Love Marry Kill

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Pelley Family Murders - Part 1 May 25, 2026

Show notes

In April 1989, four members of the Pelley family were brutally murdered inside their Indiana church parsonage just hours before prom. Investigators quickly focused on 17-year-old Jeff Pelley, but the case against him was entirely circumstantial and filled with lingering questions. Over the decades, the murders have sparked debate, allegations of tunnel vision, alternate theories, and claims of wrongful conviction.
In this two-part episode, we examine the complicated dynamics inside the blended Pelley family, the timeline prosecutors built their case around, the evidence both for and against Jeff, and the questions that still surround the murders more than 35 years later.
Listen to part 2 now
Today's snacks: BBQ chips from Lay's, Better Made and Busch's
Sources:

Smith, Carlton. The Prom Night Murders: A Devoted American Family, TheirTroubled Son, and a Ghastly Crime. (2009) St Martin Press Paperbacks.
Collins, Jamie. I Am Jessica: A Survivor’s Powerful Story of Healing and Hope. (2018) Bold Whisper Books.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4BocUsSQBEla6rhVv4Qvuy?si=cd29e60111884bd1 CounterClock Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcwS2KefKcA&t=2s 48 Hours episode
https://www.facebook.com/48hours/posts/police-in-lakeville-indiana-say-jeff-pelley-17-killed-his-family-to-make-his-198/1093956515937125/
https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/evidence-photos-pelley-family-quadruple-murder/
https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/in-supreme-court/1230713.html
https://public.courts.in.gov/Decisions/api/Document/Opinion?Id=x0jKlMAx-gZmv4EhhqVqWX9OhIA35sjGaSBly2Eo9dLNxzy8pEeP9kliFiCH-l1o0
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/131577054/ava_joyce-pelley?utm_source=chatgpt.com#view-photo=229819654
https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Cherished-life-7019590.php Jessi
https://nypost.com/2021/05/01/prom-night-murders-new-intel-points-to-dads-shady-past/
https://www.justiceforjeff.org/
https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/news/local/2022/01/03/prom-night-murders-counterclock-podcast-questions-jeff-pelleys-guilt/8975090002/
https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/news/2022/03/16/jeff-pelley-indiana-prom-night-murders/7048236001/
https://www.newspapers.com/image/522511070/?match=1&terms=%22Robert%20Jeffrey%20Pelley%22
https://www.newspapers.com/image/516443144/?article=691a885a-1f57-4eb2-9df2-ecb8bb3fd66e&terms=%22Jeff%20Pelley%22
https://www.newspapers.com/image/522510658/?match=1&terms=%22Jeff%20Pelley%22
https://www.wndu.com/2024/04/29/jeff-pelley-convicted-nearly-20-years-ago-prom-night-killer-denied-retrial/

Michele and Martin MacNeill - Part 2 May 18, 2026

Show notes

Michele MacNeill was a devoted mother of eight and a respected member of her community. From the outside, her life looked picture-perfect—until cracks in her marriage began to surface.
As her husband Martin grew increasingly distant, Michele and her daughter Alexis uncovered evidence of a secret life he had been carefully hiding. Affairs, deception, and manipulation slowly came into focus, even as Martin insisted nothing was wrong.
When Michele agreed to undergo a facelift at her husband’s urging, it seemed like a chance to repair both her confidence and her marriage. Days later, she was dead. What first appeared to be a tragic accident would soon raise far more troubling questions.
Today's snacks: Tony's Chocolonely, Tiny Tony's and Pistachio Caramel Clusters
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Michele and Martin MacNeill - Part 1 May 11, 2026

Show notes

Michele MacNeill was a devoted mother of eight and a respected member of her community. From the outside, her life looked picture-perfect—until cracks in her marriage began to surface.
As her husband Martin grew increasingly distant, Michele and her daughter Alexis uncovered evidence of a secret life he had been carefully hiding. Affairs, deception, and manipulation slowly came into focus, even as Martin insisted nothing was wrong.
When Michele agreed to undergo a facelift at her husband’s urging, it seemed like a chance to repair both her confidence and her marriage. Days later, she was dead. What first appeared to be a tragic accident would soon raise far more troubling questions.
Listen to part 2 today on Patreon
Today's snack: Shirley Temple bars
Sources:

Hogan, Shanna (2015). The Stranger She Loved A Mormon Doctor, His Beautiful Wife and an Almost Perfect Murder. St. Martin’s Press (ebook).
https://www.hulu.com/watch/4b0eeefe-a55f-4a3e-bac0-c670f32da9fe 20/20
https://www.peacocktv.com/watch/playback/vod/_/88283925-d78b-3b40-87be-682222e792f7?paused=true Dateline
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3058-N-Millcreek-Rd-Pleasant-Grove-UT-84062/60844909_zpid/?mmlb=g,0 The MacNeil’s home
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/reactive-attachment-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352939
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2011/04/29/investigators-suspect-utah-doctor-killed-wife/
https://abcnews.com/US/utah-doctors-life-lies-unravels-children-convinced-murdered/story?id=63609211
https://www.sltrib.com/news/courts/2017/07/22/prison-death-of-former-utah-doctor-and-convicted-killer-martin-macneill-was-a-suicide-police-officially-rule/

Mother's Day Bonus Episode: Theresa Jimmie Francine Knorr May 10, 2026

Show notes

In 1964, an 18-year-old mother named Theresa Cross Sanders claimed self-defense after killing her abusive husband. Over the next two decades, Theresa—often a single parent—built a life in Northern California, raising six children behind closed doors in a home ruled by fear, violence, addiction, and control.
As the abuse escalated, two of her daughters vanished a year apart without anyone reporting them missing. Years later, the surviving children began breaking their silence, exposing one of the most disturbing family murder cases in California history.
Today's snack: Strawberry Banana Cookies (from the mind of Emma)
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Sources:

Mackenzie Cowell May 04, 2026

Show notes

Mackenzie Cowell was seventeen years old — a dancer, a cosmetology student, and a young woman with her whole life mapped out in front of her — when she stepped out of her beauty school in Wenatchee, Washington one February afternoon and never came back. Four days later, her body was found partially submerged in the Columbia River, twenty miles from where she had disappeared.
What followed was one of the stranger murder investigations in recent Washington state history. Investigators chased a months-long dead end involving drug dealers, a supposed snuff film, and an informant whose story kept changing. Meanwhile, the real answer had been hiding in plain sight — in the classroom where Mackenzie spent her afternoons, and in an apartment where a piece of carpet held a secret that luminol would eventually reveal.
Mackenzie had survived a difficult childhood, a contentious home life, and the relentless schedule she had set for herself. She made it through all of that. She didn't make it through one ordinary Tuesday afternoon.
Today’s snack: Quick and easy apple tart with buttermilk caramel syrup
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Sources:

Fretwell, Courtney. "Mackenzie Cowell." Forensic Tales, Rockefeller Audio, 30 Mar. 2026.
Quirky-Motor. "[EXTENSIVE write up on the murder of Mackenzie Cowell, 17-year-old high school student killed in Washington State... Part 1 of 2]". Reddit, r/UnresolvedMysteries, ca. 2021.
Quirky-Motor. "[EXTENSIVE write up on the murder of Mackenzie Cowell, 17-year-old high school student killed in Washington State... Part 2 of 2]". Reddit, r/UnresolvedMysteries, ca. 2021.
Robbins, Jefferson. "Man contends he's innocent despite his guilty plea." The News Tribune, 18 Nov. 2012, p. B5.
Robbins, Jefferson. "Suspect faces troubles in murder probe." Tri-City Herald, 24 Dec. 2010, p. 13.
Smith, Catt. "The Murder of Mackenzie Cowell." Catt's True Crime Corner, 22 Dec. 2023.
"48 Hours 'Secrets of the River': Be careful what you plead for." CBS News, 11 Aug. 2014.
"Murder of Mackenzie Cowell." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 3 Apr. 2026.
Van Sant, Peter. "Mackenzie Cowell murder: The search for her killer." CBS News, 9 Aug. 2014.
Dahl, Tanya. "Second Suspect Arrested In Mackenzie Cowell Murder." KXLY 4 News / YouTube, uploaded by 4 News Now.

Wendi Davidson and Mike Severance - Part 2 Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

Michael Severance was a decorated Air Force staff sergeant from Lee, Maine — a young man known for his integrity, his loyalty, and his love of dancing the Texas two-step. In January 2005, just months into a troubled marriage to a West Texas veterinarian named Wendi Davidson, Mike vanished without a trace. His truck, his wallet, and his cell phone were all left behind. For weeks, investigators chased dead ends while Mike's family in Maine waited desperately for answers.
What they eventually found would shock everyone who had known him. What followed was a complex investigation, a bitter custody battle over Mike's infant son, and a legal case full of twists that left his family feeling that true justice was never fully served.
Mike survived five combat deployments to some of the most dangerous places on earth. Evil found him in his own home.
Today's snack: Pralines from The Big Texas Cookbook (thanks Carla!)
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Bonus Episode: Lynette and Brian Hooker Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

Lynette Hooker disappeared after falling from a dinghy in dark, choppy waters near Elbow Cay in the Bahamas on April 4, 2026. Her husband, Brian Hooker, returned alone. As the search turned up nothing, questions began to surface about the conditions, the timeline, and Brian’s account of that night.
Today's snack: Reese's Marshmallow and Butterfinger French Toast
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Sources:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lynette-hooker-husband-brian-messages/
https://nypost.com/2026/04/17/us-news/first-photos-of-boat-lynette-hooker-was-sailing-when-she-vanished-in-bahamas/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H71r6cv-6mY
https://nypost.com/2026/04/17/us-news/first-photos-of-boat-lynette-hooker-was-sailing-when-she-vanished-in-bahamas/
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15712585/lynette-hooker-missing-daughter-husband-accident-search.html
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15715489/lynette-hooker-missing-bahamas-daughter-husband-threatened-overboard.html
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lynette-hooker-missing-american-boater-bahamas-update/
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15715489/lynette-hooker-missing-bahamas-daughter-husband-threatened-overboard.html
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/maps-brian-hooker-lynette-hooker-disappearance-bahamas/?intcid=CNM-00-10abd1h
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/lynette-hooker-woman-missing-bahamas-was-previously-arrested-domestic-rcna267417
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/brian-hooker-leaves-bahamas-amid-search-missing-wife-to-be-with-ailing-mother/?intcid=CNM-00-10abd1h
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6VGHqPPPgtYh8gCM17BQPA?si=PF8t--QSTCuo9enlwwOavA&pi=Mya1Bp5bQLuxZ&nd=1&dlsi=176d5c76f46e4289
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/brian-hooker-lynette-wife-disappearance-bahamas-messages/

Wendi Davidson and Mike Severance - Part 1 Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

Michael Severance was a decorated Air Force staff sergeant from Lee, Maine — a young man known for his integrity, his loyalty, and his love of dancing the Texas two-step. In January 2005, just months into a troubled marriage to a West Texas veterinarian named Wendi Davidson, Mike vanished without a trace. His truck, his wallet, and his cell phone were all left behind. For weeks, investigators chased dead ends while Mike's family in Maine waited desperately for answers.
What they eventually found would shock everyone who had known him. What followed was a complex investigation, a bitter custody battle over Mike's infant son, and a legal case full of twists that left his family feeling that true justice was never fully served.
Mike survived five combat deployments to some of the most dangerous places on earth. Evil found him in his own home.
Today's snack: Queso dip from The Big Texas Cookbook (thanks Carla!)
Listen to part 2 today: https://patreon.com/lovemarrykill
Sources:

Fanning, Diane. A Poisoned Passion: A Young Mother, Her War Hero Husband, and the Marriage that Ended in Murder. St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2009
Snapped, S27 E9, “What Happened to Michael Severance?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qny3AAilUI8
ABC 20/20, S44 E19, “Dead Man Talking”
McCullagh, Declan. "Police Blotter: Murderer nabbed via tracking, Web search." CNET, 18 Mar. 2008,
"SSGT MICHAEL SEVERANCE." Bangor Daily News, 25 Sept. 2008
"Veterinarian sentenced to 25 years for husband's murder." American Veterinary Medical Association, 15 Nov. 2006
"Inmate Information Details: DAVIDSON, WENDI MAE." Texas Department of Criminal Justice
"Parole Review Information: DAVIDSON, WENDI MAE." Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Wendi Mae Davidson v. Judy Kay Davidson and Robert Lloyd Davidson. No. 03-13-00522-CV. Texas Court of Appeals, Third District, at Austin, 20 May 2014. Justia Law, justia.com
"Wendi Mae Davidson's first network prison interview: 20/20 ‘Dead Man Talking’ Preview." YouTube, uploaded by ABC News

Nicholas Alahverdian/Nicholas Rossi/Arthur Knight Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

A man named Arthur Knight was admitted to a hospital in Glasgow, Scotland, suffering from COVID-19. But as investigators began to look closer, they believed Arthur Knight wasn’t who he claimed to be.
Authorities alleged he was actually Nicholas Alahverdian — a Rhode Island fugitive accused of fraud, sexual assault, and of faking his own death. What followed was an international legal battle, disputed identities, and a story filled with deception, reinvention, and a dramatic fight over extradition.
Support us on Patreon
Today's snack: Old World Bacon Gouda and Colameco's Uncured Chorizo (thanks Shannon!)
Sources:

https://www.peacocktv.com/watch/playback/vod/_/517c2093-c1b7-3139-9ae2-168153270b8a Rossi: A Fugitive Faking Death (US) Imposter: The Man Who Came Back From the D
ead (UK)
https://everloved.com/life-of/nicholas-alahverdian/obituary/ obituary
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/01/27/nick-alahverdian-reported-dead-but-police-kept-looking-him/4279389001/
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2349d9k999o
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/20/nicholas-rossi-fake-death-rape-conviction
https://turnto10.com/news/local/nicholas-alahverdian-rape-case-allegations-charges-provo-salt-lake-county-utah-scotland-ireland-faked-death-rossi-arthur-knight-state-house-department-children-youth-families-extradition
https://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/fugitive-rapist-nicholas-rossi-caused-chaos-while-in-prison-55twwhczr
https://komonews.com/news/nation-world/nicholas-rossi-sentenced-to-5-years-to-life-in-prison-for-salt-lake-county-rape-conviction
https://www.newspapers.com/image/1235740141/?match=1&terms=nicholas%20rossihttps://www.newspapers.com/image/1235740141/?match=1&terms=nicholas%20rossi
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg50eeqzegjo
https://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/us-rapist-nicholas-rossi-jailed-10-years-two-women-sqq8wwmnk?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://web.archive.org/web/20151203132528/https://www.wpri.com/2013/08/22/suit-against-dcyf-settled//
https://turnto10.com/news/local/rhode-island-child-welfare-reform-advocate-dies-of-cancer
Dateline season 33, episode 10 The Man of Many Faces
Dateline season 31, episode 28 Dead Man Talking
I am not Nicholas Podcast by Jane MacSorley and BBC (available on Audible)

Generosa and Ted Ammon - Part 2 Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

To the outside world, Ted Ammon had built the kind of life most people only dream about — a self-made Wall Street titan worth nearly $100 million, a Hamptons beach mansion, and twin children he adored. But behind the facade, his marriage to the brilliant, volatile Generosa had curdled into something dangerous. A bitter divorce, a secret affair, and a brash Long Island electrician with a criminal record had pushed an already unstable situation to the breaking point.
When Ted's business partner flew out to the East Hampton beach house one October morning, what he found inside would haunt him forever. Thirty or more blows to the head. Stun gun burns. And not a single witness in sight.
No murder weapon. No DNA. No fingerprints. Just a dead man in a mansion.
Today's snack: Ruffles/Doritos Flavor Swap and Reese's Creme Egg
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