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Crime Salad

In this episode of Crime Salad, we’re diving into the heartbreaking story of Stephanie Marie Wasilishin—a devoted mother, talented pastry chef, and vibrant woman whose life was cut short on July 9, 1993. What happened that night in Sedona, Arizona has haunted her family for over three decades, especially her daughters, Nikki and Christina.

Stephanie’s story began long before that tragic night. After the loss of her twin brother in infancy, her family relocated from Illinois to the Deep South, settling in Arizona. Years later, she would meet Russell Peterson, the man who would become her partner and the father of her youngest daughter. But when Stephanie was found dead in their home, and Russell was the only witness, the lines between accident, suicide, and murder became painfully blurred.

Despite Stephanie’s death being ruled a homicide, no one has ever been charged—and the case remains one of the many unsolved mysteries we explore on this show. Through Nikki’s courageous efforts to seek justice and keep her mother’s story alive!

If you’re drawn to true crime stories that mix deep emotion with disturbing questions, this one’s for you. We’re unpacking not only a potential murder but also the ripple effect it left behind.

Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, contemporary crimes, behind-the-scenes content, and more:

 📱 TikTok, Instagram, Facebook → @crimesaladpodcast

While you're there, follow Stephanie’s daughter on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicolewasilishin

Also, please consider signing this petition: https://www.change.org/p/demand-a-complete-homicide-investigation-for-the-murder-of-stephanie-marie-wasilishin?source_location=petition_update_page

As always, we’re so grateful for our Crime Salad Patreon and Apple subscribers—your support means the world to us and helps us play our part in spreading awareness about these important topics.

Thanks to our sponsors:

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 Visit BetterHelp.com/CRIMESALAD Sponsored by BetterHelp.

 Detective Perspective—One unsolved case, real insight, every week.

 Listen on Mondays wherever you get your podcasts. Watch Tuesdays on YouTube.

The Death of Stephanie Wasilishin: A Mystery Still Unsolved

In the 1990s, Knoxville’s ‘Zoo Man’ wasn’t just caring for elephants—he was hiding horrific secrets. Thomas Huskey was accused of attacking sex workers and eventually linked to multiple murders. His shocking defense? Multiple personalities. This is the disturbing true story of the Zoo Man Killer.

Content Warning: sexual assault, sex work, strangulation, murder, and mental illness.

Need support?

• UK: NUM—Call 0800 464 7669 (Tues–Fri, 10am–4pm) or email casework@nationaluglymugs.org

• US: Sex Workers Project—Call 646-602-5617 or email swp@urbanjustice.org

Sponsor for this episode: FÜM is a flavored air device—no nicotine, no vapor, no batteries. Just breathe in and enjoy. Try it at tryfum.com/salad and use code SALAD for a free gift with your Journey Pack.

 • Thomas Huskey

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 • Zoo Man Killer

 • 

 • Knoxville murders

 • 

 • Knoxville Zoo

 • 

 • Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville

 • 

 • Tennessee serial killer

 • 

 • Dissociative Identity Disorder

 • 

 • DID defense

 • 

 • 1990s true crime

 • 

 • serial killer podcast

 • 

 • sex worker homicides

 • 

 • unsolved true crime

 • 

 • true crime podcast

🔎 #TrueCrime #ZooMan #ThomasHuskey #SerialKiller #KnoxvilleTrueCrime #DID #MentalHealth #CrimePodcast #Unsolved #MurderMystery

The Zoo Man: The Thomas Huskey Case

This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics, including sexual violence, child exploitation, psychological abuse, and relatable topics. We strongly advise listeners to exercise discretion.

Victims of exploitation aren’t always bound by physical restraints—they’re trapped by psychological abuse, fear, and manipulation, as perpetrators use our systemic failures to their advantage. In this special episode, we step away from our usual content to shed light on a devistating reality: the estimated 15 million children impacted by sexual exploitation in the U.S. In this episode we will look into Jessa Dillow Crisp’s story, who is now a co-founder of Bridge Hope, and a strong advocate for survivors and the many challenges many victims face.

Hotlines for Immediate Support

 • 

National Human Trafficking Hotline (U.S.):
 • Call: 
1-888-373-7888
 • Text: 
233733

 • 

 • 

National Sexual Assault Hotline (U.S.):
 • Call: 
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

 • 

Survivor Story and Support

 • 

Jessa Dillow Crisp's Experience:
 • 
YouTube Video

 • 

 • 

Jessa Dillow Crisp's Website:
 • 
Bloomify Community

 • 

Government Resources
 • 

US Department of Justice on Human Trafficking:
 • 
What is human trafficking?

 • 

Organizations Fighting Trafficking and Exploitation
 • 

Empower the Fight (Child Exploitation Awareness):
 • 
What is child sex trafficking?

 • 

Training and Education
 • 

Training: Watchful Eye
 • 
Title: • 
Safeguarding Children from Sex Abuse & Exploitation
 • Access Training Here: 
https://risingsteps.thinkific.com/courses/watch • 

SPONSORS

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Invisible Shackles: Breaking Free from the Chains of Exploitation

Mark Twitchell was a film enthusiast with big ambitions, but those ambitions took a dark and disturbing turn. Beneath his passion for movies was something much more sinister, and it didn’t take long for those dark desires to surface. Wearing a hockey mask and armed with duct tape, a fake gun, and a taser baton, Mark set a trap in a garage he had rented to film a movie, prepared to look like a crime scene, complete with plastic sheeting, but it was actually a kill room. 

Sponsors:

Apostrophe

Go to Apostrophe.com/CRIMESALAD, click “Get Started,” and use the code CRIMESALAD at sign-up.

Superfan of Dexter: The Tragic Story of Johnny Altinger

Elisabeth Fritzl endured an unimaginable reality for years, trapped and tormented by the very person who was supposed to protect her—her father. Waking up every day in that dark, suffocating basement, being graped time and time again, questioning whether she would ever see the light of day again or if another one of her children would die in such a place. You would lose every bit of hope, thinking theres no way out; no one even knows your down there… 

The psychological weight she carried is unfathomable. Listen to this episode to hear the story.

*Listener discretion is advised due to the disturbing nature of this episode's content, which includes explicit descriptions of child sexual abuse and other disturbing details.

-Thanks for our sponsors for supporting this episode-

Ship Skis Go to Shipskis.com and use the code CRIMESALAD to get 20% off your first shipment and save yourself the hassle this ski season.

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24 Years Trapped in Darkness: The Josef Fritzl Case

In February 2020, Sarah Boone made a chilling 911 call claiming to have found her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr., lifeless inside a suitcase after an innocent game of hide-and-seek turned deadly. According to Sarah, she had fallen asleep, leaving Jorge trapped and unable to escape—a horrific accident, or so she insisted.

But Sarah’s demeanor during the call was erratic, her words detached and cold. The pieces didn’t quite fit. Then, a damning video surfaced: Jorge, locked inside the suitcase, desperately gasping, “I can’t breathe,” and pleading for his life while Sarah mocked him.

That video turned the case upside down, transforming a supposed accident into something far more sinister. Sarah Boone was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, her chilling actions leading to a trial that left everyone questioning the dark side of human relationships.

Join us as we revisit this unforgettable case that still haunts true crime enthusiasts to this day.

Thanks to the sponsor of this episode.

Beam’s biggest Cyber Monday sale is here—get up to 50% off their best-selling Dream Powder at shopbeam.com/crimesalad with code crimesalad while supplies last!

Throwback: Hide and Seek—Jorge Torres Jr

In Part 1 we dive into the chilling case of Sharon Nelson Harrelson, infamously known as the "Black Widow." Sharon's story is one of manipulation, betrayal, and murder, as she left a trail of broken hearts baiting new lovers in with her seductive behavior but with deadly intentions in her wake. From her tumultuous relationships to the shocking murders of her husbands, this case uncovers the darker side of a woman whose charm masked a sinister agenda. Tune in as we explore the twisted motives, shocking evidence, and courtroom drama that made Sharon Nelson Harrelson's crimes one of the most notorious in true crime history.

Thanks to our Sponsors!

Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try atbetterhelp.com/crimesalad and get on your way to being your best self.

Acorns: Head to acorns.com/crimesalad or download the Acorns app to start saving and investing for your future today!

ShipSkis: ShipSkis is offering our listeners 20% off your first shipment! Visit ShipSkis.com and use the code CRIMESALAD to claim your discount.

written and researched by Rasha Aly and Crime Salad

The Roaming Heart: The Deadly Allure of Sharon Nelson Harrelson, Part 1

In this chilling episode, we unravel the infamous Sharon Nelson murder case, a tale of deceit, betrayal, and fatal ambition set in Trinidad, Colorado. After the crushed remnants of Perry Nelson’s VW are discovered, questions about his disappearance lead to shocking revelations and even another victim. Sharon Nelson, caught in a tangled web of lies and an affair with Gary Adams, becomes the center of a Colorado love triangle murder investigation. Was this a case of insurance fraud and murder plot, or a deadly game of control? Whatever the case may be, one thing is for sure, stay away from a black widow murderer. 

Thanks to our sponsor for this episode!

Miracle Made: Sheets that are amazing and inspired by NASA technology. TRYMIRACLE.COM/CRIMESALAD

The Roaming Heart: The Deadly Allure of Sharon Nelson Harrelson, Part 2

On the evening of August 2, 2015, at a Speedway gas station near Columbus, Ohio, life changed forever for 31-year-old Judy Malinowski. What started as an ordinary summer night ended in horror when her then-boyfriend, Michael Slager, committed an unthinkable act of violence.

This episode dives deep into the chilling events of that night, the devastating impact of domestic violence, Judy’s courageous fight for justice, and the inception of Ohio’s “Judy’s Law,” which enforces harsher penalties for those who commit such heinous crimes.

Join Crime Salad as they explore the details of Judy’s heartbreaking yet inspiring journey and the legacy she left behind in the battle against intimate partner violence.

Please be advised that this episode comes with a few trigger warnings. This narration includes descriptions of domestic violence, substance abuse, disfigurement, and death.

Domestic Violence: Ways to Get Help

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233

SMS: Text “START” to 88788

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence: www.nrcdv.org

Warning Signs of Domestic Violence: www.wadvocates.org

Recognizing the Patterns of Domestic Violence: www.mayoclinic.org

Common Questions About Sexual Assault: https://florinroebig.com/sexual-assault-guide/

Struggling with addiction? Help is available 

SAMHSA Helpline:

1-800-662-HELP (4357)

You can also text your ZIP code to 435748 to find treatment resources near you.

 Visit their website at samhsa.gov for more information.

This helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year, offering free and confidential assistance for individuals and families facing substance use disorders. They can connect you with treatment centers, support groups, and other local resources.

Struggling with Mental Health

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for free, confidential support 24/7.

For more resources, visit 988lifeline.org to chat with a trained counselor and find additional support options.

Thanks to our sponsors for this week:

Shopify: The best time to start your new business is right now! Go to shopify.com/crimesalad to start selling with Shopify today.

Through the Flames: Judy Malinowski’s Fight for Justice

In 1986, Nancy Daugherty’s life was stolen, leaving behind a haunting mystery that stretched on for decades. With no leads and DNA testing providing no matches, her case went cold—until an unexpected forensic breakthrough in 2020 changed everything. Investigators finally had a name, but now, years after his conviction, the man accused of her murder is fighting for a fair trial.

Join us as we dive into the details of Nancy’s case, the groundbreaking role of genetic genealogy, and the legal battle that could alter the course of justice. This is a story of loss, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of the truth.

Thanks to our sponsor: 

ShipSkis: Right now, ShipSkis is offering Crime Salad listeners 20% off your first shipment. Just go to ShipSkis.com and use the code CRIMESALAD.

DNA Breakthrough: The Nancy Daugherty Case

This week, we take a look at a homicide that caught everyone by surprise. A murder that makes us wonder how someone could be capable of such a terrible act This story takes us to Akron, Ohio, where a family of four lives a very traditional American life. Steven and Brenda are the parents of two teenage children, Sydney and her brother, Andrew. This was your typical family: both parents worked, the kids who were now off to college - got good grades, and they got a chance to go on vacation in the summer, whether it was to Disney or the beach. They had a 529 plan set up to cover tuition costs. The road is open to possibilities for their children's future. The kids would most likely follow their parents footprints and continue with the same tradition.

The Murder of Brenda Powell

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