Malice in the Mitten

In this episode of Malice in the Mitten, Tracy Preston and Christine Mulligan tell the story of Michelle Ann Kukulski, a 46-year-old mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and CNA from Grayling, Michigan. Michelle was killed in December 2017 by John Robert O’Connor, her former partner, who was later convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 31 years and 3 months to 50 years in prison. Court records show O’Connor claimed he was provoked by concern over Michelle’s boyfriend, Larry Farley, being around their daughter, but the jury rejected a manslaughter framing and convicted him of murder.
This case is often remembered by the shocking phrase “murder by yams,” because court records and reporting state Michelle was repeatedly struck with a can of yams. But this episode centers Michelle — not the object used against her. We examine the relationship, the claimed motive, the concealment of Michelle’s body, the trial, the sentencing, the appeal, and the warning signs of control disguised as concern. Michelle’s obituary remembers her as a CNA at Grayling Nursing and Rehabilitation and as a woman deeply connected to her children, grandchildren, and family.
This is not a story about a strange headline.This is the story of Michelle Kukulski — where the story matters, but the truth matters more.
#MichelleKukulski #MaliceInTheMitten #MichiganTrueCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #VictimCentered
Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston, Featuring Christine Mulligan
Researched and Written by Tracy Preston
Original music created exclusively for Malice in the Mitten by Tracy Preston
Original artwork by Todd Preston
Sources:
Michigan Court of Appeals. People of Michigan v. John Robert O’Connor. 26 Aug. 2021.
Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home. “Michelle Ann Kukulski Obituary.” Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.
UpNorthLive. “Man Sentenced for Killing Long-Time Former Girlfriend.” WPBN/WGTU, 12 July 2019.
UpNorthLive. “Crawford County Man Found Guilty of Girlfriend’s Murder.” WPBN/WGTU, 26 Apr. 2019.
MidMichiganNow. “Suspect Admits to Killing 46-Year-Old Woman with Can of Yams.” MidMichiganNow, 10 Feb. 2018.
Crawford County Avalanche. “Grayling Man Awaits Pending Court Ruling in Crawford County Open Murder Case.” Crawford County Avalanche, 14 Feb. 2018.

It’s festival season in Michigan! Tracy, Christine & Nina talk FrankenFest, Halloween energy, people-watching, themed events, finding your weird little tribe. Plus, Best in Show is the movie pick, and Cassandra Peterson — the woman behind Elvira — is honored as Woman of the Week.
Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston, Featuring Christine and Nina Mulligan.
Original music created exclusively for Round Robin by Tracy Preston
Sound Effects from Uppbeat: Yay-cheerful-crowd-applause-soundroll-1-00-04.mp3
Original artwork by Todd Preston

On this episode of F-Bomb Friday, Tracy Preston brings listeners another haunting Michigan tale rooted in the shadows, strange details, and unsettling atmosphere that make Michigan folklore so unforgettable, this episode leans into the question every good ghost story leaves behind: what if the thing we laugh off… is the thing we should have listened to?
With eerie storytelling, Michigan atmosphere, and a little Todd-and-Tracy commentary, this F-Bomb Friday episode is perfect for fans of ghost stories, local legends, haunted Michigan, folklore, and true tales that feel just a little too close to home.
#FBombFriday #MichiganFolklore #HauntedMichigan #GhostStories #MaliceInTheMitten
Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston
Story Researched and Written by Todd Preston
Music created exclusively for F-Bomb by Tracy Preston
Original artwork by Todd Preston
Sound Effect from Uppbeat: knocking-on-door-heavy-betacut-1-00-01.mp3
Sources:
https://www.brianbethel.com
https://www.coasttocoastam.com
https://www.mysteriousuniverse.org
https://www.liveabout.com/black-eyed-kids-2594425
https://www.thoughtco.com/black-eyed-kids-2594425
https://www.legendsofamerica.com
https://www.strangeoutdoors.com

In 1973, thirteen-year-old Jan Marie Rohrer left her Bay City home for a short walk to school and never made it to class. Nearly a year later, her remains were found in the Crow Island Game Area. More than fifty years later, her murder remains unsolved.
This episode tells Jan’s story — her life, her family, the search, the investigation, the possible connection to another unsolved death next door, and the call for justice that still echoes through Bay City.
If you have information about Jan’s case, contact Bay City Public Safety 989-894-0161 / 989-892-8571 or CrimeStoppers 800-422-5245. Do not post accusations online. Bring credible information to law enforcement.
#JusticeForJan #JanMarieRohrer #BayCityMichigan #MichiganTrueCrime #MaliceInTheMitten
Hosted and produced by Tracy Preston, Featuring Christine Mulligan. 
Researched and written by Tracy Preston
Original music created exclusively for Malice in the Mitten by Tracy Preston
Original artwork by Todd Preston
Sound Effects from Uppbeat: Rainfall in Autumn
Sources:
MLive.com. “Arrest in Bay City Cold Case Doesn’t End Mystery of 13-Year-Old’s Murder in 1973.” MLive, 25 Nov. 2019.
Waterman, Cole. “Family in Bay City Cold Case Seeks ‘Justice for Jan.’” MLive, 26 Nov. 2019.
Waterman, Cole. “Police Confirm an Arrest Was Made This Year in 1973 Slaying of Bay City Teen.” MLive, 5 Dec. 2018.
Waterman, Cole. “Nov. 26 Marks 40th Anniversary of Disappearance of Bay City Girl Later Found Slain.” MLive, 26 Nov. 2013.
Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: Conviction of Bay City-Born John List 19 Years after Killing Family Proves Cold Cases Can Be Solved.” MLive, 29 Nov. 2012.
Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: 1973 Slaying of Bay City Teen Is Not Forgotten by Local Police.” MLive, 29 Nov. 2012.
Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: Bay City Man Seeks Justice for Mother’s Unsolved Slaying and Says He Was Questioned in 13-Year-Old’s Disappearance.” MLive, 28 Nov. 2012.
Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: Former Bay City Police Detective Shares Theory on 1973 Jan Rohrer Slaying.” MLive, 28 Nov. 2012.
Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: Neighbor of Slain Bay City 13-Year-Old Met Violent End in Second Unsolved Case.” MLive, 27 Nov. 2012.
MLive.com. “Live Chat: Brother of Slain Bay City 13-Year-Old Jan Rohrer to Discuss 39-Year-Old Death Cold Case.” MLive, 27 Nov. 2012.
Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: Best Friend of Slain Bay City Teen Says ‘It’s Been a Struggle for Me.’” MLive, 27 Nov. 2012.
Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: Brothers of Slain Bay City Teen Seek Closure in 39-Year-Old Cold Case.” MLive, 26 Nov. 2012.
Waterman, Cole. “Little Girl Lost: Slaying of 13-Year-Old Bay City Girl in 1973 Remains a Mystery Today.” MLive, 26 Nov. 2012.
Bay City Department of Public Safety. “Cold Cases.” City of Bay City, accessed 2026.

This week on Round Robin, Tracy and the team dive into tipping culture, iPad guilt screens, subscription overload, self-checkout, public etiquette, and the invisible rules nobody remembers agreeing to. From “Who are we tipping now?” to “Why is everything a monthly fee?” this episode takes a funny, honest look at modern money chaos.
#RoundRobinPodcast #TippingCulture #SubscriptionFatigue #ModernMoneyChaos #TheMenu
Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston, Featuring Christine Mulligna, Nina Mulligan and Todd Preston
Original music created exclusively for Round Robin by Tracy Preston
Original artwork by Todd Preston

Before Paul Bunyan became America’s most famous lumberjack legend, Michigan may have had a real-life giant of its own. On this episode of F-Bomb Friday, Tracy and Todd dig into the strange, violent, and larger-than-life story of Saginaw Joe, also known as Fabian Fournier.
In the rough lumber camps and saloons of 1800s Michigan, Saginaw Joe became famous for his incredible size, brutal strength, barroom brawls, and bizarre stories about his teeth. His legend grew along the Saginaw River, through Bay City’s notorious Hell’s Half Mile, and into the campfire tales of Great Lakes logging country.
#FBombFriday #SaginawJoe #MichiganFolklore #PaulBunyan #MaliceInTheMitten
Hosted and produced by Tracy Preston, Featuring Todd Preston
Story researched and written by Todd Preston
Original music created exclusively for F-Bomb by Tracy Preston
Original artwork by Todd Preston
Sources:
“Fabian Fournier.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabian_Fournier. Accessed 17 June 2026.
“Paul Bunyan.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Bunyan. Accessed 17 June 2026.
“Fabian Fournier.” Sindeuse Museum, www.sindeusemuseum.org/blog/fabian-fournier. Accessed 17 June 2026.
“Celebrate National Lumberjack Day in the Straits of Mackinac.” Michigan Digital, michigandigital.com/celebrate-national-lumberjack-day-in-the-straits-of-mackinac/. Accessed 17 June 2026.
“The Legend Lives On.” Mackinac Views, mackinacviews.com/vintage-views/the-legend-lives-on/. Accessed 17 June 2026.
“Was Paul Bunyan a Real Person?” History, A&E Television Networks, www.history.com/articles/was-paul-bunyan-a-real-person. Accessed 17 June 2026.
“Paul Bunyan Folklore.” Hektoen International: A Journal of Medical Humanities, hekint.org/2021/01/29/paul-bunyan-folklore/. Accessed 17 June 2026.
“Making Legend Medium.” Reading Is Fundamental, www.rif.org/literacy-central/reading-experience/making-legend-medium. Accessed 17 June 2026.
“Lumbering: A Brief History.” Michigan History, www.michigan-history.org/lumbering/LumberingBriefHistory.html. Accessed 17 June 2026.
“Upper Peninsula Lumber History.” Stormy Kromer, 21 Aug. 2023, blog.stormykromer.com/2023/08/21/upper-peninsula-lumber-history/. Accessed 17 June 2026.

Tracy and Christine open with updates on Rebecca Park and Danielle Stislicki before turning to the developing Willard Road investigation in Genesee County, Michigan. Michigan State Police have confirmed at least four sets of human remains were found at a Forest Township property. The remains have not been publicly identified, and the investigation remains active.
This episode examines the public reporting, the 2017 police report described by Clutch Justice, and the painful question of who gets missed when victims are unhoused, struggling, exploited, isolated, or living complicated lives.
There are no disposable people. Every missing person matters.
If you have information connected to the Willard Road investigation, contact the Michigan State Police Flint Post at 810-732-1111.
Crime Stoppers of Flint and Genesee County: 1-800-422-JAIL / 1-800-422-5245. Tips may be made anonymously.
Michigan State Police Missing Persons: 855-642-4847Email: MSP-MissingPersons@Michigan.gov
NamUs — pronounced “NAME-us” — National Missing and Unidentified Persons System: namus.nij.ojp.gov
If someone you love is missing, do not assume your information is too old, too small, or already known. A complicated life is still a life. Every missing person matters.
#MaliceInTheMitten #MichiganTrueCrime #WillardRoad #MissingPersons #NoDisposablePeople
Hosted and produced by Tracy Preston, featuring Christine Mulligan
Story researched and written by Tracy Preston
Original music created exclusively for Malice in the Mitten by Tracy Preston
Original artwork by Todd Preston
Sources:
Big Rapids Pioneer. “Michigan State Police Investigate after 4 Sets of Human Remains Found.” 11 June 2026.
Nalewyko, Julie. “No Complainant, No Victim.” Clutch Justice, 12 June 2026.
Michigan State Police. “Missing Persons.”
Michigan State Police. “Tip Lines.”
NamUs. “National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.”
WNEM. “At Least Four Sets of Human Remains Found on Willard Road Property, MSP Says.” 10 June 2026.
Midland Daily News. “Michigan State Police Work to Identify Suspected Human Remains in Genesee County.” 26 Mar. 2026.

In this episode of Round Robin, Tracy Preston and the panel explore Bruce Lee beyond the legend — not just as a martial artist and movie icon, but as a disciplined, centered, deeply philosophical human being.
This week’s Woman of the Week is Shannon Lee, who has carried her father’s legacy forward through writing, producing, speaking, podcasting, and the Bruce Lee Foundation. The panel also rates the role of self-discipline in living a peaceful life on the Round Robin Spin Scale and recommends the documentary Be Water for anyone who wants to understand the person and philosophy behind the icon.
#RoundRobinShow #BruceLee #BeWater #ShannonLee #MindsetMatters
Hosted & produced by Tracy Preston, feauring Christine Mulligan, Nina Mulligan, Angela Hoefler and Todd Preston
Original music created exclusively for Round Robin by Tracy Preston
Original artwork created by Todd Preston

On this episode of F-Bomb Friday, we step into Michigan’s unsettling psychiatric history through the lens of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. From the massive institutional city of Eloise Psychiatric Hospital, to the carefully designed Kirkbride architecture of Traverse City State Hospital, to the long-term confinement and haunted folklore surrounding Northville Psychiatric Hospital, this episode explores the question at the heart of the Michigan “Frankenstein” Complex: what happens when a system decides a human being can be repaired, corrected, redesigned, or rebuilt?
This is not a story about one monster. It is a story about institutions, intention, overcrowding, medical experimentation, containment, and the human cost of believing suffering can be processed at scale. Blending Michigan history, asylum folklore, haunted locations, and the eerie legacy of psychiatric care, F-Bomb Friday asks whether the scariest creation was ever a creature at all — or the systems built with certainty that they were doing the right thing.
#FBombFriday #MichiganHistory #Frankenstein #HauntedMichigan #MaliceInTheMitten
Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston, featuring Todd Preston
Story researched and writtten by Todd Preston
Original music created exclusively for F-Bomb by Tracy Preston
Original artwork by Todd Preston
Sources:
“Eloise Psychiatric Hospital.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eloise_(psychiatric_hospital). Accessed 23 June 2026.
“Michigan’s Most Haunted: Eloise Psychiatric Hospital.” ClickOnDetroit, 24 Oct. 2016, https://www.clickondetroit.com/features/2016/10/24/michigans-most-haunted-eloise-psychiatric-hospital/. Accessed 23 June 2026.
Eloise Historical Society. https://www.eloisemuseum.org. Accessed 23 June 2026.
The Eloise Asylum. https://eloiseasylum.com. Accessed 23 June 2026.
“Traverse City State Hospital.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traverse_City_State_Hospital. Accessed 23 June 2026.
“Traverse City State Hospital.” Kirkbride Buildings, https://www.kirkbridebuildings.com/buildings/traversecity/. Accessed 23 June 2026.
“Traverse City Regional Psychiatric Hospital.” Northern Michigan History, https://northernmichiganhistory.com/traverse-city-regional-psychiatric-hospital/. Accessed 23 June 2026.
“History.” The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, https://www.thevillagetc.com/about. Accessed 23 June 2026.
“Historical & Haunted Traverse City State Hospital.” Awesome Mitten, https://www.awesomemitten.com/traverse-city-state-hospital/. Accessed 23 June 2026.
“Northville Regional Psychiatric Hospital.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northville_Regional_Psychiatric_Hospital. Accessed 23 June 2026.
“State to Build New Psychiatric Hospital.” Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, 17 Apr. 2023, https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/inside-mdhhs/newsroom/2023/04/17/new-psychiatric-hospital. Accessed 23 June 2026.
Detroit Free Press. https://www.freep.com. Accessed 23 June 2026.
Northville Historical Society. https://www.millracenorthville.org. Accessed 23 June 2026.
Kirkbride Buildings. https://www.kirkbridebuildings.com. Accessed 23 June 2026.
“Thomas Story Kirkbride.” Expedition Magazine, Penn Museum, https://www.penn.museum/sites/expedition/thomas-story-kirkbride/. Accessed 23 June 2026.
“Kirkbride Plan.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirkbride_Plan. Accessed 23 June 2026.
“Lobotomy.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/science/lobotomy. Accessed 23 June 2026.
“Insulin Shock Therapy.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/science/insulin-shock-therapy. Accessed 23 June 2026.
“Electroconvulsive Therapy.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/science/electroconvulsive-therapy. Accessed 23 June 2026.
“Hydrotherapy.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/historicalanatomies/hydrotherapy.html. Accessed 23 June 2026.

In 1978, six-year-old Sally Ann Chesebro died in a bathtub inside her Battle Creek, Michigan home. At first, her death was described as a tragic accident. But for years, investigators suspected there was more to the story.More than two decades later, Calhoun County’s cold-case team reopened Sally’s case. What followed would bring arrests, courtroom testimony, an acquittal, and a second-degree murder conviction against David Lee Walton.
This listener-submitted case comes to us from Jessica Elliott. Thank you, Jessica, for helping bring Sally’s name back into the light.
#MaliceInTheMitten #SallyAnnChesebro #MichiganTrueCrime #ColdCase #BattleCreekMichigan
Hosted and produced by Tracy Preston, featuring Christine Mulligan
Story researched and written by Tracy Presotn
Original music created exclusively for Malice in the Mitten by Tracy Preston
Original artwork by Todd Preston
Sources:
Chesebro, Sally Ann. Find a Grave Memorial. Find a Grave.
“Cold-Case Review Leads to Arrests in 1978 Death of Child.” Midland Daily News, 21 May 2002.
“Cold Case Teams Shed Light on Old Crimes.” Michigan Lawyers Weekly, 9 Feb. 2004.