Ch. 39 - Open Wounds

Ch. 39 - Open Wounds

Author: Radio Vérté | Cory Zimmerman August 1, 2023 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 acquaintances believe Donnie is innocent, though preferring to maintain a low profile to avoid getting involved with any further drama, especially considering her job caring for elderly and disabled individuals. She shares her challenging life circumstances, including leaving a painful alcoholic relationship before Donnie and raising three daughters, one of whom is in the midst of a teenage pregnancy.

She describes how she met Donnie through a friend, initially believing he was friendly with positive qualities—stating that even dogs and children were drawn to him. However, when Donnie eventually moved in without her consent, she mentions to listeners that she didn't confront Donnie about the issue due to fear of confrontation. This decision led to significant consequences as he later used her address as his place of residence, causing her to lose her rent assistance and become homeless after his eventual arrest for the double homicide. Despite this, she considers herself fortunate compared to the victims, who had lost their lives, as she wasn't physically harmed or abused during the brief relationship. Regarding the case, the ex-girlfriend firmly believes Donnie is guilty of murdering Donna and Justine, adding she has no doubt as to his guilt for the murders, even though Donnie had claimed innocence in letters to her sent from jail.

This interview raises essential ethical considerations regarding the payment for the ex-girlfriend's testimony—while we understand that offering compensation for interviews could potentially impact the credibility and objectivity of her statements—as we intend to be as transparent with you as possible, as financial incentives that were not dulled out may have unintentionally led individuals to provide exaggerated or fabricated accounts to secure compensation.

Contact SRG: cz@studios.works.

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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. 46 - Of the Last Drink [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:47
Courtroom theater-- Arriving at closing statements during a criminal trial, lives hang in the balance, and the long-awaited trial of Donald Bull is no exception. As lead prosecutor, States Attorney Ed Danner, stands befo…
SRG: "Narrative of a Double Homicide" - Trailer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29
Cory Zimmerman and Radio Vérité Present the Literary, Long-Form, True Crime Podcast: "SPOON RIVER GOTHIC - NARRATIVE of a DOUBLE HOMICIDE"A True Crime Saga Revealing a Mystery of Romance, Obsession & Terror. The Borders…
SRG: "Narrative of a Double Homicide" - Trailer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:47
Cory Zimmerman and Radio Vérité Present the Literary, Long-Form, True Crime Podcast: "SPOON RIVER GOTHIC - NARRATIVE of a DOUBLE HOMICIDE"A True Crime Saga Revealing a Mystery of Romance, Obsession & Terror. The Borders…
Part 3. Prologue - A Reasonable Doubt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:23
The trial: Odds & Obstacles-- Alan Friedman, a seasoned legal professional who headed up Donald Bull’s clemency team, will revisit the legal labyrinth and specific aspects of the case that will take center stage—the disc…
Ch. 45 - Neither Brave Man Nor Coward [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:13
A stark reminder-- Within every story, there's a shadow of doubt lurking. To confront this shadow, we must adopt a vigilant skepticism and a relentless pursuit of the truth. It's an arduous journey that demands we questi…
SRG - "Narrative of a Double Homicide" - Trailer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01
Cory Zimmerman and Radio Vérité Present the Literary, Long-Form, True Crime Podcast: "SPOON RIVER GOTHIC - NARRATIVE of a DOUBLE HOMICIDE"A True Crime Saga Revealing a Mystery of Romance, Obsession & Terror. The Borders…
Ch. 44 - The Thrill of the Hunt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:53
The world of criminal investigation-- Within a complex web of strategies and techniques, each agency threads its own path toward justice. The Donna Tompkins case serves as a captivating tableau, shedding light on the str…
Ch. 43 - Naysayers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:55
A Look back at those early suspicions-- Conversations with former Canton police officer Rusty Graham, again, offer a unique look into a first-hand account of that tragic January morning in 1993. Communications with firef…
Ch. 42 - The Contenders [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:25
A contrasting depiction of Donald Bull-- Donnie’s letters and newspaper articles paint a complex picture of a man entangled in legal battles and personal struggles. In his letters, Bull appears defiant and assertive abou…
Ch. 41 - Crazy Eyes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:20
Jeff Grigsby-- During Jeff’s time in jail, he shared a cell with Donnie Bull. Through Jeff's experience, we gain invaluable insights that shed light on the complexity of Donnie’s character and potential flaws in the just…