vintage crime

Imagine the shock of an unsuspecting birdwatcher, discovering a decomposed body in a marsh - a body later identified as Melvin Clark, Jr.’s through Navy and dental records. Brace yourselves as we delve into the puzzling gangland-style murder theory the police entertained and the aftermath of Melvin's disappearance, throwing light on the riveting details of the intense 14-hour police questioning of Lorraine Clark. It's the second part of a three-part series about a 1950s murder mystery.

For images related to the cases, check out the Instagram.

Prepare to journey back to 1954, as we unravel a tale of love, betrayal and mystery in the quiet town of Amesbury, Massachusetts. This episode is brimming with scandal, heartbreak, and the chilling disappearance of Melvin Clark, Jr. We pull back the curtain on the Clark family's troubled marriage, revealing a young couple's struggle to create a life together amidst financial pressures. Listen as we uncover the gritty details of Lorraine Clark's affair and the chain of events that led to Mel's mysterious vanishing act.

Our investigation takes us deep into the shocking 'swap-mate' scandal that reverberated across this seemingly ordinary town. We dissect the strange circumstances that unfolded, from the fight between Lorraine and Mel that fateful April night, to the unsettling discovery of Mel's car and the stench of benzene that lingered in the trunk.

Hammond, James H. “Wife says Clark beat her on night he disappeared.” The Boston Daily Globe. June 9, 1954.
Queen, Eilery. “The Dream Cottage Murder.” The San Francisco Examiner. November 14, 1954.
Scullin, George. “The Sordid End to the Swap-Mate Scandal.” Cosmopolitan. March 1959.

For images related to the cases, check out the Instagram.

Many historians believe the Axeman of New Orleans terrorized a total of 12 victims, the first of which were Joseph and Catherine Maggio. The couple were bludgeoned in their sleep with their own axe, which would turn out to be a major part of the killer's MO. The Maggios died 104 years ago this week, on May 23rd, 1918. There is, however, a lot of lore surrounding the case, and  some believe the Axeman's attacks could have started as early as 1910. The Axeman was feared throughout New Orleans for his brutal crimes, and has inspired songs, jazz nights, and television characters. The identity of the Axeman of New Orleans remains a mystery to this day.

Writing and research by Aurora Cady.

Original music and audio production by Louis Levesque.
For inquiries: louis14levesque@gmail.com

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LINKS + SOURCES:

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/29501267-the-axeman-of-new-orleans 

https://historyofyesterday.com/the-trail-of-the-axeman-of-new-orleans-4575828d7e3 

https://www.history.com/news/the-grisly-story-of-americas-largest-lynching#:~:text=Between%201884%20and%201924%2C%20nearly,welcomed%20by%20New%20Orleans%20residents.

https://www.neworleans.com/things-to-do/multicultural/cultures/italians/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italians_in_New_Orleans

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/axeman-new-orleans-preyed-italian-immigrants-180968037/

https://aforteantinthearchives.wordpress.com/2009/07/10/fresh-light-on-the-axeman-of-new-orleans/

https://www.wbur.org/endlessthread/2018/06/22/the-axeman-serial-killer-new-orleans

https://www.moltensulfur.com/post/the-axeman-s-letter

https://www.theministryofhistory.co.uk/short-histories-blog/theaxemanofneworleans

https://criminalminds.fandom.com/wiki/The_Axeman_of_New_Orleans

https://www.louisianalife.com/axed-in-new-orleans/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmbhTqiPWFA 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVU48bR74jE

After a long, but well-needed break, Maria and Laura are back to serve you all the gruesome and spooky stories! Maria brings us a deep dive on the Manson Family and the notorious Tate-LaBianca murders, plus where some of the cult members are today. Laura pays homage to her roots and covers the several hauntings and cryptids of the Netherlands/Holland. Listen to catch up with the witches, and hear some horrifying tales. It's good to be back!

TW: our true crime portion is particularly graphic and includes violence against pregnant women.