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Houston we have a problem, the FBI said; and that problem was, the “Little Rascals” bank robbers. I am not kidding. Agents called on the people of Houston to help them track down and capture three kids -- between the ages of 14 and 18 -- who robbed a Wells Fargo bank, the afternoon of March 14. Here’s what the Houston FBI put out on X: “Recognize these "little rascals"? Believe it or not they just robbed the Wells Fargo at 10261 North Freeway. If you know who and where they are contact police immediately or @crimestophou at 713-222-TIPS. #HouNews” The kids wore hoodies but not masks. The pictures of the dastardly trio show their faces clear as a bell. But still the FBI sent out that message on social media asking for help, to which Kira, on X, responded: “I don’t know which is more embarrassing that a bank got robbed by some middle schoolers or that the fbi cant find them.” Well, not to worry, Kira (a.k.a. Karen???). The FBI got their kids. The three alleged robbers, ages 11, 12 and 16, were charged six days after the crime with “robbery by threat.” That’s a second-degree felony. How’d the cops nail this one shut? Simple. The kids’ parents turned them in. Case Closed, Kira!!! New!! Step into the shadows of 1948 New York, where the once-blissful marriage of Robert and Vera Lotito takes a nightmarish turn in "The Murder of Vera Lotito." In this gripping true crime novel, author Rod Kackley unravels a tale of love, betrayal, and a brutality that shocks the very essence of post-war New York society. It's March, and the city pulses with life, but for Robert Lotito, the rhythm of happiness abruptly halts. A chilling discovery awaits him in the confines of their apartment – Vera, his bride of four months, lies lifeless on the floor, a tableau of horror painted in her own blood. Bound, gagged, and garroted with neckties, the brutality hints at a crime of passion, a murder driven by an unfathomable vendetta. As the city's medical examiner deems it a crime born of deep-seated rage, the New York Police Department descends, eyes trained on Robert as the prime suspect. Did he, in a fit of fury, snuff out the life of the woman he vowed to cherish? Or did Vera's tangled web of secrets and debts lead her into a deadly confrontation? Delve into a city on edge and navigate the complex web of relationships, exposing the underbelly of a metropolis gripped by a murder that shocked its core. Was it the scorned lover seeking revenge, or did Vera's financial dealings plunge her into a sinister realm where debts are settled with blood? "The Murder of Vera Lotito" peels back the layers of intrigue, taking you behind the scenes of a case that captivated a city. Join the relentless NYPD detectives in their pursuit of justice, witness the lives of the ill-fated couple, and finally, confront the chilling truth that led to the conviction of the man responsible for Vera Lotito's murder. In this riveting true crime narrative, Rod Kackley weaves a tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat, questioning the motives and unraveling the mysteries until the final, shocking revelation. Purchase your ticket to the dark underbelly of 1940s New York and uncover the secrets that lurk behind the Murder of Vera Lotito.

Journey into the heart of post-war New York, where the union of Robert and Vera Lotito turns from wedded bliss to a haunting crime scene in "The Murder of Vera Lotito." In this spellbinding true crime narrative, author Rod Kackley guides readers through a labyrinth of love gone awry, betrayal, and a brutality that echoes through the city's darkest corners. March 1948, a time of renewal and promise, takes a sinister turn for Robert Lotito. What should have been a routine afternoon unravels into a nightmare when he discovers his wife, Vera, lying lifeless in their apartment. The crime scene is a tableau of horror – Vera's life extinguished, bound, gagged, and garroted with Robert's own neckties. A crime so passionate and vengeful that it leaves the city's medical examiner in awe. As the New York Police Department swings into action, suspicions settle on Robert as the lead suspect. Did the vows of matrimony shatter into a violent act of rage? Or did Vera's clandestine affairs lead her down a perilous path that ultimately claimed her life? In "The Murder of Vera Lotito," Kackley pulls back the curtain on a city gripped by a murder that sent shockwaves through its post-war optimism. Explore the complex relationships, clandestine affairs, and financial entanglements that weave a tapestry of motives. Was it a jilted lover seeking revenge, or did Vera's debts become a deadly currency in a world where justice is paid in blood? Follow the relentless pursuit of truth by the NYPD detectives, unravel the lives of Robert and Vera, and confront the chilling reality that led to the conviction of the man responsible for this heinous act. Rod Kackley crafts a narrative that keeps you on the edge, untangling the threads of mystery until the final revelation. "The Murder of Vera Lotito" invites you to traverse the gritty streets of 1940s New York, where love and betrayal collide in a gripping tale of passion, secrets, and a murder that etched its mark on the city's history. Purchase your ticket to the shadows and uncover the enigma that lies behind the Murder of Vera Lotito.

The King County Sheriff’s Office has identified the last known remains of the Green River Killer case as belonging to Tammie Liles. The partial remains were found at a location investigators were led to in 2003, and labeled Bones 20, due to an inability to confirm identity when located. Identification was completed after extensive testing and research by Othram, a forensic sequencing laboratory contracted by the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) to do forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) testing. With this identification, there are no other unidentified remains associated with the Green River Case. The ‘Green River Killer’ is, or was, Gary Ridgway, a man who claims to have murdered so many teenage girls and women near Seattle and Tacoma, Washington, that he lost count. In 1985, the remains of two unidentified women were found near the Tualatin Golf Course near Tigard, Oregon.  Later, one of these remains was identified through dental records as Tammie Liles. In June 1985, the remains of two other women were found nearby off Bull Mountain Road, just outside Tigard, Oregon. Green River Detectives went to assist with the search of that site. Those two females were soon identified as Denise Bush and Shirley Sherrill. Both were on the Green River Missing Person List and had last been seen in the Seattle area in October 1982. Gary Ridgway was interviewed about all these cases in 2002 and 2003. He admitted responsibility for the murders of Bush and Sherrill in King County and stated that he moved the bones of each to the Tigard site sometime later. This was confirmed in the Bush case by the presence of remains in both Washington and Oregon. Ridgway took investigators to the location where he originally left Sherrill’s body, but nothing was found to confirm his claims. Ridgway at that time denied responsibility for the murders of Liles and the other unidentified female found near her, who was later identified as Angela Girdner. In 2003, Gary Ridgway led investigators to a site on the Kent-Des Moines Road where he claimed that he had left a victim’s body. A search of the area turned up several bones and some teeth. No skull was found and most of the major bones were absent. Samples of the remains were sent to the University of North Texas who obtained a DNA profile for the victim, which was uploaded into NDIS, a national database that contains the DNA profiles of missing people and unidentified remains. With no identification made on these remains, investigators labeled her as Bones #20. In November 2003, Ridgway pled guilty to the murder of Bones #20, Denise Bush, and Shirley Sherrill, along with 45 other victims, and was sentenced to life in prison. He would later plead guilty to the 49th victim. In the fall of 2022, members of the King County Sheriff’s Office met with Othram representatives and discussed the Bones 20 case. Additional attempts to identify the remains throughout the years had been unsuccessful.  Othram was contracted to attempt to build a suitable DNA profile and conduct associated FGG research if they were successful. In August 2023, Othram notified KCSO that they successfully built a DNA profile for the unknown victim and their in-house forensic genetic genealogy team had tentatively identified Bones 20 as Tammie Liles, who was first identified as a victim in 1988 through the match of dental records to a separate set of discovered remains at a location in King County. The mother of Tammie Liles was later contacted, and detectives obtained a DNA sample from her. This sample was sent to the University of North Texas which was then able to identify using traditional STR and mitochondrial DNA testing that the remains are also those of Tammie Liles. While Liles had originally been identified as a victim in 1988, the discovery of Bones 20 in King County and subsequent forensic testing last year has concluded that the remains are those of Liles. And now....this... Justin Mohn is accused of cutting off his father’s head with a knife and machete, then posting a video on YouTube during which he displayed the man’s severed head and talked about killing federal government workers. Motive? At this time, cops say they don't have a clue. But, they are working on it. One more note: I want to thank Jim Sulanowski for featuring me on his most recent edition of the Murder Most Foul podcast. Among other things, we discuss, The Murder of Pamela Hutchinson: A Shocking True Crime Story. Click here to listen to Murder Most Foul, and the Doppelgänger Murder interview. In the gripping true crime saga, “The Murder of Pamela Hutchinson: A Shocking True Crime Story,” the shocking and chilling tale unfolds with an intensity that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Set against the backdrop of a small town in Minnesota, this heart-stopping narrative reveals the depths one woman, Lois Riess, is willing to plunge to escape the clutches of her own vices. Trapped in a web of gambling debts and desperation, Lois Riess takes matters into her own hands when her husband becomes an obstacle to her financial freedom. In a cold-blooded act, she orchestrates the murder of her spouse, sending shockwaves through the community and setting in motion a relentless pursuit by law enforcement. As police race against time to apprehend the cunning fugitive, Lois Riess embarks on a harrowing cross-country journey to elude capture. The stakes escalate when she arrives in Florida, where she commits a gruesome crime, eliminating a woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to her. In a daring move, Lois assumes the victim's identity, deftly slipping through the fingers of justice. The FBI issues urgent warnings, plastering billboards with Lois's haunting image, urging citizens to avoid this dangerous fugitive at all costs. The tension builds as Lois hurtles towards the Texan border, with law enforcement closing in from all sides. Will she manage to slip through the cracks and vanish into Mexico, or will justice catch up with her in the nick of time? The Murder of Pamela Hutchinson: A Shocking True Crime Story. Click here and start reading right now... Doppelgängers: It’s been said that everyone has one. Ever meet yours? I did! I was in a bar one night, watching a guy who looked enough like me to be my twin. All night I watched and he matched me drink for drink. Finally I had to get up to say hello. He got up at the same moment.... Then, I realized I had been looking in the mirror behind the dancers all night. Oh well. Hey! Maybe next time I'll tell you about the time my mother's bowling team walked into a topless bar where I was sitting ring side! Maybe. That’s it for now. As always, thanks for reading! Rod

Two beautiful twenty-three-year-old women, identified by German media only as “Sharaban K.” and “Khadidja O.” looked so much alike that their mothers might have had trouble telling them apart. Note that I wrote “looked.” Past tense. The last time Khadijah’s mother saw her, the beauty blogger and influencer’s face was beaten and stabbed so brutally that the woman was unrecognizable. She’d been stabbed more than fifty times, according to the police. Now, Sharaban and her boyfriend, Sheqir K., face trial for Khadidja’s murder. Prosecutors will argue that the couple -- Sharaban and Sheqir -- surfed Instagram until they found someone who looked just like Sharaban, a doppelgänger, then set about luring her into a trap. Promising free beauty products that Khadidja could write about, Sharaban and Sheqir allegedly picked up their target in Sharaban’s Mercedes. They drove her to a forest where they stabbed her dozens of times, mutilated her face, and then left her in the backseat of the luxury auto parking the Mercedes out in the open. Along with the corpse, Sharaban left her identification and took Khadidja’s. Motive? Prosecutors say Sharaban was having severe problems with her family and went looking for a doppelgänger. The plan was to kill the unfortunate look-a-like and then steal the dead woman’s identification and her life. “It was an extraordinary case that required all the investigators’ skills,” Police spokesman Andreas Aichele told the German publication Bild. “We don’t have a case like this every day, especially with such a spectacular twist.” However, this is not the first time a woman has chosen a doppelgänger victim so that she can escape into a new life. Prepare to be gripped by the heart-stopping true crime narrative, “The Murder of Pamela Hutchinson.” First published as Her Own Demons, this is a chilling account that plunges readers into the disturbing world of Lois Riess. In the quiet corners of Minnesota, Lois’s desperate bid for financial freedom takes a sinister turn when she orchestrates the murder of her husband, setting in motion a cataclysmic chain of events. As the local police race to untangle the web of lies and uncover Lois’s dark motives, she escapes their grasp. She embarks on a cross-country odyssey, leaving a trail of blood in her wake. Lois commits another heinous crime and vanishes into the shadows by assuming a new identity. With the FBI urgently warning the public through billboards bearing her haunting image, the nation becomes captivated by the relentless pursuit of this cunning fugitive. The tension reaches a boiling point as Lois hurtles toward the Texas border, her every move shadowed by law enforcement. The pages of “The Murder of Pamela Hutchinson” turn with the urgency of a thriller, revealing the psychological depth of a woman willing to go to any lengths to escape the consequences of her actions. Start reading now...

April 30, 1932 The day begins like any other for J. W. Bucher inside his small grocery store and filling station outside Hillsboro, Texas. Other than him, the store’s empty. Not another person in sight. Even the gas pump outside is lonely. Times are tough. Many of his customers are running tabs, unable to pay for the necessities of life. Despite the challenges, J.W. and his wife do what they can to assist their neighbors without going broke and being forced to close. Today, like every other day, J.W. is in the store when a car pulls up to the gas pump outside. A young man hops out of the car and enters the store carrying a package. “I'd like to sell you some knives,” says the man as he places the package on the counter in front of J.W. The sixty-two-year-old grocer shakes his head slowly, looks the young man in the eye, and says, “Times are too tough down here in cotton country to sell knives from this store.” J.W. glances toward the stairs that lead to the small apartment where he and his wife live. He knows all too well how tight money is now, and J.W. is also aware that Mrs. Bucher is fully aware of the store’s precarious financial state. If he buys the knives from this young man — and they are exceptionally nice blades — J.W. is going to have to justify the purchase not only to himself but to his blushing bride. That’s not something he looks forward to. Eventually, however, J.W.’s charitable side wins the internal argument with the more practical side of his personality, and he buys the knives. Once they agree on a price, J.W. goes to the room directly behind the front counter. In full view of the young man who came in with a package of knives, J.W. opens the safe and extracts enough cash to pay for his purchase. The deal is done. The man leaves, J.W. Bucher goes back to work, and his wife will be none the wiser until the day is done. Hours later, J.W. and his wife are sleeping, only to be awakened by the sound of someone banging on the store’s front door. “Wake up, Dad,” shouts a man. “I want some guitar strings.” J.W. is still rubbing sleep from his eyes when the man outside yells, “It’s me, Dad, the boy who sold you those knives.” Grumbling and mumbling, Mister and Missus Bucher tumble from their warm bed and go downstairs to let the man inside. It’s a small sale — a package of guitar strings — but it’s a sale, and these days every penny matters, J.W. explains to his wife. And besides, he says, this guy is never going to leave until he gets his damn strings. Together they go downstairs, letting the man inside the store. Not alone this time, he is now with a tiny young lady who can’t weigh more than ninety-eight pounds soaking wet. As J.W. hands the man his guitar strings, the man hands J.W. a large bill. “Ten dollars?” J.W. asks. “Smallest I got left from what you paid for the knives,” says the man. J.W. looks at his wife and nods his head toward the door to the backroom. Mrs. Bucher takes the $10 and goes to the back room to make change. When she turns back toward the store, she finds herself staring down the barrel of a pistol in the hands of the young man. Glancing toward her husband, she sees J.W. in a similar predicament. The young lady has a gun pointed right between her husband’s eyes. A robbery! You can’t trust anyone, Mrs. Bucher thinks. J.W. is not about to be robbed by a little girl, so he grabs the barrel of the revolver. He yanks hard. But the young lady has her finger on the trigger, and the gun fires, blasting Mr. Bucher right between the eyes. When the young man hears the shot, he fires a round into J.W.’s head before the man crashes to the blood-soaked wooden floor. He swings the gun back toward Mrs. Bucher. The young woman does the same. With both the pistol and the revolver aimed at her face, and her husband laying dead on the floor, Mrs. Bucher does the only thing she can. She hands over the money and watches the young man and woman back their way out of the store, get into their car, and drive away. And there you have it, according to the June 24, 1934, edition of the San Francisco Examiner -- the first of a dozen murders committed by Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Hey! Look at this! A crime novel about Barney Parker and Heidi "Heid" Barrow! "The Deadly Duo: A Tale of Crime and Chaos," takes you on a wild ride through the dark and twisted minds of two unlikely partners in crime. Barney Parker and Heidi Barrow, two individuals from very different walks of life, join forces to embark on a violent and unpredictable spree of robbery, murder, and mayhem. The story begins with Barney, a bored thirty-something, meeting Heidi, a stunning woman — known as ‘Heid’ by her friends — when she comes running out of a liquor store with a bag of cash in one hand and the store’s owner in hot pursuit. Barney and Heid quickly discover a mutual love for danger and excitement, leading them to team up for a series of heists and murders that leave a trail of destruction in their wake. As their crimes become more daring and violent, Barney and Heid's relationship deepens, blurring the lines between their criminal partnership and their intense romantic connection. But as their notoriety grows, so does the danger, as law enforcement closes in on them. "The Deadly Duo" is a heart-pumping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The novel explores the complexities of human nature and the allure of power and danger, making it a must-read for fans of crime fiction and psychological thrillers. With its gripping plot, intense action scenes, and well-developed characters, "The Deadly Duo" is sure to be a hit with readers who crave a suspenseful and thrilling ride. Whether you're a fan of crime fiction or just looking for a page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end, "The Deadly Duo" is the perfect read for you. Start reading now...

The Murder of Pamela Hutchinson: A Shocking True Crime Story In the gripping true crime saga, “The Murder of Pamela Hutchinson: A Shocking True Crime Story,” the shocking and chilling tale unfolds with an intensity that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Set against the backdrop of a small town in Minnesota, this heart-stopping narrative reveals the depths one woman, Lois Riess, is willing to plunge to escape the clutches of her own vices. Trapped in a web of gambling debts and desperation, Lois Riess takes matters into her own hands when her husband becomes an obstacle to her financial freedom. In a cold-blooded act, she orchestrates the murder of her spouse, sending shockwaves through the community and setting in motion a relentless pursuit by law enforcement. As police race against time to apprehend the cunning fugitive, Lois Riess embarks on a harrowing cross-country journey to elude capture. The stakes escalate when she arrives in Florida, where she commits a gruesome crime, eliminating a woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to her. In a daring move, Lois assumes the victim's identity, deftly slipping through the fingers of justice. The FBI issues urgent warnings, plastering billboards with Lois's haunting image, urging citizens to avoid this dangerous fugitive at all costs. The tension builds as Lois hurtles towards the Texan border, with law enforcement closing in from all sides. Will she manage to slip through the cracks and vanish into Mexico, or will justice catch up with her in the nick of time? The Murder of Pamela Hutchinson: A Shocking True Crime Story!

(this is not me) It was a cold December day nearly thirteen years ago; I decided to leave the 9-to-5 world with its steady paychecks to write stories and books. It's been an incredible journey. I'll tell you more about it in the coming months. Until then, here are 2023's top “Shocking True Crime Story” books, according to my readers. The Murder of Kelsey Berreth: A Shocking True Crime Story This is a riveting story of a young woman's disappearance, her family's will to find out what happened, and a 21st-century police investigation that nearly cracks the case wide open. Nearly. Will the FBI do a deal with the devil to solve this crime? The Murder of Katherine Brown: A Shocking True Crime Story Forbidden passion and unimaginable violence collide in a gripping tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat. In the quiet corners of a rural community in Western Michigan, a seemingly ordinary father of two harbored a dark secret. The Murder of Thora Chamberlain: A Shocking True Crime Story November 2, 1945: On her way to a high school football game with friends, a fourteen-year-old girl vanishes after driving away with a man who says he needs a babysitter. The FBI unleashes its top kidnapping expert, an agent who helped bring John Dillinger down. Will that be enough to find the girl and her abductor? Justice for Ashley: A Shocking True Crime Story Worse than murder. More heinous than homicide. Ashley's mother wants justice. And she wants her daughter returned to her. All of her. 88 Days The Abduction of Jayme Closs: A Shocking True Crime Story A thirteen-year-old girl is kidnapped, ripped from the arms of her murdered mother by a man who fantasized about someday abducting a girl, any girl, and making her his own. (this is not me, either. But closer..) There you have it. My Top Five “Shocking True Crime Story” Best Sellers for 2023. How about something new? Maybe something ‘historic’ with dare I ask, ‘A Christmas Flair?’ You got it! My newest Shocking True Crime Story, The Murder of Mary Falzone. Step back in time to the winter of 1929, where the magic of Christmas in Brooklyn, New York, was shattered by a heinous act that reverberated through the ages. In "The Murder of Mary Falzone: A Shocking True Crime Story,” Rod Kackley unravels the chilling tale of a family torn apart by an explosion that claimed the lives of Mary, Philip, and Rose Falzone, innocent children whose lives were extinguished by a bomb disguised as a holiday gift. As the city grappled with the aftermath of this unspeakable tragedy, a relentless investigation unfolded to unmask the perpetrators behind the merciless attack. Rod Kackley takes readers on a gripping journey through the dark alleys of 1920s Brooklyn, where organized crime thrived, and the thin line between justice and retribution blurred. The narrative unfolds like a suspenseful thriller, capturing the tension of a city on the brink. The Murder of Mary Falzone: A Shocking True Crime Story

It was late in the afternoon of Sunday, December 10, 2023, when 81-year-old Sharron Hilda Schwartz put a plate of hot pancakes on the table for her husband, Steven, inside their home on the northwest side of Washington DC. He flipped out, according to US Attorney Matthew M. Graves, who says the 85-year-old man grabbed a knife and stabbed Sharron in the back only because he didn’t want to eat pancakes. Then, as Sharron lay dying on the kitchen floor, Steven began stabbing himself. Metropolitan Police Department homicide detectives say they found Sharron critically wounded and Steven suffering self-inflicted wounds when they busted down the apartment’s front door. Sharron died later at a local hospital, while Steven was treated, released, and booked on a charge of second-degree murder. One of the Best, Now One of the Worst: A Shocking True Crime Story Brittiny Lopez-Murray, a 33-year-old middle school teacher in South Florida, was once cited as one of the best teachers in her school district. Declared “rookie teacher of the year,” in fact. Not anymore. Not after pleading guilty to six charges after being arrested for having sex with a former student. Brittiny was busted two years ago. She entered guilty pleas on December 13, 2023, to charges of lewd and lascivious battery, lewd and lascivious molestation of a child, and electronic transmission harmful to minors. Although the boy in question was a student of hers at Hialeah Middle School, he was in high school and 17 years old when Brittiny was arrested two years ago. His father called the police and got them involved in the case after the boy’s sister discovered “explicit text messages and photos” exchanged by the teenager and Brittiny. So, what now? Jail? No. Brittiny was sentenced to two years of community control and ten years of probation. She will have to register as a sex offender and take part in a program for sex offenders with mental disorders. How Could They Not Know? A Shocking True Crime Story Now, from the “No Sh*T Sherlock” department, we find a 308-page report from the British government that cites “failures of management, governance, regulation and processes, and a persistent lack of curiosity” allowed David Fuller to have sex with more than 100 corpses over fifteen years without anyone being the wiser. In fact, his love for sex with the dead -- necrophilia -- wasn’t uncovered until police used DNA to tie him to the murders of two women. According to AP, police then found millions of images of sexual abuse in his home. The list includes videos of Fuller having sex with the dead bodies of women and girls inside mortuaries at two hospitals where he worked in southeast England. The official report declares this is “truly shocking.” Serial Killing Maniac Rots in Prison Dennis Rader, the BTK serial killer, pleaded guilty to murdering ten people from 1974 to 1991. This is what he looked like during his 2005 trial. And this is what he looks like in his 2023 prison mug shot. “He’s lost like seven inches, and he’s in a wheelchair,” Kerri Rawson told NewsNation of her 78-year-old dad’s nearly 20 years in prison for killing 10 people. History. We Make More of It Every Day. My latest Shocking True Crime Story, “The Murder of Mary Falzone,” begins in October 1929, as the stock market is crashing and runs through the early 1930s. While researching this story, I came across an excellent example of how justice was done back then. I call this snapshot of a Shocking True Crime Story: You’ve Got A Choice, Kid April 11, 1932 On page 49 of the Times Union newspaper in New York comes news from Chicago that Charles B. Keck, 19, is standing before a magistrate in open court after being arrested on a charge of “necking” with a girl in his automobile. Magistrate John Ehardt looks down from the bench and gives the nervous young man a choice. “You can either pay a $5 fine or marry the girl,” says Ehardt. Charles doesn’t think twice. He pulls a fiver from his wallet and walks out of court, a free man in more ways than one. Since I have your attention... “The Murder of Mary Falzone: A Shocking True Crime Story.” Why not start reading now?

The Murder of Mary Falzone: A Shocking True Crime Story Step back in time to the winter of 1929, where the magic of Christmas in Brooklyn, New York, was shattered by a heinous act that reverberated through the ages. In "The Murder of Mary Falzone: A Shocking True Crime Story,” Rod Kackley unravels the chilling tale of a family torn apart by an explosion that claimed the lives of Mary, Philip, and Rose Falzone, innocent children whose lives were extinguished by a bomb disguised as a holiday gift. As the city grappled with the aftermath of this unspeakable tragedy, a relentless investigation unfolded to unmask the perpetrators behind the merciless attack. Rod Kackley takes readers on a gripping journey through the dark alleys of 1920s Brooklyn, where organized crime thrived, and the thin line between justice and retribution blurred. The narrative unfolds like a suspenseful thriller, capturing the tension of a city on the brink. "The Murder of Mary Falzone" is not just a meticulous retelling of a true crime; it is an exploration of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable loss. Through painstaking research and vivid storytelling, Rod Kackley paints a vivid picture of a bygone era, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and emotions of a community grappling with grief and the quest for justice. As the investigation deepens, readers will be engrossed by the cast of characters—dedicated detectives, grieving family members, and the shadowy figures lurking in the criminal underworld. The book unveils the layers of deception and betrayal that led to that fateful Christmas morning, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with every revelation. "The Murder of Mary Falzone" transcends the true crime genre, becoming a poignant exploration of the enduring quest for justice and the impact of violence on a family and a community. This is a tale that goes beyond the headlines, inviting readers to contemplate the fragility of life and the strength that can emerge in the face of tragedy. Gripping, evocative, and profoundly moving, this true crime narrative is a must-read for those seeking an unforgettable journey into the heart of a dark chapter in American history. Read more now...

Greetings, Shocking True Crime Stories Readers! "This is a robbery!" How many times have those words been shouted in America? Too many to count. Today, we are going to look at the Top Three Heists in America’s history, all Shocking True Crime Stories... United California Bank Robbery (March 24, 1972) - $30 Million Amil and James Dinsio, along with a gang that included their nephews, brother-in-law, and two underworld associates, got away with a cool $30 million from United California Bank in Laguna Niguel, California. The Dinsio brothers, professional criminals from Ohio, targeted that particular bank branch because of a rumor that President Nixon kept several million dollars in that bank. The Dinsio brothers and their gang rented a townhouse in the neighborhood of the bank, as their headquarters. Then, they disarmed the bank’s alarm system and used dynamite to blast a hole in the roof of the bank’s safe deposit vault. How’d they get caught? Couple of big mistakes. First, they used their real names to travel out west from Ohio. Then, after getting home, following the United California robbery, the brothers did the same thing to a bank in Ohio. On top of that, they left fingerprints inside the dishwasher of the townhouse in California. And, one more thing. They found a taxi driver, who for the price of a generous tip, was more than willing to talk about the robbery gang. Everyone involved in the California robbery was arrested and most of the money was recovered. 2. Pierre Hotel, New York, New York (January 2, 1972) - $27 million Samuel Nano and Robert Comfort stole $1 million each in cash and jewelry from the Sherry Netherlands Hotel, a 5-star hotel in Manhattan. Then, they set their sights on an even bigger target. It turned out to be, at the time according to the Guinness World Record, “the most successful hotel robbery,” in history. Halo and Comfort, with the help of a gang that included Robert “Bobby” Germaine and Alan Visconti from the Lucchese crime family in New York. Ali-Ben, a contract killer for the Turkish mafia, and his brother-in-law Al Green were also part of the gang. They were joined by Nick “The Cat” Sacco, and a freelance contract killer, Donald Frankos. The robbery went off like clockwork. Oh, and they took 19 hostages, too. But they got away with the money. However, it’s also the story of live by the gun, die by the… Name was killed by an unknown gunman in 1988. Comfort was assassinated by mafia bosses. Ali-Ben and Al Green fared better, they escaped to Europe, while “The Cat” was busted and imprisoned for another crime. 3. Dunbar Armored Robbery (September 12, 1997) - $18.9 Million This was a classic “inside job.” A trusted Dunbar Armored trucking company employee, Allen Pace, who was employed as a safety inspector, orchestrated multimillion dollar heist. Classic -- He recruited five old chums, friends since childhood, to help him. The six man gang stormed into the Dunbar plant at noon, when everyone else was relaxing, eating lunch. The gang assaulted two guards, while Pace ripped off the video devices recording the security cameras. Then, the six loaded $18.9 million into -- what else -- a U-Haul truck. Now, many robberies go bad because the thieves don’t have a plan that includes anything but running from the scene of the heist. Allen and his crew were smarter than that. They started slowing laundering the stolen cash through phony businesses the gang established, along with buying and selling real estate. Nice and easy, not greedy. But, wouldn’t you know it? Someone couldn’t follow the plan. One of the robbers gave some of the stolen money to a buddy. A loan. And he didn’t even take the cash out of its original wrappers. Bonehead! Everyone knows that nice guy shit only goes so far. He went too far. Cops found the hot cash, rounded up the gang and they were all given long prison sentences. Let’s stay with our “3” theme and take a look at 3 New Audiobooks available right now... Just click or tap on the book you want, and start reading. This is our little secret: You are not going to believe how affordable these audiobooks are! And finally, staying again with the “3” theme, Rod’s Three Favorite Reads of 2023.. Click or tap here to become enlightened! That’s all for now. Now matter what you do this week....Keep Reading!!! And remember this advice from Stephen Wright, "Borrow money from pessimists-they don't expect it back." Rod

Love & Murder Kelsey Berreth, vanishes on Thanksgiving Day 2018. The FBI is afraid they’ll have to do a deal with the devil to find her. Her fiance, Patrick Frazee, says he doesn't have a clue. In fact, he says they broke up just a few days before. He's as mystified as everyone else. But Kelsey's mother, Cheryl, is afraid she knows what happened to her daughter. A task force of FBI and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation agents believe they also know what happened to Kelsey. They have cell phone records and more, including surveillance video and DNA. But they have run into a roadblock. The agents have to get someone close to the killer to flip and turn state's evidence. Are they going to have to do a deal with the devil to find justice for Kelsey Berreth? The Murder of Kelsey Berreth: A Shocking True Crime Story. This is a riveting story of a young woman's disappearance, her family's will to find out what happened, and a 21st-century police investigation that nearly cracks the case wide open. Nearly. Will the FBI do a deal with the devil to solve this crime? November Special: For Shocking True Crime Fans, pick up The Murder of Kelsey Berreth Audiobook for just $5.20! That's a 60% savings until November 28, 2023! Tap here to start listening to The Murder of Kelsey Berreth: A Shocking True Crime Story..

Rod Kackley's Shocking True Crime Stories Newsletter November 1973 Flashback Edition - Top 5 True Crime Stories Welcome, Shocking True Crime Enthusiasts! This week, we're taking a trip back in time to November 1973 — 50 years ago — the days when the Universe really stood for something. The world was a different place, but one thing remained constant - Shocking True Crime Stories that continue to captivate us. Join us as we revisit the top five true crime tales of that era. 1. The Denver Sniper - November 1973 In November 1973, Denver was terrorized by a sniper who randomly targeted innocent victims. The spree, which lasted for weeks, had the entire city on edge. The authorities launched a massive manhunt, eventually leading to the capture of the elusive sniper, who turned out to be a disturbed war veteran. 2. The Fort Lauderdale Strangler A series of gruesome murders rocked Fort Lauderdale in November 1973. Five young women were brutally strangled, sending shockwaves through the community. The case remained unsolved for years until DNA evidence finally led to the arrest of a former neighbor. 3. The Heist of the Century - Stockholm Bank Robbery In November 1973, a group of bank robbers in Stockholm executed a heist that would go down in history. They tunneled into the bank's vault and made off with millions in cash and valuables. The audacity of the crime and the gang's cunning planning made this heist the stuff of legends. 4. The Disappearance of Joan Risch On a seemingly ordinary day in November 1973, Joan Risch vanished from her suburban Boston home, leaving behind signs of a struggle and disturbing clues. Her case remains unsolved to this day, sparking countless theories and speculations about her mysterious disappearance. 5. The Oakland County Child Killer The terrifying case of the Oakland County Child Killer dominated headlines in November 1973. Four children were abducted and brutally murdered in the Detroit area, leaving parents and law enforcement in a state of panic. Despite extensive investigations, the identity of the killer and the motive behind these tragic murders remains a mystery. And I can tell you as one who lived in Metro Detroit during that time, it was a breaking point for parents. When I grew up in the Detroit suburb of Warren, it was nothing for kids to stay outdoors all day, playing where we wanted, waiting for our mothers’ voices to call us home for dinner. After the Oakland County Child Killer stories broke, nobody was allowed out alone for a long, long time. ———— These stories from November 1973 remind us of the enduring fascination with true crime, as we continue to seek answers and justice for the victims. Stay tuned for more gripping tales from the world of true crime. Until next week, remember to lock your doors and keep a watchful eye, for the world of true crime is always lurking in the shadows. Stay curious and stay safe! Rod