A mother's desperate claim that her two young sons were kidnapped by a carjacker unravels into one of the most shocking murder cases in South Carolina history. The Susan Smith case reveals how a web of lies, inconsistencies, and a devastating confession led to the discovery of a premeditated crime that shocked the nation.

• Susan Smith reported her sons Michael (3) and Alex (14 months) were taken during a carjacking on October 25, 1994
• For nine days, America watched as Susan and her husband David made tearful pleas on national television
• Investigators noticed troubling inconsistencies in Susan's story, including speaking of her children in past tense
• A "Dear Jane" letter from Susan's boyfriend suggested a potential motive for the disappearance
• Susan eventually confessed to rolling her car into John D. Long Lake with her sons strapped in their car seats
• The car floated for six minutes before sinking, with the boys conscious and likely terrified
• Despite claiming she initially planned suicide alongside her children, Susan's clothes were dry when she reported the crime
• Susan's false accusation that a Black man had committed the crime inflamed racial tensions in the community
• In November 2024, Susan was denied parole after serving 30 years, but will be eligible for review every two years

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On Christmas morning in 1945, a family's holiday joy shattered when flames consumed their home and five children mysteriously vanished. The Sodder family of Fayetteville, West Virginia, faced unthinkable tragedy that sparked theories of conspiracy and kidnapping. Starting with a strange phone call that Jenny Sautter received just before the blaze began, the episode delves into the moments leading to the horrifying fire that would change their lives forever.

We explore the bizarre occurrences that transpired that fateful night. Why did their coal trucks fail to start? Why was the ladder inexplicably missing? Why was the phone line cut? With every twist, the tragic tale morphs into a haunting mystery that captivates and perplexes investigators and listeners alike. The discussions in this episode highlight the unanswered questions that linger in the minds of those who reflect on the Sodder family.

Learn about the family's ongoing search for their missing children as they followed leads from cryptic letters and local sightings. This heartbreaking narrative, intertwined with themes of hope, loss, and the inherent complexities of human nature and community, remains unsolved. Join us as we chronicle this poignant story that stands as a testament to the unyielding pursuit of truth and peace for the Sodder family.

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Discover the shocking crime spree of Carl Isaacs and his gang, whose violent escape from the Maryland State Penitentiary led to a terrifying series of events in 1973. How did a group of fugitives leave a trail of car thefts, burglaries, and brutal murders across several states? Unravel the gripping narrative of their journey southward, culminating in the harrowing Alday family massacre in Donaldsonville, Georgia, an event that left an indelible mark on the community and the justice system.

Experience the desperate and chaotic flight of these criminals, from the haunting break-in at the Alday family trailer to the tense showdown with armed citizens at a country store in Virginia. Witness the relentless pursuit by law enforcement, as these fugitives sought refuge in the West Virginia mountains, leaving behind a trail of devastation. This episode captures the chilling nature of their crimes and the intense manhunt that followed, as society scrambled to comprehend the impact of such heinous acts.

Reflect on the enduring legacy of the Alday family tragedy, a chapter in history that transformed the judicial landscape of Georgia. The trials and retrials of Carl Isaacs and his accomplices highlight the challenges of achieving justice amid widespread media attention and legal complexities. Explore the ripple effects of their actions on the Alday family and the broader community, as we honor the memory of those lost and examine the changes that arose from this dark moment in Southern history.

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