Going West: True Crime – Details, episodes & analysis

In December of 1994, a 23-year-old Italian actress headed to New Orleans to explore the city and write a novel. But shortly after arriving, she mysteriously vanished without a trace after leaving a hotel. And suspiciously, in the days leading up to her disappearance, she had been staying with a much older man there; one whom she was reportedly afraid of, who she wrote in her diary had practiced voodoo. This is the story of Ylenia Carrisi.

In October of 2024, a 51-year-old San Antonio mom went missing after visiting an exclusive supper club with her husband. When word spread of her disappearance, her personal banker revealed that, before her disappearance, she had said ominously, “If I go missing, look for me in the lake.” When her husband was spotted on camera dumping garbage bags the day after she vanished, police narrowed in on him. This is the story of Suzanne Simpson.

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On Friday, November 8, 2024, a 30-year-old Maui woman on her way to New York missed her connecting flight in Los Angeles. While attempting to get on a standby flight for the weekend, she ventured out into Los Angeles, having been spotted around the city. But when Monday arrived, her family received some strange text messages from her before she was caught on surveillance footage with an unknown man Downtown. Her family is adamant that she is in danger, as she hasn't been heard from since.

GOFUNDME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/4fmxej-support-the-search-for-hannah-kobayashi

If you have ANY information regarding her whereabouts, PLEASE contact the Los Angeles Police Department at 1-877-527-3247. Those wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or go to lacrimestoppers.org.

In the summer of 1940, a woman’s blanketed and hogtied body surfaced in Lake Crescent, Washington, her body having turned to soap in a strange chemical transformation. After identifying her remains, it was revealed that she was a woman who went missing three years earlier, just days before Christmas. So who killed her, and why? This is the murder of Hallie Illingworth, otherwise known as The Lady of Lake Crescent. 

BONUS EPISODES

Apple Subscriptions: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-west-true-crime/id1448151398

Patreon: patreon.com/goingwestpodcast

CASE SOURCES

1. Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/20841050/hallie-brooks-illingworth

2. Stockton Evening and Sunday Record: https://www.newspapers.com/image/843766400/?terms=%22hallie%20illingworth%22&match=1

3. The Oakland Post Enquirer: https://www.newspapers.com/image/1000413154/?terms=%22hallie%20illingworth%22&match=1

4. The Seattle Star: https://www.newspapers.com/image/773679708/?terms=%22hallie%20illingworth%22&match=1

5. History Link: https://www.historylink.org/File/8599

6. Washington History: https://www.washingtonhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/1992-v6-n2-final.pdf

7. https://www.peninsuladailynews.com/life/back-when-part-2-lady-of-the-lake-murder-mystery/

8. WikiTree: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Spraker-127

9. Buffalo Courier Express: https://www.newspapers.com/image/973313909/?terms=%22hallie%20illingworth%22&match=1

10. My Olympic Park: https://www.myolympicpark.com/park/history/the-lady-of-crescent-lake/

11. WNPF: https://wnpf.org/2019/02/05/a-dive-into-lake-crescent-history/

12. Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/lifestyle/our-deep-lakes-incite-curiosity-and-conjure-legends/

In December of 2005, a 44-year-old woman headed out for a routine jog at dusk in her rural Connecticut town, disappearing into the night. After her family, community, and police worked overnight to find her, a horrific discovery was made: a literal trail of blood leading them to a famous puppeteer’s doorstep. This is the story of Judy Nilan.

BONUS EPISODES

Apple Subscriptions: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-west-true-crime/id1448151398

Patreon: patreon.com/goingwestpodcast

CASE SOURCES

https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/south-west/2006/12/22/monster-murdered-jogger/52998766007/

https://www.newspapers.com/image/671593735/?terms=judith%20nilan&match=1

https://books.google.com/books?id=SmFBBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA179&lpg=PA179&dq=scott+deojay+%22pagoda%22&source=bl&ots=hhx8vf8p1o&sig=ACfU3U0sk4uwltEBQYhPDkzrdF-__OGqJA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjc7syD0I-DAxX8JUQIHbAZBcEQ6AF6BAgaEAM#v=onepage&q=scott%20deojay%20%22pagoda%22&f=false

https://www.newspapers.com/image/972542308/?terms=judith%20nilan&match=1

https://www.newspapers.com/image/243693400/?terms=judith%20nilan&match=1

https://www.newspapers.com/image/972500741/?terms=charge&match=1

https://www.newspapers.com/image/243840250/?terms=judith%20nilan&match=1

https://www.newspapers.com/image/243840431/

https://www.newspapers.com/image/243860543/?terms=judith%20nilan&match=1

https://www.newspapers.com/image/677885611/?terms=autopsy&match=1

https://portal.ct.gov/DESPP/Press-Releases/2005/UPDATEState-Police-Investigate-Missing-Woman-in-WoodstockArrest-Made

https://www.newspapers.com/image/972500741/?terms=charge&match=1

https://www.newspapers.com/image/677884555/?terms=judith%20nilan&match=1

https://www.irishexaminer.com/world/arid-30301517.html#:~:text=Deojay%20initially%20told%20police%20he,had%20been%20beaten%20and%20strangled.

https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna10468647

https://www.newspapers.com/image/972587875/?terms=judith%20nilan&match=1

https://www.newspapers.com/image/243690138/?terms=judith%20nilan&match=1

https://www.newspapers.com/image/671682612/?terms=judith%20nilan&match=1

https://www.newspapers.com/image/678611989/?terms=judith%20nilan&match=1

https://www.newspapers.com/image/243808485/?terms=judith%20nilan&match=1

https://www.newspapers.com/image/972896686/?terms=judith%20nilan&match=1

https://www.newspapers.com/image/677887635/?terms=judith%20nilan&match=1

https://www.newspapers.com/image/243722666/?terms=scott%20deojay&match=1

https://www.newspapers.com/image/243726590/?terms=scott%20deojay&match=1

In November of 2023, partial human remains were found in a Los Angeles dumpster, and it was quickly connected to the recent disappearance of a 37-year-old woman and her parents. Within the same day, an arrest was made, and hauntingly disturbing details from neighbors and friends were given to the media. This is the story of Mei Li Haskell, and her parents, Yanxiang Wang and Gaoshan Li.

BONUS EPISODES

Apple Subscriptions: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-west-true-crime/id1448151398

Patreon: patreon.com/goingwestpodcast



In August of 2013, a 26-year-old man disappeared from the side of a highway in Texas after running out of gas. In what has become an infamous phone call to 911, he pleaded for help, saying that he was being chased by someone in the desert. Professionals and internet sleuths alike have attempted to break down his every word to determine exactly what happened to him – especially after remains were found in the area in 2022. This is the story of Brandon Lawson.

BONUS EPISODES

Apple Subscriptions: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-west-true-crime/id1448151398

Patreon: patreon.com/goingwestpodcast

CASE SOURCES

1. Help Find Brandon Lawson Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/helpfindbrandonlawson/'

2. Missing Brandon Lawson: https://www.missingbrandonlawson.com/

3. GoSanAngelo: https://www.gosanangelo.com/story/news/2022/02/04/brandon-lawson-missing-911-call-remains-possibly-found-family-says/6668447001/

4. The Charley Project: https://charleyproject.org/case/brandon-mason-lawson

5. BrainScratch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQSDIQe9Du8

6. Go San Angelo: https://www.gosanangelo.com/story/news/local/2018/07/12/five-years-gone-disappearance-brandon-lawson-west-texas/630518002/

7. Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/brandonlawson/comments/b4mqlm/brandon_lawson_911_transcript_the_final_cut/

8. 911 call: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWNPUjeLQNQ

9. San Angelo Live: https://sanangelolive.com/news/crime/2016-01-12/life-goes-after-brandon-lawsons-disappearance-questions-remain

10. San Angelo Live: https://sanangelolive.com/news/county/2013-09-25/missing-dead-or-run-where-brandon-lawson

11. All That's Interesting: https://allthatsinteresting.com/brandon-lawson

12. Uncovered: https://uncovered.com/cases/brandon-lawson

13. Oxygen: https://www.oxygen.com/crime-news/brandon-lawson-who-vanished-in-2013-after-911-call-found

14. Thought Catalog: https://thoughtcatalog.com/jordan-windnagle/2020/02/heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-disappearance-of-brandon-lawson/

In November of 2008, a 49-year-old resort motel owner went missing from a Florida island. When her car was pulled over two weeks later, the man driving it fled from police on foot, leading to a suspicious pursuit. After searching the car alongside her home, disturbing evidence was uncovered that led police to believe she had been met with foul play. And years later, they’d learn who was behind it. This is the story of Sabine Buehler.

BONUS EPISODES

Apple Subscriptions: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-west-true-crime/id1448151398

Patreon: patreon.com/goingwestpodcast

CASE SOURCES

1. Obituary: https://www.herbwalker.com/obituary/Sabine-Buehler

2. Sportskeeda: https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/5-chilling-details-sabine-buehler-murder-case

3. The Bradenton Herald: https://www.newspapers.com/image/669594891/?terms=%22sabine%20buehler%22&match=1

4. Oxygen: https://www.oxygen.com/dateline-secrets-uncovered/crime-news/bill-cumber-kills-girlfriend-sabine-buehler-why

5. Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/98929346/sabine-buehler

6. Dateline: https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/video/full-episode-a-place-on-the-sand-633384003745

7. Herald-Tribune: https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2012/10/15/update-boyfriend-charged-in-missing-hoteliers-murder/29128376007/

8. Herald-Tribune: https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2008/11/18/missing-womans-boyfriend-questioned/28675944007/

9. The Islander: https://www.islander.org/2016/11/8-years-later-revisiting-murder/

10. Bay News 9: https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2020/02/02/gone--exclusive-interview-with-sabine-musil-buehler-s-killer

11. The Islander: https://www.islander.org/11-5-08/missing_buehler.php

12. Bradenton Herald: https://www.bradenton.com/news/local/crime/article235622177.html

13. The Islander: https://www.islander.org/2020/02/murderer-speaks-from-jail/#:~:text=Cumber%20was%20charged%20with%20Musil,Buehler's%20remains%20in%20Holmes%20Beach.

14. Oxygen: https://www.oxygen.com/buried-in-the-backyard/crime-news/sabine-buehler-anna-maria-murder-cold-case-solved

In October of 2022, a 31-year-old woman headed out for a swim in beautiful Trout Lake, Washington, with an older friend. But after getting separated that afternoon, the woman’s remains would be found floating in the water. Once police arrived at the scene, it was clear that the circumstances of her death were strange and confusing. But what really happened to her? And was the last man she was with responsible? This is the story of Hannah Rose Walker.

BONUS EPISODES

Apple Subscriptions: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-west-true-crime/id1448151398

Patreon: patreon.com/goingwestpodcast

CASE SOURCES

1. Hannah Rose Walker website: https://www.hannahrosewalker.com/stay-informed

2. KGW8: https://www.kgw.com/article/news/regional/southwest-washington/hannah-walker-portland-death-klickitat-county-sheriff/283-c71e91a8-9778-4edd-a93a-6417953ac835

3. Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueCrimePodcasts/comments/15i9y0c/anyone_know_of_a_small_podcast_that_might_be/

4. OPB: https://www.opb.org/article/2023/08/02/klickitat-county-sheriff-portland-woman-found-dead-in-creek-hannah-walker/

5. Hannah's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004063174244

6. GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/rqkke-help-hannahs-family?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

In November of 2007, a 24-year-old man went missing after attending a popular comedy show with his family and friends in Charlotte, North Carolina. After security camera footage captured him leaving a bar and grabbing a slice of pizza, he seemed to vanish, and was never seen again. So what really happened to him that night, and why? This is the story of Kyle Fleischmann.

BONUS EPISODES

Apple Subscriptions: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-west-true-crime/id1448151398

Patreon: patreon.com/goingwestpodcast

CASE SOURCES

1. NamUs: https://namus.nij.ojp.gov/case/MP2456

2. Help Find Kyle Fleischmann: https://www.facebook.com/groups/6326026817/

3. True Crime Daily: https://truecrimedaily.com/2016/03/07/missing-north-carolina-college-grad-vanishes-after-night-of-celebration/

4. Kyle Fleischmann Missing: https://www.instagram.com/kylefleischmannmissing/?fbclid=IwAR0KbV4YmbSrsPhDWQ0m95r8rL69RcFnN9IcU9jgtMp3IRHeIy352nACVfc

5. The Crime Wire: https://thecrimewire.com/true-crime/Missing-Kyle-Fleischmann

6. Charlotte Magazine: https://www.charlottemagazine.com/what-happened-to-kyle-fleischmann/#:~:text=He%20believes%20that%20his%20son,North%20Davidson%20and%2016th%20streets.

7. WBTV: https://www.wbtv.com/story/14310327/kyle-fleischmanns-father-releases-new-clues-in-case/

8. Legacy: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/charlotte/name/kyle-fleischmann-obituary?id=12854825

9. Vanished with Beth Holloway: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2044705/

10. WCNC: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/parents-of-missing-man-convinced-hes-buried-under-noda-apt-complex/275-51779788-5c09-44ef-95a0-747f25ca8ae3

11. Charlotte Observer: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/charlotte/name/kyle-fleischmann-obituary?id=12854825