In this episode of River City Mystery, Matt takes a closer look at one of southern Illinois’ most unusual stories: the mystery of Burrows Cave near Olney, Illinois. Retired Army officer and experienced caver Russell E. Burrows claimed he stumbled onto an underground chamber packed with carved stones, gold artifacts, and signs that ancient Old World travelers may have reached North America long before Columbus. Matt walks through Burrows’ impressive military background, the details of what he said he found, and why most archaeologists remain convinced the whole thing was a hoax. But not everyone is ready to dismiss it. Some researchers — including Book of Mormon Heartland investigator Brian Nettles — believe the artifacts deserve another look and might even be genuine. Is Burrows Cave a tall tale… or a forgotten chapter of history waiting to be taken seriously?  What do you think? Links referenced in the episode: GoFundMe for Zachary Carey - https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-gina-with-zacharys-burial-costs?attribution_id=sl:20099a5c-2e12-4f18-9038-9efe044288df&lang=en_US&ts=1763859567&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp17_td&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=facebook   Brian Nettles' interview with Russell Burrows - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMj8VfDXG5w&t=232s Brian Nettle's Book of Mormon Heartland website - https://bookofmormonheartland.com/ Photos of Burrows Cave stones - https://bookofmormonheartland.com/burrows-cave-stones/ The Mystery Cave of Many Faces - https://burrowscave.io/books/the-mystery-cave-of-many-faces/   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

The incredible true story of "Wildman Joe," an African American man whose life journey, from slavery through a steamboat disaster and years as a ragman, led to a controversial career in sideshows. This episode traces the lives of Joe Rettig and showman Jeremiah "Doc" Kahler, detailing their meeting in Evansville, Indiana, and the creation of the "Wildman Joe" act.  Key Moments: Introduction to Wildman Joe's Story: The episode begins by introducing the enigmatic figure of Wildman Joe and hinting at the untold stories from Evansville's past. (Approximate timestamp: 00:00:16) Joe Rettig's Early Life in Slavery: Learn about Joe's birth into slavery in North Carolina and the harsh realities he faced before the Civil War brought the promise of freedom. (Approximate timestamp: 00:00:16) The Steamboat Accident: Discover Joe's transition to working on steamboats after the war and the horrific boiler explosion that left him permanently scarred. (Approximate timestamp: 00:00:44) Evansville's Ragman: Follow Joe's return to Evansville and his difficult life on the margins, sifting through the city's refuse. (Approximate timestamp: 00:01:03) Enter Jeremiah "Ol' Doc" Kahler: The narrative shifts to the colorful life of "Ol' Doc" Kahler, a former St. Louis saloon keeper with a penchant for the peculiar, who would become a traveling showman. (Approximate timestamp: 00:02:44) Ol' Doc Kahler's Famous Flea Circus: Hear the fascinating and almost unbelievable tale of Kahler's renowned trained flea circus. (Approximate timestamp: 00:03:46) Legal Troubles and a Flea-Filled Courtroom: Learn about Kahler's brushes with the law, including a unique court appearance involving his performing fleas. (Approximate timestamp: 00:03:04) The Demise of the Flea Circus: The episode recounts the sudden and tragic end of Doc Kahler's prize-winning flea troupe. (Approximate timestamp: 00:05:22) Two Worlds Converge in Evansville: The two vastly different lives converge as Doc Kahler encounters Joe Rettig in Evansville and sees an opportunity for a new sideshow act. (Approximate timestamp: 00:08:07) The Creation of "Wildman Joe": Explore the transformation of Joe Rettig into the sideshow persona of "Wildman Joe," and the fabricated narrative created around him. (Approximate timestamp: 00:09:08) Life as a Sideshow Performer: Discover how joining the circus changed the course of Joe's lif

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/

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

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 n

Zachary Carey's best friend, Chris, dropped him off at the Welcome to Lynnville sign on May 30,2023. He hasn't been seen since. Chris reached out to me following my last episode where I spoke with Zachary's mother, Gina, and sister, Cecelia, to off...

Zachary Carey, a 38-year-old resident of Evansville, Indiana, has been missing since May 30, 2023. In this episode, Zachary's mother, Gina, and sister, Cecelia, share their insights on the case. If you have any information that you think may be usef...

Multiple bigfoot encounters have been reported in the Hoosier National Forest since 2017. The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) website contains a catalog of fairly recently reported encounters from the region, including a report in 2018...

Troy DeWayne Smith, 50, was shot in the back of his head while he sat on his couch in his apartment on the 500 block of S. New York Avenue in Evansville, Indiana, on May 24, 2020. Troy's body was discovered by his brother, TaRon Fields. In this ep...

A hoard of 700 civil war-era gold coins was found buried at an undisclosed Kentucky cornfield in July, 2023. Was this a unique case, or is it possible that buried treasures may be found all over the tri-state area? https://indstate.contentdm.oclc....

Andi Madison Wagner of Evansville, Indiana, has not been seen since August 6, 2022. If you have any information on Andi's disappearance, contact the Evansville Police Department at 812-436-7979. Date of birth: 6/9/1998 Eyes: Brown Hair: Brown Heig...

A recent story out of England where two police officers experienced a "phantom train" reminded me of a story my sister, Barbie Deig, told me years ago. In the early 1990's, she, along with many others, attended an outdoor revival in Evansville, Indi...

Interview with Geraldine Sutton Stith, daughter of Elmer "Lucky" Sutton, one of 11 people who encountered strange beings on their Kelly, Kentucky, farm on August 21, 1955. Geraldine was told the horrifying, yet fascinating, story by her father when ...

Interview with Joni Mayhan, author, paranormal investigator, and ghost walk guide in New Harmony, Indiana. Haunted New Harmony | Where History and Hauntings Collide (jonimayhan.com) Joni Mayhan (@jonimayhan933) TikTok | Watch Joni Mayhan's Newest...

Doris McDonough was brutally beaten to death in her own kitchen in Evansville, Indiana, on October 3, 1968. Her husband, William, provided a timeline of events that raises more questions than answers about what happened that day. The case remains u...

Interview with Joe Weigant, retired Evansville Police Department detective who founded Evansville Paranormal Investigations and Consulting (EPIC). Joe is a psychic and spirit communicator who specializes in crossing over trapped spirits so the living...

Blake Crews, 20, was excited to start a business teaching drums. He spent much of his last day alive trying to print business cards for the new business. Blake never had the chance to live out his dream, though; he died after he was shot multiple t...

During the summer of 1940, a home just outside of Odon, Indiana, caught fire 28 times in a single day. Witnessed by many, the cause of the fires remains a mystery to this very day. ----more---- Check out Don Cosby’s books on Amazon: My Scrap Book: A...

Theresa Rideout, 36, disappeared along with her dog, River, on September 2, 1994. Her boyfriend, Jack Barnett, checked into a motel and killed himself just over a week later. Was Jack responsible for her disappearance? Investigators never found he...

My wife and I had an encounter with something unusual while taking a walk around Garvin Lake in Evansville on the evening of Saturday, August 21, 2021.----more---- Photo #GLC1 08-21-2021Photo #GLC2 08-21-2021Photo #GLC3 08-21-2021Photo #GLC4 08-21-20...