Pushing Up Lillies
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  • Julie Mattson
  • January 7, 2026January 7, 2026
  • Podcast

Roadside Horror Revisited: Joe “The Cannibal” Metheny

In this bone-chilling episode, we delve into the horrifying tale of Serial Killer, Joe Metheny. Brace yourself as we uncover the dark and disturbing story of a seemingly ordinary food vendor who harbored a deadly secret. Join us as we navigate the twisted mind of Joe Metheny, exploring the shocking details of his crimes, his methods of luring unsuspecting victims, the unimaginable horrors he committed, and the customers that unknowingly consumed human flesh from his roadside food truck.

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  • Julie Mattson
  • February 26, 2025February 26, 2025
  • Podcast

Connecticut ‘Cannibal Killer’ Released to Kill Again?

On today’s episode, I want to share with you stories of two different men that had an obsession with blood. One, I was personally on the scene investigating, and the other is the infamous killer Richard Chase, also known as the Vampire of Sacramento, one of the most deeply mentally ill serial killers of all time.

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Suitcase Killers
  • Julie Mattson
  • April 10, 2024April 17, 2024
  • Podcast

Buried Secrets: Stories of Suitcase Killers

On today’s episode, I take you into a gripping sequel to “Lurking in Luggage,” where we continue our exploration into the shadowy realm of suitcase killers. Join me as we delve deeper into the chilling tales of crimes where victims meet their tragic fate inside suitcases.

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Suitcase Killer
  • Julie Mattson
  • April 3, 2024April 3, 2024
  • Podcast

Lurking in Luggage: The Shadowy Realm of Suitcase Killers

On today’s episode, we delve into the chilling world of crimes where victims meet their tragic end inside suitcases. Join me as I shine a light on the motivations, methods, and psychological profiles of the perpetrators behind these disturbing crimes.

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  • Julie Mattson
  • March 20, 2024March 20, 2024
  • Podcast

The Murder of Joy Risker by Polygamist Preacher Sean Goff

Join me as we unravel the sinister web woven by polygamist preacher Sean Goff, who shocked the world when he was accused of killing his wife, Joy Risker. Together, we’ll piece together the events leading up to Joy’s tragic demise and explore the tangled relationships and hidden secrets that drove Sean to commit such a heinous act.

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  • Julie Mattson
  • January 31, 2024January 31, 2024
  • Podcast

The History of Executions for the Accomplice

Join me as we journey through the macabre annals of history in this episode of Pushing Up Lilies. On today’s episode, we unravel the dark tapestry of executions, exposing the haunting tales of those sentenced to death not for the act of killing, but for their involvement in crimes that led to a life being extinguished.

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  • Julie Mattson
  • January 24, 2024January 24, 2024
  • Podcast

Kenneth Smith and Nitrogen Hypoxia

On today’s episode, we plunge into the chilling depths of a true crime that shook the foundations of justice. In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, we uncover the sinister details surrounding the 1988 murder of Elizabeth Sennett, a crime that would lead to the fateful sentencing of Kenneth Smith

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  • Julie Mattson
  • January 17, 2024January 24, 2024
  • Podcast

When Sibling Rivalry Turns Deadly

Come with me on a harrowing exploration into the depths of familial bonds gone awry in this episode of Pushing Up Lilies. We’re unraveling the dark tales of brothers and sisters whose jealousy and other sinister motives twisted the ties that should bind.

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  • Julie Mattson
  • January 10, 2024January 10, 2024
  • Podcast

The Real-Life Horrors Behind Scream

Step into the chilling world of true crime with me on this episode of Pushing Up Lilies. We’re delving into the shadows that inspired one of the most iconic ’90s slashers, Scream. Unveil the sinister tale of the Gainesville Ripper, Danny Rolling, and the copycat murders that echoed the blood-curdling screams of a community.

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  • Julie Mattson
  • January 3, 2024January 3, 2024
  • Podcast

The Sinister Art of Jugging

Embark with me into the heart of darkness in this gripping episode of Pushing Up Lilies. We’re peeling back the layers of a wicked practice that preys on unsuspecting victims — jugging. Join me as we delve into the chilling tales of criminals who stalk their targets before striking, leaving a trail of fear and shattered trust in their wake.

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Pushing Up Lilies

Pushing Up Lilies
Pushing Up Lilies

Dissect the science behind some of the most spine-tingling, unusual and terrifyingly true crime stories with Julie Mattson, a seasoned Forensic Nurse Death Investigator in this gripping weekly podcast.

Julie’s unique approach to investigations is informed by her background in nursing, which allows her to provide an in-depth analysis of the medical intricacies and physiological aspects of each case.

With her compassionate storytelling and unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth, Julie takes you on a thrilling journey into the world of forensic science, shining a light on the intersection of medicine, justice and criminal investigation.

In “Pushing Up Lilies,” Julie’s expert medical analysis will captivate your imagination and challenge your understanding of the human body’s role in solving the most complex and enigmatic criminal case.

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A Mother’s Life Stolen: The Murder of Caroline Piña Cairo
byJulie Mattson

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I’m examining the heartbreaking murder of 32-year-old Caroline Piña Cairo, a mother of five whose life was taken in a brutal daylight attack that stunned the Del Rio, Texas community.

When Caroline arrived at the hospital suffering from multiple stab wounds, medical teams fought to save her life. Despite their efforts, she later succumbed to her injuries. Three women were arrested and charged with her murder, but many questions surrounding the case remain unanswered as the investigation continues.

As a forensic death investigator and former emergency room nurse, I walk through what happens in the critical moments after a stabbing victim arrives at the hospital, why injuries like these can be far more severe than they first appear, and how investigators begin reconstructing a violent crime through witness statements, surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and medical findings. I also discuss why it’s so important to separate verified facts from speculation while a case is still unfolding.

But more than anything, I want to remember Caroline.

She wasn’t simply the victim in a headline. She was a mother, a friend, and someone remembered for her generosity and the kindness she showed others, even during difficult times in her own life. Behind every investigation is a family whose world has been forever changed, and five children who will grow up without their mother.

This episode contains discussion of homicide, stabbing violence, and death. Listener discretion is advised.

A Mother’s Life Stolen: The Murder of Caroline Piña Cairo
A Mother’s Life Stolen: The Murder of Caroline Piña Cairo
July 8, 2026
Julie Mattson
Amy Steadman and the Mechanicville Family Deaths
July 1, 2026
Julie Mattson
The Survivor Who Stopped a Serial Killer
June 24, 2026
Julie Mattson
Where It All Began: Julie’s Story – Host of Pushing Up Lilies
June 17, 2026
Julie Mattson
The State of Texas vs Karmelo Anthony
June 11, 2026
Julie Mattson
One Final Moment: The Tragic Death of Austin Metcalf
June 3, 2026
Julie Mattson
The Monster He Wanted to Become
May 27, 2026
Julie Mattson
The Death of Spencer Irwin: Questions Left Behind
May 20, 2026
Julie Mattson
The Shocking Torture and Murder of Sonia Exelby
May 13, 2026
Julie Mattson
Inside the Crime that Shook a Community – Part Three
May 6, 2026
Julie Mattson
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Pushing Up Lilies is a weekly true crime podcast with spine-tingling, unusual, terrifyingly true stories with a forensic twist, hosted by Julie Mattson.

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Pushing Up Lilies is a weekly true crime podcast with spine-tingling, unusual, terrifyingly true stories with a forensic twist, hosted by Forensic Nurse Death Investigator, Julie Mattson.

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Recent Episodes

A Mother’s Life Stolen: The Murder of Caroline Piña Cairo

Amy Steadman and the Mechanicville Family Deaths

The Survivor Who Stopped a Serial Killer

Where It All Began: Julie’s Story – Host of Pushing Up Lilies

Subscribe to Podcast

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© 2026 Pushing Up Lilies. All Rights Reserved.