Introduction
This is a true crime blog. The nature of these cases may be disturbing, upsetting, and graphic. This is a general trigger warning for each blog post; however, I will be putting specific trigger warnings on individual blog posts as well. Please be mindful and aware when reading.
Being raised in the 1970s and becoming a young adult in the 1980s, my mother was entranced with Unsolved Mysteries and America’s Most Wanted. She saw in real time the golden age of serial murder. As I became a teenager, her fascination moved to podcasts and documentaries. She encouraged me to listen out of caution, and my own interest began that way. Women, who are statistically at a higher risk of violence, often find that true crime aligns with their lived experiences. Reading, listening, and watching this form of media serve as psychological rehearsal, allowing for a sense of control, a better understanding of warning signs, and response preparation.
The more I listened to the endless list of true crime podcasts, the more my efforts towards personal safety evolved into a passion. In the hundreds of cases I have heard, and in all the cases I have researched, it is appalling the number that are severely mishandled, mistreated, and could have been prevented. In the simplest of words, it is unacceptable. Too many victims have gone too long without justice, and their loved ones too long without answers.
I started this blog to raise awareness. I want to help educate readers about mistreatment by law enforcement, media biases, how we can pursue prevention laws, mental health awareness, and how we can keep ourselves and others safe. True crime education is a fine line to walk. It is important not to overstep into exploitation. I want to tell these stories as respectfully and professionally as possible. As a third party, it is easy not to fully comprehend the weight of these cases and events. It is easy to put up a mental buffer. Understand and accept that the events you will read are true and that someone experienced these atrocities. Do not gloss over it as if it’s fiction. It’s more difficult this way, but by doing so, you are already helping victims not to be forgotten by time. However, it is crucial to consume this media with care, not only for the victims and their families, but also for yourself. Take breaks to digest and reflect. If a case is too much for you, walk away and maybe come back to it. Do whatever you need to do.
Thank you for reading In the Midnight Hour. Your support means every case is one step closer to being given answers, given justice, and being solved.
Below, you can find my recommendations for true crime podcasts, sources I use to write this introduction, and information regarding crisis hotlines and resources.
Contact Me
Feel free to reach out with case suggestions or comments by visiting the "contact" tab above.