394: Trapped Underwater With A Killer: What Really Happened To Kim Wall?

399: A Cryptic Note, Voicemail & a Disturbing Scene... The Murder of Faith Hedgepeth

Jul 2, 20261h 27mSummary

In this episode of Mile Higher, the hosts delve into the haunting and long-unsolved murder of Faith Hedgepeth, a bright and beloved student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Faith, a dedicated and ambitious young woman of the Haliwa-Saponi tribe, was brutally murdered in her apartment in 2012, leaving behind a community devastated and investigators baffled for over a decade. The discussion outlines Faith’s background, highlighting her academic success and her dream of becoming a pediatrician to serve her hometown. The hosts explore the complex social dynamics surrounding her, including her living situation with her roommate, Karina, and the volatile presence of individuals within their circle. They examine the troubling events leading up to the night of the murder, including strange behavior from acquaintances and the unsettling atmosphere of the college social scene. Despite the presence of DNA evidence, the case remained cold for years until breakthroughs in genealogy technology finally led to an arrest. The hosts discuss the ongoing legal proceedings, the lingering mysteries surrounding the crime, and the pursuit of justice for Faith’s family as the case approaches trial.

398: She Drove 100 MPH Into a Building… The Crash That Became a Murder Case

Jun 25, 20262h 24mSummary

In this episode of Mile Higher, hosts Kendall and Josh dive into the disturbing and tragic case of Mackenzie Shirilla, who was convicted of murdering her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, and their friend, Davian Flanagan. The case gained national attention after Shirilla slammed her vehicle into a building at 100 miles per hour, killing both passengers instantly. While the defense attempted to frame the incident as a freak accident caused by a medical emergency, the hosts analyze the chilling evidence that proved otherwise. The discussion explores the toxic and tumultuous nature of Shirilla’s relationship with Russo, highlighting a pattern of manipulation and abuse that predated the crash. A major focus of the episode is the concerning lack of accountability from Shirilla’s parents, whose permissive parenting style and dismissal of their daughter’s history of bullying and criminal behavior remain a point of frustration for the hosts. Kendall and Josh also examine the rise of "true crime" fandoms that support perpetrators, expressing deep concern over the impact this online discourse has on the victims' families. The episode provides a comprehensive look at the tragedy, the subsequent trial, and the unsettling aftermath.

397: A Devoted Wife & A Husband with Evil Intentions….

Jun 18, 20261h 17mSummary

In this episode of Mile Higher, the hosts delve into the tragic case of Allison Baden-Clay, a devoted wife and mother whose life was cut short by her husband’s calculated deceptions. On the surface, Allison and her husband, Jared, appeared to lead an idyllic life in an affluent Brisbane neighborhood, bolstered by Jared's prestigious family legacy as the descendant of the Boy Scouts founder. However, behind the carefully curated facade of their marriage, Jared led a secret life defined by infidelity, narcissism, and financial manipulation. The discussion explores the stark contrast between Allison’s character—a hardworking, family-oriented woman—and Jared’s behavior, which included long-term affairs, the use of adult dating sites, and verbal abuse toward his wife. The hosts examine how Jared’s obsession with maintaining a public image of "ethical excellence" masked his true, predatory nature. Throughout the episode, the hosts highlight the heartbreaking reality of Allison’s internal struggle as she mistakenly blamed herself for the cracks in their marriage. This deep dive into the case serves as a somber look at how a seemingly perfect life can mask sinister intentions.

396: The Party Everyone Remembers… Except the Girl Who Disappeared

Jun 11, 20261h 28mSummary

In this episode of Mile Higher, the hosts delve into the haunting and unsolved disappearance of Lisa Doran, a 25-year-old woman who vanished in Northern Ireland in 2005. The discussion begins by setting the context of the region, explaining how the legacy of the Troubles—a decades-long sectarian conflict—left a lingering shadow of organized crime and paramilitary activity even after the peace process. Lisa, described by her family as a vivacious and close-knit individual, was living in a largely sheltered environment until a serious injury led her to forge new social connections. These new associations unfortunately drew her into a circle involved in drug use and linked to local loyalist militias. The hosts explore how Lisa’s life began to unravel as she struggled with substance abuse, despite her hopes of leaving the country to start a new business in Spain. The episode examines the mysterious circumstances surrounding her final days, culminating in a party at a caravan park where she was last seen. The hosts analyze the suspicious claims made by witnesses regarding flashing lights and her sudden flight, highlighting why investigators officially classified the case as a murder despite the lack of a body or physical evidence. Through this deep dive, the show sheds light on a tragic case that has left a grieving family without answers for over two decades.

395: A Picture‑Perfect Marriage, a Skydiving ‘Accident' & a Husband with Murder in Mind

May 28, 20261h 5mSummary

In this episode of the Mile Higher podcast, the hosts delve into the harrowing and calculated crimes of Emil Cilliers, a man whose double life ultimately led to an attempted murder plot against his wife, Victoria Cilliers. Victoria, an experienced Army captain and avid skydiver, miraculously survived a 4,000-foot fall after both of her parachutes failed during a routine jump—a terrifying incident that revealed the extent of her husband's deception. The hosts analyze Emil’s history of serial infidelity, financial manipulation, and his pattern of gaslighting partners across multiple countries. While Victoria worked to support their family and their two children, Emil was secretly racking up massive debts to fund a lavish lifestyle and affairs with sex workers and long-term mistresses. The discussion highlights the chilling evolution of his behavior, ranging from leaving a gas valve open in their home to sabotage the property, to the eventual tampering with Victoria's skydiving equipment. This deep dive uncovers a portrait of a narcissist who was driven by greed and a total lack of empathy, illustrating the disturbing lengths one man went to in order to escape his responsibilities.