On January 11, 2013, 17-year-old Kendrick Johnson was found dead inside a rolled-up gym mat at Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Georgia. Students discovered his sock-clad feet sticking out during gym class, prompting calls to 911. His mother, Jacquelyn Johnson, who had been searching for him since the night before, arrived at the school unaware of the tragedy unfolding inside the gym. The fight for justice for Kendrick is still as strong as it was that day. Join us as we unravel the details, theories, and lingering questions surrounding this case.
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Astonishing Legends: Go to AstonishingLegends.com to explore their episode notes, research links, photos, and book recommendations—it’s a whole rabbit hole waiting to be explored.
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BONUS Weird History: America’s Weird Asylum History: Nellie Bly and the Fight for Change
PLEASE FOLLOW THE SHOW WHEREVER YOU'RE LISTENING! IT'S BEEN HELPING OUR SHOW GROW. THANK YOU!
A hundred years ago, being ‘different’ could land you in a lunatic asylum—places of abuse, neglect, and forgotten souls. In this episode of Weird History, we uncover the dark past of America’s psychiatric institutions, from Nellie Bly’s daring undercover exposé at Blackwell’s Island to the horrors of lobotomies and modern-day abuses in ‘troubled teen’ facilities. History’s ghosts aren’t as far away as we think.
OOOH, also check out this apartment (the one we talk about in this episode): THE OCTAGON! https://octagonnyc.com/
If You Suspect Abuse / National Resources & Hotlines (U.S.)
***In an emergency, call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.***
Elder Abuse (including in nursing homes or care facilities)
Eldercare Locator (U.S. Administration on Aging)
1‑800‑677‑1116
https://eldercare.acl.gov
Connects you to local Adult Protective Services or Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
National Center on Elder Abuse
https://ncea.acl.gov
Child Abuse or Neglect
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
1‑800‑4-A-CHILD (1‑800‑422‑4453)
Text: “CHILDHELP” to 1‑800‑422‑4453
https://childhelphotline.org
Confidential help available 24/7 in 170+ languages.
Abuse of People with Disabilities
National Disability Rights Network
https://www.ndrn.org
Finds your state’s Protection & Advocacy (P&A) office.
Mental Health & Psychiatric Facility Abuse
SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline
1‑800‑662‑HELP (4357)
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
The Joint Commission (To Report a Behavioral Health Facility)
https://www.jointcommission.org/report_a_complaint.aspx
Domestic Violence / Intimate Partner Abuse
The Hotline
1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233)
Text: "START" to 88788
https://www.thehotline.org
24/7 confidential support for victims and concerned loved ones.
Troubled Teen Industry / Institutional Abuse
Breaking Code Silence (Survivor Advocacy) https://www.breakingcodesilence.org
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Through the Telescope: The Day Heather Teague Vanished
PLEASE GIVE US A FOLLOW TO HELP GROW OUR SHOW WHEREVER YOU ARE LISTENING! **
Nearly 30 years have passed since Heather Teague vanished from a Kentucky beach, but her mother, Sarah, refuses to let her story be forgotten. While police claim they identified Heather’s kidnapper and closed the case long ago, Sarah believes they got it wrong—and that the truth is still buried. In this episode, we dig into the unanswered questions, troubling missteps, and Sarah’s ongoing fight for justice. Was the investigation mishandled? And after all these years, will Heather ever be found?
Please consider becoming a Crime Salad Patreon and Apple subscriber! —Your support means the world to us and helps us play our part in spreading awareness about these important topics!! You can check out our very affordable Ad-Free options at patreon.com/Crimesaladpodcast
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Listen to Astonishing Legends!! Go to AstonishingLegends.com to explore their episode notes, research links, photos, and book recommendations—it’s a whole rabbit hole waiting to be explored.
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Weird History (Bonus): The Dancing Plague of 1518
In the summer of 1518, the people of Strasbourg started dancing… and just didn’t stop. No, seriously—they danced for days, some even to their deaths. Was it a curse? A case of mass hysteria? Or just some really bad moldy bread?
In this fun bonus episode, Ashley and Ricky are taking a little break from true crime to bring you something weird from history. Don’t worry—our regular weekly crime episodes aren’t going anywhere. We just love strange stories and history… and we love you.
Thanks for listening and keeping things crunchy!
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Disappeared: Amber Dubois and Chelsea King
Content Warning: This episode contains detailed discussion of child abduction, sexual violence, and murder. Listener discretion is advised.
In February 2009, 14-year-old Amber Dubois disappeared while walking to school in Escondido, California. Her family searched tirelessly—without answers. A year later, 17-year-old Chelsea King went missing during her routine run in a nearby park.
Was this a total coincidence that two young girls completely vanished? Or was there a serial killer to blame? In this episode, we piece together the facts behind Amber’s disappearance, the shocking investigation into serial offender John Gardner, and how one mother’s heartbreak became a mission to protect others.
Hosted by Ashley and Ricky Plum of Crime Salad.
Thanks to the sponsors for this episode
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Episode Resources & Support Links
If you'd like to support the families affected by today’s case or learn more:
Amber Dubois Memorial Foundation
https://www.amberduboisfoundation.org
Chelsea’s Light Foundation
https://www.chelseaslight.org
If you or someone you know has been impacted by a case like this, here are some organizations offering grief support and victim advocacy:
National Center for Victims of Crime
https://victimsofcrime.org
Parents of Murdered Children (POMC)
https://pomc.org
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
https://www.rainn.org | 24/7 Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
The Dougy Center—Grief Support for Children & Families
https://www.dougy.org
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 (free, 24/7 crisis support)
Have a Case You Want Us to Cover?
If there's a case you'd like to hear us cover, please reach out—we’re always listening!
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Ashley and Ricky, the dynamic duo behind Crime Salad, bring their unique perspectives and captivating storytelling to unravel some of the most intriguing criminal cases. With each episode, they dive deep into the details, providing listeners with a thought-provoking exploration of the darker side of humanity. Join them every week as they serve up a chilling dish of true crime that will leave you craving for more.