#357 - When Sharon Causse was shot and killed inside her Las Vegas home in 2008, her husband, Thomas Randolph, claimed he had killed the intruder responsible. But the physical evidence raised questions about his story.

From cartridge cases to a ski mask without blood or bullet holes, investigators began reconstructing a suspected staged home invasion—and uncovering the troubling history of a man who had been married six times. This week on Forensic Tales, we examine Sharon’s murder, the case against the so-called “Black Widower,” and the forensic evidence that challenged his account.

Listener discretion: domestic violence

If you recognize parts of your own relationship in this story, or you’re worried about someone you love, support is available. In the United States, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by texting the word START to 88788, or chat online at thehotline.org.

Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production, written and produced by Courtney Fretwell.

Support the show on Patreon (get early ad-free access to episodes, monthly bonus episodes & more):

patreon.com/forensictales

Website & Episode Sources:

https://www.forensictales.com/thomas-randolph

Follow Forensic Tales:

Instagram: @forensictales

TikTok: @forensictales

Facebook: Forensic Tales

Contact:

courtney@forensictales.com

#356 - When 71-year-old Alan Abrahamson was found shot dead near his gated Florida community, the missing weapon pointed investigators toward murder. But unusual purchases, a puzzling timeline, and a digital trail revealed a different story. This week on Forensic Tales, explore how physical evidence and digital forensics helped unravel Alan’s death—and why his life deserves to be remembered beyond the headlines.

Content warning: Discussion of suicide and self-harm.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, or text HOME to 741741.

#355 - In 2015, healthy 60-year-old chiropractor Mary Yoder suddenly became violently ill and died less than 48 hours later. Toxicology revealed that she had been poisoned with colchicine, but identifying who gave it to her would divide her family and community for years.

A suspicious letter, a bottle hidden inside her son’s Jeep, conflicting digital evidence, and touch DNA eventually led investigators to his ex-girlfriend, Katie Conley.

But after two trials, a conviction, and its eventual reversal, one question remains: Who really poisoned Mary Yoder?

Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production, written and produced by Courtney Fretwell.

Support the show on Patreon (get early ad-free access to episodes, monthly bonus episodes & more):

patreon.com/forensictales

Website & Episode Sources:

https://www.forensictales.com/mary-yoder

Follow Forensic Tales:

Instagram: @forensictales

TikTok: @forensictales

Facebook: Forensic Tales

Contact:

courtney@forensictales.com