285 episodes

There’s a problem with True Crime.

Creators idolize perpetrators, shame victims, or are completely checked out on cases while they focus on other things. However, we can’t forget there are victims who lost their lives and families who are still grieving to this day.

Furthermore, many True Crime outlets spend their time focusing on themselves or rambling, instead of getting right to the facts of the case. We hear you, this is frustrating.

The Misery Machine focuses on cases the media fails to give proper attention to. We want to help give those a voice that never got to have one, to begin with. We also cover aspects of cases that other podcasts might look the other way on, and the way that these cases impact their communities for generations. It’s not enough to simply cover a case, our platform must be used to make a difference.

The Misery Machine The Misery Machine

    • True Crime
    • 4.8 • 300 Ratings

There’s a problem with True Crime.

Creators idolize perpetrators, shame victims, or are completely checked out on cases while they focus on other things. However, we can’t forget there are victims who lost their lives and families who are still grieving to this day.

Furthermore, many True Crime outlets spend their time focusing on themselves or rambling, instead of getting right to the facts of the case. We hear you, this is frustrating.

The Misery Machine focuses on cases the media fails to give proper attention to. We want to help give those a voice that never got to have one, to begin with. We also cover aspects of cases that other podcasts might look the other way on, and the way that these cases impact their communities for generations. It’s not enough to simply cover a case, our platform must be used to make a difference.

    The Case of Regis Johnson and Arhonda Tillman

    The Case of Regis Johnson and Arhonda Tillman

    This week, Drewby and Yergy head to Davenport, Florida, to discuss another case in Sheriff Grady Judd's territory - and that's the case of Regis and Arhonda Tillman. The couple met at church and proceeded to have a little girl together. At the time of our story, that little girl, who has not been named by the police, was 3-years-old, and Arhonda was already pregnant again. On Tuesday, May 10th, 2022, deputies with the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, along with members of fire and rescue responded to a call at the couple's derelict home located at 6720 South Orange Blossom Trail. There, they found the little girl dead inside of an inflatable pool that was being used as a makeshift playpen. She weighted as much as a newborn baby...
    Support Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/themiserymachine
    PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/themiserymachine
    Join Our Facebook Group: https://t.co/DeSZIIMgXs?amp=1
    Instagram: miserymachinepodcast
    Twitter: misery_podcast
    Discord: https://discord.gg/kCCzjZM
    #themiserymachine #podcast #truecrime
    Source Material:
    https://www.facebook.com/arhonda.tillman.98
    https://www.facebook.com/arhonda.tillman.9
    https://www.facebook.com/arhonda.tillman.5
    https://www.polksheriff.org/news-investigations/2022/05/12/davenport-couple-arrested-for-negligent-child-abuse-resulting-in-death-of-34-month-old-toddler
    https://www.whattoexpect.com/toddler/month-by-month/3-year-old-child
    https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/learning-to-walk
    https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-polk/horrific-sight-polk-county-toddler-died-from-starvation-weighed-only-9-pounds-sheriff
    https://nypost.com/2022/05/12/florida-parents-charged-with-starving-2-year-old-to-death/
    https://www.polksheriff.org/inmate-profile/2216461
    https://www.polksheriff.org/inmate-profile/2216459
    https://www.polksheriff.org/inmate-profile/2216549
    https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-polk/horrific-sight-polk-county-toddler-died-from-starvation-weighed-only-9-pounds-sheriff
    https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/05/12/polk-sheriff-to-hold-news-conference-on-childs-death-parents-arrest/
    https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/05/12/polk-county-couple-charged-after-death-toddler/
    https://www.heartlandforchildren.org/
    https://www.fox13news.com/news/such-a-heartbreaking-sight-unanswered-questions-after-child-found-starved-to-death-in-davenport
    https://www.cbsnews.com/news/regis-johnson-arhonda-tillman-frank-robinson-arrested-after-death-of-florida-toddler-weighing-10-pounds/
    https://www.cbsnews.com/news/regis-johnson-arhonda-tillman-frank-robinson-arrested-after-death-of-florida-toddler-weighing-10-pounds/
    https://www.google.com/maps/@28.2457172,-81.5536322,3a,49y,122.72h,89.18t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1se_HFaHiaqHS-axrDNURM-Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?authuser=0&entry=ttu
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGTEKWRLJuQ

    • 21 min
    The Case of Porchia Bennett

    The Case of Porchia Bennett

    This week, Drewby and Yergy discuss the case of Porchia Bennett, a 3 year old girl from Philadelphia, PA, who was dumped off at a random man's house along with her siblings after her mother, Tiffany Bennett, didn't want to be a mother anymore. That man, Jerry Chambers, inflicted horrors onto the children, which was later described by the District Attorney as the worst case of child abuse that he'd ever seen in the city... one that would cost little Porchia her life. 
    Support Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/themiserymachine
    PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/themiserymachine
    Join Our Facebook Group: https://t.co/DeSZIIMgXs?amp=1
    Instagram: miserymachinepodcast
    Twitter: misery_podcast
    Discord: https://discord.gg/kCCzjZM
    #themiserymachine #podcast #truecrime
    Source Material:
    https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/59146d4dadd7b04934320c5b
    https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/pa-superior-court/1458287.html
    https://southphillyreview.com/2005/05/05/trial-begins-in-tots-slaying/
    https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/pa-supreme-court/1332849.html
    https://southphillyreview.com/2003/09/18/expressions-of-pain/
    https://casetext.com/case/bennett-v-city-of-philadelphia
    https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/8014189/porchia-bennett
    https://southphillyreview.com/2005/05/12/porchias-sisters-share-their-horror/
    https://southphillyreview.com/2003/08/28/mom-charged-in-tots-death/
    https://kolsbygordon.com/slain-toddlers-sisters-sue-the-city-claim-dhs-neglected-their-safety/
    https://casetext.com/case/chambers-v-phila-media-network
    https://6abc.com/archive/5996256/
    https://archive.triblive.com/news/appeals-court-clears-city-social-worker-in-child-abuse-death/
    https://medium.com/south-philly-review/the-other-brother-13294c8539
    https://law.justia.com/cases/pennsylvania/superior-court/2020/739-eda-2019.html
    https://www.websleuths.com/forums/threads/pa-porchia-bennett-3-beaten-to-death-philadelphia-17-aug-2003.22191/
    https://www.wtae.com/article/western-pennsylvania-death-row-inmates/7403412
    https://www.cor.pa.gov/About%20Us/Initiatives/Pages/Death%20Penalty.aspx
    https://law.justia.com/cases/pennsylvania/superior-court/2020/739-eda-2019.htm
    https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/200037503/
    https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/200037276/
    https://www.cor.pa.gov/Inmates/Pages/Inmate-Locator.aspx

    • 34 min
    The Case of Amari Boone

    The Case of Amari Boone

    This week, Drewby and Yergy head to Fort Worth, Texas to discuss the case of Amari Demontre Boone, an adorable little boy who was loved very much by his parents, Rodney Boone and Ariana George. However, Amari's parents fell on difficult times and reached out to CPS for help, after which, Amari and his younger brother were placed in the care of Deondrick Foley and his partner, Joseph Delancy. What at first seemed like a great placement soon turned into a nightmare for little Amari, who suffered a shattered pelvis, before being tortured for 51 days, finally succumbing to his injuries. 
    Support Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/themiserymachine
    PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/themiserymachine
    Join Our Facebook Group: https://t.co/DeSZIIMgXs?amp=1
    Instagram: miserymachinepodcast
    Twitter: misery_podcast
    Discord: https://discord.gg/kCCzjZM
    #themiserymachine #podcast #truecrime
    Source Material:
    https://www.newspapers.com/image/656170007/?terms=%22amari%20boone%22&match=1
    https://www.newspapers.com/image/656468901/?terms=%22amari%20boone%22&match=1
    https://www.newspapers.com/image/710154346/?terms=amari%20boone&match=1
    https://www.newspapers.com/image/656170007/?terms=amari%20boone&match=1
    https://www.newspapers.com/image/721957517/?terms=amari%20boone&match=1 
    https://www.newspapers.com/image/660423950/?terms=amari%20boone&match=1
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/teamamari/
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5F0dQdHQV4
    https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/slain-north-texas-toddlers-journey-for-justice-continues-with-amended-lawsuit-against-foster-care-organizations-and-texas-gov-greg-abbott-301547571.html?fbclid=IwAR3KT5VA5SnE_YHimH00VNOyonpjNune5hMrKvUOo19CHVrCefH_gFuCIhY
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jovWobu9sGg 
    https://audioboom.com/posts/8245565-epsiode-203-the-tragic-case-of-amari-boone 
    https://www.facebook.com/rodneySTAYTRILLboone/videos/2972693209477284 
    https://www.dallasnews.com/news/courts/2021/05/05/parents-of-dead-toddler-say-foster-care-agency-ignored-signs-their-son-was-being-abused-lawsuit-says/
    https://www.buttonlawfirm.com/library/2021-04-12-Boone-FSC-Plaintiffs-Original-Petition.pdf
    https://www.dfps.texas.gov/child_protection/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/ach-child-&-family-services
    https://worldpopulationreview.com/states/texas/how-big
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10084350/#:~:text=Introduction-,Pelvic%20fractures%20in%20children%20secondary%20to%20trauma%20are%20rare%20and,include%20falls%20from%20a%20height.
    https://www.goldsteinhilley.com/violent-offenses/injury-to-a-child-elderly-or-disabled-individual/
    https://www.texastribune.org/2022/04/04/texas-foster-care-children-deaths/#:~:text=Over%20100%20children%20have%20died%20in%20Texas'%20child%20welfare%20system,those%20reported%20in%20previous%20years.
    https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/population-by-country/
    https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/209346044/amari-boone

    • 32 min
    The Case of Damian Sutton

    The Case of Damian Sutton

    This week, Drewby and Yergy head to Michigan to discuss the case of Damian Sutton, an adorable little boy with giant blue eyes and a love for Elmo. After his mother, Nikki, fell on hard times, she moved in with a man named Ronald DiMambro and his family. The two were not a couple, but Ronald was willing to help the young mother get back on her feet. Doing what she felt was right for her son, Nikki accepted the offer. However, Ronald, who had a violent history, began harboring resentment for little Damian - a resentment that would unfortunately result in the little boy dying at his hands. 
    Support Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/themiserymachine
    PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/themiserymachine
    Join Our Facebook Group: https://t.co/DeSZIIMgXs?amp=1
    Instagram: miserymachinepodcast
    Twitter: misery_podcast
    Discord: https://discord.gg/kCCzjZM
    #themiserymachine #podcast #truecrime
    Source Material:
    https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/case-documents/uploads/opinions/final/coa/20161206_c323251(120)_rptr_181o-323251-final-i.pdf
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpMEf4BnCbw
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaiN2qZLKSM
    https://www.facebook.com/sean.randall.7334
    https://www.facebook.com/NikkiTheAquarius
    https://www.facebook.com/justicefordamiansutton/
    https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=2507625002784589&set=pcb.2507625206117902
    https://www.facebook.com/justicefordamiansutton/posts/pfbid0k8T6siRHc5UebWWjQDHsmnXDZrv9jRxYs6RQjYd978deANhfCvaYBf8Zu7ro73Rcl
    https://www.facebook.com/CartersLawLoveMeDontShakeMe/posts/the-trial-has-started-for-the-man-accused-of-first-degree-murder-of-damien-here-/478056092325099/?locale=ar_AR&paipv=0&eav=AfZMQMdT49V9bqfou1Z2kxmrB0uo5EkY3jZS0OGislQ-TVK5R8d2bRUJmIvLlRuQFQw&_rdr
    https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/2013/08/30/private-funeral-but-public-viewing-is-friday-for-damian-sutton/
    https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/macomb/2020/01/31/man-found-guilty-again-2013-death-damian-sutton-2/2858287001/
    https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/macomb/2020/01/16/macomb-man-has-new-trial-2013-death-2-year-old-damian-sutton/4493636002/
    https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1652177931662638&set=pcb.1652178028329295
    http://youtu.be/m-0gRwDagQU
    https://www.customink.com/designs/bcampb/den0-000y-z5ep/hotlink?pc=HL-76683&cm_mmc=hotlink-_-3-_-Body_txt-_-link1&fbclid=IwAR12_ol_GLDAZUBjoNEPuXs3PUfbYsnNPau__9pc5SdmltP8ka1xZWDKIUk
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5klpa111-DM
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWaA7SZo9qY
    https://www.macombdaily.com/2020/03/10/defiant-dimambro-i-would-never-intentionally-hurt-a-child/
    https://www.macombdaily.com/2022/10/04/dimambros-second-murder-conviction-upheld-for-death-of-2-year-old-boy/
    https://www.macombdaily.com/2020/01/22/dimambro-took-responsibility-for-childs-death-in-jailhouse-phone-calls/
    https://www.pressandguide.com/2020/01/17/mother-of-deceased-boy-remains-angry-blames-washington-township-defendant/
    https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/new-charges-expected-after-tot-damien-suttons-death-against-man-accused-of-shaking-throwing-him/
    https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ronald-anthony-dimambro-damian-sutton-murder_n_3825605
    https://www.huffpost.com/entry/damian-sutton-beating-michigan-2-year-old-ronald-dimambro_n_3806310?utm_hp_ref=detroit&ir=Detroit
    https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/2-year-old-on-life-support-after-severe-beating/
    https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/man-gets-new-trial-in-2013-beating-death-of-girlfriends-2-year-old-son/https://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/2013/08/mothers_boyfriend_charged_with.html
    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2403061/Toddler-Damian-Sutton-dies-week-brutally-beaten-moms-boyfriend.html
    https://www.dailytribune.com/2020/01/29/macomb-county-medical-examiner-shocked-at-doctors-testimony-for-murder-defendant/
    https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/man-to-stand-trial-in-macomb-county-toddlers-death/
    https://www.clickondetroit.com/video/news/2019/05/11/damian-suttons-family-thanks-community

    • 27 min
    The Case of October Perez

    The Case of October Perez

    This week, Drewby and Yergy discuss the case of October Perez, a little girl from Montana who was killed by her mother's new boyfriend, David Hyslop. October was forced to sleep on a broken bed in a filthy basement, and suffered a catastrophic spinal cord fracture at the hands of this monster. 
    Support Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/themiserymachine
    PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/themiserymachine
    Join Our Facebook Group: https://t.co/DeSZIIMgXs?amp=1
    Instagram: miserymachinepodcast
    Twitter: misery_podcast
    Discord: https://discord.gg/kCCzjZM
    #themiserymachine #podcast #truecrime
    Source Material:
    https://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/child-abuse/2014/06/26/death-toddler-october-perez-hyslop-guilty/11392877/
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8PK92chvNU
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pATe0MBLbdY&t=0s 
    https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.711955448938749.1073742081.267163020084663&paipv=0&eav=AfajqlJMzbWWTbUBufAC1blp26JjMB1MkaHyiji4Bxd6pdPGvSjJXfsFaB7RBMznLkg&_rdr 
    https://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/2019/03/26/hyslop-killing-october-perez-alleges-ineffective-counsel/3279253002/
    https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3573515906058857 
    https://law.justia.com/cases/montana/supreme-court/2013/da-12-0513.html Court document
    https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/72327216/october-ann-perez 
    https://www.facebook.com/tobyshousemt
    https://tobyshousemt.org/
    https://www.montanarightnow.com/great-falls/good-samaritan-tobys-house-helping-families-in-need/article_a546bd40-ff36-11ed-986f-138354d31587.html
    https://www.newspapers.com/image/243311677/?terms=october%20perez%20david%20hyslop&match=1
    https://www.newspapers.com/image/243293356/?terms=october%20perez%20david%20hyslop&match=1
    https://www.newspapers.com/image/243303313/?terms=october%20perez%20david%20hyslop&match=1
    https://www.newspapers.com/image/239786915/?terms=october%20perez%20david%20hyslop&match=1
    https://www.newspapers.com/image/239764805/?terms=october%20perez%20david%20hyslop

    • 25 min
    The Case of Charlette Dawkins

    The Case of Charlette Dawkins

    This week, Drewby and Yergy discuss the case of Charlette Dawkins, an adorable little girl from Voorhees, New Jersey who was killed by her mother's new boyfriend. On March 13th, 2017, Travis Graham got frustrated with Charlette because allegedly she pinched him, and then proceeded to backhand the little girl down their stairs. On March 14th, 2017, Charlette was pronounced legally dead, although she was kept alive for two more days in order for her organs to be donated. 
    Support Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/themiserymachine
    PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/themiserymachine
    Join Our Facebook Group: https://t.co/DeSZIIMgXs?amp=1
    Instagram: miserymachinepodcast
    Twitter: misery_podcast
    Discord: https://discord.gg/kCCzjZM
    #themiserymachine #podcast #truecrime
    Source Material:
    https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/2019/07/26/travis-graham-30-years-prison-killing-charlette-dawkins/1822310001/
     
    https://people.com/crime/nj-man-admits-killing-toddler-girl/
     
    https://www.change.org/p/judge-michael-e-joyce-prevent-reunification-of-charlette-s-sister-w-mom-substantiated-for-child-neglect-dealth
     
    https://mcgfuneral.com/tribute/details/14123/Miss-James-Dawkins/obituary.html
     
    https://nj1015.com/man-slapped-3-year-old-down-stairs-lied-about-how-she-died
     
    https://www.nj.com/camden/2019/05/man-charged-with-killing-3-year-old-and-robbing-stores-for-drug-money-rejects-deal-in-which-hed-spend-40-years-in-prison.html?fbclid=IwAR3WbG9InTHx5_rqT-03CNZ9mwuzDYjdmok9DFDUi3UEw4dSUBJ_hV8cSec
     
    https://patch.com/new-jersey/gloucestertownship/gloucester-township-man-indicted-murder-3-year-olds-death?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_term=police%20%26%20fire&utm_campaign=autopost&utm_content=gloucestertownship&fbclid=IwAR3jpeLhvbI7Nc1LpBIeNt7UNrjeoKo6x0pDLIsRppZrjbodVZcag40DI70
     
    https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/2019/07/28/keirstyn-myers-godmother-charlette-dawkins-sentencing-travis-graham-aggravated-manslaughter/1850596001/
    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7200319/New-Jersey-man-finally-admits-killing-girlfriends-three-year-old-daughter-two-years-ago.html
    https://apnews.com/0875a001e92a48b7803a1f23d53557e5
    https://www.courierpostonline.com/videos/news/2019/07/26/travis-graham-charlette-dawkins-child-abuse-aggravated-manslaughter-blackwood/1843563001/
    https://nypost.com/2019/07/01/man-admits-to-killing-girlfriends-daughter-after-claiming-she-fell/
    https://www.nj.com/camden/2019/06/man-admits-he-killed-his-girlfriends-3-year-old-daughter-and-told-everyone-she-fell-down-the-stairs.html
    https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/crime/2018/07/27/travis-graham-suspect-homicide-charlette-dawkins/847365002/
    https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/210531820/charlette-james-dawkins
    https://sojo1049.com/man-slapped-3-year-old-down-stairs-lied-about-how-she-died/?trackback=fbshare_mobile&fbclid=IwAR1mPSOKc_LrhiT9tc9APAulTvO0b4p2eX3BPC88iIBqIKcICeTpzNl3Rzo
    https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/2019/07/28/keirstyn-myers-godmother-charlette-dawkins-sentencing-travis-graham-aggravated-manslaughter/1850596001/
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujhjvNz3pQg
    https://www.facebook.com/CharlettesVoice/
    https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.149699986604691&type=3&comment_id=150029706571719&reply_comment_id=150148233226533
    https://www-doc.state.nj.us/DOC_Inmate/details?x=1545949&n=0
    https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=494237874405151&set=a.244791479349793

    • 24 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
300 Ratings

300 Ratings

Alison with 1 L ,

Binged! Again, again!!

Great show!
Passionate relatable hosts!
All the facts!
No overabundance of fluff and nonsense!
Could use more cat opinions (best kind of interruptions) 😻
I’ve listened to at least one episode of ever true crime podcast there is and you guys are one of my top 3. Thank you for your hard work and dedication and a great podcast!
I wish it was an hour but I know y’all both have lives to live.

the worst artist ,

Amazing channel

I used to watch this on YouTube but switched to Podcasts to listen while I can’t watch on YouTube 🫶🫶

Kim Seeds ,

Best True Crime Podcast out there

I absolutely love this podcast. The amount of details and facts presented are unlike any other. I appreciate that they do lesser known cases but they also do a superior job covering some well known cases such as Sylvia Likens and Junko Faruta. Drewby and Yergy tackle some really rough cases and they're very relatable. Some of the content is especially disturbing and is covered in a way that honors the victims in a very special and compassionate way. I'm especially moved when Yergy is vulnerable enough to let us witness the impact of just how disturbing some of these details are. Thank you both for giving us all such amazing content!

Top Podcasts In True Crime

Status: Untraced
Tenderfoot TV & Audacy
Beyond All Repair
WBUR
The Price of Paradise
Wondery
Dateline NBC
NBC News
Crime Junkie
audiochuck
Deep Cover: The Nameless Man
Pushkin Industries

You Might Also Like

Suffer the Little Children
Suffer the Little Children
Stolen Lives True Crime
Stolen Lives True Crime
This Is Monsters
Kompound
Least of These
Big Mad Media | QCODE
Human Monsters
Morgan Rector & Glassbox Media
Murderous Minors
warbaby