Murder in Illinois

Latest Episodes:

Case #29: Cienna Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

For as long as Cienna Ditri can remember, she has had random bouts of “heavy legs”and loss of vision. As she got older - that sensation grew into episodes in which she could not move altogether. Cienna was passing out multiple times a day and frequently losing vision. After a slew of misdiagnoses - she was unsure she would ever understand the cause…until one doctor found the needle in the haystack.

We want to hear from you! Share your own medical mystery or tell us about the episode you connected with the most at Symptomatic@iheartmedia.com or drop us a voice note at https://www.speakpipe.com/Symptomatic.

DISCLAIMER: By submitting your voice note using the link provided, you acknowledge that we have permission to potentially include that audio in future content.

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You can learn more about Periodic Paralysis at periodicparalysis.org
You can follow Cienna at @chronicallyperservering on instagram, tiktok, facebook, and youtube.

You can find Cienna’s substack “In Rare Form” at chronicallypersevering.substack.com

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Case #28: Ian Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

Ian Stedman suffered 32 years with full body rashes, debilitating headaches, joint pain and hearing loss without a clear diagnosis. His Mother Barb had gone over 60 years with the same symptoms. After hundreds of doctors visits and decades of frustration - they had resigned to believe there were no answers. That is until Ian’s daughter, Lia was born covered in that all-too-recognizable rash. Ian re-ignited his search for answers in an effort to save his family.

DISCLAIMER: By submitting your voice note using the link provided, you acknowledge that we have permission to potentially include that audio in future content.

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You can learn more about the Canadian Autoinflammatory Network at www.autoinflammatory.ca

SickKids CA can be found online at www.sickkids.ca

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Case #27: Hailey Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

From the moment Hailey got her period, she could tell that something was different about her. Suffering debilitating menstrual cramps and a flow so heavy she would pass out from blood loss…Hailey spent half of every month fighting to stand up. When she joined the Air Force as a medic, Hailey did not predict how agonizing her symptoms would become… and how harrowing her journey to a diagnosis would be as a woman in a male dominated field.

DISCLAIMER: By submitting your voice note using the link provided, you acknowledge that we have permission to potentially include that audio in future content.

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You can find Hailey on tik tok @Hailey_griffith

You can follow Dr. Lucky Sekhon @lucky.sekhon and look out for her new book, “The Lucky Egg”, releasing on January 13th, 2026.

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Case #26: Nika Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

Nika spent half her life battling a shape-shifting condition that plagued her in various ways for nearly two decades. Fighting chronic pain, fevers, fatigue, and even strokes. In her 30s, after a series of lymphoma scares, Nika thought she was going to die without answers. But, 17 years, 26 doctors and 37 procedures later - Nika was finally able to name her faceless foe.

DISCLAIMER: By submitting your voice note using the link provided, you acknowledge that we have permission to potentially include that audio in future content.

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To find out more about IgG4-RD, you can check out IgG4ward! Foundation’s website at https://igg4ward.org/

You can also find Nika Beamon on her website here.

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Symptomatic Returns! Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

New season. New mysteries. Host Lauren Bright Pacheco returns to uncover the hidden truths behind chronic and rare illnesses. These are the stories of symptoms that defy explanation and the people who refuse to give up. Look out for new episodes of Symptomatic starting November 4th!

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A Special Re-Release: Case #17: Every Cure Pt.1 (Dr. David Fajgenbaum) Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

We’re celebrating Dr. David Fajgenbaum and revisiting one of our most impactful stories. David was just named to the TIME100 Health list and has a powerful new TED Talk—milestones that reflect the empathy, curiosity, and determination at the heart of his work.

Once a college quarterback and competitive weightlifter, David became critically ill at 25. When standard treatments failed to keep him out of the ICU, he and his friend Grant raced to save his life by repurposing existing drugs and laying the foundation for Every Cure. His journey shows what’s possible when we ask tough questions, share our experiences, and refuse to give up.

We hope this re-release reminds each of us that we can make a difference—in our own lives and in the lives of others.

We’ll see you very soon for a brand-new season of Symptomatic. Until then, take care and be well.

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If you’re looking for information on Castleman disease or want to learn more about the work of Grant, David, and the Every Cure team, visit EveryCure.org

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11. Closing Arguments Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

The final episode, subject to future updates, of Murder on Songbird Road invites listeners and former interviewees to reflect on their thoughts and opinions regarding the case against Julia Bevely. Additionally, Bevely's legal team provides an update on the current status of her appeal process.

Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com.

CONTACTS:

The Illinois Attorney General’s Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU)

Office of the Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul

Office of the Illinois Governor JB Pritzker

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10. Suspect Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

Bob and Lauren return to Marion, knocking on doors once again. This time, however, they uncover crucial footage that reveals significant flaws in the investigation’s hasty rush to judgment.

Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9. Judgement Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

The infamous Huck’s footage exposes critical flaws in the prosecution’s theory, reinforced by a criminologist’s analysis of stabbing murders—setting the stage for Innocence activist Jason Flom to intervene and alter the course of Bevely’s legal battle.

Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8. The Evidence Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

The access to the interrogation video and the collection of Bevely’s DNA raise concerns about official protocol and the broader objectives of the investigation. Additionally, the prosecution’s influence on the case comes under scrutiny.

Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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