Unresolved

Some random thoughts of mine following the conclusion of our seven-part Waco series

"They do not see themselves as martyrs. They see themselves as agents of God's wrath on Earth." In the days leading up to April 19, 1993, high-ranking figures grew increasingly concerned that the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas had no intention of surrendering anytime soon. FBI officials speculated that David Koresh's writing of a manuscript centered around the seven seals was just another delaying tactic, meant to buy him and his supporters additional time. While many cautioned the FBI to continue holding out - to let Koresh see through the writing of this manuscript - others were hesitant to let him have that time. Soon, the government would move forward with a plan to end the Branch Davidian holdout once and for all... Part 7/7 Research, writing, hosting, and production by Micheal Whelan Learn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.me If you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or Producer Music Credits Spearfisher - "Memory and Forgetting" Henrik Meierkord - "Falten" Nathan Shubert - "Unspoken" Calismo - "Somber" All other music composed by Micheal Whelan

"They were trying to have sleep disturbance and they were trying to take someone that they viewed as unstable to start with, and they were trying to drive him crazy. And then they got mad 'cos he does something that they think is irrational." On the morning of February 28th, 1993, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms attempted to serve a search warrant against David Koresh and the rest of the Branch Davidians living in a compound just outside of Waco, Texas. However, in doing so, the ATF had lit a powder keg that had been building up in size and potency for months, if not years. Having long expected this day to come, David Koresh attempted to find calm by establishing some kind of routine inside the compound. Meanwhile, a confused response began to form outside, as members of the FBI attempted to gain control of the quickly-devolving situation... Part 6/7 Research, writing, hosting, and production by Micheal Whelan Learn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.me If you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or Producer Music Credits Atlas Gray - "Not Crazy (Instrumental)" All other music composed by Micheal Whelan

"We fell right into the hands of Koresh and all those nuts. This is what he wanted, to make it appear that the government was going to kill his people. He wanted Armageddon. Our biggest mistake was that we made it so easy for him." In 1992, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms opened up an investigation into David Koresh and the rest of the Branch Davidians living in their compound near Waco, Texas. Hoping to find evidence of illegal weapons, the ATF began a series of undercover operations to obtain proof the following January. After nearly two months of surveillance and infiltration, the ATF gave the order to move forward with a plan to raid the Mount Carmel Center, which Koresh and the Davidians had recently transformed into a stronghold. The ATF's operation, codenamed "Showtime," would set the stage for the fiasco that followed... Part 5/7 Research, writing, hosting, and production by Micheal Whelan Learn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.me If you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or Producer Music Credits Half Light - "From Below (Instrumental)" Adi Goldstein - "Behind Clouds (Instrumental)" All other music composed by Micheal Whelan

"If any adult in the area around the cabin is observed with a weapon after the surrender announcement had been made, deadly force could and should be used to neutralize the individual." The 1992 Ruby Ridge siege is a seminal event in American history, having become a symbol of government overreach and serving as a precursor to the Waco tragedy in 1993. It also served as a rallying cry for anti-government groups and militias throughout the 1990s, and led to an increase in violent rhetoric that lingers to this day. For that reason, we're going to take a slight detour in our ongoing coverage of the Branch Davidian saga to briefly touch upon this story, and learn about how it ultimately had an effect on the events unfolding down in Waco, Texas... Research, writing, hosting, and production by Micheal Whelan All music composed by Micheal Whelan Learn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.me If you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or Producer

"We're doing what we're doing and nobody's going to stop us." In 1988, David Koresh and his followers returned to their old home just outside of Waco, where the Shepherd's Rod movement had settled decades prior. With his longtime nemesis George Roden gone, David was finally able to settle into his new role as the president of the church. As the Branch Davidians began the arduous process of rebuilding the Mount Carmel Center - and his authority swelled - David began implementing a series of changes that would ultimately bring his burgeoning kingdom crashing down around him... Part 4/7 Research, writing, hosting, and production by Micheal Whelan All music composed by Micheal Whelan Learn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.me If you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or Producer

"When they sent that letter out, I knew they were coming. They sent an article removing me as trustee, now they've come to finish the job and remove me from the land." In 1985, Vernon Howell left Mount Carmel with his followers, bound for destinations unknown. Over the next few years, they would struggle to find a place to build their permanent headquarters as they attempted to try and swell their ranks with new converts. Meanwhile, back in Waco, George Roden's erratic nature left him with a dwindling congregation. So he decided to risk a gambit in order to try and win them back. In 1987, he exhumed a body and issued a challenge to his rival, claiming that whoever was able to resurrect the long-deceased woman would be named the uncontested leader of the Branch Davidians. Vernon Howell - now using the name David Koresh - had other plans... Part 3/7 Research, writing, hosting, and production by Micheal Whelan All music composed by Micheal Whelan, except for "Man Man in Waco" by David Koresh, taken from one of his few studio recordings Learn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.me If you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or Producer

"In his younger years, he had a hard time. He was always looking for something. He had his rock-and-roll; he had his women. But it was never enough." Vernon Wayne Howell struggled to find a sense of stability early in life. Born to a single teenage mother in Texas in 1959, Vernon was abandoned to his maternal grandmother before his second birthday. His mother would take custody of him again later in his childhood, but it was alleged that her husband - Vernon's stepfather - was abusive toward him. Entering adulthood as a high school dropout, Vernon had a lot of issues that had yet to be addressed. After suffering a series of rejections in his personal life, he ended up turning toward the one constant in his life, faith. During his search there, he ended up coming across a group of like-minded individuals in central Texas, who viewed the Bible similarly to himself. Through them, Vernon would find the things that had been eluding him for years... Part 2/7 Research, writing, hosting, and production by Micheal Whelan All music composed by Micheal Whelan, except for "Instrumental Jam" by David Koresh, taken from a live recording in Waco Learn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.me If you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or Producer

"Our prayers for such an undertaking on behalf of God's people will be answered by whatever the results to this call might be." More than a century before David Koresh or the Branch Davidians became household names, the religious movements that led to their existence began growing out of the American Northeast. First came William Miller and the Millerites, a collapsed movement that ended up inspiring the Seventh-Day Adventists years later. In the early 20th century, an Adventist named Victor Houteff wrote a book titled The Shepherd's Rod, which he hoped would help reform the church. After being disfellowshipped for creating a "disloyal" and "divisive movement," Houteff ended up building his own church, the Davidians, nearby Waco, Texas... Part 1/7 Research, writing, hosting, and production by Micheal Whelan Learn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.me If you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or Producer Music Credits: Noisyfilter - "Repose" Acedis - "Illustrations" Mystery Mammal - "O Come O Come Emmanuel" Rest You Sleeping Giant - "Dead Waters" Graham Bole - "Gloci" Blue Dot Sessions - "Svela Tal" Percival Pembroke - "Music For Haunted Orbital Research Stations"

Sergeant Jill Evans is a small-town cop in Wales with an impressive record in her job, and a less than impressive record in her love life. After three engagements, two divorces and one affair, she’s beginning to worry that love is only true in fairy tales. That is until she meets: Dean. He’s a wealthy beauty entrepreneur with his own range of toiletries. Girl meets boy. Boy meets girl. They kiss and fall in love. Roll credits. But that would be boring, wouldn’t it? Instead, this is a love story like no other. It’s all going so well for Jill and Dean, until Halloween night, when Dean disappears. And Sgt. Jill is left to pick up the pieces. From Wondery and Novel, comes a new series. Hosted by Kerry Godliman. Follow Stolen Hearts on Amazon Music of wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery+ in Apple Podcasts or the Wondery App. Listen to Stolen Hearts: http://Wondery.fm/SH_Unresolved

"There are no heroes or villains in this story, but neither are there saints or martyrs." Today's episode features an interview with author Jeff Guinn, author of the new book "Waco: David Koresh, the Branch Davidians, and a Legacy of Rage." In it, we chat about Jeff's work writing the book, as well as details about the Branch Davidians, David Koresh, and more. Please make sure to check out Jeff's book wherever you can, or learn more at Simon & Shuster: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Waco/Jeff-Guinn/9781982186104

"There are a lot of actions this killer took. Stabbing her 18 times, setting the house on fire.... They took additional measures that weren't necessary to kill her, a level of overkill." In the early morning hours of 30 April 2008, authorities in Kitsap County, Washington were contacted by residents in Port Orchard. There, along the 1100 block of Sidney Avenue, a fire had broken out, and just before 4:00 AM that Wednesday, the flames had become evident to sleeping neighbors. Firefighters quickly put out the flames and discovered the remains of the woman that lived inside, 47-year-old Linda Malcom. A Navy veteran, Linda had lived in the home for over a decade, and was prepared to move to nearby Bremerton just days later. Yet, before she could take this next step in her life, an unknown subject had stabbed her to death and then set her longtime home on fire... Special thanks to Jennifer Bucholtz and George Jared, who have taken on Linda's case as their next case to highlight. Jennifer and George have highlighted similar stories in the past, helping some cases find resolution, and hope to do the same for Linda's story. If you'd like to follow their progress, please follow along in their Facebook group, "Unsolved Murder of Linda Malcom," which can be found at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/805715740615538 If you know anything - or think you may know anything - you are encouraged to reach out to Jennifer and George, or can directly contact the Port Orchard Police Department at the following: (360) 876-1700police@portorchardwa.gov Research, writing, hosting, and production by Micheal Whelan "Unresolved" themes composed by Ailsa Traves Learn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.me If you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or Producer

This is a brief preview for the newest episode of my Patreon-exclusive show, Resolved, available now for all $5+ supporters. To learn more about this series - and how you can listen - consider heading to: https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod This episode can be found at the following link: https://www.patreon.com/posts/77477215

"The dying woman who points at her own killer - it was like a bad novel by Agatha Christie." On Monday, 24 June 1991, 65-year-old Ghislaine Marchal had plans to meet up with a friend for lunch in the French town of Mougins. When she failed to respond to any phone calls or attempts to rouse her inside of her home, friends contacted her home's security company, and eventually, law enforcement. Police arrived at the property later that evening, and during their search, became interested in a an annex leading down to a cellar. There, behind a barricaded door, they'd find Ghislaine's body, along with a message written in blood... Research & writing by Olivia Paradice Hosting & production by Micheal Whelan "Unresolved" themes composed by Ailsa Traves Learn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.me If you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or Producer

There has been an update in the University of Idaho Murders (episode #226 from just a few weeks ago). Earlier today, authorities announced that they had detained 28-year-old Bryan Kohberger, a graduate student from nearby Washington State University... To learn more about this story, listen to "The University of Idaho Murders" at the following link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/unresolvedproductions/the-university-of-idaho-murders-spreaker Researched, written, hosted, and produced by Micheal Whelan If you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or Producer

There has been an update in the GirlsDoPorn story (episode #156 from 2020). Earlier this week, officials in Spain arrested Michael James Pratt, the founder of GirlsDoPorn who became a fugitive back in 2019... To learn more about this story, read or listen to "GirlsDoPorn" at the following link: https://unresolved.me/girlsdoporn Researched, written, hosted, and produced by Micheal Whelan If you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or Producer

"It takes a certain mentality, and a certain personality type, to commit an act like this. To burn a woman alive is not something many people are capable of doing." Early on the evening of 1 December 2017, authorities in Colorado were dispatched to a home located in Bailey, a small town southwest of Denver. There, at an isolated home in rural Park County, they came upon an active fire. A 9-1-1 call made a short time prior said that multiple people were inside the home causing damage, but by the time authorities arrived, the suspect(s) had fled and the house was on fire. Despite initial reports that no one was found inside the burning home, that would change in the days to come, as the homeowners attempted to track down their 17-year-old daughter. To this day, events surrounding her mysterious death remain clouded in mystery... If you know anything - or think you may know anything - please reach out to your nearest FBI field office or American Embassy/Consulate. You may be eligible for up to $75,000 in reward money, and can remain anonymous if you so choose. You can learn more and also contact the Maggie Long Task Force directly at the following: Telephone: (303) 239-4243 Email: maggie.long.tips@state.co.us Website: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/maggie-long Research, writing, hosting, and production by Micheal Whelan "Unresolved" themes composed by Ailsa Traves Learn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.me If you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or Producer

"Someone did this with a purpose of doing this. Not once, not twice, not three times but four. I don't know anything scarier than that." Early on the afternoon of 13 November 2022, police in Moscow, Idaho responded to a 911 call about an "unconscious individual" at 1122 King Road. Inside the home, located near the University of Idaho campus, officers would find four bodies in total: three young women that lived at the property (Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, and Xana Kernodle) and one young man (Ethan Chapin, Xana's boyfriend). All four victims had been killed in an apparent homicide, likely stabbed to death with the same knife, but specific details about the crime remain clouded in mystery. In the weeks since this event unfolded, police in Moscow have continued to search for the unknown subject that committed this crime, while attempting to protect the integrity of their investigation from rumor, gossip, and online chatter. Meanwhile, as authorities field criticism about their initial response to the story, an international spotlight continues to shine upon this small college town... If you know anything - or think you may know anything - please reach out to authorities at the following: - Telephone: (208) 883-7180 - Email: tipline@ci.moscow.id.us - Website: fbi.gov/moscowidaho Research, writing, hosting, and production by Micheal Whelan "Unresolved" themes composed by Ailsa Traves Learn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.me If you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or Producer

This week has seen significant updates for two stories previously covered on Unresolved: - Toyah Cordingley (episode #169 from 2021) - The Delphi Murders (episode #100 from 2019) Researched, written, hosted, and produced by Micheal Whelan Learn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.me

"Hey, don't shoot, I understand what's going on, don't shoot. We can work this out." Just after midnight on 19 October 1985, Douglas Cleaves was relaxing with his sister and two of his friends at his home in Anchorage, Alaska. The four had eaten dinner earlier that evening and were watching "Fame" when they heard a couple of loud knocks at the front door. Doug's sister, Susan, got up to get it. Standing at the door was a masked figure wearing a balaclava, combat gloves, and a tan-colored trench coat, who was holding what looked like a bolt-action hunting rifle. This unknown individual stormed inside and shot Doug five times, ignoring the man's pleas as he lay helpless on the ground, having lost his legs in a terrible accident just a few months prior... Special thanks to Susan Ludwig, Doug's sister, who has championed her brother's story for several years now. If you know anything about his still-unsolved murder, please reach out to one of the following numbers: - Anchorage Police Department: (907) 786-8900 - Crime Stoppers: (907) 561-STOP - Unresolved: (831) 200-3550 or micheal@unresolved.me Research, writing, hosting, and production by Micheal Whelan "Unresolved" themes composed by Ailsa Traves Learn more about this podcast at http://unresolved.me If you would like to support this podcast and others, consider heading to https://www.patreon.com/unresolvedpod to become a Patron or Producer