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True Crime Sleep Stories

True Crime Sleep Stories

By: True Crime Sleep Stories
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 Hello and welcome to True Crime Sleep Stories, where you can settle in with a good true crime tale while drifting off into a safe sleepy slumber. Sip on a cup of hot tea, grab a warm fleece blanket, or cozy up by the fire... just make sure you’re comfortable and ready for relaxation.
And now it’s time to get comfy… because I’m going to tell you a bedtime story.


Kelli Brink, True Crime Sleep Stories Politics & Government True Crime World
Episodes
  • 25: The Unsolved Dardeen Family Murders | True Crime Sleep Stories

    25: The Unsolved Dardeen Family Murders | True Crime Sleep Stories
    Jul 2 2025
    Welcome to True Crime Sleep Stories, where haunting tales of the past guide you into a restful night’s sleep. In this episode, we journey to Ina, Illinois, in November 1987, to unravel the chilling and unsolved Dardeen Family Murders—a case that shattered a small town and left a mystery that lingers like fog over the fields. Settle in, dim the lights, and let this story carry you into the shadows. Episode Description On a crisp autumn evening in 1987, the Dardeen family—Keith, Elaine, their son Peter, and their unborn daughter Casey—lived a quiet life in a mobile home in rural Ina, Illinois. Dreams of a fresh start in Mount Carmel were on the horizon, but a darkness descended on November 17, silencing their hopes. Found brutally murdered in their home, with Keith’s body discovered a mile away, the Dardeens’ deaths stunned a community already shaken by a wave of violence. No forced entry, no clear motive, and a killer who vanished like a ghost. Was it a trusted friend, a drifter like Tommy Lynn Sells, or something more sinister? Join us as we explore this heartbreaking case, told with care to honor the lives lost, in a narrative designed to soothe and intrigue as you drift toward sleep. Content Warning: This episode contains descriptions of brutal violence. If you prefer lighter stories, check out our other episodes in the playlist below. Resources & How to Help If you have information about the Dardeen Family Murders, contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at (618) 242-8477.Share your thoughts on X or in the comments below. Do you believe Tommy Lynn Sells was involved, or does another theory resonate? --- --- --- --- Special Announcement CrimeCon 2025 is right around the corner! Mark your calendars for September 5-7, 2025, and join me in Denver, Colorado, for the ultimate true crime experience. You can get 10% off your ticket using my exclusive discount code BRINK at checkout. As a special thank-you to my listeners, stop by my table with your ticket/code receipt, because I’ll have a free signed copy of my book waiting for you. Come say hi—I can’t wait to meet you! --- --- --- --- Thank You for Listening If you liked this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and recommend True Crime Sleep Stories to your fellow true crime enthusiasts. Follow along for more dark and mysterious tales to ease you into your evening. And as always, stay curious and stay safe. --- --- --- --- Buy The Books: True Crime Sleep Stories, Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3Z8jx5L True Crime Sleep Stories, Volume 2: https://amzn.to/4kAthhj True Crime Sleep Stories, Volume 3:https://amzn.to/3H9xfPQ --- --- --- --- Support the show by joining Patreon https://www.patreon.com/KelliBrink Social Media: FACEBOOK: facebook.com/truecrimesleepstories INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/truecrimesleepstories Instagram.com/kellibrink YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@TrueCrimeSleepStoriesPodcast?si=ETLR6h5vDvvx9T_z APPLE PODCASTS: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-sleep-stories/id1649396201 SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/3qDUjSgEY2T6KMHrFoLTaQ?si=f532504c83f34669 TIKTOK: @truecrimeirl Support us: Leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or share this episode with a friend. Your support brings more stories to light. Suggest a case: Have a mystery you’d like us to explore? DM us on social media or email us via our website. Thank You Thank you for joining us in the shadows of Ina, Illinois, to remember the Dardeen family. Their story is a reminder of love, loss, and the enduring quest for truth. If you’re drifting off, let the questions fade into the night. For those still awake, carry this tale lightly, and may your dreams be gentle. Sleep well, and we’ll meet again in the next mystery. Goodnight. #TrueCrimeSleepStories #DardeenFamilyMurders #UnsolvedMystery #TrueCrime #CrimeCon2025 #InaIllinois #MysteryPodcast
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    16 mins
  • 24: Snowfall & Secrets: Karen Read and John O'Keefe | True Crime Sleep Stories

    24: Snowfall & Secrets: Karen Read and John O'Keefe | True Crime Sleep Stories
    Jun 26 2025
    Welcome to True Crime Sleep Stories, where captivating mysteries unfold gently, guiding you toward peaceful rest.

    This episode, titled "Snowfall and Secrets: The Mystery of Karen and John", invites you to a quiet winter night in Canton, Massachusetts, where the snow falls softly, and a story of love, loss, and unanswered questions takes shape.

    Join us as we weave through the icy streets of this small town and explore the events of January 28, 2022.

    Through Karen Read and John O’Keefe's shared life of love and challenges, we follow an evening of laughter, friendship, and tragedy that culminates in a discovery that fractures the heart of Canton.

    If you enjoyed this soothing tale of mystery, please like, subscribe, and leave a review for True Crime Sleep Stories.

    Until next time, dream of snowy streets, gentle whispers, and a world wrapped in peace. Goodnight, and sleep tight.

    --- --- --- ---
    Special Announcement
    CrimeCon 2025 is right around the corner! Mark your calendars for September 5-7, 2025, and join me in Denver, Colorado, for the ultimate true crime experience.
    You can get 10% off your ticket using my exclusive discount code BRINK at checkout.
    As a special thank-you to my listeners, stop by my table with your ticket/code receipt, because I’ll have a free signed copy of my book waiting for you. Come say hi—I can’t wait to meet you!
    --- --- --- ---
    Thank You for Listening
    If you liked this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and recommend True Crime Sleep Stories to your fellow true crime enthusiasts. Follow along for more dark and mysterious tales to ease you into your evening. And as always, stay curious and stay safe.
    --- --- --- ---
    Buy The Books:
    True Crime Sleep Stories, Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3Z8jx5L
    True Crime Sleep Stories, Volume 2: https://amzn.to/4kAthhj
    True Crime Sleep Stories, Volume 3:https://amzn.to/3H9xfPQ
    --- --- --- ---
    Support the show by joining Patreon https://www.patreon.com/KelliBrink
    Social Media:
    FACEBOOK:
    facebook.com/truecrimesleepstories
    INSTAGRAM:
    instagram.com/truecrimesleepstories
    Instagram.com/kellibrink
    YOUTUBE:
    https://youtube.com/@TrueCrimeSleepStoriesPodcast?si=ETLR6h5vDvvx9T_z
    APPLE PODCASTS:
    podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-sleep-stories/id1649396201
    SPOTIFY:
    https://open.spotify.com/show/3qDUjSgEY2T6KMHrFoLTaQ?si=f532504c83f34669
    TIKTOK: @truecrimeirl
    Show more Show less
    14 mins
  • 23: The Axeman’s Lullaby | True Crime Sleep Stories

    23: The Axeman’s Lullaby | True Crime Sleep Stories
    Jun 25 2025
    The Axeman’s Lullaby Settle in for a haunting tale that will send shivers down your spine while gently lulling you into restful slumber.

    Tonight, we transport you to the sultry streets of 1918 New Orleans, where the scent of jasmine lingers in the warm night air, and the distant hum of jazz floats through open windows.

    But beneath the charm of this lively city lies a shadowy figure who would become one of the most chilling characters in its history. This is the story of the Axeman, a phantom who struck in the night, spread fear through the city, and vanished without a trace.

    Join us as we unravel the mystery of the Axeman’s reign, exploring the eerie details of his crimes, the fear that gripped the city, and the chilling letter that dared New Orleans to play jazz to avoid his wrath. Was he a man, a myth, or something in between?

    Pull the covers up tight and allow the intrigue to carry you away.

    --- --- --- ---
    Special Announcement
    CrimeCon 2025 is right around the corner! Mark your calendars for September 5-7, 2025, and join me in Denver, Colorado, for the ultimate true crime experience.
    You can get 10% off your ticket using my exclusive discount code BRINK at checkout.
    As a special thank-you to my listeners, stop by my table with your ticket/code receipt, because I’ll have a free signed copy of my book waiting for you. Come say hi—I can’t wait to meet you!
    --- --- --- ---
    Thank You for Listening
    If you liked this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and recommend True Crime Sleep Stories to your fellow true crime enthusiasts. Follow along for more dark and mysterious tales to ease you into your evening. And as always, stay curious and stay safe.
    --- --- --- ---
    Buy The Books:
    True Crime Sleep Stories, Volume 1: https://amzn.to/3Z8jx5L
    True Crime Sleep Stories, Volume 2: https://amzn.to/4kAthhj
    True Crime Sleep Stories, Volume 3:https://amzn.to/3H9xfPQ
    --- --- --- ---
    Support the show by joining Patreon https://www.patreon.com/KelliBrink
    Social Media:
    FACEBOOK:
    facebook.com/truecrimesleepstories
    INSTAGRAM:
    instagram.com/truecrimesleepstories
    Instagram.com/kellibrink
    YOUTUBE:
    https://youtube.com/@TrueCrimeSleepStoriesPodcast?si=ETLR6h5vDvvx9T_z
    APPLE PODCASTS:
    podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-sleep-stories/id1649396201
    SPOTIFY:
    https://open.spotify.com/show/3qDUjSgEY2T6KMHrFoLTaQ?si=f532504c83f34669
    TIKTOK: @truecrimeirl
    Show more Show less
    9 mins
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I just started listening and I can already tell it’s going to be a gym how is this not been hugely successful yet did this just start? What’s going on here lol? I love falling asleep to true crime stars thanks for making these!

Awesome voice great for sleeping

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