Crimes of Passion

The investigation into Chris Regan’s disappearance was complicated by a sudden murder: Jason Cochran’s. Kelly Cochran was the link between them. After toying with police for months, she was finally ready to talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When a Michigan couple needed a way to save their marriage, they remembered their wedding vow: If either of them were ever unfaithful, the partner that cheated would be forced to kill their lover. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Granby, Colorado, a petty feud with neighbors and the town council left Marvin Heemeyer feeling backed into a corner. Little did they know that in his mind, God had given him instructions to deliver divine justice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elderly millionaire Anna Mae Branson was a bit of a local legend in Madisonville, Kentucky. So when she died a brutally gruesome death, detectives were puzzled. But a tip from an unlikely source led authorities to her nephew Russell Winstead, a desperate man with mountains of debt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chuck Riley did a bump of cocaine and half a tab of acid in the morning, so his memory of what happened that day is a little hazy. He thinks he remembers shooting Marlene's father, but he couldn't be sure how the hammer claw got lodged in the skull of Marlene's mother. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1975, the bodies of Naomi and Jim Olive were found in a barbecue pit in Marin County, California. Their murder was the tragic culmination of a fraught relationship with their adopted daughter Marlene. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It wasn't part of the plan. Two people were dead instead of just one. Adriana Vasco and Dennis Godley would part ways and never discuss the details of that night. But authorities knew Adriana could be bullied, and they would do everything it took to break her. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Adriana Vasco had a history of being in abusive relationships. Still, none was as terrifying as the one with Dennis Earl Godley. When they met, he was already wanted on one felony charge. By the time their relationship ended, they'd both be wanted for another. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we’re sharing an episode from Sinister Societies, where co-hosts Hannah and Suruthi share the story of Sweden’s Knutby Filadelfia. The small Pentecostal sect rocketed to cult infamy in the early 2000s after “texts from God” greased the wheels of a murder plot. Enjoy, and follow Sinister Societies for new episodes every Tuesday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the days count down to Hale-Bopp’s arrival, 39 people prepare for ascension. They’d abandoned their old lives, embraced a new ideology, weathered the death of a beloved leader… and finally, made themselves worthy of the Next Level. Now, the comet was coming. And with it, the spaceship that would ferry them onward. In March of 1997, they left everything behind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The group’s belief system had never been infallible. There had been adjustments along the way; revisions meant to keep the wheels turning whenever prophecies didn’t manifest. But then, in 1985, Bonnie Lu Nettles died. And her passing threw Heaven’s Gate’s whole world askew.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wanting fame and fortune as a dancer, Melissa James took Craig up on his offer to introduce her to his A-list friends and moved in with him and Kelly. But the growing conflict between the two women became strained — and turned deadly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kelly Ryan already knew that Craig Titus was the "bad boy" of body building. After turning him down on numerous dates, she finally gave in. A year later, they were married. But Craig had a secret. And her name was Melissa James. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In January 2005, Sarah Kolb decided to end her friendship with Adrianne Reynolds for good. With the help of Harli Quinn, they lured Adrianne into Sarah's car and drove to a fast-food restaurant. The two strangled Adrianne to death in the backseat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Adrianne Reynolds was new to town, and what she wanted more than anything was to make friends. She made them quickly in Sarah Kolb and Harli Quinn. But if Adrianne wanted to stay friends with the pair, she would need to pass a loyalty test. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices