Black Candle Murder Party - West Liberty, Iowa - Part 2
Sep 18, 2026 · 1h 20m
Summary
This episode covers the second part of the 1992 murder of Corey Wenicke in West Liberty, Iowa, focusing on a 2017 breakthrough when a nurse revealed she witnessed the suspect, Annette Cahill, confessing as a child. The hosts discuss the investigation's handling of this witness, including the failure to interview a corroborating friend and the suspect's later inconsistent statements. They analyze the complex web of relationships and the eventual cold case status, highlighting the challenges of solving decades-old crimes with limited resources.
Topics discussed
Intro and Stamps.com sponsorship
Show promotion and recap of previous episode
Suspects and background of Corey Wenicke's murder
Evidence analysis and the cold case status
2017 hospital encounter with a cold case agent
Timeline of Annette's movements on the day of murder
Jessica's testimony of Annette's confession at age 9
Discussion on child witness reliability and family dynamics
Thrive Market sponsorship segment
SimplySafe home security sponsorship
Legal challenges and memory decay concerns
Investigative failures and the missing door discrepancy
2018 interview with Annette and her current life
Annette's defense and inconsistencies in her story
Charges, bond, and reactions from family and colleagues
Debate on guilt, due process, and workplace implications
Status of other suspects and Ro sponsorship
Stamps.com sponsorship segment
First trial proceedings and hung jury outcome
Second trial: New witness Scott Payne and bloodstained clothes
Contested lab report and defense arguments
Second trial verdict, sentencing, and appeals
Wrongful conviction review and DNA evidence analysis
Current advocacy efforts and closing remarks
Outro, live show dates, and final sponsorships
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