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PODCAST

Almost Fiction

Crimes that are so diabolical that they seem like almost fiction. Based on real events, Almost Fiction is a Podcast where we try to imagine what it was like when some of the worst crimes occurred. Using facts, reports, and evidence, we attempt to reconstruct what the crime scenes might have looked like as the crimes were happening. So, join us each week as we peek behind the curtain at some of the worst scenes from some of the worst crimes ever committed. I’m Chase Ellerman, and welcome to… Almost

true crime

All Episodes

00:33:24

Todd Joseph Rizzo

Almost Fiction ·

2025/08/05

Description:Exploring one of Connecticut's most infamous true crime cases, this episode delves deep into the chilling story of Todd Rizzo, aka "The Sledgehammer Killer." Discover how an 18-year-old former Marine lured a 13-year-old boy to his death "just to see what it felt like," and unravel the complex web of psychological, social, and legal issues raised by the case. With court records, expert testimony, appeals, and local news insight, we examine the factors that shaped

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00:40:31

Dixie Lynn Shanahan-Duty

Almost Fiction ·

2025/07/29

Step into the chilling true story of Dixie Lynn Shanahan-Duty, a case that shocked Defiance, Iowa… and the nation. This episode uncovers the turbulent life of Dixie, marked by years of domestic abuse at the hands of Scott Shanahan, and the tragic events that led her to take a life and stand trial for murder. Was it self-defense or something more complex? Explore the blurred lines of victim and perpetrator, community silence, and the justice system’s response. With detailed case facts, first-hand

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00:50:39

Charles Chitat Ng and Leonard Thomas Lake Finale

Almost Fiction ·

2025/07/22

The chilling saga of Charles Chitat Ng and Leonard Lake comes to a dramatic close in Part 4 of our Almost Fiction series. Follow the relentless pursuit of justice across borders, from a failed shoplifting attempt to a years-long international extradition battle, as we unravelthe web of lies, confessions, betrayals, and courtroom drama that defined one of North America's most shocking murder cases.Discover the surprising twists involving star informant Mo Laberge, harrowing escapes, assassination

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00:51:18

Charles Chitat Ng and Leonard Thomas Lake Part 3

Almost Fiction ·

2025/07/14

The walls begin to close in on Charles Ng and Leonard Lake as a simple theft spirals into something much darker. Part 3 of our case delves into the moment their carefully constructed facade starts to crumble. The pair is scrambling now, trying to run from the impending consequences to their horrific actions. Welcome back to Almost Fiction.Sources:https://casetext.com/case/people-v-charles-chitat-ngHenton, Darcy; Owens, Greg. No Kill No Thrill: The True Story of Serial Killers Charles Ng And Leonard

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00:46:30

Charles Chitat Ng and Leonard Thomas Lake Part 2

Almost Fiction ·

2025/07/08

Discover the chilling story of Charles Ng and Leonard Lake, two ex-Marines whose paths crossed in California, leading to one of America's most disturbing criminal cases. Part 2 delves into their escalating crimes from 1984-1985, including disappearances, sexual assaults, and murders. From Lake's disturbing "Operation Miranda" to the vanishing of multiple victims, this episode examines how these predators lured victims in, and covered up their disgusting crimes.Welcome to Almost

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00:42:57

Charles Ng and Leonard Lake - Part 1: Before the Horror

Almost Fiction ·

2025/07/01

Charles Ng and Leonard Lake - Part 1: Before the Horror. Explore the troubled early lives of two killers before they ever joined forces. From Ng's strict upbringing in Hong Kong to Lake's abandoned childhood in San Francisco, discover how their paths to violence began. This episode covers thier military service, early crimes, and the fateful meeting that would lead to one of America's most shocking criminal partnerships. Ko-fi.com/chaseellerman - Buy me an Arizona Green

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00:39:19

Jamie Reynolds

Almost Fiction ·

2025/06/03

In May 2013, 17-year-old Georgia Williams vanished after telling her parents she was helping a friend with a photo shoot. That friend was Jamie Reynolds, a boy with a hidden obsession, a disturbing past, and a plan he had written in horrifying detail years before.This episode explores the chilling case of Georgia Williams’s murder, the warning signs authorities ignored, and the predator hiding in plain sight. With exclusive insight, narrative depth, and haunting detail, we expose the cracks in the

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00:36:37

Nathan Ybanez

Almost Fiction ·

2025/05/30

In this gripping true crime episode, we investigate the haunting case of Nathan Ybanez, a 16-year-old who murdered his mother after years of alleged abuse. This deeply emotional story examines how a system meant to protect children failed repeatedly, leading to tragic consequences.Featuring exclusive details about Nathan's troubled childhood, his desperate calls for help, and the controversial trial that sent a teenager to prison for life, this episode challenges everything we think we know

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00:33:22

The Murder of Celeste Fronsman

Almost Fiction ·

2025/05/21

In 2012, Celeste Fronsman was abducted, tortured, and burned alive in rural Ohio. Her killers? People she thought were her friends. In this episode of Almost Fiction, we explore the dark world of addiction, abuse, and betrayal, and how Celeste’s final words helped solve her own murder. Sources: Lafonse Dixon v. Warden Richland Correctional Institution. Case NO. 2:16-CV-0251-EAS-KAJ. Filed November 21, 2016.

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00:37:38

Charles William Yukl Part 3

Almost Fiction ·

2025/05/12

In the shocking conclusion of our three-part true crime series, we uncover the final days of Charles William Yukl, a manipulative killer whose parole failure led to a second brutal murder in 1970s New York City. After convincing the system he was rehabilitated, Yukl lured an aspiring actress to his apartment under the pretense of casting her in a fake film. What followed was a horrific repeat of his first crime, strangulation, assault, and deception, all while hiding in plain sight.With disturbing

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00:39:13

Charles William Yukl Part 2

Almost Fiction ·

2025/05/07

In Part 2 of our deep dive into the life of Charles William Yukl, we explore the years that followed his shocking manslaughter conviction. After serving just a portion of his time, Yukl was released on parole, and what happened next is a chilling reminder of how the justice system can fail. Set in 1970s Manhattan, this episode traces Yukl’s disturbing reentry into society: his fake credentials, psychological manipulation, therapy sessions, and how he infiltrated New York’s struggling artist scene

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00:39:08

Charles William Yukl Part 1

Almost Fiction ·

2025/04/30

In this chilling episode of Almost Fiction, we begin the disturbing story of Charles William Yukl, a classically trained pianist, teacher, and, ultimately… convicted killer. From his troubled upbringing and intense musical training to his years of hidden darkness, we uncover how a seemingly mild-mannered man led a double life. Based heavily on the book The Piano Teacher by Robert K. Tanenbaum and Robert Greenberg, this episode dives deep into Yukl’s past, his manipulations, and the brutal 1966

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00:43:00

David Roland Waters

Almost Fiction ·

2025/04/22

In this gripping episode of Almost Fiction, we dig into one of the strangest true crime cases in American history, the disappearance and murder of Madalyn Murray O’Hair, the woman once dubbed “The Most Hated Woman in America.” From her rise as an infamous atheist activist to her mysterious vanishing in 1995, this story is steeped in ideology, betrayal, greed, and ultimately, tragedy. We follow the twisted path of David Roland Waters, an ex-con turned office manager at American Atheists, whose dark

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00:49:28

Anthony Edward Sowell

Almost Fiction ·

2025/04/15

In this gripping true crime episode, we uncover the horrifying story of serial killer Anthony Edward Sowell, also known as the Cleveland Strangler. Between 2007 and 2009, Sowell lured vulnerable women to his Cleveland home, where he committed unspeakable acts of violence. We trace his troubled childhood, disturbing behavior, and the systemic failures that allowed him to evade justice for so long. Featuring survivor accounts, court details, and the tragic stories of the 11 women whose lives were

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00:33:40

Richard Paul White

Almost Fiction ·

2025/04/08

Richard Paul White’s life was filled with violence, fear, and manipulation—but did his past shape him into a serial predator, or was the evil already inside him? This episode of Almost Fiction explores the disturbing transformation of a man who claimed demons made him kill.Sources:I Am a Killer: Richard Paul White. By SE King for MorningCoffeeandCrime.com. March 27, 2023.Killers’ Families Left to Confront Fear and Shame. By Serge F. Kovaleski. Feb. 4,

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37:45

Mauricio Rodriguez Silva

Almost Fiction ·

2025/04/01

Mauricio Rodriguez Silva's life was a constant struggle—abandoned, abused, and cast aside at every turn. But did his tragic childhood create a monster, or was he always destined for violence? This episode of Almost Fiction unravels the disturbing life and crimes of a man who could have been saved… but wasn’t.Sources:PEOPLE v. SILVA. Supreme Court of California. No. S004727. April 30, 2001. https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ca-supreme-court/1072397.htmlPortrait of ‘The Monster’ on Death Row By

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32:19

Thomas Warren Whisenhant

Almost Fiction ·

2025/03/25

What happens when a predator lurks in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike? This episode of Almost Fiction delves into the dark and disturbing case of Thomas Whisenhant, a killer whose crimes haunted Alabama for decades. Join us as we unravel the chilling details of his past, the investigation that led to his capture, and the twisted psychology behind his horrific acts.Sources: Whisenhant v. State. 370 So.2d 1080 (Ala.Cr.App.). (Direct Appeal). 1979. THOMAS WARREN WHISENHANT v RICHARD

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39:35

Almost Fiction - Season 3 Episode 14 - Sean Vincent...

Almost Fiction ·

2025/03/18

Justice is served, or is it? In the chilling conclusion to our Sean Vincent Gillis series, we explore his final crimes, the investigation that finally brought him down, and the disturbing details of his confessions. From his shocking courtroom antics to the families seeking closure, this episode uncovers the twisted mind of a man who evaded capture for years. Did the system truly hold him accountable? Or did his victims deserve more?Tune in for the gripping finale on Almost

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40:13

Sean Vincent Gillis Part 2

Almost Fiction ·

2025/03/11

The darkness continues. In Part 2 of our deep dive into Sean Vincent Gillis, we explore the gruesome evolution of his crimes, his twisted obsessions, and the investigation that struggled to catch up. As police search for answers, Gillis remains in the shadows—watching, waiting, and perfecting his horrifying craft. What drove him deeper into depravity? And how did he evade capture for so long?Tune in for the chilling continuation of this case on Almost Fiction. SOURCES: Mustafa, Susan D.; Israel,

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40:01

Sean Vincent Gillis Part 1

Almost Fiction ·

2025/03/04

A quiet Louisiana neighborhood. A troubled past. A gruesome discovery. In this chilling episode of Almost Fiction, we unravel the disturbing origins of Sean Vincent Gillis, a seemingly ordinary man with a dark secret. From a childhood shaped by instability to a life spiraling into depravity, we explore the events that led to one of Baton Rouge’s most terrifying crimes. What drives someone to cross the line between fantasy and horror? And who, if anyone, saw the warning signs?Listen now for a

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113 results

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