The Murder of Victoria Martens

March 06, 2021 by Natalie DeGroot in Domestic Violence, Solved Murders, Child Abuse

Just a heads up before you read any further: this is one of the hardest cases I've ever written about. I spend a lot of time reading and writing about the horrors humans inflict on one another, but this one really shook me.

I personally do not have children, but I’m pretty sure that most parents would agree with me when I say that having kids turns your life upside down. When you bring another person into the world, everything changes. You have to make sacrifices, because you don’t come first anymore.

"Syko Sam" - The Farmville Murders

February 18, 2021 by Natalie DeGroot in Solved Murders

For centuries, humans have formed bonds with one another as a result of listening to and experiencing music together. Whether it’s through concerts, jam sessions or kicking back and listening to a favorite record, people gravitate towards those who enjoy the same sounds as they do.

Daniel LaPlante

February 03, 2021 by Natalie DeGroot in Solved Murders

We all know somebody that doesn’t take rejection well. Many people behave irrationally as a result of being turned down. These behaviors might manifest themselves as obsessively checking social media, making unwanted phone calls, sending gifts. They can range from being a mild annoyance to being downright frightening and dangerous.

The Murder of Alice Ruggles

January 22, 2021 by Natalie DeGroot in Domestic Violence, Solved Murders

When the Facebook notification from the attractive stranger popped up on Alice’s phone, she was flattered.

“She is the most naturally beautiful woman I have ever seen,” the comment read. It was posted on a photo Alice’s friend had uploaded of her while on holiday in Sri Lanka.

Larry Gene Bell: The Murders of Shari Smith and Debra Helmick

December 27, 2020 by Natalie DeGroot in Kidnapping, Solved Murders

It was May 31, 1985, and schools across the United States were finishing up for the summer. Seventeen-year-old Shari Smith, of Lexington, South Carolina, had just completed her final year at Lexington High School. The following days were going to be busy, but Shari was excited.