The Lawless Files

In the book written by Steven Snodgrass and Josh Kezer, the authors break the news that a threat was made on Josh's life while he was in prison for a murder he didn't commit. Josh explains how he came to know this information, plus evidence he retained to verify that it was said to him. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A sheriff and two deputies face multiple felonies regarding the pursuit a woman involved in a domestic abuse case. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Doug Teel's mother, Karen Langston, shares two major incidents that happened to her following her son's death. First, her house burned to the ground. Later, she was charged with felonious restraint. Those charges were later dropped. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Poplar Bluff Sheriff Mark Dobbs took to social media to condemn Connie Goodwin, who was forced to drain a lake to retrieve her son's remains. Dobbs claimed Goodwin's social media posts set off a person she didn't know to threaten him. In Dobbs' remarks, he said he would show "no mercy" and go outside the law if anything ever happened to his family. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We dive into the public records requests to see how it supports Karen Langston's information that Doug didn't randomly begin walking home that night. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we examine the death of Douglas Teel, a 19-year-old who died in July 2010 in the driving lane of Highway 72 just outside of Fredericktown, Missouri. How did a healthy 19-year-old, accustomed to walking miles into town and back, end up lying in the roadway? Statements and the autopsy call into question whether Doug died from a collision or was placed there after being beaten. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Connie Goodwin waited five years for the Butler County, Missouri, sheriff's department to drain a small lake to retrieve what was left of her murdered sons' remains. She got tired of waiting. So she did the job herself. The heart-breaking story of a family's quest to put their loved one to rest. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today (Nov. 8) is the 30-year anniversary of Mischelle Lawless' death. We take a moment today to remember who Mischelle was. We review some of the advances in the case since The Lawless Files was launched a year ago. And we make a case why certain witnesses should come forward. There is no better day than today. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Timmy Dees disappeared on Feb. 28 after making a 911 call to police, saying his friend was threatening him. His body was found on July 21 in a wooded area not far from where the 911 call was placed. For reasons not yet made clear, investigators with the Missouri Highway Patrol have determined Timmy died of his own accord and have closed the case. Timmy's mother, Barb Hall, continues to search for answers. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Documentary editor and director Regan Ernst spoke with the Lawless Files about her upcoming documentary "The Local Whisper" which currently consists of two episodes regarding the cold case murder of Deborah Manning. Manning was killed near the Cape Girardeau County and Scott County line not far from Chaffee. Regan and podcaster Justin Burns uncovered new information that led to a meeting of the minds between the sheriff's department and the story tellers. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Put this one in the you-can't-make-this-stuff up file. In back to back witnesses in Josh Kezer's 1994 trial, prosecutor Kenny Hulshof literally put Josh Kezer in two places at the same time, and neither story were true. In doing so, this unethical move was intended to show that Josh was at a Halloween party with Mischelle Lawless, which we know was not true, AND at the Billiard Center in downtown Cape Girardeau at literally the same time. Instead, Josh was in Kankakee, celebrating Halloween with friends and family. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

UMKC professor Sean O'Brien, an expert in criminal defense and exonerations, shares how prosecutors have a lot of protections from being held accountable for false statements made during trials. He also shares information about Kenny Hulshof beyond his unfair prosecution of Josh Kezer in the Mischelle Lawless murder. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Quick updates on the Mischelle Lawless, Timmy Dees and Jessi Wilfong cases. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

An interview with the mother of Derontae Martin, who died under mysterious circumstances near Fredericktown, Missouri. Originally ruled a suicide, the cause of death was determined differently by a coroner's inquest grand jury as well as a separate pathologist. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On Leap Year night of 2020, Abbi Cohen was killed when former Sikeston DPS captain Andrew Cooper allegedly punched the gas, doubled the speed limit, ran a stop sign and crashed into Cohen's SUV. The former cop won't face trial until next year. We talk with Abbi's mother. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

An update on the Timmy Dees disappearance and death. Barb Hall faces a Wednesday deadline to raise enough money to retain Timmy's body for an independent autopsy. Meanwhile, Barb fills us in on her conversation with the Missouri Highway Patrol. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Former law enforcement officer Betty Frizzell watched her sister get convicted of murder. But she believes another family member may be responsible for the crime. Author of the book, "If you Can't Quit Cryin', You Can't Come Here No More" Frizzell offers a unique perspective on rural policing, especially in Southeast Missouri. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Three police officers from the tiny town of Potosi have been arrested on sex crimes in just a handful of years. We explore the issue of accountability. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Barb Hall says law enforcement has already theorized that her son Timmy Dees died of an overdose without having the results of the autopsy. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's Mischelle Lawless' birthday. It's the anniversary of the 60-year sentence of Josh Kezer. And it's Election Day to determine the next prosecutor in Scott County, Missouri. We review the many ways prosecutors were unfair in Josh's case as a reminder of why local elections for positions like prosecutors are so important. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Josh Kezer, exonerated in 2009 of the murder of Mischelle Lawless, addresses new information disclosed by a former chief deputy and a former news reporter, as well as the podcast's examination of potential perjury charges by certain witnesses that led to false charges and a wrongful conviction. A video of this interview is available for paid access supporters at www.thelawlessfiles.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Major news on Timmy Dees. Episode includes information concerning where Timmy's body was found in relation to the house where Timmy made a 911 call. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Would perjury be an easier case to prove than murder in the Mischelle Lawless case? Who might face perjury charges, and what evidence would there be against those who may have knowingly lied to send Josh Kezer to prison for a murder he didn't commit? Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Barb Hall hasn't seen or heard from her son Timothy Dees since Feb. 28, 2022. We interview the woman desperate to find answers and piece together what happened to Timmy. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Probable Cause state reveals details of murder charges against Jessi Wilfong's uncle. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jessi Wilfong's body was found, and tampering charges have been filed against a woman in the case. The probable cause affidavit hints that more charges are coming, and that Jessi's uncle may have been involved. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jessi Wilfong was last seen in May of 2022 in the Millersville, Missouri area in Cape Girardeau County. This episode contains an interview with Jessi's mother about the circumstances that happened before Jessi was last seen. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Don Cobb, who is challenging Amanda Oesch for the prosecutor position in Scott County, does a brief interview with the Lawless Files to discuss why neither he nor the incumbent can say much about the case. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode is a continuation of the background of the Southern Illinois mobsters, who were connected to the Abbott family. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Long before Mischelle Lawless was murdered, The Outfit in Chicago spread their tentacles into Southern Illinois. Two men from Sikeston were enforcers, and eventually a member of the Abbott family played an important role in making sure the coin machine revenue strategy was humming. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mark Abbott makes his first appearance on weapons charge. What happened during the hearing? Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A federal indictment charged Mark Abbott with felon in possession of a firearm. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sheriff Rick Walter files probable cause on two suspects for Mischelle Lawless's murder. A grand jury is convened but it does not issue an indictment. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Former sheriff Rick Walter explains some of the physical evidence that discredits Mark Abbott's story; we review Judge Callahan's ruling; read some troubling emails where Mark Abbott shames the victim. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Suspects Mark Abbott and Kevin Williams continue to testify in depositions of Josh Kezer's Habeas appeal, and continue to contradict one another. Josh's attorneys catch that Williams' story has changed about who he saw at the party the night of the murder. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

As Josh Kezer fights for his innocence, his attorneys call current suspects Mark Abbott and Kevin Williams to testify in depositions. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode explores some creative reimbursement collections by Bill Ferrell; the firing of a drug task force officer who testified at Josh Kezer's hearing; and new testimony by Chantelle Crider. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is a breaking news episode. Stay tuned for updates as we find out more information. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode looks at where Mark Abbott and Kevin Williams went the morning after the murder, then an interaction that Williams had with then-sheriff Rick Walter shortly after he reopened the case. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

More about the dark culture of Scott County, and new information emerges that the wrong man is in prison for the Mischelle Lawless murder. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Just a couple of months after Josh Kezer's conviction, Mark Abbott's friend gets busted on drug possession charges. Josh Kezer's former attorney unveils a dramatic reveal about a connection involving the sheriff. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Josh's attorneys had pushed forward and received recanted statements from jailed informants. In this episode, we find out how the state pushed through the statements, accusing wrongdoing of Josh's defense attorney. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Josh Kezer's attorneys try to fight back against the murder case, calling the sheriff among others to testify under oath in depositions. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In episode 5, we learn how the jailhouse informants that implicated Josh Kezer for the murder of Mischelle Lawless tried to recant in 1993. We learn more about how Scott County built its case against Kezer. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ten days after the murder, Mark Abbott told an officer that he saw a mixed-race black man at the payphone. And he knew the man at the payphone, because he'd seen him at a party earlier that night. That man was with Lyle Day all evening on the night of the murder. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mark Abbott makes a major change in his story, and introduces a new person near the crime scene. Meanwhile, chief deputy Tom Beardslee was not given the opportunity to interview Abbott a second time. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Former chief deputy Tom Beardslee gives his account of what happened in the moments following his first interview with Mark Abbott. Full interview can be found at www.thelawlessfiles.com with an access pass. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, listeners learn more about who Mischelle knew, and what her diary said about some of the suspects in the case. Did she know the identical twin who claims to have found her body? What does the diary disclose about motives and other suspects? Editor's note: This episode was updated on Jan. 15, 2022. A portion of this episode with information about a missing diary page was cut from the episode after new information was presented. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode 1 introduces listeners to the Mischelle Lawless murder of Nov. 8, 1992. The investigation would eventually lead to the conviction of an innocent man. The first episode in Season 1 gets right into the investigation of the murder through the eyes of a former deputy and the man who would later reopen the murder as a sheriff. The first episode introduces two witnesses (or was it one?) who were identical twins. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Coming soon. The Angela Mischelle Lawless murder and Josh Kezer exoneration story, as never told before. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lawless-files/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy