Burden of Proof
Burden of Proof is a True Crime Podcast run by two paralegals, who happen to be generations apart! Elysia (Gen X) and Savannah (Gen Z) met at their law firm, and discovered a lifelong bond and mutual love for true crime. Come with them as they tell each other a new case each week, and use their paralegal experience to breakdown the legalities of what happens when the criminals get caught!
Episodes

3 days ago
3 days ago
While briefly home alone one early morning, 16 year old Laurie is brutally attacked. She survived just long enough for her mother to hear her last words. Did she in fact whisper the name of her killer as her mother claims? One thing is certain, the long history of stalking, bullying and assault by the accused did not help their case! Tune in as Elysia attempts to untangle the web of lies one suspect weaved and Savannah asks "WHAAATTT?!"
Let us know what you think. Find us on Instagram and Facebook!
Sources:
https://www.fox43.com/article/news/timeline-the-murder-of-laurie-show-trials-and-appeals-of-co-conspirators-lisa-michelle-lambert-tabitha-buck-and-lawrence-yunkin/521-f388b38d-493e-4ea6-af06-489eb58292cf
https://lancasteronline.com/features/yesteryear/history/infamous-murders-of-lancaster-county-the-laurie-show-case-was-in-the-headlines-for-years/article_9be40654-97b9-11eb-87ce-8334dfdd885e.html
https://www.wgal.com/article/tabitha-buck-released-from-prison-free-parole-murder-laurie-show-lisa-lambert/30108327
https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2000/12/12/movie-an-injustice-to-murdered-teen/
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-09-19-mn-36927-story.html
https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F3/387/210/532544/
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/uconsCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&yr=1993&sessInd=0&smthLwInd=0&act=0028.
The Killing of Laurie Show (Documentary) Pt 1
The Killing of Laurie Show (Documentary) Pt. 2
The Killing of Laurie Show (Documentary) Pt. 3
Music By:
https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/royalty-free-music/download/shady-business/2181

Thursday Jan 19, 2023
Case Number 23: America’s KNOWN Child, AKA The Boy in the Box
Thursday Jan 19, 2023
Thursday Jan 19, 2023
Savannah's at it again! She has a knack for weaving a legal lesson through even when the case is unsolved! Even if you've heard the latest news on the Boy in the Box, tune in as Savannah also dives in to introduce the players that have been investigating this 60+ year mystery. She and Elysia also discuss Safe Haven Laws and the importance of all children having a viable and safe option as they grow up.
Let us know what you think. Find us on Instagram and Facebook!
Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/08/us/philadelphia-boy-in-box-thursday/index.html
http://www.vidocq.org/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnxfuvRHKDk&t=153s
"International Center for Unidentified & Missing Persons - 4UMPA"
"Who Is The Boy In The Box?"
4umpa.html
Resource on Safe Haven Laws:
https://lozierinstitute.org/safe-haven-laws-an-invitation-to-life/
Music By:
https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/royalty-free-music/download/shady-business/2181

Thursday Jan 12, 2023
Case Number 22: Pamela Smart, The Media Sensation
Thursday Jan 12, 2023
Thursday Jan 12, 2023
The first criminal trial to be televised live in U.S. history. It's difficult to imagine anyone has not heard about this case! With two new generations having been too young or not yet born, it is possible though. Listen in as Elysia takes Savannah on this roller coaster of a case and trial. Buckle up! This case has everything! A marriage gone wrong, an especially icky affair, and conspiracy.
Let us know what you think. Find us on Instagram and Facebook!
Sources:
https://www.bu.edu/law/journals-archive/bulr/documents/bellin.pdf
https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2021/09/15/juries-sentencing-ignorant-reform/
https://www.courttv.com/trials/nh-v-pamela-smart-1991/
https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/local/2021/02/03/judge-rejects-pamela-smarts-lawsuit-over-prison-punishment-morphine-drugs/4358637001/
An American Murder Mystery: Pamela Smart
Captivated: The Trials of Pamela Smart
Music By:
https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/royalty-free-music/download/shady-business/2181

Thursday Jan 05, 2023
Case Number 21: Chrisley Does Not Know Best
Thursday Jan 05, 2023
Thursday Jan 05, 2023
What happens when two of Savannah's favorite worlds collide? She shifts gear to cover all the juicy legal details of one of her beloved reality tv families and their downfall into fraud and tax evasion! Listen in while Savannah explains to Elysia who the Chrisley's are, why they're serving time, and how it may not harm their popularity in the long run.
Let us know what you think. Find us on Instagram and Facebook!
Sources:
Chrisley Indictment_16130461_ver1.0.pdf
the-chrisleys-lied-through-their-teeth-30-million-in-loans-2022-5
https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/julie-chrisley-32442.php
https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/a20685487/todd-chrisley-facts/
Music By:
https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/royalty-free-music/download/shady-business/2181

Thursday Dec 22, 2022
Case Number 20: The Christmas Sleighings
Thursday Dec 22, 2022
Thursday Dec 22, 2022
Merry Christmas! Join us for this holiday special to find out how the Downtown Posse of Dayton, Ohio spent Christmas of 1992. Elysia walks us through the Winter Nightmare Land of the groups 3 day killing spree while Savannah attempts to make sense of it all.
Let us know what you think. Find us on Instagram and Facebook!
Sources:
Oxygen True Crime: Homicide for the Holidays, S4 E2, Six Slays of Christmas
https://www.journal-news.com/ohio/29-years-after-southwest-ohio-christmas-murder-spree-it-will-never-be-forgotten/VXESJEQ6VFGW5PSQKBDZGZTJEY/
https://www.wdtn.com/news/local-news/1992-dayton-christmas-killings-laura-taylor-to-have-parole-hearing/
https://opd.ohio.gov/static/About%20OPD/Communications/News/LegistlativeUpdates/SB%20256_FAQs_blue.pdf
https://appgateway.drc.ohio.gov/OffenderSearch/Search/Details/W033039
https://appgateway.drc.ohio.gov/OffenderSearch/Search/Details/W032633
https://appgateway.drc.ohio.gov/OffenderSearch/Search/Details/A288043
https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2903.01
https://criminal.laws.com/robbery/aggravated-robbery/differences-from-armed-robbery
https://casetext.com/case/keene-v-mitchell-2
https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local/who-was-marvallous-keene-the-man-executed-for-the-1992-christmas-killings/GlVPOtsKEeseytTV07GulL/#:~:text=1.,people%20dead%20and%20injured%20two.
Music By:
https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/royalty-free-music/download/shady-business/2181

Thursday Dec 15, 2022
Case Number 19: Adam Strong, The Baby Wipes of Serial Killers
Thursday Dec 15, 2022
Thursday Dec 15, 2022
What happens when a man clogs his apartment building's drain with his stomach churning secret? He unsuccessfully attempts to unclog it in a most ridiculous way before plumbers call the police, of course! Tune in as Savannah covers what might possibly be our grossest case yet and Elysia wants to crawl out of her skin.
Let us know what you think. Find us on Instagram and Facebook!
Sources:
https://oshawaexpress.ca/year-in-review-many-twists-and-turns-in-adam-strong-case/
https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/8148165-accused-in-rori-hache-case-jokes-laughs-during-court-appearance/
https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/10218465--i-have-all-the-characteristics-of-a-serial-killer-adam-strong-told-durham-police/
Buried Motives, Episode 50: “A Plumber’s Worst Nightmare” - Adam Strong
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6k8lr_Efjc
Court Documents Crown vs. Adam Strong
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/remains-of-kandis-fitzpatrick-found-14-years-after-she-went-missing-1.6353740
Music By:
https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/royalty-free-music/download/shady-business/2181

Monday Dec 12, 2022
Case Number 18: Anthony Sowell, The Cleveland Strangler Part Two
Monday Dec 12, 2022
Monday Dec 12, 2022
How does a convicted sex offender who has regular check in's with the police department kill 11 women over a period of two and a half years without being caught? Spoiler alert: It has to do with victim "credibility" or in other words victim shaming. Listen in on Part Two where Elysia covers Anthony's most heinous crimes and we discuss why it is some true crime cases are seemingly overlooked.
Let us know what you think. Find us on Instagram and Facebook!
Sources:
https://www.cleveland.com/crime/2021/02/cleveland-serial-killer-anthony-sowell-dies-of-terminal-illness-in-prison-hospital.html
https://www.cleveland19.com/2021/11/06/ribbon-cutting-ceremony-garden-11-angels-memorial-victims-cleveland-serial-killer-anthony-sowell/
https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/rod/docs/pdf/0/2016/2016-Ohio-8025.pdf
https://www.courtnewsohio.gov/cases/2016/SCO/1208/111921.asp#.YqXysxPMLDI
https://www.acluohio.org/en/cases/state-ohio-v-anthony-sowell-amicus
https://www.aetv.com/real-crime/anthony-sowell-victims
https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2009/11/anthony_sowell_timeline.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OeebMR816I
https://www.cbsnews.com/htdocs/pdf/psych_eval.pdf?tag=contentMain;contentBody
https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2011/06/families_of_imperial_avenue_vi.html
https://www.cleveland.com/anthony-sowell/2011/08/mental_health_experts_testimony_challenged_by_prosecutors_in_anthony_sowell_capital_murder_trial.html
https://www.courtnewsohio.gov/cases/2016/SCO/1208/111921.asp#.YqXysxPMLDI
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/judge-revealed-as-source-in-sowell-leak/
https://www.cleveland19.com/story/11440896/cleveland-strangler-investigation-timeline/
https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2010/04/anthony_sowell_case_transferre.html
https://www.cleveland.com/court-justice/2014/10/five_years_later_anthony_sowel.html
https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2017/03/anthony_sowells_family_can_sue.html
https://www.cleveland.com/court-justice/2018/09/families_of_six_anthony_sowell.html
https://www.cleveland.com/court-justice/2019/06/cleveland-settles-lawsuit-with-living-victims-of-serial-killer-anthony-sowell-refuses-to-disclose-amount.html
https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2019/07/city-pays-300000-settlement-to-two-surviving-victims-of-cleveland-serial-killer-anthony-sowell.html
Music By:
https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/royalty-free-music/download/shady-business/2181

Thursday Dec 08, 2022
Case Number 18: Anthony Sowell, The Cleveland Strangler Part One
Thursday Dec 08, 2022
Thursday Dec 08, 2022
How does a seemingly sweet kid grow up into a horrific serial killer? Join Savannah on the struggle bus as Elysia dives deep into the disturbing details of Anthony Sowell's childhood and mental health history on this part one of two episodes.
Let us know what you think. Find us on Instagram and Facebook!
Sources:
https://www.cleveland.com/crime/2021/02/cleveland-serial-killer-anthony-sowell-dies-of-terminal-illness-in-prison-hospital.html
https://www.cleveland19.com/2021/11/06/ribbon-cutting-ceremony-garden-11-angels-memorial-victims-cleveland-serial-killer-anthony-sowell/
https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/rod/docs/pdf/0/2016/2016-Ohio-8025.pdf
https://www.courtnewsohio.gov/cases/2016/SCO/1208/111921.asp#.YqXysxPMLDI
https://www.acluohio.org/en/cases/state-ohio-v-anthony-sowell-amicus
https://www.aetv.com/real-crime/anthony-sowell-victims
https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2009/11/anthony_sowell_timeline.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OeebMR816I
https://www.cbsnews.com/htdocs/pdf/psych_eval.pdf?tag=contentMain;contentBody
https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2011/06/families_of_imperial_avenue_vi.html
https://www.cleveland.com/anthony-sowell/2011/08/mental_health_experts_testimony_challenged_by_prosecutors_in_anthony_sowell_capital_murder_trial.html
https://www.courtnewsohio.gov/cases/2016/SCO/1208/111921.asp#.YqXysxPMLDI
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/judge-revealed-as-source-in-sowell-leak/
https://www.cleveland19.com/story/11440896/cleveland-strangler-investigation-timeline/
https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2010/04/anthony_sowell_case_transferre.html
https://www.cleveland.com/court-justice/2014/10/five_years_later_anthony_sowel.html
https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2017/03/anthony_sowells_family_can_sue.html
https://www.cleveland.com/court-justice/2018/09/families_of_six_anthony_sowell.html
https://www.cleveland.com/court-justice/2019/06/cleveland-settles-lawsuit-with-living-victims-of-serial-killer-anthony-sowell-refuses-to-disclose-amount.html
https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2019/07/city-pays-300000-settlement-to-two-surviving-victims-of-cleveland-serial-killer-anthony-sowell.html
Music By:
https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/royalty-free-music/download/shady-business/2181

Thursday Dec 01, 2022
Case Number 17: The Mary Morris Murders
Thursday Dec 01, 2022
Thursday Dec 01, 2022
What happens when two women named Mary Morris from the same area are killed just days apart in similar fashion but investigators can find no connection? Conspiracy theories are born , of course! Join us as Savannah takes us through the strange and fascinating coincidences of our first (possibly only) unsolved case and Elysia jumps on the conspiracy theory bandwagon but goes even bigger!
Let us know what you think. Find us on Instagram and Facebook!
Sources:
https://unsolved.com/gallery/mary-lou-mary-mcginnis-morris/
Mary-morris-murders
The-mary-morris-murders
https://cina.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/An-Assessment-of-Hitmen-and-Contracted-Violence-Providers-Operating-Online.pdf
Generation Why Podcast
Music By:
https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/royalty-free-music/download/shady-business/2181

Thursday Nov 24, 2022
Case Number 16: Paul Michael Merhige, The Unwelcome Guest
Thursday Nov 24, 2022
Thursday Nov 24, 2022
How do you get yourself uninvited to future family Thanksgiving dinners? Just invite your mentally unstable son without telling the hosts like the Merhige's! Join us for an unforgettable Thanksgiving tale of a family torn apart by more than politics, a brief discussion about peeing one's pants, and Savannah's love of civil litigation.
Let us know what you think. Find us on Instagram and Facebook!
Sources:
https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/parents-of-makayla-sitton-to-sue-thanksgiving-killer-paul-merhige-parents/2055945/
https://www.cnn.com/2011/10/27/justice/florida-thanksgiving-killings
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/thanksgiving-massacre-witness-paul-merhige-ate-dinner-sang-songs-then-executed-family/
http://live.wptv.com/Event/Paul_Merhige_Hearing?Page=1
https://www.wptv.com/news/region-n-palm-beach-county/jupiter/10-years-after-the-jupiter-thanksgiving-murders-a-family-remembers
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/crime/2012/03/31/judge-dismisses-lawsuit-against-merhige/7743572007/
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/crime/2012/09/26/lawsuit-against-parents-killer-paul/7601970007/
https://www.floridasupremecourt.org/content/download/384112/file/14-859_JurisIntBrief_050214.pdf
https://archive.tcpalm.com/news/merhiges-parents-fire-back-at-their-accusers-with-their-own-lawsuit-ep-383481231-343729452.html/
https://www.wflx.com/story/11792190/merhiges-first-statements-after-arrest-caught-on-camera/
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-2010-04-05-fl-merhige-book-author-20100405-story.html
Documents Show Merhige Had a Plan Before, After Massacre
https://www.oxygen.com/homicide-for-the-holidays/season-1/a-deadly-thanksgiving
https://caselaw.findlaw.com/fl-district-court-of-appeal/1657743.html
Massacre Suspect: 'I Didn't Know What To Do'
Music By:
https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/royalty-free-music/download/shady-business/2181