River City Mystery
River City Mystery

River City Mystery

Matt Deig

Overview
Episodes

Details

Exploring the darker corners of southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and western Kentucky. From true crime and disappearances to encounters with cryptids, UAPs, and the paranormal, each episode uncovers compelling stories and chilling phenomena from the tri-state area.

Recent Episodes

Who Killed Jean Cook?
FEB 5, 2025
Who Killed Jean Cook?
This episode delves into the tragic and unsolved murder of Georgia "Jean" Cook, a 56-year-old mother who was shot and killed on October 6th, 2005, while working at a gas station on 41 North in Evansville, Indiana. Here's a summary of the key points covered: The Crime: Learn about the details of the shooting, where Jean Cook was fatally shot during a robbery at her workplace. [01:07] Eyewitness Account: Hear the description provided by a witness who saw a woman leaving the scene in a bluish-gray sedan. [02:03] Conflicting Details: Understand the uncertainty surrounding the perpetrator's identity, with some accounts suggesting a man in disguise. [02:56] First-hand Accounts: Listen to the emotional interview with Jean's coworker, Andy Hinton, who received a call from Jean immediately after the shooting, and her son, Fred Cook, who shares the lasting impact of this crime on their family. [03:10], [03:55] Possible Leads and Theories: Explore potential motives, including the possibility that Jean may have witnessed illegal activity at the gas station. [08:21] The Cold Case: Discover the current status of the investigation, which remains unsolved after two decades. [01:42] Call for Information: The episode serves as a renewed effort to seek justice for Jean Cook, urging anyone with information to contact the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Department. [25:57] Show notes:  https://www.rivercitymystery.com/19 Join the River City Mystery Discord server to meet others from the tri-state area who are into true crime and the paranormal.https://www.rivercitymystery.com/discord Other links: https://vanderburghsheriff.org/#send-a-tip-form https://www.14news.com/story/9134480/unsolved-murder-jean-cook/    
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26 MIN
Interview with Evansville's Forest Witch
JAN 18, 2025
Interview with Evansville's Forest Witch
This episode features an interview with Crystal Folz, also known as Evansville's Forest Witch. Crystal has been practicing witchcraft since the 1990s, with a practice deeply rooted in animism and Kentucky folklore. She is also actively involved in the pagan and paranormal communities, serving as a co-chair for both the Three Corners Pagan Circle and the Southern Indiana Paranormal Investigators. Here are some of the key topics discussed in the episode: Introduction to Crystal: Learn about Crystal's background in witchcraft and her connection to animism and Kentucky folklore. [01:37] Community Involvement: Discover Crystal's roles in the Three Corners Pagan Circle, serving witches in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, and her involvement in paranormal investigation teams. [02:15] "Back Porch" Approach to the Paranormal: Understand Crystal's common-sense approach to paranormal encounters. [02:45] Defining Witchcraft: Explore the broad definition of what it means to be a witch and how it can vary for different individuals. [03:25] Witchcraft vs. Wicca: Clarification on the distinction between witchcraft as a practice and Wicca as a specific religion within witchcraft. [08:13] Understanding Dark Magic: Gain insight into Crystal's perspective on what constitutes dark magic. [13:16] Ethical Sourcing: Learn about Crystal's practice of scavenging materials and her views on unethical labor standards in mass consumerism. [16:36] Psychic Abilities in Investigations: Discover how Crystal uses her psychic abilities to provide readings of spaces during paranormal investigations without relying on equipment. [23:23] Involvement in Missing Persons Cases: Hear about Crystal's experience as a psychic consultant in search and rescue operations and her emphasis on avoiding assumptions. [34:01] Kentucky Folklore and Superstitions: Delve into fascinating local folklore and superstitions related to ghosts and witches. [45:57] Animistic Beliefs: Understand Crystal's animistic worldview, where everything possesses a spirit and energy, and the importance of respecting those spaces. [59:07] Three Corners Pagan Circle Events: Learn about the public rituals and events organized by the Three Corners Pagan Circle to educate and connect the community. [01:05:38] Show Notes:  https://www.rivercitymystery.com/18 Join the River City Mystery Discord channel to meet others from the tri-state area who are into true crime and the paranormal.  https://www.rivercitymystery.com/discord Links mentioned in this episode: https://kentuckyconjurer.me/ https://www.threecornerspagancircle.com/ Crystal's email:  dirtandbones@kentuckyconjurer.me  
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74 MIN
Who Killed Elizabeth?
DEC 16, 2024
Who Killed Elizabeth?
In this episode, I join Savannah on her YouTube channel, "Don't Hate. CREATE", as we examine the unsolved murder of 18-year-old Elizabeth Bannister, who was found dead in her Evansville, Indiana, apartment around 1:00 AM on January 20, 2000.  Here are the key points explored in the episode: The Unexplained Crime: This episode highlights the perplexing circumstances of Elizabeth's murder, noting that despite other residents being present in the house, no one reported any disturbances. [02:22] Elizabeth's Background: The episode sheds light on Elizabeth's difficult past, including experiences with assault and time spent in group homes. [03:01] Suspect: Mark: Learn about Mark, her mother's former abusive boyfriend who later became Elizabeth's boyfriend. Although questioned, he had an alibi. [00:00], [09:46] The Confession of William Clyde Gibson: The episode discusses the confession of convicted serial killer William Clyde Gibson, who claimed responsibility for Elizabeth's murder on a podcast. However, inconsistencies in his account raise doubts about its validity. [16:02], [23:22] Unusual Events: Discover the strange occurrences leading up to Elizabeth's death, including her borrowing money for a payphone call and a taxi being called to her residence but leaving without a passenger. [11:00], [11:41] Witness Account: Hear about a neighbor who reported seeing a man fleeing the scene around the time of the murder. [12:14] Ongoing Investigation: Understand that despite a confession and the passage of time, Elizabeth's case remains open, with the Evansville police department maintaining an active investigation. [14:18], [14:36] The Family's Search for Justice: Learn about the efforts of Elizabeth's sister, Sarah, who continues to seek justice for her sister and shares her own experiences of abuse. She does not believe Gibson's confession. [03:14], [18:07] If you have any information that could help solve Elizabeth’s murder, please contact the Evansville Police Department at 812-436-7979. Show Notes:  https://www.rivercitymystery.com/17 Join the River City Mystery Discord channel to meet others from the tri-state area who are into true crime and the paranormal.  https://www.rivercitymystery.com/discord Links mentioned in this episode: "Don't Hate.  CREATE" YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@donthate.create Where The Bodies Are Buried - S1 E1 William "Clyde" Gibson - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6VNbbx3u5qa0useqeRaENf?si=b118e30a4bea462e Dealing Justice - Episode 8:  Queen of Diamonds:  Elizabeth Bannister, IN Deck - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6YfuNICxTf9nOmTpcLcO2x?si=168b6b2c199c4e31
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55 MIN
Where is Zac?  Interview with his best friend, Chris
MAR 26, 2024
Where is Zac? Interview with his best friend, Chris
This episode provides an update on the case of Zac Cary, who has been missing since May 30, 2023. The host interviews Chris, Zac's close friend and the last person known to have seen him. Here's a breakdown of the key information shared in this episode: Last Known Location: Chris recounts dropping Zac off at the "Welcome to Lynnville" sign. [01:19] Zac's Mental State: Chris reveals that Zac was experiencing a period of paranoia leading up to his disappearance, sharing concerning text messages. [01:24], [01:30] Paranoia Regarding Law Enforcement: Chris mentions Zac's specific paranoia of the police and recounts a past incident involving Zac and law enforcement. [08:33], [10:30] The Day of Disappearance: Chris details the events of May 30, 2023, including picking Zac up, driving around with him, and the final drop-off location. [06:49], [15:04], [16:11] Efforts to Locate Zac: Chris describes his personal attempts to find Zac after dropping him off and his communication with Zac's family. [05:00], [05:23] Cooperation with Authorities: Chris confirms his cooperation with the Warrick County Sheriff's Department in their investigation. [24:26] Theories and Speculation: Chris shares his thoughts on Zac's potential whereabouts, mentioning his ex-wife and the possibility that Zac may not want to be found. [20:29], [20:48], [14:14] A Message for Zach: Chris directly addresses Zac, urging him to reach out and let someone know he is safe. [40:30] Call for Public Assistance: The episode concludes with a plea for anyone who may have information about Zach's disappearance to contact the Warrick County Sheriff's Department at 812-897-6180. [41:58] Show Notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/16 Join the River City Mystery Discord channel to meet others from the tri-state area who are into true crime and the paranormal.  https://www.rivercitymystery.com/discord
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42 MIN
Where is Zac?
MAR 7, 2024
Where is Zac?
This episode discusses the disappearance of 38-year-old Zac Carey, who was last seen on May 30, 2023. Key points discussed in the episode include: Family Interviews: The episode features interviews with Zac's mother, Gina, and his sister, Cecilia, who provide crucial insights into Zac's life and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. [22:08], [07:07] Last Known Sighting: Zac was last seen being dropped off by a friend, Chris, at the welcome sign for Lynnville, Indiana. [04:29] Uncharacteristic Absence: The family expresses deep concern over Zac's prolonged absence, as it is highly unusual for him to be out of contact for such an extended period. [04:47] Background Information: Learn about Zac's background, including his struggles with schizophrenia and the impact of losing his job. [06:27] Love for Nature and Survival Skills: The episode explores Zac's passion for nature and his survivalist tendencies, which initially led his family to believe he was in the woods. [08:16] Discovery of Cell Phone: Find out about the discovery of Zac's cell phone near the Lynnville sign. [11:13] Suspicious Behavior: The family discusses the uncooperative behavior of Zac's friend, Chris, raising questions about his involvement. [14:14] Possible Sightings: The episode shares information regarding potential sightings of Zac. [20:03] Call for Information: The family makes a heartfelt plea to the public for any information that could lead to Zac's safe return. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Warrick County Sheriff's Department at 812-897-6180. [31:04] Show Notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/15 Join the River City Mystery Discord channel to meet others from the tri-state area who are into true crime and the paranormal.  https://www.rivercitymystery.com/discord
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32 MIN