Weird True Crime

What Happened to Kristin Smart? From Disappearance to Justice

Kristin Smart’s disappearance in 1996 sparked a decades-long fight for answers. In this episode, we unpack the latest updates, including revelations from the People Magazine Investigates documentary released on November 18, 2024. We explore the groundbreaking role of Your Own Backyard, the failures of the initial investigation, and Paul Flores’s disturbing history.This isn’t just another true crime episode—it’s a tribute to Kristin’s life, her family’s resilience, and the ongoing effort to bring her home. Join us as we dive into the shocking twists, recent developments, and why Kristin’s story continues to inspire justice and change.Key TakeawaysRecent updates from the People Magazine Investigates documentary.How Your Own Backyard podcast reignited the case.Insight into Kristin’s life, dreams, and legacy.The systemic failures that delayed justice and why they matter.Website: www.weirdtruecrime.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/weirdtruecrimeInstagram: www.instagram.com/weirdtruecrimeTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@weirdtruecrimeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcAPlqQ1t9nzA9B6kAKifmAEmail: weirdtruecrime@gmail.comPodcast Production: djaudio22@gmail.comMember of the Darkcast Network: https://www.darkcastnetwork.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-true-crime--5679751/support.

From Comedy to Crime: The Dark History of Clowns | WTF Wednesday #21

In this episode of Weird True Crime, Gina and Amber dive into the chilling, bizarre, and fascinating world of clowns. From their ancient origins as comedic entertainers to their dark turns in real-life crimes and pop culture, clowns have both delighted and terrified audiences for centuries.Join us as we explore:The history of clowns, from ancient Egypt and Rome to the birth of modern clowns like Joseph Grimaldi.The infamous killer clowns of true crime history, including John Wayne Gacy, aka “The Killer Clown,” and Sheila Keen-Warren, the alleged “Killer Clown” of Florida.The bizarre and widespread 2016 creepy clown sightings that sent chills through neighborhoods across the world.Iconic fictional clowns like Pennywise from It, Art the Clown from Terrifier, and The Joker from DC Comics.A lighter look at Ronald McDonald, the surprisingly unsettling mascot of the McDonald’s franchise.Plus, Amber recounts her own childhood memories of clowns (her grandma was one!), and Gina reflects on why they’re so often nightmare fuel. Don’t miss the day’s riddle, chilling stories, and plenty of laughs along the way.Website: www.weirdtruecrime.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/weirdtruecrimeInstagram: www.instagram.com/weirdtruecrimeTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@weirdtruecrimeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcAPlqQ1t9nzA9B6kAKifmAEmail: weirdtruecrime@gmail.comPodcast Production: djaudio22@gmail.comMember of the Darkcast Network: https://www.darkcastnetwork.com/Resources:https://www.historyofcircus.com/circus-facts/circus-clowns-history-and-facts/#:~:text=World%20clown%20comes%20from%20the,their%20roles%20were%20almost%20inseparable.https://pointpark.libguides.com/c.php?g=1213847&p=8882410https://www.wytv.com/home/difference-between-a-clown-and-a-jester/https://blog.sevenponds.com/cultural-perspectives/funeral-clowns-making-comebackhttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/florida-killer-clown-case-sheila-keen-warren-marlene-warren-murder-48-hours/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2016/oct/31/the-great-clown-panic-of-2016-a-volatile-mix-of-fear-and-contagionhttps://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/serial-killers/john-wayne-gacy/https://www.biography.com/crime/john-wayne-gacyhttps://abc7chicago.com/clown-sightings-attacks-creepy/1544319/https://www.reddit.com/r/stephenking/comments/o7ps81/bill_hader_was_unaware_that_bill_skarsg%C3%A2rd_could/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joker_(character)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joker_in_other_mediahttps://rmhcswfl.org/rmhc-history/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-true-crime--5679751/support.

UNSOLVED: The Murder of Leon Laureles and the System that Failed Him

In this episode, we uncover the tragic and deeply unsettling case of Leon Laureles, a kind-hearted man from Brownwood, Texas, whose life was brutally cut short in May 1996. Leon, a Hispanic, gay man in a conservative small town, was shot execution-style and left by his burning car on a remote road. His murder shocked the community—but not enough to bring justice.We dive into Leon’s life, his role as a caregiver for his family, and the days leading up to his murder when he shared fears for his safety. From the mishandling of evidence to the deeply flawed investigation riddled with prejudice, this case raises questions about systemic failures that have kept Leon’s murder unsolved for nearly three decades.Through the voice of Leon’s niece, Arlene Harbison, we learn about the family’s enduring fight to keep his memory alive and uncover the truth. Arlene’s strength and dedication remind us that even when the system fails, families like hers refuse to let their loved ones be forgotten.What to Expect in This Episode:Leon’s life and legacy: The caregiver, the musician, the family man.The night of May 9, 1996: What happened in the hours before Leon’s murder.A bungled investigation: Missing evidence, false narratives, and systemic prejudice.Arlene’s fight for justice: How one woman refuses to let Leon’s story fade away.Why this case matters: A discussion of hate crimes, small-town corruption, and the need for accountability.Additional Resources and How You Can Help:Learn more about Leon’s story and Arlene’s efforts by listening to her podcast, Box in the Basement and visiting justiceforleon.com.Follow us on social media for updates and discussions about this case.Where to Listen:You can find this episode and more on [Podcast Platforms], including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and [any other platform you’d like to mention].Engage With Us:Did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media using #JusticeForLeon. Don’t forget to leave us a review to help more people hear Leon’s story.Sources:“Juan Laureles Obituary” San Angelo Standard-Times, May 13, 1996Box in the Basement Podcast, “Leon in Real Life,” Harbison, ArleneInterview with Arlene Harbison, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024Stacy Stites Autopsy, Justice for Leon WebsiteLeon Laureles, AutopsyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-true-crime--5679751/support.

AITA - Funeral Edition PLUS Hilarious Obituaries | WTF Wednesday #20

In this special edition of WTF Wednesday, Gina and Amber dive into the world of funeral-related Am I the Asshole (AITA) Reddit threads, exploring complex family dynamics, questionable etiquette, and some truly outrageous funeral moments. From handling grief and supporting loved ones to hilarious funeral mishaps and unconventional obituaries, this episode covers it all.NEW MERCH: https://www.weirdtruecrime.com/merchJoin us as we discuss:A teenager wrestling with attending their mom’s funeral for closureA sibling showdown over “inappropriate” funeral attireAn unexpected funeral party thrown in honor of a brother’s wishesThe clash of in-laws and partners at emotionally charged farewellsAnd more unforgettable AITA moments tied to family, death, and final goodbyes.To lighten the mood, we’ve also found a few funny obituaries that’ll make you laugh out loud! You’ll hear about unforgettable characters who left a lasting (and hilarious) mark on those they left behind.Riddle of the Day:Stick around until the end for the answer to our riddle! “Two cars were involved in an accident in the center of town. The man in the little green car overtook a big black car, causing it to swerve and crash. When examined, the green car’s occupants were fine, but the black car had one dead man. Yet the driver of the green car wasn’t charged with manslaughter. Why?” (Hint: It’s not what you think!)Connect with Us:Email: weirdtruecrime@gmail.comMember of the Darkcast Network: Darkcast NetworkWebsite: www.weirdtruecrime.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/weirdtruecrimeInstagram: www.instagram.com/weirdtruecrimeTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@weirdtruecrimeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcAPlqQ1t9nzA9B6kAKifmAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/weirdtruecrime/Email: weirdtruecrime@gmail.comPodcast Production: djaudio22@gmail.comResources: https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/search/?q=funeral&cId=20d3e66f-24aa-4f23-8979-f0025db51a64&iId=8270cf89-020c-47ca-a66c-b219214bfc52https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/17rnnxj/aita_for_refusing_to_go_to_my_moms_funeral/https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/1bt6c24/aita_for_kicking_out_my_sister_for_her_emo_outfit/https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/qj9qep/aita_for_excluding_my_husband_from_my_brothers/https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/ydcy8i/aita_for_missing_my_fils_funeral_after_my_mil/https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/vunb2b/aita_for_throwing_the_funeral_party_my_late/https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/rvsfc2/aita_for_kicking_my_husband_out_of_my_childrens/https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/19eze72/aita_for_crashing_my_fathers_funeral/https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/jd69eq/aita_for_planning_to_go_to_the_funeral_of_the_man/https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/17apina/aita_for_telling_my_sister_if_she_doesnt_go_to/https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/134d2ll/aita_for_not_going_to_a_funeral_with_my_boyfriendBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-true-crime--5679751/support.

VANISHED: The Unsolved Disappearance of Bryan ”Vladek” Hasel

In this episode of Weird True Crime, we dive deep into the mysterious disappearance of Vladek Hasel, a young man who vanished without a trace from Orlando, Florida, in November 2021. With exclusive insights from his sister Bethany and detailed recounts of events leading up to and following his disappearance, we piece together what we know and explore the unanswered questions that remain.How you can help: The Hasel family urges listeners to share Vladek’s missing person flyer. It might seem simple, but it makes the biggest impact. Eventually, we’ll reach that one person who might know something. With Vladek’s memorable personality, every share counts in the search for answers.Find Bryan "Vladek" HaselOrange County Sherriff’s Office Missing Persons Unit: 407-254-7000 (Vlad’s case number is 21-83864)Follow @findbryanvladekhasel on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTokSourceshttps://findvladekhasel.wixsite.com/find-vladekhttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1ir3AC8aAAAQvD8A6B5xabBCiT1O0w1K2CrytSwzuZQk/edit?tab=t.0Security Camera Laws In Florida: https://getsafeandsound.com/blog/security-camera-laws-in-florida/https://getsafeandsound.com/blog/how-long-do-security-cameras-keep-footage/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-true-crime--5679751/support.

The Real Story Behind The STRANGERS: Dark Facts and Sharon Tate Murder Inspiration | Wicked Wednesday #8

October might be winding down, but the spooky vibes are still alive for the final Wicked Wednesday of 2024! In this episode, Gina and Amber dive deep into the chilling plot of the 2008 horror movie The Strangers and uncover the disturbing real-life events and murders that inspired it. From eerie encounters to terrifying home invasions, we’ll break down what makes The Strangers one of the scariest thrillers to date. Join us as we explore why answering the door has never been more terrifying!Website: www.weirdtruecrime.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/weirdtruecrimeInstagram: www.instagram.com/weirdtruecrimeTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@weirdtruecrimeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcAPlqQ1t9nzA9B6kAKifmAEmail: weirdtruecrime@gmail.comPodcast Production: djaudio22@gmail.comMember of the Darkcast Network: https://www.darkcastnetwork.com/Sources:https://collider.com/the-strangers-true-story/https://screenrant.com/strangers-movie-true-story-real-crimes-inspiration-explained/https://ihorror.com/3-disturbing-real-life-stories-that-inspired-the-strangers/https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/movies/the-strangers-based-true-events-inspiration-behind-film-explainedhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Strangers_(2008_film)#cite_note-FOOTNOTESimpson2013187-13https://istamarahome.net/the-strangers/trivia/https://istamarahome.net/meet-the-strangers/https://chud.com/14888/exclusive-interview-bryan-bertino-the-strangers/https://allthatsinteresting.com/sharon-tate-deathhttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Sharon-Tatehttps://people.com/sharon-tate-death-legacy-what-to-know-8666851https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/a28543822/sharon-tate-manson-murders-true-story/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_ghk_md_pmx_hybd_mix_us_19597983321&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpvK4BhDUARIsADHt9sSh5Pv-bdcHXZ4kMSa3xm_1DfOQEwOPMJ3F2rib1r-2TFY8Z8YYvqAaAjI6EALw_wcBBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-true-crime--5679751/support.

Plot Breakdown of the STRANGERS: Inside the Horror Thriller That Could Actually Happen! | Wicked Wednesday # 8

October might be winding down, but the spooky vibes are still alive for the final Wicked Wednesday of 2024! In this episode, Gina and Amber dive deep into the chilling plot of the 2008 horror movie The Strangers and uncover the disturbing real-life events and murders that inspired it. From eerie encounters to terrifying home invasions, we’ll break down what makes The Strangers one of the scariest thrillers to date. Join us as we explore why answering the door has never been more terrifying!Website: www.weirdtruecrime.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/weirdtruecrimeInstagram: www.instagram.com/weirdtruecrimeTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@weirdtruecrimeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcAPlqQ1t9nzA9B6kAKifmAEmail: weirdtruecrime@gmail.comPodcast Production: djaudio22@gmail.comMember of the Darkcast Network: https://www.darkcastnetwork.com/Sources:https://collider.com/the-strangers-true-story/https://screenrant.com/strangers-movie-true-story-real-crimes-inspiration-explained/https://ihorror.com/3-disturbing-real-life-stories-that-inspired-the-strangers/https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/movies/the-strangers-based-true-events-inspiration-behind-film-explainedhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Strangers_(2008_film)#cite_note-FOOTNOTESimpson2013187-13https://istamarahome.net/the-strangers/trivia/https://istamarahome.net/meet-the-strangers/https://chud.com/14888/exclusive-interview-bryan-bertino-the-strangers/https://allthatsinteresting.com/sharon-tate-deathhttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Sharon-Tatehttps://people.com/sharon-tate-death-legacy-what-to-know-8666851https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/a28543822/sharon-tate-manson-murders-true-story/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_ghk_md_pmx_hybd_mix_us_19597983321&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpvK4BhDUARIsADHt9sSh5Pv-bdcHXZ4kMSa3xm_1DfOQEwOPMJ3F2rib1r-2TFY8Z8YYvqAaAjI6EALw_wcBBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-true-crime--5679751/support.

Part 2: The CONJURING! Behind the Scenes + CONJURING HISTORY! | Wicked Wednesday #7

Today we're continuing WICKED WEDNESDAY with the movie THE CONJURING!  Was this one of the scariest movies of all time or what???Website: www.weirdtruecrime.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/weirdtruecrimeInstagram: www.instagram.com/weirdtruecrimeTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@weirdtruecrimeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcAPlqQ1t9nzA9B6kAKifmAEmail: weirdtruecrime@gmail.comPodcast Production: djaudio22@gmail.comMember of the Darkcast Network: https://www.darkcastnetwork.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-true-crime--5679751/support.

Part 1: The CONJURING! Ghosts, Demons, and Real-Life TERRORS! | Wicked Wednesday #7

Today we're continuing WICKED WEDNESDAY with the movie THE CONJURING!  Was this one of the scariest movies of all time or what???Website: www.weirdtruecrime.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/weirdtruecrimeInstagram: www.instagram.com/weirdtruecrimeTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@weirdtruecrimeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcAPlqQ1t9nzA9B6kAKifmAEmail: weirdtruecrime@gmail.comPodcast Production: djaudio22@gmail.comMember of the Darkcast Network: https://www.darkcastnetwork.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-true-crime--5679751/support.

Part 2: The True Crime Behind the Movie SCREAM! | Danny Rolling “The Gainesville Ripper” | Wicked Wednesday #6

Today Amber and Gina are diving into the inspiration behind the movie, Scream! Kevin Williamson, the screenwriter behind the 90s cult classic, was inspired to write the script after watching a documentary about Henry David Rolling, the “Gainsville Ripper.” Henry Rolling went on a kiling spree in 1990, taking the lives of five college students over the span of a few days. Let’s break down Rolling’s crimes, and how the themes in Scream correlate directly with the real-life monster.Website: www.weirdtruecrime.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/weirdtruecrimeInstagram: www.instagram.com/weirdtruecrimeTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@weirdtruecrimeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcAPlqQ1t9nzA9B6kAKifmAEmail: weirdtruecrime@gmail.comPodcast Production: djaudio22@gmail.comMember of the Darkcast Network: https://www.darkcastnetwork.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-true-crime--5679751/support.