This episode is a Christmas special where the hosts share two haunting stories meant for the slow, reflective end-of-year space.

First, the unresolved 1945 disappearance of five Sodder children after a house fire; second, the folklore of Krampus — the horned winter figure who enforces community rules with bells and shadows. The tone is thoughtful, unresolved, and meant to be sat with, not solved.

On August 23, 2010, the body of 31-year-old GCHQ analyst Gareth Williams was found inside a padlocked duffel bag in his London bathtub. Authorities discovered no fingerprints, no forced entry, and evidence that the apartment had been aggressively wiped, sparking theories ranging from accidental escapology to professional homicide or MI6 cover-up.

This episode of Law & Disorder examines the key facts, forensic tests, and competing theories behind the baffling death—why the scene was so meticulously cleaned, why investigators couldn’t replicate the locked-bag scenario, and why the case remains controversial and unresolved 15 years on.

Before we begin today's episode, please note that the following content contains descriptions of graphic violence, physical assault and murder, which may be distressing for some. While we approach the story with care and respect for the victim, the details discussed may not be suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion is strongly advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or violence, we encourage you to reach out to a mental health professional or seek support through local crisis resources.

In 1935 Kansas City, a man checked into the Hotel President as "Roland T. Owen" and was later found bound, beaten, and dying in Room 1046. Authorities never confirmed his true identity—some suspected he was 17-year-old Artemis Ogletree—and mysterious notes, anonymous calls, and conflicting leads left the case cold. This episode unpacks the odd details, key witnesses, and lingering questions of one of the strangest unsolved hotel murders in American true crime.