In this episode of Italian American Stories, we’re telling two unsettling and lesser-known stories that feel almost too strange to be real.

First, we head to Denver in 1905, where Mercy Mosconi returns home to find two men in her house. What follows is a brutal attack, a ransacked home, and a fire that nearly kills her. But as investigators dig deeper, they begin to question everything—was this a violent robbery… or something staged much closer to home?

Then, we travel to 1920 California, where police break into a small house in El Cerrito and uncover a disturbing scene—seven adults, five children, burned money, shaved heads, and multiple Ouija boards. What began as an attempt to contact a lost loved one quickly spiraled into obsession, fear, and near tragedy.

These are stories of grief, belief, and the moments when reality begins to blur—leaving behind questions that were never fully answered.

If you enjoy strange, forgotten stories from the past, be sure to follow, rate, and share the podcast.

In this episode, we’re joined by actress, writer, and storyteller Christine McBurney, whose life took an unexpected turn when, in her 50s, a DNA test revealed something she never imagined… she was half Italian.

What began as a search for answers about her father quickly turned into something much deeper uncovering family secrets, long-hidden truths, and a completely new understanding of who she is.

Christine shares her incredible journey of discovering her Italian roots, connecting with relatives she never knew existed, and piecing together a story that had been kept from her for decades. Along the way, she reflects on identity, family, and the emotional impact of finally learning the truth.

Now, she’s bringing this powerful story to life through her solo show DNA Doesn’t Lie, But My Mother Did and an upcoming short film, Tutto inspired by her experience.

✨ If you’d like to support Christine’s film project Tutto (Everything) or learn more about her work, check out the links below:

🎬 Film Fundraiser: https://seedandspark.com/fund/tutto-everything#story
🌐 Website: https://www.christinemcburney.com/
📸 Instagram: @christinemcbc

In 1906 Denver, a young Italian immigrant named Carmelina Fiorino stood in her kitchen and made a decision that would change her life forever.

After leaving Calabria at just 15 years old, Carmelina found herself in a troubled marriage with a much older man who had abandoned his family in Italy to pursue her. What followed was a relationship marked by control, jealousy, and alleged abuse—one that would ultimately end in violence.

When Carmelina shot and killed her husband, the question quickly became: was this murder… or self-defense?

As newspapers sensationalized her story and the courtroom filled with conflicting testimonies, Carmelina’s case forced a jury to decide whether she was a cold-blooded killer—or a young woman pushed to her breaking point.

In this episode, we explore the life of Carmelina Fiorino, the events leading up to that tragic night, and the trial that captivated Denver in the early 20th century.