THE SERIAL MURDERS THAT ROCKED A MICHIGAN COMMUNITY
In Season 3 of Shattered, host Jeremy Allen is back to tell the story of a string of murders that took place in the mid-1970s in Oakland County, Michigan.
Many people know the case as the Oakland County Child Killer. The story is well known in southeast Michigan, but it’s never been told with such depth. Child Killer drills through the surface of the story, all the way down to its core. From millionaire cover-ups to a father’s undying love for his son. Egos, confusion and manipulation take over in a seemingly endless pursuit for answers
EPISODES
Shattered podcast | Child Killer, Chapter 1 -- The Beginning of the End
By 1976, Detroit’s population had plummeted as residents left for the suburbs in droves. The wealthiest, most exclusive destinations were found in Oakland County, where mothers and fathers always felt comfortable letting their children roam the neighborhood until the street lights came on. Life was great and then suddenly, it wasn’t.
Shattered podcast | Child Killer, Chapter 2 -- There’s Something Happening Here
January 1977: five children have been murdered in or near Oakland County in the last year, and now a sixth, Kristine Mihelich, has been abducted. Investigators are seeing similarities in the cases and begin to pursue the possibility of a single killer.
Shattered podcast | Child Killer, Chapter 3 -- Captive
Victims families and the citizens of Oakland County are reeling from the murders of 6 children. But the killer isn't done. In March of 1977, 11 year-old Timmy King goes to the store to buy candy one evening, but he never makes it home. His body is found a week later, just south of the Oakland County line. Timmy was sexually assaulted, just like Mark Stebbins before him. A potential witness spotted Timmy the night he disappeared.
Shattered podcast | Child Killer, Chapter 4 -- He’s Just Not Here Anymore
Oakland County families are living in terror after three children have been abducted and murdered. The killer is becoming bolder - the most recent vistim, Kristine Mihelich, was discovered after being missing for 19 days. Tensions are at an all-time high. But the killer isn’t done.
Shattered podcast | Child Killer, Chapter 5 -- North Fox Island
Francis Shelden was a Millionaire from Ann Arbor. He came from a well-to-do family with ties to presidents, governors and even princes. He earned his B.A from Yale and served in the Michigan Air Guard. He had his own company, his own plane, and his own island. He also operated his own pedophole ring.
Shattered podcast | Child Killer, Chapter 6 -- The Magicians’ Confession
Frank Shelden and Gerald Richards have just returned to the mainland after taking four boys from St. Joe’s Catholic school to North Fox Island for a three day trip. Michael Dunsmore, Bill Johnson and two other boys were put through horrible, unforgettable, life-altering experiences. One of the two unnamed boys tells his mother a harrowing story about being sexually assaulted by Shelden in a cabin on the island. The boys mother calls the police to relay the story.
Shattered podcast | Child Killer, Chapter 7 -- Dr. Danto
The police and task force are in full gear, searching through mounds of information. Dr. Bruce Danto enters the picture offering theories and helping to profile the killer(s). On April 4th, 1977 a man calling himself, Allen sends Dr. Danto a letter, claiming he is the roommate of the Oakland County Child Killer. Eventually Allen would setup a meeting with Dr. Danto.
DOCUSERIES
CHILD KILLER NEWS STORIES
Shattered podcast | Child Killer, Chapter 4 -- He’s Just Not Here Anymore
Oakland County families are living in terror after three children have been abducted and murdered. The killer is becoming bolder - the most recent vistim, Kristine Mihelich, was discovered after being missing for 19 days. Tensions are at an all-time high. But the killer isn’t done.
Shattered podcast | Child Killer, Chapter 3 -- Captive
Victims families and the citizens of Oakland County are reeling from the murders of 6 children. But the killer isn't done. In March of 1977, 11 year-old Timmy King goes to the store to buy candy one evening, but he never makes it home. His body is found a week later, just south of the Oakland County line. Timmy was sexually assaulted, just like Mark Stebbins before him. A potential witness spotted Timmy the night he disappeared.
Shattered podcast | Child Killer, Chapter 2 -- There’s Something Happening Here
January 1977: five children have been murdered in or near Oakland County in the last year, and now a sixth, Kristine Mihelich, has been abducted. Investigators are seeing similarities in the cases and begin to pursue the possibility of a single killer.
Shattered podcast | Child Killer, Chapter 1 -- The Beginning of the End
By 1976, Detroit’s population had plummeted as residents left for the suburbs in droves. The wealthiest, most exclusive destinations were found in Oakland County, where mothers and fathers always felt comfortable letting their children roam the neighborhood until the street lights came on. Life was great and then suddenly, it wasn’t.