She tried to hide it, but that made it WORSE | The Circleville Letters

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  • Опубликовано: 13 июл 2020
  • Anonymous letters start showing up in mailboxes all around central Ohio... what happens next shocks the country.
    🔊 For more NEW stories check out the "MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark and Mysterious Stories" which is available on Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts - www.amazon.com/mrballenpodcast
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    Theme Song: "Something Wicked" - www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zuw_O...
    ('Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License')
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    For entertainment purposes only. Based on actual events.
    Please gently BASH the like button & subscribe/turn on all notifications so you don't miss any of my 3+ weekly stories!

Комментарии • 10 тыс.

  • @diondixon7347
    @diondixon7347 3 года назад +19928

    Anybody else randomly stumble on this dudes channel and now can't leave it alone?

    • @dowdee82
      @dowdee82 3 года назад +105

      🙋🏽‍♀️

    • @reonlambert8297
      @reonlambert8297 3 года назад +73

      🙋‍♂️

    • @janeiljohnson7925
      @janeiljohnson7925 3 года назад +57

      🙋‍♀️

    • @val6787
      @val6787 3 года назад +218

      It's like drugs😂

    • @georges4292
      @georges4292 3 года назад +95

      yep on Instagram and have been hooked since! even rewatch some episodes

  • @davidkennedy9763
    @davidkennedy9763 3 года назад +2043

    1:35 whenever I hear that voice changer now I just think in my head, "Do you now how to get to Bell's canyon?"

  • @plusssizeprincess6650
    @plusssizeprincess6650 Год назад +472

    The police should be sacked for not investigating the case properly

    • @Kai-Made
      @Kai-Made Год назад +15

      well you would have to dig em up to sack em...I believe that the OG sheriff and his two top deputies have passed. BUT, this is just nuts. I half expected to read a comment from a Anon user telling him to knock it off or else...lol.
      These stories are nuts...and what is even more crazy, they are true...

    • @AspireGMD
      @AspireGMD Год назад

      70's police were always corrupt as fuck, "got 30 bucks?"

    • @twirlgirl2286
      @twirlgirl2286 Год назад +1

      Oh, we all know the p🐽lice will only do the least amount of work as possible, and the *only* thing he'll prefer to do is sit in the car and l👀k for someone... _anyone_ to come _anywhere _*_near him_* so he can find something... *_anything_* they can either be ticketed for, or, better yet, be arrested for. So then, their day is pretty much good to go, while YOUR day is on the verge of being FUBAR...🥺 Yeah...they aren't trying to seriously investigate something like this (or _anything,_ really), because that would require using their brains, detective skills and logic, using their time and effort, then finally, *use their desire to do the job right and see it thru to completion.* So THAT'S WHY the
      p🐽lice didn't really do such a good job; they just didn't feel like digging deeper.

    • @thematt6705
      @thematt6705 8 месяцев назад

      The American Supreme Court has ruled the police have no obligation to protect citizens or investigate any crime. So in a perfect world, yes, but in reality, no.

    • @chicken29843
      @chicken29843 5 месяцев назад +4

      This is what happens in almost every single one of these stories almost always it's just the police being too lazy or incompetent or they're actively trying to hide something

  • @JessBisme123
    @JessBisme123 Год назад +90

    I love finding old Mr. Ballen videos and seeing how much he's progressed with his storytelling skills. The old videos are still great. Just fun to see how much he's improved his craft.

    • @Nielsii
      @Nielsii 7 месяцев назад +2

      I know right! Makes you appreciate his current work even more

    • @KateTheMama
      @KateTheMama 5 месяцев назад +1

      I just came across this oldie and was thinking the same thing. Hes perfected his intro & his storytelling skills. I love it

    • @heatherheintz1744
      @heatherheintz1744 Месяц назад

      I love watching him tell the stories!! Unfortunately for me the podcasts don't hold my attention as well and my mind wanders so I end up rewinding over and over but I have found that those are the perfect ones for bedtime.

    • @JoeMama-fl9fb
      @JoeMama-fl9fb 27 дней назад

      The old ones are way better. The new ones are too long winded, too much irrelevant information and he does ads in the middle

  • @smmusicplus96
    @smmusicplus96 2 года назад +3656

    The fact that Mary didn't go to the authorities upon receiving the first letter told me she was indeed having an affair.

    • @TheWazzoGames
      @TheWazzoGames 2 года назад +210

      Yup. Her husband was a fool.

    • @nicolasgamant7389
      @nicolasgamant7389 2 года назад +95

      yeah, because unfounded rumors never stick to you ......for most people perception is reality,....

    • @nikkilyne36
      @nikkilyne36 2 года назад +9

      I thought so to

    • @nicolasgamant7389
      @nicolasgamant7389 2 года назад +78

      @@nikkilyne36 and that's called " projecting, since people very often react differently than us, it's a rather small minded POV to think people should react just like you, in case you missed that part, everybody is different.

    • @smmusicplus96
      @smmusicplus96 2 года назад +54

      @@nicolasgamant7389 Hmmmm. Who's projecting here?

  • @pauldharmer
    @pauldharmer 3 года назад +1350

    When someone steals one of your guns, but they dont steal everything else, that person has been in your house before its someone in your circle of friends or your wife

    • @nealparkinson6779
      @nealparkinson6779 3 года назад +31

      Absolutely!

    • @khaoticpenguin3945
      @khaoticpenguin3945 3 года назад +78

      Exactly, nobody breaks into a house specifically looking for a gun that you would probably have well hidden.

    • @xeeng10
      @xeeng10 3 года назад +29

      I think it’s possible that the guy who went to jail was in on it and was maybe counting on the justice system to prove his innocence therefore also knowing who the other players were. He just never ratted them out maybe because of some false sense of loyalty.

    • @edwhite7078
      @edwhite7078 3 года назад +33

      @@khaoticpenguin3945 um yeah people definitely break in to houses for guns. First they are valuable second have you never heard of criminals using stolen guns. That's like the number one way to get away with murder

    • @Burialofagod
      @Burialofagod 3 года назад +3

      No. They just wanted the gun

  • @summerellisonartsandcrafts
    @summerellisonartsandcrafts Год назад +148

    I think it was the superintendent, Paul’s ex wife, and her boyfriend. The letter never threatened the superintendent, even though he was involved in the accusing act. Paul’s ex wife knew his handwriting, his career, and her boyfriend was spotted by the sign.

    • @chunkypandeynet6443
      @chunkypandeynet6443 11 месяцев назад +10

      You have sense in your logic.

    • @indianfan1029
      @indianfan1029 8 месяцев назад +5

      It was Paul, his wife, and her future bf, they all seem to be involved.

    • @veronicav575
      @veronicav575 8 месяцев назад +1

      What motive though?

    • @sabrinac1998
      @sabrinac1998 7 месяцев назад +1

      The super intendents wife..

    • @juliemanarin4127
      @juliemanarin4127 7 месяцев назад +1

      I agree...definitely Paul's ex and the bf and probably the superintendent too

  • @GlennyRizzla
    @GlennyRizzla Месяц назад +3

    I need to go to sleep but MrBallen and his stories keep me up all night shame on him 🙄

  • @MyFreak333
    @MyFreak333 2 года назад +1709

    As an Ohio resident, it scares me how often Mr.Ballen opens his videos with “in a small town in Ohio” XD

    • @jzam3220
      @jzam3220 2 года назад +28

      Or Houston Texas

    • @bubbles0216
      @bubbles0216 2 года назад +59

      Small towns usually have corrupt legal systems, probably because there are so few people and so many connections.

    • @lunarsugar
      @lunarsugar 2 года назад +47

      It’s a corrupt state

    • @ravensworn1210
      @ravensworn1210 Год назад +16

      @@lunarsugar That’s also a true story lol

    • @planetclownfishbrain7052
      @planetclownfishbrain7052 Год назад +12

      A lot of bigguns in Ohio.

  • @maryhuhnke8496
    @maryhuhnke8496 3 года назад +3125

    The letters were sent via the Postal Service. This case should have IMMEDIATELY been turned over to the Feds! It's a federal crime to use the Postal Service to make death threats.

    • @runningthunder6923
      @runningthunder6923 3 года назад +213

      No kidding. Great idea. Bunch of stupid people working this case

    • @We_Are_All_Vultures
      @We_Are_All_Vultures 3 года назад +63

      It was also a very long time ago... It would have been impossible to trace

    • @joshuaarmijo3565
      @joshuaarmijo3565 3 года назад +344

      Right and nobody checked out the return address or tried to find where outta Columbus it came from?? Nobody checked who purchased the billboards?? Nobody fingerprinted the letters?? Seems like police didn't do anything literally.. Its like they took a guess and that was all the evidence they need for Paul to do alot of time... Years and years...

    • @danakin6207
      @danakin6207 3 года назад +215

      @@joshuaarmijo3565 I agree, this is not a mystery, this is obvious corruption.

    • @TheMrBMH
      @TheMrBMH 3 года назад +97

      @@joshuaarmijo3565 were you not following? There wasn’t a return address on the letters.. He pointed this out with every letter mentioned.

  • @melissarushing2538
    @melissarushing2538 Год назад +131

    I saw the Unsolved Mysteries episode of this story and it was so obvious then that Paul, that was accused of this crime and sent to jail, was not the writer of those letters. The fact that the guy w/the El Camino, who law enforcement knew of it being a small town, was never questioned is mind boggling! And like you said, John the letters continued while Paul was in solitary confinement without any writing materials at all, I remember the show said he had NO way of writing anything in jail. It's terrible this man spent 10 yrs in jail for something he didn't do. May Paul R.I.Paradise! Thanks, John.🙏

    • @dragonfly961
      @dragonfly961 Год назад +11

      I always suspect the cops because they are not trustworthy. The sheriff himself was in on it I would bet money.

    • @dragonfly961
      @dragonfly961 Год назад +3

      I always suspect the cops because they are not trustworthy. The sheriff himself was in on it I would bet money.

    • @melissarushing2538
      @melissarushing2538 Год назад +9

      @@dragonfly961 You're probably right about the cops being in on it. It's scary that you can go to jail or prison for something you had no part in. Frightening really!!

    • @relent-lass7510
      @relent-lass7510 Год назад +1

      It’s also on Top 10

    • @jalonnfinesse8098
      @jalonnfinesse8098 Год назад +1

      Link?

  • @zoeylammers3820
    @zoeylammers3820 Год назад +293

    This story partly shines light on how silly and dismissive the justice system is and that's sad. People like Paul go to jail for something he definitely didn't do (him being in prison and still being accused of sending letters) is the reason I don't really trust the justice system nowadays.
    Edit: Now that I've watched the whole episode, my opinion still stands. The justice system failed in this case and they ultimately got people killed by their negligence and ignorance.

    • @TRex-fu7bt
      @TRex-fu7bt Год назад

      Yeah they want to lock people up so they can “close” cases.

    • @teehee90005
      @teehee90005 Год назад +14

      A lot of these videos have similar themes with police negligence

    • @cwisted5308
      @cwisted5308 Год назад +24

      It makes me so sad to know there is innocent people in jail. One story that really pissed me off was some girl who made up a story that this guy she knew raped her and he literally lost years of his life and a full scholarship to play football i think. It could have been a different sport but basically he lost everything and his shot to play in college and possibly professional. I personally think if someone makes up something like this they should be taken out after being proved innocent and the person who made it up should serve the maximum penalty for that crime. She ended up admitting it in the end and i think it was because she was jealous of him and he wouldn't date her or something.

    • @doginababyseat5127
      @doginababyseat5127 Год назад

      @@cwisted5308 I heard of a similar case, but it involved two college students who had a threesome with a girl and lied about being raped. She lied because she wanted to get the attention of the guy she really liked and believed he would go out with her after hearing she was raped. Well it wasn’t her, but her friend who told the truth that the girl lied after she told her best friend she lied about the whole thing. The girl came out later after the jig was up and the boys still lost their scholarships and were not allowed to play sports despite being innocent of the crime. The girl, nothing. Scott free!

    • @alicialyons3356
      @alicialyons3356 Год назад +8

      I listened to another story earlier today About Juan Catalana.Wrongly accused and sentenced to death.The arresting officers admitted they knew he was not guilty but wanted to solve the crime.Sad,sad,sad that police work even needs to be questioned.

  • @davidroddick91
    @davidroddick91 2 года назад +1011

    No way she started the affair after getting the first letter. We're supposed to believe that she got a letter accusing her of having an affair with the superintendent of schools, and her reaction is, "I know what I'll do. I'll have an affair with the superintendent of schools."
    If the superintendent was married, did anyone consider his wife? She would certainly have the motive for breaking up the adulterous relationship.

    • @zeuxlaught2797
      @zeuxlaught2797 2 года назад +44

      what made you believe the troll letter writer more than her? she tried to admit an affair that she never done, in an attempt to stop those letters. but even after she admits that, the letters didn't stopped, which makes the intent of the troll clear , that it was to disturb her life. so if she ever complies with the troll's orders, it never mattered.

    • @pinki8888
      @pinki8888 2 года назад +8

      @@zeuxlaught2797 I was thinking the same thing !

    • @o0o-jd-o0o95
      @o0o-jd-o0o95 2 года назад +14

      Maybe the police should be looking for a jealous female. Maybe one of the teachers

    • @kaywee4200
      @kaywee4200 2 года назад +31

      I'd never have an affair even if someone said I was? I wouldn't do exactly what they're accusing me of? That weird I agree.

    • @zacharyhunt3939
      @zacharyhunt3939 2 года назад +17

      @@zeuxlaught2797 she literally had an affair with superintendent, why would she do it after she was accused of it instead of just telling her husband?

  • @annabethsmith-kingsley2079
    @annabethsmith-kingsley2079 3 года назад +1587

    The first person you would have to suspect is the superintendent's wife.

    • @savethepaling1872
      @savethepaling1872 3 года назад +94

      Or the superintendents wife's side chick

    • @CheesePoutine
      @CheesePoutine 3 года назад +83

      this makes the most sense to me .. she was jealous and wanted it to end

    • @CheesePoutine
      @CheesePoutine 3 года назад +23

      this makes the most sense to me .. she was jealous and wanted it to end

    • @yeetism31
      @yeetism31 3 года назад +14

      Yeah but what if it was the shcool

    • @andredunhos4097
      @andredunhos4097 3 года назад +61

      Or a plot between Mary and her lover to kill the husband, while making the wife seem innocent since she would otherwise be the main suspect

  • @joeschmo622
    @joeschmo622 Год назад +19

    One particularly nauseating "feature" of the parole system is that they (the parole board) look for remorse, which is predicated on your being guilty and admitting as much. If you have the audacity to maintain your innocence, well, clearly you're not feeling remorse (for something you didn't do), so no parole for you.

  • @artbycatfree9567
    @artbycatfree9567 2 года назад +101

    We need like 12 minutes of just your hilarious bloopers, please. lol

  • @keenanlarsen1639
    @keenanlarsen1639 3 года назад +2160

    Imagine being Ron, standing by your wife, when all the while she was lying to you about the affair and you end up dying from the whole ordeal.

    • @missladybob4208
      @missladybob4208 3 года назад +51

      Keenan Larsen Dam that Sucks, Seriously

    • @alesonthomas2098
      @alesonthomas2098 2 года назад +239

      She belong to the streets 🙏

    • @xConoooR1
      @xConoooR1 2 года назад +131

      She belong to the streeeeeeeeeeeeeets 🤣🤣

    • @pollypockets508
      @pollypockets508 2 года назад +16

      @B He never found out

    • @pollypockets508
      @pollypockets508 2 года назад +253

      I knew she was having the affair when she didn't tell her husband at the first letter. If I got a letter like that, I'd show my boyfriend right away and then took it to the police.

  • @RetroJ3000
    @RetroJ3000 3 года назад +2566

    Mary: Gets letters while not having an affair.
    Mary after getting letters: Better start that affair they've been talking about!

    • @soa1
      @soa1 3 года назад +48

      It's a group that was formed out of a love for probably mystery lovers or a book group focused on mysteries and crime . Something like that I think. As they get to know each other they have commonalities like have to have power and they like to manipulate .
      So knowing one member like the woman another wants to have an affair u manipulate her into having an affair and manipulate by the phone call to get the husband to confront who he thinks is behind it unknown to him it's a group not one person . Then one gets in the truck others are waiting in a vehicle .
      The group knows the sheriff is corrupt and the other women wanted her husband in jail but not dead so group uses his gun to frame him. Then the letter in jail was personal .
      After the the group members move away but some stay or some get injured or sick and group gets weaker and the last letter to unsolved mysteries was a hollow threat which tells me the remaining members of the group were worried but not in a position to do anything bout them coming to the town

    • @tmr4342
      @tmr4342 3 года назад +29

      I don't get it either.

    • @catatouille
      @catatouille 3 года назад +63

      Makes no sense at all to me. Why would she possibly do that

    • @jones8041
      @jones8041 3 года назад +15

      @Anna Doffy Fredrick ikr? wtf?

    • @scooterdogg7580
      @scooterdogg7580 3 года назад +16

      maybe they never met until the letters then said why not

  • @PFFLisaMC
    @PFFLisaMC 2 года назад +14

    3rd Year Criminology student here. I've justfound this channel. Yes, I went down the rabbit-hole while I was researching for uni. I can't even remember what I was researching! Looking forward to more mysteries. I'm going back to the Samanthat Koenig case to look for the clue. I nissed it first time through. Solving cold cases is my forte!

    • @MrGuell282
      @MrGuell282 14 дней назад

      I tend to do that too and then I remember I’m not a criminology student

  • @RittingsTN
    @RittingsTN Год назад +12

    Honestly can't believe I've only just gotten into this channel - and I've binge watched for hours upon hours now. Can't thank you enough for your absolutely brilliantly articulate storytelling style. I'd have never believed I would enjoy this format - and I think that's testament to the delivery!!

  • @Im-not-clever
    @Im-not-clever 3 года назад +2173

    It's impressive as hell that he's only been doing this on youtube for 9 months and is on his way to 2 million subs...my man deserves it!

    • @a.banana
      @a.banana 3 года назад +115

      He writes his scripts very well, doesn't typically clickbait, and doesn't tell the stories in an overly dramatasized tone. Plus, he shows his face, which disguinguishes him very well among the many RUclipsrs that do this sort of thing. I agree, he definitely does deserve it, you can tell he's worked very hard for this.

    • @a.banana
      @a.banana 3 года назад +46

      Channels that do this quality story telling usually have many editors, certain repeat actors, script writers, researchers, etc. I don't know if thats the case here, but from what I've seen it certainly seems he's doing this on his own.. Very impressive indeed.. This channel is definitely not done growing

    • @Im-not-clever
      @Im-not-clever 3 года назад +38

      @@a.banana no he has help, editors etc. But I'm pretty sure he researches and chooses the story's himself. I agree, he's a great story teller regardless.

    • @Chasing.Butterflies
      @Chasing.Butterflies 3 года назад +10

      Thank god for reddit....

    • @VVhistory
      @VVhistory 3 года назад +19

      He is known in reddit and other platforms before youtube. He have fans

  • @thecitizen6860
    @thecitizen6860 3 года назад +683

    As someone who lives in circleville. This town is awful and shady people all over.

    • @kerrynicholls6683
      @kerrynicholls6683 3 года назад +84

      Get out

    • @MissPrissKY
      @MissPrissKY 3 года назад +52

      Do tell!! 😐

    • @brycegoode8935
      @brycegoode8935 3 года назад +23

      Best part is the Pumpkin Festival

    • @ghostrider5103
      @ghostrider5103 3 года назад +65

      I can agree bc I live in Ohio and I've been to circleville for the pumpkin fest but I always had a feeling I was being watched

    • @brycegoode8935
      @brycegoode8935 3 года назад +15

      @@ghostrider5103 I’m from Portsmouth u know where the abandon psych ward is out past Jackson

  • @rebeccadorianmills7678
    @rebeccadorianmills7678 Год назад +11

    I have literally gone to the pumpkin show every year and am super familiar with the area. Lived in Ohio 30 mins away from Circleville my whole life and love mysteries and Ohio history. Never heard this story and was surprised to see it. Very interesting. Love the content.

  • @lorrainegriffin1443
    @lorrainegriffin1443 Год назад +5

    can't stop listening, he can really tell a story. So glad I found him.

  • @Silentbob1494
    @Silentbob1494 3 года назад +691

    Okay, mad props to Unsolved Mysteries who after recieving a credible threat, decide not only to do the story, but in fact that they HAVE to do the story. Unsolved Mysteries went hard as hell.

    • @darkskinwhite
      @darkskinwhite 3 года назад +6

      well turns out it wasn't credible lol

    • @drewfife5169
      @drewfife5169 3 года назад +14

      Anyone else wonder how these people discovered Unsolved Mysteries was going to investigate this?
      These things are already in the can when the network starts pitching it.
      These investigations take months to complete. Then there's editing and legal considerations. Anything can go sideways along the way. The network is not going to pitch a program of an investigation they may not be able to complete.

    • @JagoffCitizen
      @JagoffCitizen 3 года назад +22

      @@darkskinwhite Just because it _didn't_ happen doesn't mean it wasn't believable that it _could_ happen.

    • @neillscott4192
      @neillscott4192 2 года назад +3

      Robert Stack fears nobody!!

    • @frankmillar8190
      @frankmillar8190 2 года назад +2

      @@neillscott4192 After all, he stood up to Al Capone.

  • @robertwelch7513
    @robertwelch7513 2 года назад +442

    I'm hooked. 6 days in and 80 videos down. This dude is amazing. Me and my sons could listen to him describe making a ham sandwich

    • @kinggrawlix1072
      @kinggrawlix1072 2 года назад +4

      I'm completely in the same boat as you! I found him within the past week and I've watched most of his videos already. I fear for when I'm caught up and don't know what to do with myself 😂

    • @tiggersmith501
      @tiggersmith501 2 года назад +4

      Have you seen one of his missing 411? Those are freaking. I enjoyed listening to the story so much.

    • @iwannabeadinosaur6270
      @iwannabeadinosaur6270 2 года назад +1

      same honestly

    • @greatpower6063
      @greatpower6063 2 года назад +1

      that is true he's got that radio voice.

    • @gigibean70
      @gigibean70 2 года назад +6

      Mr. Ballen, please do a quickie video of you describing a sandwich. Its all I want in life now!

  • @danielwilliams8271
    @danielwilliams8271 Год назад +44

    Omgosh I’m from circleville Ohio!! This story still gives me the creeps 👀 so cool that you are doing a story about our hometown 😊 🎃

    • @jayvct
      @jayvct Год назад +3

      I been to the pumpkin show in circle villa lmao

    • @myassisdraggan4732
      @myassisdraggan4732 11 месяцев назад +2

      @Daniel Williams, I know your comment is older but I still have to ask, what is the running theory of who was behind all of this? Did the wife continue on as if nothing happened or did she leave?

    • @heatherdinkins3721
      @heatherdinkins3721 10 месяцев назад +1

      If you’re from there you must have an opinion on who did it. Who do you think was involved?

    • @redxross
      @redxross 8 месяцев назад

      I went to a terrific thrift store in Circleville one day in 2015 but was never able to find it again.
      A mystery!

    • @MrGuell282
      @MrGuell282 14 дней назад

      See if you can find that car

  • @nolancriner3988
    @nolancriner3988 2 года назад +2

    I came across this guy when I was doing a WWI project in 6th grade for poison gas and now, I'm hooked.

  • @mrianwonder6527
    @mrianwonder6527 3 года назад +587

    It makes me so angry that the courts keep jailing people on zero evidence.

    • @justsomeguy8385
      @justsomeguy8385 3 года назад +46

      I mean, they had his gun and the handwriting expert said he was a match to the letters. You could argue against the validity of the evidence, but to say there was "zero evidence" is being disingenuous.

    • @loulabelle5082
      @loulabelle5082 3 года назад +36

      It tends to happen in small town USA all the time. The judicial system in America is so hit n miss. Most of these cases wouldn't have even got to trial in the UK due to insufficient evidence. Also, in the UK the judge can instruct the jury to only convict if the evidence is there and he can throw it out if he believes otherwise. Half the time in these small towns the guy shouldn't even have been charged due to insufficient evidence. It's like the town puts so much pressure on police to find the guilty party and the police panic and charge ANYONE.

    • @cheery-hex
      @cheery-hex 3 года назад +15

      not courts. people. some ppl on juries will convict with little evidence, or they are easily convinced. sad really

    • @sweetaking1395
      @sweetaking1395 3 года назад +8

      It’s about meeting their quota. Someone has to go down for it.

    • @sweetaking1395
      @sweetaking1395 3 года назад +8

      @@justsomeguy8385 he should have reported it stolen.

  • @shaymcdowell4054
    @shaymcdowell4054 2 года назад +2645

    It was incredibly selfish for her to keep lying about the affair when it was threatening the safety of her family.

    • @nicolasgamant7389
      @nicolasgamant7389 2 года назад +49

      did you not listen to this story ? it only got worst when she gave in to their demands.....wich was an easy prediction, that's the first thing that came to my mind, earing the firsts letters

    • @Dvadarling
      @Dvadarling 2 года назад +41

      Right I was thinking how disgusting of her, like dude even if I didn’t do anything at that point I would act like I did just to get that person to back off

    • @nicolasgamant7389
      @nicolasgamant7389 2 года назад +38

      @@Dvadarling and like this story show us, you would be wrong to do so, and would only make it worst on yourself...those people sending the letters were getting off on controle, once you give them what they want, they will only want more

    • @Dvadarling
      @Dvadarling 2 года назад +39

      @@nicolasgamant7389 sir, I think that happened after ignoring it first over and over. Just saying...

    • @Dvadarling
      @Dvadarling 2 года назад +83

      @@nicolasgamant7389 she also never even stopped the affair, or went to the police. All she did was try to hide it. That’s just insane

  • @davesradioshack
    @davesradioshack 2 года назад +8

    I really like how your channel has evolved since 2020.... great job Mr. Ballen I go back and forth from the NEW videos to the OLD videos - you've done a great job dialing all this in. Nicely done.

  • @jamesedwards5702
    @jamesedwards5702 Месяц назад

    Man....that's just plain sad. So many lives destroyed.

  • @Arizona-ex5yt
    @Arizona-ex5yt 3 года назад +294

    The moral(s) of the story:
    -File a police report if you get a threatening letter even if it's embarrassing.
    -always Always ALWAYS report if your gun is missing without delay.
    -Don't have affairs.
    -Don't talk to police unless in the presence of your attorney or submit anything (like a handwriting sample) unless ordered by the court

    • @Funnyeeee
      @Funnyeeee 3 года назад +20

      -dont get married

    • @Persequimur_Umbras
      @Persequimur_Umbras 3 года назад +1

      If they did that, then there would be no story

    • @jeannineduncan2982
      @jeannineduncan2982 3 года назад +5

      Yes!! I wonder what goes through people's head's?? I guess it's fear that keeps them from thinking logically 🤷

    • @HaplessOne
      @HaplessOne 3 года назад

      @@Funnyeeee agreeeed

    • @patrickholland6848
      @patrickholland6848 3 года назад

      @@jeannineduncan2982 Embarrassment more that anything else.

  • @Cionaoith
    @Cionaoith 2 года назад +1195

    My wife is from Circleville; she said she recently heard that the investigation is going to be reopened to use modern tools to try to solve this case. (I'm from Columbus and never heard of this.)

    • @forsomenotreally
      @forsomenotreally 2 года назад +104

      Would you mind updating us? I am very interested in this crime.

    • @SJChronykSpookyBae
      @SJChronykSpookyBae 2 года назад +30

      Yes, an update, please

    • @luci1368
      @luci1368 2 года назад +31

      I'm leaving this comment in case there's an update

    • @debragrieve7678
      @debragrieve7678 2 года назад +19

      @@luci1368 me, too!

    • @Spider_Punk
      @Spider_Punk 2 года назад +17

      @@debragrieve7678 me three

  • @chriskaprys
    @chriskaprys Год назад +23

    Good to know how important a “paper trail” is to investigations .. and that a letter sent through the post, especially innumerable letters over several years ostensibly sent from the same location, is perfectly untraceable 👍

    • @redshirt49
      @redshirt49 Год назад +2

      In the US, it's pretty easy. Especially in the 80s.
      In Europe not so much. Posting a letter isn't possible without providing a valid return address on the envelope. Now, you could just use some shmuck's address you read off their mailbox but even that narrows down the scope of the investigation because post offices keep records of where and when letters were posted since all letters you intend on sending have to be dropped off at a P.O. Box operated by the local post office or at the post office itself.

    • @brodyr4839
      @brodyr4839 Год назад +1

      I'm pretty sure if someone had said they found MaryJ residue in one of the letters, the real perp(s) woulda been found and caught with-in the hour...
      I have no doubt, even in the 80s, they knew exactly how to trace the origin of any letters... but death threats and "public nuisance" were just not up there on their priority list, it seems.

    • @WGGplant
      @WGGplant 2 месяца назад

      it's pretty easy. they dont track every letter and you dont need a return address.
      which is usually a good thing and is used to maintain privacy. imagine doxing yourself through the mail to whoever you send mail to.
      unfortunately it also has this side effect

  • @tflo4sho
    @tflo4sho 7 месяцев назад +1

    This channel is how I center myself.. it’s how I destress

  • @sherrellbennett1333
    @sherrellbennett1333 2 года назад +746

    Two things: Who could afford all those stamps? Couldn't they interview some postal employees? AND: If there were billboards, they have to be paid for and that trail could easily be followed.

    • @leahwhiteley5164
      @leahwhiteley5164 2 года назад +123

      Yes, the cops were typically lazy.

    • @yurmabeechaudits3522
      @yurmabeechaudits3522 2 года назад +80

      We're talking 1980s. Not 2000s. Cash transactions to large billboard companies weren't unheard of. Also stamps were only 10 cents then.

    • @sherrellbennett1333
      @sherrellbennett1333 2 года назад +72

      @@yurmabeechaudits3522 and bread was under $1, as were eggs, gas was under $1.50 and you could buy a new car for around $7000. Even cash transactions had to have a paper trail (bank deposits) for a business to claim on taxes. So what is your point? BTW: stamps were 15 cents.

    • @TheEudaemonicPlague
      @TheEudaemonicPlague 2 года назад +32

      @@sherrellbennett1333 Bank deposits/taxes would not constitute a paper trail to the customer. On the other hand, the billboard company would keep records of who was paying them. Those could have been obtained by law enforcement. Otherwise, you're more or less correct.

    • @rockinrobbie1985
      @rockinrobbie1985 2 года назад +55

      They were homemade billboards. She was able to pull one out of the ground

  • @Elephant_Juice74
    @Elephant_Juice74 3 года назад +529

    The moral of the story is to immediately report a stolen firearm

    • @wizardofahhhs759
      @wizardofahhhs759 3 года назад +44

      If you watch it on Unsolved Mysteries he didn't immediately know the pistol was missing, it had been years since he had seen it. The only thing he's guilty of is being an irresponsible gun owner.

    • @d_manoil1647
      @d_manoil1647 3 года назад +18

      Or keep your legs closed

    • @SK-me9by
      @SK-me9by 3 года назад +18

      @Stjerneby Stjerneby It's called freedom and a basic right of protection you commi..

    • @theladyinblack3055
      @theladyinblack3055 3 года назад +2

      @@SK-me9by I’m not against gun ownership. I’m not American, but I do understand that it’s a basic right under the second amendment of your constitution and found by SCOTUS to mean that it guarantees the right of an individual to own a gun for self defence. That being said, I think that owning an AK-47 or similar or any semi-automatic assault weapon might be pushing things a bit. It’s certainly not something used for hunting and it’s a bit overboard to claim you need it for self defence. Banning private ownership of this type of weapon might help prevent some of the mass shootings that occur. Of course there are some that will always find a way to get something if they want it badly enough, but to me, at least, there’s no point in making it easy for them! 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️ Thats just my opinion, but I’d be interested to know your thoughts on the subject. I’m always willing to learn by listening to the reasoning behind other people’s opinions.

    • @SK-me9by
      @SK-me9by 3 года назад +13

      @@theladyinblack3055 The second amendment doesn't give us the right it only recognizes the right and has nothing to do with hunting. It has everything to do with the right of a person to protect from Tyranny/harm with equal measure meaning not limited to any one kind of firearm. So yes we should have machine guns as pre-1980's law understood. There is not one gun law anywhere that stops a criminal from getting a weapon of choice. Gun laws only endanger lives. That's why in America we are seeing shootings in Gun Free Zones cause the bad guy knows very little chance of resistance. A armed society is a polite society.. If one does not like guns that's fine but who are they to take that choice away from another? I don't drink so then out law all alcohol beverages cause it kills and has no real positive purpose and cars kill every day so better out law cars that go faster then 25mph that would be silly correct? Hold people responsible for their actions cause I never seen a gun or a bottle of booze run around harming anyone it's the person. Taking guns away from good people is like putting the parents of bad people in jail, it solves nothing.

  • @nenavega6641
    @nenavega6641 Год назад +11

    Man, I’ve binge watched and listened to him for over a week. Anyone having trouble sleeping?
    Great storyteller! I’m so glad I found you!

    • @dag-nabbit
      @dag-nabbit Год назад

      No trouble sleeping but going in public makes me a bit more cautious

  • @RV-in2mc
    @RV-in2mc Год назад +3

    I must admit... I miss these days when you uploaded so often 😪 but your talent is undeniable. The world needed you

  • @lashandajordan6923
    @lashandajordan6923 3 года назад +262

    The fact that the letters went from “me and I” to “we” definitely points to the supers wife. She felt alone in this until her boyfriend came along. Then it turned into a team effort. That’s what it sounds like to me.

    • @tiadoran
      @tiadoran 3 года назад +16

      Yeah, I keep wondering why no one is asking about who the super was in a relationship with, especially if the super wasn't receiving the same letters. Seems like an obvious suspect. Did I miss something?

    • @CheesePoutine
      @CheesePoutine 3 года назад +3

      @@tiadoran i was thinking the same thing 🤔

    • @jagermain8875
      @jagermain8875 3 года назад +8

      the ex wife would have known where that stolen gun was, so she could have stolen it easily. She also has a bit of anger towards the super because of the whole EX thing. that explains the taunting letter for me. i also assume the wife became the ex wife after the affair, meaning she’s out for revenge against the person who slept with her husband. that person being Mary. The El Camino, and figure from the eyewitness seal that case for me.

    • @jordanblaquehulkbox1291
      @jordanblaquehulkbox1291 3 года назад +2

      I think so to

    • @andrewhoyle1521
      @andrewhoyle1521 3 года назад +6

      @@jagermain8875 i dnt think she wrote the first letters. A journalist investigating this said that its now thought that a janitor from the school wrote the first set, then the ex wife used it as a way to get at ex husband. Question is who wrote all the letters while he was their

  • @wtfconziez8190
    @wtfconziez8190 3 года назад +1882

    Mans the most wholesome person and u couldn’t get a better story teller😂

    • @MrBallen
      @MrBallen  3 года назад +319

      😂 Thanks!!

    • @wtfconziez8190
      @wtfconziez8190 3 года назад +17

      MrBallen 🙂

    • @mattgenovese3432
      @mattgenovese3432 3 года назад +21

      Cool ass name too 😂 one of my new favorite channels. Great job @MrBallen

    • @wtfconziez8190
      @wtfconziez8190 3 года назад +6

      Matt Genovese yes!

    • @wtfconziez8190
      @wtfconziez8190 3 года назад +2

      Siiikw idk what ur saying but the smiley faces name is bob

  • @Cc07
    @Cc07 3 месяца назад +1

    This reminds me of the bizarre unsolved case that they recently made a show about “the watcher”
    It’s all so messed up and shouldn’t be this easy..

  • @nickflesher7608
    @nickflesher7608 Год назад +1

    “Gently bash the like button” wow that is so wholesome compared to what i’m used to 😂

  • @ev2155
    @ev2155 2 года назад +374

    Hey I lived in Circleville for 5 years my entire time in college at Ohio Christian University. Circleville is one of the weirdest places I have ever been. For such a small town there’s a lot of mysteries, unsolved murders, and alleged Hauntings there.

    • @elsienicole5663
      @elsienicole5663 2 года назад +40

      Yes! That place is so freaking weird! I just posted a comment about what a creepy place it is! My husband and vowed to never go back because it freaked us out so bad!

    • @Victor_Marius
      @Victor_Marius 2 года назад +62

      Sometimes is hard to fight crime if the cops are probably guilty of some of the crimes

    • @Carla-qw2ux
      @Carla-qw2ux 2 года назад +4

      Interesting thought.

    • @darrellboone9274
      @darrellboone9274 2 года назад +13

      Circleville=Eerie,Indiana?🤷‍♂️

    • @lindal5303
      @lindal5303 2 года назад +6

      Lima is a weird place too!!

  • @AcenPhina
    @AcenPhina 2 года назад +1696

    Mary: **not having an affair with the superintendent**
    Also Mary: **receives blackmail letter**
    Still Mary: "Now there's an idea."

  • @Ash-nk8lk
    @Ash-nk8lk Год назад +1

    I LOVE this channel. Just found it not long ago and I’ve watched full playlists already. So I encourage all of you, watch the ads to the very end to support his channel.

  • @34GeorgiaBoy
    @34GeorgiaBoy 2 года назад

    Randomly stumbled upon this channel and now I can't stop watching! This guy is an awesome and very entertaining storyteller who narrates with so much intricate details you feel a part of his stories!

  • @braedondavies9592
    @braedondavies9592 3 года назад +165

    This is beyond insane. Sadly, there's a lot of innocent people who get wrongly/falsely accused of stuff.

    • @jacksonclayton9686
      @jacksonclayton9686 3 года назад +9

      Yup. Fighting a dui charge rn. No breathalyzer. Nothing on me or in my car. No criminal record. Multiple witnesses supporting my alibi

    • @theeunknown3988
      @theeunknown3988 3 года назад +2

      @@jacksonclayton9686 that sucks, hope you work that shit out, make sure you have your attorney say those facts, and have the witnesses come up.

    • @dogzebra2708
      @dogzebra2708 3 года назад +1

      @@jacksonclayton9686 Friend of mine went to his grave fighting that shit.

    • @alfredagain
      @alfredagain 3 года назад +2

      If I had a dollar for every time workplace middle management personnel with less intellect than myself had falsely accused me of misdeeds, I'd be a rich man.

  • @urmaker
    @urmaker 3 года назад +3864

    My new addiction. Your channel.

    • @mayckolgamez6027
      @mayckolgamez6027 3 года назад +42

      i watch your channel too wow

    • @sheilam5248
      @sheilam5248 3 года назад +16

      Urmaker - Welcome! I watched some of your videos before coming over here! I think my husband might now be a fan yours, as he was listening, too, while we were working. :)

    • @delraelui4994
      @delraelui4994 3 года назад +3

      Same

    • @nevaeh5729
      @nevaeh5729 3 года назад +2

      Samee

    • @freaknation1558
      @freaknation1558 3 года назад +1

      Same

  • @roberthartfield3505
    @roberthartfield3505 Год назад +1

    Yep, totally accidentally stumbled on MrBallen and am hooked! I have read many of the books his stories come from but still am captivated listening to him tell his stories.

  • @scottsharrits8491
    @scottsharrits8491 Год назад +6

    Great story! Only issue, which isn't really an issue is that Lima is pronounced like the bean, not the city in Peru.

  • @billykersh7061
    @billykersh7061 3 года назад +745

    Why didn’t someone find out who paid for the billboards?

    • @davidpierce9949
      @davidpierce9949 3 года назад +101

      Absolutely. That seems like a key thing to check.

    • @h.fierro9156
      @h.fierro9156 3 года назад +26

      Well I don’t think is was actual billboard is in an old town in 1976

    • @kathleenmuchka2559
      @kathleenmuchka2559 3 года назад +16

      They aren't cheap.

    • @Jazzykatt23
      @Jazzykatt23 3 года назад +9

      That was my first thought.

    • @jodyknight
      @jodyknight 3 года назад +42

      @@h.fierro9156 Yes if it were real commercial billboards someone wouldn't be seen erecting it them self and Mary would not have been able to pull it out of the ground herself.
      They must have just been home made signs that have been put onto posts/stakes that were hammered into the ground by whoever was seen in the yellow car or perhaps even someone that was paid to put them up to throw the investigation off.

  • @NCCEVANS
    @NCCEVANS 2 года назад +863

    One day, a 42 year old man, with a busy life style, fell into disarray after he stumbled upon a RUclips page which became a Black Hole of non stop amazing and terrifying stories. Stories which seem to be endless in their volume. This poor man was found years later surviving only on soda pop and potato chips and the fear from these unstoppable videos. The narrator is said to not even be human but actually a demon disguised as a lore dealer. His charm and story delivery feeds off your souls.

    • @leahmarshall1593
      @leahmarshall1593 2 года назад +74

      In a land not too far away from this 42 year old man was a 31 year old woman whose life had slowly been overcome by the soul-sucking lore this demon man was delivering via RUclips! It arose almost like a contagion and once the stories had reached the bloodstream she was officially hooked.

    • @HipHopAn0n
      @HipHopAn0n 2 года назад +31

      MrBallen: Is anyone here a fan of the strange dark and myster-
      Everyone: NO

    • @cokaneds
      @cokaneds 2 года назад +87

      @@leahmarshall1593 In a land very far away a 30 year old Australian outdoorsman slowly stopped boxing kangaroos in his backyard and dodging drop bears in the outback to trap himself indoors just so he could listen to a strange moustached man wearing only flannel shirts tell him about the strange, dark and mysterious all while making him more and more paranoid about ever setting foot in the wilderness again.

    • @leahmarshall1593
      @leahmarshall1593 2 года назад +11

      @@cokaneds Love it

    • @chelleec23
      @chelleec23 2 года назад +18

      @@cokaneds okay now Ballen is sitting there naked aside from the hat and flannel

  • @jasonlarue6718
    @jasonlarue6718 2 года назад +1

    I found him the same way, I caught a video and now I’m hooked!!

  • @wideawaketotruth5301
    @wideawaketotruth5301 2 года назад

    Well done Ballin! I've watched more than several this one is definitely one of the best!!!

  • @stephanieclark1487
    @stephanieclark1487 3 года назад +576

    Paul got framed. He should have sued them for imprisoning him so long.

    • @willwinn8559
      @willwinn8559 3 года назад +79

      Crooked cops and judges make real justice IMPOSSIBLE.
      Unless you are very RICH.

    • @thomasswafford250
      @thomasswafford250 3 года назад +30

      I wish they would take a new look at this using DNA. Paul is dead, but whoever did this needs to be exposed. Even if the statutes of limitations has lapsed, they need to have to face the public.

    • @glowhoo9226
      @glowhoo9226 3 года назад +3

      He wouldn’t have been able to until he was actually proclaimed innocent

    • @epmcgee
      @epmcgee 3 года назад

      He likely would have been put back in jail.

    • @epmcgee
      @epmcgee 3 года назад +2

      @@thomasswafford250 there isn't necessarily evidence, especially reliable DNA evidence, from that time period.

  • @johnjohnson5930
    @johnjohnson5930 3 года назад +386

    Am I the only one who asked: "well is she having an affair?"
    And then she follows it up with "it started after the letters". C'mon man, we ain't stupid.
    This was the superintendent trying to force a divorce of the married couple.

    • @diogenessinope5109
      @diogenessinope5109 3 года назад +11

      Nah, husband's family member.
      The billboards stink of a mother.

    • @fanniewilliamson1833
      @fanniewilliamson1833 3 года назад +5

      My uncle was going to Circleville buying cattle around that time.

    • @shapecharge4091
      @shapecharge4091 3 года назад +2

      @trip sticks Good detective work, however I suspect someone's involvement with satanism.

    • @jmalave62
      @jmalave62 3 года назад +5

      Am I the only one who hopes he doesn’t receive a letter

    • @WyattRyeSway
      @WyattRyeSway 3 года назад +1

      aviato287 x .....her kids went to school there and her job was there.

  • @loganaking
    @loganaking Год назад +5

    I know this video is kind of old but I think you might find it very interesting that (if u haven’t heard about) Paul’s daughter (I believe) vividly remembers him writing letters before he went to prison which adds a whole new aspect of WHO really wrote those letters.

  • @vannessaherron-blunt4599
    @vannessaherron-blunt4599 Год назад +1

    OMG he does such a good job telling the story! I listened to one of his stories and I was addicted.

  • @JimV90
    @JimV90 3 года назад +141

    Paul was done so dirty. I'd be pissed.

    • @hahaha-.-
      @hahaha-.- 2 года назад +3

      Paul has a stolen gun and he didnt even report - isnt that suspicious? Arent you required to report that? He might still be part of this.

    • @hahaha-.-
      @hahaha-.- 2 года назад +7

      The sheriff is also suspicious for not acknowledging the witness... maybe it was a big group of people like a cult in this town.

    • @mayalackman7581
      @mayalackman7581 2 года назад +2

      @@hahaha-.- no. Your not required to report a stolen gun. It is a really good idea though.

    • @cursednapmiuq2571
      @cursednapmiuq2571 2 года назад +2

      @@mayalackman7581 yeah well now we know if that happens someone might get framed

    • @jamespedersonchaysendestyn2042
      @jamespedersonchaysendestyn2042 2 года назад +8

      if your stolen gun is used in a crime you are suspect number 1. report it no matter what

  • @MicheleRBrown
    @MicheleRBrown 3 года назад +353

    Paul was a very good friend of mine. He was the sweetest man I ever met. I still miss him and think about him all the time. I was shocked when I seen that you did this story. I had just recently started watching your storytelling so what a small world we live in. Everyone up here in this area loved paul he would give his shirt off his back...sad

  • @Skyscraper2015
    @Skyscraper2015 Год назад

    It seems every time I click on one of Mr Ballen's videos, there is a comment on the top which goes something like this "I was on RUclips and somehow stumbled over this video and now this channel and now I am hooked" or "Anyone else randomly come across this video and can't get off?"
    As much as it is true, it is fascinating that this is the case. And fascinating that I see it on almost every video I see of his.

  • @jancason8011
    @jancason8011 Год назад +2

    Mr Ballen, great presentation as usual. Somewhere in this you say that Mary and husband decided to write to whoever was writing the letters, but none of the letters they had got had a return address. How did they know where to send them?

  • @ngud_gaming267
    @ngud_gaming267 3 года назад +519

    RIP to Marys husband, he believed his wife to the bitter end but his faith was misplaced 💔

    • @We_Are_All_Vultures
      @We_Are_All_Vultures 3 года назад +15

      So sad

    • @rainluna9765
      @rainluna9765 3 года назад +28

      She lied to her husband.

    • @ngud_gaming267
      @ngud_gaming267 3 года назад +10

      @@rainluna9765 yes

    • @zaytovenvids236
      @zaytovenvids236 3 года назад +16

      @@ngud_gaming267 his faith got him killed only if he relied on awareness and suspicion

    • @GF93725
      @GF93725 3 года назад +5

      So what, the wife lied to the husband and she did what she did. There's nothing wrong with a man still loving his wife because of that. We don't know all the facts. I don't have to be with her.

  • @thatchedstudios4768
    @thatchedstudios4768 3 года назад +80

    So, according to the wife, she decided “if I’m getting accused of cheating with the superintendent, I may as well actually do it!” That’s absurd. There’s absolutely no way she cheated with him AFTER the letters started. That’s crazy.

    • @runningthunder6923
      @runningthunder6923 3 года назад +2

      Wonder if she just said that to see if it would stop the bs

    • @sarahoshea9603
      @sarahoshea9603 3 года назад +2

      Nah, that is pretty typical actually. At least for a certain type of person

    • @rainluna9765
      @rainluna9765 3 года назад +4

      The whole thing doesn't make sense. The fact Mary did what she did and her husband died defending her. Also that man Paul locked up for many years when the authorities knew he didn't send the letters out. And not bothering with a key witness.

    • @HeavenlyZanpakuto
      @HeavenlyZanpakuto 3 года назад +2

      also who cheats with a principal, you couldn't hire a prostitute or something

    • @immir6647
      @immir6647 2 года назад +2

      It was going on before that. She only confessed to it after she lost her husband.

  • @mooseing22
    @mooseing22 Год назад

    Now that WAS a strange dark & mysterious story 🤔. Great work.

  • @hopeyygirl7040
    @hopeyygirl7040 Год назад

    I have been binging this channel for a whole week I am hooked

  • @cindykq8086
    @cindykq8086 3 года назад +116

    She gets not one but two of these threatening letters and doesn't tell her husband?? Very suspicious.

    • @angelatheriault8855
      @angelatheriault8855 3 года назад +22

      CindyKQ I think she didn’t tell her husband about the letters because they were true; she was having an affair with the superintendent. If she showed her husband the letters he might get suspicious so she was hoping the whole situation would just go away.

    • @ifacecamp717
      @ifacecamp717 3 года назад +17

      @@angelatheriault8855 his point was that once the husband confronted her and she said she also got letters, the husband shouldve questioned why she didnt tell him about the 2 letters until he confronted her. This shouldve told him that maybe she was having an affair

    • @nickark4807
      @nickark4807 3 года назад +22

      Because she really was cheating

    • @mercedesball1490
      @mercedesball1490 3 года назад +1

      Right, oh my gosh

    • @Kenshiroit
      @Kenshiroit 3 года назад +3

      Probably it was her doing it. Has she been tested for schitzofrenia?

  • @BigPoppieSeed
    @BigPoppieSeed 3 года назад +119

    It was Paul's wife. Her motives were jealousy and resentment towards him. She had access to his "stolen" pistol.

    • @darkskinwhite
      @darkskinwhite 3 года назад +6

      would explain the poor job shaving it too. I figured the shaving was done shitty on purpose to make it look like they tried but really didnt so they could set him up. also how stupid is that booby trap lmao

  • @rebeccaeblin3413
    @rebeccaeblin3413 Год назад

    I live about 30 minutes from Circleville and I have never heard of this case! So interesting 😮

  • @andrewblckmore2990
    @andrewblckmore2990 Год назад

    4months now and still listening.love the like button quotes.genius.

  • @Bearyskii
    @Bearyskii 2 года назад +915

    Insane how both Ron and Mary became concerned only when threatened with having their dirty laundry aired, but not when threats were made to the safety of their children...🙄

    • @quentelhill5074
      @quentelhill5074 2 года назад +6

      They wouldn't have done anything remember the dr Ramsey story

    • @Bearyskii
      @Bearyskii 2 года назад +4

      @@quentelhill5074 never heard of that story. What is it about?

    • @quentelhill5074
      @quentelhill5074 2 года назад +19

      @@Bearyskii about a man who stalked a family mainly the little girl you should look it up on RUclips dr Ramsey made my skin crawl

    • @Bearyskii
      @Bearyskii 2 года назад +5

      @@quentelhill5074 yes I remember that case! Absolutely mad!

    • @cosyisconflicted
      @cosyisconflicted 2 года назад

      I’ll put your grandma in the fridge

  • @nicolemadden3178
    @nicolemadden3178 2 года назад +506

    For them to think that Paul was writing the letters from solitary confinement is ridiculous as jails monitor mail and they're the ones that have to get the letters from the inmates to mail out. I mean c'mon!

    • @AS-ri1mb
      @AS-ri1mb 2 года назад +11

      He could’ve had accomplices

    • @brendenmattkost
      @brendenmattkost 2 года назад +19

      Yeah, Paul's youngest daughter believes that it was her older sister writing them on behalf of her dad. She has memories of them supposedly collaborating. If not Paul's eldest daughter, it could have been someone else. There are also memories of finding letters in the home prior to the handgun incident. Paul was also supposedly a master manipulator. Obviously nothing is certain, but there's more to the story than what's told in this video.

    • @theoriginal7264
      @theoriginal7264 2 года назад +2

      I was thinking the same thing like you guys could've certainly figured out if he was writing all these letters and remembering all these addresses and if he bought a substantial amount of stamps etc like wtf

    • @Jeremy_the_bot
      @Jeremy_the_bot 2 года назад +2

      Easily could have been an accomplice. It was Paul or someone really close to Paul. I cant get past the gun. Ok maybe it is my gun and it really was stolen. But because my family was targeted, someone close that had access to my home had to be the one that took the gun.

    • @olidean8527
      @olidean8527 2 года назад +2

      @@Jeremy_the_bot but someone who had spent so much time and effort with all the crap that happened would surely spend the time to get a gun not registered in their own name or even if they couldn’t for whatever reason they would at least spend the time to remove the serial number properly

  • @charlottethehousegoat5960
    @charlottethehousegoat5960 Год назад

    I've watched lots of videos on this. Yours by far is the most interesting and informative.

  • @intombenhle
    @intombenhle 6 месяцев назад

    Discovered MrBallen recently, and I am hooked. Deep within his channel.

  • @Nick-xi6fc
    @Nick-xi6fc 2 года назад +397

    It’s crazy how one of the writers could literally be watching this rn laughing their asses off

  • @joshpointoh
    @joshpointoh 2 года назад +137

    How did they explain the fact that he was in jail for most of the letters sent? They can't just say "doesn't matter you were in solitary while these letters were sent"

    • @degrelleholt6314
      @degrelleholt6314 Год назад +17

      There are similar stories where people are so incredibly thick and willfully blind. These folks really needed to have some sense slapped into them.

    • @WhyYoutubeWhy
      @WhyYoutubeWhy Год назад +4

      They might have been pre-posted.

    • @dubiousinformation1756
      @dubiousinformation1756 Год назад +20

      Corruption.
      They knew he didn't do it. Literally anyone could tell he didn't do it.
      But they wanted him in there for personal reasons.
      Whether they just didn't like the guy, or that they know the actual killer and don't want them in jail to the point they're willing to throw other people under the bus.
      No one is likely ever going to know the actual reason.
      But clearly a lot of people were pulling the strings or it wouldn't have been possible.

    • @PickyMcCritical
      @PickyMcCritical Год назад +1

      The police could've suspected that people helping Paul were trying to trick the police to make him look innocent. I also second the reply that starts with the word "corruption."

    • @ruralbrewery6585
      @ruralbrewery6585 Год назад +1

      ​@@dubiousinformation1756 motivation could also have been to do with taking the path of least resistance to quell possible unrest in their small town.
      Some cop positions are elected, giving political motivation to cops to be seen to be effective, even when they're not.
      Cockup leads to conspiracy, is my take.

  • @BurgundyBlicka
    @BurgundyBlicka Год назад

    I caught COVID last year and found one of your videos on an accident while I was stuck in bed and now you’re my favorite vlog‼️‼️

  • @amandajones420
    @amandajones420 Год назад

    I started watching this channel recently, I love it!! But I was surprised when this video come up on my feed! The video is from a couple years ago, but I'm just now seeing it. I was surprised again because this case centers a lot around my family! Mary is my grandmother. My father is Ron and Mary's son.
    There are A lot of podcasts that have covered this story as well.
    It's frustrating and upsetting to me. I don't tell my father and grandmother, Mary, about all the coverage this case still gets...to this day! I don't want to open old wounds.
    I don't know really...why even make this comment, not sure.
    I love this channel, The Circleville Letters is an interesting story ....just hits close to home for me!
    Thanks, keep Ballen

  • @avsiii7661
    @avsiii7661 3 года назад +329

    maybe the wife of the superintendent wrote those letters.

    • @Paul-xk5wg
      @Paul-xk5wg 3 года назад +62

      Bro, I thought you where funny but I found out she was never accounted for. And she has a brother in the FBI. I think your onto something

    • @RetroJ3000
      @RetroJ3000 3 года назад +19

      My very first thought

    • @billymcdowall9850
      @billymcdowall9850 3 года назад +1

      Might have been the superintendant

    • @avsiii7661
      @avsiii7661 3 года назад +11

      @@billymcdowall9850 I don't know about that - Since the Superintendent is half of the party that was having an affair.

    • @leprechaunbutreallyjustamidget
      @leprechaunbutreallyjustamidget 3 года назад +3

      That was my first thought

  • @breezy3725
    @breezy3725 3 года назад +595

    I could tell immediately that was a jealous woman writing those letters.

    • @jamiedecker7853
      @jamiedecker7853 3 года назад +66

      Exactly my thoughts. I wonder if superintendent had a wife???

    • @DDStriker-qf3ne
      @DDStriker-qf3ne 3 года назад +17

      Not a wife,a child. A kid did this.If it were an adult,they would have just confronted the husband directly.

    • @theconcan2753
      @theconcan2753 3 года назад +46

      @@DDStriker-qf3ne Haha it seems it hit you in the feels. No it wasnt a child, it was a woman.

    • @ksinclair-garcia2092
      @ksinclair-garcia2092 3 года назад +6

      Depending on the age of the superintendent maybe it could be a grown child.

    • @giantdanio
      @giantdanio 3 года назад +10

      You’re right. Only two things would fuel this type of long-standing behaviour. The first is jealousy. The second is political.
      It doesn’t seem political so it must be a vindictive, jealous person. Who’s SO messed up that they start to involve new boyfriend - because he’s so outraged by the hurt that’s been caused to this person and angry that he’s not getting all the attention from the jealous person, that he decides to play a part in all the madness too.

  • @naytendox
    @naytendox 2 года назад +1

    Crazy, my dad lives here. I visit often and go to the pumpkin show every year but didn't know this story

  • @grimsim8893
    @grimsim8893 Год назад +2

    Please keep uploading I love listening to you damn good storyteller even though I feel sad listening but appreciate how you tell it.

  • @blindspotspotter.2352
    @blindspotspotter.2352 3 года назад +298

    I remember hearing that story on Unsolved Mysteries when I was in my 20s. I watched it with my grandparents.
    I remember my Grandfather saying "Yep, cops are like accountants. They just want their books to balance. They don't much care where the credits or debits come from. "
    Words of wisdom

  • @loriegosnell5938
    @loriegosnell5938 3 года назад +583

    I knew Mary was having that affair from beginning because I would definitely have went straight to my husband for protection showing him the first letter right away

    • @sarahoshea9603
      @sarahoshea9603 3 года назад +35

      Yeah it does seem odd that it takes her a while to go to him, and as a wife I couldn't imagine asking anyone else to protect you than your man. Tho she also admitted she DID have a brief affair! So maybe she rly hoped it was a bad prank.

    • @SusanWillful
      @SusanWillful 3 года назад +6

      Except if she and that guy had some chemistry going on but no affair... Feeling a little guilty without having done anything.

    • @Stydimples
      @Stydimples 3 года назад +9

      He said she got the first letter right after the affair started. So who else knows who’s fucking who unless you got a stalker or the person himself spills the beans.

    • @daniellemorcom8750
      @daniellemorcom8750 3 года назад +1

      That's what i thought x

    • @kevinwilliams8687
      @kevinwilliams8687 3 года назад +22

      It’s very obvious, her first move was to hide it from her husband, guilt does that not love

  • @enigmaticbrain1225
    @enigmaticbrain1225 Год назад +6

    How about a government conspiracy? Sowing seeds of doubt within a family, by extension a community and watching the response of those in the community to study the power and influence that a carefully planted lie, followed by threats of violence, can have within a control group. Government has certainly done worse. I wouldn’t begin to understand their specific motivation for such an action, but I wouldn’t put it past them either.

  • @johnparker4484
    @johnparker4484 Год назад

    So cool to see how your storytelling/production/editing have improved so much over two years.

  • @KwellsCaldwellVEVO
    @KwellsCaldwellVEVO 2 года назад +161

    She never even admitted it to her husband before he died she was lying the whole time wow

    • @corlenajames1381
      @corlenajames1381 2 года назад +18

      I doubt she actually cheated on her husband. I think after her husband died behind all that, her back was against the wall & she was willing to admit to anything if that meant there was an opportunity to put everything behind her & moving forward. Unfortunately, she was wrong.

    • @raywcksn
      @raywcksn 2 года назад +34

      @@corlenajames1381 I don’t buy that

    • @XFizzlepop-Berrytwist
      @XFizzlepop-Berrytwist 2 года назад +12

      @@raywcksn
      I dunno, people have confessed to crimes they didnt commit to get less worse sentences, or even to get out of jail early.

    • @Cptraktorn
      @Cptraktorn 2 года назад +28

      @@corlenajames1381 She decided not to even warn her husband about the letters, that tells me everything i need to know

    • @shav12
      @shav12 2 года назад +10

      There’s men out there unknowingly raising kids that aren’t even their’s. It’s sad

  • @OldSoul_0113
    @OldSoul_0113 2 года назад +144

    I live about 20 minutes from Circleville. The pumpkin show is amazing every year! But every time we go the spooky vibe is there because of those letters. It's definitely still talked about

    • @exploitedfight8081
      @exploitedfight8081 2 года назад +3

      So what do ppl there think, who did it?

    • @OldSoul_0113
      @OldSoul_0113 2 года назад +21

      @@exploitedfight8081 i don't know why no one investigated the superintendents family or possibly wife if he had one. Thats always been my opinion. I dont know what everyone else thinks

    • @MJW238
      @MJW238 2 года назад

      I can’t find a credible source online, however, which indicates that any of this even happened.

  • @chrisholden615
    @chrisholden615 2 года назад

    "it's a little confusing, but these are the players" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.. I had to hit pause because this made me laugh so hard

  • @shelbyblu5439
    @shelbyblu5439 Год назад

    Thanks for the content! My boyfriend and I have been binging your vids since we found them. 😁

  • @caitlinmcgeehan7962
    @caitlinmcgeehan7962 2 года назад +526

    I’m sorry, but if someone calls me “el sicko”, then I’m definitely not taking them as a credible threat

    • @LyJo5
      @LyJo5 2 года назад +6

      😂😂😂 so true

    • @jrichhaze
      @jrichhaze 2 года назад +15

      Ikr, good to know that stood out to others as much as it did to me, oh, and BTW unsolved mysteries was reliable as tabloids

    • @jonneville
      @jonneville 2 года назад +13

      So true! And they should have at least said "Los sickos" since it was plural haha

    • @CivilizedWarrior
      @CivilizedWarrior 2 года назад +12

      Clearly it was Bart Simpson AKA El Barto

    • @NODnuke45
      @NODnuke45 2 года назад +5

      That part sounded like what someone would say who has never tried to sound threatening before. Which is ironic considering they basically made writing threatening sounding letters their secondary job.

  • @thebamboozlerette1824
    @thebamboozlerette1824 3 года назад +349

    Ron: “We’ll ignore it, and it will go away.”
    Narrator voice: “But it did not go away.”

  • @susiesunshine43
    @susiesunshine43 3 месяца назад

    Poor Paul!!!!! That's so crazy!!!!

  • @doolinramlakan9816
    @doolinramlakan9816 Год назад +1

    I am hooked and loving your stories

  • @theshape3988
    @theshape3988 3 года назад +253

    Binge watching this guy. The only story format is unique. Bc this narrator allows you to not only see him? But does it with emotion. Big fan here

    • @thefeatheredhag4279
      @thefeatheredhag4279 3 года назад +6

      The Shape I’m binge watching myself, it sure is nice to see a normal face, then someone hiding behind a mask! Mr Ballen is the real deal.

    • @ananimity7332
      @ananimity7332 3 года назад +2

      It's a relief to not have the robot voice as well

    • @Icarus_Qwq
      @Icarus_Qwq 3 года назад +1

      I have a feeling you would love BuzzFeed Unsolved. They aren’t the usual Buzzfeed bullshit channel. They do stuff like this and more

    • @davidvader687
      @davidvader687 3 года назад +1

      By 4 minutes in, I'm wondering why Mary didn't go to the superintendent and tell him about the letters.

    • @mike-hunt8848
      @mike-hunt8848 3 года назад +1

      And he talks in a normal voice

  • @Paraplegicoctopus-jh3mn
    @Paraplegicoctopus-jh3mn 2 года назад +283

    There were so many ways to actually investigate this, just mind-boggling how lazy these cops were!

    • @peggypeggy4137
      @peggypeggy4137 2 года назад +18

      Especially since Paul stayed in jail for years. This is a little off topic but it brings to mind the lack of professionalism back in the day. In the seventies when John Wayne Gacy was killing all those teenagers, the cops would ignore the parents of these kids when they would file Missing Persons reports. Saying the kids had "run away" No computer systems to speak of to link him to his previous convictions. It wasn't until the last victim who was a 15 yr old kid being picked up by his mother that they finally started looking at Gacy seriously. It's amazing what the guilty got away with and the innocent got charged with.

    • @rjh6037
      @rjh6037 Год назад +10

      Unless a cop was somehow involved or protecting someone.

    • @shajanjacob1576
      @shajanjacob1576 Год назад

      So, cops are corrupt and stupid everywhere!

    • @BZ1610
      @BZ1610 Год назад

      Cops have historically been lazy and inept.

    • @tylerk4641
      @tylerk4641 Год назад +9

      Weren't necessarily lazy they seem corrupt

  • @eteruz4562
    @eteruz4562 12 дней назад +1

    The voice from the letter 😂 so funny

  • @Chris-ie3ww
    @Chris-ie3ww Год назад

    Found MrBallens channel and I can’t stop watching! I love your content.