Advertise on podcast: Women and Crime

Ep 390: A woman’s stay at a Costa Rica AirBnB ended in her murder. But whether the company holds any responsibility for her death is still in question. This is the Carla Stefaniak story. In November 2018, Carla Stefaniak flew to Costa Rica with her sister-in-law April Burton to celebrate her 29th birthday. Born in Venezuela and raised in South Florida, Carla was warm, adventurous and constantly in touch with her enormous extended family. When April flew home early, Carla booked one more night through Airbnb at Villa Buena Vista, an upscale gated condominium complex just outside San José — close to the airport, well reviewed, and staffed with on-site security. Then a storm rolled in, the power went out, and a FaceTime call ended abruptly at 9 p.m. Megan and Amy walk through Carla's final known hours, the account given by the overnight security guard, and the search mounted by police, volunteers and Carla's own relatives who flew down to look for her. Along the way they explore how Costa Rica's courts work, including why there are no jury trials in Costa Rica and what that means for a case like this. The second half turns to the civil side: the negligent hiring lawsuit filed in Florida, the limits of Airbnb liability when a platform merely connects travelers with hosts, and what this case should change about solo female travel safety. Sources for Today's Episode: CBS News ABC News The Washington Post Tampa Bay 28 WFTS Costa Rica Star News FOX 13 Tampa Miami Herald Credits: Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks Produced by James Varga Audio Editor, Jose Alfonzo Script Editor, Abagail Belcastro Music by Dessert Media Get Even More Women&Crime Episodes: Patreon - Ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade for $5 a month to get a new extra episode every month, as well as exclusive virtual HappyHours with Meg & Amy. Check-out other tiers for perks such as lectures, true crime book club, and more! Visit our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrime/ Apple Subscriptions - Exclusive episodes and ad-free regular stories are now available through Apple's podcast app for only $4.99 a month, or save with an annual membership. YouTube Memberships - Exclusive episode available on YouTube for only $4.99 a month. https://www.youtube.com/@WomenandCrime/membership/ Help is Available: If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Exclusive # 63: An actress’s death was ruled an accident, but over the decades, conflicting stories about what happened transformed this case into one of Hollywood's most enduring mysteries. This is the Natalie Wood story. Sources for Today's Episode: • 48 hours • Vanity Fair • Harpers Bazaar • People Magazine • The Guardian • Newsweek • Good Morning America • Time Magazine • BBC.org • CBS • Autopsyfiles.org Credits: • Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks • Produced & Edited by James Varga • Script Editor, Abagail Belcastro • Music by Dessert Media Help is Available: If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/

Ep 389: Women & Crime: Reconsidered is where we revisit our episode catalog and bring new insights, behind the scenes or updates. Brand new episodes are STILL every Tuesday! Original Airdate: 07/19/22 A young woman’s repeated cries for help begging for protection against a predator go unanswered by so many who were sworn to protect, resulting in a tragedy that could have been avoided at every turn. This is the Tiana Notice story. Sources for Today's Episode: An episode of Deadline: Crime with Tamron Hall The Washington Times True Crime Daily Courant.com Credits: Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks Produced & Edited by James Varga Music by Dessert Media Help is Available: If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 388: On their honeymoon in Australia, newlywed Tina Watson died minutes into her first ocean dive — and almost immediately, questions emerged about how she ended up on the seafloor alone This is the Tina Watson story On their honeymoon in Australia, newlywed Tina Watson died minutes into her first ocean dive, sparking immediate questions about how she ended up on the seafloor alone. This episode explores the tragic story of Tina Thomas and Gabe Watson, whose relationship was marked by family tension and Gabe’s controlling behavior regarding scuba diving. Despite Tina’s limited experience and heart condition, the couple embarked on a week-long trip to the Great Barrier Reef, targeting the wreck of the SS Yungala, a site recommended only for experienced divers. Sources for Today's Episode: Casefile Podcast, Episode 51 Medium Tuscaloosa News; ABC CBS News NBC News BBC News The Guardian 7News.com Credits: Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks Produced by James Varga Audio Editor, Jose Alfonzo Script Editor, Abagail Belcastro Music by Dessert Media Get Even More Women&Crime Episodes: Patreon - Ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade for $5 a month to get a new extra episode every month, as well as exclusive virtual HappyHours with Meg & Amy. Check-out other tiers for perks such as lectures, true crime book club, and more! Visit our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrime/ Apple Subscriptions - Exclusive episodes and ad-free regular stories are now available through Apple's podcast app for only $4.99 a month, or save with an annual membership. YouTube Memberships - Exclusive episode available on YouTube for only $4.99 a month. https://www.youtube.com/@WomenandCrime/membership/ Help is Available: If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 387: Women & Crime: Reconsidered is where we revisit our episode catalog and bring new insights, behind the scenes or updates. Brand new episodes are STILL every Tuesday! Original Airdate: 07/12/22 For 23 years, the unsolved murder of this women was thought to be the result of a burglary gone wrong. The case would remain cold until 2009 when DNA evidence pointed to someone in very close proximity to the investigation. Sherri Rasmussen story. Sources for Today's Episode: https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2012/07/lapd-lazurus-murder-mystery-killer people.com Associated Press The Atlantic LA times Credits: Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks Produced & Edited by James Varga Music by Dessert Media Help is Available: If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 386: Dr Sacks and Dr Shlosberg review the case with covered back in July 2023 (episode 137) and review the new developments, including her botched execution. Sponsors: (using our promo codes, supports the show!) Shopify - Start your business today with the industry’s best business partner, Shopify, and start hearing ’CHA CHING’ ! Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at Shopify.com/crimewomen Hungryroot - You’re going to love Hungryroot as much as we do. For a limited time get 40% off your first order PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to Hungryroot.com/WAC, code WAC . Credits: Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks Produced by James Varga Music by Dessert Media Get Even More Women&Crime Episodes: Patreon - Ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade for $5 a month to get a new extra episode every month, as well as exclusive virtual HappyHours with Meg & Amy. Check-out other tiers for perks such as lectures, true crime book club, and more! Visit our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrime/ Apple Subscriptions - Exclusive episodes and ad-free regular stories are now available through Apple's podcast app for only $4.99 a month, or save with an annual membership. YouTube Memberships - Exclusive episode available on YouTube for only $4.99 a month. https://www.youtube.com/@WomenandCrime/membership/ Help is Available: If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 385: Women & Crime: Reconsidered is where we revisit our episode catalog and bring new insights, behind the scenes or updates. Brand new episodes are STILL every Tuesday! Original Airdate: 07/05/22 When a 19-year-old woman is found deceased from an apparent suicide, an investigation revealed the victim’s involvement in a volatile love triangle. The evidence quickly gathered by police would point to not one, not two, but a trio of viable suspects with a motive to kill. This is the Devon Guzman Story Sources for Today's Episode: COMMONWEALTH v. HETZEL (2003, March 14). Caselaw. https://caselaw.findlaw.com/pa-superior-court/1315945.html Commonwealth v. Hetzel: Pennsylvania Superior Court Decisions. (2013, June 3). Justia Law. https://law.justia.com/cases/pennsylvania/superior-court/2013/2664-eda-2012.html Forensic Files: “Cries Unheard,” (S9, Episode 16). (2004). HETZEL v. LAMAS: 630 F.Supp.2d 563 (2009, June 22). Leagle.com. https://www.leagle.com/decision/20091193630befsupp2d56311137. Hetzel v. Lamas. (2010, March 24). AnyLaw. https://www.anylaw.com/case/hetzel-v-lamas/third-circuit/03-23-2010/bIEJPmYBTlTomsSBVrr_ Scorned: Love Kills. “Best Friends For Never” (Season 2, Episode 5). (2013, February 23). Writes, A. (2021, July 12). Love Triangle Ends in the Murder of 19-Year-Old Devon Guzman. Medium. https://medium.com/the-criminalist/love-triangle-ends-in-the-murder-of-19-year-old-devon-guzman-88fd92ebe29a Credits: Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks Produced & Edited by James Varga Music by Dessert Media Help is Available: If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 384: When a pregnant mother of two is found dead inside her Houston home, investigators uncover a case that would ultimately stretch from Texas to Italy. This is the Christa Gilley story. Crista Gilley, was a dedicated physical therapist and mother of two found deceased in her Houston home in October 2024. Her husband, Lee Gilley, initially claimed she died from an accidental overdose or suicide, but medical evidence revealed signs of strangulation, leading to capital murder charges that included the unborn child. The discussion explores the complex legal landscape of fetal homicide statutes across different states, highlighting how Texas defines personhood from conception. As Lee was released on bond, he allegedly fled to Italy using fake documents, triggering a high-stakes international legal battle over extradition. We analyze the nuances of the extradition treaty between the U.S. and Italy, particularly regarding the potential application of the death penalty and life without parole. Sources for Today's Episode: People.com Houston Chronicle Legacy.com- obituary scstatehouse.gov aol.com CRBC NBC dateline Credits: Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks Produced by James Varga Audio Editor, Jose Alfonzo Script Editor, Abagail Belcastro Music by Dessert Media Get Even More Women&Crime Episodes: Patreon - Ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade for $5 a month to get a new extra episode every month, as well as exclusive virtual HappyHours with Meg & Amy. Check-out other tiers for perks such as lectures, true crime book club, and more! Visit our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrime/ Apple Subscriptions - Exclusive episodes and ad-free regular stories are now available through Apple's podcast app for only $4.99 a month, or save with an annual membership. YouTube Memberships - Exclusive episode available on YouTube for only $4.99 a month. https://www.youtube.com/@WomenandCrime/membership/ Help is Available: If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 383: Women & Crime: Reconsidered is where we revisit our episode catalog and bring new insights, behind the scenes or updates. Brand new episodes are STILL every Tuesday! Original Airdate: 06/28/22 Young mother, victim of drug war wrongly arrested, jailed, and indicted based on the word of a confidential informant… After being involved in a drug sweep… with no prior drug record, no evidence or any drugs found on her, Regina had a choice: plead guilty and go home to her four children as a convicted felon or remain in prison for potentially decades for a crime she did not commit. This is the Regina Kelly story. Sources for Today's Episode: essence.com pbs.org Radley Balko of Reason magazine’s YouTube Channel NPR aclu.org texasobserver.org Credits: Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks Produced & Edited by James Varga Music by Dessert Media Help is Available: If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 382: A woman’s organization was supposed to bring healing and liberation. Instead it was investigated by the Federal government This is the Nicole Daedone story. In the heart of the Bay Area self-care boom, Nicole Daedone built One Taste, a wellness organization promising women liberation through mindfulness and intimacy. Marketed as a revolutionary approach to female sexual health, the company attracted wealthy followers with expensive retreats and its signature practice, orgasmic meditation. But beneath the surface of communal living and spiritual growth, a federal investigation uncovered allegations of severe psychological manipulation, financial exploitation, and forced labor targeting emotionally vulnerable individuals. This episode explores the rise and fall of One Taste, examining how a charismatic leader used economic pressure and social isolation to maintain control. We delve into the FBI’s probe into the organization’s recruiting and training practices, the shocking federal charges of conspiracy to commit forced labor, and the legal battle over where persuasion ends and criminal coercion begins. By analyzing the testimonies of former members and the prosecution’s theory of non-physical coercion, we question how the justice system defines consent in high-control groups and what this case means for the future of regulating the wellness industry. Sources for Today's Episode: Book titled: The Empire of Orgasm by Ellen Huet Bloomberg Businessweek Federal Indictment: United States v. Nicole Daedone & Rachel Cherwitz- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York Netflix doc: Orgasm Inc.: The Story of OneTaste Nytimes Associated Press Credits: Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks Produced by James Varga Audio Editor, Jose Alfonzo Script Editor, Abagail Belcastro Music by Dessert Media Get Even More Women&Crime Episodes: Patreon - Ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade for $5 a month to get a new extra episode every month, as well as exclusive virtual HappyHours with Meg & Amy. Check-out other tiers for perks such as lectures, true crime book club, and more! Visit our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrime/ Apple Subscriptions - Exclusive episodes and ad-free regular stories are now available through Apple's podcast app for only $4.99 a month, or save with an annual membership. YouTube Memberships - Exclusive episode available on YouTube for only $4.99 a month. https://www.youtube.com/@WomenandCrime/membership/ Help is Available: If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 381: Women & Crime: Reconsidered is where we revisit our episode catalog and bring new insights, behind the scenes or updates. Brand new episodes are STILL every Tuesday! Original Airdate: 06/21/22 This teacher made national headlines when she was caught having an inappropriate and illegal relationship. But even after getting caught and being warned by the courts to stay away from her victim, could this woman keep apart from her claimed true love? This is the Mary Kay Letourneau Story Sources for Today's Episode: People.com Rolling Stone An episode of Mugshots Crime Library Los Angeles Times ABC news Credits: Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks Produced & Edited by James Varga Music by Dessert Media Help is Available: If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 62: Two toddlers are found murdered in a tight-knit community. Their killer’s trial would challenge questions around justice for decades to come. This is the Mary Bell story. Sources for Today's Episode: • BBC News • UK National Archives, Prosecutions case record • The Guardian • Biorgraphs.org • Gitta Sereny, excerpts from “Cries Unheard: The Story of Mary Bell” Credits: • Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks • Produced by James Varga • Audio Editor, • Script Editor, • Music by Dessert Media Help is Available: If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources

Ep 380: Both sides agreed Lindsay Clancy killed her children and was mentally ill. But on the issue of criminal responsibility, Twelve jurors could not agree. Sources for Today's Episode: Boston Globe trial reporting Boston.com CBS Boston CT Insider CT Post AP People NY Post NBC Boston WCVB/WMTW Court testimony/transcripts (where available) Credits: Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks Produced & Edited by James Varga Music by Dessert Media Get Even More Women&Crime Episodes: Patreon - Ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade for $5 a month to get a new extra episode every month, as well as exclusive virtual HappyHours with Meg & Amy. Check-out other tiers for perks such as lectures, true crime book club, and more! Visit our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrime/ Apple Subscriptions - Exclusive episodes and ad-free regular stories are now available through Apple's podcast app for only $4.99 a month, or save with an annual membership. YouTube Memberships - Exclusive episode available on YouTube for only $4.99 a month. https://www.youtube.com/@WomenandCrime/membership/ Help is Available: If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 379: Women & Crime: Reconsidered is where we revisit our episode catalog and bring new insights, behind the scenes or updates. Brand new episodes are STILL every Tuesday! Original Airdate: 06/14/22 A family’s Caribbean cruise was cut short when their 23-year-old daughter vanished while onboard. The desperate search across several borders left her family with few clues… and worried about a sinister fate. This is the Amy Lynn Bradley Story Sources for Today's Episode: The Charley Project https://charleyproject.org/case/amy-lynn-bradley FBI – Wanted Amy Lynn Bradley: What really happened to the 23-year-old who vanished on a family cruise ship? FBI seeking leads in Virginia woman’s 1998 disappearance Chesterfield family extends search Cruise line ends search for missing passenger Troubled Waters – Disappeared on ID NBC news ABC news Cruise law news.com Vanished with Beth Holloway Dr. Phil Credits: Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks Produced & Edited by James Varga Music by Dessert Media Help is Available: If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 378: She was a young woman trying to walk away — 48 hours after filing for divorce, she was found dead in a state park This is the Mica Miller story. Sources for Today's Episode: People.com Newsweek.com The Independent FITSNews.com WPDE / ABC15 (Myrtle Beach) WCIV / ABC News 4 (Charleston) Daily Mail The Christian Post The Marshall Project The Sidebar Podcast Law&Crime Network Doe v. Miller et al., Horry County Court of Common Pleas civil complaint South Carolina Legislature, Bill 588 (Mica's Law) Sponsors: (using our promo codes, supports the show!) Shopify - Start your business today with the industry’s best business partner, Shopify, and start hearing ’CHA CHING’ ! Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at Shopify.com/crimewomen Credits: Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks Produced by James Varga Audio Editor, Jose Alfonzo Script Editor, Abagail Belcastro Music by Dessert Media Get Even More Women&Crime Episodes: Patreon - Ad-free shows starting at $2 a month, or upgrade for $5 a month to get a new extra episode every month, as well as exclusive virtual HappyHours with Meg & Amy. Check-out other tiers for perks such as lectures, true crime book club, and more! Visit our Patreon page for more info: https://www.patreon.com/womenandcrime/ Apple Subscriptions - Exclusive episodes and ad-free regular stories are now available through Apple's podcast app for only $4.99 a month, or save with an annual membership. YouTube Memberships - Exclusive episode available on YouTube for only $4.99 a month. https://www.youtube.com/@WomenandCrime/membership/ Help is Available: If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation. For direct links to these organizations please visit https://womenandcrimepodcast.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices