The Escape Pod

Escape Artists ‘Play Possum’ – Ep. 24

A child plays dead to escape his mother’s abusive grip; a woman plays dead and likely escapes a serial killer; a student plays dead to escape a gunman in her classroom. Conscious decision or simply the body’s primitive response to danger? On this episode of The Escape Pod, the co-hosts discuss true stories of people who “played possum” - pretending to be dead – to escape horrific situations and how, in these cases, that response was likely their key to survival. 
 
Bullet Points of Key Topics and Markers: 
Topic #1   6:08 Co-hosts shares story of “freezing” in traumatic situation 
Topic #2 16:53 10-year-old boy plays dead to escape his mom’s abuse 
Topic #3 21:12 Shop owner plays dead to escape gunman 
Topic #4 31:11 11-year-old plays dead to escape school shooter 
Topic #5 37:55 Escapism, co-host-style! 
 
 
Resources & Links 
 
https://lawandcrime.com/crime/10-year-old-boy-decided-to-play-dead-after-mom-allegedly-doused-him-with-bleach-and-tried-to-drown-him-in-bathtub-cops/  
https://people.com/boy-played-dead-survive-alleged-drowning-attempt-mother-police-say-8639764 
https://www.waaytv.com/news/sheffield-woman-indicted-on-aggravated-child-abuse-charge/article_18a8e744-117a-11ef-8ee2-b7485c7176c7.html  
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I-70_killer  
https://nypost.com/2023/07/16/i-70-serial-killers-lone-survivor-played-dead-to-save-her-life/ 
https://www.firstalert4.com/2022/02/28/news-4-exclusive-possible-lone-survivor-i-70-serial-killer-speaks-up-after-30-years/  
https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/27/us/robb-shooting-survivor-miah-cerrillo/index.html  
https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/uvalde-school-shooting-survivors-miah-cerrillo-khloie-torres-awarded-for-courage/  
 
 
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‘I CONFESS! Except I didn’t do it.’ – Ep. 23

A teenager confesses to shooting a man outside a nightclub. A woman confesses to stabbing her elderly landlord to death. A man confesses to killing his father, even though he can’t remember doing it. Different situations, different cities, different years – all with one thing in common: in every case, the confession was coerced. Call it “crisis brain” in full force! 
So ... how did these suspects escape their own false confessions? And how long did it take for the truth to come out? Find out in this episode of The Escape Pod! 
  
Bullet Points of Key Topics and Markers: 
Topic #1  00:54 
Escaping weird tics and terrifying drivers! 
Topic #2 12:20  
Wisconsin, 2018: An 18-year-old becomes a shooting suspect 
Topic #3 18:15  
New York, 1995: A tenant and would-be informant becomes the suspect in her landlord’s fatal stabbing 
Topic #4 28:19  
California, 2018: Man’s father goes for a walk but doesn’t return 
Topic #5 38:01  
Co-hosts' final thoughts on coerced confessions 
 
Resources & Links 
 
Tony Saavedra. May 23, 2024. https://www.sbsun.com/2024/05/23/fontana-pays-nearly-900000-for-psychological-torture-inflicted-by-police-to-get-false-confession/  
KC Baker. May, 28, 2024.  https://people.com/man-coerced-confessing-murdering-father-father-was-alive-8654832  
https://www.birdsall-law.com/false-confessions-the-eddie-gill-case 
https://www.forensicmag.com/609996-Coerced-Confession-Evidence-Withholding-Renay-Lynch-is-Exonerated-26-Years-Later/  
https://innocenceproject.org/renay-lynch-is-exonerated-after-nearly-26-years-of-wrongful-conviction-in-buffalo-new-york/  
 
 
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UNWELCOME: When squatters invade (Teri’s story) – Ep. 22

Roughly 30 years ago, escape artist Teri and her husband were thrilled to become the new owners of a “really cute” house in central California when they successfully bid on a foreclosed property. Little did they know they already had house guests – the unwelcome kind known in legal terms as “squatters.” 
In this episode of The Escape Pod, Teri offers up a hilarious account of their escape from the squatters. But first, co-host Charity explains the difference between squatting and trespassing and highlights a separate, more recent case in California – with much more serious consequences. 
 
Bullet Points of Key Topics and Markers: 
Topic #1  2:30 While one co-host escapes a drunk driver, the other barely escapes a wave of Powerade rushing through her car. 
Topic #2 15:20 Squatting vs. Trespassing 
Topic #3 19:51 California, October 2021: A 71-year-old man is reported missing by a concerned neighbor; authorities start to investigate the woman living in his home. 
Topic #4 39:44 Teri’s escape from squatters 
Topic #5 58:50 Escapism, co-host-style! 
 
 
Resources & Links
Story Sources: 
Brittny Mejia. March 18, 2024. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-03-18/she-sold-his-encino-home-out-from-under-him-for-1-5-million-then-he-killed-himself  
Yaron Steinbuch. March 25, 2024. https://nypost.com/2024/03/25/us-news/squatter-left-dead-mans-body-in-luxury-la-home-in-elaborate-scheme-to-take-over-property/ 
March 18, 2024. https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/west-hills-woman-who-disposed-one-victims-body-sentenced-20-years-federal-prison  
https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/66735202/united-states-v-herrling/  
 
Squatter Information:  
Gemma Smith. November 21, 2023. https://www.azibo.com/blog/creative-ways-to-get-rid-of-squatters#:~:text=Property%20owners%20and%20property%20managers,if%20they%20refuse%20to%20leave  
https://www.steadily.com/blog/south-dakota-squatters-rights-laws#:~:text=What%20duration%20of%20occupancy%20is,10%2Dyear%20duration%20is%20required 
Giulia Carbanero. March 26, 2024. https://www.newsweek.com/how-squatters-rights-compare-different-states-1883480 
Vivian Tejada. March 8, 2024. https://www.azibo.com/blog/squatters-rights 
 
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NOT Mom of the Year (Ruby & Jodi’s story) – Ep. 21

A 12-year-old escape artist knocks on a neighbor’s door and politely requests that the man take him to a police station. Soon, the boy’s mom and her friend/therapist/business partner are arrested and charged with multiple counts of felony child abuse. But just a few years prior, this same mom was gaining notoriety (and 2.5 MILLION followers) on YouTube, in part, for her parenting style. 
What happened?! How many steps are there between “disciplinarian” and straight-up “abuser”? Was the influencer being influenced in all the wrong ways? There’s plenty to discuss about this relatively recent true crime tragedy, so jump into the Escape Pod with co-hosts Julie and Charity, and – spoiler alert! - don’t bail early because this episode does, in fact, end on a funny note that ensures we keep the “comedy” in “traumedy.” 
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains content about severe physical and emotional abuse committed against children. 
 
 
Bullet Points of Key Topics and Markers: 
Topic #1      2:40 Co-host offers update on parental drama of her own 
Topic #2    13:13 Introduction to “NOT Mother of the Year” Ruby Franke 
Topic #3    21:50 A child’s escape leads to two women’s arrests 
Topic #4    35:10 In custody, Ruby admits to many of her abusive acts 
Topic #5    52:30 Where’s the kids’ dad? 
Topic #6 1:03:35 Gigglefest 2024: Co-hosts react to one hubby’s hilarious reply to the question, “How much over par are you?” 
 
 
Resources & Links 
https://www.thecut.com/article/ruby-franke-utah-mommy-vlogger-pleads-guilty-to-child-abuse.html 
https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/ruby-franke-sentence-child-abuse-mommy-vlogger-rcna139627 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruby_Franke#:~:text=5%20References,Career,and%20amassed%201%20billion%20views  
https://apnews.com/article/ruby-franke-youtube-child-abuse-sentencing-4f4985c1cab9243d4eaf8b6a58f087ed  
Law and Crime Sidebar with Jesse Weber https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmO78ryTM1g and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ier97z_WRcM  
https://wegotthiscovered.com/youtube/what-are-the-ages-of-ruby-frankes-kids/  
https://www.google.com/search?q=ruby+franke&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS858US858&oq=ruby+fr&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDQgAEAAY4wIYsQMYgAQyDQgAEAAY4wIYsQMYgAQyCggBEC4YsQMYgAQyBggCEEUYOTINCAMQABiDARixAxiABDINCAQQABiDARixAxiABDINCAUQABiDARixAxiABDIGCAYQABgDMgYIBxBFGDyoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:c2a5b6a0,vid:OoBAUOrtUds,st:0  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGcpOhlKL_w  
https://jodihildebrandt.com/reviews/  
https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/News/niece-jodi-hildebrandt-ruby-frankes-business-partner-speaks/story?id=103751750  
https://pagesix.com/2023/09/12/niece-of-jodi-hildebrandt-claims-they-were-duct-taped-by-terrifying-aunt/  
https://lawandcrime.com/sidebar-podcast/it-was-torture-niece-of-ruby-franke-supporter-jodi-hildebrandt-opens-up-about-alleged-child-abuse/  
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ruby-franke-jodi-hildebrandt-sentenced-child-abuse-youtube-eight-passengers/  
 
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For Whom the ‘Belles’ Toll – Ep. 20

After many misdiagnoses, a teenage girl in Australia learns she has a rare type of cancerous tumor. She begins her search for anything that might help her escape it, including a regimented diet promoted by a social media influencer. The influencer, a beautiful young woman named Belle, says she beat cancer and numerous other ailments by detoxifying her body and strengthening her immune system, and her following grows quickly. 
 
But Belle’s “wellness brand” starts to take its toll, and many of her followers report their health conditions getting worse, not better. 
 
Have you escaped the influence of a deceptive social media influencer? Tell us about it at escapeartist@escapepod.live! 
 
UPDATE: A co-worker briefly mentioned in this episode underwent surgery for brain tumors in late 2023, but – good news! - the tumors were NOT cancerous, and she continues to be an amazing co-worker today. Woohoo! 
 
 
Bullet Points of Key Topics and Markers: 
Topic #1   1:03 Co-host escapes tornadoes in Tornado Alley! 
Topic #2 11:52 Australia, 2013: 17yo is diagnosed with cancer  
Topic #3 22:42 The truth about Belle is revealed, but why all the lies? 
Topic #4 34:57 Belle’s victims respond 
Topic #5 53:53 Escapism, co-host-style! 
 
 
Resources & Links 
 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belle_Gibson  
https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/belle-gibson-faked-cancer-wellness-influencer-b1102443.html  
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9799359/Belle-Gibsons-victims-reveal-sucked-cancer-fakers-web-lies-toll.html  
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/may/21/cancer-con-woman-belle-gibsons-home-raided-to-try-to-recoup-unpaid-fines 
https://7news.com.au/news/bella-was-desperate-and-dying-then-she-came-across-fraudster-belle-gibson-c-12709384  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnUGxvwtjf4  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IBh9JTXmf4  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLuBeV_fhsc  
https://www.newportinstitute.com/resources/co-occurring-disorders/pathological-liar-signs/#:~:text=In%20some%20cases%2C%20pathological%20lying,love%20and%20reassurance%20they%20crave.  
https://abcnews.go.com/Business/nightline-documentary-podcast-dropout-story-elizabeth-holmes-theranos/story?id=60365362
 
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WHO IS SHE ... REALLY? - Ep. 19

Girl in the Picture. Suzanne Sevakis.
The mystery of a missing person spans 40 years, taking more twists and turns than even the Escape Pod cohosts can count! 
As a teenage girl in the mid-1980s, this wannabe escape artist was known as a smart girl and good friend with big dreams, but – time and time again – one person kept preventing her from reaching her full potential. In the end, he couldn’t escape the many investigators who pursued truth and justice for a woman whose true identity took decades to reveal. 
 
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes graphic content about kidnapping and violence against women and children. 
 
Bullet Points of Key Topics and Markers: 
 
Topic #1 10:33 The first of several stories that, eventually, collide.  
Topic #2 28:13 1990: 3 men near OKC find critically injured on side of road  
Topic #3 45:10 2002: Investigative journalist interviews suspect in string of crimes 
Topic #4 56:20 Escapism, cohost-style 
 
 
Resources & Links 
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/girl-in-the-picture-netflix-suzanne-sevakis-b2116243.html  
 
“Girl in the Picture” Netflix documentary 
 
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/inside-the-true-crime-netflix-documentary-girl-in-the-picture/5FGD3MCIDBEIPOHHXZFJWSOVFM/  
 
https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/cold-case-investigation  
  
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Holy cow! When ‘faith’ preys on vulnerability - Ep. 18

A Swedish man joins a Pentecostal church in 1989 and soon becomes a pastor. But he has a unique way of fighting off the devil: with sex – and sex with women who aren’t his wife. (Spoiler alert: she’s a pastor, too, and claims to be the “bride of Christ.”) In time, their love triangle starts to look more like a love hexagon, and the body count begins to grow. 
Plus, co-host Charity shares her own story of seeking out a church where she thought she could belong, only to find a religious sect using scare tactics (and pet bunnies on Easter?) to try to influence a small child. It’s a pretty crazy story too! So jump into the Escape Pod this week for a wild ride of “religion” gone very wrong! 
 
DISCLAIMER: The Escape Pod and its cohosts are, in no way, passing judgement (pun intended) on ALL churches or faith leaders. The first story in this episode is shared in keeping with our focus on tales of true crime; the second is a co-host's personal experience trying to find a spiritual home but being sorely disappointed with her search. 
 
Bullet Points of Key Topics and Markers: 
Topic #1   6:30 Introduction of key members of church in Sweden 
Topic #2 13:31 Woman used to “ward off the devil” is shunned  
Topic #3 23:49 6-year-old Charity goes on an ill-fated faith journey 
Topic #4 40:33 Escapism, cohost-style! 
Resources & Links 
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-9462799/How-Pentecostal-pastor-convinced-lover-murder-wife.html  
https://www.chron.com/news/nation-world/article/Man-guilty-of-sending-murderous-messages-from-God-1668112.php  
https://www.news24.com/news24/priests-murder-plot-sickens-20040730  
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282224820_The_Life_Story_of_Helge_Fossmo_Former_Pastor_of_Knutby_Filadelfia_as_Told_in_Prison_A_Narrative_Analysis_Approach  
https://www.thelocal.se/20111214/37938  
https://www.religionnewsblog.com/8939/i-was-a-sex-slave 
https://infosekolah.net/en/Helge_Fossmo  
https://infosekolah.net/en/%C3%85sa_Waldau  
 
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"Fr-odd" But True – Ep. 17

FR-Odd But True – Ep. 17 
Summary of Episode 
If you’ve ever asked the question, “What is wrong with people?” then this episode is for you! 
Join co-hosts Julie and Charity in the Escape Pod for three very odd but true stories of people who failed to escape from their very bad ideas – including a case of insurance fraud that led to severe (and severed?) consequences. 
CORRECTION: In “The Office” episode referenced here, Andy was the driver of the car, while Dwight was pushed into the shrubbery. (We apologize to our fellow Office fans for the mix-up.) 
 
Bullet Points of Key Topics and Markers: 
Topic #1   4:03 6 for 1: Police investigating a car theft end up with way more suspects than they bargained for.  
Topic #2   8:44 A would-be arsonist wants revenge on an ex.  
Topic #3 15:00 Super-hard fraud: Two friends in Taiwan attempt to cash in on an insurance policy, with dire results for one of them. 
Topic #4 26:52 Escapism, co-host-style! 
 
Resources & Links 
Story #1: 
https://www.ccso.us/press-releases/12662/ 
https://www.foxnews.com/us/maryland-guardian-arrives-stolen-vehicle-take-custody-teens-arrested-auto-theft-police-say 
https://www.newser.com/story/335690/after-cops-arrested-6-the-arrests-kept-coming.html 
https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2023/03/10/711686.htm#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20new%20analysis,consistently%20exceeded%2075%2C000%20in%202022.  
https://www.fastcompany.com/91028032/car-thefts-and-carjackings-are-up-unreliable-data-makes-it-hard-to-pinpoint-why  
https://www.newsweek.com/car-theft-rise-fbi-council-criminal-justice-annual-report-2023-1863972#:~:text=The%20%22clearance%20rate%22%20or%20rate,and%2013%20percent%20for%20burglary.  
 
Story #2: 
https://www.salisburypost.com/2023/04/23/charges-upgraded-to-attempted-murder-for-alleged-arsonist/ 
https://www.salisburypost.com/2023/08/03/woman-sentenced-to-20-25-years-for-attempted-murder-in-2022-fire/  
https://truecrimedaily.com/2022/07/27/north-carolina-christie-jones-sets-wrong-house-on-fire-revenge-ex-boyfriend/ 
https://www.statista.com/statistics/252459/number-of-arson-offenses-in-the-united-states-by-type/#:~:text=Number%20of%20arson%20offenses%20in%20the%20United%20States%202022%2C%20by%20type&text=In%202022%2C%20a%20total%206%2C508,which%2013%2C147%20were%20structure%20fires.  
https://www.statista.com/statistics/252461/average-damage-caused-by-arson-offenses-in-the-united-states-by-type/#:~:text=In%202022%2C%20the%20average%20damage,costing%20about%20324%2C389%20U.S.%20dollars. 
Clip from “The Duel” (The Office): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAIzFIOJA2c 
 
 
Story #3: 
https://people.com/man-allegedly-convinced-friend-amputate-legs-insurance-scam-authorities-8611327  
https://www.businessinsider.com/taiwan-student-convinced-friend-amputate-legs-insurance-scam-prosecutors-2024-3 
https://wpde.com/news/nation-world/taiwanese-duo-accused-of-self-amputation-insurance-fraud-scheme-zhang-and-liao-taiwan-taipei-district-prosecutors-office-fraud-investigation 
https://www.moneycontrol.com/investor-education/insurance/classroom/student-used-dry-ice-to-get-frostbite-got-legs-amputated-for-million-insurance-payout-17502041.html 
https://content.naic.org/cipr-topics/insurance-fraud#:~:text=The%20Coalition%20Against%20Insurance%20Fraud,%24700%20a%20year%20in%20premiums 
 
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