Buried In The Bluegrass
di Greg SextonStagione 1

Buried in the Bluegrass – The Rowan County War
Buried in the Bluegrass – The Rowan County War When most people think of Kentucky feuds, they think of the Hatfields and McCoys. But decades before modern law enforcement, another conflict turned a Kentucky county into a war zone. In the 1880s, Rowan County became the center of a deadly struggle between the Martin and Tolliver factions. What began as political tension erupted into assassinations, ambushes, arson, and open gun battles in the streets of Morehead. By the time the violence ended in 1887, at least twenty men were dead and Rowan County had earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous places in Kentucky. In this episode of Buried in the Bluegrass, Greg Sexton explores the events that became known as the Rowan County War, examining the political divisions, personal rivalries, and failures of justice that fueled one of the Commonwealth's most violent conflicts. Was it a family feud? Or was it a county government collapsing under the weight of corruption, revenge, and competing power structures? Join us as we uncover the story of Kentucky's forgotten war. Sources • Kentucky Historical Society • Kentucky Encyclopedia • Rowan County Historical Society • Contemporary newspaper accounts from the 1880s • Historical records relating to the Martin-Tolliver Feud • Morehead State University historical archives • National Park Service historical references • Encyclopedia of Appalachia Buried in the Bluegrass Buried in the Bluegrass is a Kentucky true crime and history podcast from Ole Gerg Media, examining crimes, mysteries, conspiracies, cold cases, and forgotten stories from across the Commonwealth. Have a case suggestion? Email: olegergmedia@gmail.com Follow Ole Gerg Media on Facebook, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform.Buried in Taylor County: The Death of Coroner Matthews
In February 1914, Taylor County Coroner Lyle George Mathews joined a deputy coroner and the county jailer to carry out an eviction on a farm that had been sold to satisfy a debt. The occupants warned the officers that anyone who entered the property would be shot. The warning was ignored. Moments later, gunfire erupted, leaving Coroner Matthews dead and another officer wounded. More than a century later, Matthews remains the only peace officer killed in the line of duty in Taylor County and is believed to be the only Kentucky coroner ever killed in the line of duty. In this episode of Buried in the Bluegrass, we explore the life of Lyle Matthews, the unusual role coroners once played in Kentucky law enforcement, and the deadly confrontation that became one of Taylor County's most forgotten tragedies. Buried in Taylor County: The Death of Coroner Matthews. A story of duty, debt, and a warning that proved deadly.The Five Missing Hours: The Murder of Valeri Brooks
On December 30, 1990, 22-year-old Valeri Camille Brooks was working the overnight shift at a convenience store in Versailles, Kentucky. Just after 2 a.m., an alarm was triggered. When police arrived, the store was empty and Valeri was gone. Hours later, her body was discovered in rural Woodford County. Investigators determined she had been abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered. More than three decades later, the case remains unsolved. In Episode 10 of Buried in the Bluegrass, Greg examines the timeline, the evidence, the unanswered questions, and the five missing hours that may hold the key to identifying Valeri's killer. Warning: This episode discusses sexual assault, abduction, and homicide.
The Murder of Jennifer Bailey Bell County KY
Jennifer Bailey: Someone Confessed A Buried in the Bluegrass episode In August 1990, 21-year-old Jennifer Bailey went for a jog at Pine Mountain State Resort Park and never came home. Ten days later, her body was discovered deep in a wooded ravine in Bell County. Investigators determined Jennifer had been strangled. Despite an intensive investigation, witness sightings, alleged jailhouse confessions, and decades of rumors surrounding the case, no one has ever been charged with her murder. In this episode, Greg and Linda dig into: Jennifer Bailey’s disappearance The massive search effort The recovery of her body Witness reports involving a dark pickup truck The alleged confession recordings Questions surrounding the original investigation Why the case may still be solvable today More than three decades later, Jennifer’s family is still waiting for answers. If you have information regarding the murder of Jennifer Bailey, contact the Kentucky State Police Post 10 at (606) 573-3131. Listener Warning This episode contains discussion of: homicide violence against women strangulation death investigation details alleged sexual violence references disturbing themes involving an unsolved murder Listener discretion is strongly advised. Sources Middlesboro News Article (2024) Crime & Coffee Couple Case Breakdown Reddit community discussion and historical summary: Public reporting and historical case references from:Kentucky State Police Park Predators Podcast Archived regional newspaper coverage Public interviews involving former Bell County Commonwealth’s Attorney Bill Hayes Follow Ole Gerg Media #BuriedInTheBluegrass #TrueCrime #KentuckyTrueCrime #JenniferBailey #BellCountyKY #ColdCase #UnsolvedMurder #Appalachia #PineMountain #OGMPodcastNetwork
The Murder of Amanda Riley | Ohio County, Kentucky
The Murder of Amanda Riley | Ohio County, Kentucky In this episode of Buried in the Bluegrass, we travel to Ohio County to examine the 2016 murder of Amanda Riley. What began as concern over a missing woman quickly escalated into a homicide investigation involving cellphone evidence, witness statements, forensic evidence, and years of courtroom battles. Investigators eventually focused on Donald Lynch, who was later convicted and sentenced to life in prison. But even after conviction, the legal fight continued through appeals and post-conviction filings. In this episode, we discuss: Ohio County and the Peabody Wildlife Management Area Amanda Riley’s background and community ties The timeline leading to the discovery of her body The investigation and evidence Trial testimony and prosecution arguments The conviction and sentencing Appeals and legal challenges The impact the case had on a rural Kentucky community Listener Warning This episode contains discussion of: homicide violence against women drug use sexual assault allegations and testimony graphic forensic details abuse of a corpse strong language Listener discretion is strongly advised. Sources County & Background Information Ohio County Fiscal Court Ohio County, Kentucky historical and census data Peabody Wildlife Management Area information Victim Information Amanda Riley obituary via Tucker Funeral Home Family statements and media interviews News Coverage 14 News KFVS12 TriStateHomepage Court Records & Legal Documents Kentucky Supreme Court opinion Kentucky Court of Appeals opinion Federal court filings CaseMine legal summaries About the Show Buried in the Bluegrass is part of the OGM Podcast Network from Ole Gerg Media LLC. The show explores murders, disappearances, corruption, and unresolved mysteries from across Kentucky — combining court records, public documents, local reporting, and community history to tell the stories buried beneath the surface of the Bluegrass State.
The Cult of the Unkown Tongue; The Lucinda Mills Sacrifice!
Cult of the Unknown Tongues — Episode Notes Buried in the Bluegrass — Episode 7 An Ole Gerg Media / OGM Podcast Network Production In this episode, Greg examines one of the strangest and most disturbing religious crime stories in Kentucky history — the 1933 “Cult of the Unknown Tongues” case from Tomahawk in Martin County, Kentucky. What began as a Pentecostal-style religious revival reportedly spiraled into hysteria, fear, alleged demonic possession, and ultimately the death of 72-year-old Lucinda Mills. Newspapers across the country sensationalized the story as a “human sacrifice,” helping create one of the most infamous Appalachian cult legends ever reported. This episode explores: The isolated religious culture of eastern Kentucky in the 1930s The week-long revival tied to the Mills family Reports of speaking in tongues and spiritual possession The death of Lucinda Mills Arrests and media coverage following the incident How Appalachian communities were often sensationalized by national media Themes of group hysteria, manipulation, and religious extremism Analysis connected to Tongues of Deception by Harry H. Reed ⚠️ Listener discretion advised: This episode contains discussion of violence, alleged abuse, coercive religious practices, and disturbing historical events. Sources Tongues of Deception — Harry H. Reed Contemporary newspaper archives covering the 1933 Tomahawk, Kentucky case Historical reporting on the “Cult of the Unknown Tongues” / Mills Family case Martin County, Kentucky historical references and archived regional reporting Appalachian religious history resources regarding Pentecostal revival movements in the early 20th century 🎙️ Buried in the Bluegrass covers Kentucky true crime, corruption, folklore, mysteries, and the stories still haunting the Commonwealth. #BuriedInTheBluegrass #TrueCrime #Kentucky #Cult #MartinCounty #Appalachia #OGMPodcastNetwork #Religion #SpeakingInTongues #KentuckyHistory
Calloway County: A Fire to Cover Murder
Calloway County: A Fire to Cover Murder On November 17, 2015, what appeared to be a tragic house fire in rural Calloway County, Kentucky quickly turned into one of the most disturbing murder cases in western Kentucky history. When firefighters responded to a burning home along KY-121 South near Murray, they discovered the bodies of a young family of four inside. But as investigators dug deeper, it became clear the fire wasn’t the cause of death—it was meant to hide it. In this episode of Buried in the Bluegrass, we break down the brutal killings, the family connection behind the suspect, and how a calculated attempt to destroy evidence ultimately failed. 🧾 CASE DETAILS Date: November 17, 2015 Location: KY-121 South, Calloway County, KY Victims: Bulmaro Arellano, 29 Marisol Hernandez, 24 5-year-old son 18-month-old daughter Key Findings: Fire was intentionally set to conceal the crime Adult victims died from gunshot wounds Children died from smoke inhalation The 5-year-old also suffered a fatal throat wound 🚔 INVESTIGATION Kentucky State Police quickly determined the fire was suspicious and began a homicide investigation. Within days, attention turned to: Pascasio Pacheco (aka Pacheco Arellano) Age 21 at the time From Mayfield, Kentucky Nephew of victim Bulmaro Arellano Evidence included: Visible injuries consistent with a struggle Blood-stained clothing Physical evidence recovered from a vehicle Pacheco was arrested on November 23, 2015. ⚖️ LEGAL OUTCOME Charged with:4 counts of murder First-degree arson First-degree burglary Tampering with physical evidence December 2018: Entered guilty plea to avoid the death penalty February 2019: Sentenced to life in prison without parole This case was notable as it was considered one of the first potential death penalty prosecutions in Calloway County in nearly 100 years. 🎧 IN THIS EPISODE The timeline of the fire and discovery How investigators determined it was staged The family connection that changed the case The disturbing details revealed during autopsy The suspect’s mindset and reported assumptions How the case was resolved in court 🔗 SOURCES WPSD Local 6 – Coverage of the fire and investigation WKMS – Reporting on suspect background and statements West Kentucky Star – Court proceedings and sentencing Kentucky State Police – Official investigation details ⚠️ CONTENT WARNING This episode contains discussion of: Violent homicide Crimes involving children Graphic investigative details Listener discretion is advised. 🎙️ ABOUT THE SHOW Buried in the Bluegrass is part of Ole Gerg Media, covering real crimes, real cases, and real accountability across Kentucky.Under the Trailer: The Murder of Jimmy Sidwell Jr.
In October 2013, a 19-year-old man was found murdered beneath a trailer in rural Clinton County, Kentucky. Clinton County News http://clintonnews.net/pages/?p=11376 Lexington Herald-Leader (via Kentucky.com) https://www.kentucky.com/news/local/crime/article44451009.html Kentucky State Police — Case reporting and investigation details 🎧 About the Show Buried in the Bluegrass is a true crime podcast focused on real cases from across Kentucky—highlighting local stories, investigations, and the details that don’t always make headlines. Produced by Ole Gerg Media LLC.
THE NIGHT SHE VANISHED The Murder of Gabbi Doolin
🎙️ Episode 4: The Night She Vanished The Murder of Gabbi Doolin – Allen County, Kentucky On November 14, 2015, 7-year-old Gabbi Doolin disappeared during a community football game in Scottsville, Kentucky. What began as a normal night for families quickly turned into a nightmare. Within minutes, a search began. Soon after, Gabbi was found behind the bleachers—murdered. The case shocked Allen County and the entire state. But as investigators worked to identify who was responsible, disturbing questions surfaced about missed warning signs and how something like this could happen in a place meant to be safe. In this episode of Buried in the Bluegrass, we break down the timeline, the investigation, and the conviction of the man responsible. 🧩 Episode Breakdown ⏱️ Timeline of Events November 14, 2015 – Gabby attends a youth football game at Allen County-Scottsville High School She is last seen near the bleachers Reported missing during the event Found shortly after behind the bleachers 🚨 Investigation Kentucky State Police lead the investigation Evidence collected at the scene, including DNA Community-wide shock and rapid media attention 👤 Suspect Identified Timothy Madden identified through DNA evidence Previously known in the community Arrested within days of the murder ⚖️ Trial & Conviction Trial held in 2018 Jury hears forensic and DNA evidence Madden convicted of:Murder Rape Sodomy Sentenced to life in prison without parole 💔 Impact Case raised concerns about safety at public events Lasting trauma for the Allen County community Ongoing remembrance of Gabbi Doolin 📚 Sources Kentucky State Police case information (public statements & releases) WBKO coverage of arrest and trial WNKY reporting on investigation and conviction Lexington Herald-Leader trial coverage and sentencing details Associated Press regional reporting on conviction WDRB coverage of case developments Court records from Allen County Circuit Court (Commonwealth v. Timothy Madden) ⚠️ Content Warning This episode discusses crimes involving a child, including violence and sexual assault. Listener discretion is advised.
The Scene That Wouldn’t Make Sense | The Murders of Bill & Peggy Stephenson
On Memorial Day weekend in 2011, a quiet Florence, Kentucky neighborhood became the site of one of Northern Kentucky’s most disturbing unsolved crimes. William “Bill” Stephenson and his wife Peggy were found murdered inside their condominium on Ridge Edge Court after family members became concerned when the couple failed to appear for church services. But what investigators discovered inside the home raised more questions than answers. After the killings, the person responsible remained inside the residence for hours — moving furniture, manipulating items throughout the house, and staging parts of the scene in ways detectives described as deeply unusual. Despite the brutality and the bizarre crime scene, investigators recovered something crucial: DNA. That genetic profile was entered into the FBI’s CODIS database in 2012 and continues to be searched today. More than a decade later, the case remains unsolved. In this episode of Buried in the Bluegrass, we examine: • The lives of Bill and Peggy Stephenson • The strange and disturbing crime scene investigators encountered • The multi-state investigation that followed • The DNA evidence that detectives believe could solve the case • The involvement of the Vidocq Society and behavioral analysts • And what newly obtained public records reveal about the current status of the investigation This episode is based on reporting, public records, and documents obtained through the Kentucky Open Records Act. If you have information about this case, contact the Boone County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 859-334-8496. Case Information Victims: William “Bill” Stephenson (74) Peggy Stephenson (74) Location: Florence, Kentucky Date of Crime: May 29, 2011 Status: Unsolved – Assigned to Boone County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit Sources Boone County Sheriff’s Office Open Records Release – Stephenson Investigation (March 2, 2026) Kentucky State Police Forensic Laboratory Report WCPO Cincinnati – I-Team reporting on the Stephenson case NKyTribune reporting on the investigation Boone County Sheriff’s Office press releases and case summaries Vidocq Society documentation related to the 2012 case consultation Podcast Information Buried in the Bluegrass Investigating Kentucky’s cold cases, unsolved crimes, and forgotten stories. Produced by Ole Gerg Media