True Crime Creepers

This episode contains discussion of child abuse.

In part 1, Ruby Franke went all-in on Jodi Hildebrandt, to the point of inviting her to move into the house. That’s when everything truly crossed the line.

Kevin is pushed out. Chad and Shari are cut off. The younger kids disappear from view. And people around them can tell something is wrong, but no one can get close enough to prove it.

Until August 2023, when a 12 year old boy gets out and asks a neighbor for help, setting off a truly unbelievable series of events, including a frantic search, a horrifying discovery inside Jodi’s home, and Ruby’s own words documenting what she believed she was doing.

This is the ending everyone heard about... but the details are worse than you think.

Sources

“Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt story” documentary on Netflix 

 "Devil in the Family” docuseries on Hulu 

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This episode contains discussion of child abuse.

Ruby Franke built an empire on being the “perfect” mom. Millions of followers watched her raise six kids, share parenting advice, and present a picture-perfect family life.

But behind the wholesome image, things weren’t as perfect as they seemed. Viewers began noticing punishments that felt extreme… then disturbing… then impossible to ignore.

In 2023, Ruby Franke was arrested for child abuse, alongside a woman many people had never heard of, but who may be the real key to understanding how everything went so wrong: Jodi Hildebrandt.

In Part 1, we’re unpacking the rise of 8 Passengers, the early red flags, and the relationship that would change this family forever.

This episode contains discussion of child abuse.

Sources

“Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt story” documentary on Netflix 

 "Devil in the Family” docuseries on Hulu 

Sponsors

Hello Fresh Go to HelloFresh dot com slash creepers10fm to Get 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1976, 20-year-old Tulane student Ken Gutzeit was stabbed to death in front of dozens of witnesses outside his fraternity house. His killer was arrested, and then... nothing happened.

No trial. No conviction. No justice.

Ken’s case has been largely forgotten, it's mentioned only briefly in Netflix’s Worst Roommate Ever as the event that allegedly changed Jamison Bachman’s life. But the real story is far more disturbing.

How does someone commit a public killing with eyewitnesses and a weapon — and walk free?

Sources: ken gutzeit - Newspapers.com™

Kenneth Laurence Gutzeit (1955-1976) - Find a Grave Memorial

The Shocking Murder That Shaped The Life Of The 'Worst Roommate Ever'

The Ken Gutzeit Case | MediumSponsors:

Blissy - go to blissy.com/creeperspod and use code CREEPERSPOD to get 30%
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Originally released on our Patreon in January of 2022.

In the summer of 2000, a drug debt set off a chain of events that no one could take back.

Ben Markowitz owed money to a local dealer named Jesse James Hollywood. Jesse believed Ben was blowing him off, and what started as frustration quickly turned into something more volatile. Jesse wanted control. He wanted leverage.

Then he saw it.

While driving around with friends, Jesse spotted Ben’s 15 year old brother Nick walking alone. Jesse told the driver to pull over and they grabbed Nick, forced into the van, and drove away.

Instead of being hurt, Nick was taken to Santa Barbara and absorbed into Jesse’s circle. For nearly three days, they partied. Nick was given drugs and alcohol. The atmosphere felt temporary, almost casual.

Everyone believed Nick would eventually be taken home. That this was nothing more than a scare tactic.

They were wrong.

Sponsors:

Hello Fresh - Go to HelloFresh.com/creepers10fm to Get 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box.

Sources:ArticlesWikipedia | Woodland HillsThe Los Angeles Times | The Last Days of Nick Markowitz (Sue Fox)Fresh Edits | A Stolen Boy: The Real Story Behind the Film Alpha Dog (Noam Heller)

BooksMy Stolen Son: The Nick Markowitz Story (Susan Markowitz)
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Originally released on Patreon in August of 2023.

How do I even begin to describe this episode? Today, we're exploring the age old question: What happens when your college roommate's dad gets out of prison, needs a place to stay, moves in to your dorm room, and starts a cult in your living room? 
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