Dying to be Found

Dying to be Found

by Deborah Norman

Documentary True Crime

Season 2

Charley Ross & The First Kidnap for Ransom

On July 1, 1874, 6-year-old Walter and 4-year-old Charley Ross were playing outside in the front of their home when two men drove by in a horse and carriage. After riding by a few days earlier and offering the boys candy, imagine their delight when the same men offered to buy them firecrackers! Charley and Walter both jumped into the men's wagon and rode off to town to stock up on fireworks for the upcoming holiday. When Walter went inside to make his purchase, Charley stayed with the men, who quickly rode away, leaving Walter behind. This is the story of the first kidnapping for ransom case ever documented in United States history, and what lengths his father, Christian, went through to try to bring his son back home. If you have information on missing or exploited children in your area, visit www.missingkids.org or call 1.800.THE.LOST or 1.800.843.5678. Dying to be Found and Dying to be Found: The DASH are now part of Sound Slice Audio Productions! If you are a true crime podcaster and would like to be highlighted on a future episode, email Deb at dying2bfound@gmail.com. Listen to new episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Find us on all of our socials at https://linktr.ee/dying2bfound. If you like what you hear, please give a 5-star review and consider buying us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dyingtobefound. Intro & Extro Music: Undersea World by Dragonov Sound Effects: Aaron Port - Kids Voices with Natural ReverbChoplin - Door_03_entering.wavLaurent - Tintamare.wav Licensing: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ and https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode.en REFERENCES: 23 letters: A child lost forever A notorious 19th century kidnapping in Brooklyn The father’s story of Charley Ross, the kidnapped child The kidnapping of little Charley Ross, 1874 The story of Charley Ross

The Boy on the Milk Carton

In this captivating podcast episode, we dive into the haunting story of Etan Patz, a six-year-old boy who embarked on a momentous journey on May 25, 1979. Against his mother's initial reluctance, Etan persuaded her to allow him to walk to the nearby bus stop in Manhattan, NY, all by himself for the first time. Little did they know, this would be a day that would forever change their lives. As the last day of school before a long holiday weekend, Etan's parents entrusted him with a dollar to purchase a refreshing soda from the corner deli. With excitement and a sense of independence, Etan ventured out of his apartment door just before 8:00 AM. But as the hours passed and school ended, Etan never returned home. Filled with growing concern and dread, his parents immediately contacted the authorities, reporting their beloved son as missing. This began a harrowing 33-year period of uncertainty and despair, as Etan's case went cold, leaving his family desperate for answers. If you have information on missing or exploited children in your area, visit www.missingkids.org or call 1.800.THE.LOST or 1.800.843.5678. Dying to be Found and Dying to be Found: The DASH are now part of Sound Slice Audio Productions! If you are a true crime podcaster or someone who works in the true crime industry and would like to be highlighted on a future episode of Dying to be Found: The DASH, please email Deb at dying2bfound@gmail.com. Listen to new episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Find us on all of our socials at https://linktr.ee/dying2bfound. If you like what you hear, please give a 5-star review and consider buying us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dyingtobefound. Sound Effects on freesound.org : Airplane, Boeing, Flyby, Right to Left, A.wav by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) Horror Music by Misfus20 Sound Effect: "Milk pouring into pot, close." by SoundsnapFX on freesound.org REFERENCES: 6-year-old Etan Patz - boy on milk carton - goes missing Etan Patz case: 1979 disappearance of NYC boy continues to haunt investigators Etan Patz case: Pedro Hernandez found guilty of murder, kidnapping Etan Patz’s parents move out of NYC 40 years after son’s infamous disappearance The disappearance of Etan Patz

The Boy Killer

In this conversation, Deborah and Beth discuss the case of Jesse Pomeroy, the youngest recorded serial killer in history. They explore Jesse's troubled childhood, including his abusive upbringing and the bullying he endured due to a birth defect. The conversation delves into Jesse's crimes, which involved torturing and killing young children in the Boston area. The hosts also discuss the theories surrounding Jesse's motivations, including the influence of violent crime novels and the effects of a smallpox vaccination. The conversation concludes with Jesse's arrest, trial, and ultimate sentencing to death. This episode explores the story of Jesse Pomeroy, the youngest serial killer on record. Jesse was sentenced to solitary confinement for life after being convicted of multiple murders and brutal attacks. Despite attempts to escape, Jesse spent the majority of his adult life in isolation. He educated himself, learned multiple languages, and even challenged prison officials. Eventually, his solitary confinement was commuted, but he was transferred to a hospital for the criminally insane. Jesse died in prison at the age of 74. The teachable moment from this story is the importance of recognizing early signs of harmful behavior and seeking help. Dying to be Found and Dying to be Found: The DASH are now part of Sound Slice Audio Productions! Listen to new episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Find us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest @dying2bfound or visit our website at www.dyingtobefound.com. Find us all in one spot at https://linktr.ee/dying2bfound. If you like what you hear, please share and give a 5-star review! Consider supporting us by buying us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dyingtobefound. Intro & Extro Music: Undersea World by Dragonov Teachable Moments Music: Untold Story by Ballian De Moulle REFERENCES: Jesse Pomeroy: America’s youngest serial killer Jesse Pomeroy, boy fiend, does the unthinkable in 1874 - twice Jesse Pomeroy: What drove the 14-year-old serial killer to torture and murder The story of Jesse Pomeroy, 14-year-old serial killer

Susan Gervaise featuring Mums, Mysteries & Murder

Susan Preece was a four-year-old girl growing up in Pontegract, West Yorkshire, England, to a single mother in the 1960s. Although her mother did the best she could, she found it increasingly difficult to care for her children, and Susan's siblings found themselves in and out of foster care. Susan's mother soon became fast friends with the Gervaises, a young couple who had recently moved into the same neighbourhood. Their friendship quickly blossomed, so it was no big deal when the couple asked to take Susan to America's popular vacation destination in Orlando, Florida. Susan's mother readily agreed, packed a bag, and sent Susan off with her birth certificate in hand. That was the last time she ever saw Susan again. Over the next decade, Susan travelled with her "new" family, and eventually ended up in Australia. However, a paperwork error at the border led Susan to the discovery that she had been stolen as a small child, but it wasn't until 2020 that she found out her true identity. Buckle up for this episode, folks, because Marti from Mums, Mysteries and Murder Podcast joins us on Dying to be Found: The DASH and keeps Deb in stitches! You don't want to miss what happens to Susan Preece, also known as Susan Gervaise today. This is also a great opportunity to check out one of Deb's favourite podcasts! Be sure to check Marti and Effie out on Instagram @mumsmysteriesandmurder and download new episodes wherever you get your podcasts. Dying to be Found and Dying to be Found: The DASH are now part of Sound Slice Audio Productions! Listen to new episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Find us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest @dying2bfound or visit our website at www.dyingtobefound.com. Find us all in one spot at https://linktr.ee/dying2bfound. If you like what you hear, please share and give a 5-star review! Consider supporting us by buying us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dyingtobefound\. Intro & Extro Music: Undersea World by Dragonov REFERENCES: Fresh Start Missions Girl was ‘stolen’ by travellers aged four but reunited with her birth family 53 years later Pontegract woman ‘stolen’ as four-year-old reunited with family 53 years later Pontegract woman ‘stolen’ as four-year-old reunited with her family after 53 years abroad Woman stolen from her family reunites with the 53 yeaers later

William "Mild Bill" Leasure

In this episode, Deborah and her son Corey discuss the case of William Leisure, a mild-mannered cop who was involved in a yacht theft ring. Corey shares his experiences in law enforcement, setting the stage for the story. The conversation then delves into William's unusual hobbies and his reputation as a supportive husband. The investigation and subsequent arrest of William are discussed, leading to the discovery of stolen property. The conversation concludes with the discussion of two murders connected to William: Gilberto Cervantes and Anne Smith. In this episode, Deborah and Corey discuss the case of William Leisure, also known as Mild Bill. They delve into the details of his involvement in multiple crimes, including murder and theft. The conversation highlights the failed hit on Tony Delos Reyes in a crowded bar and the role of Dennis France as the hitman. The episode also covers William's imprisonment, trial, and sentencing, as well as the deal made by Robert Coons. The discussion concludes with a teachable moment about staying on the right side of the law. William Leasure had it all during the 1970s. He held a career in law enforcement, was married to his sweetheart, Betsy, a city attorney in Los Angeles, California. Over the years, the duo became a power couple and life couldn't get much better than this! As the years went on, William continued to support Betsy in her career. He built his corvette collection, and even hung out with his yachting buddies. Only things weren't exactly on the up and up. By 1986, Los Angeles detectives were hot on the trail of yacht thieves who were known to steal vessels up and down the California coast. On May 29th of that same year, the LAPD decided to take a look around the Marina Bay Yacht Harbor in Richmond, just north of San Francisco. Imagine everyone's surprise when LA's finest glided into a slip on a stolen yacht! Mild Bill tried to backpedal and feign his innocence, but detectives weren't buying it. After a search warrant or two, William's "little black book" was discovered with a string of names and business dealings, which turned into a sinister web of deceit and murder. Join Deb with her son, Corey, as they take a wild trip down this rabbit hole. Plus, we've added a bonus as Corey gives his version of "Jailhouse Rock," and a day in the life of a real jailer. Dying to be Found and Dying to be Found the Dash are now part of Sound Slice Audio Productions. Listen to new episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts! Find us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest @dying2bfound. We are also all in one spot at https://linktr.ee/dying2bfound. If you like what you hear, please share and give a 5-star review! Consider supporting us by buying us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dyingtobefound. Intro & Extro Music: Undersea World by Dragonov Teachable Moments Music: Untold Story by Ballian De Moulle REFERENCES: William Ernest Leasure Is Bill Leasure the most corrupt cop in L.A.? LAPD officer granted parole 30 years after guilty plea

Cleo Smith Featuring Shittin' Bricks

During this episode, Deb goes down under to spend time with Dominic and Kate from Shittin' Bricks Podcast. This Aussie duo gives us a day in the life of what it's like to produce their own true crime pod, and how they use of humour when delivering some of the best storylines out there. After the interview, Dom and Kate help Deb out with a high-profile case out of Carnarvon, Australia, where on October 16, 2021, 4-year-old Cleo Smith was abducted from a popular campground in Western Australia. Over the next 18 days, police followed multiple tips to track down Terence Darrell Kelly, age 36, who lived only a short distance from Cleo and her family. On November 21, 2021, police raided Kelly's home, where they found little Cleo alive and unharmed. And when this happened, there was not a dry eye in the house! Special thanks to Shittin' Bricks' podcast for agreeing to be a part of this collab! Be sure to check out all of their episodes and on social media. If you have information on missing or exploited children in your area, visit www.missingkids.org or call 1.800.THE.LOST or 1.800.843.5678. If you are a true crime podcaster or someone who works in the true crime industry and would like to be highlighted on a future episode of Dying to be Found: The DASh, please email Deb at dying2bfound@gmail.com.Listen to new episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Find us on all of our socials at https://linktr.ee/dying2bfound or at www.dyingtobefound.com. If you like what you hear, please give a 5-star review and consider buying us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dyingtobefound. Intro & Extro Music: Undersea World by Dragonov References: Cleo Smith: How Australian police found the missing four-year-old Cleo Smith: Missing 4-year-old found alive in Australia Man charged with abducting Cleo Smith gives creepy wink on way to jail Missing girl found in Australia, man in custody: ‘Our family is whole again My name is Cleo: Girl, 4, is found 18 days after vanishing from campsite

The Oil Tycoon's Grandson

On July 9, 1973, 16-year old Paul Getty made plans to hang out with friends at a local pizzeria. During the early morning hours of July 10, 1973, Paul began making his way back to his apartment when a car pulled up alongside him. A man asked if he was Paul Getty, and when he said yes, Paul was pulled into the car and knocked out with chloroform. What Paul didn't know is that his kidnappers had a plan to extort his grandfather for $17M dollars in ransom. Only things didn't go as planned. Paul Getty's grandfather, John Paul Getty, Sr., was not only an oil tycoon and one of the richest men in the world, but he was very eccentric and a shrewd businessman. He flat out refused to pay the ransom until five months later, when Getty Sr. and the kidnappers finally reached an agreement. Not allowing anyone to have the last word, however, Getty made the exchange, but not without strings attached. Dying to be Found and Dying to be Found: The DASH are now part of Sound Slice Audio Productions! Listen to new episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Find us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest @dying2bfound or visit our website at www.dyingtobefound.com. Find us all in one spot at https://linktr.ee/dying2bfound. If you like what you hear, please share and give a 5-star review! Consider supporting us by buying us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dyingtobefound. Intro & Extro Music: Undersea World by DragonovTeachable Moments Music: Untold Story by Ballian De Moulle REFERENCES: From the archives: J. Paul Getty dies at 54; Scion of oil dynasty People explains: Infamous kidnappings throughout history The real story behind the kidnapping of John Paul Getty III What All the Money in the World gets right (and wrong) about the Getty kidnapping

Dawn Sanchez Featuring Murder on My Street

On August 30, 1991, Dawn Elaine Sanchez was living at the Four Seasons Motor Lodge on the 4300 block of El Camino Real in Los Altos, CA. On this particular day, Dawn drove off in a tan and brown 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix, along with her boyfriend, Bernardo Bass and another acquaintance. She was never seen or heard from again. Dawn was reported missing 2 months later, but. by then it was too late. Police did the best they could during the investigation, but like many other cases, this one went cold. In 2009, Dawn's case was reopened, only this time, NASA stepped in. Engineers just happened to have a roving ground vehicle available that was equipped to conduct magnetic surveys, and they covered an empty track of land where the car Dawn was in was said to have been dismantled and abandoned. This car was found, leading authorities to Dawn's boyfriend at the time. He eventually pleaded no contest to her disappearance, but to this day, Dawn has yet to be found. If you have any information on this case, please contact the Los Altos Police Department 650-947-2770. Dying to be found and Dying to be Found: The DASH are now part of Sound Slice Audo Productions. Listen to new episodes wherever you get your podcasts! Find us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest @dying2bfound or find all our socials in one spot! https://linktr.ee/dying2bfound. Please leave a 5-star review, and consider buying us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dyingtobefound. Intro & Extro Music: Undersea World by Dragonov REFERENCES: How NASA helped solve a cold case murder after almost 20 years NASA robot solves 19-year-old murder mystery Researchers solve cold case Team solves 1991 Cold Case The Charley Project: Dawn Elaine Sanchez

The Girl in the Box

On May 19, 1977, free spirited Colleen Stan set off to hitchhike from Eugene, OR to Northern California to attend a friend's birthday party. Hitchhiking was not uncommon back then, and Colleen always took great care to gauge whoever stopped to offer her a ride. So when Cameron and Janice stopped alongside the road, Colleen talked with them for a moment, looked around, and noticed a baby in the back seat. Harmless, right? Colleen jumped in, and the Hookers headed down the road. While making a pit stop, Colleen had one little inkling that she should run and never look back. She didn't listen to her instinct. Because moments later, Cameron pulled a knife, locked an 20-lb box around her head, and went on to hold Colleen captive for the next seven years. How she escaped is where this story takes a twist. Dying to be Found True Crime Podcast is now part of Soundslice Audio Productions! Listen to new episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest @dying2bfound or visit our website at www.dyingtobefound.com. Find us all in one spot at https://linktr.ee/dying2bfound.If you like what you hear, please share and give a 5-star review! Consider supporting us by buying us a coffee at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dyingtobefound. Intro & Extro Music: Undersea World by Dragonov Teachable Moments Music: Untold Story by Ballian De Moulle REFERENCES: Colleen Stan was kidnapped and kept in a box for 7 years‘ Girl in the Box’: Where is Colleen Stan Now? How ‘The Girl in the Box’ Escaped Years of Torture and Captivity The horrifying story of Colleen Stan - ‘The Girl in the Box‘

Andre "Andy" Drath Featuring Evil Pudding Podcast

In June 1979, a young white male's remains were discovered in greater San Francisco, CA with multiple shotgun wounds leading to his death. This victim was given the name John Doe #89 for the next 36 years. But here's the twist. It's not often that cases like this cross the path of an serial killer, where a victim can be identified by opening up old files from one of the most evil men alive. Enter Sheriff Tom Dart, who in 2011 set out to bring the missing victims of John Wayne Gacy home to their loved ones. Sheriff Dart made a public plea for anyone to come forward with information on Gacy's missing victims. Believing that her brother fit the profile of Gacy's victims, Dr. Willa Wertheimer contacted Sheriff Dart submitted her DNA into CODUS, a federal DNA database that cross-references DNA with unidentified victims or unsolved cases. When the results came in, Dr. Wertheimer discovered that her brother was not one of Gacy's victims, but John Doe #89 who was discovered in San Francisco. Join Deb as she brings on Patrick and Courtney, the duo couple from Evil Pudding podcast. We'll first learn about the premise behind Evil Pudding, then dive in to hear how Sheriff Dart brought a young man named Andy Darth home to his family. Check out @evilpudding's social media @evilpuddingpodcast or check out linktr.ee/evilpuddingpodcast to learn more about your Evil Pudding hosts. Intro & Extro Music: Undersea World by Dragonov REFERENCES: Chicago-area serial killer investigation ID’s victim of SF cold case Chicago teen identified as victim in 1979 slayingGacy exhumations help ID unrelated cold case murder victims How DNA solved a 36-year old mystery, and created yet another John Wayne Gacy victim finally identified through DNA Sheriff’s Gacy investigation solves 1979 cold case

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