WILDCIDE

Killer Genes: The Murder of Rhonda "Chantay" Blankinship

In this episode, we dive into the haunting murder of Rhonda “Chantay” Blankinship, whose tragic fate would remain a mystery for over a year. Chantay’s disappearance seemed like an ordinary missing persons case, but what unfolded would leave the small town of Brownwood, Texas, reeling. Her body was found in an abandoned house, brutally beaten and left for dead, but the question remained: Who would do this to someone so loved by all?
What initially appeared to be a case of a random abduction quickly turned into a complex investigation with twists and turns, including an unlikely forensic breakthrough. With DNA phenotyping as the key to unlocking the case, investigators were able to generate a digital image of the killer—a face made from genetic clues—giving the community something they hadn't had in 18 months: a suspect.
The twist? The killer was someone familiar to the victim, someone who had been part of the search, someone who had even attended her funeral. As investigators close in, the startling truth about the motive and the killer's confession unfolds in ways no one could have predicted.
Join us as we explore this chilling case and the cutting-edge science that finally brought justice for Chantay. This episode delves into the power of DNA and how it transformed this cold case into a story of shocking discovery and ultimate closure.
 
Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). 
Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.
Background music by Brad Parsons at Train Sound Studio. Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. 
​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. 
References:
Bradshaw, N. (2019, February 17). Mother of murdered Brownwood woman forgives daughter's killer. KTXS. Retrieved from https://ktxs.com/news/local/mother-of-murdered-brownwood-woman-forgives-daughters-killer
NBC News. (2023, October 6). The haunted house confession (Season 31, Episode 2) [Audio podcast episode]. In Dateline NBC. https://www.podcastworld.io/episodes/the-haunted-house-confession-kvdy5je4
Parabon NanoLabs. (n.d.). Murder of Rhonda “Chantay” Blankinship. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://snapshot.parabon-nanolabs.com/snapshot-case-summary--lake-brownwood-tx--chantay-blankinship-murder.html
Starnes, J. (2019). Snapshot of a killer. The Texas Prosecutor, September–October 2019. Texas District & County Attorneys Association. Retrieved from https://www.tdcaa.com/journal/snapshot-of-a-killer/

Shortcide: Death Played Dirty

In this Shortcide, it's almost as if death itself is playing dirty, pulling off Final Destination-style tricks, taking lives in the most unexpected and bizarre ways. Bailey and Chelsea dive into two of the most perplexing and bizarre cases in recent memory. Bailey covers the eerie deaths of Lucien Perot and Olivier Boudin, two men found dead under mysterious circumstances at a French bistro, their meal left unfinished and their deaths seemingly simultaneous. Was it a tragic accident, a botched meal, or something more sinister? Bailey unpacks the chilling details, from the discovery of their bodies to the postmortem results that shed light on the true cause of their deaths.
Meanwhile, Chelsea takes us through the bizarre case of Mary Reeser, the "Cinder Woman," who was found in her Florida apartment reduced to ashes, leaving behind only a portion of her skull and a few bones. Could spontaneous human combustion explain the phenomenon, or was there something more to this unsettling incident? Chelsea explores the strange theories and puzzling evidence surrounding Mary’s death, bringing a dose of mystery and intrigue to this truly bizarre case.
Join us for a chilling, strange, and darkly fascinating episode of Shortcide, where we dig into the unexplained and unexplainable.
Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). 
Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.
Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff (bltzwolff@gmail.com).
​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. 
References:
Amare, V. (n.d.). Dying together: The double death with a twist. Medium. Retrieved from https://verityamare.medium.com/dying-together-the-double-death-with-a-twist-416bee8d8ce3
Calise, G. (2019, October 17). Spontaneous combustion in St. Petersburg? The curious case of Mary Reeser. Tampa Bay Times. https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida/2019/10/17/spontaneous-combustion-in-st-petersburg-the-curious-case-of-mary-reeser/
Chrisafis, A. (2017, August 9). Postmortems solve strange case of French pair who died at dinner. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/09/mysterious-case-two-men-found-dead-authon-du-perche-french-village-solved
Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Is spontaneous human combustion real? Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved February 13, 2025, from https://www.britannica.com/story/is-spontaneous-human-combustion-real
France 24. (2017, August 10). A fatal bromance: The last supper of Lucien and Olivier. France 24. https://www.france24.com/en/20170810-mysterious-death-dinner-french-village-authon-perche-france
Frisk, A. (2017, August 9). Mystery solved in the case of 2 French friends who died over supper. Global News. https://globalnews.ca/news/3657748/french-friends-died-over-dinner-together-mystery/
Wikipedia contributors. (2025, February 13). Death of Mary Reeser. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Mary_Reeser
M, N. (2022, January 15). Consumed by the Flames of Hell: A history of Spontaneous human combustion. Medium. https://medium.com/the-mystery-box/consumed-by-the-flames-of-hell-a-history-of-spontaneous-human-combustion-d44aad2e8f57

The Murders at Snowden House

In September of 1996, tragedy shattered the peace at the historic Snowden House, a grand estate resting in the heart of the Arkansas Delta. It was there that 75-year-old Sally Snowden McKay and her nephew, 52-year-old Joseph Lee Baker, were brutally murdered—a brutal act of violence that stained a home that had stood for generations. The killer? A teenage burglar, Travis Lewis, who had crept onto the property that day with intentions that turned deadly. He was caught, convicted, and sentenced to life behind bars. Justice, it seemed, had prevailed. But some stories don’t end where we expect them to. And for the Snowden family, the darkness wasn’t finished with them yet.
Fast forward more than 20 years, and the unthinkable happened—the same house, the same family, the same killer but a new victim. This time, 63-year-old Martha McKay. How did a convicted murderer get a second chance to kill? Why did Martha McKay, who believed in forgiveness, allow him back into her life? And how did this twisted story finally end? We’re breaking down every eerie and unbelievable detail in this episode. Trust us, you won’t believe how it all unfolds.
Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). 
Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.
Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff (bltzwolff@gmail.com).
​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. 
References:
Baker, K. C. (2020, May 6). Inside the bizarre case of a killer striking twice 23 years apart, murdering a mother and daughter. PEOPLE. https://people.com/crime/inside-the-bizarre-case-of-a-killer-striking-twice-23-years-apart-murdering-a-mother-and-daughter/
Baker, K. C. (2021, May 17). 'People Magazine Investigates': Inside the mother-daughter murders at Horseshoe Lake – 24 years apart. PEOPLE. https://people.com/crime/people-magazine-investigates-mother-daughter-murders-horseshoe-lake/
Baker, J. (2020, March 25). Martha McKay murdered at Horseshoe Lake home. Memphis Flyer. https://www.memphisflyer.com/martha-mckay-murdered-at-horseshoe-lake-home
 Criminal Matters. (n.d.). Woman killed by same man who killed mother 20 years earlier. Vocal Media. https://vocal.media/criminal/woman-killed-by-same-man-who-killed-mother-20-years-earlier
Finger, M. (2012, December 3). Lady of the lake: Martha McKay's love affair with Arkansas' iconic Horseshoe Plantation. Memphis Magazine. https://memphismagazine.com/habitats/lady-of-the-lake/
Jones, J. (2021, June 29). Murder mystery: Murder at Horseshoe Lake, conclusion. AY Magazine. https://aymag.com/murder-mystery-murder-at-horseshoe-lake-conclusion/
National Organization of Victims of Juvenile Murderers. (n.d.). Joseph Baker, Martha McKay, & Sally McKay. https://teenkillers.org/memorials/arkansas-victims/joseph-baker-martha-mckay-sally-mckay/
Puryear, M. (2020, September 30). Murder mystery: Murder at Horseshoe Lake, Part 1. AY Magazine. https://aymag.com/murder-mystery-murder-at-horseshoe-lake-part-1/
Weintraub, A. (2020, March 26). Arkansas woman killed by same man convicted of mother's murder 23 years earlier, sheriff says. ClickOrlando.

Beyond the Exam Room: Marie McKenzie on Forensic Nursing After Sexual Assault

In this gripping episode of Wildcide, we sit down with Marie McKenzie, a seasoned Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), to uncover the critical role forensic nurses play in the justice system. Marie shares firsthand experiences from the field, explaining how she conducts forensic exams, supports survivors, and helps build cases against perpetrators. We discuss the emotional toll of the job, the misconceptions about sexual assault investigations, and the changes needed to improve survivor advocacy. This is an eye-opening conversation you don’t want to miss.
About our Honored Guest:
Once silenced by the aftermath of sexual assault, Marie McKenzie has devoted her life to breaking the silence surrounding the most underreported crime. She champions survivors and equips healthcare providers with tools to deliver compassionate, trauma-informed care. To further this cause, she founded the International Sexual Assault Coaching institute, a platform for advocacy, education, and transformation in the fight against sexual violence.
With over two and a half decades of experience as a registered nurse, including her role as a sexual assault nurse examiner in the clinical and community settings, Marie blends her professional expertise with the tools and techniques that facilitated her own healing journey.
Renowned for her award-winning and bestselling memoir, Things That Keep Me Up At Night, Marie chronicles her personal odyssey from sexual assault at the age of eleven to her triumphant transformation. Her book serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging others to find their voices, share their stories, seek support, and embrace a life imbued with purpose.
Marie doesn’t shy away from her calling, proudly declaring, “My mission is to remove sexual assault from being the most underreported crime.”
When Marie is not educating healthcare providers to care for survivors, she collaborates with various organizations dedicated to helping those affected by diverse traumas. She enjoys the vibrant life of Orlando, Florida, alongside her husband, George.
To purchase Marie’s Memoir, CLICK HERE.
UK Resources:
Rape Crisis England & Wales – https://rapecrisis.org.uk | 24/7 Helpline: 0808 500 2222
Scottish Women’s Aid – https://womensaid.scot
Victim Support UK – https://www.victimsupport.org.uk | Supportline: 08 08 16 89 111
International Resources:
RAINN (U.S.) – https://www.rainn.org | National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
End Violence Against Women International – https://evawintl.org
The Survivors Trust (UK & International Support) – https://thesurvivorstrust.org

Zhenhao Zou: The UK's Most Prolific Serial Rapist

Content Warning: This episode discusses sexual violence and drug-facilitated assault. Listener discretion is advised.
Zhenhao Zou appeared to be just another PhD student at University College London—until investigators exposed him as one of the most prolific sexual predators in British history. But beneath the surface, he was hiding a horrifying secret. Between 2019 and 2023, Zou preyed on women—primarily Chinese and East Asian—through social media and dating apps, luring them in under false pretenses. Behind the glow of his academic achievements and even post-plastic surgery, he was a deeply disturbed predator.
Zou’s obsession with ‘stop-action’ pornography—where unconscious women are assaulted—wasn’t just a sick fantasy. He made it a reality. When two women bravely came forward in late 2023, investigators uncovered a nightmare hidden in his luxury flat—date rape drugs, hidden cameras, and over 1,200 videos. This sickening discovery suggests that Zou may have had more than 50 victims, many of whom still don’t know what happened to them in his high-rise London flat.
So how did he get away with it for so long? And what finally led to his downfall? We’re breaking it all down in this episode—trust us, you won’t want to miss this one.
**Make sure to tune in on Friday for our interview with Marie McKenzie, a S.A.N.E (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) who walks us through the post-sexual assault process to help survivors find healing and empowerment.
Resources:
UK Resources:
Rape Crisis England & Wales – https://rapecrisis.org.uk | 24/7 Helpline: 0808 500 2222
Scottish Women’s Aid – https://womensaid.scot
Victim Support UK – https://www.victimsupport.org.uk | Supportline: 08 08 16 89 111
International Resources:
RAINN (U.S.) – https://www.rainn.org | National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
End Violence Against Women International – https://evawintl.org
The Survivors Trust (UK & International Support) – https://thesurvivorstrust.org
Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). 
Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.
Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff (bltzwolff@gmail.com).
​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. 
References:
BBC News. (2025, March 5). Zhenhao Zou: PhD student jailed for filming attacks on women. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8rkj8k6my8o
Cox, C. (2025, March 6). A timeline of the crimes, investigation, and trial of UCL student rapist Zhenhao Zou. The Tab. https://thetab.com/2025/03/06/a-timeline-of-the-crimes-investigation-and-trial-of-ucl-student-rapist-zhenhao-zou
Firstpost. (2024, March 6). Explained: Who is Chinese PhD student Zhenhao Zou and why is he being called Britain’s worst rapist? Firstpost. https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/chinese-phd-student-zhenhao-zou-britain-worst-rapist-drugging-raping-women-13869169.html
Associated Press. (2025, March 10). Chinese student in UK found guilty of raping woman after spiking her drink. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/china-student-britain-rape-drugs-trial-guilty-7a24b237a77f6283c7ce99ac2b1f9aa6
Guardian News & Media. (2025, March 5). Zhenhao Zou: PhD student who filmed attacks on women jailed for 6 years. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/mar/05/zhenhao-zou-phd-student-who-filmed-attacks-on-women
Hughes, L. (2025, March 5). Chinese student in rape case involving 60 women found guilty. The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/03/05/chinese-student-rape-case-60-women/
The Guardian. (2025, March 6). Serial rape case highlights barriers to justice for East Asian women in UK. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/06/serial-rape-case-zou-barriers-to-justice-east-asian-women-uk

The Zizians: A Murderous Transgender Vegan Cult?

Content Warning:  This episode discusses murder, suicide, and other sensitive or controversial topics.
Ooof. This one is a full-blown inferno, and it is STILL DEVELOPING.
Meet the Zizians—who refer to themselves as—wait for it—the Vegan Siths. *Cue "The Imperial March"* This case unravels the shocking layers of a radical faction of rationalists who, despite preaching altruism, have left a trail of brutality in their wake. With at least four brutal murders and two additional deaths linked to the group, their ideology has mutated from intellectual posturing into a twisted labyrinth of suicide, faked deaths, crime, deception, and murder.
This culty group, led by the enigmatic Jack Amadeus “Ziz” LaSota, the Zizians believe they are the masterminds of a better world—until their so-called rationalism turned into something totally irrational, super warped, and very, very dangerous. Murders, fugitives, and a tangled mess of legal chaos later, the question remains: Were these people already broken before they found rationalism, or did rationalism break them? And with some members still at large, is the story really over?
Buckle up—because this isn’t just another cult story. This is a real-time unraveling of a belief system gone deadly.
 
Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). 
Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.
Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff (bltzwolff@gmail.com).
​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. 
More Rationalist Insights: LessWrong
References:
Associated Press. (2025, February 18). A timeline of cultlike 'Zizian' group tied to killing of a Border Patrol agent in Vermont. PBS NewsHour. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/a-timeline-of-cultlike-zizian-group-tied-to-killing-of-a-border-patrol-agent-in-vermont
Ratliff, E. (2025, February 21). The delirious, violent, impossible true story of the Zizians. WIRED. https://www.wired.com/story/delirious-violent-impossible-true-story-zizians/
LessWrong. (n.d.). J. LaSota (Ziz). https://www.lesswrong.com/w/j-lasota-ziz
Romano, A. (2025, February 25). The post-rationalist murder spree’s so-called “cult” leader has finally been arrested. What? Vox. https://www.vox.com/culture/400722/zizians-ziz-murders-cult-what-happened
Cavallier, A. (2025, February 23). Zizians crime rampage: How six deaths in three states came to be linked to a cult-like group. The Independent. https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/crime/zizian-cult-murders-jack-lasota-b2701886.html
USA Today. (2025, February 19). Inside the Zizian movement: A cult-like group’s rise and unraveling. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/02/19/zizian-cult-like-group-details/79108035007/
Chamings, A., & Dowd, K. (2025, February 27). 'Show her the body': Alleged kill orders, cult behavior inside the Bay Area Zizians. SFGate. https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/alleged-kill-orders-cult-zizians-bay-area-20184964.php
Associated Press. (2025, February 17). Cult leader arrest | Cultlike 'Zizian' group leader linked to multiple killings in the US arrested, police say. ABC11 Raleigh-Durham. Police say they've arrested apparent Zizian group leader | AP News
Start Insight. (n.d.). Zizians: The rise of the vegan cult – From philosophy to violence. https://www.startinsight.eu/en/zizians-the-rise-of-the-vegan-cult-from-philosophy-to-violence/

Shortcide: Death Took an L

Some call it luck, some call it fate—but one thing’s for sure, Death took a serious L on this one. In this Shortcide, we’re bringing you two cases of two different people who repeatedly dodged death like it was their full-time job. Chelsea covers the outrageous tale of a man named Frane Selak, who seemed to have a VIP pass to disaster—but somehow always walked away.  And Bailey tells the unbelievable story of Violet Jessop, a woman who kept finding herself in the middle of history’s most infamous maritime catastrophes… and lived to tell the tale.
From fiery crashes to sinking ships, these stories will have you questioning whether some people are just built different. Just between these two, the Grim Reaper could count on both hands how many times he missed his mark.
 
Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). 
Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.
Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff (bltzwolff@gmail.com).
​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. 
References:
Chapman, C. (2003, June 22). Disaster as a way of life. The Telegraph. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/croatia/1433773/Disaster-as-a-way-of-life.html
Delauney, G. (2014, May 14). #BBCtrending: Is the 'world's luckiest man' being exploited? BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-27414609
Encyclopedia Titanica. (n.d.). Violet Constance Jessop. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/titanic-survivor/violet-constance-jessop.html
Kuroski, J. (2018, June 4). The seven unbelievable survival stories of Frane Selak. All That's Interesting. Retrieved from https://allthatsinteresting.com/frane-selak
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! (n.d.). The world's unluckiest man? Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Retrieved February 11, 2025, from https://www.ripleys.com/stories/unluckiest-man
Titanic Wiki. (n.d.). Violet Constance Jessop. Titanic Fandom. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://titanic.fandom.com/wiki/Violet_Constance_Jessop

'Welcome to Video' (Part 2): The Fall of a Dark Web Empire

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains content around child sexual abuse material and child exploitation. Listener discretion is advised.
After authorities dismantled Welcome to Video, the largest known child exploitation marketplace on the dark web, the real battle began—tracking down its users. What followed was a sprawling global manhunt as law enforcement agencies across multiple countries worked to identify and arrest the perpetrators hiding behind encrypted screens.
This episode uncovers the shocking scale of the network, the high-profile arrests that followed, and the devastating impact on both victims and investigators. We examine how international cooperation brought key players to justice, the legal and ethical challenges of prosecuting dark web crimes, and the unsettling reality that remnants of these networks continue to resurface.
Join us as we unravel the aftermath of one of the darkest criminal enterprises ever exposed—and the ongoing fight to hold every accomplice accountable.
 
Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast). 
Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.
Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff (bltzwolff@gmail.com).
​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. 
 
References:
Greenberg, A. (2019, October 16). Inside the Bitcoin bust that took down the web’s biggest child abuse site. WIRED. Retrieved from https://wired.com
Janczewski, C. M., Faruqui, Z. M., Reece, K. A., & W2V Team. (n.d.). Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals. Retrieved from https://servicetoamericamedals.org
United States Department of Justice, District of Columbia. (2022, September 7). New York man sentenced to 17 and a half years in prison for sexual exploitation of children and distribution of child pornography. Retrieved from https://justice.gov
United States Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs. (2019, October 16). South Korean national and hundreds of others charged worldwide in the takedown of the largest darknet child pornography website, which was funded by Bitcoin. Retrieved from https://justice.gov
Valdosta Today. (n.d.). Three Georgians named among those charged in the takedown of the largest darknet child pornography website. Retrieved from https://valdostatoday.com
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Welcome to Video case. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welcome_to_Video_case

'Welcome to Video' (Part 1): The Dark Web’s Most Vile Empire

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains content around child sexual abuse material and child exploitation. Listener discretion is advised.
This case makes Dark Web Diaries look tame. This week, we dive into the horrifying Welcome to Video case—one of the darkest and most expansive child exploitation networks ever uncovered. Operating in the shadows of the internet, Welcome to Video was a marketplace of unimaginable crimes, where thousands of users exchanged Bitcoin for access to child abuse material.
At the center of it all was Son Jong-Woo, an unassuming South Korean student who built and maintained the site, allowing it to thrive undetected for years. But in 2017, a single encrypted file linked to the site caught the attention of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)—and what they found was more horrifying than anyone could have imagined. This discovery triggered an international investigation spanning the United States, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, with law enforcement racing to uncover the full scale of the operation.
By March 2018, authorities managed to shut the site down, but their work was far from over. Investigators were left combing through hundreds of thousands of videos, unmasking both the victims and the perpetrators behind the screen. What they uncovered exposed not just the website itself, but a massive underground network of offenders—many of whom were hiding in plain sight.
In Part 1, we reveal how a cryptic digital trail led authorities to one of the most sickening and far-reaching child exploitation cases in internet history. But the real nightmare? The people behind it weren’t just lurking in the dark—they were everywhere.
 
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Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST.
Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff (bltzwolff@gmail.com).
​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. 
References:
Greenberg, A. (2019, October 16). Inside the Bitcoin bust that took down the web’s biggest child abuse site. WIRED. Retrieved from https://wired.com
Janczewski, C. M., Faruqui, Z. M., Reece, K. A., & W2V Team. (n.d.). Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals. Retrieved from https://servicetoamericamedals.org
United States Department of Justice, District of Columbia. (2022, September 7). New York man sentenced to 17 and a half years in prison for sexual exploitation of children and distribution of child pornography. Retrieved from https://justice.gov
United States Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs. (2019, October 16). South Korean national and hundreds of others charged worldwide in the takedown of the largest darknet child pornography website, which was funded by Bitcoin. Retrieved from https://justice.gov
Valdosta Today. (n.d.). Three Georgians named among those charged in the takedown of the largest darknet child pornography website. Retrieved from https://valdostatoday.com
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Welcome to Video case. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welcome_to_Video_case

The Crimes of Robert Sparks: A Firsthand Account from Dallas PD’s Joe King

A horrific crime, a high-stakes manhunt, and the inside story from the officer who lived it. In this episode, we sit down with Dallas PD Officer Joe King, a key player in the investigation and capture of Robert Sparks, the man responsible for one of Dallas’ most shocking family murders. Joe takes us behind the scenes of the case, sharing firsthand what it was like to track down Sparks and the reality of working major crimes in law enforcement.
But this episode isn’t just about true crime—it’s also about bridging the divide between law enforcement and the public. When Joe isn’t catching killers, he’s behind the mic on ATO: Bridging the Divide, a podcast that dives into the untold stories of first responders, mental health, and the human side of policing. We talk about the wildest moments from his career, the importance of storytelling in law enforcement, and why sometimes cops need therapy, too. A deep dive into true crime, justice, and the men and women behind the badge—this episode has it all. 
About Joe King:
Dallas PD’s Joe King has spent almost three decades with the Dallas Police Department. Most of his experience with the DPD has been working street level narcotics sales and hunting fugitives (we told you he was cool). Joe has created a habitual tracking database for burglars, drug dealers and robbers for the Dep, taught surveillance school, implemented reality-based training and has developed a case management filing system he teaches to detectives.  Joe is a Dickeys BBQ and Assist the Officer Foundation and board member where he is the Oz behind the curtains with his ATO: Bridging the Divide podcast. Here, he brings awareness to mental health issues among LEOs and their families. Joe is married to Kristen, a Dallas Child Abuse detective and father to, the love of his life, Carmen.
Tune into ATO: Bridging the Divide for an inside look at crime, cops, and the podcast that’s changing the conversation.
Contact Info:
Podcast: ATO: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE | ATO:BRIDGING THE DIVIDE
Website: https://atodallas.org
Instagram: ato_bridging_divide
Facebook: ATO Bridging the Divide
Twitter: @ato_divide
Youtube: @joeking7919
Other: ATO: BRIDGING THE DIVIDE PODCAST AVAILABLE ON ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS.