Crime To Burn

Episode 58
When Michelle Taylor lost her son in a tragic house fire, she thought the nightmare couldn’t get worse. She was wrong. Fueled by junk science, broken forensics, and a crime lab running on expired credibility, the prosecutors turned a grieving mother into a murder suspect. Twelve debris samples. Twelve false positives. And a justice system more interested in closing a case than finding the truth. This is the story of how bad science—and worse judgment—can burn an innocent life to the ground. Michelle Taylor stands for sentencing on May 30th. The fire didn’t destroy her life. The system did.
A mother’s grief.
A lab’s lies.
A system that chose conviction over truth.
This is Michelle Taylor’s story.
This podcast is a true crime podcast about arson and criminal fires. Listener discretion is recommended. 
Background music by Not Notoriously Coordinated 
Get your Crime to Burn Merch! https://crimetoburn.myspreadshop.com
Please follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube for the latest news on this case. You can email us at crimetoburn@gmail.com We welcome any constructive feedback and would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating and review. 
Listen to us on our friend Taylor Ruddle's podcast, Ruddle Me This right here: https://www.ruddlemethis.com/118-april-leland-from-crime-to-burns-tiny-joys/
If you need a way to keep your canine contained, you can also support the show by purchasing a Pawious wireless dog fence using our affiliate link and use the code "crimetoburn" at checkout to receive 10% off. Pawious, because our dog Winston needed a radius, not a rap sheet. 
Source List:
Segura L. Smoke and Errors - The Arson Evidence Doesn’t Hold Up. Florida is About to Convict her for Murder Anyway. The Intercept. March 31, 2025.  https://theintercept.com/2025/03/31/florida-michelle-taylor-arson-fire-murder-trial/
Segura L. Facing Life in Prison Based on Shoddy Evidence, A Florida Mother Makes a Deal. The Intercept. April 12, 2025. https://theintercept.com/2025/04/18/michelle-taylor-florida-arson-fire-plea-deal/
Smith S. Flawed Arson Science and the Michelle Taylor Case. Smith Forensic Blog. https://smithforensic.blogspot.com/2025/04/michelle-taylor-florida-from-our-and.html
Bureau of Forensic Services. Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Official Statements on Accreditation and Quality Control Procedures. https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/
National Institute of Justice. Arson Investigation and Evidence Handling Standards. National Institute of Justice (NIJ). https://nij.ojp.gov/
Taylor M. Plea Agreement. State of Florida v. Michelle Taylor. Case No: 21001215CFMA. Filed April 2, 2025.
State of Florida. Criminal Complaint. State of Florida v. Michelle Taylor. Case No: 21001215CFMA. Filed August 9, 2021.
Taylor M. Motion to Exclude Similar Fact Evidence. State of Florida v. Michelle Taylor. Case No: 21001215CFMA. Filed April 19, 2024.
State of Florida. Indictment. State of Florida v. Michelle Taylor. Case No: 21001215CFMA. Filed August 9, 2021.
Lentini J. A Model for Confronting Fire Investigation Errors. Fire and Arson Investigator. 2020;71(3):36-45. Available from: https://www.firearson.com/
State of Florida. Amended Notice of Similar Fact Evidence. State of Florida v. Michelle Taylor. Case No: 21001215CFMA. Filed 2024.
Taylor M. Plea Agreement. State of Florida v. Michelle Taylor. Case No: 21001215CFMA. Filed April 2, 2025. 
Holbrook,J. Florida’s Arson Lab Loses Accreditation, Wrongful Charges a Main Concern. ABC Action News. August 16, 2016.  https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local-news/i-team-investigates/floridas-arson-lab-loses-accreditation?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Pipitone, T. Experts Question State Fire Marshal Lab. NBC Miami. September 6, 2016. https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/experts-question-state-fire-marshal-lab/1979453/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Bousquet, S. With State Fire Lab Stripped of National Accreditation, CFO Jeff Atwater Fights Back. Tampa Bay Times. August 17, 2016. https://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/with-state-fire-lab-stripped-of-national-accreditation-cfo-jeff-atwater/2289678/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Bosusquet, S. Florida’s Only State-Run Fire Lab Stripped of National Accreditation. Miami Herald. August 17, 2016. https://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article95921822.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Harvey, M. St. Johns County Woman Pleads No Contest to Manslaughter in Death of her 11-year-old Son. First Coast News. April 10, 2025. https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/crime/st-johns-county-woman-pleads-no-contest-to-manslaughter-in-death-of-11-year-old-son/77-f757a62e-b153-40f1-8d5c-ccfaa0daa653?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Avanier, E. St Augustine Mom Accused of Setting Fire that Killed her Child to Get Insurance Money. News 4 Jax. August 10, 2021. https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2021/08/10/st-augustine-mom-accused-of-setting-fire-that-killed-her-child-to-get-insurance-money/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Lucas Learns. GC-MS for Beginners (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9NUXkyIl5A Accessed: April 2025. 
Lucas Learns. How to Interpret Mass Spectrometry Graphs. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b59u_BHOlnk Accessed: April 2025.
Lucas Learns. Mass Spectrometry Explained. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKokuAB5CKk Accessed: April 2025.
Katelyn Perrault. Viewing Fire Debris Chromatograms. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijJ6qh2VrR8 Accessed: April 2025.
Lentini, J. Scientific Protocols for Fire Investigation, Third Edition. CRC Press. September 2018. 

Episode 57
An illegal nightclub in the Bronx was the scene of the largest mass murder in US HIstory at the time it occurred in 1990. A scorned lover went to the club to persuade his ex-girlfriend to take him back and when his attempts were unsuccessful, he did the unthinkable. With a bottle he found in the street and a dollar worth of gasoline purchased at a nearby gas station, he returned to the club and committed an arson attack that would claim 87 lives. What could drive a man to such drastic measures and how could one fire be so deadly? Listen to this week's episode on the Happy Land Social Club Fire to find out. One man may be responsible for setting the fire, but a series of failures by city officials contributed to the scope of the tragedy. 
This podcast is a true crime podcast about arson and criminal fires. Listener discretion is recommended. 
Background music by Not Notoriously Coordinated 
Get your Crime to Burn Merch! https://crimetoburn.myspreadshop.com
Please follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube for the latest news on this case. You can email us at crimetoburn@gmail.com We welcome any constructive feedback and would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating and review. 
If you need a way to keep your canine contained, you can also support the show by purchasing a Pawious wireless dog fence using our affiliate link and use the code "crimetoburn" at checkout to receive 10% off. Pawious, because our dog Winston needed a radius, not a rap sheet. 
Source List:
Modjeska, OJ. (2020). Happy Land - A Lover’s Revenge. Reality Plus - A Next Chapter Imprint.
Brandt, S. and Sowder, A.M. ‘Contextualising tragedy in places of assembly through cases of New York City social club fires’. Architecture_MPS 24, 1 (2023): 4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14324/111.444.amps.2023v24i1.004.
https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=916658
https://www.firerescue1.com/fatal-fires/articles/reflecting-on-the-happy-land-social-club-fire-and-similar-incidents-o4qdT2ZGt97QnWIT/
https://allthatsinteresting.com/happy-land-fire
https://pix11.com/news/happy-land-fire-25-years-on-wpixs-original-coverage-of-bronx-tragedy/
https://www.nytimes.com/1990/11/16/nyregion/prosecutor-clears-landlords-in-fatal-social-club-arson.html
https://www.nydailynews.com/2015/03/17/fire-kills-87-people-at-the-happy-land-social-club-in-the-bronx-in-1990/
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-03-28-mn-237-story.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1991/03/26/5-billion-suit-filed-over-ny-club-fire-that-cost-87-lives/9bc0fa60-992e-4864-91ab-0e5f3827e9bf/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1990/03/26/87-die-in-fire-at-illegal-ny-social-club/2245f278-6847-4894-95b4-f67bfd93b278/
 

Episode 56
This is the finale of our coverage of the Sydney Ghost Train fire that took 7 innocent lives. Was the fire accidental as the original inquest determined or was it arson and murder orchestrated to allow a greedy man to get control of the valuable real estate the park occupied? While the circumstantial evidence pointing to corruption is very convincing, just how high did the corruption extend into Sydney's government? Some allege that it went all the way to the top and in this episode, we explore those theories. What do you think? Were the Ghost Train's seven victims murdered or do you think it was an accidental fire? 
There is a very powerful documentary titled Exposed: The Ghost Train Fire listed in the source list below that we recommend anyone wanting additional information on this case watch for a more clear picture of the allegations contained in this episode. At the time of this recording, it is available on Netflix. 
This podcast is a true crime podcast about arson and criminal fires. Listener discretion is recommended. 
Background music by Not Notoriously Coordinated 
Get your Crime to Burn Merch! https://crimetoburn.myspreadshop.com
Please follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube for the latest news on this case. You can email us at crimetoburn@gmail.com We welcome any constructive feedback and would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating and review. 
Source List (for a complete list of sources, please also see Episode 54 and 55 show notes, additional sources used for this episode are listed below):
Mavety, John (Director), (2021). Exposed: The Ghost Train Fire [Streaming]. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 
https://theconversation.com/the-lionel-murphy-papers-shed-more-light-on-a-controversial-life-83876
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/sep/14/lionel-murphy-files-secret-papers-reveal-allegations-of-links-with-boss-abe-saffron
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/federal/abc-ghost-train-series-misleading-in-linking-wran-and-saffron-20210830-p58nar.html
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/niece-links-abe-saffron-to-luna-park-deaths-20070526-ge8ps8.html
https://sydneyreviewofbooks.com/essays/hellfire
 
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/luna-park-tragedy-36th-anniversary-of-the-fire-that-killed-seven-riders-on-the-ghost-train-in-1979/news-story/6e70f4ea61959d1d393ce597da253c78
 
https://youtu.be/LwchgwRX2e0?si=kSh12rJhhsIdfVkO
 
https://insidestory.org.au/was-neville-wran-corrupt/
 
And finally, the source for the story about Paul McCartney from the discussion in the outtakes. 
https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/why-was-paul-mccartney-arrested-and-deported-from-hamburg/

Episode 55
This week we continue our coverage of the Ghost Train fire that occurred in July of 1979 at Luna Park in Sydney, Australia. The fire ultimately claimed 7 lives and investigators initially told the public it was an accidental electrical fire. However, an electrical engineer showed up at the inquest explaining that there was no way this fire was an electrical fire. Many people believe it was intentional arson arranged by an organized crime boss that wanted the valuable real estate upon which Luna Park sat. Thus begins our trek through a twisted web of crooked cops, corrupt politicians, and of course, greedy criminals with a long history of using arson to get their way. Is it possible that the families of the Luna Park victims have been lied to for over 40 years and that this fire was intentional arson all to gain some real estate advantages? We'll tell you what journalists have uncovered. Now you tell us if you think the Luna Park fire was arson or a tragic accident. 
There is a very powerful documentary titled Exposed: The Ghost Train Fire listed in the source list below that we recommend anyone wanting additional information on this case watch for a more clear picture of the allegations contained in this episode. At the time of this recording, it is available on Netflix. 
This podcast is a true crime podcast about arson and criminal fires. Listener discretion is recommended. 
Background music by Not Notoriously Coordinated 
Get your Crime to Burn Merch! https://crimetoburn.myspreadshop.com
Please follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube for the latest news on this case. You can email us at crimetoburn@gmail.com We welcome any constructive feedback and would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating and review. 
Source List (for a complete list of sources, please also see Episode 54 show notes, additional sources used for this episode are listed below):
Mavety, John (Director), (2021). Exposed: The Ghost Train Fire [Streaming]. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 
https://www.museumoffire.net/single-post/the-luna-park-ghost-train-incident-1979
https://www.the-sun.com/news/12953789/ghost-train-blaze-burned-alive-clue-crack-case/
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/132382283
https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/rooklyn-israel-jack-30530
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-30/police-claims-abe-saffron-behind-luna-park-fire/12321044
https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IBC2021P2/chapter-4-special-detailed-requirements-based-on-occupancy-and-use#IBC2021P2_Ch04_Sec411
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9416263/Crime-boss-nicknamed-Mr-Sin-Luna-Park-Ghost-Train-fire-killed-six-kids-cops-say.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abe_Saffron
https://theconversation.com/how-ghost-train-fire-exposed-remarkable-police-corruption-yet-also-failed-abcs-high-journalistic-standards-167042
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-30/police-claims-abe-saffron-behind-luna-park-fire/12321044
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/king-of-the-cross-sydney-crime-boss-abe-saffron-s-secret-friends-and-properties-20210312-p57abq.html
 

Episode 54
In July of 1979, seven people would walk through the iconic clown face gates at the Luna Park amusement park in Sydney, Australia but they would not walk out. That July night, a horrific fire occurred in the Ghost Train ride that would claim the lives of six children and one adult. The fire was devastating and despite the nearly total destruction of the site, investigators would announce less than 24 hours after the fire that they'd identified the cause, an electrical fault. However, one man spent the next 3 decades of his life on a crusade to prove that the fire was not a tragic accident but was intentionally set. This is Part 1 of our coverage of Sydney's Luna Park Ghost Train fire and one man's mission to uncover a web of deceit, lies, and astounding corruption that robbed the families of the 7 victims of justice for over 40 years. Keep your arms and legs inside the car at all times, this is going to be a bumpy ride. 
This podcast is a true crime podcast about arson and criminal fires. Listener discretion is recommended. 
Background music by Not Notoriously Coordinated 
Get your Crime to Burn Merch! https://crimetoburn.myspreadshop.com
Please follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube for the latest news on this case. You can email us at crimetoburn@gmail.com We welcome any constructive feedback and would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating and review. 
Source List:
Mavety, John (Director), (2021). Exposed: The Ghost Train Fire [Streaming]. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 
https://www.northweststar.com.au/story/8758705/fresh-report-into-deadly-luna-park-fire-to-stay-secret/
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2021/aug/30/independent-review-criticises-abcs-luna-park-ghost-train-fire-series-over-neville-wran-claim
https://coroners.nsw.gov.au/documents/findings/1979/luna_park_fire_1977_-_findings.pdf
https://quadrant.org.au/news-opinions/uncategorized/the-abc-wont-let-facts-ruin-a-good-beat-up/
https://www.smh.com.au/culture/art-and-design/luna-park-s-big-smile-gets-a-facelift-to-honour-those-who-saved-it-20230502-p5d4zx.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luna_Park_Sydney
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-10/nsw-luna-park-ghost-train-fire-redacted-police-report-coroner/104331968
https://www.museumoffire.net/single-post/the-luna-park-ghost-train-incident-1979
https://waverley.nsw.edu.au/conversations/luna-park-tragedy-exposed-with-second-inquiry-possible/
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/mar/24/exposed-the-ghost-train-fire-review-a-devastating-and-revelatory-series
https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/news/29775-how-ghost-train-fire-exposed-remarkable-police-corruption--yet-also-failed-abc%27s-high-journalistic-standards
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9349201/Luna-Park-Ghost-Train-fire-survivor-breaks-silence-four-decades-tragedy.html
 

Episode 53
This is the conclusion of our coverage of the horrific fire that claimed 41 lives at the St. Elizabeth Hospital and Davenport, Iowa in January 1950. The fire, wtill the deadliest fire in state history, was set by a patient at the hospital and this week we cover her confession and the subsequent legal proceedings. We also take a look at the heroes that stepped up to help save lives during the fire, including some very unlikely heroes. Ultimately 40 patients and one nurse lost their lives. Those 40 patients were at St. Elizabeth Hospital for help and their tragic deaths have helped write the fire and building codes for these types of occupancies with the intent to prevent another disaster like this one. These women that died helped us far more than we ever helped them by showing us how we needed to do better to protect heathcare occupancies. 
This podcast is a true crime podcast about arson and criminal fires. Listener discretion is recommended. 
Background music by Not Notoriously Coordinated 
Be sure to check out Season 2 of the You Should Be Here Podcast for the limited series, Or No by Fire Eyes Media. This this collaborative podcasters-give-back series is to bring awareness to and stand against domestic violence. All proceeds will go to a charity taking a stand against domestic violence and human trafficking. Your support of this project is so greatly appreciated. You deserve a safe love. 
Listen on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-should-be-here/id1779150686
or on Spotify: 
https://open.spotify.com/show/2VqlmgQxwn55tdY7td9IM9?si=e19fffdc24064f7b&nd=1&dlsi=e6920c0f7e4c4d65
Listen to our episode with our friends over at Sasquatch and Sourdough where we talk more about the fire in Centralia, Pennsylvania that's been burning for over 62 years. 
Listen on Youtube:
https://youtu.be/e2rq340s6c8?si=t2-hEsbC-V0DTdhs
Get your Crime to Burn Merch! https://crimetoburn.myspreadshop.com
Please follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube for the latest news on this case. You can email us at crimetoburn@gmail.com We welcome any constructive feedback and would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating and review. 
Source List:
For a complete list of sources, see the source list for Episode 52. Additional sources used for this episode are below.
https://www.wheelanpressly.com/obituary/Elnora-Epperly
https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-dispatch-obituary-for-deirdre-e-epp/77063117/
https://dailyiowan.lib.uiowa.edu/DI/1950/di1950-01-13.pdf
 

Episode 52
Today we are revisiting the deadliest fire in Iowa's history. On January 7, 1950, a fire occurred at a mental health facility called St. Elizabeth Hospital on the Mercy Hospital campus in Davenport, Iowa. When a diagnosed schizophrenic woman, due to be released that day, acted in paranoid desperation, she caused a fire that claimed the lives of 41 people including one staff member. What factors led her to take such drastic measures? More importantly, why was the fire so deadly? We cover entire case including the fire and building code issues that exacerbated the fire and hampered the escape of dozens of patients as we remember the victims of the St. Elizabeth Hospital fire.
This podcast is a true crime podcast about arson and criminal fires. Listener discretion is recommended. 
Background music by Not Notoriously Coordinated 
Be sure to check out Season 2 of the You Should Be Here Podcast for the limited series, Or No by Fire Eyes Media. This this collaborative podcasters-give-back series is to bring awareness to and stand against domestic violence. All proceeds will go to a charity taking a stand against domestic violence and human trafficking. Your support of this project is so greatly appreciated. You deserve a safe love. 
Listen on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-should-be-here/id1779150686
or on Spotify: 
https://open.spotify.com/show/2VqlmgQxwn55tdY7td9IM9?si=e19fffdc24064f7b&nd=1&dlsi=e6920c0f7e4c4d65
Listen to our episode with our friends over at Sasquatch and Sourdough where we talk more about the fire in Centralia, Pennsylvania that's been burning for over 62 years. 
Listen on Youtube:
https://youtu.be/e2rq340s6c8?si=t2-hEsbC-V0DTdhs
Get your Crime to Burn Merch! https://crimetoburn.myspreadshop.com
Please follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube for the latest news on this case. You can email us at crimetoburn@gmail.com We welcome any constructive feedback and would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating and review. 
Source List:
Grimes, Bret. The St. Elizabeth Hospital Fire in Iowa. The History Press, 2024 https://a.co/d/aXDBXSU
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulin_shock_therapy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoke_detector#:~:text=The%20first%20automatic%20electric%20fire,a%20sensor%20for%20poison%20gas.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/9302-ect-electroconvulsive-therapy
https://www.ifsecglobal.com/fire-news/a-history-of-fire-sprinklers/#:~:text=1872%20%E2%80%93%201874:%20From%20Pratt%20to,the%20design%20in%20his%20factory.
https://www.fireranger.com/history-of-the-fire-extinguisher/
https://johnbrassardjr.com/2023/01/21/beyond-recognition-what-started-the-st-elizabeths-fire/
https://blogs.davenportlibrary.com/sc/2015/01/14/the-st-elizabeths-tragedy-part-i-of-ii/
https://blogs.davenportlibrary.com/sc/2015/01/21/the-st-elizabeths-tragedy-part-ii-of-ii/
https://www.wqad.com/article/news/local/st-elizabeth-hospital-fire-davenport-iowa-75-years/526-9b2c51ba-86e9-49ed-b48d-79c00a2271e5
https://www.firehouse.com/operations-training/news/21120288/davenport-ia-firefighter-still-haunted-by-grisly-1950-hospital-blaze
https://www.notesoniowa.com/post/iowa-history-daily-january-7-st-elizabeth-s-fire
 
 
 

Episode 51: 
In this episode we conclude our coverage of Angela Garcia's case on Crime to Burn. Angela was faced with an impossible decision, risk another trial or accept what is known as a Dark Plea from prosecutors to secure her freedom. However, when he offered her the plea, prosecutor Richard Bell knew just how flawed his case against her was and many have suggested that his offer of this plea was really an effort to try to prevent his office from negative optics related to the mishandling of this case. And perhaps they're right, after all Richard Bell is now a sitting judge in Ohio. Were his actions an attempt to prevent Angela's conviction and the errors made in the case from tarnishing his reputation and negatively impacting his aspirations to win a seat at the bench? We'll tell you what he did and said, and you can decide. His actions may not have been illegal but they certainly don't seem very honorable. 
To get involved in assisting formerly incarcerated individuals like Angela, please consider these organizations:
https://innocenceproject.org/donate-monthly/#:~:text=There%20are%20many%20ways%20to,Project%20in%20your%20estate%20plans.
https://exoneratednation.org/
 
https://www.lifeafterjustice.org/
 
https://organizationofexonerees.com/
 
This podcast is a true crime podcast about arson and criminal fires. Listener discretion is recommended. 
Background music by Not Notoriously Coordinated 
Be sure to check out Season 2 of the You Should Be Here Podcast for the limited series, Or No by Fire Eyes Media. This this collaborative podcasters-give-back series is to bring awareness to and stand against domestic violence. All proceeds will go to a charity taking a stand against domestic violence and human trafficking. Your support of this project is so greatly appreciated. You deserve a safe love. 
Listen on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-should-be-here/id1779150686
or on Spotify: 
https://open.spotify.com/show/2VqlmgQxwn55tdY7td9IM9?si=e19fffdc24064f7b&nd=1&dlsi=e6920c0f7e4c4d65
Get your Crime to Burn Merch! https://crimetoburn.myspreadshop.com
Please follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube for the latest news on this case. You can email us at crimetoburn@gmail.com We welcome any constructive feedback and would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating and review. 
Source List:
Please also refer to the source list for Episodes 49 and 50 (Parts 1 and 2 of this case) for a complete list of resources used along with the list below. 
One of the best articles on this case is by Liliana Segura (an absolute rockstar reporter) for The Intercept and you can find it here: https://theintercept.com/2017/03/05/did-angela-garcia-kill-her-own-daughters-arson-cover-up/
Liliana Segura's other article on the actions of Richard Bell can be found here:
https://theintercept.com/2020/03/15/richard-bell-arson-junk-science-angela-garcia/
Other sources: 
https://www.endthebacklog.org/blog/interview-with-rick-bell-pt-2/
https://www.cleveland.com/opinion/2020/02/richard-a-bell-in-the-democratic-primary-for-cuyahoga-county-common-pleas-judge-unexpired-term.html
 

Episode 50. Angela Garcia was a 22 year old mother of two when her house caught fire claiming the lives of her two toddler daughters. After her first trial ended in a hung jury, prosecutors tried Angela a second time. However, this time they had new witnesses and new statements "remembered" by investigators 8 months after the event. When her second trial ended in another hung jury, prosecutors completely changed their tactics for a third go at Angela Garcia. But Angela Garcia didn't commit arson. There were some guilty people in the courtroom though, they just weren't the ones sitting at the defense table. Join us now for Part 2 of Angela Garcia's wrongful conviction story on Crime to Burn. 
To get involved in assisting formerly incarcerated individuals like Angela, please consider these organizations:
https://innocenceproject.org/donate-monthly/#:~:text=There%20are%20many%20ways%20to,Project%20in%20your%20estate%20plans.
https://exoneratednation.org/
 
https://www.lifeafterjustice.org/
 
https://organizationofexonerees.com/
 
This podcast is a true crime podcast about arson and criminal fires. Listener discretion is recommended. 
Background music by Not Notoriously Coordinated 
Be sure to check out Season 2 of the You Should Be Here Podcast for the limited series, Or No by Fire Eyes Media. This this collaborative podcasters-give-back series is to bring awareness to and stand against domestic violence. All proceeds will go to a charity taking a stand against domestic violence and human trafficking. Your support of this project is so greatly appreciated. You deserve a safe love. 
Listen on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-should-be-here/id1779150686
or on Spotify: 
https://open.spotify.com/show/2VqlmgQxwn55tdY7td9IM9?si=e19fffdc24064f7b&nd=1&dlsi=e6920c0f7e4c4d65
Get your Crime to Burn Merch! https://crimetoburn.myspreadshop.com
Please follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube for the latest news on this case. You can email us at crimetoburn@gmail.com We welcome any constructive feedback and would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating and review. 
Source List:
Please also refer to the source list for Episode 49 (Part 1 of this case) for a complete list of resources used along with the list below. 
One of the best articles on this case is by Liliana Segura for The Intercept and you can find it here: https://theintercept.com/2017/03/05/did-angela-garcia-kill-her-own-daughters-arson-cover-up/
https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/cuyahoga-county/cuyahoga-ex-judge-mccafferty-isnt-disbarred-for-life/95-242002151
https://www.cleveland19.com/story/13993313/liar-liar-new-indictment-says-judge-bridget-mccafferty-was-not-very-honest-with-the-fbi/
https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/politics/articles/aaron-phillips'-deal-with-the-devil
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/03/21/curtis-flowers-case-shows-why-diverse-juries-matter/
https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/cuyahoga-county/cuyahoga-ex-judge-mccafferty-isnt-disbarred-for-life/95-242002151
https://www.cleveland.com/countyincrisis/2011/03/former_judge_bridget_mccaffert_1.html
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-wrongful-conviction-27797564/episode/422-maggie-freleng-with-angela-garcia-146288018/
https://legaltalknetwork.com/guests/angela-garcia/
https://www.cleveland19.com/story/13993313/liar-liar-new-indictment-says-judge-bridget-mccafferty-was-not-very-honest-with-the-fbi/
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/1001279-angela-garcia-docs-1/
 

Episode 49. Angela Garcia was a 22 year old mother of two when her house caught fire claiming the lives of her two toddler daughters. Angela soon found herself standing in a courtroom accused of arson, murder, and insurance fraud. What evidence did investigators have to prove Angela had done such a horrible deed? They had some photos and some arson investigation myths that had been debunked already by the time she was tried. Two juries couldn't be convinced of her guilt and resulted in back-to-back mistrials after the juries reported they were hopelessly deadlocked. A third jury would send her to prison for a crime she didn't commit. This is the story of Angela Garcia and how a dark plea continues to cast a shadow over her life. What did Angela Garcia trade for her freedom? This is Part 1 of Angela's story on Crime to Burn. 
To get involved in assisting formerly incarcerated individuals like Angela, please consider these organizations:
https://innocenceproject.org/donate-monthly/#:~:text=There%20are%20many%20ways%20to,Project%20in%20your%20estate%20plans.
https://exoneratednation.org/
 
https://www.lifeafterjustice.org/
 
https://organizationofexonerees.com/
 
This podcast is a true crime podcast about arson and criminal fires. Listener discretion is recommended. 
Background music by Not Notoriously Coordinated 
Be sure to check out Season 2 of the You Should Be Here Podcast for the limited series, Or No by Fire Eyes Media. This this collaborative podcasters-give-back series is to bring awareness to and stand against domestic violence. All proceeds will go to a charity taking a stand against domestic violence and human trafficking. Your support of this project is so greatly appreciated. You deserve a safe love. 
Listen on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-should-be-here/id1779150686
or on Spotify: 
https://open.spotify.com/show/2VqlmgQxwn55tdY7td9IM9?si=e19fffdc24064f7b&nd=1&dlsi=e6920c0f7e4c4d65
Get your Crime to Burn Merch! https://crimetoburn.myspreadshop.com
Please follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube for the latest news on this case. You can email us at crimetoburn@gmail.com We welcome any constructive feedback and would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating and review. 
Source List:
https://theintercept.com/2017/03/05/did-angela-garcia-kill-her-own-daughters-arson-cover-up/
https://www.clevescene.com/news/angela-garcias-2001-arson-murder-conviction-still-raising-questions-the-intercept-came-to-cleveland-to-investigate-5645270
https://www.newser.com/story/239409/greedy-mom-who-killed-her-kids-or-victim-of-junk-science.html#google_vignette
https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1025&context=etcetera
https://innocenceproject.org/guilty-plea-series-the-case-of-angela-garcia/
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-wrongful-conviction-27797564/episode/422-maggie-freleng-with-angela-garcia-146288018/
https://www.guiltypleaproblem.org/?id=angela_garcia
https://youtu.be/RlUwJXsvme0?si=w0kITbdpkWnVuzDe
https://youtu.be/qa6Sk0TXw8w?si=pXicJxBXt5lSiNwj
https://youtu.be/Qfh0L6dXK0w?si=j0KiOCzcjvcq_k4B
United States District Court Northern District of Ohio Eastern Division. Angela Garcia Vs Patricia Andrews, Warden. Case No. 1:04CV0612
Court of Appeals of Ohio, Eighth District, County of Cuyahoga. Stage of Ohio vs. Angela Garcia. No. 79917