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The year was 1978 when Cheryl Bradshaw made what could have been a fatal mistake on national television. As the bachelorette on "The Dating Game," she chose bachelor number one – Rodney Alcala, a charming photographer with a winning smile. What she didn't know was that she had just selected a vicious serial killer in the midst of a murderous spree.

Trust your instincts when something feels wrong – it might just save your life. Subscribe and follow us on Instagram @whatweloseintheshadows to suggest cases and share your thoughts on this chilling story.

https://people.com/crime/how-a-serial-killer-and-rapist-ended-up-on-the-dating-game-and-was-chosen-by-the-girl/

https://nypost.com/2024/10/21/entertainment/how-serial-killer-rodney-alcala-ended-up-on-the-dating-game/

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A two-decade mystery finally unravels as science catches up with a killer who had been hiding in plain sight all along. The murder of Leslie Preer in her Chevy Chase home shocked the community in 2001, but despite clear DNA evidence found beneath her fingernails and blood scattered throughout the crime scene, investigators hit a dead end with no matching profiles in their databases. Until now.

Maryland man Eugene Gligor pleads guilty to killing ex-girlfriend's mother

Daughter's chilling realization after mom's 'killer' was finally revealed 23 years later

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What happens when someone simply vanishes without explanation? The mysterious disappearance of 28-year-old Gretchen Fleming has left her family, friends, and an entire West Virginia community searching for answers for over two years.

The puzzle pieces of that fateful night remain scattered. We know she was last seen leaving a local establishment called My Way Lounge around 3 AM with Preston Pierce, a man who went by an alias and, most disturbingly, was a former law enforcement officer with 12 years of experience. While Pierce acknowledges Gretchen was in his car that night, he denies she came to his home - yet his inconsistent statements have made him a central person of interest in this perplexing case.

This story raises troubling questions about how someone can simply disappear in today's connected world. Was this foul play? Could trafficking be involved? Or is there another explanation for Gretchen's disappearance? If you have information, no matter how small, that might help solve this case, please contact the Parkersburg Police Department or submit an anonymous tip through West Virginia Crime Stoppers. Every detail matters in bringing Gretchen home.

Parkersburg Police chief: Gretchen Fleming case ‘not even close’ to cold | News, Sports, Jobs - News and Sentinel

FBI searches ex-officer's previous home who is person of interest in woman's disappearance

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A legendary actor and his wife die alone in their mansion with no one to help them. The heartbreaking final days of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa reveal a tragedy that unfolded in slow motion behind the gates of their Santa Fe estate.

When authorities discovered their bodies on February 26th, they pieced together a timeline that would chill anyone with aging loved ones. Betsy, a talented classical pianist 30 years younger than her husband, contracted the extremely rare Hantavirus and died around February 12th. What happened next is even more devastating – Hackman, suffering from advanced Alzheimer's and heart disease at 95, wandered their home alone for nearly a week, unable to comprehend what had happened or call for help.

Their story forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about aging and isolation. Despite Hackman's illustrious career spanning 40 years and 77 films, including Oscar-winning performances in "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven," fame and fortune couldn't protect them from tragedy. The couple had withdrawn from public life after Hackman's retirement in 2004, with Betsy becoming increasingly protective of her vulnerable husband, especially during the pandemic.

This episode explores how their deaths were initially shrouded in mystery, with speculation about carbon monoxide poisoning or foul play, before autopsies revealed the truth. We also unpack the complex aftermath regarding Hackman's $80 million estate, which he left entirely to Betsy while excluding his three children from his previous marriage.

Beyond the headlines, we remember the loving relationship between these two talented individuals who were frequently spotted holding hands, even after 34 years of marriage. Their tragic end reminds us that sometimes what we do to protect those we love most can have unintended consequences.

Follow us on Instagram @whatweloseintheshadows and join us next Tuesday for another compelling story from the shadows.

Gene Hackman was likely dead for 9 days before he and his wife were found, sheriff says | CNN

Santa Fe authorities update timeline on the last days of Gene Hackman and his wife | CNN

Gene Hackman's children not named in actor's $80m will

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Delving deep into the complexities of family dynamics, this episode presents a gripping exploration of the Menendez brothers and the shocking events surrounding the tragic murder of their parents. What seems like a straightforward tale of crime becomes a multifaceted narrative woven through layers of abuse, privilege, and psychological turmoil. We dissect how the expectations placed upon the brothers led to terrifying outcomes, with discussions that challenge our perceptions of justice and morality.

Join us as we unravel these intricate narratives, provoking thought about the gray areas in human behavior and the tragedy of loss, making us reconsider how we perceive culpability and compassion. Let’s engage in meaningful discussions, as we strive to understand the complexities surrounding these heartbreaking stories. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review your favorite podcast platform and share your thoughts with us!

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We delve into Laura Logan's traumatic experience as a journalist to emphasize the broader societal implications and the power of solidarity in addressing gender-based violence and mob mentality.

• Exploration of a violent incident during an NFC Championship game
• Discussion on crowd mentality and emotional triggers related to sports
• Gender-based violence in journalism and its prevalence
• Laura Logan's harrowing story of being assaulted in Egypt
• The impact of collective action and female solidarity
• Reflections on personal responsibility in confronting violence
• Urgent need for societal change regarding aggression in public spaces

Women journalists face violence and sexualized attacks - UN expert- #JournalistsToo – Women Journalists Speak Out | OHCHR

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In a powerful narrative of courage, we share Giselle Pellico's harrowing testimony as she confronts the decade-long betrayal perpetrated by her husband. Her unwavering strength in waiving anonymity has made her a beacon of hope for survivors of sexual assault. This episode delves into the disturbing details of her case, challenging notions of consent and justice. As we conclude with an invitation to engage with us on social media, we encourage you to share your thoughts and suggest topics for future episodes. Your voice is vital in our ongoing pursuit of justice and understanding.

Who Is Gisèle Pelicot? French Rape Case, Explained.
Gisèle Pelicot: Inside the rape trial that shocked the world | The Independent

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In this episode we explore the heartbreaking case of 8-year-old Debra 'Debbie' Makel, who disappeared on October 5, 1973, in Rices Landing, PA. After a normal day at school, Debbie vanished shortly after getting off the school bus, leaving her family and community in shock. Despite an extensive search, her body was discovered two days later, revealing a tragic crime scene that deeply affected the small town. Despite numerous leads and tips, the case went cold. With advancements in DNA technology, there is hope that new evidence could finally bring justice for Debbie. Join us as we delve into the ongoing quest for truth and the lasting impact of this tragedy."

The Unsolved Murder of Debbie Makel | by Jenn Baxter | Medium

https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/greene-county-cold-case-closer-to-solving/article

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