Sword and Scale

By: Sword and Scale
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  • Summary

  • Sword and Scale is a weekly true crime podcast covering the dark underworld of crime and the criminal justice system’s response to it. The first episode launched January 1st, 2014 and feature stories of murder, abduction, rape, and even more bizarre forms of crime. It’s the purest form of true-crime where the raw uncensored audio tells the story. Everything from 911 calls to court testimony, interviews with victims and sometimes with perpetrators give listeners a 360 degree look at the seedy underbelly of human nature and so-called civilized society. Sword and scale proves that the worst monsters are real.

    Episodes missing from the free feed are premium "+PLUS" episodes, and can be found at swordandscale.com.
    Copyright 2014-Present, Incongruity LLC
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Social Sciences True Crime World
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Episodes
  • Episode 292

    Episode 292
    May 5 2025
    One morning, seven-year-old Adrian woke up to a confusing and upsetting scene at home. As he tries to understand what's happening, we learn about the hidden problems and growing conflicts among the adults in his life. This child's confusion turns into a harsh reality that will have a lasting impact on his world.
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Episode 290

    Episode 290
    May 2 2025
    When 14-year-old Alianna Defreeze didn’t come home from school one January afternoon, her parents knew something terrible had happened. Police would follow clues from video surveillance to find the monster that was responsible for one of the most unjust crimes Cleveland had ever seen.
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Episode 289

    Episode 289
    Apr 30 2025
    On January 11, 2018, a routine house fire revealed something much more sinister. 28-year-old Elisabeth Bell had burned to death on the second floor of her small eastside home in Buffalo. But as investigators pieced together the how, the real mystery remained as to why?
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    57 mins
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What listeners say about Sword and Scale

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Profile Image for Richard M.

Very informative

I am new to podcasts, but have been interested in true crime for years. The episodes are informative and I enjoy listening while I'm at work. Two thumbs up.

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Profile Image for lisa2045

Love how he tells story!

He’s the best storyteller!! Some voices are annoying but, not his. Great podcast to binge!!

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Profile Image for LSM

excellent take on true crime

The Host is funny and real. Great Interviews and I definitely appreciate that there aren't side bar stories and background noises. Well made program.

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Profile Image for LMT

Ruling thrown out

His release was overturned by the 6th circuit Court of Appeals. It was published November 2021.

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Profile Image for T Jackson

Well told horrible story

You did a great job telling this horrible story. It’s disgusting to realize this monster of a mother will be out some day.

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Profile Image for myranda erickson

My favorite by far!

The best horrifying but brutally honest true crime podcast you will find! I can't stop listening!

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Profile Image for Music

Favorite True Crime podcast

Well researched and presented.
My only real issue is that many of the interview clips are too quiet compared to the rest of the podcast, so sometimes you have to turn the volume way up to hear them, but then turn it back down quickly when that clip is done playing.

A relatively minor issue though.

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Profile Image for Buyer

Riveting!!!

Finally, justice for Angie and justice for Chris. Thank goodness for the technology that got the real murderer.

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Profile Image for Mo

It's hard doing the right thing....

But it has to be done... I was totally baffled to hear about people ridiculing him. I guess that was naive of me. He deserves a freaking medal and some privacy.

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Profile Image for Denise M. Patee

Better than most.

I've heard and seen this story told many times but Mike tells the story better than most others. I love Sword and Scale and Mike's narrative is the best, by far, than other podcasters. Keep up the good work. You all work very hard to tell us a story that captives the mind.

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