Category Archives: Unsolved Mystery

Unsolved Crime, Unsolved Mystery

The Mysterious Death of Elfrieda Knaak

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In this episode we discuss the mysterious and bizarre death of Elfrieda Knaak.  In the early hours of the morning Elfrieda was discovered alone and locked inside the basement of a police station, suffering from severe burns from the nearby furnace.  Investigators were baffled from the start, as Elfrieda claimed she had carried out the horrible act herself in order to purify herself for her ‘psychic lover.’

While she was slowly dying in her hospital bed, Elfrieda would make increasingly confusing and strange comments.  These statements lead to more questions than answers forCharles Hitchcock the police.  She claimed she burned herself to prove herself to her so called astral lover, Charles Hitchcock.  However Charles claimed he knew nothing about this situation at all.

 

Hitchcock would be ruled out as a suspect due to his broken leg, but many believe he still had something to do with her death, whether directly or indirectly is still unknown.  Elfrieda continued on, speaking of a mysterious woman who holds all the answers, an unknown man who threw her down, along with other weird and supernatural comments… However she was unable to answer further questions due to her increasingly worsening health.  Unfortunately Elfrieda Knaak would die from her burns before any solid leads or answers could be found, and to this day her death remains a complete mystery.

Did Elfrieda really burn and torture herself all alone?  Was somebody with her in that basement, either assisting or forcing her into the furnace? Listen and hear all about the strange twists and turns to the bizarre and disturbing death of Elfrieda Knaak.

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Cryptozoology, History, Unsolved Mystery

The Navajo Legend of the Skinwalker

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In this episode we discuss the legend of the Navajo Skinwalker – a shapeshifting Native American witch that has reached the highest tiers of priesthood. These terrors are known to chase cars at remarkable speeds and are frequently seen spying through windows of homes in order to strike fear into their victims. The Navajo people almost universally accept the existence of these poltergeist-like creatures however sightings are rare and usually limited to those of the Navajo nationality. What is this strange menace? Is it fact or fiction? Tune into this episode and learn a little bit more about the Skinwalker!

Unsolved Crime, Unsolved Mystery

The Erdington Similarity Murders

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On this episode of Strange Matters we will be discussing two mysterious murder cases in Erdington, England. These particular murders share a striking number of similarities to each other.  The victims had the same birthday, were killed on the same day, died under similar circumstances, and whose bodies were discovered almost in the exact same area.  One might believe the murders would obviously be the work of a serial killer. However… the two murders took place 157 years apart.  

In 1817 Mary Ashford’s body was found drowned in a pit near her home.  The main suspect, Abraham Thornton, had been alone with her most of the night.  He was found with blood on his undergarments, his boots were a near match to those found at the scene of her death, and earlier suggestive comments made the night earlier led many to believe he had harmful intentions towards Mary.

In 1975 Barbara Forrest was dropped off at a bus stop to return home after a night of fun.  She never was seen actually getting on the bus however, and after a week of her missing Barbara’s body was found in a shallow ditch.  This time the main suspect was a man named Michael Thornton, a co-worker of Barbara.  He was also found with blood on him and a faulty alibi for that night.

Despite what looked like obvious motives and evidence, both men were acquitted of all crimes and let go.  The deaths of both young ladies remain a mystery in Erdington to this day.  What’s even stranger are the striking similar circumstances surrounding this case. Could there be some type of connection between these two murders?  Is this the work of a copy cat killer who was trying to duplicate the famous murder that happened over a century ago in the Erdington area?  We discuss all the possibilities to these two bizarre murder cases and why we think this mystery is so fascinating!

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History, Unsolved Crime, Unsolved Mystery

The Mysterious Case of Anneliese Michel – A Strange Matters Short

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In our latest Strange Matters short, Eric discusses the mysterious exorcism of Anneliese Michel. This young lady was raised in a family of devout Catholics, however she eventually began experiencing strange symptoms including auditory hallucinations and a strange aversion to religious symbols. As her violent symptoms continue to spiral out of control she eventually finds a priest who is willing to attempt an exorcism. After numerous exorcisms the unimaginable happens. What really happened to Anneliese Michel? Was she truly possessed or was this simply an extreme case of psychiatric instability with a taste of religious fanaticism? Check out this episode and form your own opinions!

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History, Unsolved Mystery

Mysteries of the Ancient World!

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In this episode of Strange Matters we delve deep into the past and discuss two mysteries that have gone unsolved for ages.  First Eric presents the bizarre phenomenon of the Ever-Burning Lamps.  These strange lights have appeared in multiple places and times in history, and are claimed to be able to burn for centuries.  Though there is no physical evidence of a working lamp, there are many written records of such devices.  Are they some form of magic or supernatural ability, or are they a precursor of advanced scientific instruments?

Bronze

Next Sean discusses the disastrous and apocalyptic event that is known as the Late Bronze Age Collapse.  Suddenly and violently, the high empires and nations of the Bronze Age completely collapsed without warning, every major city in the Mediterranean area left in ruins.  This is considered by many historians to be the worst societal and technological collapse in human history.  Just what caused so many advanced civilizations to fall into oblivion at nearly the same time?  Listen to our episode and decide which theory you think is most likely!

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Unsolved Crime, Unsolved Mystery

Hinterkaifeck Murders

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In the early spring months of 1922, an entire family was found murdered at their isolated farmstead.  The bloody bodies were discovered in the farm and house of Hinterkaifeck, but no sign or clues to the killer’s identity could be found.  Once the local police started to investigate this horrible and disturbing crime, even more mystery began to surround this bizarre case.

In this episode of Strange Matters the facts of the case along with any theories as to who committed this crimes are discussed.  Was this the act of a jealous ex-husband returning from the grave? A psychotic serial killer? Or just a not-so-friendly neighbor? Listen and decide for yourself which theory is the most likely as to who could massacre an entire family and get away with it.

six-coffins

 

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