Episode 125: Snakes!
Summary
In 1953, Springfield, Missouri, was terrorized by a series of escaped Indian cobras, leading to a frantic town-wide hunt involving hoes, police, and snake charmers. The blame fell on Rio Moro, a local pet shop owner who kept exotic animals, though he denied responsibility. The mystery was finally solved decades later when a 14-year-old revealed he had accidentally released the snakes from a box in revenge for a denied refund.
Topics discussed
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Show introduction
The first cobra discovery in Springfield
More snakes found and expert identification
Suspect: Rio Moro and his pet shop
Moro's denial and the sixth cobra
Police response and media attention
Public fear and snake charming attempts
The final cobras and the end of the scare
Aftermath and Rio Moro's later life
The truth: Carl Barnett's confession
Credits and sign-off
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