Issue 215, September 2, 2024

Man from Orangeburg Arrested for Murder of Former Roommate Found Buried in Backyard, New York Bank Manager Sentenced to 9.5 Years for Murder-For-Hire Plot Against Brother-In-Law

🕵️Trivia Question

In the United States, which notorious case involving a "murder for hire" plot led to the conviction of a prominent figure in 1995, highlighting the severe consequences of orchestrating such crimes?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

PODCAST: Generation Why | Stephanie Wasilishin

On July 9, 1993, in Sedona, Arizona, 10-year-old Nikki Wasilishin awoke to police in her room and learned her mother, Stephanie, had been murdered. For 30 years, no arrests were made. Now, Nikki seeks justice and a re-examination of the case

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What’s Happening Now

Man from Orangeburg Arrested for Murder of Former Roommate Found Buried in Backyard

A man from Orangeburg, South Carolina, has been arrested and charged with the murder of his former roommate after her remains were found buried in his backyard under a fire pit.

Sheridan Dirk Fogle, 54, was taken into custody by the Myrtle Beach Police Department in connection to the death of 51-year-old Penni Whiteside.

The U.S. Marshals Service and Orangeburg Department of Public Safety assisted in executing the arrest warrant at Fogle's home.

The victim was last seen in the spring of 2022, and the investigation into her murder is ongoing.

This tragic incident has shaken the community, and prayers are being offered for the victim's family and friends.

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New York Bank Manager Sentenced to 9.5 Years for Murder-For-Hire Plot Against Brother-In-Law

A New York bank manager was sentenced to 9.5 years in prison for plotting a murder-for-hire scheme against her brother-in-law.

Reshma Massarone, a branch manager at a credit union, was caught sending a payment to a hitman.

She requested the murder occur while her brother-in-law was traveling in Guyana.

The plot was foiled when the hitman informed the victim and the authorities.

Massarone's attorney claimed she was provoked by years of harassment from her brother-in-law.

Despite this, prosecutors argued her behavior was unjustifiable.

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🏠 Safety Tip of the Day: Secure Your Home.

Ensure all entry points to your home, such as doors and windows, are properly locked. Install security systems and motion-sensor lights to deter intruders. A secure home helps protect you and your family from various threats.

Cold Case Highlights

Decades-Old Cold Case Solved: Arkansas Man Arrested for Rape and Murder through DNA Evidence

An Arkansas man has been arrested and charged with a decades-old rape and murder of a young woman in Washington after DNA from his cigarette linked him to the victim.

The arrest brings to a close almost 45 years of searching for a suspect.

Kenneth Duane Kundert, 65, was apprehended and charged with first-degree murder.

Using advanced DNA technology, investigators were able to match Kundert's DNA to the crime scene.

He is currently held on a $3,000,000 bail and awaits extradition to Washington state, with authorities still working to uncover the exact connection between Kundert and the victim.

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New Technology Reveals Identity of Body Found in Miner Slough after 23 Years, Family Seeks Justice

The Solano County Sheriff's Office has identified a body pulled from the Miner Slough in Rio Vista in 2001 as Craig Ott of Sacramento, missing since January 2001.

Using new technology, investigators were able to confirm Ott's identity 23 years later.

Ott's daughter, Sheila, expressed relief and closure at finally knowing her father's fate.

The family hopes for accountability for Ott's death and asks for anyone with information to come forward.

The Solano County Sheriff's Office is now investigating the circumstances surrounding Ott's disappearance and death, with plans to announce more success stories in the future.

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PODCAST: The Vanished | Andy Puglisi: Open Investigation

The website centered on the case of 10-year-old Andy Puglisi, who vanished from a pool in Lawrence, MA, in August 1976.

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🔍Trivia Answer
The case of Dan Rostenkowski.

Dan Rostenkowski, a powerful U.S. Congressman, was convicted in 1995 for his involvement in a "murder for hire" scheme related to a broader corruption case. While Rostenkowski himself was not charged with orchestrating a murder for hire, the case highlighted how high-profile figures could be implicated in criminal activities and face severe consequences. This example underscores the seriousness with which the U.S. legal system treats conspiracy and organized crime, including "murder for hire" plots.