Advertise on podcast: Mama Mystery with Kelly Evans

In May 2018, Joleen Cummings was a mom of three and a hairstylist at a small salon in Yulee, Florida. For about a month, she worked two chairs down from a new stylist named Jennifer Sybert. Joleen didn’t trust her, and she was right not to. On the Saturday before Mother’s Day, one day before her 35th birthday, Joleen left work and was never seen again. The next morning, surveillance cameras caught her coworker driving Joleen’s SUV. “Jennifer Sybert” was really Kimberly Kessler, a Pennsylvania woman who had used at least 18 fake names across 14 states, was living under the identity of a girl who died as a child, and admitted she’d been running from the FBI for more than 25 years. In this episode, we go through the receipts for trash bags, zip ties and an electric carving knife, the internet search “Joleen Cummings no body no crime,” the FBI’s week-long search through 3.6 million pounds of garbage, a trial Kimberly had to watch from a separate room, and the other deaths investigators quietly looked into. Kimberly was sentenced to life in prison, but she has never told anyone where Joleen is. Content warning: this episode discusses murder and the disposal of human remains. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On September 30, 2026, Tennessee tried to execute Christa Pike, the only woman on its death row, and failed. She survived two lethal injections of pentobarbital and was rushed to a hospital. This week on Mama Mystery, I'm breaking down the full Christa Pike case from the beginning. In January 1995, 18-year-old Christa lured 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer, a fellow student at the Knoxville Job Corps, into the woods on the University of Tennessee agricultural campus. With her boyfriend Tadaryl Shipp and friend Shadolla Peterson there, she tortured and killed Colleen, carved a pentagram into her chest, and kept a piece of her skull as a souvenir. We'll cover Christa's traumatic childhood, her confession, the 1996 trial that made her the youngest woman sentenced to death in modern U.S. history, her prison attack on another inmate, and the 2012 escape plot with a pen pal and a prison guard. Then I'll walk you through the last-minute court fight, the U.S. Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling, and the failed execution hour by hour. Most of all, we'll remember Colleen Slemmer, the girl at the center of this story. TW: graphic violence, torture, sexual abuse of a child (discussed, not described in detail), and a botched execution. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Former American Idol contestant and worship pastor Caleb Flynn is on trial for the murder of his wife, Ashley Flynn, a beloved Tipp City, Ohio teacher and volleyball coach found shot to death in their home after Caleb called 911 to report a home invasion. In this deep dive, I'm breaking down the full timeline: who Ashley and Caleb Flynn really were, the 911 call, the physical evidence investigators say points to a staged crime scene, the charges he's facing (including aggravated murder, tampering with evidence, and witness intimidation), and the pretrial battles that led up to jury selection this week. I'm also separating fact from the rumors that have taken over social media, including claims about an affair and a pregnancy that at least one outlet had to formally correct. If you've seen this case all over your feed, this is the accurate, no-speculation version of what's actually happened so far. Topics covered: Caleb Flynn, Ashley Flynn, Tipp City Ohio murder, American Idol contestant murder case, staged crime scene, 911 call, Miami County trial, true crime deep dive Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Seven weeks of trial. Eighty-plus witnesses. Seven days of deliberations. And then, nothing. A Plymouth County jury could not agree on whether Lindsay Clancy is criminally responsible for killing her three children, and on Friday, September 4, the judge declared a mistrial. In this episode I walk you through exactly what happened inside that jury room, the last-minute scramble to the state's highest court, what both sides said afterward, and every road this case could go down from here. Also, on September 1, while a Massachusetts jury was still deliberating the Lindsay Clancy case, a mother of four in Frankfort, Illinois, was texting her friends about that trial. Hours later, her two-year-old son Barrett was dead in the basement and she was in a bathtub with a knife. Corie Walsh is now charged with three counts of first-degree murder, and she told police she did it because her baby was "the devil." In this episode I walk through everything we know so far, the Clancy connection prosecutors are already calling exhibit A, the heavyweight defense attorney she just hired, and why Illinois law makes her case very different from Lindsay's. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In January 2023, Duxbury nurse Lindsay Clancy strangled her three young children and then jumped from a second-story window in a suicide attempt that left her paralyzed. She's never denied it. What the jury spent weeks deciding is whether she's guilty of first-degree murder — carrying a mandatory life sentence — or was in the grip of a psychotic break so severe she bears no criminal responsibility for what happened. We break down the dueling psychiatric experts, the family testimony that traces her unraveling in real time, and the medical examiner's account of how the children died — plus the sprawling, evidence-free online movement that's put her ex-husband, Patrick, on trial by TikTok, and why his attorney is now putting influencers "on notice." Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Finalist for Colorado Teacher of the Year Sentenced for Relationship with Student  Former American Idol Contestant Accused of Killing Wife — Trial Date Set  NHL Reporter Jessi Pierce and Three Children Killed in Minnesota House Fire  Taylor Frankie Paul & Dakota Mortensen — Bodycam Footage and Ongoing Controversy  Tiger Woods Arrested After Rollover Crash Near Florida Home  Texas Airbnb Mansion Party Explodes into Chaos with Gunshots and Hundreds of Teens  Florida Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen Found Dead — Husband in Custody  Kristi Noem Rumors and Online Scandal Involving Her Husband — What’s Verified So Far   Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week’s Weekly Docket breaks down multiple major cases across the country, from long-awaited arrests to ongoing trials and shocking new charges. Here’s everything we’re covering: Woman Arrested Nearly 15 Years After Realtor Was Killed During Open House (Iowa)A cold case involving the 2011 murder of Ashley Okland finally leads to an arrest nearly 15 years later, but key questions about motive and evidence still remain.Quadruple Amputee Cornhole Player Charged With Murder (Maryland)A professional athlete is accused of shooting a man during an argument inside a car, with disturbing details about what happened after the shooting.Florida Woman Charged With Killing Boyfriend and Dismembering Body (Florida)Investigators uncover a disturbing sequence of events after a missing persons report leads to a confession and evidence in the backyard.Two Teachers Arrested Days Apart in Separate Student Abuse Cases (Pennsylvania)Two unrelated cases at the same high school raise serious concerns after both teachers are accused of inappropriate relationships with students.Taylor Frankie Paul & Dakota Mortensen Situation Explained (Utah)A highly public relationship involving domestic violence allegations, past incidents, and an ongoing investigation continues to unfold with multiple claims on both sides.Michigan Mother Sentenced to Life After Son Dies From Untreated Cancer (Michigan)A jury finds a mother guilty after prosecutors say she intentionally denied medical care to her son despite clear signs of a treatable illness.Deadly LaGuardia Runway Crash – What Went Wrong (New York)Early findings reveal a chain of failures, including communication issues and equipment problems, that led to a fatal runway collision.“Reacher” Star Alan Ritchson Speaks Out After Viral Fight (Tennessee)A neighborhood dispute turns physical, goes viral, and ultimately ends with no charges filed after police rule self-defense.Hawaii Doctor Accused of Attempted Murder During Hike (Hawaii)A woman testifies that her husband tried to push her off a cliff and attacked her with a rock during what was supposed to be a birthday trip.Utah Nurse Found Guilty in Fake Cancer Death Scheme (Utah)A years-long web of deception, thousands of text messages, and a nonexistent life insurance policy all play a role in a conviction for aggravated manslaughter.Mom Charged in Triple Murder of Children’s Father and His Parents (Illinois)A targeted shooting leaves three people dead, with investigators pointing to a complicated relationship and prior incidents leading up to the killings. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Kouri Richins will be sentenced on what would've been Eric's 44th birthday. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we’re breaking down the latest developments in the Kouri Richins murder trial. Kouri is accused of poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, with a lethal dose of fentanyl in 2022. Prosecutors say the motive was financial pointing to life insurance policies, mounting debt, and an alleged affair while the defense argues the state’s case is built on circumstantial evidence. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week’s Weekly Docket covers six major true crime cases making headlines right now. First, we break down the arrest of Florida nurse Rene Perez in the brutal killing of his coworker and affair partner Linda Campitelli, a case investigators say was solved through WhatsApp messages, surveillance footage, and cellphone data. Then we head to Hall County, Georgia, where beloved teacher and coach Jason Hughes was killed during a senior prank gone tragically wrong. We get into the “Junior-Senior Wars” context, the charges against student Jayden Wallace, and the emotional response from Hughes’ family. Next, we cover the Utah trial of nurse Meggan Sundwall, who is accused of convincing her friend Kacee Terry that she had terminal cancer before allegedly killing her with an insulin overdose in what prosecutors describe as a years-long manipulation scheme. We also discuss the heartbreaking case out of Queensland, Australia, where Kate Paterson and her 1-year-old daughter April were found dead after the child’s father, Blake Seers, was hit by a car while fleeing. From there, we move to Queens, New York, where Rupchand Simboo, 75, is accused of murdering his 34-year-old wife Salisha Ali and scattering her dismembered remains across multiple locations over several months. And finally, we break down the federal terrorism case involving Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, the two Pennsylvania teens accused of planning an ISIS-inspired bomb attack outside Gracie Mansion in New York City. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we’re breaking down the latest developments in the Kouri Richins murder trial. Kouri is accused of poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, with a lethal dose of fentanyl in 2022. Prosecutors say the motive was financial — pointing to life insurance policies, mounting debt, and an alleged affair — while the defense argues the state’s case is built on circumstantial evidence. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Eric Richins was a successful businessman, a devoted father, and a well-respected member of the Kamas, Utah, community. But his sudden death in March 2022 sent shockwaves through his family and friends. Initially reported as an accidental overdose, investigations revealed a sinister twist involving forged documents, financial disputes, and a staggering dose of illicit fentanyl. At the center of the investigation is Eric’s wife, Kouri Richins, whose actions before and after his death raised suspicions that continue to echo in the courtroom and beyond. In this episode of Mama Mystery, we uncover the shocking details of Eric’s final months, the mysterious financial decisions that put his life at risk, and the dark allegations surrounding his tragic death. Join us as we dive into this chilling case of betrayal, greed, and the relentless pursuit of justice for a man who deserved so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we’re breaking down the latest developments in the Kouri Richins murder trial. Kouri is accused of poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, with a lethal dose of fentanyl in 2022. Prosecutors say the motive was financial — pointing to life insurance policies, mounting debt, and an alleged affair — while the defense argues the state’s case is built on circumstantial evidence. Each episode in this series walks through one full day of testimony, highlighting the key witnesses, evidence presented in court, and the major moments that could shape the outcome of the trial. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Las Vegas, Nevada — Mom Kills Pre-Teen Daughter and Then Herself in Hotel During Cheerleading TripPawtucket, Rhode Island — Targeted Hockey Rink Shooting Leaves Two Dead and Three Critically InjuredTipp City, Ohio — Ashley Flynn Shot and Killed in Apparent Home BurglaryBranson, Missouri — Magician Couple Garry and Janine Carson Face Federal Child Exploitation ChargesNorfolk, Virginia — International Manhunt for Navy Reservist David Varela Accused of Killing Wife Lina Guerra EchavarriaOoltewah, Tennessee — Former NFL Linebacker Darron Lee Charged With Murder in Death of Gabriella Carvalho PerpetuoReston, Virginia — Juliana Peres Magalhães Sentenced in the Banfield “Au Pair Affair” Double Murder Case Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

From the outside, Michael and Natalie Cochran looked like a successful, involved West Virginia family — youth sports, church, a growing business, and a life that seemed to be taking off. But when millions of dollars in promised government contracts never materialized and Michael suddenly collapsed at home with critically low blood sugar, the polished image began to crack. What started as a fraud investigation eventually turned into something far darker. In this episode, we walk through the rise of Tactical Solutions Group, the mounting financial pressure, the events of February 6, 2019, and the six-year road that led to a life-without-parole sentence. This is the case of Michael and Natalie Cochran. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy