In this Missouri Mayhem episode, Mindy & Megan delve into the heartbreaking case of 18-year-old Kelsey Smith, abducted in broad daylight in Kansas City in 2007. Her story highlights the importance of awareness, quick action, and legislative change to prevent similar tragedies.

Key Topics:

• The detailed timeline of Kelsey's abduction and discovery
• Surveillance footage and the predator's profile
• The role of cell phone records and delayed investigations
• The creation and impact of the Kelsey Smith Act
• Preventative safety tips for women in public spaces
• The heroic efforts of her family and community to honor her legacy
• How her story led to national policy changes
• Tips for personal safety and awareness in everyday life.

Resources: Official & Background Information

Wikipedia – Murder of Kelsey Smith

A detailed case summary, timeline, key facts, links to original sources, and external resources like archived documents. 🔗 Wikipedia page: Murder of Kelsey Smith — overview, details of the abduction, investigation, arrest, and aftermath.

FBI Archive — Kelsey Smith Foundation & Case Summary

Official archived FBI material including summary of the case and response, plus the origins of the Kelsey Smith Foundation. 🔗 FBI archives — includes background on the investigation and aftermath.

Major News Coverage from the Time

These are primary news reports from 2007 that document the key moments of the case:

• KCUR – Police Arrest Suspect in Kelsey Smith Murder Case

Discusses the suspect arrest and initial law enforcement statements.

• Missourinet – Accused Killer Eligible for Death Penalty

Context on charges and legal proceedings in 2007.

• Missourinet – Suspect in Kelsey Smith Killing Has Violent Past

Additional background on the accused’s history and investigation details.

• CBS News Reports (Archived)

Multiple early AP/CBS reports (formerly hosted online) covering:

• Arrest and charges filed
• Location of the body in a wooded area
• Early trial coverage

Note: These older news links may now only be accessible via archives or news databases.

Media & Documentary References

National Media Coverage

The case was reported nationally and featured on multiple platforms such as:

• CNN and NBC News coverage of the abduction and arrest
• Featured on America’s Most Wanted
• True-crime TV episodes (e.g., Investigation Discovery) These programs include background interviews, case analysis, and surveillance footage highlights.

Missouri Mayhem - The Murder of Ken McElroy - Discover the dark history behind Skidmore, Missouri, where community fears and legendary vigilance led to an infamous unresolved murder. This episode explores how a town's attempt at justice spiraled into a centuries-long mystery filled with violence, silence, and unanswered questions.

📚 RESOURCES & FURTHER LISTENING

• Harry N. MacLean — In Broad Daylight
• FBI historical case summaries
• Missouri State Highway Patrol archives
• A&E City Confidential episode on Skidmore
• Newspaper archives from the Kansas City Star and St. Joseph News-Press
• The Breaking Point of a Town - Website - timeline

Missouri Mayhem - In this episode, we explore the fascinating myth surrounding Missouri politician David Rice Atchison, who allegedly served as U.S. President for a single day in 1849. We dive into the historical context of mid-19th century America, the political chaos of 1849, and the truth behind this intriguing legend—plus, what it reveals about history, myth, and power.

EXPANDED REFERENCES

• U.S. Senate Historical Office – No, David Rice Atchison Was Not President for a Day
• Snopes – Was David Rice Atchison President for One Day?
• Shapell Manuscript Foundation – Atchison correspondence
• Missouri Life Magazine – March 4, 1849
• Library of Congress – Presidential Inaugurations
• National Archives – Presidential Succession History
• University of Missouri Special Collections

Missouri Mayhem - Join us as we explore the extraordinary life of Wild Bill Hickok — from his early days in Illinois to legendary gunfights in Kansas and South Dakota. Discover the stories behind his rise to fame, his notorious duel, and the mysterious circumstances of his death.

Primary Sources & Historical Records

• Greene County Circuit Court Records: The original 1865 court proceedings for State of Missouri vs. William Hickok and the coroner's inquest report for Davis Tutt are preserved at the Greene County Archives. These documents include eyewitness testimonies and jury instructions.
• Harper’s New Monthly Magazine(1867): George Ward Nichols’ article, "Wild Bill," was the first major account of the duel. While highly sensationalized, it transformed Hickok into a national legend.
• Missouri Weekly Patriot(July 27, 1865): One of the first local newspaper reports published just six days after the shooting.
• History of Greene County, Missouri(1883): An early regional history by the Western Historical Company that details the killing of "David" Tutt.

This Missouri Mayhem episode delves into one of the most disturbing and perplexing crimes in recent Missouri history, focusing on the murder of Elizabeth Olten in October of 2009. The discussion highlights the intersection of violence and mental health, with Alyssa Bustamante ultimately pleading guilty to second-degree murder. The episode emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health crises and provides resources such as the 988 crisis lifeline and BetterHelp.com for those in need. Listeners are encouraged to share the episode to raise awareness about the need for youth services and mental health awareness.

Resources & Further Reading

About the Case & Background

• Wikipedia — Murder of Elizabeth Olten (full timeline, psychological evaluations, family history)
• CBS News — Suspect evaluated for severe depression and suicide risk

Mental Health & Youth Violence

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) — mental health education
• American Psychological Association — adolescent development and violence research
• Missouri 988 - missouri988.org
• Better Help - betterhelp.com.

Support for Impacted Families

• National Center for Victims of Crime
• Missouri Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence

On this episode of Missouri Mayhem, Mindy and Megan delve into the chilling story of Gary Randall Muehlberg, known as The Package Killer. The episode explores Muehlberg's life, his criminal history, and the series of murders he committed in the early 1990s. The hosts discuss the impact of his actions on the victims' families and the eventual breakthrough in the case due to DNA evidence.

Keywords

Gary Randall Muehlberg, package killer, serial killer, DNA evidence, Missouri Mayhem

Reference & Summary Articles

1. Wikipedia – Gary Muehlberg (biographical & case overview) Provides a structured summary of his crimes, convictions, victims, and recent linked murders via DNA.

2. List of Serial Killers in the United States Includes Muehlberg in a national context, useful for comparative research.

News Reports (Investigative & Updates)

3. St. Louis Public Radio — How Gary Muehlberg Was Revealed as the ‘Package Killer’ Explains how cold cases were cracked decades later by DNA evidence and police work.

4. KSDK News — Serial Killer Charged With 1990s Murder Series Local reporting on the identification and charges tied to the murders of four women.

5. Spectrum News (MO) — Alleged Serial Killer Charged After 30+ Years Detailed local coverage of the cases reopening, DNA linkage, and ongoing investigation.

6. CBS / AP News (Archived) — Missouri Inmate Charged With “Package Killer” Murders National news coverage of the 2022 charges, DNA linkage, and cold case work.

This episode of "Missouri Mayhem" delves into the mysterious and tragic story of Ben Renick, a renowned snake breeder, who was found dead in his facility in 2017. The narrative unfolds with the investigation into his murder, initially suspected to be a snake attack, but later revealed to be a homicide involving his wife, Lynlee Renick. The episode explores the complexities of their relationship, financial troubles, and Lynlee's alleged involvement in the murder plot, alongside her ex-boyfriend and a friend. The trial, filled with dramatic testimonies and allegations of abuse, ultimately leads to Lynlee's conviction, highlighting the intricate dynamics of the judicial process and the role of juries in such cases.

REFERENCES/RESOURCES

🔹 News Articles & National Coverage

• CBS News – Feature on the Ben Renick Murder Detailed reporting on the bizarre scene at Renick’s snake facility and the homicide investigation, initially featured on 48 Hours. CBS News

• People.com – Inside the Reptile Breeder’s Death and Investigation Comprehensive summary of Ben Renick’s murder, suspect developments, and trials of Lynlee Renick and Michael Humphrey. People.com

• ABC17 News (Associated Press) – Missouri Woman Sentenced in Death of Snake Breeder Husband AP report on Lynlee Renick’s sentencing in 2022 for her husband’s murder and related details from court. ABC17NEWS

• ABC17 News – Two People Charged in 2017 Shooting of Mid-Missouri Snake Breeder Local news coverage of the arrests of Lynlee Renick and Michael Humphrey in connection with Ben Renick’s murder. ABC17NEWS

• Newsweek – Lynlee Renick Convicted of Killing Snake-Breeder Husband Report on Lynlee’s conviction and prosecutors’ narrative about motive including life insurance and financial issues. Newsweek

In this episode of "Missouri Mayhem, Mystery and Murder," hosts Mindy and Megan explore the life and legacy of Harry Truman, the 33rd President of the United States. They delve into his significant contributions, such as the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and his role in World War II. The episode also covers personal anecdotes about Truman's life, including his marriage to Bess, their home in Independence, Missouri, and the intriguing stories surrounding his ghostly presence both at his home and the White House. The hosts share their experiences visiting Truman's home and museum, highlighting the historical significance and personal stories that make Truman's legacy enduring. They conclude with a reflection on Truman's impact and the importance of preserving history.

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

🎩 Harry S. Truman Home (Harry S. Truman National Historic Site)

Managed by: U.S. National Park Service (NPS)

📚 Official Resources:

• NPS Official Website: https://www.nps.gov/hstr/index.htm
• Visitor Information & Tours:
  • Address: 219 N. Delaware Street, Independence, MO
  • Phone: (816) 254‑2720
  • Hours, ticket info, and tour details available on the NPS site.
• NPS Virtual Tour of the Truman Home: https://www.nps.gov/virtualtrumanhome
• NPS Park Brochure (PDF): Available on the site under “Plan Your Visit.”

🏛️ Supplemental Resources:

• Truman Home Historical Context (Library of Congress): https://www.loc.gov/item/trumanhome/
• Truman Library Institute (partners with NPS): https://www.trumanlibraryinstitute.org/
• Local Tourism Info (Visit KC): https://www.visitkc.com/harry-truman-sites

📖 Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum

Managed by: National Archives & Records Administration (NARA)

📚 Official Resources:

• Presidential Library Website (NARA): https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/
• Visitor Information:
  • Address: 500 W. U.S. Highway 24, Independence, MO
  • Phone: (816) 268‑8200
  • Hours, tours, and ticket info on the official site.
• Online Exhibits & Digital Collections: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/library
• Education Resources: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/education