgia 911 dispatcher was leaving her husband. That evening, after seeing her sister, Theresa disappeared without a trace. And local law enforcement kept coming back to the same person: Theresa’s estranged husband, 52-year-old Sergeant Sam Parker of the LaFayette PD. Sam vehemently denied any involvement in Theresa’s disappearance. But he had also bragged for years about how he could kill someone and no one would ever find the body. Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/theresa-parkerUS National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233Canada: visit this website to find the hotline in your areaUK Domestic Abuse Hotline: 0808 2000 247For resources in other countries, visit this websiteHosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched and written by Andrea MarshbankOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Brandon Schexnayder of Southern Gothic & Erica KelleyThis episode is brought to you by BetterHelp online therapy. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/southern and get on your way to being your best self.Give all the “moms” in your life a unique, heartfelt gift you’ll all cherish for years to come. Go to StoryWorth.com/southernfried and save $10 on your first purchaseThe Generation Why podcast has a new, special 4-part series about the horrific story of Kalief Browder. Follow them now on Amazon Music, The Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts.

177: The Disappearance & Murder of Theresa Parker

Just because the police can’t solve a murder doesn’t mean other people won’t find someone to blame. In season 4 of Witnessed: Devil in the Ditch, journalist Larrison Campbell returns to her Mississippi hometown to reexamine one of its most notorious unsolved cold cases – the murder of her grandmother, Presh. What happens when a family and a community suspect one of their own?Subscribe to The Binge to get all episodes of Witnessed: Devil in the Ditch ad-free right now. Click ‘try free’ at the top of the Witnessed: Devil in the Ditch show page on Apple Podcasts to start your free trial or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you get your podcasts.

Mississippi Delta: A Southern Gothic Family Mystery

The pop culture of the Michael Peterson case is fascinating. There are many infamous true crime cases that create their own universe. The Peterson case was always going to be famous. But when Netflix bought the rights to Jean-Xavier de Lestrade’s docu-series, The Staircase, Michael Peterson and his family were launched into the stratosphere. There were already books…but after Netflix reopened the saga, we have every form of media jumping on the Peterson bandwagon. Including a sitcom. Outside of South Park lampooning OJ Simpson, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a murder case inspiring a comedy show with the likes of John Lithgow starring. What does this say about us as a society? How far should “journalists” go to keep trying to get interviews years after the man served his time. How long should his children be chained to this case? I’m not saying I have the answers. I just think it’s interesting to ask these questions. Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched and written by Erica Kelley Original Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Brandon Schexnayder of Southern Gothic & Erica KelleySource, “Death by Talons” by Tiddy SmithSources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/the-pop-culture-of-the-michael-peterson-caseThis episode is brought to you by BetterHelp online therapy. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/southern and get on your way to being your best self.Stop throwing your money away. Cancel unwanted subscriptions – and manage your expenses the easy way – by going to RocketMoney.com/southernfriedProtect your home with my favorite home security system. Go to SimpliSafe.com/southernfried There’s no safe like SimpliSafe.The Generation Why podcast has a new, special 4-part series about the horrific story of Kalief Browder. Follow them now on Amazon Music, The Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts.

176: The Pop Culture of the Michael Peterson Case

For over two decades, Kathleen Peterson’s mysterious death has captivated America. After the most complex court proceeding in Durham, North Carolina’s history, Michael was convicted and sentenced to life in prison, without the possibility of parole. This episode covers the infamous trial, Michael’s appeals and the overturning of his original verdict after he served over eight years in prison. Studies show less than 10% of criminal trials are overturned on appeal. Despite the incredible amount of corruption revealed in Michael’s case, people still believe he “got off on a technicality.” We will explore the truth of what happened in the investigation and trial of Michael Peterson, but can we ever really know for certain what really happened to Kathleen Peterson?Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched and written by Erica Kelley and Andrea Marshbank Original Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Erica Kelley Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/the-neverending-staircase-part-3This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp online therapy. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/southern and get on your way to being your best self.Take a break and lose yourself searching for clues to solve a mystery set in the roaring 20’s with June’s Journey. Available on iOS, Android and Facebook Games on your PC.Customize the US’s best home security system for your home by going to SimpliSafe.com/southernfried. There’s no safe like SimpliSafe.

175: The Neverending Staircase: The Death of Kathleen Peterson, PART 3

In December of 2001, the seemingly accidental death of 48-year-old Kathleen Peterson made headlines in Durham, North Carolina. A beloved community figure, enjoying a night of celebration with some champagne, had lost her balance and tragically fallen down the stairs. But when 58-year-old Michael Peterson, Kathleen’s husband, was indicted for first-degree murder eleven days later, news outlets across the nation picked up the story. People were captivated with this seemingly idyllic couple’s descent into murder. From bungled police investigations to faulty crime scene photographs, this case had the chaotic appeal of any page-turning tabloid story. Michael Peterson’s character, sexuality, and marital fidelity were called into question. And when a mysterious death from Michael’s past comes to light, pandemonium ensues. This is part two of the Kathleen Peterson case. Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched and written by Andrea Marshbank and Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Erica Kelley Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/the-neverending-staircase-part-2This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp online therapy. Go to BetterHelp.com/southern.Take a break and lose yourself solving a fascinating mystery set in the roaring 20’s with June’s Journey!Give yourself the gift of peace of mind by going to SimpliSafe.com/southernfried. There’s no safe like SimpliSafe.

174: The Neverending Staircase, The Death of Kathleen Peterson, PART 2

Hosted by Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart from the hit show Morbid.When 90-year-old Laurence Pilgeram drops dead on the sidewalk outside his condo, you might think that’s the end of his story. But, really, it’s just the beginning. Because Laurence and others like him have signed up to be frozen and brought back to life in the future. And that belief will pull multiple generations of the Pilgeram family into a cryonics soap opera filled with dead pets, gold coins, grenades, fist fights, mysterious packages, family feuds, Hall of Fame baseball legends, and frozen heads — lots of frozen heads. From Wondery, comes a story about life, death, and what comes next.Follow Frozen Head on Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts. Binge early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery+ in Apple Podcasts or the Wondery App. Listen to Frozen Head: Wondery.fm/FH_SFTC

Wondery Presents: Frozen Head

December 9th, 2001 was an unseasonably warm night in Durham, North Carolina. At 2:40 a.m., a novelist named Michael Peterson called 911. He was frantic. He said his wife Kathleen had an accident. She had fallen down some stairs. Within 10 minutes, paramedics, police and the fire team swarmed the house. They were all startled by the amount of blood. Kathleen’s blood was everywhere. It covered her body, the staircase, and the floor. Soon, homicide detectives were called to the scene. For the next 16 years, Durham law enforcement officials would pursue one fundamental question: Was Kathleen’s death an accident?Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched and written by Andrea Marshbank and Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Erica Kelley Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/the-neverending-staircase-part-1Prose is the healthy hair regimen with your name all over it. Take your FREE in-depth hair consultation and get 15% off your first order today at Prose.com/southernfriedFollow Sleep Sounds Meditation for Women wherever you listen to podcasts or start listening for free today for a better night’s sleep: https://linktr.ee/womensmeditationnetwork

173: The Neverending Staircase: The Death of Kathleen Peterson, PART 1

On Friday, October 12th, 2012, Shayna Hubers called 911. She explained to the emergency operator that she killed her boyfriend, Ryan Poston, in self-defense. When the police investigated the crime scene, they quickly realized that Shayna’s version of events didn’t align with reality. Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched and written by Andrea Marshbank and Erica KelleyCase suggested by Amanda, “in Dolly we Trust”Original Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Erica Kelley Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/the-murder-of-ryan-poston DOMESTIC VIOLENCEUS National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233National Domestic Violence Hotline: thehotline.orgCanada: visit this website to find the hotline in your areaUK Domestic Abuse Hotline: 0808 2000 247For resources in other countries, visit this websiteThis episode is brought to you by BetterHelp online therapy. Go to BetterHelp.com/southern.Cancel your unwanted subscriptions with RocketMoney.com/southernfriedTake a break and lose yourself solving a mystery set in the roaring 20’s with June’s Journey.Give yourself the gift of peace of mind by going to SimpliSafe.com/southernfried. There’s no safe like SimpliSafe.

172: The Murder of Ryan Poston

For more than three and a half decades, the disappearance of 12-year-old Jonelle Matthews was a mystery – a riddle neither authorities nor her family members could solve. The residents of her cloistered Colorado hometown had scoured every inch of prairie. Jonelle’s face had been on milk cartons nationwide. Even the President of the United States had appealed to the public for help. Still, every lead had fizzled. Every person of interest had turned out to be a dead end. Then, in 2019, Jonelle’s remains were unearthed near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. With the discovery came a troubling new question: Had the truth been hiding in plain sight the entire time? Was the man who couldn’t stop obsessing over Jonelle’s disappearance also the person who took her? From Campside Media and Wondery comes season two of SUSPECT.Former CNN reporter Ashley Fantz and executive producers Matthew Shaer and Eric Benson (Suspect, Over My Dead Body) dig into one of the most mind-bending cold cases in modern history, in an attempt to separate fact and fiction, compulsion from guilt, and true-crime fandom from a motive for murder. Listen to SUSPECT: Vanished in the Snow early and ad- free by subscribing to Wondery Plus in Apple Podcasts or the Wondery app. Unique Url: https://wondery.app.link/suspect-sftc

Introducing Season 2 of Suspect: Vanished in the Snow, by Wondery & Campside Media

On a cool March evening of 2008, motorists on Highway 147 in Auburn, Alabama were startled to see a young girl in the road. She was naked, crying, covered in road rash and waving her arms desperately for help. Despite everyone’s best efforts, 18 year old Lauren Burk did not survive her ordeal. She had been shot and and bled out within 2 to 3 minutes after jumping from a moving car. The Auburn University student had been carjacked in a campus parking lot. The ensuing trial for her murderer, Courtney Lockhart, called into question many troubling aspects of the law. The standard for mental incompetency as well as the Alabama law that a judge can override a jury’s recommendation. Trigger Warning: Discussion of PTSD due to combatHosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Haley GrayWritten by Erica KelleyResearch Assistance by Anna LuriaOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Erica Kelley Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/the-murder-of-lauren-burk- This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp online therapy. Go to BetterHelp.com/southern. - This holiday, we are sponsored by the amazing gift for loved ones, Aura Frames. Go to AuraFrames.com/southernfried to save $10 off your first purchase. - To get a much needed break and recharge your holiday brain, play Best Fiends, that’s Friends without the “R”- Give yourself the gift of peace of mind by going to SimpliSafe.com/southernfried. There’s no safe like SimpliSafe.

171: The Murder of Lauren Burk

In January 2003, police arrived at an unassuming house in Northwest Houston, Texas after receiving a vague message from a local lawyer about a potential crime scene. In the backyard, they discovered the mutilated body of Jeff Wright. The master bedroom was a blood-splattered nightmare. Susan Wright, Jeff’s wife of five years, confessed to his shocking murder. At her trial, Susan claimed she killed Jeff in self-defense but, in an unforgettable courtroom spectacle, prosecuting lawyer Kelly Siegler would try to prove otherwise. Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched and written by Andrea Marshbank Additional Writing by Erica KelleyOriginal Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Erica Kelley Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/blue-eyed-butcher-the-controversial-murder-of-jeff-wright- US National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233- National Domestic Violence Hotline: thehotline.org- Canada: visit this website to find the hotline in your area- UK Domestic Abuse Hotline: 0808 2000 247- For resources in other countries, visit this website- This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp online therapy. Go to BetterHelp.com/southern. - Every holiday, we are sponsored by the amazing gift for loved ones, StoryWorth. Go to StoryWorth.com/southern to save $10 off your first purchase. - Also for a unique gift this holiday season, so to Highland Titles.com and use code “CRIME”- Today’s show is also brought to you by Bare Necessities, he biggest online intimate apparel retailer. Go to BareNecessities.com code: sftc20 for 20% off your first order.

170: Blue Eyed Butcher: The Controversial Murder of Jeff Wright

When a shocking crime occurs, former FBI Profiler Candice DeLong will have a lot to say about it. On KILLER PSYCHE DAILY, Candice digs into the motivations and behaviors of the criminal masterminds and killers who are dominating the headlines. For 10 minutes, five days a week, she draws on her years of experience to break down complex criminal cases, look back at the historic crimes that still haunt us today, and share new insights. With new episodes every Monday through Friday, KILLER PSYCHE DAILY delivers a lot of true crime in just a little bit of time. Listen only on Amazon Music: www.amazon.com/KPD_us_pfd_AA_110122

Amazon Presents: Killer Psyche

Zebb Quinn was only 18 years old when he went missing on January 2, 2000. Authorities had their suspicions that foul play was involved, but it would take 15 years and two other disappearances for anyone to find out what happened to Zebb.Hosted and produced by Erica KelleyResearched by Haley GrayWritten by Erica Kelley Original Graphic Art by Coley HornerOriginal Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma RadioEdited & Mixed by Erica Kelley Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/the-vanishing-of-zebb-quinn- This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp online therapy. Go to BetterHelp.com/southern. - Every holiday, we are sponsored by the amazing gift for loved ones, StoryWorth. Go to StoryWorth.com/southern to save $10 off your first purchase. - Also for a unique gift this holiday season, so to Highland Titles.com and use code “CRIME”- Today’s show is also brought to you by Bare Necessities, he biggest online intimate apparel retailer. Go to BareNecessities.com code: sftc20 for 20% off your first order.

169: The Vanishing of Zebb Quinn

Erica Kelley is a native Tennessean exploring historical and contemporary true crime in the South. Southern charm is attempted but southern sass is bountiful. Join her as she shows you just how southern fried the justice system can be in the Deep South.

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Southern Fried True Crime

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