The Book of the Dead

40 Episodes
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By: Courtney Liso

Hosted by Courtney Liso, The Book of the Dead is a true crime podcast that focuses on the victims of lesser-known crimes. Each episode presents a deep dive into a case from around the world, dissecting the details to tell the whole story of who each victim was, in addition to what happened to them. Formerly hosted by a mother-daughter team, the podcast has evolved with one host, taking the care necessary to ensure each victim is honored as they should be. Join Courtney every Wednesday at 12am EST for a new chapter in The Book of the Dead. 

Chapter 103: The Crime That Appalachia Forgot-The Nancy Morgan Murder w/ Mark Pinsky
#103
Last Wednesday at 4:00 AM

In Today's episode, I am joined by veteran investigative journalist Mark Pinsky to unpack the decades-old mystery of Nancy Morgan, a young VISTA volunteer found brutally murdered in Madison County, North Carolina in 1970. Mark walks me through the corrupt local politics, suppressed leads, and the lingering questions that keep this cold case unsolved more than 50 years later. He also reflects on his storied career in crime reporting, including his explosive jailhouse interview with serial killer Ted Bundy. This is an interview you don't want to miss.

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Chapter 102: Vanished in the Redwoods-The Disappearance of Theresa Bier
#102
04/30/2025

In Today's episode, I dive into the mysterious 1987 disappearance of 16-year-old Theresa Bier in the remote Sierra Nevada mountains near Fresno, California. Accompanied by 43-year-old Russell Welch, a self-proclaimed Bigfoot hunter, Theresa vanished without a trace during an expedition in the wilderness. Welch was later arrested but never charged due to lack of evidence. What happened deep in those woods? Join me as I explore the strange circumstances, disturbing theories, and unanswered questions surrounding the Theresa Bier case—a mystery that still baffles investigators today.

Anyone with information about Theresa's disappearance is encouraged to call the Fr...


Chapter 101: Voices From The Inside-The Dublin Prison Scandal w/ Tess Korth
#101
04/23/2025

Today, I sit down with Tess Korth, the whistleblower who exposed rampant abuse and systemic corruption at FCI Dublin, a federal women’s prison in California once dubbed “the rape club” by those who lived and worked within its walls. Tess shares her firsthand experiences working inside a prison where the power dynamics turned predatory and silence was enforced through fear. Throughout her 25-year career, she witnessed not only the abuse of incarcerated women by staff but also the institutional cover-ups that followed. Tess faced retaliation, ostracization, and threats when she decided to speak out, but she didn’t back down. In...


Chapter 100: A Colonel, Crash, and Trail of Blood-The Mysterious Death of Colonel Philip Shue
#100
04/18/2025

On April 16, 2003, Air Force Colonel Philip Shue was found dead in his car after it veered off a Texas highway and slammed into a tree. But this wasn’t an ordinary crash. Shue's body showed signs of brutal mutilation—his chest was mutilated and his finger amputated in an act of twisted, surgical, precision, and duct tape dangled from his wrists.

Officially ruled a suicide, the case left behind more questions than answers.In this episode of The Book of the Dead, we dive deep into one of the most baffling and controversial military deaths in modern history. Was...


Chapter 99: A Missing Woman, Two Murders, and a Confession Ignored-What happened to Keeshae Jacobs?
#99
04/09/2025

In 2016, 21-year-old Keeshae Jacobs disappeared after telling her mom she would return the next day. Nearly a decade later, she’s still missing—but someone has admitted to knowing what happened.

In this episode, I expose the disturbing connections between Keeshae’s disappearance and the 2022 killing of Ashley Fowler—whose alleged killer also claimed responsibility for Keeshae’s disappearance. I also cover the tragedy that befell the Jacobs family mere months after Keeshae's disappearance, leaving her mother heartbroken and devastated Why was his confession never pursued? Why has this case gone cold despite multiple opportunities for answers and why was a...


Chapter 98: Shadows of the City- Homicide, Mystery, & The Murder of Henryk Siwiak w/ Vic Ferrari
#98
04/02/2025

In this Chapter of the Book of the Dead, we sit down, with retired NYPD detective and author Vic Ferrari who has joined us, again, to delve into his experiences with homicides and death in New York City. From the grim realities of crime scenes to being present for autopsies, Ferrari shares his insights on what it's really like to work for the NYPD from, Rookie, to Detective. We also revisited the haunting case of Henryk Siwiak—the only officially recorded homicide in NYC on September 11, 2001. More than two decades later, his murder remains unsolved. Vic shares his theories and hi...


Chapter 97: NYPD Unplugged-Stories of A Former Detective w/ Vic Ferrari
#97
03/26/2025

In today's chapter of The Book of the Dead, we sit down with retired NYPD detective and author Vic Ferrari to uncover the fascinating world of law enforcement in New York City. With over 20 years of experience on the force, Vic shares firsthand stories from his time working on major cases, the challenges of policing in one of the busiest cities in the world, and the moments that shaped his career. We also explore his journey from detective to author, where he turned his real-life experiences into captivating and amusing books that give readers a behind-the-scenes look at the NYPD.<...


Chapter 96: Searching for Justice- The Murder of Kristina Hickey and The Abernathy Exoneration
#96
03/19/2025

In this gripping chapter of The Book of the Dead, we dive deep into one of the most haunting true crime cases: the murder of Kristina Hickey. Join us as we explore the chilling details of the crime that shook a community and the subsequent investigation that led to a wrongful conviction.

We’ll examine the evidence that pointed to Christopher Abernathy, who spent years behind bars for a crime he did not commit, and the journey toward exoneration. Listen in as we discuss the impact of media coverage, the role of forensic science, and the relentless pursuit of...


Chapter 95: What Happened at Peachtree Landing?-The Heather Elvis Mystery
03/12/2025

In today's chapter, I delve into the mysterious disappearance of Heather Elvis, a 20-year-old woman from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, who went missing on December 18, 2013. Her abandoned car was found at Peachtree Landing, but Heather was never seen again. The investigation led to Tammy and Sidney Moorer, a married couple whose tumultuous relationship with Heather would become the focus of multiple high-profile trials. Were the Moorers responsible for Heather's disappearance, or was the truth lost in a whirlwind of jealousy, deception, and conflicting testimonies? Join me as I break down every twist and turn of the Heather Elvis case, including:<...


Chapter 94: Failed by the System: The Death of Crystal McCrory Jones
#94
02/26/2025

On February 9th, 2023, Crystal Jones was found dead in her home from a gunshot wound to the head. Despite a minimal investigation, authorities ruled her death a suicide—leaving her family devastated and searching for answers. Her sister, Jana, refused to accept this ruling, uncovering shocking inconsistencies in the evidence and contradictions in her husband Tony Jones' account of that day. Was Crystal’s death truly suicide, or was it something far more sinister?

Join us as we partner with Jana to investigate the truth behind Crystal’s case, exposing overlooked details, law enforcement missteps, and chilling evidence that s...


Chapter 93: A New York Mystery-The Murder of Bani Yelverton
#93
02/19/2025

In today's chapter, we dive into the murder of a woman that history seems to have forgotten. Not anymore. In December of 1969, Bani Yelverton, a young Black woman with a promising future in modeling, was found murdered in her friend's New York apartment under circumstances that baffled investigators. With no sign of forced entry, few concrete leads, and a city gripped by upheaval, the case soon went cold. Who wanted Bani dead—and why? 


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Chapter 92: An Exorcism in Enfield-The Death of Kennedy Ife
02/05/2025

Today, we delve into the dark world of exorcisms and the tragic case of Kennedy Ife, a 26-year-old man from Enfield, London, whose shocking death in 2016 raised unsettling questions about faith, mental health, and the dangers of so-called demonic possession.We explore the history and controversy surrounding exorcisms—age-old rituals performed to cast out supposed evil spirits—and how belief in possession has led to terrifying and sometimes fatal consequences. Then, we take a deep dive into Kennedy Ife’s case, where his family claimed he was possessed and restrained him in an attempt to drive out the "demon"—a decision...


Chapter 91: Murder on Campus-The Virginia Olson Cold Case w/ Brian and Cameron Santana
#91
01/22/2025

On April 15, 1973, the body of 19-year-old Virginia Olson was found on the campus of the University of North Carolina-Ashville. She had been brutally murdered on a campus that considered itself to be so safe, they didn't need security. The investigation spanned decades but ultimately came to a standstill, until two brothers, one a professor, and the other a cop, started digging into Virginia's case themselves. 

Today, those brothers, Brian and Cameron Santana join The Book of the Dead to tell Virginia's story and what they uncovered to put together into a book they have written about Virginia's case h...


Chapter 90: Frenemies to Fatalities-The Murders of Missy Avila & Skylar Neese feat. Beyond the Rainbow Podcast
#90
01/14/2025

Together with C.J., host of Beyond the Rainbow: True Crimes of the LGBTQ, we dive into two heart-wrenching cases where friendships turned deadly. The murders of Missy Avila and Skylar Neese are the ultimate betrayal, each one a tragic tale of trust shattered by jealousy, deceit, and revenge.

Missy Avila, a bright and promising teenager, was brutally murdered by two supposed friends—victims of a toxic friendship gone horribly wrong. Her case remains a disturbing reminder of how close-knit bonds can unravel in an instant, ending in violence.

Skylar Neese’s story is equally harrowing. Lure...


Chapter 89: The Last Word-Johnny Frank Garrett's Execution Revisited
12/29/2024

To end 2024, we revisit the execution of Johnny Frank Garrett and go over the proof that shows he was innocent of the murder he was charged with committing. From FBI reports to an alleged confession from another convicted killer, Johnny's case is a glaring example of what a miscarriage of justice can do to a person.

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Chapter 88: The Devils in Pavilion 5-The Lainz Angels of Death
#88
12/11/2024

In this chilling episode, we dive deep into one of the most horrifying and mysterious murder sprees in modern history – the Lainz Angels of Death. Operating under the radar for years, a group of nurses at the Lainz General Hospital in Vienna turned their workplace into a gruesome killing field, responsible for the deaths of at least 49 patients (though some suspect many more).
But what drove these healthcare professionals, sworn to protect life, to commit such unspeakable crimes? How did they evade detection for so long, and what psychological forces played into their twisted motives? We’ll unpack the stra...


Chapter 87: Murder in the Mine-The Murders of Breezy Otteson and Riley Powell
#87
11/27/2024

Teenagers Riley Powell and Breezy Otteson were wildly in love and looking forward to building a future together. After childhoods filled with various hardships and heartache, they finally found love and happiness. However, everything would change in December 2017 when the actions of a jealous man would cut their lives short.

Thank you to CJ for the Research and writing of this Chapter!
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Novela 7-Hell Hath No Fury-The Betty Broderick Story w/ Love and Murder Podcast
11/13/2024

In today's episode, we bring you a guest episode from Love and Murder: Heartbreak to Homicide. Ky brings you the infamous Betty Broderick case, a story of love, betrayal, and murder. Betty, a once-devoted wife and mother, found herself at the center of a scandalous double homicide after her bitter divorce from her ex-husband, Dan Broderick, and his new wife, Linda Kolkena. Raised in a strict Catholic household, Betty's life took a dark turn as her marriage crumbled, leading to years of resentment, emotional trauma, and ultimately, the murders.

Ky examines the events that pushed Betty to the...


Chapter 86: Execution of an Innocent Man-The Murders of Narnie Bryson and Sister Tadea Benz
10/30/2024

"I’d like to thank my family for loving me and taking care of me. And the rest of the world can kiss my ass.”

After the murder nun in Amarillo, Texas, police are convinced they found their killer. Johnny Frank Garrett was tried, sentenced, and executed for the murder of Sister Tadea Benz, but this case is not as straightforward as it seems. From the misconduct of a medical examiner, calls for clemency from Pope John Paul II, omitted evidence, and a second murder that police knew was tied to Sister Tadea's, this is a...


Chapter 85: The 30 Year Wait-The Murder of Carmen Van Huss
#85
10/16/2024

Carmen Van Huss, at 19, had her whole life ahead of her. After visiting her grandmother in the hospital, Carmen headed to her apartment to prepare for work in the morning, when she met up with a man and they headed into her apartment together. After neighbors complained about noises coming from her apartment, all went quiet, but over the next two days, no one heard from Carmen. When her father comes looking for her, he stumbles into a parent's worst nightmare and the mystery of what happened that fate full night would take decades to uncover.

<...


Novela 7- The Murder of Sakia Gunn w/ Beyond the Rainbow
10/02/2024

In May of 1987, 15-year-old Sakia Gunn was on her way home in Newark, New Jersey after a night with friends in Greenwich Village. Sakia and her friend were approached by two older men, and when they rebuffed the men's advances, they were attacked. Sakia, a proud lesbian, was murdered that night in a crime that rocked Newark and the LGBTQ Community. Join CJ from Beyond the Rainbow: True Crimes of the LGBTQ to hear Sakia's story.

Find CJ and more information about her podcast here

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Chapter 84: Missing in Mexico-The Disappearance of Juana Ramirez
09/18/2024

From The Book of The Dead archive, we present the case of Juana Bernal Ramirez. On October 1, 1995, 3-year-old Juana Ramirez went to Chapultepec Park with her family for a day of fun, however, the Ramirez family's worst nightmare would become a reality when Juana disappeared without a trace. With no witnesses and no evidence, it would be 27 years before anyone would learn the fate of little Juana. 

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Chapter 83: A Romeo & Juliet Scenario-The Murder of Joanne Witt
#83
09/06/2024

Joanne Witt knew better than anyone that parenting wasn't always the easiest job in the world, but when her 14-year-old daughter, Tylar, started hanging around with a much older teen named Steven Colver, things got a lot more difficult. When Joanne banned steven from coming around her daughter with the threat of pressing charges, Tylar and Steven came up with a plan to get Joanne off their backs so they could be together forever. 

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Chapter 82: She Wanted to be Friends-The Murder of Suzanne Capper
#82
08/21/2024

In Moston, Manchester, England, 16 year old Suzanne Capper just wanted to make some friends. She was having a hard time coping with school and would regularly skip class when she would meet a boy named Clifford Pook. When Clifford introduced Suzanne to his older sister, Jean Powell, Suzanne bent backward to make Jean and her friends happy. However, from the start, this group would turn on Suzanne and treat her horribly, until it all came to a head on December 7th of 1992 when they decided they needed to punish Suzanne for every slight they perceived her to make against them.<...


Novela 6-The Lady of the Lake-The Murder of Hallie Illingworth w/ Creepy Confidential
08/07/2024

Out on Lake Crescent in July of 1940, fishermen come across the body of a woman wrapped in blankets floating on the surface. The body was a startling sight to behold as a strange chemical process had turned her flesh into a soap-like substance and her what was left of her face had made her virtually impossible to identify. Meanwhile, 3 years before, Hallie Illingworth, a waitress at the Lake Crescent Tavern had disappeared around Christmas time in 1937. Where was Hallie, and what happened to the poor woman found floating in Lake Crescent? Join Noelle from Creepy Confidential in this special take...


Chapter 81: Death in the Family-The Barron Family Murders
07/24/2024

When Irene Paget met John Barron, she thought she would have the life she had always wanted: to be a wife and mother. However, Jack Barron was not who Irene thought he was. He was overbearing, obsessed with his appearance, and flew off the handle at everything that displeased him. When a string of deaths occur within the family, the community rallies to support poor Jack Barron who seems to have lost it all, until people start asking questions. One sudden death is a tragedy, but four looks like murder.

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Chapter 80: The Cost of Infatuation-The Murder of Alex Ferreira
07/10/2024

In a small town in Brazil, Alex Ferreira lived with his young wife and had shared custody of his 12-year-old daughter. His wife and Daughter got along well and Alex was thrilled that his daughter was accepting of his new partner, but his daughter's acceptance would turn into something he never thought possible, and the lengths she would go to to get what she wanted would have devastating consequences.

This was an exclusive Patreon episode that we wanted to share as it's a story that many people have never heard of and one that should be shared. 


Chapter 79: Without A Trace-The Disappearance of Wesley Dale Morgan
#79
06/26/2024

In the spring of 2001, 2-year-old Wesley Morgan lived in Clinton, Louisiana with his 19-year-old mother, Ruby Harvard, and her boyfriend, 37-year-old Burnell Hilton Jr. He was a happy toddler, who loved to play and learn. Still, on the morning of May 15th, a mother's worst nightmare becomes a reality when Wesley vanishes from the family home without a trace. 23 years later, Wesley's case is cold, and authorities are adamant that Ruby is not telling the truth about what happened on that fateful day. 

If you have any information regarding Wesley's case, you are urged to call the FBI a...


Chapter 78: Love For Ever, Louise-The Murder in Room 1046
06/12/2024

In the heart of Kansas City Missouri, there is a historic building called the Hotel President, which has remained an icon in the city since it was erected in 1927. With a list of prestigious guests, it is known for being the spot for lavish parties and entertainment. Still, it is also known as the scene of a murder that has never been solved—that of a young man, with a mysterious background and an even more mysterious death that occurred in January of 1935. States away, in Alabama, Ruby Ogletree is desperate to find out what happened to her son Artemus af...


Novela Chapter 5: It Wasn't an Aircraft-The Disappearance of Frederick Valentich- F**k That
05/29/2024

In October of 1978, off the coast of Cape Otway flew the 20-year-old Australian pilot, Frederick Valentich. According to the Radio Exchange he had with radio controller Steve Robey, Frederick reported an aircraft flying above him, but Steve verified that there was no air traffic in that area. Soon after, in correspondence that would baffle Robey and those who saw the transcript after the fact, Frederick would tell Steve that the vessel flying over him was not an aircraft at all. After this shocking revelation, Frederick would disappear with no trace of him or his plane ever to be found. Ash...


Chapter 77: Teens That Kill & Rod Ferrell Revisited w/ Aphrodite Jones
#78
05/15/2024

It's no surprise to anybody that in this day and age, teenagers are becoming more and more violent. With horrific events such as The Vampire Cult Murders, the countless school shootings that started with Columbine, and more, recently, violent protests in the wake of the events happening in the world right now, teenagers have grown up with a lack of fear and respect towards authority and a complex where they think they are above others. While it may not be every teenager and young adult, a shocking number of them have evolved into violent offenders. Today, Courtney is joined by...


Rowena Irani-An Update
05/13/2024

In today's special mini-episode, we revisit the Rowena Irani case and add context provided by her close friend Misba.

Thank you to Misba for providing clarity to Rowena's case as well as sharing more information about her and allowing us to share it with you all to properly do justice to her story. We appreciate every family member and friend who has ever assisted us with the cases presented, and we welcome anyone out there to contact us with information to share regarding any of the other cases we've shared if they are comfortable doing so. 


Chapter 76: A Murder in Memphis-The Murder of Lorenzen Wright
#76
05/01/2024

Lorenzen Wright had it all. He had a beautiful family, a successful NBA career and family and freinds that adored him. When money troubles and allegations of infidelity and abuse start to circulate, Lorenzen's marriage crumbles, and he and his wife go their separate ways, until a few months later when he decides he misses her and heads back to Memphis. In the middle of a Tennessee summer, Lorenzen vanishes and it would be years before anyone could figure out what really happened the night he went missing. 

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Novela Chapter 5: A Creeptastic Time with Creepy Confidential
#76
04/17/2024

On today's chapter of The Book of the Dead, Courtney hung out with Noelle, host of Creepy Confidential to talk all things creepy. From True Crime, Ghost Stories, Cryptids, and even Aliens, nothing was off limits. Join us for a hell of a time and check out Creepy Confidential wherever you get your podcasts.

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Chapter 75: A Mother's Fight for Answers-The Murder of Deverrie Schiller
04/03/2024

Today, in collaboration with Debi Fones, we bring you the story of her daughter, Deverrie Schiller. Deverrie was murdered in June of 2016, and, since then, Debi has been fighting for answers as to what happened. With a lack of suspects and a police force with even fewer resources, it has been an up hill battle, but Debi won't stop until she sees someone arrested for her daughter's murder. We share this story in the hopes that this will happen, because whether the DA wants to move forward or not, Debi is sure she knows who killed Deverrie. 

  If you...


Chapter 74: Because They Were Home-The Murders of Half and Susanne Zantop
03/20/2024

Half and Susanne Zantop were beloved professors at Dartmouth College. Kind, intelligent, and known for their open-door policy at their home, they welcomed anyone in and gave them a space to celebrate, learn, and feel safe and heard. When they are found murdered in their home in Etna, New Hampshire, they community reels from the loss and the brutality of this senseless crime. Who would want to hurt them, and who among them was a killer? however, the answers would not be found in Etna, but rather, in a small dairy town in Vermont. 


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Chapter 73: The Lonely Hearts Killers
#73
03/06/2024

Raymond Fernandez was a charming man who, after a tragic accident, used that charm to seduce women in an effort to steal their money. Martha Beck was a desperately lonely woman with two children whose sole goal in life was to find a man to love her. Their paths would cross, by pure chance, with an ad placed in a Lonely Hearts Club, a service used to find a spouse. This one ad would connect these two and would end with the deaths of 3 people. This is the story of The Lonely Hearts Killers.

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Chapter 72: A Killer in Fort Worth-The Murder of Sandra Bush
#72
02/21/2024

On January 2, 1984, the body of 21-year-old Sandra Bush was found in a field on Decatur Road in Fort Worth Texas after she had been missing for almost 2 full months. 40 years later her case is stone cold and justice has never been served, but entwined with her case are the stories of other women. Other women who died in similar ways and whose cases have also never been solved. Is it a coincidence? Or was there something sinister lurking in the shadows of Fort Worth Texas?

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Chapter 71: Counter Terrorism and The Billionaire Boys Club w/ Gary Edgington
#71
01/14/2024

In today's chapter, I sat down with former counter-terrorism task force commander and author of Outside the Wire, Gary Edgington. Gary is a former counter-terrorism task force commander with over thirty years in law enforcement. From 1999 to 2008 he was a member of the LA FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. After 9/11 Gary commanded a counter-terrorism task force for the California DOJ.
In 2008, Gary deployed to Iraq as an advisor with the US Army. After, he also worked intelligence assignments with the DOD. Gary is also the son of a law enforcement officer who was murdered in the line of du...


Chapter 70: A Fight for Justice-The Murder of Kaylene Oehling w/ Beyond the Rainbow
#70
01/10/2024

In this chapter of the Book of the Dead, we partnered with CJ from Beyond the Rainbow-True Crimes of The LGBT to bring you the story of the Unsolved Murder of Kaylene Oehling on the anniversary of her disappearance. Kaylene Oehling was a 19-year-old Bi-sexual woman who had recently found out she was pregnant when she disappeared on January 10th, 2020 after going to meet her, much older, ex-boyfriend, Michael Manno, to get some of her personal belongings back. That would be the last time anyone would see Kaylene alive. What would follow would be a 3-year-long fight by her father...