Crime To Burn

A true crime podcast where we explore the dark sooty landscape of crimes involving fire including arson and criminal negligence. Join us as we explore what really happened in some of the most horrific criminal fires in history. Hosted by April and some guy that’s seen Backdraft at least twice.

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Episodes

Sunday Nov 24, 2024

Angie Abdullah should be alive today. She should be celebrating the accomplishments and successes of her now-adult children. Instead she was prematurely silenced by a controlling husband who carried out a gruesome murder and attempted to cover his crime with arson, risking the lives of four children in the process. However, her husband, Azad Abdullah, was as inept an arsonist as he was a husband and provider. As a result of his ineptitude, police quickly figured out Azad was responsible for arson, murder, attempted murder, and felony injury to a child. He was sentenced to death for his crimes and he sits today in an Idaho prison awaiting his execution date. Azad Abdullah silenced Angie forever, so today we give a voice to an innocent victim of a tyrannical husband by telling Angie Abdullah's story on Crime to Burn. 
Background music by Not Notoriously Coordinated 
Please follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, 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://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/3133306/state-v-azad-haji-abdullah/
https://law.justia.com/cases/idaho/supreme-court-civil/2021/46497.html
https://isc.idaho.gov/opinions/31659.pdf
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2004/nov/20/man-guilty-of-murder-of-his-wife/
https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/spr-crt-ida-boi-jun-202-ter/115579918.html
https://www.lmtribune.com/northwest/husband-of-muslim-woman-faces-murder-chargeef9defbc
https://murderpedia.org/male.A/a/abdullah-azad.htm
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/2002/10/21/No-bail-in-Idaho-murder-arson/70601035249480/
https://www.idahostatesman.com/entertainment/arts-culture/article254147478.html
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2004/nov/24/man-gets-death-penalty-in-killing-of-his-wife/
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/190660441/angela-charlene-abdullah
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/257880461/evelyn_lucille_whittington

Sunday Nov 17, 2024

This is a special feature on Crime to Burn. On Sunday, November 10, I was able to sit down and have a conversation with Kristine Bunch. We covered Kristine's case in episodes 32 and 33. Kristine was accused of intentionally setting a fire at her home that claimed the life of her toddler son. Investigators developed their theory of what happened based on a now debunked arson investigation myth that was once widely believed. When the forensic testing didn't support investigators' theories, they allegedly colluded to falsify test reports that were presented in court to secure Kristine's conviction for arson and murder. Kristine spent 17 years incarcerated for a crime she did not commit. The truth finally prevailed and Kristine was exonerated and released from prison and she has not stopped fighting to help others. Hear about Kristine's work since her release and how you can get involved. 
Please visit the organizations listed below to find out how you can get involved in Kristine's continued fight for truth, justice, and successful reintegration post-incarceration. 
https://exoneratednation.org/
 
https://www.lifeafterjustice.org/
 
https://organizationofexonerees.com/
 
https://www.uis.edu/news/illinois-innocence-project-uis-begins-wrongful-conviction-awareness-and-avoidance-training
 
IMPORTANT NEWS: 
April is a guest on the Dairyland Frights podcast episode airing on November 17th. You can find Dairyland Frights here: Dairyland Frights Linktree
Background music by Not Notoriously Coordinated 
Please follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, 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. 

Sunday Nov 10, 2024

Clarence Roberts was reported to have died in a fire in 1970... and then he died in another fire in 1980. But we know a man cannot die twice but we have two bodies and many believe he died in 1970 while others believe he died in 1980 and at least one that believes he wasn't killed in either fire. This case is a crazy story of desperation, murder, and arson. So, if only one of the bodies can be Clarence Roberts, who exactly is the second body? Find out what we know on Crime to Burn.
IMPORTANT NEWS: 
April is a guest on the Dairyland Frights podcast episode airing on November 17th. You can find Dairyland Frights here: Dairyland Frights Linktree
Crime to Burn will have a special feature Monday November 18 - an interview with Kristine Bunch. Kristine was the subject of episodes 32 and 33 after she was wrongfully convicted for a fatal arson based on arson investigation myths and allegedly falsified evidence. We had the opportunity to sit down and discuss her case and her continued work since her release from prison. 
Background music by Not Notoriously Coordinated 
Please follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, 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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC_qai0wwwQ   Dark Curiosities YouTube Channel
https://law.justia.com/cases/indiana/court-of-appeals/1980/1-1179a307-6.html
https://vocal.media/criminal/the-tale-of-the-husband-presumed-dead-and-buried-twice
https://unsolvedmysteries.fandom.com/wiki/Clarence_and_Geneva_Roberts
https://www.upi.com/Archives/1980/12/02/The-fiery-death-of-Clarence-Roberts-now-or-then/6856344581200/
Obituary Geneva Robertsy, Brown county Democrat, Nashville, Indiana, Wed, 3 dec 1980. 
Arson fire claims life of Geneva Roberts; second victim ‘looks like’ Clarence., Brown County Democrat, Nashville, Indiana, 3, dec 1980.
https://www.unilad.com/community/life/clarence-thomas-indiana-fire-mystery-436674-20231120
https://www.upi.com/Archives/1980/12/02/Clarence-Roberts-apparent-fire-victim-again/5830344581200/
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/experiences/indiana/unsolved-mystery-in
https://www.grunge.com/1050389/clarence-roberts-the-man-who-died-in-a-mysterious-fire-twice/
https://podcasts.musixmatch.com/podcast/crime-junkie-01gtg7m4g0zktw8z1m5q0r8msy/episode/mysterious-death-of-clarence-roberts-01h8xf2q3r7b8ed1j0x31dbbyt
https://youtu.be/lPNkkOI3aGc?si=2nX_T0zshBz1r9zU
https://youtu.be/QNM9W7fZft8?si=wkhkcwcmAJsZ10gg

Sunday Nov 03, 2024

In this episode we conclude the story of Kristine Bunch's wrongful conviction for arson and murder. When Kristine was 21, her trailer home burned down taking the life of her toddler son. At 22, Kristine was sentenced to 60 years in prison for a crime she did not commit. Last week we had an in-depth discussion of fire dynamics and what arson investigators found. This week we uncover the dark truth about the alleged collusion between investigators and an ATF forensic chemist that altered test results and ultimately sent Kristine to prison for 17 years. We discuss Kristine's agonizingly long fight and wait for justice to be served. Kristine's conviction was overturned but that's not the end of her story. Hear about her amazing work to help others that have been wrongfully convicted. 
Background music by Not Notoriously Coordinated 
Please follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, 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://indymaven.com/articles/kristine-bunch/
https://justicereformfoundation.org/wrongfully-convicted/kristine-bunch-a-woman-wrongfully-convicted-becomes-a-voice-for-justice-reform/
https://law.justia.com/cases/indiana/supreme-court/1998/060901-trb.html
https://www.creators.com/read/susan-estrich/10/22/17-years-in-prison-for-a-crime-she-did-not-commit
https://communitydining.com/2016/05/02/the-plight-of-kristine-bunch/
https://casetext.com/case/bunch-v-united-states-11
https://vocal.media/criminal/the-story-of-kristine-bunch-how-arson-investigators-sent-a-woman-to-prison-for-more-than-17-years
https://law.justia.com/cases/indiana/court-of-appeals/2012/16a05-1007-pc-439.html
https://casetext.com/case/bunch-v-frank-1
https://cwc.law.northwestern.edu/freed-exonerated/kristine-bunch/
https://www.happyscribe.com/public/wrongful-conviction-podcasts/wrongful-conviction-with-jason-flom-kristine-bunch
https://www.nprillinois.org/news/2019-10-23/kristine-bunch-life-after-a-wrongful-conviction
https://www.jacksonvilleprogress.com/opinion/columns/17-years-in-prison-for-a-crime-she-did-not-commit/article_9dcec81a-5477-11ed-8e09-f38e5a50d3a0.html
https://woffordogb.com/20131/news/the-wrongful-conviction-of-kristine-bunch/
https://www.law.northwestern.edu/legalclinic/wrongfulconvictions/exonerations/in/kristine-bunch.html
https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/the-price-of-freedom

Sunday Oct 27, 2024

What happens when we allow junk science and fire investigation mythology into the halls of justice? Kristine Bunch can tell you. She spent 17 years paying a debt to society that she didn't owe after being wrongfully convicted of the arson that killed her toddler son. But Kristine Bunch never stopped fighting for truth and even after her release, she continued the fight to help others that have been wrongfully convicted. 
Background music by Not Notoriously Coordinated 
Please follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, 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://indymaven.com/articles/kristine-bunch/
https://justicereformfoundation.org/wrongfully-convicted/kristine-bunch-a-woman-wrongfully-convicted-becomes-a-voice-for-justice-reform/
https://law.justia.com/cases/indiana/supreme-court/1998/060901-trb.html
https://www.creators.com/read/susan-estrich/10/22/17-years-in-prison-for-a-crime-she-did-not-commit
https://communitydining.com/2016/05/02/the-plight-of-kristine-bunch/
https://casetext.com/case/bunch-v-united-states-11
https://vocal.media/criminal/the-story-of-kristine-bunch-how-arson-investigators-sent-a-woman-to-prison-for-more-than-17-years
https://law.justia.com/cases/indiana/court-of-appeals/2012/16a05-1007-pc-439.html
https://casetext.com/case/bunch-v-frank-1
https://cwc.law.northwestern.edu/freed-exonerated/kristine-bunch/
https://www.happyscribe.com/public/wrongful-conviction-podcasts/wrongful-conviction-with-jason-flom-kristine-bunch
https://www.nprillinois.org/news/2019-10-23/kristine-bunch-life-after-a-wrongful-conviction
https://www.jacksonvilleprogress.com/opinion/columns/17-years-in-prison-for-a-crime-she-did-not-commit/article_9dcec81a-5477-11ed-8e09-f38e5a50d3a0.html
https://woffordogb.com/20131/news/the-wrongful-conviction-of-kristine-bunch/
https://www.law.northwestern.edu/legalclinic/wrongfulconvictions/exonerations/in/kristine-bunch.html
https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/the-price-of-freedom

Sunday Oct 20, 2024

This is the FINALE of the David Michael Crawford serial arson case. In this episode we share some updates with you. We discuss the prosecution's rebuttal of the defense's closing arguments. The jury's verdict. The sentence handed down by the judge and some of Crawford's statements at sentencing. We discuss the grounds for appeal and we'll give you a bit of information on some other fires that occurred in the area and have some ties to David Crawford although we'll have to wait for the full investigation reports to bring you the whole story. We'll obviously bring you follow up episodes as this case is up for appeal but we're officially putting the David Crawford serial arson case down here until we have new information to share with you. This is a case I've spent the better part of a year working on now and I want to share a very special thank you to every single person that has reached out throughout this process. Your help was so greatly appreciated. 
ANNOUNCEMENT: We're working on merch designs! If you are interested, drop us a message on our social media to tell us what you're interested in. Do you want stickers, t-shirts, sweats, hoodies, hats, bags, water bottles.. what do you want? No pressure to buy, just tell us what would be most tempting. 
Background Music by Not Notoriously Coordinated
Please follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, 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. 
For a full list of sources, Please refer to Episode 22. 

Sunday Oct 13, 2024

In this episode of the David Michael Crawford Serial Arson Case, we finally get into the defense and closing arguments that the jury heard as they considered whether or not Crawford should be found guilty for 8 counts of first degree attempted murder.  I have to admit, the defense strategy isn't what I expected, but did it work? Listen now to find out. 
Background Music by Not Notoriously Coordinated
Please follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, 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. 
For a full list of sources, Please refer to Episode 22. 

Sunday Oct 06, 2024

This week on Crime to Burn, we cover the second fire Crawford was convicted of setting at Evelyn and Scott Henderson's home. Evelyn and Scott were weeks away from moving back into the home Crawford had burned once already while they slept inside after a 9 month rebuilding process. The family still had no idea who had targeted them or why but with two fires at their home, there was no doubt someone out in the world was targeting their family. The fear of not knowing who or why and the constant worry that they might attack again plagued this family for 5 years awaiting Crawford's identification, investigation, arrest, and conviction. Listen now on Crime to Burn. 
Background Music by Not Notoriously Coordinated
Please follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, 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. 
For a full list of sources, Please refer to Episode 22. 

Sunday Sep 29, 2024

In Part 7 of the David Michael Crawford Serial Arson Case, we address the final name on Crawford's "target list" found by investigators in his phone. The entry simply read "Evelyn 2" which sounds as benign as a dinner reservation. However, this entry represents a living nightmare for one Howard County family. Crawford was charged with attempting to kill them in their home by burning it down while they slept. He was convicted of attempted murder but his case is currently pending appeal in Maryland. Listen now to the 7th part in the David Crawford arson saga right now on Crime to Burn. 
Background Music by Not Notoriously Coordinated
Please follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, 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. 
For a full list of sources, Please refer to Episode 22. 

Sunday Sep 22, 2024

In this sixth part of the David Michael Crawford serial arson case, we cover two more of the fires Crawford is accused of setting. The first fire is a truck fire belonging to the son of a former colleague of Crawford's. The second is the home of a husband and wife chiropractor team that had treated Crawford. Then we take all the fires we've covered and put them into chronological order along with the electronic evidence that police found when they executed the search warrant at Crawford's home. Let me tell you, some of the information they found will shock you. Find out why right now on Crime to Burn. 
Background Music by Not Notoriously Coordinated
Please follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, 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. 
For a full list of sources, Please refer to Episode 22. 

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Crime To Burn

Crime to Burn is a true crime podcast that focuses on the dark sooty landscape where true crime intersects with fire. We will explore what really happened in some of the most horrific fire tragedies and fire-related crimes in history including arson and criminal negligence. Hosted by April, a fire protection engineer and a former fireefighter and the other guy (he's seen Backdraft at least twice).

 

Twitter: @crimetoburn

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Email: crimetoburn@gmail.com

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