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. 23 - Muddy Waters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:21
Shifting focus-- Boyfriend Rod Franciscovich was a crucial figure in the lives of Donna and Justine. As his account of events unravels for the police, several prominent themes emerge, shedding light on the intricacies of…
Ch. 22 - The Pallbearer Part Two [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:13
David Haynes, part two-- Several unresolved questions emerge, adding to the mystery surrounding Donna and Justine's deaths. One lingering question revolves around Donna's younger brother blowing David and his wife a kiss…
Ch. 21 - The Pallbearer Part One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:25
Delving deeper-- David Haynes’ account of his version of events surrounding the tragic fire that claimed the lives of Donna and Justine. Several intriguing points emerge comparing David's account to what was covered in t…
Ch. 20 - Wake Me With the Morning's Light [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:05
Trust Officer David Haynes-- Inadvertently offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of investigative technique and interrogation, the meticulous approach taken by the investigators becomes evident as they employ var…
Ch. 19 - Flesh or Fight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:32
Loss and grief-- The narrative of Donna & Justine’s case casts a somber and poignant atmosphere over their tragic deaths. The profound impact of this devastating event on the community of Canton, particularly those indiv…
Trailer - Narrative of a Double Homicide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:30
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 2. Prologue - Donnie & Donna [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:59
An ongoing investigation-- A Delve into the Aftermath of the Tragic Fire, light is shed on the role of small-town dynamics, individuals connected to the case's willingness to discuss Donna and Justine's case allow a comm…
Ch. 18 - Willing & Able [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:12
The aftermath-- John Stanko, Lt. Fire Chief, and Jack Malooly, ATF Agent, provide firsthand accounts and valuable insights into the initial discovery of Donna and Justine’s bodies and shed light on the investigative proc…
Ch. 17 - “Why the hell is this doll lying here...?” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:30
Officer Rusty Graham-- When it comes to criminal investigations, some cases etch themselves deeply into the minds and hearts of those involved. For Rusty Graham, a police officer born and raised in Canton, the Donna & Ju…
Ch. 16 - The Death of Air [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:03
The scene-- As a devastating fire claims the lives of Donna and Justine, the scene is chaotic and emotionally charged. The discovery of the bodies sends shockwaves through the officers on the scene, who struggle to come…