In 1948, eleven-year-old Sally Horner was kidnapped by Frank La Salle after he pretended to be an FBI agent and threatened to send her to reform school.For twenty-one months, he took her across the country, convincing others she was his daughter while she endured manipulation, isolation, and abuse.Although Sally was eventually rescued, her story was largely forgotten—even as another name became famous.
In this episode, we discuss The Devil in Pew Number 7 by Rebecca Nichols Alonzo, a powerful true story set in rural North Carolina that explores tragedy, faith, fear, and forgiveness.We dive into the shocking events that unfolded in the small community of Sellerstown, NC, the devastating impact they had on one family, and the remarkable journey that followed. This story raises difficult questions about evil, resilience, and what it really means to forgive when the unthinkable happens.
In Moore County, North Carolina, sixteen-year-old Isabel Hussey was traveling from Robbins to Asheboro. She accepted a ride from a stranger and never made it home. What began as a seemingly ordinary decision ended in a brutal murder that devastated a family and shocked the community.In this episode, we examine the life and tragic death of Isabel Hussey, the disturbing background of the man responsible, and the troubling pattern of repeat offenses that raises difficult questions about the justice system — both then and now.
Some stories don't feel finished - and this is one of them. In 2005 and 2006, in Caldwell County, NC, the story of Emily Anderson began to unfold - one that would leave more questions than answers. Some listeners may have heard part of this case before. But if you've ever found yourself wondering what happened next, this episode takes a deeper look. We walk through the full timeline - from the early details to the key moments that shaped the case - bringing together everythin...
In this episode of Hard Times & True Crimes, we take a deep dive into a local Randolph County case that captured the community's attention - the trial of Heather Auman, accused in the death of her husband, MJ, a local firefighter. After attending the trial in person, we walk you through the case from beginning to end - starting with the events leading up to that day at the lake, the 911 call, and the questions that quickly followed. Heather claimed that MJ died by suicide. But as investigators began to examine the scene, and as testimony unfolded in court, a different narrative began to emerge. This episode is based on testimony, evidence, and firsthand observations from inside the courtroom.#JusticeforMJ
Melody, married to Tim for over three decades, has spent the bulk of her parenting years homeschooling her five children, while simultaneously working a side hustle or two. She became interested in true crime as a teen after discovering a local author's books at the library. Her love of reading, writing, and murder mysteries converged when she met Darlene and they discovered their mutual desire to produce a podcast telling true crime stories. Since she is the "Type-A" personality in the partnership, she takes care of the filing, back-ups, and techie stuff. This also involves trying to keep Darlene organized and on track while they try out her rather creative and impressive ideas.
Darlene loves Southern culture, history and a good story! For her fifteenth birthday, her G-pa gifted her an Encyclopedia of Serial Killers. She owes her fascination of psychology, true crime and fear of the dark to him.
Darlene has been married to her husband ( the narrator) for twenty-five years. They have four children together. They've spent the majority of the past twenty-six years homeschooling and learning how to parent. Just as they were getting the parenting thing figured out, three of the four grew up. This year Curtis and Darlene were blessed with two daughters-in-law and their first grand baby.
Darlene is a true-crime podcast fan as well. As much as she loves to hear good stories, she loves to tell them! Hosting and creating this podcast is a dream come true for her.
