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plusFirst level tier imageS&S NightmaresSeason 1

Protective Services

32 min 58 s
3.3k Listeners
4 Comments

It was May of 1998 in the small town of Romeo, Michigan and the once quaint home of the Verellen Sisters now resembled the inside of a dumpster. The whole house was littered with trash: greasy paper bags, half-empty cups of soda, pest strips hanging from the ceiling collecting flies, and ketchup. With each step into the layers of trash on the floor, the detectives wondered what mysterious noise would pop under their feet. They were looking for a woman who had gone missing and this was the last known place she had been seen alive.

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3.3k Listeners
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It was May of 1998 in the small town of Romeo, Michigan and the once quaint home of the Verellen Sisters now resembled the inside of a dumpster. The whole house was littered with trash: greasy paper bags, half-empty cups of soda, pest strips hanging from the ceiling collecting flies, and ketchup. With each step into the layers of trash on the floor, the detectives wondered what mysterious noise would pop under their feet. They were looking for a woman who had gone missing and this was the last known place she had been seen alive.

The episode provides an in-depth analysis of the harrowing murder of dedicated social worker Lisa Putman, who fell victim to the violent actions of sisters Joe and Jackie Verellen. The program meticulously retraces the steps leading up to the brutal crime, delving into the complex psychological and environmental factors that may have influenced the sisters' decision to commit such an atrocity.


As the episode unfolds, it paints a detailed portrait of the Verellen sisters' troubled past, exploring their family dynamics, childhood experiences, and the series of events that may have shaped their behavior and precipitated the murder. The narrative is careful to provide context, offering insights into the sisters' mental state and the societal pressures they faced, which could have contributed to their eventual downfall.


The chilling account continues by chronicling the aftermath of the crime, including the meticulous police investigation that ensued. The episode highlights the diligent work of law enforcement as they pieced together the evidence, leading to the eventual arrest and conviction of Joe and Jackie Verellen. The legal proceedings are examined, shedding light on the sentencing phase and the ultimate fate of the sisters within the criminal justice system.


Throughout the episode, an enigmatic voice intermittently cuts through the narrative. This unidentified speaker offers cryptic remarks that serve to heighten the tension and add a layer of intrigue to the already compelling story. The voice's origin and purpose remain a mystery, leaving listeners to ponder its significance and connection to the overall narrative.