Centuries ago, on what would become Staten Island, Christopher Billopp built a house that would become notorious in history and the paranormal.
What is the true history of Billop (later Conference) house? Was a servant really murdered there? And what ghosts still hang around, waiting for their story to be told?
Edited by Maxwell Holechek
Part two dives into the chilling story of Edward Rulloff, a 19th-century scholar-turned-serial criminal whose brilliance masked a deeply antisocial and violent nature. Despite multiple arrests and a murder conviction, Rulloff repeatedly evaded justice, charming intellectuals and manipulating legal systems with ease, much like Ted Bundy. His eventual execution and the postmortem study of his unusually large brain sparked debates that reshaped early neuroscience, especially around psychopathy and moral responsibility. Join us as we discuss how Rulloff’s legacy endures as both a cautionary tale and a pivotal case in the history of criminal psychology.
Edited by Maxwell Holechek
Before H.H. Holmes or Jack the Ripper, there was Edward Rulloff—a Victorian-era serial killer whose intellect was as notorious as his crimes. In Part One of this two-part deep dive, we explore the early life, toxic relationships, and shocking beginnings of Rulloff’s criminal career. From his obsessive pursuit of linguistic fame to the brutal and mysterious disappearance of his wife and child, we unravel the chilling contradictions of a man some called “The Victorian Hannibal Lecter.” Stay tuned for Part Two, where we’ll examine his escape, final crimes, the potential for psychopathy, and the bizarre legacy his brain left behind.
Edited by Maxwell Holechek
In the second part of our two-part episode, Dorothea Puente’s dark crimes begin to unravel. Still, the question remains: Can anyone truly believe this seemingly harmless “little old lady” is capable of murder?
As we dig deeper into her chilling history, some believe the spirit of Dorothea herself lingers, haunting the very boarding house where her horrific acts took place.
Audio edited by Maxwell Holechek
In November of 1988, detectives are called to the boardinghouse of Dorothea Puente to investigate the disappearance of one of her residents and are quickly shocked as bodies start to be unearthed.
In the first part of our two-part episode, we look at Dorothea Puente’s childhood, her life, and what may have led a woman to commit such horrific crimes.
Edited by Maxwell Holechek
In this part two episode, we continue our exploration of Heaven’s Gate, focusing on the group’s evolution during the 90s, their adoption of technology, and Marshall Applewhite’s increasingly apocalyptic teachings that culminated in the tragic mass suicide of 1997. We delve into the psychological, social, and cultural factors that contributed to the group’s beliefs, their reliance on sci-fi themes described in Star Trek, and the profound impact on survivors, families, and society. Join us as we analyze the legacy of Heaven’s Gate, exploring how collective belief and charismatic leadership led to one of the most haunting chapters in modern history.
TW: This episode discusses suicide.
Audio edited by Max Holechek
Join us as we delve into the fascinating and chilling story of Heaven’s Gate, the UFO cult. In Part One of this two-part episode, we explore the early days of this enigmatic group, led by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles, whose blend of Christian apocalypticism, UFO beliefs, and strict communal life captivated followers and led to one of the most infamous cult stories in modern history. We discuss how ordinary people were drawn into a movement that promised salvation among the stars and ultimately ended in tragedy.
Trigger warning: this episode discusses themes of suicide.
Edited by Max Holecheck
Join us as we uncover the chilling history of books bound in human skin, also known as anthropodermic books. Once symbols of prestige for physicians and collectors in the 18th and 19th centuries, these macabre artifacts have recently been a hot topic of critical ethical debates. We explore the science behind identifying these bindings, their historical context, the troubling lack of consent surrounding their creation, and the stories of the people who made them.
Audio editing by Max Holechek
Join us and special guest, Jake Rice of Ghostly Activities aka GHOST DADDY himself, as we delve into the spirits of Fort Worden. We get into the dark history, malicious murders, and an actual paranormal investigation with plenty of *evidence*.
Trigger warning: talk of suicide.
Audio edited by Maxwell Holechek
In our second part we examine the suspects, the aftermath and the legacy of a killing spree that remains officially unsolved to this day.
Edited by Maxwell Holechek
Continue reading The Texarkana Moonlight Murders: Part Two
