This episode, we explore the eerie stories featured in Haunted Portage, Wisconsin by Shelley Mordini and Sharon Hart Addy. From ghostly visitors to spirits lingering in attics, join us for a look at the strange encounters and local legends that haunt this historic Wisconsin city.

This episode, we explore the eerie stories featured in Haunted Portage, Wisconsin by Shelley Mordini and Sharon Hart Addy. From ghostly visitors to spirits lingering in attics, join us for a look at the strange encounters and local legends that haunt this historic Wisconsin city.

In this episode of Dark Matter Moms, we examine the disturbing case of Sagal Hussein and the tragic death of her son. We explore the details surrounding the case, the events that led to this heartbreaking outcome, and the questions raised by a tragedy involving a mother and her child.

Join us as we take a closer look at a case that challenges our understanding of motherhood, family, and the darker realities that can exist behind closed doors.

This is a story about a young life lost and a tragedy that deserves to be remembered with care and respect.

Julie Jensen feared for her life—and left behind a letter explaining why.

In Part 2, we follow the investigation into her death, the evidence against her husband, Mark Jensen, and the courtroom battles that stretched across decades. From the controversy surrounding Julie’s letter to the appeals and retrial, we explore the fight for justice and the aftermath for the family she left behind.

Content warning: Discussion of murder, poisoning, and suicide.

Before her death in December 1998, Julie Jensen left behind a letter warning police that if anything happened to her, they should suspect her husband. In Part 1, we begin Julie’s story, exploring the fears she shared before her death and the circumstances that sparked an investigation. Her letter would become central to a case that stretched across more than two decades.

NOTICE: IT’S come to our attention the audio in this episode glitches. We’re really sorry about that. We are trying to fix it.

On April 8, 2013, 43-year-old mother of three Traci Lynn Rataczak was found dead in the basement of her Wyocena, Wisconsin, home. Her boyfriend, Patrick Kraemer, reported finding her hanging from an extension cord—but investigators believed there was more to the story.In this episode, we examine the final hours of Traci’s life, the troubling evidence discovered after her death, allegations of coercive control, conflicting accounts, and the case prosecutors presented against Patrick. Although a jury ultimately found him not guilty, Traci’s family was left with questions the verdict could not answer.Using court records and testimony obtained through the Columbia County Clerk of Courts, investigative documents, and information shared by Traci’s family, we look beyond the trial and remember the woman at the center of the case: a beloved mother, sister, and friend whose family believes her death was not a suicide.Content warning: This episode discusses domestic abuse, suicide, hanging, and graphic details surrounding a death.Sources: Columbia County Clerk of Courts records and case materials; information provided by Traci’s family.If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7.For confidential domestic-violence support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

In May of 1992, a brutal double murder rocked the small Wisconsin community of Pardeeville.
Geraldine Knipfer and Michael Walker were found murdered inside Geraldine’s home in Pardeeville. What followed was an investigation that quickly turned toward someone Geraldine knew all too well—her estranged husband, James Knipfer.
In this episode of Dark Matter Moms, we dig into the events surrounding the murders, the evidence investigators uncovered, witness statements, James Knipfer’s arrest, and the disturbing details revealed through interviews and court records.
But this story is about more than the man accused of taking two lives. We also want to remember Geraldine and Michael as people—the lives they lived, the people who loved them, and the family left behind to carry the weight of what happened that night.
This is the story of Geraldine Knipfer and Michael Walker—and the case against James Knipfer.
Listener discretion is strongly advised. This episode contains discussions of domestic violence, homicide, graphic injuries, and other disturbing details.

In Part 2, we return to the house on West Oneida Street in Portage, Wisconsin.

We examine the death of Tammi Garlin, the horrific abuse endured by her 11-year-old son, A.C.G., and the impossible position Tammi’s 15-year-old daughter, Felicia, was forced into. We also discuss the investigation, the medical evidence, and the convictions and sentences handed down to Michaela Clerc, Michael Sisk, and Candace Clark.

This episode contains detailed discussions of child abuse, torture, starvation, domestic violence, homicide, and severe injuries. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

Resources:

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Call or text: 1-800-422-4453
https://www.childhelphotline.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call: 1-800-799-7233
Text START to 88788
https://www.thehotline.org

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text: 988
https://988lifeline.org

If you believe a child or another person is in immediate danger, call 911.

Sources for this episode include:
Columbia County court records and case filings, appellate records, medical and autopsy findings contained within the case records, contemporary news coverage, and our interview with retired Portage Police Detective Mark Hahn.