Cold Blooded Serial, a true crime podcast

Ep 12 - The Monster of the Genesee River

***WARNING: THIS EPISODE CONTANS DISCUSSIONS OF SEXUAL ABUSE THAT MAY BE DISTURBING OR TRIGGERING TO SOME LISTENERS. PLEASE TAKE CARE WHILE LISTENING.***
In this episode, we dive into the story of the Genesee River Killer, exploring the chilling events that shocked a community and the disturbing details that led to his notoriety. Join me as we delve into the unsettling case of Arthur Shawcross.

EP 11 - Cyanide & Aspirin

Stella Nickell was convicted in 1988 for product tampering resulting in deaths linked to cyanide-laced Excedrin capsules. The case was one of the first to apply federal product-tampering laws enacted after the Chicago Tylenol murders. Evidence against her included circumstantial connections, financial motives, and allegations of planted evidence. The trial set a precedent for consumer safety law enforcement.

EP 10 - Cyanide & Aspirin

Stella Nickell's trial began with the prosecution presenting evidence linking her to the 1986 cyanide-laced Excedrin capsules that killed two people, including her husband. Key testimony focused on her financial motives, particularly her husband's life insurance policy, and forensic evidence that suggested the tampered bottles came from her local stores. The defense argued that the evidence was circumstantial and unreliable, attempting to cast doubt on the credibility of the witnesses, including her own daughter.

EP 9 - Cyanide & Aspirin

In this episode, listeners are walked through the sinister plot Stella concocted to cash in on a life insurance policy by poisoning her husband, Bruce. The plan became even more twisted as she attempted to make his death look like a random Tylenol poisoning. Her scheme involved placing poisoned bottles of Excedrin in local stores, leading to the tragic death of an innocent bystander, Sue Snow.

EP 8 - Cyanide & Aspirin

This episode teases the investigative techniques and evidence that eventually pointed to Stella Nickell as the culprit, raising questions about greed, deception, and the lengths people will go to achieve financial freedom. As the community was gripped by fear and the FBI launched an intensive investigation, Stella’s elaborate plot began to unravel.

Ep 7 - Cyanide & Aspirin

In this episode we dive into Stella Nickell’s background—she was a mother and aquarium enthusiast who lived a seemingly unremarkable life with her husband, Bruce.
 
Stella was unhappy with Bruce's sobriety as she had relied on alcohol as part of their social and marital bond. Bruce’s sobriety caused her to feel resentful, increasing her dissatisfaction with their relationship and her desire for change. This growing resentment became a crucial factor in her motivations, leading her down the dark path that eventually ended in murder. Bruce’s sobriety ultimately became another reason for Stella to view their marriage as burdensome, contributing to her willingness to end his life for financial gain.

EP 6: Cyanide & Aspirin

In 1986, the lives of 2 families would intersect in a series of unexpected and devastating events that would unravel layers of mystery and intrigue. The events surrounding them would capture national attention and raise serious questions about trust, danger, and the lengths to which people can go when pushed to extremes.

Episode 5: The Valentines Day Massacre

Welcome friends, this is a bite size episode of a cold blooded massacre that occurred on Valentines Day in Rochester, NY in 2009. Killer, Frank Garcia began his killing spree at 5:45 a.m. at Lake Side Hospital, taking the lives of 4 people but forever changing the lives of their loved ones. Join me as we dive into this tragic and horrific story.
 
References: Retired Investigator Sergeant Patrick Crough (2011). Chronicles of a Rochester Major Crimes Detective.   The History Press.

Trailer for New Series - Cyanide & Aspirin

The story of Sue Snow revolves around a tragic incident in 1986, where she became a victim of product tampering. Sue Snow, a 40-year-old woman from Auburn, Washington, died after consuming two Extra-Strength Excedrin capsules that had been laced with cyanide. Her death led to a widespread panic and an extensive investigation.

Episode 4 - Shelly Dear

In this final episode of the Shelly Knotek series, we delve into the shocking capture of Shelly and her husband Dave; ending her reign of terror over her family and others. Tune in as we explore the twisted tale of control, manipulation, and the ultimate fall of a woman who hid her sinister nature in plain sight.