Crime Salad

Mark Twitchell was a film enthusiast with big ambitions, but those ambitions took a dark and disturbing turn. Beneath his passion for movies was something much more sinister, and it didn’t take long for those dark desires to surface. Wearing a hockey mask and armed with duct tape, a fake gun, and a taser baton, Mark set a trap in a garage he had rented to film a movie, prepared to look like a crime scene, complete with plastic sheeting, but it was actually a kill room. Sponsors: Apostrophe Go to Apostrophe.com/CRIMESALAD, click “Get Started,” and use the code CRIMESALAD at sign-up. 

This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics, including sexual violence, child exploitation, psychological abuse, and relatable topics. We strongly advise listeners to exercise discretion. Victims of exploitation aren’t always bound by physical restraints—they’re trapped by psychological abuse, fear, and manipulation, as perpetrators use our systemic failures to their advantage. In this special episode, we step away from our usual content to shed light on a devistating reality: the estimated 15 million children impacted by sexual exploitation in the U.S. In this episode we will look into Jessa Dillow Crisp’s story, who is now a co-founder of Bridge Hope, and a strong advocate for survivors and the many challenges many victims face. Hotlines for Immediate Support National Human Trafficking Hotline (U.S.): Call: 1-888-373-7888 Text: 233733 National Sexual Assault Hotline (U.S.): Call: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) Survivor Story and Support Jessa Dillow Crisp's Experience: YouTube Video Jessa Dillow Crisp's Website: Bloomify Community Government Resources US Department of Justice on Human Trafficking: What is human trafficking? Organizations Fighting Trafficking and Exploitation Empower the Fight (Child Exploitation Awareness): What is child sex trafficking? Training and Education Training: Watchful Eye Title: Safeguarding Children from Sex Abuse & Exploitation Access Training Here: https://risingsteps.thinkific.com/courses/watch SPONSORS Apostrophe Get your first visit for just five dollars at Apostrophe.com/CRIMESALAD when you use our code CRIMESALAD. Beam's Dream Powder Get up to 50% off while supplies last when you go to shopbeam.com/crimesalad and use code CRIMESALAD at checkout.

This episode contains graphic descriptions of violence and strong language that may not be suitable for all listeners. Listener discretion is strongly advised. At 6:43 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2009, Detective Justin Barlow’s phone rang. On the other end was his neighbor, Christopher Coleman sounding anxious. He had just returned from the gym and couldn’t get his wife, Sheri, to answer the phone. Something wasn’t right. That call would set off an investigation that would uncover one of the most chilling family tragedies in Columbia, Illinois. A small town located near St. Louis Missouri. The family of four: Chris Coleman Sheri,who were highschool sweet hearts and their two sons 9 year old Gavin and 11 year old Garrett were living in a two-story house located in a suburban neighborhood.  Links to check out: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549867/#:~:text=Rigor%20mortis%20appears%20approximately%202,after%20death)%20and%20then%20disappears. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember that help is available. You can reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visiting 988lifeline.org for support.  Kids can be cruel at a young age, and as we know even adults. It seems like over time, bullying has evolved, extending its reach beyond the schoolyard or around the local town to the world of online harassment where indivusals can hide behind their screen and really, say or do whatever, with out any real consequences. Statistics show that an estimated 160,000 children skip school every day because of fear—an alarming reminder of the emotional toll bullying takes. Links you need to check out:  https://www.change.org/p/tell-congress-to-enact-anti-bullying-legislation-in-honor-of-10-year-old-sammy-teusch https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-wyatt-family-legal-fees https://www.amandatoddlegacy.org/ How to navigate bullying: https://hside.org/connection-between-bullying-and-suicide/#Types