About me
and the show
“The Crimes That Shaped Our City” true crime series is published through the Warwick Radio Online podcast. Host Kate Itacy produces the series alongside librarian Wil Gregerson. The episodes tell the true stories of crimes either committed by Warwick, Rhode Island residents or committed within the city limits.
Subscribe to Warwick Radio Online on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart, Spotify, and more.
“Learn about the crimes of Warwick founder Samuel Gorton, an opinionated colonist who believed in freedom of speech and religion at all costs. Gorton was either banished or sentenced with heresy or seditious conduct by Boston, Newport, Plymouth, Portsmouth, and Providence between 1636-1643 and was nearly sentenced to death. Hear how he avoided the ultimate punishment and went on to establish and shape our city.”
Episode 2 – State of Rhode Island v. Kimberly Mawson, Part One
“In December 2002, nineteen-month-old Jade Mawson died from shaken baby syndrome. Deciding who was responsible was difficult, and then, after a suspect was convicted, the case took an unexpected turn.
Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of a form of child abuse known as “shaken baby syndrome” or “abusive head trauma,” including descriptions of the physical and mental harm caused by the abuse. If you are triggered by discussions of child abuse, please skip this and the following episode of the program.”
Episode 3 – State of Rhode Island v. Kimberly Mawson, Part Two
“Listen to the unexpected conclusion of the State of Rhode Island v. Kimberly Mawson.
Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of a form of child abuse known as “shaken baby syndrome” or “abusive head trauma,” including descriptions of the physical and mental harm caused by the abuse. If you are triggered by discussions of child abuse, please skip this and the following episode of the program.”
Episode 4 – Carl Rettich and His Crime Castle
“Today, hear the tale of reputed bootlegger and bank robber Carl Rettich and his Crime Castle, a Warwick Neck mansion owned by Rettich and alleged to be the hub for the Rettich gang’s criminal activities during the 1920s and 1930s. Underworld legend credits Carl Rettich with the invention of cement shoes, and he may have poured a pair for his associate Danny Walsh in a secret dungeon under the Crime Castle’s basement before throwing Walsh into Narragansett Bay.”
Episode 5 – State of Rhode Island v. Adam Emery
“Today, hear the tale of Warwick murder suspect Adam Emery. When his Ford Thunderbird was sideswiped at Rocky Point Park in 1990, Adam sped after the wrong car, ran it off the road, and stabbed the driver to death. At trial, Adam argues he only meant to talk with the driver about the accident, and only stabbed the driver when Adam believed his own life was in danger.
Next week, tune in to Part 2 to learn about the mysterious disappearance of Adam and his wife just a few hours after the jury finds him guilty of second-degree murder.”
Episode 6 – State of Rhode Island v. Adam Emery, Part Two
“Today, hear the tale of Warwick fugitive Adam Emery. When his Ford Thunderbird was sideswiped at Rocky Point Park in 1990, Adam sped after the wrong car and stabbed the driver to death. After he was convicted of murder, Adam and his wife seemingly jumped to their deaths from the Claiborne Pell Bridge, but the FBI says it has no reason to believe Adam is dead and is still searching for him.
Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of suicide. If you are uncomfortable with or triggered by discussions of suicide, please skip this episode and tune back in to Warwick Radio Online on October 27.”
Episode 7 – State of Rhode Island v. Jeffrey Scott Hornoff, Part 1
“Today, hear the story of Warwick police detective Jeffrey Scott Hornoff. In 1989, 29-year-old Victoria Cushman was murdered, and after an investigation hampered by mistakes, oversights, and police obstruction, Scott Hornoff was wrongfully convicted of the crime.
Learn about Vicki Cushman’s murder, the investigation by the Warwick Police Department and the Rhode Island State Police, and the prosecution of Scott Hornoff.
In three days, tune in to Part 2 to learn about Scott’s time in prison, the eventual confession to the crime of the actual murderer, Todd Barry, and the resolution of the two men’s cases.”
Episode 8 – State of Rhode Island v. Jeffrey Scott Hornoff, Part 2
“Today, hear the story of Warwick police detective Jeffrey Scott Hornoff. In 1989, 29-year-old Victoria Cushman was murdered, and after an investigation hampered by mistakes, oversights, and police obstruction, Scott Hornoff was wrongfully convicted of the crime.
Learn about Scott’s time in prison, the eventual confession to the crime of the actual murderer, Todd Barry, and the resolution of the two men’s cases.”
Episode 9 – State of Rhode Island v. Craig Chandler Price, Part 1
“Today, hear the story of Warwick serial killer Craig Chandler Price. In 1989, 15-year-old Craig Price confessed to murdering two single mothers, Rebecca Spencer and Joan Heaton, and Joan’s daughters, Jennifer and Melissa. However, juvenile offender laws only allowed Craig Price to be incarcerated until he was 21. Learn about the murders and the uproar over Craig’s sentencing, and hear about the lives of Rebecca Spencer and Joan, Jennifer, and Melissa Heaton.
Next week, tune in to Part 2 to discover how the State of Rhode Island worked to keep Craig Price imprisoned over the past 35 years.”
Episode 10 – State of Rhode Island v. Craig Chandler Price, Part 2
“Today, hear the story of Warwick serial killer Craig Chandler Price. In 1989, 15-year-old Craig Price confessed to murdering two single mothers, Rebecca Spencer and Joan Heaton, and Joan’s daughters, Jennifer and Melissa. However, juvenile offender laws only allowed Craig Price to be incarcerated until he was 21. In this episode, learn how the State of Rhode Island worked to keep Craig Price imprisoned over the past 35 years.”
Katherine Itacy 