Morbid

In the early morning hours of April 27, 1913, a night watchman at the National Pencil Company in Atlanta, GA, found the body of thirteen-year-old former factory worker Mary Phagan in a basement room of the factory. Mary had been sexually assaulted and strangled, a strip of fabric from her coat still around her neck when she was discovered, and there were two cryptic notes found near the body. Given where Mary was discovered, it was assumed the killer was familiar with the layout of the factory and was either a current or former employee.
Just one day later, suspicion fell on two factory employees, a night watchman, Newt Lee, and the factory’s superintendent, twenty-nine-year-old Leo Frank. In time, investigators ruled Lee out, leaving Leo frank as the sole suspect in the girl’s murder. To many, the arrest, prosecution, and failed appeals of Leo Frank had more to do with him being Jewish than they did his being the most likely suspect, but the real outrage was yet to come. Indeed, two years after Phagan’s death and Leo Frank’s conviction, the people of Atlanta would commit an act of extrajudicial violence that would forever stain the conscience of Georgia.
RESOURCES
Atlanta Constituion . 1913. "Frank and Lee ordered held by coroner's jury for Mary Phagan murder." Atlanta Constitution , May 9: 1.
Atlanta Constitution. 1915. "Mob's own story in detail." Atlanta Constitution, August 18: 1.
Atlanta Journal. 1915. "Leo Frank forcibly taken from prison." Atlanta Journal , August 17: 1.
—. 1913. "Arnold's motion for a mistrial is denied by Judge Roan." Atlanta Journal, August 25: 5.
—. 1913. "Detectives building case on theory that Frank and negro can clear mystery." Atlanta Journal, April 29: 1.
—. 1913. "Dorsey will finish his speech in few hours." Atlanta Journal, August 24: 1.
—. 1913. "Factory girls eager to testify for Frank." Atlanta Journal, July 29: 1.
—. 1913. "Frank Receives sentence like stoic, asserting his innocence of the crime." Atlanta Journal, August 26: 1.
—. 1913. "Negro sweeper tells officer Frank asked him to write some notes day before tragedy." Atlanta Journal, May 24: 1.
—. 1913. "Phagan case will go to grand jury in present form." Atlanta Journal, May 17: 1.
—. 1913. "Phagan inquest in session." Atlanta Journal, May 8: 1.
Berman, Sandra, and Jane Leavey. n.d. Seeking Justice: The Leo Frank Case Revisited. Atlanta, GA: The Breman Jewish Heritage and Holocaust Museum.
Jewish Advocate. 1913. "Is Leo M. Frank of Atlanta GA., guilty of murder." Jewish Advocate, December 12: 1.
New York Times. 1914. "Appeal for Frank in murder case." New York Times, February 25: 6.
—. 1914. "Frank convicted by public clamor." New York Times, March 2: 1.
—. 1914. "Split court denies new trial to Frank." New York Times, February 18: 3.
—. 1915. "Took Frank's life in resentment." New York Times, August 18: 3.
Oney, Steve. 2003. And the Dead Shall Rise: The Murder of Mary Phagan and the Lynching of Leo Frank. New York, NY: Pantheon Books.
Slaton, John. 1915. "Gov. Slaton's statement." New York Times, June 22: 6.
United Press International. 1982. "Alonzo mann, 83, Sunday made public a secret." United Press International, March 7.

Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)
Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)
Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash Kelley
Listener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra Lally
Listener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025)

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Anyone with any knowledge of his disappearance is encouraged to reach out to the family through their 24/7 tip line at 844-602-0660, or to the Buckeye Police Department at 623-349-6411.
When twenty-four-year-old geologist Daniel Robinson left work on the morning of June 23, 2021, no one knew where he was going or why he was leaving work so early; they only noticed that he was driving west, further into the desert. The unexpected departure was out of character for Robinson, so when he failed to return that afternoon and no one had heard from him outside of work, his disappearance was reported to the police.
Days soon turned to weeks and there was still no sign of Daniel. Then, in late July, a month after he went missing, Daniel’s Jeep was found rolled over and crashed in a ravine some distance from the job site. The airbags in the car had both deployed and there was significant damage to the vehicle, but there was no sign of Daniel Robinson, turning a relatively routine missing person case into a bizarre mystery that remains unsolved to this day.
References
Beresford, Jack. 2021. Gabby Petito Case Sparks Appeal Over Unsolved Disappearance of Arizona Man. September 20. Accessed August 10, 2026. https://www.newsweek.com/gabby-petito-case-appeal-unsolved-disappearance-arizona-man-daniel-robinson-1630758.
Cardoba Perez, Angela, and Perry Vandell. 2022. "Geologist remains missing one year later." Arizona Republic, June 24: 4.
Ellis, Nicquel Terry. 2024. "Turning tragedy into purpose: Gabby Petito's father advocates for missing Black and brown people." CNN, December 24.
Encinas, Amaris. 2021. "Family still searching for missing 24-year-old." Arizona Republic, September 21: 3.
Galka, Matt, and Brent Corrado. 2021. Investigators release new details about crash leading up to geologist's disappearance. November 4. Accessed August 10, 2026. https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/daniel-robinson-investigators-release-new-details-about-crash-leading-up-to-geologists-disappearance.
Gonzalez, Jose. 2023. "Police reveal new casework on missing Tempe geologist." Arizona Republic, June 2: 12.
Hardle, Alexandra. 2024. "How a missing son led Robinson to a run for Congress." Arizona Republic, March 20: B3.
Jaafari, Joseph Darius. 2021. "Who crashed car belonging to missing geologist?" Arizona Republic, October 6: 1.
Jensen, Audrey. 2021. "Search continues for man last seen in Buckeye." Arizona Republic, July 11: A4.
2023. Disappeared. Directed by Ricky Lewis.
Sarup, Eshaan. 2023. "New information on Daniel Robinson, who has been missing since 2021." Arizona Republic, October 13: 10.



Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)
Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)
Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash Kelley
Listener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra Lally
Listener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025)

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By the time Michael Peterson went to trial, the case had attracted national attention, particularly after details about his personal life came to light, particularly his numerous affairs with men. The case gained even more attention when it was learned that, in 1985, Michael Peterson’s friend Elizabeth Ratliff died under very similar circumstances to those of his wife.
With significant evidence against him and no compelling argument for his innocence, Michael Peterson was found guilty of his wife’s murder in 2003. But, as it turned out, that was hardly the end of the story.
References
Associated Press. 2002. "Durham novelist insists wife's death caused by fall on stairs, not beating." Winston-Salem Journal, February 20: 6.
Cain, Brooke. 2022. A ‘Staircase’ timeline from Kathleen Peterson’s death to her husband’s trial and plea. May 10. Accessed July 16, 2026. https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article260637047.html.
Curliss, J. Andrew, and Vicki Cheng. 2001. "Death of former candidate's wife under scrutiny." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), December 11: B1.
Dalesio, Emery P. 2003. "Prosecution: Death was no accident." Charlotte Observer, October 4: 26.
Griffin, Anna. 2003. "Durham writer found guilty of killing wife." Charlotte Observer, October 11: 1.
—. 2001. "High-profiler gets unwanted attention." Charlotte Observer, December 16: 23.
—. 2003. "Peterson murder case goes to jury." Charlotte Observer, October 7: B1.
Jarvis, Craig. 2002. "Peterson case takes a turn." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), May 11: 1.
Jarvis, Craig, and John Sullivan. 2001. "Peterson seen as vibrant, devoted." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), December 23: 1.
Johns, Michael. 2002. "Peterson's motive?" The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), January 20: 28.
Jones, Aphrodite. 2013. A Perfect Husband. New York, NY: Pinnacle.
Kane, Dan. 1999. "Mayoral candidate's fake-wound disclosure splits backers." News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), September 23: 3B.
Lee, Demorris. 2003. "Agent's findings point to beating." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), August 15: 1.
—. 2002. "Durham DA seeks exhumation." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), October 19: 1.
—. 2003. "Sisters grant autopsy request." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), February 17: B1.
—. 2002. "Stepdaughter files suit against Peterson." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), October 30: B3.
Lee, Demorris, and Aisling Swift. 2001. "Peterson indicted in death." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), December 21: 1.
—. 2001. "Peterson to spend holiday in jail." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), December 22: B1.
Lee, Demorris, and Craig Jarvis. 2003. "Autopsy: Peterson friend slain." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), April 29: 1.
Modell, Josh. 2018. "The real killer in The Staircase might be -- an owl?" Vulture, June 14.
Murphy, Dennis. 2006. Death at the bottom of the stairs. November 25. Accessed July 16, 2026. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna15894727.
Peterson, Michael. 2019. Behind the Staircase. Durham, NC: Independently published.
Press, Associated. 2001. "Special grand jury called in death of arts patron." Charlotte Observer, December 20: 23.
Rogers, Patrick, and Lori Rozsa. 2022. Revisit PEOPLE's 2002 Conversation with Michael Peterson, Whose Wife's Death Inspired HBO Max's 'The Staircase'. May 5. Accessed July 16, 2026. https://people.com/crime/people-magazine-2002-interview-with-michael-peterson-the-staircase/.
Saker, Anne. 2003. "Peterson Trial: Trial opens, rival lawyers offer weapon theory, accident scenario to jury." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), July 1: 1.
—. 2003. "Sexuality introduced into the trial." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), August 8: 1.
Sheehan, Ruth. 2002. "Is Peterson the wrong man, too?" The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), February 21: 15.
—. 2002. "Win-win tactic for DA." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), October 28: 15.
State of North Carolina v. Michael Iver Peterson. 2007. 547A06 (Supreme Court of North Carolina, November 9).



Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)
Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)
Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash Kelley
Listener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra Lally
Listener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When Kathleen Peterson died in December 2001, it was assumed her death had been the result of an accidental fall down the stairs after combining alcohol and Valium. However, within a few weeks, suspicion fell on Kathleen’s husband, Michael, after the medical examiner concluded that Kathleen’s injuries were consistent with assault, not an accidental fall.
By the time Michael Peterson went to trial, the case had attracted national attention, particularly after details about his personal life came to light. The case gained even more attention when it was learned that, in 1985, Michael Peterson’s friend Elizabeth Ratliff died under very similar circumstances to those of his wife.
References
Associated Press. 2002. "Durham novelist insists wife's death caused by fall on stairs, not beating." Winston-Salem Journal, February 20: 6.
Cain, Brooke. 2022. A ‘Staircase’ timeline from Kathleen Peterson’s death to her husband’s trial and plea. May 10. Accessed July 16, 2026. https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article260637047.html.
Curliss, J. Andrew, and Vicki Cheng. 2001. "Death of former candidate's wife under scrutiny." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), December 11: B1.
Dalesio, Emery P. 2003. "Prosecution: Death was no accident." Charlotte Observer, October 4: 26.
Griffin, Anna. 2003. "Durham writer found guilty of killing wife." Charlotte Observer, October 11: 1.
—. 2001. "High-profiler gets unwanted attention." Charlotte Observer, December 16: 23.
—. 2003. "Peterson murder case goes to jury." Charlotte Observer, October 7: B1.
Jarvis, Craig. 2002. "Peterson case takes a turn." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), May 11: 1.
Jarvis, Craig, and John Sullivan. 2001. "Peterson seen as vibrant, devoted." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), December 23: 1.
Johns, Michael. 2002. "Peterson's motive?" The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), January 20: 28.
Jones, Aphrodite. 2013. A Perfect Husband. New York, NY: Pinnacle.
Kane, Dan. 1999. "Mayoral candidate's fake-wound disclosure splits backers." News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), September 23: 3B.
Lee, Demorris. 2003. "Agent's findings point to beating." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), August 15: 1.
—. 2002. "Durham DA seeks exhumation." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), October 19: 1.
—. 2003. "Sisters grant autopsy request." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), February 17: B1.
—. 2002. "Stepdaughter files suit against Peterson." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), October 30: B3.
Lee, Demorris, and Aisling Swift. 2001. "Peterson indicted in death." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), December 21: 1.
—. 2001. "Peterson to spend holiday in jail." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), December 22: B1.
Lee, Demorris, and Craig Jarvis. 2003. "Autopsy: Peterson friend slain." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), April 29: 1.
Modell, Josh. 2018. "The real killer in The Staircase might be -- an owl?" Vulture, June 14.
Murphy, Dennis. 2006. Death at the bottom of the stairs. November 25. Accessed July 16, 2026. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna15894727.
Peterson, Michael. 2019. Behind the Staircase. Durham, NC: Independently published.
Press, Associated. 2001. "Special grand jury called in death of arts patron." Charlotte Observer, December 20: 23.
Rogers, Patrick, and Lori Rozsa. 2022. Revisit PEOPLE's 2002 Conversation with Michael Peterson, Whose Wife's Death Inspired HBO Max's 'The Staircase'. May 5. Accessed July 16, 2026. https://people.com/crime/people-magazine-2002-interview-with-michael-peterson-the-staircase/.
Saker, Anne. 2003. "Peterson Trial: Trial opens, rival lawyers offer weapon theory, accident scenario to jury." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), July 1: 1.
—. 2003. "Sexuality introduced into the trial." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), August 8: 1.
Sheehan, Ruth. 2002. "Is Peterson the wrong man, too?" The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), February 21: 15.
—. 2002. "Win-win tactic for DA." The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), October 28: 15.
State of North Carolina v. Michael Iver Peterson. 2007. 547A06 (Supreme Court of North Carolina, November 9).



Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)
Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)
Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash Kelley
Listener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra Lally
Listener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When Tina Bowen and her sister, Karen, began hearing knocking in the walls of their home in Pepperell, Massachusetts, the girls believed it was their recently deceased mother trying to reach out to them from beyond the grave. In time, however, the knocking became more intrusive and aggressive, and it was soon accompanied by objects being moved around the house and frightening messages left on the walls. After months of torment, the Bowens discovered that it wasn’t a ghost haunting their home, but sixteen-year-old Daniel LaPlante, a boy Tina had briefly dated and who’d become obsessed with her.

Daniel LaPlante was arrested and charged with various crimes, for which he was convicted and served a sentence in a juvenile detention center. Unfortunately, the court’s decision to try LaPlante as an adult meant that he was granted bail and after just one year in detention, he was bailed out and allowed to live with his mother pending trial. It turned out that brief period of freedom was all the time LaPlante needed to find a new object of his obsession and by the time the police learned of his violent intentions, it was already too late.

References

Campbell, Jerome. 2019. Mass. High Court Rejects Early Parole Petition For Man Convicted Of Murder In 1987. June 6. Accessed July 9, 2026. https://www.wbur.org/news/2019/06/06/daniel-laplante-parole-denied.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Daniel J. LaPlante. 1993. 416 Mass. 433 (Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, November 16).

Conteras, Cydney. 2023. Daniel LaPlante hid in walls before murdering pregnant woman and her children. July 28. Accessed July 7, 2026. https://www.oxygen.com/crime-news/daniel-laplante-murder-priscilla-gustafson-family.

Crimaldi, Laura. 2017. "Doctor doubts killer's remorse." Boston Globe, March 23: B1.

Cullen, Kevin, and Jim Gomez. 1987. "LaPlante ordered to undergo tests." Boston Globe, December 5: 1.

Cullen, Kevin, Diego Ribadeneira, and Doris Wong. 1987. "Suspect in slayings is captured." Boston Globe, December 4: 1.

Cullen, Kevin, Richard Kindleberger, Paul Langer, Diane Lewis, Diego Ribadeneira, and Doris Wong. 1987. "A youth who sowed fear." Boston Globe, December 4: 1.

Lagner, Paul. 1988. "4 more letters given to judge in LaPlante murder case." Boston Globe, September 16: 82.

Lane, Tom. 2021. The Elm Street Nightmare. July 8. Accessed July 7, 2026. https://www.celticssentinel.com/2021/07/the-elm-street-nightmare.html.

Langner, Paul. 1988. "LaPlante convicted, gets life in 3 killings." Boston Globe, October 26: 1.

Ribadeneira, Diego, and Doris Wong. 1987. "Police seeking 17-year-old suspect for slayings of three in Townsend." Boston Globe, December 3: 1.

Ribadeneira, Diego, and Jim Gomez. 1987. "Two families shaken by close calls as suspect in murders roamed free." Boston Globe, December 5: 10.

2015. Your Worst Nightmare. Directed by Pat Rogers. Performed by Pat Rogers.

Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)
Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)
Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash Kelley
Listener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra Lally
Listener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.