Crimes of Passion

Today we’re bringing you a special two-part episode from another Spotify Original from Parcast. If you enjoy it, check out Solved Murders, free and only on Spotify.It became one of the most sensationalized cases of the late 19th century: The young wife of a playboy medical student died not long after a botched abortion. But it wasn’t the dangerous procedure that killed her. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeannie Butkowski tried to break things off with Pernell in December 1988, but the ex-football player refused to let her go. Then, she disappeared. Police treated her as a runaway, not a victim — until a hunter’s hound confirmed the worst. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unable to kick his steroid addiction, college football star Pernell Jefferson sabotaged his chance to turn pro. He took up stalking, kidnapping, and assaulting women he was dating. And in 1988, he directed his focus on Jeannie Butkowski. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Susan Powell disappeared in December 2009 after telling her husband Josh she wanted a divorce. As authorities closed in on the truth of her disappearance, tragedy struck the Powell family once again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Susan Powell jumped into marriage quickly with her boyfriend Josh in 2000, missing numerous red flags that would soon threaten their relationship. By the time she realized her mistake, the wheels of a terrifying, real-life murder mystery were already in motion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Violence erupted in the Lannert home on July 4, 1990, leaving 44-year-old Tom Lannert dead. Local police launched an investigation, but the subsequent trial left a traumatized Stacey unable to explain her actions.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1990, after a decade of abuse at her father’s hands—and a devastating incident involving her younger sister—18-year-old Stacey Lannert reached a tipping point.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a Harvard student struggling with social isolation and undiagnosed depression, Sinedu Tadesse committed one of the most violent crimes in the university’s history. In the aftermath, two families grieved as Harvard came under fire for its role in the tragedy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast.Today we’re looking at unrepentant criminals. Why do some criminals lack empathy over their actions? Clips featured: Crimes of Passion: Tyler Hadley Pt. 2, Female Criminals: “Lesbian Vampire Killer” Tracey Wiggington, Villains: Richard Kuklinski Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Along with her roommate Trang Ho, Sinedu Tadesse was a U.S. immigrant attending Harvard University on full scholarship. The two women seemed like they had everything going for them. But in 1995, on the day after final exams ended, they both were found dead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices