True Crime

Highway to Hell

Welcome to Highway to Hell, the unique crossroads where wanderlust meets mystery. Every episode, I take you on a journey to breathtaking destinations around the globe, unveiling not just the beauty of travel but the shadows that lurk behind the postcard-perfect views. From unsolved mysteries to infamous crimes, I explore the darker tales hidden within the world’s most enchanting locales. So pack your curiosity, keep your wits about you, and join us as we dive deep into the thrilling intersection of travel and true crime. Your adventure into the unknown starts now.

Latest Episodes:

EP9- Los Angeles- Children of God Sex Cult May 14, 2024

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The Children of God cult, also known as The Family International, is a religious group that originated in 1968 in Huntington Beach, California, founded by David Berg. It gained notoriety for its extreme beliefs and controversial practices under the guise of Christian fundamentalism. Key elements of the cult included its apocalyptic views, the practice of "flirty fishing" (using sex to attract new members), and communal living. Over the years, it faced widespread criticism and legal actions due to allegations of abuse, including child abuse. The group underwent several rebrandings in an attempt to distance itself from its past, but its core controversial doctrines and the negative impact on former members remain significant issues.

EP8: Honolulu- The Island Murder May 07, 2024

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Please rate and subscribe!! questions/comments to monteashleymader@gmail.com A gang rape and assault... or was it? An innocent man is abducted and murdered... or was he? Lets travel to Honolulu and investigate the scandal of an era. A rocky marriage, racism, murder and a miscarriage of justice on this weeks Highway to Hell Episode. Instagram: @montemader

EP7- Miami- The Sun Gym Gang Apr 30, 2024

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Please rate and subscribe! Email questions and comments to monteashleymader@gmail.com The Sun Gym Gang, led by Daniel Lugo, Adrian Doorbal, and Jorge Delgado, embarked on a spree of violent crimes in the 1990s in Miami, Florida. Their modus operandi blended bodybuilding prowess with a penchant for ruthless criminality. Among their most infamous crimes was the abduction and extortion of wealthy businessman Marc Schiller. They tortured him for over a month, extorting his assets and leaving him for dead. Their exploits also included a series of armed robberies and a failed attempt to kidnap Frank Griga, a wealthy businessman, and his girlfriend, Krisztina Furton. The botched abduction ended in murder, and the gang dismembered the bodies in a gruesome attempt to dispose of the evidence. The Sun Gym Gang's reign of terror came to an end when their crimes were exposed, leading to arrests, trials, and convictions. The sensational nature of their crimes inspired books, documentaries, and the Hollywood film "Pain & Gain," highlighting their audacious and shocking criminal activities.

Ep6- Savannah- The Spirit of Alice Riley Apr 23, 2024

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Please like, rate and subscribe! Thanks for listening Questions and comments: monteashleymader@gmail.com Follow on Socials: www.instagram.com/montemader Show Outline: History of Savannah The Life and Execution of Alice Riley The Haunted Sorrel-Weed House The Paranormal Investigations of Savannah Theater Travel Tips (start at 46:48)Things to do: Ghost Tours- Genteel and Bard Tour Sorrel- Weed House, Mercer Williams House Paranormal Investigations- Truth in Evidence Restaurants: Rancho Alegre Cuban Collins Quarter The Public Kitchen and Bar The Grey The Olde Pink House Bar: 1. Artillery 2. The fox lounge 3. Six Pence Bands: McLeod Baroness Donna Savage Camoflauge

EP5- Denver- The Coors Kidnapping Apr 16, 2024

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Thanks for listening! Please subscribe and share! Questions and Comments: monteashleymader@gmail.com Sponsors: Intravenous Solutions Podcast: Nashville For Nobodies Adolph Coors III, known as Ad, was the heir to the Coors Brewing Company. He was kidnapped on February 9, 1960, while en route to work from his home in Morrison, Colorado. The route he took over Turkey Creek Bridge was where his car was later found abandoned. Kidnapping The initial discovery of Coors' car led to the immediate suspicion of foul play, as his hat and glasses were found near the vehicle, and there was evidence of a struggle. The FBI got involved quickly due to the nature of the crime and the victim's high profile. They found a ransom note demanding $500,000, which Coors' wife, Mary, tried to follow through with, but the kidnapper never made further contact. Investigation and Law Enforcement's Role The investigation was extensive and challenging. The FBI, alongside local law enforcement agencies, undertook a massive search and follow-up on numerous tips from the public. One of the key pieces of evidence was a description of a suspect and his vehicle, which a witness provided who saw Coors' car on the bridge. This led to the identification of the suspect as Joseph Corbett Jr., a convicted murderer who had escaped from a California prison in 1959. Capture of Joseph Corbett Jr. Corbett became the subject of one of the largest manhunts in FBI history. His car was later found in Atlantic City, New Jersey, which added to the nationwide scope of the search. The case broke wide open when a can of Coors' beer and a typewriter used for the ransom note were traced back to Corbett. By September 1960, Corbett was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. Discovery and Aftermath Tragically, Adolph Coors III's remains were discovered in September 1960 near Pike's Peak, Colorado, by a hunter. The discovery ruled out any possibility of his survival and shifted the investigation towards a murder inquiry. The autopsy confirmed that Coors died from a gunshot wound. Arrest and Conviction Joseph Corbett was captured in Vancouver, Canada, in October 1960 after being recognized from an FBI poster. Extradited to Colorado, he faced trial in 1961. Despite his plea of innocence and lack of direct forensic evidence linking him to Coors' murder, the circumstantial evidence was overwhelming. Corbett was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. Conclusion Joseph Corbett Jr. remained in prison until his parole in 1980. He maintained his innocence until his death in 2009. The Coors kidnapping and murder case remains one of the most infamous crimes in American history, highlighting both the reach and limitations of law enforcement capabilities at the time. It also marked a significant moment in the FBI's use of nationwide alerts and cooperation with the public in apprehending fugitives. Highway Highlights: 1. Ad Coors III the heir to the Coors company and fortune was kidnapped and murdered on February 9, 1960 by Joseph Corbett Jr. an escaped murderer from California 2. This kidnapping resulted in the largest FBI manhunt since the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby and involved personal involvement with Hoover himself 3. Ad Coors body was found and identified in September of 1960 and in the 263 days it took to catch Corbett the FBI collected an evidence file so thick it was 5 inches tall. 4. Corbett was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison at Old Max but only served 18 years. 5. Corbett died by suicide at the age of 82 as a free man (age of Adolph Coors suicide) Sources: https://www.fbi.gov/history/artifacts/coors-kidnapping-ransom-note https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHlaw1O3TMw https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/-a-look-back-at-the-coors-kidnapping-case https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolph_Coors_III https://youtu.be/UFHPRNDYEfY?si=ODfnBphLkzUpp14m https://bookreadfree.com/216131/5352083

EP4- St. Louis- The Street Walker Strangler Apr 09, 2024

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Thanks for listening! Please subscribe and share! Questions and Comments: monteashleymader@gmail.com Show Notes: Maury Troy Travis, born on October 25, 1965, in St. Louis, Missouri, was an American serial killer who terrorized the St. Louis area from 2000 to 2002. His life took a dark turn early on, as he began engaging in criminal activities, including robbing shoe stores, and developed a crack habit after dropping out of college. Travis's criminal acts escalated to heinous murders, with him transforming his home into a torture chamber where he would lure, rape, and murder several women, capturing these atrocious acts on video. Travis claimed to have murdered 17 women in a letter, but authorities were skeptical about this number, with some believing it could be as high as 20. His victims were primarily African American women who were addicted to drugs and involved in prostitution, a choice possibly aiming to exploit their vulnerabilities and societal invisibility. The breakthrough in the case came when Travis sent an anonymous letter and a map to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, which led to his arrest on June 7, 2002. Investigators discovered a torture chamber in his house, along with instruments of torture, a stun gun, newspaper clippings of his crimes, and most disturbingly, videotapes showing him murdering and torturing his victims. Before he could be tried for his crimes, Travis died by suicide on June 10, 2002, in his jail cell at the St. Louis County Justice Center in Clayton, Missouri. He left behind a chilling legacy that continues to horrify and fascinate the public, with his story being covered in various media including episodes of "Forensic Files", "Cold Case Files", and podcasts like "Last Podcast on the Left" The horror of Travis's actions is compounded by the posthumous discovery of his deeds by the unsuspecting tenant of his former home, leading to further publicized trauma and a grim reminder of the lasting impact of such brutal crimes Travel Notes: St. Louis Must Sees: Gateway Arch: https://www.nps.gov/jeff/index.htm Cathedral Basilica: https://cathedralstl.org/about-basilica/our-history Statue of the Naked Truth: https://racstl.org/public-art/the-naked-truth/ Food: Broadway Oyster Bar: https://www.broadwayoysterbar.com/ Lona’s Lil Eats: https://lonaslileats.com/ Balkan Treat box: https://www.balkantreatbox.com/ Tattoos: Tattoo the Lou: https://www.tattootheloustudio.com/artists Artists: Bowser: @bowser_tattoos Drinks: The Grove: https://www.thegrovestl.com/ Venice Cafe: https://www.thevenicecafe.com/ Plantars House: https://www.plantershousestl.com/ Music: Venue: Old Rock House: https://oldrockhouse.com/ Aaron kamm and the One Drops: https://www.aaronkammonedrops.com/ Wes Hoffman: @wesleyhoffman Sources: https://fox2now.com/news/true-crime/serial-killer-maury-travis-the-street-walker-strangler/ https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/average-american-has-visited-just-12-states https://youtu.be/XnyHfkr5QMc?si=QRZRBH3bCdFUUjbz https://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/serial-murder#two https://www.aetv.com/real-crime/serial-killer-myths https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/hunting-humans-encyclopedia-modern-serial-killers#:~:text=Seventy%2Dfour%20percent%20of%20the,and%202.5%20percent%20were%20Hispanic. https://ccjls.scholasticahq.com/article/11134-media-messages-surrounding-missing-women-and-girls-the-missing-white-woman-syndrome-and-other-factors-that-influence-newsworthiness/attachment/27402.pdf

EP3- New York City- American Mafia Apr 02, 2024

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Deep dive into the history of the American Mob, the crime syndicate, La Cosa Nostra. As always thanks for listening! Please like, subscribe and follow! Questions and Comments to: monteashleymader@gmail.com American Mafia: La Cosa Nostra ### Early 20th Century: The Foundations - **Origins:** The American Mafia, with roots in Sicilian and Italian organized crime, began to take shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Early mob activities were centered around protection rackets, gambling, and the labor and union movements. - **Prohibition Era (1920-1933):** The introduction of Prohibition provided the mob with a lucrative opportunity to engage in bootlegging, leading to a significant expansion in their operations and influence. This era saw the rise of prominent figures like Al Capone in Chicago, who became infamous for their control over illegal liquor distribution and the violence that accompanied their turf wars. ### Mid-20th Century: Expansion and Influence - **The Commission:** In 1931, to prevent internecine wars, the Mafia created The Commission, a governing body to resolve disputes and allocate territories. This helped stabilize and grow organized crime's influence in illegal and legitimate businesses. - **Post-Prohibition:** After Prohibition ended, the mob diversified into new ventures, including drug trafficking, loan sharking, gambling, and infiltration of legitimate businesses and labor unions. - **The Golden Age:** The 1950s and 1960s are often seen as the "Golden Age" of the Mafia, with its influence peaking in both illegal enterprises and legitimate businesses, including the entertainment industry and Las Vegas casinos. ### Late 20th Century: Decline and Adaptation - **Government Crackdowns:** In the 1970s and 1980s, federal and local law enforcement agencies intensified efforts to combat organized crime, utilizing new laws like the RICO Act to indict and convict high-ranking mob members. - **The Five Families:** Despite crackdowns, the Five Families of New York (Gambino, Lucchese, Genovese, Bonanno, and Colombo) remained powerful, though their visibility and control started to wane. ### 21st Century: Modern Era - **Adaptation:** The modern Mafia has adapted to changes in law enforcement and the economy. While traditional activities continue, there's a shift towards white-collar crimes, cybercrime, and involvement in global criminal networks. - **Reduced Influence:** Today, while still operational, the Mafia's influence is widely regarded as significantly diminished compared to its mid-20th-century peak. The rise of other organized crime groups and more effective law enforcement techniques have fragmented the traditional power of the Mafia. Travel Notes: Food: Little Italy https://www.nyctourism.com/new-york/manhattan/little-italy/ Sparks Steakhouse: place of assassination of Paul Castellano https://sparkssteakhouse.com/ Joes Pizza https://www.joespizzanyc.com/ Ivan Ramen: Best ramen in the world I'm not kidding https://www.ivanramen.com/location/clinton-st/ King of Falafel and Shawarma: https://thekingfalafel.com/ SPEAKEASY'S The Back Room: http://www.backroomnyc.com/ Please Don't Tell: https://www.pdtnyc.com/ Bathtub Gin: https://www.bathtubginnyc.com/ MUST DO: Broadway Show!: https://www.broadway.com/ The MET: https://www.metmuseum.org/ Museum of Natural History: https://www.amnh.org/?sourcenumber=50542&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwtqmwBhBVEiwAL-WAYWT2wfM9mXPd7sdEObuLc6pZ-CPW8HnctgxW6_Y8ag8-VU30jdYPYRoCn68QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds Harry Potter Exhibition: https://harrypotterexhibition.com/locations/new-york-city/ MUSIC The Bitter End: https://bitterend.com/ The Blue Note: NYC: https://www.bluenotejazz.com/nyc/ Mercury Lounge: https://mercuryeastpresents.com/mercurylounge/ SOURCES: https://www.history.com/topics/crime/origins-of-the-mafia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castellammarese_War Netflix: Fear City New York vs. The Mafia La Cosa Nostra: The History of the New York mafia https://www.britannica.com/topic/Black-Hand-American-criminal-organization https://www.congress.gov/bill/100th-congress/house-bill/3240?s=1&r=23

EP2- New Orleans- The Butchering of Addie Hall Mar 26, 2024

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Please follow and review! Thank you for listening! Questions and comments to: monteashleymader@gmail.com The Zack and Addie case is a tragic story that unfolded in New Orleans, Louisiana, with Hurricane Katrina serving as a backdrop to the events. In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, devastating New Orleans and causing widespread destruction and displacement. Amidst the chaos and aftermath of the hurricane, the city saw a surge in crime and social upheaval. In October 2006, the bodies of Zackery Bowen and Adriane "Addie" Hall were discovered in their apartment in the French Quarter. Bowen, a bartender, had killed Hall, his girlfriend, dismembered her body, and then jumped to his death from a hotel rooftop. The details of the case shocked the community and garnered national attention. The murder-suicide of Zack and Addie became emblematic of the post-Katrina trauma experienced by many New Orleans residents. The couple's story highlighted the strain on mental health resources, the breakdown of social support systems, and the lingering effects of the disaster on the city's residents. Travel notes starting at 1:03 Music Jazz Fest: **Note about Bourbon and Frenchman Street** Preservation Hall: Vaughans Lounge: Bands to check out: Step aside Little Wayne! Tank and the Bangas: Big Freedia: Trombone Shorty: Visit: The Voodoo Temple: French Quarter: Jackson Square: **mind yo pockets** Best Bars: The Sazerac bar in the Roosevelt Hotel- The Sazerac is not only considered the official cocktail of New Orleans but is also credited as being the first American Cocktail. Originally a mix of Cognac and local bitters from druggist Antoine Amedie Peychaud. Also try the Ramos Gin Fizz Hotel Monteleone- The hotel Monteleone was purchased and expanded on by Sicilian immigrant Antonio Monteleone. Carousel bar 1949, Vieux Carre created in 1937 by Walter Bergeron (Cognac, Benedictine, Rye Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Angostura, and Peychaud’s Bitters.) He designed the cocktail as a tribute to the ethnic groups that made up the French Quarter. There’s sweet vermouth for the Italians, Cognac and Benedictine for the French, rye whiskey for the Americans and bitters for the Islanders of the Caribbean. Note this cocktail is 30% alcohol. Slow sip this one cause. WOW. Bar Tonique- **story about bar Tonique** Walks this amazing line between dive and cocktail bar. Super interesting clientele and amazing drinks. Restaurants:1. Cafe Du Monde: 2. Brennans: 3. Domilise: Things to do: Ghost Tours Tour St. Louis Cemetary No. 1 Sources: “Shake the Devil Off: A True Story of Murder that Rocked New Orleans”- Ethan Brown NBC news: https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna15338473 New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/09/us/nationalspecial/holdouts-on-dry-ground-say-why-leave-now.html https://www.ranker.com/list/zack-and-addie-new-orleans/patrick-thornton https://www.history.com/topics/natural-disasters-and-environment/hurricane-katrina The Butcher of New Orleans:https://youtu.be/lwIxCdL8RGM?si=deEJlGyRrEIFolzs Graveyard Love: https://vimeo.com/135476736 https://www.wdsu.com/article/woman-in-lockhart-case-interviewed-about-similar-2006-killing-1/3357764 https://wgno.com/news/local/margaret-sanchez-pleads-guilty-to-killing-jaren-lockhart/ https://www.theadvocate.com/gambit/new_orleans/news/the_latest/margaret-sanchez-pleads-guilty-in-2012-killing-of-jaren-lockhart/article_24c1bf83-b96d-533e-b6dc-040bf70877b7.html https://www.killerqueenspodcast.com/zack-bowen-and-addie-hall-part-1/ The Sazerac Bar https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-sazerac-bar-new-orleans-louisiana#:~:text=The%20famous%20art%20deco%20Sazerac,America's%20first%20cocktail%2C%20the%20Sazerac. The Hotel Monteleone https://ghostcitytours.com/new-orleans/haunted-places/haunted-hotels/hotel-monteleone/ https://www.explorelouisiana.com/culinary/recipes/vieux-carre-cocktail-recipe#:~:text=This%20eye%2Dopening%20libation%20was,French%20Quarter%20at%20the%20time.

EP1- Nashville- The Bell Witch Mar 12, 2024

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SHOW NOTES Please Like/comment and subscribe!!! Highway to Hell- Episode 1 Nashville, TN - The Legend of the Bell Witch **Introduction** - Welcome to Highway to Hell, the show where history meets adventure. In today’s episode, we're diving into the chilling legend of the Bell Witch, a tale that has haunted Nashville, Tennessee, for centuries. Plus, stick around as we share our top travel tips for exploring the vibrant city of Nashville, from its rich history to its modern attractions. **The Legend of the Bell Witch** - The Bell Witch is one of the most famous supernatural legends in American history, centered around the Bell family in the early 19th century. We’ll explore the origins of this haunting tale, where it is said that a malevolent entity tormented John Bell and his family, leading to mysterious events that remain unexplained to this day. Travel Recap: Bars: Fox bar Pearl Diver Attaboy Restaurants: Gannons Peg Leg Porker Iberian Pig Sites: Country Music Hall of Fame National African American Museum of Music Parthenon Bands: Hayden Helms- All Good things In the world @haydenhelms No Weak Links 80s/90s rock @noweaklinks @codybennet Sheyna Gee- Country @geeis4ganster Kyndle Wylde- Soul/R&B @kyndlewylde Others: Clever Alibis- Pop Punk @cleveralibismusic Off the Beaten path Music Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar Rudy's Jazz Club The Flamingo Please send comments and new topics to monteashleymader@gmail.com Sources: “An authenticated history of the famous bell witch”- M.V. Ingram https://www.elizabethton.com/2020/06/05/east-tennessee-history-the-year-without-a-summer/#:~:text=People%20have%20referred%20to%201816,country%20cold%2C%20wet%20and%20miserable. https://sharetngov.tnsosfiles.com/tsla/exhibits/myth/bellwitch.htm https://www.history.com/news/african-american-slavery-marriage-family-separation https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/1816-the-year-without-summer.htm#:~:text=1816%2C%20also%20known%20as%20the,ground%20and%20the%20ocean's%20surface. https://thesouthernvoice.com/the-legend-of-the-bell-witch-and-andrew-jackson/ https://www.tennessean.com/story/life/2021/10/28/bell-witch-cave-haunted-sent-brave-tennessean-staffers-fleeing-1986/8544483002/

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