Texas Wine and True Crime

This week we discuss a controversial ruling in the Court that held James and Jennifer Crumbley criminally responsible in the Oxford School Shooting in Michigan. Their son, 15-year old Ethan Crumbley, killed four students on November 30, 2021. The gun Ethan had hidden is his backpack, was purchased four days earlier by his father. Do you agree with the Court's ruling? Has a precedent now been set to make parents more aware of gun safety in their home? This is the story of James and Jennifer Crumbley. www.texaswineandtruecrime.com

We welcome our special guest tonight, Alan Burton. Alan Burton is an author from Sherman, TX that spent the last 20 years researching and writing about this case in his new book Fatal Exam - Solving Lubbock's Greatest Murder Mystery. On December 4, 1967, the body of Sarah Alice Morgan was found on the 3rd floor of the Science building at Texas Tech University. A suspect remained at large for three months before being caught by a police sting operation to catch the killer. This is a MUST read with so many twists and turns. www.texaswineandtruecrime.com

Thank you to the Female Mentor Podcast for having me as a guest and discussing the Ebby Steppach case. Ebby was 18-years old when she was senselessly taken from her family. Ebby is reported missing in October 2015, and in 2018, her body is found only 60 feet from where her car was parked. The medical examiner classified her death as a homicide. This case remains unsolved. What happened to Ebby Steppach? Ebby, happy heavenly birthday. Your family and the community will never stop looking for the person that took you from this earth. www.texaswineandtruecrime.com

This week we discuss the disappearance and murder of Laci Peterson. Her husband, Scott Peterson, was convicted of killing Laci, and their unborn child, Conner. Laci was 8 months pregnant when she was reported missing on Christmas Eve, 2002. Her stepfather reported her missing after Scott Peterson called the family after 4 PM on Christmas Eve. Four months later, Laci and Conner's bodies wash up on the shores of San Francisco Bay. The LA Innocence Project has picked up Scott's case and wants new evidence tested. He has always maintained his innocence. It will be interesting to see what comes out of these hearings, and what new evidence will be revealed. www.texaswineandtruecrime.com

In this episode, we go back to the 1960's and discuss the life and trial of Candace Mossler. Candace and her nephew, Mel Powers, were having an affair. Her husband, Jacques, is believed to have found out about the affair. A few months later, Jacques if found dead in his Miami luxury apartment. Police believed Mel and Candace were in this together, and that the couple murdered the millionaire so they could be together and take his fortune. But, what would a jury think? Thank you to Gabriele Poenitzsch from Horseshoe Bend Cellars for coming on the show! She shares the wines, events, and the ins and outs of Horseshoe Bend Cellars. We can't wait to go back! www.texaswineandtruecrime.com

Tonight we discuss Welcome to the Jungle, The Curse of Clark, TX with author, J.R. Jordan Jr. and what unfolded in 1980-something. J.R. was a senior in high school in 1980-something and shares the joys, struggles, and scandals that plagued the students of Clark High School in San Antonio, TX. From a salacious affair between two students and one particular English teacher, to a griping trial that shook the community, to other fateful events that fell upon J.R.'s friends. A big thanks to J.R. for shining the light on the injustice that two families and an entire community endured that left more questions than answers. www.texaswineandtruecrime.com

Marisela was a 23-year old girl visiting Dallas from Seattle. In October 2020, Marisela meets Charles Beltran on the streets of Deep Ellum. What Marisela didn't know is that Charles was living with two women at this time. Charles takes Marisela back to his home, where she is murdered, her body dumped, and found 5 months later in Wilmer, TX. Lisa Dykes will be charged with Botella's murder. Maggie Prosser of the Dallas Morning News joins us in this episode. She will share what she witnessed in the courtroom, and key testimony in the case. Thank you txwine.com for sharing these fabulous Sangiovese's with us! www.texaswineandtruecrime.com

This week I am sharing the story of Jodi Arias. Jodi stabbed Travis Alexander, slit his throat, and then shot him in the head. The motive...jealousy. If she couldn't have him, nobody could have him. This was a calculated, premeditated crime, and she used sex to get into the home that day, knowing she was going to kill him. I will discuss how they met, their short relationship, how he died, and the bizarre details on the trial. www.texaswineandtruecrime.com

Tonight we go back to 1961 and discuss the death of Betty Williams. Betty Williams was a high school senior living a life of turmoil. It was hard for Betty to be the wild and outgoing teenager she wanted to be with strict parents at home. She falls in love with a popular Odessa high football player, Mack Herring. After dating for a few months, he breaks it off with Betty. She is distraught about the break up, and this seems to put her over the edge. She tells friends, it's time for her to see what Heaven is really like after we die. Mack Herring takes the life of Betty, but he will later produce proof that it was her wish to take her last breath. Thank you Silver Spur Winery for sharing your wine with us! Your Rose was fabulous and paired wonderfully with Chris's vegetarian dish he prepared for the show! www.texaswineandtruecrime.com

Tonight we are filling you in on what's on tap in February. We will have a month full of episodes, live show, winos and crimos zoom (Jodi Arias). Stay safe friends! www.texaswineandtruecrime.com

Tonight we are joined by Crystal and Renae, hosts of True Crime Broads. These ladies have conducted boots on the ground research and advocacy for the unsolved murder of Missy Bevers. Missy was murdered inside the Creekside Church in Midlothian, TX in 2016. Her eery killer caught on video waiting and lurking inside of the church before Missy enters and is killed within minutes. Will this 8-year unsolved murder ever see justice? www.texaswineandtruecrime.com

On December 11th 2003, Rick and Suzy Wamsley were viciously murdered in their upscale Mansfield, TX home. Suzy was a homemaker, and Rick was a hardworking CPA. The Wamsley's had two children, Sarah and Andrew. The people living in Walnut Estates were terrified. Someone had come into the Wamsley home and murdered them in cold blood. The killer(s) were still out there. Who would do this to such a picture-perfect family? www.texaswineandtruecrime.com

This week we record live from Cisco, TX where the infamous Santa Claus Bank Robbery took place in 1927. You will hear a story of four men, eager to pull off this heist, but things quickly go wrong. The case is still being discussed almost a 100 years later. We interview author Thomas Goodman about his new book, The Last Man: A Novel of the 1927 Santa Claus Bank Robbery. The book is based on the crime, but it's also based on the one thing people don't hear about when they are told this story, what happened to the last man. At the end of this episode, you will hear from Tammy Loran, former mayor of Cisco and current Executive Director of The Conrad Hilton Center. Tammy tells us all about the Conrad Hilton Center where we recorded live, and why you should visit Cisco! Thank you both Thomas and Tammy! www.texaswineandtruecrime.com

Tonight we cover the senseless murder of Zuzu Verk. Zuzu was reported missing in October, 2016. Four months later, her body is found in a shallow grave right outside of Alpine, TX. Her boyfriend at the time, Robert Fabian, was arrested and convicted of her murder. Even though there has been a conviction, there are still a lot of unanswered questions in this case. We are enjoying a Tempranillo tonight by Silver Spur Winery. Go visit our friends in Hico, TX and tell them your friends at Texas Wine and True Crime sent you! Treat yourselves to the finest of Texas Wines straight to your door! Check out our friends at Texas Wine Club at txwine.com. www.texaswineandtruecrime.com

In 1971, Carolyn Montgomery was found brutally murdered in her apartment. She was found by her 6-year-old son the next morning. Carolyn was seen arriving at her apartment around 2 AM. There was no sign of forced entry, and neighbors nor her son heard any screams. The one key piece of evidence in this case was a note left at the scene. Who did this to Carolyn Montgomery? www.texaswineandtruecrime.com

Wanda Holloway wanted her daughter Shanna to have it all. But when it came to cheerleading, she would do anything to see her daughter on the squad. Even though Wanda was beautiful, sharply dressed, and a pillar in the community, she had a dark side. Why would a seemingly loving mother plot to kill another fellow mom and her daughter? Cheers to the three year anniversary of the show! www.texaswineandtruecrime.com

There is a happy ending to this story, but for 51 years, this family lived in turmoil. In 1971, their daughter Melissa, was abducted by someone posing as a babysitter when she was 21-months old. DNA advancements gave this family what they have been waiting to hear all these years, Melissa is alive and we have found her. This episode will cover the details of Melissa's abduction, and the happy ending of being reunited with her family. www.texaswineandtruecrime.com

Elizabeth Campbell was a 20-year old student, daughter, and friend. After a heated argument with her boyfriend, she left on foot from his home in Killeen around 11 PM. She is seen at a 7-11 in Copperas Cove making a phone call. She leaves the store and eyewitnesses see her getting into another vehicle, heading back in the direction of Killeen. Who was this person, and what happened to Elizabeth Ann Campbell. www.texaswineandtruecrime.com

On May 3, 1992, the bones of Natasha Atchley were found in the backseat of her Chevy Camaro. She had burned to death inside her own car. The theory for the past 30 years was that someone murdered the 19-year old. But recently, another theory has come to light. In this episode, we discuss both theories and what we think happened to Natasha. www.texaswineandtruecrime.com

In November 2005, Charlie White was found dead in his Horseshoe Bay mansion. He was an eccentric 73-year old partygoer who lived life in the fast lane. Police were certain his risky lifestyle had something to do with his murder. Who wanted this retired businessman dead? www.texaswineandtruecrime.com