Podcasts by Direct Appeal
In August 2008, Sarah Widmer, a healthy 24 year-old woman is found dead in her bathtub, just four months after marrying Ryan Widmer… the only person at home with Sarah that night.
Suspicion quickly fell on Ryan, leading to his arrest and conviction for Sarah’s murder. But could this have been a tragic accident?
Further podcasts by Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg
Podcast on the topic Wahre Kriminalfälle
All episodes
The Conclusion from 2023-06-26T05:00
Ep10: We'll learn whats next in Ryan's appeals process, and is there any possible explanation for what happened that night in the bathroom.Finally, Amy and Meghan give their thoughts on Ryan's guil...
ListenSurprise Witness from 2023-06-19T04:00
Ep09: A new mystery witness for the prosecution has everyone wondering who it is... and would they have any information that could seal Ryan's fate?If you have any information regarding this case, ...
ListenThe ReTrial from 2023-06-12T04:00
Ep08: Ryan has one more chance at fighting for his freedom, but will his new legal team be able to achieve a different outcome this time around?If you have any information regarding this case, you ...
ListenThe Jury's Duty from 2023-06-05T04:00
Ep07: In this episode we have a verdict, Ryan is found guilty, but someone comes forward with information that may turn the case upside-down. And Ryan builds a new legal team to take on the challen...
ListenThe Defense from 2023-05-29T04:45
Ep06: The Defense makes their case that Sarah's death was a tragic accident, but will Ryan take the stand and defend himself? Also, we talk to a 3rd party pathologist and get their thoughts on the ...
ListenThe Prosecution Rests from 2023-05-22T04:00
Ep05: The Prosecution calls the rest of their experts, including the "star witness". Just before the Prosecution rests their case, a new theory emerges of what might have happened between Ryan and ...
ListenThe Battle Begins from 2023-05-15T04:00
Ep04: Ryan begins to grieve as he plans Sarah's funeral, but he also is planning for the battle of his life both in the courtroom and in the public eye.The Prosecution will present its case to the ...
ListenUnderwater from 2023-05-01T05:45
Ep02: On this episode, you'll hear Ryan's full account of the night of August 11th, 2008, when he found Sarah dead in their upstairs bathtub, along with the 911 call that will be used in court agai...
ListenThe Nice Guy from 2023-05-01T05:00
Ep 01: On season 2 of Direct Appeal, we examine the murder conviction of Ryan Widmer for the death of his wife, Sarah Whitmer. Looking at the evidence that was presented, that which was not, and t...
ListenSeason 2 Trailer: Ryan Widmer from 2023-04-22T19:02
In August 2008, Sarah Widmer, a healthy 24 year-old is found dead in her bathtub, just four months after marrying her husband Ryan… the only person at home with Sarah that night. Suspicion quickly...
ListenSeason 2 Trailer: Ryan Widmer from 2023-04-22T19:02
In August 2008, Sarah Widmer, a healthy 24 year-old is found dead in her bathtub, just four months after marrying her husband Ryan… the only person at home with Sarah that night. Suspicion quickly...
ListenOne Year Update from 2020-12-03T14:48
After more than one year since the last episode of Direct Appeal, we are back to discuss the recent media attention, to answer audience questions, and address potential tips sent in. We'll update y...
ListenIntroducing Women&Crime: (Cindy James - episode #32) from 2019-11-27T23:49
From the creators of Direct Appeal comes our new project, Women&Crime. Each episode we cover a new female focused true crime case. Enjoy this full length sample episode, and if you like it – Subscr...
ListenIntroducing Women&Crime: (Cindy James - episode #32) from 2019-11-27T23:49
From the creators of Direct Appeal comes our new project, Women&Crime. Each episode we cover a new female focused true crime case. Enjoy this full length sample episode, and if you like it – Subscr...
ListenDeliberation from 2019-11-08T12:32
17: This season's final episode of Direct Appeal brings you audience tips and alternate theories. Also, Amy and Meghan will reveal their conclusions. To help and participate in our research project...
ListenThe Best Friends from 2019-10-24T05:00
16: Direct Appeal is back after a brief hiatus to follow up on listener tips. We return with three interviews from those who knew Melanie best: a friend from her past, a friend from her present and...
ListenMelanie Q&A (part 2) from 2019-09-19T11:52
15: We ask Melanie the your Questions in the second round of Q&A. Thank you for staying tuned during our mid-season break! We are busy following up on your leads and theories and will be sharing th...
ListenDirect Appeal from 2019-08-07T00:38
14: Melanie is sentenced and transferred to prison. She begins the long process of appeals and holds out hope that her conviction will be overturned. Will the courts grant an appeal or will her lif...
ListenMelanie Q&A (part 1) from 2019-07-26T02:08
13: Listen to Melanie’s answers to your questions in part 1 of our question&answer episodes. If you have a question to ask and didn’t hear it in this episode, you have one more chance! Be sure to s...
ListenThe Verdict from 2019-07-17T10:09
12: Both sides make their closing arguments, but an act of God gives one side an advantage. Afterwards, Melanie agonizes while the jury deliberates. The verdict is read and Melanie is sentenced, wi...
ListenThe Best Defense from 2019-06-28T01:16
10: Now that the State has rested, it’s time for Melanie’s Defense to present their case. Several key witnesses emerge but will Melanie’s lawyers call them to the stand? At least two critical witne...
ListenGarbage Science from 2019-06-20T06:47
09: The State’s witness testifies that there is forensic evidence linking Melanie to trash bags found with the body. However the defense gets lucky and happens across their own expert with a differ...
ListenUnfaithfulwife.net from 2019-06-12T02:00
08: The prosecution says that Melanie drove Bill’s body to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Virginia, where she disposed of his remains but Melanie says she was in Delaware furniture shopping. Does Mel...
ListenMickey Finn from 2019-06-05T01:00
07: The prosecution introduces the sedative, chloral hydrate, found in Bill’s car. To fit their timeline, the Prosecution suggests Melanie kept Bill drugged for days before he was shot, but is ther...
ListenOpening Arguments from 2019-05-29T21:35
06: The trial against Melanie McGuire begins on March 5, 2007, live on Court TV, and Melanie finds herself in the middle of a media circus. Lead prosecutor, Patricia Prezioso, makes a forceful open...
ListenHuman Sawdust from 2019-05-22T12:55
05: While Melanie tries to plan Bill’s funeral and move on with her life, the Police begin their Investigation. Eventually, Melanie is indicted. Her bail was eventually raised to $2 million dollars...
ListenLife After Bill from 2019-05-17T19:48
04: Melanie claims that on the evening of the closing, she and Bill had a big fight that lasted into the early morning of April 29th, and concluded with Bill walking out on her. Melanie’s moves ove...
ListenThe Closing from 2019-05-07T02:00
03: Bill and Melanie manage to piece together their relationship after dealing with tumultuous times. They forge ahead with their dreams of owning a home in the suburbs of New Jersey even though th...
ListenThe Perfect Marriage from 2019-05-07T01:55
02: Bill and Melanie each end their other relationships and begin a life together. However, this may not be storybook ending they had hoped for. Their marriage is a volatile relationship, filled wi...
ListenSeason 1 Trailer from 2019-05-03T07:13
For the last 13 years, Melanie McGuire has been serving a life sentence for the murder and dismemberment of her husband, whose body was found in three suitcases in the Chesapeake Bay. With Melanie...
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