Trace Evidence Podcast

Weekly true crime podcast focused on unsolved murders and disappearances.

Join the Trace Evidence Patreon

Trace Evidence

Newest Episode

UPDATE - The Tylenol Murders

The Unknown Wanderer identified as Matthew Betkouski

In September of 1982, seven people in the Chicago area died after ingesting over-the-counter Tylenol capsules that had been laced with lethal doses of potassium cyanide before being placed on store shelves.  Although there was a massive investigation and multiple people were closely examined, no one has ever been charged with the hideous crime.

Three months after the murders, an unknown man walked into a Catholic church in Boise, Idaho and swallowed a lethal dose of cyanide.  He had gotten rid of all identifying documents and cards, leaving behind cash for a burial or cremation along with a note signed with the alias Wm. L. Toomey.

Just last week, the Ada County Sheriff's Office announced they had officially identified the unidentified man, known as the Unknown Wanderer, as Dr. Matthew Francis Betkouski, a PhD scientist who suffered from mental health issues and had a deep fascination for chemistry.  

After identifying Betkouski, detectives began uncovering a series of incidents and pieces of evidence which appear to cirumstantially link Dr. Betkouski to the Tylenol Murders in one of the most major investigative avenues to be pursued in that case in decades.  The question now remains to be answered:  Was Dr. Betkouski the Tylenol Poisoner?

LISTEN NOW


Recent Episodes

Trace Evidence is a true crime podcast that focuses on unsolved cases, from chilling murders to mysterious disappearances. Join host Steven Pacheco as he examines each case, diving deep into the evidence and exploring the theories which revolve around them. For each unsolved case, there are the victims and their families, who want answers and the abductors and murders who hide the truth.

“To the living we owe respect, but to the dead we owe only truth.” - Voltaire

Trace Evidence has been the recipient of multiple accolades, including being listed by Oxygen.com as one of the "7 True Crime Podcasts You Should Listen to Right Away" as well as  being recognized by WhatPods.com as one of their "Best True Crime Podcasts."  Most recently, Women.com listed Trace Evidence #3 on their list of the "27 Best True Crime Podcasts."  In "Ad Large Strike Killer Deal," an article written by Radio Ink Magazine about the new True Crime Network, Trace Evidence was pointed out as one of the top titles in their collective.  PodcastManiac listed Trace Evidence as one of the "Top 5 True Crime Podcasts I Subscribe To." WCCO News Anchor Amelia Santaniello listed Trace Evidence as one of her favorite podcasts in “Sharing their Favorite Podcasts” for TwinCities.com. Stayathomemum.com listed Trace Evidence #3 on their list of “42 Chilling True Crime Podcasts that are Just Terrifyingly Terrific.” Vox.com writer Aja Romano in her article “Netflix’s Ted Bundy documentary review: Conversations with a Killer” referred to Trace Evidence as one of the podcasts that goes above and beyond to memorialize and focus on victims.

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Player FM, Blubrry,  RadioPublic, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and More.


To make a one time donation, rather than becoming a monthly Patron, please click the link below.  Also include in your message whether or not you would like to remain anonymous or if I may give you a shoutout on a future episode.

Visit the Trace Evidence Merchandise Shops for These Amazing New Designs & More
Threadless.com | Tee Public | Spread Shop