Criminal Criminal

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

Sponsors: BetterHelp and Fetch Pet Insurance 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 Sponsors: Bombas and Bird Is Eye View promo 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 Sponsor: Fetch Pet Insurance Sponsor: Life From Scratch series 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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