The Black Hole Murders - Kibler, Arkansas

The episode opens with a gripping narrative about a frantic search that ensues in Kibler, Arkansas, when three people go missing—Joanna Price, her husband Larry, and their landlord Holly Gentry. The situation escalates when Detective Ray Tate, who is called to investigate, also disappears. The hosts delve into the small-town environment, touching on the local demographics and historical context of Kibler, painting a picture of a seemingly idyllic, yet undercurrent of violence.

As they recount the events leading up to the disappearances, the hosts detail the timeline of calls made by Joanna and the growing concern when Larry fails to return from work. Following their reports to the police, the gruesome discovery of the victims' bodies is revealed, which sets the stage for the ensuing investigation. The narrative describes the discovery of blood evidence, hair samples linking Simmons to the crime, and the testimony of witnesses who observed suspicious activity at the Price apartment.

The episode unfolds as the investigations lead to the arrest of Thomas Simmons, a parolee with a long history of violent crimes, including assault and robbery. Discussion about the trial reveals the public outrage and concerns regarding the criminal justice system, as Simmons is represented by a public defender who previously had a conflict of interest due to his representation of key witnesses. Simmons ultimately faces trial for the kidnappings and murders, culminating in a conviction and multiple death sentences.

As the trial progresses, the hosts highlight the emotional reactions from the victims' families and the local community's desire for justice. The episode concludes with the shocking news of Simmons' suicide in jail just days before his scheduled execution, sparking discussion about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system and the humanization of violent criminals.