Deviant Criminology
Dr. Richard Weaver Jr., Heather Kenney, and Rachel Czar take listeners on a journey through the world of true crime. With their unique careers in the criminal justice and academic world; they work to provide an entertaining and educational experience for listeners. This podcast examines many areas of true crime including; the formation of laws, cases that defined caselaw, and crimes that impacted the world. Please join us on this journey as we transition from professionals in criminal justice and academia to budding podcasters.
Episodes
27 episodes
Mad Dog: The Violent Rise and Fall of Vincent Cole
The notorious life of Vincent "Mad Dog" Cole unfolds as a tragic tale of an Irish immigrant who became one of New York's most feared gangsters during Prohibition, meeting his violent end at just 23 years old.• Born in Ireland in 1908, C...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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34:34
Brothers in Civil Service
Two brothers share their journey through decades of emergency services, exploring how childhood experiences and family influence shaped their careers in firefighting and law enforcement. Their candid conversation reveals the true nature of firs...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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1:21:12
Typhoid Mary: The Woman Behind the Legend
Mary Mallon’s life raises fundamental questions about health, freedom, and the societal treatment of individuals deemed dangerous. This episode explores her transformation from an immigrant cook to an infamous health threat.• Mary Mallo...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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38:08
Ed Gein: A Distorted Childhood, Unspeakable Crimes, and Their Cultural Impact
Ed Gein's life is a disturbing exploration of trauma, isolation, and the dark legacy of mental illness manifesting in heinous crimes. By dissecting his journey, we reflect on the societal implications and responsibilities surrounding such trage...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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50:30
George C. Parker: The Con Artist Who Sold the Brooklyn Bridge and His Enduring Legacy
George C. Parker was a notorious con artist who famously sold the Brooklyn Bridge over 3,000 times. His story highlights the audacity of deception, the gullibility of those seeking dreams, and the evolution of law enforcement against crime, ult...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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38:03
The St. Valentine's Day Massacre: Gang Rivalries, Public Outcry, and the End of Prohibition
The St. Valentine's Day Massacre exemplifies the bloody clashes between organized crime factions during the Prohibition era, highlighting the impact such violence has on public perception and law enforcement response. This chilling act of gang ...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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35:51
David Edward Moust: A Serial Killer's Path and a Failed Justice System
David Moust's case illustrates the catastrophic failures of the criminal justice system in addressing the needs of individuals with severe mental health issues and violent tendencies. Through a chronicle of his life, the episode discusses the s...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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46:55
Marjorie Jackson: The Eccentric Heiress, Her Murder, and the Mystery of Missing Millions
Marjorie Jackson, an eccentric millionaire heiress, becomes a target for robbery and intrigue due to her vast concealed wealth, leading to her tragic murder in 1977. This episode explores themes of vulnerability, societal neglect, and the dark ...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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34:27
Missouri State Penitentiary: A Legacy of Reform and Injustice
Missouri State Penitentiary, once a notorious symbol of America’s correctional system, offers an unsettling reflection on incarceration's evolution over 170 years. The episode delves into MSP’s dark history, its notorious inmates, failed reform...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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55:52
Pets as Protectors: True Tales of Furry Heroes
This episode features remarkable stories of pets who acted heroically to protect their human families during attempted break-ins. From a brave German Shepherd to a relentless cat and a fearless squirrel, we explore how these animals embody loya...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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27:44
The Colorado Coal Field Wars: The Ludlow Massacre
The episode unearths the tragic story of the Ludlow Massacre, drawing connections between past labor struggles and the contemporary fight for workers' rights. It highlights the desperate conditions faced by miners and their families, ultimately...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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1:11:55
Charles Harrelson; the story of a killer
The episode illuminates the complicated legacy of Charles Harrelson, a notorious hitman and father of actor Woody Harrelson. We explore family dynamics, the impact of criminality on relationships, and the assassination of Judge John H. Wood Jr....
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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33:15
Willie Sutton: The Gentleman Robber and His Enduring Legacy
Unlock the captivating world of Willie Sutton, the infamous bank robber whose charm and cunning made him a legend of his time. Discover how Sutton's non-violent approach to crime and his transformation into a folk hero offered a unique perspect...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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47:06
The Lawson Family Christmas Massacre
The episode delves into the tragic events surrounding the Lawson family murders, which occurred on Christmas Day in 1929 amidst the Great Depression. It highlights the struggles of the family leading up to the horrific act, the psychological mo...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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57:34
The Death of Za'Zell Preston and Tragic Reality of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence isn't just a statistic—it’s a harsh reality that often escalates during the holiday season, affecting countless individuals and families. We explore this troubling phenomenon through the lens of Heather's extensive experience ...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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49:28
Eastern State's Dark Legacy of Isolation and Corruption
Prepare to rethink everything you thought you knew about prison reform. Eastern State Penitentiary, established in 1829, was a radical experiment in solitary confinement, driven by Quaker ideals of repentance and reflection. What began as a gro...
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58:18
Heather's Blind Episode: Terry Barton and the Hayman Fire
What if one moment of personal crisis could ignite a wildfire of unimaginable chaos and destruction? Join us as we delve into the story of the Hayman Fire of 2002, the largest wildfire in Colorado's history, with over 137,000 acres consumed. We...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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1:37:42
Brenda Spencer: Unraveling the Tragedy and Its Aftermath
What compels a 16-year-old to open fire on a school, claiming, “I don’t like Mondays”? It's a question that has haunted us since Brenda Spencer’s shocking actions on January 29, 1979. Our latest episode peels back the layers of this tragic even...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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1:00:29
The Spectacle of Dillinger's Pursuit and Ultimate End
Escape-proof jails and notorious gangsters rarely go in the same sentence, but John Dillinger shattered expectations with his legendary breakout from Crown Point Jail. Was his gun real or a wooden decoy? As we unravel this thrilling escapade, w...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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48:29
The Rise of John Dillinger: From Farm Boy to Infamous Bank Robber
Unlock the secrets of America's most notorious bank robber, John Dillinger, as we explore his journey from an innocent farm boy to a legendary criminal mastermind. Discover how Dillinger's prison years became his classroom, with mentors like Ha...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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45:40
John Dillinger's Descent into Crime
Ever wondered how a small-town boy from Indianapolis ended up as America's most infamous criminal? Join us as we unravel the tumultuous life of John Herbert Dillinger, starting from his early days of petty crime fueled by personal loss and a st...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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39:13
Understanding the Miranda Warning
Can a single Supreme Court case redefine the very essence of police interrogation? Tune in to this gripping episode where we unlock the dramatic journey leading to the establishment of Miranda rights, setting the stage with the historical conte...
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43:41
Orville Lynn Majors: Indiana Angel of Death
What if your trusted healthcare provider was actually a harbinger of death? This chilling question sets the stage for our latest episode of Deviant Criminology, where we explore the dark world of medical serial killers. We begin with a haunting...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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33:53
Nanny Doss: The Giggling Granny Serial Killer
Could a traumatic brain injury at age seven have paved the way for one of America's most chilling female serial killers? In this episode, we unravel the dark and twisted life of Nanny Doss, known by many as the "Giggling Granny." We'll explore ...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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53:40