In 2019, Russian historian Oleg Sokolov—once celebrated as an expert on Napoleon—was pulled from a freezing river carrying a backpack stuffed with severed limbs. Behind the bizarre headlines was a story of obsession, abuse, and academic arrogance gone homicidal.

This week, we unpack the chilling case of the so-called Napoleon Butcher of St. Petersburg—a man who thought he was a genius but turned out to be just another violent coward in a costume.

*WARNING* This episode is graphic and deeply upsetting - but Junko's story deserves to be told, with truth and empathy. Join us as we honor her memory and examine the lasting impact her case had on Japan and the global true crime community*

*LISTENER DISCRESION IS STRONGLY ADVISED*

In this episode we recount one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking cases in true crime history- the abduction, torture and murder of 17 year old Junko Furuta in 1980's Japan. For 44 unimaginable days, Junko endured unspeakable torture at the hands of 4 teenage boys, all while being held captive in a suburban home where adults were present- and silent. We explore the events leading up to her kidnapping, the horrifying ordeal she was subjected to, the societal failures that allowed it to continue and the controversial trial that followed.

sources;

Tokyo District Court Records (1989-1990)

"44 Days of Hell- The story of Junko Furuta" (documented case summeries)

Cruelty: Human Evil and the Human Brain by Kathleen Taylor

nestled beneath a canopy of ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss, the Myrtles Planation is often called "one of America's most haunted homes". but how much of its chilling reputation is rooted in fact-- and how much is legend passed down, twisted and embellished over time? join us in the basement as we peel back the layers of folklore- like the story of Chloe, the enslaved woman accused of poisoning her master's family or the gunshot death of William Winter. Through historical research, eyewitness accounts, and critical examination of the paranormal claims and some laughs along the way if you like the haunts this story is one you wanna join us for.

wikipedia"Myrtles Plantation' and "Legends of Myrtles Plantation"

Medium-"The History and the Haunting of the Myrtles Plantation" (R.K Harrington, Aug 2020)

Ghost Hunters, season 2 episode 1 titled "St. Francisville, LA Myrtles Plantation" aired july 27, 2005