Missing Scientists: She Predicted Her Own Death. Then It Happened. | Pt. 1

Missing Scientists: She Predicted Her Own Death. Then It Happened. | Pt. 1

Author: This Feels Criminal | Formerly Killer Queens May 13, 2026 Duration: 53:15
A plasma physicist texted a former spy: "If you ever see a report that I killed myself — I most definitely did not." Then that's exactly what the report said. In under eight weeks, one Substack post turned into a White House briefing, an FBI probe, and a House Oversight Committee inquiry. The story: 11 deaths and disappearances of US government-connected scientists. But is it a pattern — or a story about how the internet decides what gets investigated? Tyrella and Nikita go case by case through every name on the list, separating what's verified from what's speculation, and noting which families have asked to stay out of the conspiracy framing entirely. Part 2 out now for Patrons. ⚠️ This episode discusses suicide, gun violence, and unresolved disappearances. If you're struggling, call or text 988. Want access to our first 45 episodes? Grab em here! We've made them available for free to anyone who signs up! Remember, these episodes were recorded when we had no idea what we were doing, so just keep that in mind. The audio isn't the quality we would want to put out now, but the cases are on point! Visit killerqueens.link/og to download and binge all the archived episodes today! Hang with us: Follow Us on Instagram Like Us on Facebook Join our Case Discussion Group on Facebook Get Killer Queens Merch Bonus Episodes Support Our AMAZING Sponsors: SKIMS: Shop Everyday Cotton, and all of my favorite bras and underwear at https://www.skims.com #skimspartner Veracity: Head to VeracityHealth.co and use code TFC for up to 65% off your order. TUSHY: Over 2.5 Million Butts Love TUSHY.  Get 10% off TUSHY with the code KILLER at https://hellotushy.com/KILLER Smalls: Get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping AND free treats for life when you head to Smalls.com/QUEENS! © 2026 Killer Queens Podcast. All Rights ReservedAudio Production by Wayfare Recording Music provided by Steven Tobi Logo designed by ⁠Ingrid at Penguin Designing⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You might remember Tyrella and Nikita from their previous work as the Killer Queens. After eight years and hundreds of cases covered, their perspective has fundamentally shifted, leading to a thoughtful evolution of the true crime conversation. This new chapter, titled This Feels Criminal: A True Crime Podcast (Formerly Killer Queens), is for an audience that has matured alongside them, moving beyond the straightforward narrative to ask deeper, more difficult questions about the stories we think we know. Grounded in a shared history of growing up with Dateline and the early internet, the hosts now approach each case with a deconstructed viewpoint, examining the societal and human layers often glossed over. The podcast delves into the historical context surrounding crimes, exploring how time and place shape tragedy. Listeners will hear nuanced discussions that prioritize perspective over sensationalism, focusing on the complex "why" behind the "what." It’s a natural progression for hosts and audience alike, offering a more considered space within a crowded genre. Each episode of this podcast builds on a foundation of extensive research and lived experience, aiming to understand the full weight of the story, because there’s always more to it.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

This Feels Criminal: A True Crime Podcast (Formerly Killer Queens)
Podcast Episodes
Nicole VanderHeyden Case: Green Bay Murder Mystery & Fitbit Evidence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:50
When Nicole “Nikki” VanderHeyden didn’t return home after a night out in Green Bay, suspicion quickly fell on her boyfriend. Blood at the house, disturbing evidence in the yard, and his past all seemed to point in one di…
Unknown Number: The High School Catfish (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:50
Part 2 of 2: A Michigan high school couple is stalked by an anonymous texter for over a year—sending 50+ threatening messages a day. As families fall apart and the FBI gets involved, the truth behind the Netflix true cri…
Unknown Number: The High School Catfish (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:58
A Michigan high school couple is stalked by an anonymous texter for over a year—sending 50+ threatening messages a day. As families fall apart and the FBI gets involved, the truth behind the Netflix true crime doc Unknow…
Part 2: “The Oracle & the Algorithm” — Kendra Hilty TikTok Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:01
(Part 2 of 2) After her TikTok series went viral, Kendra Hilty began calling herself “Oracle” and turning to AI chatbots “Henry” and “Claude” for guidance — while distancing herself from friends and family who questioned…
Bad Influence, Ep. 3 #Unfollow: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:08
When child influencers try to escape the spotlight, not everyone lets them walk away quietly. In Episode 3 of Bad Influence, Tiffany lashes out at kids who leave her “Squad,” but a shocking lawsuit soon exposes something…
Bad Influence, Ep. 2: #Crush — The Dark Side of Online Obsession [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:30
When a teenage influencer sparks an online crush, the line between fan and follower blurs—and the fallout turns dark. In Episode 2 of Bad Influence, we dive into the story of Piper Rockelle’s fanbase, the parasocial rela…
BONUS: We're Getting a New Name! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:00
If you’ve caught our latest socials, you already know — we’re stepping into a new era and giving the show a glow-up! 🎉 Killer Queens will always hold a special place in our hearts, but without Tori, things are different.…