The hosts of a true-crime arts-and-entertainment podcast discuss the 1922 unsolved murder of silent film director William Desmond Taylor, who was found shot in the back inside his Los Angeles bungalow; early crime-scene contamination and a mysterious "doctor" who wrongly declared a stomach hemorrhage complicated the case. Born William Cunningham Deane-Tanner in Ireland, Taylor immigrated to the U.S., married actress Ethel May Harrison, had a daughter, then disappeared in 1908, later resurfacing in California under a new name and building a successful directing career, including work with Mary Miles Minter. Suspects and theories include Mabel Normand (last known to see him, cocaine addiction), Minter and her mother Charlotte Shelby (who owned a .38 and claimed to discard it in a Louisiana bayou), former valet Edward Sands (criminal who vanished), valet Henry Peavy (a person of color targeted by sensational press), a drug-hit theory, and actress Margaret Gibson's uncorroborated deathbed confession.

00:00 Listener Warning

00:15 Meet the Hosts

00:59 Robe Reveal Banter

02:42 Case Introduction

04:40 Early Life and Dude Ranch

08:10 New York Marriage and Disappearance

15:20 Reinvention in Hollywood

20:34 War Service and Rising Fame

24:16 Body Found and Crime Scene Chaos

27:05 Autopsy Clues and Missing Cash

35:05 Media Circus and Coverup Claims

39:33 Suspect Mabel Normand

44:19 Intermission and Sponsor Break

45:10 Theories and Next Suspect Tease

45:52 Minter Letters Scandal

49:24 Press Fallout and Alibi

53:11 Stage Mom Prime Suspect

55:00 Bayou Gun Disposal

01:00:17 Valet Vanishes

01:05:32 Peevy and Profiling

01:09:20 Hitman and Confession

01:16:21 Hollywood Moral Panic

01:21:40 Final Theories and Wrap

Holiday Horrors: JonBenét Update & Krampus' Legend In this Christmas-themed episode of the Wicked Stage Pod, the hosts delve into the darker side of the festive season. They start with Jen discussing ghost stories' deep roots in Christmas traditions, tracing back to medieval Europe and Charles Dickens' influence. Ashley updates listeners on the ongoing JonBenét Ramsey case, revealing new forensic analysis and potential breakthroughs. Olivia wraps up with an exploration of Krampus, the mythical anti-Santa of Alpine folklore, detailing his origins, cultural impact, and modern resurgence in pop culture and festivals. The episode balances dark true crime and folklore with festive cheer, ending with a surprising twist connecting host Jen to a Kevin Smith movie.

00:00 Listener Discretion Advised

00:17 Meet the Hosts

00:42 Life Updates and Holiday Cheer 02:08 Olivia's Birth Story

04:24 Floozy Merch Announcement 04:56 Special Christmas Episode

08:16 The Tradition of Christmas Ghost Stories

19:25 The Victorian Era and Charles Dickens

27:35 JonBenet Ramsey Case Overview

52:38 The Santa Theory

54:13 DNA Evidence and CODIS

56:41 New Forensic Analysis

57:05 Burke Ramsey's Interview

58:15 Annual Update from Boulder Police

01:00:24 The Role of Orum Labs

01:01:32 Genetic Genealogy and the JonBenet Ramsey Case

01:02:43 Speculations and Theories

01:08:29 Krampus: The Dark Side of Christmas

01:10:01 Krampus in Modern Culture

01:11:02 Krampus Festivals and Celebrations

01:28:07 Krampus in Pop Culture

01:35:09 Surprise Krampus Twist

01:37:59 Wrapping Up and Future Plans