Ch. 35 - Sleepless Nights

Ch. 35 - Sleepless Nights

Author: Radio Vérté | Cory Zimmerman July 13, 2023 Duration: 47:14

Shedding light on a troubled character, Donald Bull--

An interview with one of Donnie’s ex-wives reveals a relationship that had started seemingly normal but quickly turned into one marked by control and abuse. The ex-wife bravely shares her experience of enduring Donald's controlling tendencies, physical abuse, and sexual assault. She also expresses frustration and sadness over the jurors' decision to acquit Donald for the rape charge, believing that this outcome may have contributed to the subsequent tragedy involving another woman and her child.

A second interviewee also shares with detectives a disturbing encounter with two men in a truck—one of whom she suspects might have been Donald Bull—an encounter that left her feeling unsafe and uneasy, leading her to reflect on the importance of trusting one's instincts. Though the incident occurred before the events under investigation, it raises questions about Donald's past behavior and its possible impact on the community.

These interviews highlight the warning signs of an abusive personality and the importance of taking such signs seriously. They emphasize the significance of supporting and believing survivors who come forward with their stories. The interviewees' stories show the tragic consequences of unchecked abusive behavior and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and families. Moreover, the mention of corruption in the Canton Police Department in the past and the observation of an "old boys club" suggests a potential background of institutional challenges and prejudices. This context might have influenced how certain cases, including those involving Donald Bull, were handled.

Vital questions arise about the need for reforms and the creation of a more inclusive and accountable law enforcement system.

Contact SRG: cz@studios.works.

Visit SRG : www.spoonrivergothic.com.

Instagram: @srg.podcast

Facebook: /Spoon.River.Gothic.Podcast

YouTube: @Spoon.River.Gothic.Podcast


In the shadows of small towns and along forgotten backroads, stories linger. The Spoon River Gothic Podcast, from Radio Vérté and Cory Zimmerman, unearths these true crime narratives, giving voice to tales that are often whispered but seldom fully told. Each episode is a carefully crafted journey, written and narrated by Zimmerman himself, whose delivery sets a distinctive, atmospheric tone. The work is rooted in detailed research provided by Rachel Laubis, Moira King, and Allison Hester, ensuring every narrative is built on a foundation of factual depth. This isn't just a recitation of events; it's an immersive audio experience designed to pull you into the heart of each mystery. For those who want to delve even deeper, Samantha Thomas provides extended written analysis on the blog, and supporters can access The Spoon River Gothic case file for exclusive bonus episodes and additional investigative material. This podcast lives in the space where the ordinary meets the ominous, exploring the unsettling truths that define the genre. Listen for stories that stick with you, long after the episode ends.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Spoon River Gothic Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Ch. 40 - Tight Lipped & Tenacious [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:02
The heart of an intricate puzzle-- Donna and Justine Tompkins’ case grows more compelling through the interviews conducted with individuals who crossed paths with Donald R. Bull. The whispers of Donnie’s involvement in t…
S1. Interlude - "Sayin' something wrong." [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:46
A conversation with Bruce--Local historian Bruce Weirauch, who runs a Facebook page dedicated to Fulton County's history—we gain insights into his experience of encountering pushback from the community due to his coverag…
Ch. 39 - Open Wounds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:50
The ex-girlfriend-- Preferring to remain anonymous, an ex-lover of Donald Bull’s expresses concerns about being on the record due to the rough crowd she is associated with, mentioning that some of her friends and acquain…
Ch. 38 - The Forest for the Trees [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:16
Investigative thinking-- During the criminal inquiry into Donna and Justine Tompkins' double homicide, investigators face the daunting task of sifting through a labyrinth of evidence and testimonies to uncover even a res…
Ch. 37 - A Strange Feeling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:20
The accounts of Marie and Iona-- We confront Donald Bull's deeply troubling past—a history that includes prior convictions, including rape, which raises concerns about his capacity for violence and wrongdoing. Marie, who…
Ch. 36 - A Balmy 69 Degrees [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:06
The enigmatic suspect-- As the plot thickens, authorities interview multiple individuals connected to Donnie Bull, who has emerged as the prime suspect. The interviews bring to light a maze of inconsistencies, raising qu…
S1. Bonus - Grace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:50
Venture into the realm of human response--Through concepts such as “change” and “questioning” —particularly in the context of the revived investigation into the Donna and Justine Tompkins case, as we dissect the layers o…
Ch. 34 - Reluctant to be Told [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:39
The perplexing life of Donald R. Bull-- At the heart of this episode lies the captivating story of Donnie's recorded confession to raping his estranged wife, captured surreptitiously by his wife and the police. While his…
Ch. 33 - Shoot the Shit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:38
The intricacies of working in a local coffee spot come to light-- Offering a unique perspective on Donnie Bull through the eyes of a former gas station employee, Jeff Bennett, while seemingly insignificant, this employee…
Ch. 32 - The Detective Drama [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:38
Peeling back the layers-- Donna's life gradually reveals a woman hopeful for her future but burdened by uncertainty. The revelation of her potential pregnancy adds an additional layer of complexity to her already challen…