Family Secrets, Part 1
Sep 11, 2026 · 31m
Summary
This episode details the 1985 triple homicide of Bob, Florence, and Hattie Newsome in Winston-Salem, NC, allegedly committed by Fritz Klner and Ian Perkins. Klner, the son of a controversial vitamin-c doctor, manipulated Perkins into believing he was a CIA agent and orchestrated the killings to prevent a custody ruling against his cousin, Susie Lynch. The narrative explores the family's history, Klner’s delusional persona, and the investigation led by Detective Allen Gentry, who noted a chilling coincidence regarding prior murders of Susie’s in-laws.
Topics discussed
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Dr. K. K. Klener's vitamin c theories and clinic
Fritz Klener's upbringing and interest in weapons
Ian Perkins' background and connection to the Kleners
Fritz's CIA claim and the Texas mission plan
The May 1985 trip to Winston-Salem and the killings
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Fritz Klener's fabricated medical career and lies
Fritz's false claims of military and CIA service
Susie Lynch's background and relationship with Fritz
Family tensions and custody disputes with Tom
Escalating paranoia and the visitation hearing threat
The plan to silence Bob and Florence Newsome
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Detective Allen Gentry arrives at the crime scene
Investigation details and the discovery of the bodies
Clues linking Susie and Fritz to the murders
Outro and credits
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