In the premiere episode of our gripping new series "Throwaways: The Forgotten Strands," we unravel the chilling narrative of the Redhead Murders. The episode embarks on a haunting journey through the depths of one of the most enigmatic serial killing sprees of the 1980s, inviting listeners to join me as I trace the killer's bloodstained path and bring to light the stories of those who fell victim to his wrath.

Our story begins with a personal account of my entanglement in the investigation that breathed new life into cold cases and opened up wounds that seemed long forgotten. With painstaking research and dogged determination, I pursued leads that would eventually pinpoint a predator who exploited the era's blind spots to traffic in human misery. Through a blend of narrative storytelling and investigative journalism, this episode offers a raw and unflinching look at the danger that truck stops and forgotten highways posed to vulnerable souls dubbed 'Lot Lizards'. These women, often marginalized and overlooked, found themselves prey to a ruthless serial killer who left a trail of sorrow and unanswered questions.

Listeners will be treated to exclusive insights into the killer's psyche, a disturbing portrait sketched from interviews, case files, and a dark journey through America's underbelly. We'll also shed light on the untold stories of survival, including a poignant testimony from a woman who escaped the life of a 'Lot Lizard' and the clutches of near-death. "Throwaways: The Forgotten Strands" is more than a true crime tale; it's a call to action—a plea to reevaluate the stories we tell about those living on the fringes.

By series end, we aim not only to uncover the truth behind the 'Redhead Murders' but to ignite a conversation on how society views—and often dismisses—the lives of those who dwell in its shadows. Join us on this somber quest for justice and understanding. Tune in, and let's embark on this journey together.

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In the second episode of "Throwaways: Shadows at the Crossroads," we delve deep into the world of the truck stop hustler, a figure as misunderstood as they are stigmatized. 'Lot Lizards' is the term that has echoed through the trailer parks and late-night rest stops of America — not as a badge of honor, but as a label born out of mockery and perpetuated by stereotypes. These aren't the glamourous scenes from far-flung locales with their high-stakes espionage and luxury escorts.

Instead, our story is rooted in the grit and struggle of the blue-collar sex trade where Hollywood's caricatures meet harsh reality. Picture the scene: the archetypal 'rustbelt hooker' with her leopard print and red lipstick, a figure both vilified and romanticized in equal measure, bearing the unseen scars of a life lived on the precipice of society's margins. We trace the origin of this derisive moniker back to its roots, examining how a quip from a comedian in the 1970s has evolved into a lexicon of contempt. This episode challenges listeners to look beyond the superficial judgments, to see the individuals behind the epithet — many of whom are navigating a world rife with danger and desperation.

What's often missed in the snide commentary is the raw vulnerability of these souls: the men and women who, labeled as 'predators' by an unforgiving society, are, in truth, often the prey. We peel back the layers of misconception to reveal the stark realities of life for those who find themselves trading flesh for survival at the intersection of loneliness and commerce. "Throwaways: Shadows at the Crossroads" promises a journey into the heart of darkness that exists in the daylight, where the hunt is not for the thrill of the chase but for the next meal, the next fix, the next step in a seemingly endless road of hardship. With empathy and unflinching clarity, we're shining a light on the lives too often ignored, bringing voice to the voiceless, and understanding to the misunderstood.

Stay with us as we continue to expose the truths behind the taboos, weaving together the narratives of the past and present to redefine the future for those whom society has labeled as throwaways.

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Support the show by joining our Black Label to support the show and unlock exclusive benefits. You can join on Patreon and Apple Podcast Premium. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Join Shane's Facebook Group. Hosted by Shane Waters. Listen to his other crime podcast Mystery Inc, or his history podcast Hometown History!

In episode three of "Throwaways: Viral Justice," we explore the ripple effect of storytelling and its power to resurrect cold cases from the silence of the archives to the forefront of public attention.

This chapter begins with Shane, whose tenacious research into the forgotten case of the Barbourville Jane Doe ignited a spark of interest across the communities tethered to the Bible Belt's local media. As Shane's narrative found its way onto Foul Play, it wasn't long before the tale of the unsolved murder began to reverberate through the corridors of small-town newsrooms and onto the screens of crime bloggers nationwide.

The renewed intrigue is a testament to the profound impact that sharing these stories can have — giving voice to the voiceless and igniting a collective determination for resolution. Spurred by this burgeoning interest, I turned to a trusted ally in the investigative community, Gemma Hoskins. Known for her sharp insights and indefatigable spirit, Gemma suggested harnessing the connective power of social media to cast a wider net for information.

It was a simple yet pivotal act that would mark a turning point in our journey. The establishment of a dedicated Facebook page became a beacon for engagement, drawing in tips, shared stories, and collaborative efforts from across the nation. This single digital platform provided a gathering space for a community united by the desire for truth and justice, transcending traditional barriers to becoming a crowd-sourced investigation.

"Throwaways: Viral Justice" is not just a narration of the progress in the Barbourville Jane Doe case but also an examination of how modern connectivity can bring about a resurgence of interest and aid in a case long considered stagnant. The episode is a testament to the idea that in the age of digital media, everyone can be an investigator, and no case needs to remain unsolved — a sobering reminder of the power we hold in our hands and the responsibility that comes with it.

Tune in to a story of collaboration, innovation, and the pursuit of truth. Join us as we witness the transformation of an investigation through the power of community and collective action.

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Support the show by joining our Black Label to support the show and unlock exclusive benefits. You can join on Patreon and Apple Podcast Premium. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Join Shane's Facebook Group. Hosted by Shane Waters. Listen to his other crime podcast Mystery Inc, or his history podcast Hometown History!

"Throwaways: The Classroom Detectives," the fourth installment of our series, takes a remarkable turn as we step into a classroom where a high school project transcends the confines of conventional education. Forget the simple science fair exhibits of terrariums or the explosive reactions of a Mentos-dropped Coke volcano. This is where academia and real-world investigation collide, thanks to the innovative spirit of Alex Campbell and his extraordinary class of teenagers.

In this episode, we dive into the story of how a school project evolved into a groundbreaking forensic examination. Alex, a visionary teacher, led his students through a hands-on criminal investigation, enlisting the expertise of an FBI profiler to delve into the haunting patterns surrounding the Redhead Murders. This collaboration wasn't just about theoretical learning; it was a pivotal moment that shifted the trajectory of our investigation by confirming a suspicion we dared not voice alone—that a serial killer was indeed at work.

The students' journey into the heart of forensic science and criminal psychology offers a unique glimpse into the power of education when it steps out of the textbook and into the trenches of practical application. Their work not only provided critical insight into the case but also empowered a new generation to understand the impact they can make on the world.

"Throwaways: The Classroom Detectives" is an ode to the curious minds that refused to let the history of these Jane Does remain buried in obscurity. The episode celebrates the confluence of youthful enthusiasm and methodical, expert analysis, reminding us that sometimes, the key to unraveling the most complex puzzles comes from the most unexpected places.

Join us for an inspiring tale of mentorship, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of justice, where a class project becomes a public service in the truest sense. As we unfold the details of their investigation, we reaffirm our belief in the next generation as agents of change, and perhaps, bearers of hope for cold case resolutions. They also provided a name for our killer – the Bible Belt Strangler.

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Support the show by joining our Black Label to support the show and unlock exclusive benefits. You can join on Patreon and Apple Podcast Premium. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Join Shane's Facebook Group. Hosted by Shane Waters. Listen to his other crime podcast Mystery Inc, or his history podcast Hometown History!

In "Throwaways: The Midnight Escape," the fifth episode of our intense series, we illuminate the harrowing escape of Jane Doe #7, whose story is as chilling as the night air that enveloped her. At the witching hour when most of the world lies asleep, Jane Doe #7's fight for life brought her to the verge of death on the desolate stretch of I-40, near the cold concrete of Junction 58 in Kingston, Tennessee.

The brutality of her experience is difficult to fathom — a strangulation so severe it burst the capillaries in her eyes, leaving her in a world blurred by shadows and silence. The attack inflicted more than just physical scars; it was an assault on her very senses, a trauma that speaks volumes of her assailant's deadly intent. Through the pitch-black fear and confusion, her survival instinct led her to an unexpected refuge in the median, a narrow strip of land between life and death.

This episode traces the anatomy of her ordeal from the moment her fight began, through the shock and desperation, to her narrow escape from a grim fate. Our investigation pivots to this critical incident, unpacking the forensics and psychological toll such an attack can bear on a victim. The narrative extends beyond the crime itself, offering a poignant exploration into the resilience of human spirit and the often-unseen battles fought in the dead of night.

As we delve into Jane Doe #7's story, "Throwaways: The Midnight Escape" also sheds light on the broader implications of survival — not just of the fittest, but of the luckiest, the bravest, and the most determined. Her near-miss with death becomes a tale not only of what happened that dark night but of what happens next, in a system where the "throwaways" struggle to be seen and heard.

Tune in to hear how one woman's terrifying brush with mortality ignited a series of events that would help peel back the layers of a deepening mystery. This episode promises to leave listeners on the edge of their seats, filled with a mix of dread and awe at the unyielding power of the will to live against all odds.

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Support the show by joining our Black Label to support the show and unlock exclusive benefits. You can join on Patreon and Apple Podcast Premium. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Join Shane's Facebook Group. Hosted by Shane Waters. Listen to his other crime podcast Mystery Inc, or his history podcast Hometown History!

In the sixth gripping episode of our series, "Throwaways: A Mother's Shadow," we delve into the twisted psyche of Jerry Johns and the dark undercurrents of his murderous spree. Freudian theory posits that the mother-son relationship is complex and often pivotal in psychological development. However, Jerry Johns' story turns this concept on its head with a haunting perversion of familial bonds.

The episode peels back the layers of Johns' enigmatic hatred for his mother, revealing a relationship fraught with resentment rather than the expected adoration or desire. Johns' animosity was discreet yet persistent, cloaked beneath the facade of a standard spree killer's indiscriminate rage. Yet, the specifics of his mother's life—a redheaded prostitute—casts a long, inescapable shadow over his violent trajectory.

Listeners will be taken on a journey through Johns' tumultuous past, exploring how the contours of his mother's life and profession might have shaped his outlook on women who shared her vocation and appearance. With a chilling clarity, we examine how Johns' contempt may have been a driving force behind the terrifying fate of his victims, painting a portrait of a man whose deep-seated issues manifested in the most violent way.

"Throwaways: A Mother's Shadow" isn't just an examination of a killer's mind but a reflection on how the echo of one relationship can reverberate through many lives with catastrophic consequences. We confront the uncomfortable question of how much influence a troubled family life has on the genesis of a serial killer.

Join us as we venture into this macabre exploration of motive, murder, and the stark reality of familial dysfunction. This episode promises to offer not only insight into the case at hand but also a poignant discussion on the nature of psychological trauma and its potential to unleash monstrosity.

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Support the show by joining our Black Label to support the show and unlock exclusive benefits. You can join on Patreon and Apple Podcast Premium. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Join Shane's Facebook Group. Hosted by Shane Waters. Listen to his other crime podcast Mystery Inc, or his history podcast Hometown History!

"Throwaways: Echoes from the Edge," the seventh episode of our series, presents a raw and empathetic look at the life of the individuals often dismissed as 'lot lizards.' These are not just individuals who have chosen this path out of a myriad of options; instead, their journey to the asphalt corners of truck stops is marked by a constellation of traumas.

In this episode, we delve into the poignant and turbulent backstories that precede the neon signs and rumbling engines of truck stop sex work. The narrative of each 'lot lizard' we encounter is eerily similar, echoing themes of domestic turmoil and manipulation by those they once trusted.

Through intimate interviews, we uncover the harsh realities that push individuals into this line of work, revealing the often unseen struggles that start right at the supposed sanctity of 'home.' We navigate through their tales, understanding how the landscape of their past—dotted with damaging relationships and abuse—maps a road to the high-risk, low-reward world of truck stop prostitution.

We confront the stark truth that, for many, the term 'lot lizard' is more than an occupational label—it's a manifestation of a life riddled with continuous exploitation and survival. By bearing witness to these narratives, "Throwaways: Echoes from the Edge" aims to reshape the listener's perceptions and bring to light the dignity and humanity of those living on the margins.

It's an episode that asks us to listen more and judge less, to understand that behind every face of the night is a story worth telling. Tune in as we take a deep dive into the shadows of the truck stops, not just to expose the grim reality of this profession but to foster a conversation about the societal failures that allow such suffering to persist.

In doing so, we hope to challenge the stereotypes and contribute to a change in dialogue about those who are far too often overlooked.

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Support the show by joining our Black Label to support the show and unlock exclusive benefits. You can join on Patreon and Apple Podcast Premium. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Join Shane's Facebook Group. Hosted by Shane Waters. Listen to his other crime podcast Mystery Inc, or his history podcast Hometown History!

Episode eight of "Throwaways," titled "Throwaways: Alibi Ironies," uncovers the bewildering case of Jerry Johns and the staggering realization that the ultimate alibi shielded him from suspicion in the Redhead Murders. In a narrative that subverts all expectations, we explore the ironic twist of fate that placed Johns beyond the reach of law enforcement precisely when his alleged crimes were committed.

The clarity of hindsight reveals the flawed brilliance of Johns' alibi. Having been in police custody, he was overlooked as a suspect, creating a formidable barrier to connecting him to the series of crimes that terrorized the southeast in the 1980s. We dissect the thought process that led to this critical oversight, peeling back the layers of law enforcement tactics and the assumptions that can obscure the truth.

With detailed accounts and insights from experts, this episode scrutinizes how proximity to the police can become a cunning cover for a criminal. The logic seems unassailable: if you're with the police, you couldn't possibly be committing a crime elsewhere. Yet, this assumption became a pivotal point of contention that not only stalled the prosecution but also challenges our understanding of criminal cunning.

Join us as we delve into the circumstances that intertwined Jerry Johns with the legal system in a manner that almost absolved him of suspicion. "Throwaways: Alibi Ironies" is a captivating tale of criminal strategy, investigative challenges, and the sometimes-paradoxical pursuit of justice.

This dive into the depths of a legal paradox presents a cautionary tale that questions the certainty of what we consider solid alibis and the gaps in the justice system that can arise from the most unexpected situations. The episode promises to engage listeners with its detailed unraveling of a true-crime enigma, where the best alibi is the one you never have to create.

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Support the show by joining our Black Label to support the show and unlock exclusive benefits. You can join on Patreon and Apple Podcast Premium. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Join Shane's Facebook Group. Hosted by Shane Waters. Listen to his other crime podcast Mystery Inc, or his history podcast Hometown History!