Southern Fried True Crime By cover art

Southern Fried True Crime

By: Erica Kelley
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  • Summary

  • Erica Kelley is a native Tennessean exploring historical and contemporary true crime in the South. Southern charm is attempted but southern sass is bountiful. Join her as she shows you just how southern fried the justice system can be in the Deep South.
    Copyright Erica Kelley
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Episodes
  • 214: Erasing Laura Ackerson, Part 2

    214: Erasing Laura Ackerson, Part 2
    May 1 2024
    After Laura Ackerson lost full custody of her sons, she was heartbroken, but she sprang into action. Within 2 weeks, she got another hearing but she still only got weekends. She had to completely overhaul her life. Within a year, Laura found a great apartment and opened her own ad agency—not just a stable job, but a career she was proud of. Meanwhile, Grant Hayes had blown through most of his new wife’s money. His life was swirling down the drain. And with the court ordered pysch evaluation, he knew he was about to lose custody of his kids. Laura had won. He couldn’t let that happen. So when she went missing a month before their next custody hearing, her friends immediately feared the worst. But I’m not sure in their worst nightmares, they could have been prepared to what happened to Laura Ackerson.

    RESOURCES FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
    • US National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
    • National Domestic Violence Hotline: thehotline.org
    • Canada: visit this website to find the hotline in your area
    • UK Domestic Abuse Hotline: 0808 2000 247
    • For resources in other countries, visit this website

    Hosted, produced and written by Erica Kelley
    Researched by Erica and Andrea Marshbank
    Original Graphic Art by Coley Horner
    Original Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma Radio
    Edited & Mixed by Brandon Schexnayder & Erica Kelley
    Case suggested by Marcia

    Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/laura-ackerson-part-2

    This episode is brought to you by:
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    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 41 mins
  • 213: Erasing Laura Ackerson, Part 1

    213: Erasing Laura Ackerson, Part 1
    Apr 22 2024
    27-year-old Laura Jean Ackerson had a really tough start in life. The single mother of two worked hard to build her own small support system in Kinston, North Carolina. Her brother and best friend were the only people she really had. After Laura survived a whirlwind relationship with a charismatic but narcissistic musician, she faced a vicious custody battle with him. Grant Hayes was a glorified bar star and lazy husband and father. But by July 2011, Laura was finally slipping out of his controlling and abusive grasp. She was winning. Her abuser had lost control. The most dangerous time for a woman.

    Hosted and produced by Erica Kelley
    Researched and written by Erica Kelley Andrea Marshbank
    Original Graphic Art by Coley Horner
    Original Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma Radio
    Edited & Mixed by Brandon Schexnayder & Erica Kelley
    Case suggested by Marcia

    Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/laura-ackerson

    RESOURCES FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
    • US National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
    • National Domestic Violence Hotline: thehotline.org
    • Canada: visit this website to find the hotline in your area
    • UK Domestic Abuse Hotline: 0808 2000 247
    • For resources in other countries, visit this website


    This episode is brought to you by:
    • Unlock Jennifer Anniston approved hair at LolaVie.com and use code SFTC at check out to get 15% off your order.
    • Treat yourself to the best bras and shapewear on the market and save 20% Off at honeylove.com/SFTC
    Show more Show less
    53 mins
  • 212: The Whitaker Family Slayings

    212: The Whitaker Family Slayings
    Mar 26 2024
    In December of 2003, 23-year-old Bart Whitaker had just finished his finals and was about to graduate from college. That night, he went to dinner to celebrate with his parents, Tricia and Kent, and his younger brother Kevin. As they returned home and walked through their door, they were ambushed by a masked gunman. Initially, authorities suspected that this was a burglary gone wrong. But before the funerals had even taken place, detectives discovered that Bart had lied about graduating. And that was just the beginning.

    Hosted and produced by Erica Kelley
    Researched and written by Andrea Marshbank and Erica Kelley
    Original Graphic Art by Coley Horner
    Original Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma Radio
    Edited & Mixed by Brandon Schexnayder and Erica Kelley
    Suggested by Jessica, Donna, Michelle, and Kyle

    Sources: https://southernfriedtruecrime.com/whitaker-family-massacre

    This episode is brought to you by:
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    • Try the revolutionary whole body deodorant Lume. Go to Lume.com and enter code SFTC for $5 off the starter pack.
    • Indulge in affordable luxury! Go to Quince.com and use promo code SFTC for free shipping.
    • Sign up for Newspapers.com--your ultimate resource for exploring the mysteries of the past. Use code SFTrueCrime and get 20% off your subscription.
    • They say time waits for no one, and neither should payday--See EarnIn.com/TOS for more details.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 2 mins
True Crime World Social Sciences
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Profile Image for Stephanie Kostiuk

Favorite true crime podcast

Erica tells a gripping story that includes other perspectives and leaves it up to you to decide. I have listened to many true crime podcasts and Erica is the queen.

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Profile Image for Leo Tolstoy, Avid Reader

Well researched

The crimes discussed in this podcast are well researched and the narrator is wonderfully sassy at proper moments as the details of the criminals are outlined.

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Profile Image for C. L. Whatley

Excellent!

I love listening to Erica Kelley speak. She holds your attention and the cases are fascinating.

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Profile Image for Bluebug678793

Please, edit better.

This needs to edited better. On most of the episodes, it replays parts that have already been played.
Also. One does not retire from the military after only serving one tour of duty. They either got out of the military or choose not to reenlist, or was honorably or dishonorably discharged. One retires after serving 20 or more years. Even injured servicemen or called medically discharged. As she says words matter.

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Profile Image for bryce

My first true crime podcast made me an addict ❤️

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! My first true crime podcast ever and will always be one of my favorites. I’m an addict now and love it. Advocate for those who can no longer speak and giving us a look at southern history. Super interesting episode - they usually all are. Thanks again for making this possible for us to enjoy. 😊

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Profile Image for Matthew Gellis

I’m addicted

I’m addicted to this podcast! I’ve always loved crime dramas and true crime stories so I decided to listen to Southern Fried True Crime while I wait for the audio version of a book to be released and it’s amazing. It goes in-depth and focuses on all the details no matter how small and tells compelling stories. If you’re looking for an amazing true crime podcast give this one a try and you’ll be hooked.

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Profile Image for Michael Mugits

super great podcast

I could listen to her voice for hours. and I do while I am at work. she's a great writer and tells a good tale of murder. I like how she questions things.

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Profile Image for allyyschmally

Interesting and thought provoking

I have listened to a few of Southern Fried True Crime pod casts, they are well written and thought provoking!!! Thank for showing different view points without being pushy.

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Profile Image for Fab

Not going to continue listening

I was appalled by this lady’s leniency of criminals, not going to listen to fake excuses.

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Profile Image for Lori

Don't believe everything the courts say.

Love this podcast, but until you've experienced the treacherous child custody courts, you can't imagine the corruption. Don't believe everything a judge says.
Also, what Lee DID take her child away from her father. BUT THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT THE FATHER AND THE COURTS WERE ABOUT TO DO TO HER.

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