Two Ivy League professors attacked in their own home

Case 287: Half & Susanne Zantop
When Half and Susanne Zantop were found brutally stabbed to death in their Etna, New Hampshire home, friends, colleagues and investigators were all at a loss to understand it. The married couple were both beloved professors at Dartmouth College, and no one could think of a reason why someone would want to harm them. But a crucial clue left at the crime scene would lead investigators directly to some unlikely suspects: two high school students with a deadly plan…
CREDITS
Narration - Anonymous Host
Research & writing - Erin Munro
Creative direction - Milly Raso
Production and music - Mike Migas
Music - Andrew D.B. Joslyn
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[@cubeow1]

This episode was very well developed and researched. It raised moral questions such as whether or not to be generous and friendly to strangers like half was, who ended up getting killed. It also explores different outlooks on life. I think it was notable that half’s daughters did in fact focus much more on the ideological complexities of half’s beliefs rather than Jim and Robert’s violent crime. I really felt the nuances and authenticities of the world expressed, through Jim and Robert’s desires to go to Australia and Half and his wife’s perfect life coming to a horrible end with their deaths becoming a martyr for their own honorable beliefs in a way. I’ve learned a lot from this episode and I will be continuing to giving this a lot more thought. Thank you for your hard work on bringing this colorful episode to life.

[@cranbell99]

Very thoughtful writing. You're spot on.

[@cubeow1]

@@cranbell99 Thank you. I watched this episode and then wrote this comment during my 7 hour trip to Canada

[@tablescissors]

Although an unpopular form of storytelling, with crimes in particular, one has to be careful to avoid propaganda or using victims to further an agenda - which is both disrespectful and can alienate an audience. The families and community that raised such nonchalant and privileged psychopaths have a lot to consider, as should we upon reflection. Their habits and the patterns of such individuals should be studied; not all will take a violent form, this one we can clearly see, but there are so many ways to hurt people and ruin their lives without murder. They walk among us.

[@rashone2879]

Not a good idea to open your home to strangers who just knocked on your door…no matter how generous you want to be. What a tragic case! These two murderers are psychopaths, they should never be released, they don’t change! They were sorry they got caught. Age 16 is old enough to be totally responsible for a cruel murder.

[@ninedaysjane2466]

There's always someone blaming the victims.

[@GoddessofWisdom]

They were two clean cut teenagers, not just strangers - even the cops didn't think anything of them the first time they met them. And the Zantops were professors in a college town who probably often helped similar teenagers with similar things. The fact that your first instinct after hearing about their brutal murders is to judge their decisions... says a lot more about you than their decisions says about them.

[@ConnorEverything1997]

Thank you for having a pair and saying this. Why in the WORLD are you inviting complete strangers into your house???

[@ConnorEverything1997]

@@ninedaysjane2466 Yup, and I will continue to blame victims who made incredibly reckless, careless decisions that led to their demise. Allowing 2 strange men into your house. What in the world was this person thinking.

[@kristalefler3312]

@@ninedaysjane2466 While I hate victim blaming, I don’t think the original comment above is necessarily doing that. They just seem to be acknowledging that this is a cautionary tale for people to be safe. However….the comment below is super gross and definitely putting blame on the victims. I think we can respectfully discuss/learn to be more careful from these horrible cases minus people ever calling victims stupid/etc. It sounds like they were just trusting people because they were such kind people themselves.

[@no_peace]

44:26 of course he's crying for hours for himself and his friend, not the people whose lives were taken

[@nes123ification]

Woo hoo! A new Case files episode. About to get into it! Cheers from Perth

[@audrahartman4212]

Very much appreciate the details regarding the victims and their legacies. Knowing that they rest in peace, prayers for their families and friends.

[@Outcry4truth]

Terrible when these things happen to people. I don't like it. But it's a good day when Casefile releases an episode. Very under rated channel, they always do excellent work.

[@SpicyTexan64]

You don't like it? That's quite the controversial opinion. 🙄

[@ninedaysjane2466]

Someone always posts this. Casefile is a podcast. It has a massive following. It's been consistently ranked by popularity and reviewers as one of the top crime pods in the world.

[@ninedaysjane2466]

@@SpicyTexan64 No need to be a douche. 🙄

[@cubeow1]

@@ninedaysjane2466I think the notion that this channel is underrated is still strong. For an excellent channel with >100k subs, statistically, receiving only 19k views on their newest upload after 3 days shows how much weaker it is in terms of popularity compared to gaming channels and other niches which would’ve racked up much more. I think it’s just due to society shifting to more short form content and easy entertainment, which is sad.

[@tillitsdone]

@@cubeow1 I think you're incorrect. Casefile is a major, hugely popular podcast team with millions of followers that happen to upload this wing of their material on KZbin.

[@naomiledger1374]

How ironic that the pair thought themselves so superior and clever and yet, despite their discussions and plans, managed to eff up their one and only major crime and land themselves in prison pronto, still teenagers. One of them sounds like he has the potential to move forward in life and become a regular human being, but the other would appear to have some serious issues requiring mental health intervention. I hope he gets it before the power that be decide to release him back into the world after who knows how many years 'learning' in prison. I also thought it ridiculous that anyone would suggest that the pair didn't intend to kill - why else were they sporting those foot long knives, do you think?

[@eshiestrik2756]

It's so nice to hear an Aussie voice presenting this, not so nice, sad event. 🇦🇺 Thank you for being so clear and descriptive which makes this horror, which was so sad and unnecessary, compelling listening. At the end, I was so moved by the generosity of the daughters. They are truly their parent's daughters. Generous and forgiving. I was wondering if I would be as forgiving.

[@tablescissors]

The voice is most likely mechanical, accents can help it seem less artificial or softer on the ear.

[@momv2pa]

I remember seeing this case on tv. These teenagers had actually tried the same ruse at another house, but the man that lived there (either his child or wife was with him) would not open the door, and looked out a window near the door while holding his gun so that these monsters would see it and they left. Very well told. Can picture everything while listening to the details. Another good story. Thank you.

[@tablescissors]

Thank you for this additional and truly helpful information on the case!

[@lanafaulkner3573]

I needed this!! Thank you!!! ❤

[@paulsansonetti7410]

In August 2014, the New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled that Tulloch's case would be among four to be reviewed by the court for re-sentencing. The initial review had been appealed by the state attorney general. Parker is not affected by this ruling, because he was not charged with first-degree murder, an adult charge that carries a mandatory LWOP sentence. After review of different factors in the case, the court could again re-sentence Tulloch to life imprisonment without parole, or could impose a different sentence. Tulloch's re-sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 2024. Parker parole On April 18, 2024, James Parker was granted parole. He is expected to be released in May 2024, once a housing plan is in place. Parker expressed profound remorse for the murders and had a track record as a good inmate, including earning bachelor's and master's degrees while in prison

[@hollymcdowell2865]

Wow. Thank you for the thorough update.

[@bluemeaford]

Free education to a cold cruel murderer, that costs honest young people tens of thousands of dollars.

[@tablescissors]

@@bluemeaford Word. Plus free room and board.

[@suorman]

They’re going to give him parole next month 😱😱😱 those two brilliant peoples lives taken for nothing

[@ninedaysjane2466]

My thoughts exactly. I appreciate the daughters' perspectives, but I can't help thinking what a total waste this was. Two wonderful people lost, two worthless lives remain.

[@PolumbiusTheThird]

they're*

[@xXtenseXx]

this is 'Murica

[@suorman]

@@xXtenseXx oops 😅

[@andreamolnar5333]

​@@ninedaysjane2466 after hearing how their friendship escalated and how they plotted and went from childish pranks and shenanigans to murder for financial gain, I actually fear he might reoffend.

[@butchershoppequartet8690]

The level of storytelling on this channel is beyond incredible. It does take me a good three or four times to hear it to the end though because of that beautiful hypnotic voice sending me to sleep but it's well worth it. Just enough description to lull me into the visuals but not too much to slow the narrative. A million gold stars Casefile - fantastic work!

[@kathrynbillinghurst188]

G’day and thanx!🇦🇺 It’s so relaxing 😌 just listening to your comprehensive narration. I can almost see everything happening in my mind! ✌️🤓👍 🍿🍦🍹

[@hesterprynne5967]

They thought they were smarter than everyone else, but their every thought was so simplistic and juvenile.

[@brandyjean7015]

James was the younger, eager to follow, less aggressive of the duo. He could have learned to be more careful of who you hang out with. But Robert? He's a hot mess... The family dog? An older couple out for a stroll? Anyone who might criticize him? Poor impulse control, hot tempered, overly egotistical, and perhaps the classic: narcissistic? Perhaps he might have benefitted from reading something other than comic books.

[@veeshion24]

Yup!!!! The earliest I've ever been!!!

[@rhondamcewananderson3968]

Thanks Casefile.... so heartbreaking, all for nothing.💔

[@HB-iq6bl]

teenage anti social criminal behaviour needs addressing by police, after the first offense.

[@cjbevilacqua]

Love this channel

[@princess_mainly243]

May the S.I.P. I do have a gripe with this whole “as a juvenile” perception. I think depending on the crime, severity, intent, and execution- being a “juvenile” does not change the nature of criminal behavior and mindset. Murder being a top charge for consideration as an adult. And honestly- it was planned out. Maybe the who wasn’t figured out entirely but the idea of killing was. Most 16yr olds are not doing that. And for the accomplice. Check his recidivism. But clearly its not a “teenage phase”.

[@charliekezza]

Most 12 year olds know right from wrong heck most 5 year olds know not to hurt others (mary bell and friend being one of very few who've killed but they both still knew it was wrong)

[@MultiLlewis]

The first guy & his young son would be dead if he hadnt been suspicious & refused them entry (having a gun probably also helped)

[@MR-pv7qg]

Masterpiece as always! Casefile rocks in true crime podcasts!

[@chaos_baron]

Never trust anyone you don't know. Never let them into your home. EVER.

[@mr.zeitmaschine6878]

These 2 should NEVER be let out. I don’t care if they became apostles in prison and personally met Jesus. I totally pictured the professor with his wife, their dinners with their friends and their debates over their favorite wine and their hours of art discussions: so much to offer to this world I’m sure and cut short because if some teenagers and their dark fantasies.

[@seafarer_]

51:51 sense of superiority but can’t remember that march 40th isn’t a real date lmao. clowns

[@MM-uv6kb]

Psychopaths. Especially Robert. Jim could possibly be redeemed. Robert should still be kept in jail for life.

[@Liliarthan]

That level of rage and overkill. This guy would undoubtedly go on to become a serial killer if not caught. Definitely not a ‘oops that was a terrible idea’ impulsive mistake (though who’d have believed that). Imagine those who were targeted but got lucky. That poor couple and their daughters 😞

[@mattygee79]

LOL at the trucker who asked for his $10 back 🚛

[@smileforthecamera90]

Priorities 😂😂

[@boneman-calciumenjoyer8290]

Fair demand, don't you think?

[@charliekezza]

Id be pretty pissed too...then thankful to still be alive 😮😮😮

[@mikeevans7381]

Love this channel and the new episodes with Olivia LaVoice. Very talented and beautiful lady indeed. 💯🔥🇺🇸

[@natalieh4354]

Ooh early.. good for a cold Saturday night.. thank you

[@Ena48145]

Cold?? Where do you live? And it's Saturday? I'm assuming UK? You are so lucky.. I am so sick of the heat here in the states

[@Catherinzsl]

Another Southern Hemisphere listener, I'm guessing. Yay! 🥝🐨

[@natalieh4354]

​@@Ena48145 Australia, it's 11 degrees centigrade, which is cold for us softies from Qld, Australia... Yes we had a horrific summer too , been looking forward to winter . Stay cool ❤

[@natalieh4354]

​@@Catherinzslsoft as Queenslander 😂.. Australia earnt the cooler weather this year for sure

[@loredanadincu4300]

​@Ena48145 it is Saturday in a lot of places still. What are you smoking

[@jeanettecoleman-mz7ie]

1:03:25 just what Koberger did, left his knife sheath behind!!

[@sixthsenseamelia4695]

*Allegedly

[@no_peace]

I know this is a personal problem but it would be so helpful if you could include the year throughout the episode when you give dates. I can only listen when I'm driving around or working and I miss stuff so I'm like, "Is this the 80s? Do they have smart phones? Oh they bought stuff online! Must be kinda recent?" for an hour. I can almost never Google it bc I'm working/driving or I'd just do that It's all me it just would be helpful. Thank you

[@loredanadincu4300]

Maybe listen more carefully because he says the damn year every time

[@andreamolnar5333]

​​@@loredanadincu4300Actually, he doesn't. As the story progresses, he usually only says month&day, so I get how it might be easy to loose track. Also, I prefer the original commenter concentrating on the road and their work rather than listening more carefully.

[@loredanadincu4300]

@andreamolnar5333 Actually, he does. In every f video and I listen to all his videos. So maybe you and the dude above want to clean your ears . Because not one single time during his videos I didn't know when the case happened

[@loredanadincu4300]

@andreamolnar5333 Lady right in the beginning at 00: 43 or so seconds, he says, the evening of January 27, 2001. You people don't pay attention but act all that entitled and arogant

[@andreamolnar5333]

@@loredanadincu4300 Haha, it's endearing how upset you got about this. 😆 Both the dude above and I meant that the year is usually only stated once at the beginning of the story and then it's usually not repeated again. It's clear to everyone besides you that the og commenter appreciates and loves this podcast, he was just making a suggestion. As for us being entitled and arrogant: joke of the century, but you ma'am certainly do come across as sad and frustrated. Hope you can cheer up soon.

[@Maligroot]

Thanks Matey 👍

[@char2win]

What a way to start a Saturday with Casey ❤🎉

[@JohnathanMackenzie-h8z]

People might disagree but if you live a life of spiritual awareness and meditation you get gut feels about strangers. The only time i go wrong is when i don't obey my gut feels. These kids are walking in darkness and should NOT be released.

[@loredanadincu4300]

They are almost 40 now. What kids? Only one can be released, and the other got life without parole.

[@JimMilton-ej6zi]

I hope James Parker redeems himself but i don't think Robert is able to

[@WouldntULikeToKnow.]

I'm not convinced either of them can be.

[@MikeMitchell-x2v]

Anyone else think of the "pea tear griffin" family guy scene when guy tells police his name is J. James?

[@cammobunker]

In April 2024 Parker was granted Parole. Tulloch's hearing has been postponed until some later date. Parker seemed to be a follower and very remorseful for his actions. Tulloch sounds like a psycho.

[@orlandomota6685]

Buenos Dias!!! It must be Saturday 🙌🏾

[@blueyoshi8231]

As an Australian i can assure you that exotic isn't a word I'd use to describe the place or the people 😅💜🇦🇺💜

[@philfluther2713]

'Rope' Alfred Hitchcock ties in with climbing.

[@ChicaG-vg7pj]

Another case where the knife sheath was forgotten in the frenzy of murder!

[@chesspiece81]

Good early Saturday morning, Casefile fans.

[@jamescleary-px7qp]

So incredibly sad. Such a waste of life for no reason.

[@jeanettecoleman-mz7ie]

51:25 2nd degree murder???

[@charliekezza]

It doesn't matter if a newspaper prints a retraction, once its out there, its out there just like the internet

[@Marlon.Brando-25]

@@charliekezza psychosomatic U need a doctor

[@TriniLush7]

Oh look, two kids with both parents in the home are killers 🙄

[@thegreencat9947]

Hello all.😁

[@audibjornsson6107]

Hey from Washington State

[@thegreencat9947]

@@audibjornsson6107 North Idaho here. 😁👍🏼

[@chaos_baron]

Best AI Narrator voice in the business.

[@mlwsmp]

I'm sad about learning that. I'm not sure why

[@GreyGhost.]

the prison sentences are insulting .... like a parody of some comic drama.

[@pugsnhogz]

I always feel bad for the go-along in these cases. I'm not saying he isn't equally guilty, but it's clear Jim wasn't quite the "psycho killer" that his "friend" Robert was. I remember how desperate I was to be liked by those I associated with at 16, and how little grasp I had on the consequences of my actions at times. It just sucks when kids encourage each other to commit such heinous crimes. I think for teenagers, it's really easy to get caught up and lose touch with reality. Once the bubble burst and it all came crashing down, Jim seemed genuinely remorseful. He was probably in complete shock to realize what he'd actually done. Unfortunately, this is the one kind of fuck up you can't undo. May the kind souls whose trust was so horrendously abused rest in peace.

[@lisas8244]

You know you've been following true crime for too long when you've already seen multiple documentaries on nearly every American murder case that Casefile presents. By the third sentence I knew every event that would come afterward. I wish Casefile would choose to do more recent murder cases so that the story wouldn't already have been told and retold ad infinitum. For those of you who don't already know every twist and turn in this case, enjoy!!!!

[@eshiestrik2756]

I hadn't heard this before, that I remember at least. Maybe because it's only in recent years that I have been listening to the horrific murders that happen outside of Aus. I'm not saying we don't have them, we do, but they seem to be so much more horrific and numerous in the US, which is understandable, as the population is 11 times what Australia's is!

[@TRaWi]

I find it interesting to hear again about the same case coming from another channel. Different researchers reach for different materials and sometimes you get to know a huge lot more of details or even big facts that other commentators or older works don't have. Some docus focus more on narration, some on forensic science, some in psychology of the individual development, some in police work. Some creators focus in finding relatives and officers for enterviews today, some creators include all the rumours about the case, some creators even go after the fate of mentioned pets.

[@carolynlubker1324]

Another Leopold and Loeb.

[@edgarjryo7071]

51:00

[@edgarjryo7071]

24:00

[@Rese516]

😢

[@TriniLush7]

They didn't look like killers. Let me guess how they came to that conclusion 🙄

[@daviniamarsh7438]

Hello

[@pearlfeather9326]

What was the religious background of the 2 murderers? I read something disturbing about it.

[@jeffjones3040]

"Half"? Now I have heard everything! LMFAO!!!

[@GoddessofWisdom]

If you watched the video you'd know that it's a German name meaning "help"

[@HB-iq6bl]

I'm 1160th

[@HB-iq6bl]

Winter here. 17 C at midnight

[@loredanadincu4300]

17 C is not winter weather sweety. Is spring weather

[@margitwes6495]

@@loredanadincu4300 I'm sure the person knows what season it is in their neck of the woods. Winter in Australia starts in June. Just sayin'

[@loredanadincu4300]

@margitwes6495 just saying your comment is useless. I said 17 C is spring weather temperature, not winter. Can you comprehend that. I don't care if we're that person live or what season is there at this f point. What I said is no matter the season, 17 C don't equal a winter temperature

[@margitwes6495]

@@loredanadincu4300 LOL, didn't mean to trigger you. Hope you have a good day anyway.

[@loredanadincu4300]

@margitwes6495 you are a troll. Get out of your mother basement and stop making fun of strangers online just to make yoh fell better

[@scottbrannan4817]

Ranger is jailhouse snitch= LIAR

[@nyogyi6862]

No image No Video is boring 🥱

[@HaramXL]

Maybe you should stick to Nancy Drew episodes 😂

[@nyogyi6862]

@@HaramXL of course 😂

[@jenniferj5324]

Its meant to be listened to, like a podcast.

[@PatTurcotte-xe2jw]

If they lock their doors all the time wouldnt that make them people operating in insecurity. If he went by Jim why would you refer to him as James? Seems disrespectful. Looks like the guy with the gun in his hand out of paranoia is just as bad as the two murderers. With that paranoia I wouldn't be surprised if he shot an innocent person out of fear.