The Springs House of Horrors

[@doglovermaya5861]

I just have to tell this story and thank you for your videos. I was walking a dog, just out, when I heard screaming. There was someone beside me, some other bystander, who just got in their car and drove away. But I stayed. I thought, "maybe it's nothing", but I stayed anyway, listening. The screaming got louder, someone yelling "get the f**k out of my house" while a small child screamed. So I thought "maybe it's nothing, but if it's something I'll be another bystander who could have helped but didn’t" and THAT mindset comes from your videos. This podcast. I called 911 and the police came. Turns out, someone broke into their house and was threatening them. Nobody was hurt and the guy was put into custody. Don't be a bystander.

[@christina1wilson]

Oh my. I will say thank you for the world.

[@Altered_Perceptions]

You are an absolute LEGEND! (as Simon would say.)

[@ChaseSchleich]

Good for you. Too many people decide it's not their problem and just walk away.

[@LeeaH-e6l]

P

[@mangot589]

Yeah a lot of screaming is a 911🤷‍♀️ Or actually any screaming. Kids scream in the backyard, (they love to scream) but use some judgment. If it doesn’t sound like playing…..an adult voice? Heck yeah. That’s what police do, and they really ARE there to help you. They Want To Help You.

[@LizStaples]

Yolandi being parentified so young and not growing bitter toward her siblings but loving them all the more, and even now centering them in her life It had me weeping. She is truly a diamond forged in fire. I hope Herman can break the cycle and can also grow to love himself. Christine checked out, yes she was abused but she did nothing for those kids it’s best she’s kept away from them.

[@andrediamond4374]

Honestly the tears started once I heard the social worker adopter Herman, and they didn't stop after that

[@ProperlyGaming]

Truly a person born eith a heart of gold, to be able to survive that abuse and still be a loving and caring motherly figure to her younger siblings is such a hard thing to do, let alone do it as a child.

[@pastelclouds1922]

It’s also telling that teenage Yolanda (the sister) despite also being abused, found the strength to defend her siblings while Christine (the mother) did not. I understand why the kids are angry with her, I would be too.

[@AmeerBeats]

Facts. I think simon is giving the mother a little bit too much of a pass. Regardless of how scared you are as a mother your protective instincts should overshadow that fear. I do still empathize with her though.

[@Xsior]

Yeah. She can be a victim but that doesn't mean she wasn't an abuser as well.

[@Dreadhead2889]

Long time child protection worker in a major US metropolitan area here - Simon regularly asks throughout the 1st 30 min ‘Where is CPS??’ - unfortunately without a referral often times this stuff goes on for way too long. If it’s not called in, we have no way of knowing what’s going on to take a look. If you suspect something is off, always call it in. Like Simon mentions with his friend, we would always prefer to investigate something and have it be nothing than have children in danger and not be able to help. These kids were coached to hide the abuse and not talk to CPS, which further complicates things. You are accurate that the description of the conditions in the home itself would constitute neglect and a court-ordered removal. And yes, the social worker in this episode is an absolute legend.

[@Sleepy_Pianist]

Thank you for the work that you do 💕

[@rhov-anion]

Thank you for protecting our children! You are a LEGEND.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

Not only were the kids coached to hide the abuse, after the first child, it seems none of the others were ever mentioned to the world, so the scope of people who even saw the children was limited, thus fewer people to say anything.

[@nancysmith2295]

I once tried to call for help for my next door neighbor's kids. We shared walls. I would find myself sitting in my kitchen hearing the mother calling her daughter a slut, bitch, whore, etc. Her daughter was twelve-12-! I was scolded for calling as I had the daughter stay with me while we waited for intervention. I was accused of kidnapping! There was more going on in that home. I had visited a few times. I was friendly with the mother & father. Listening daily to the abuse to the three children through the walls was difficult. It brought me to tears. I heard continual verbal abuse. What else may have been going on?

[@Lerrae1908]

Crow info: Most corvids (the group of birds crows are from, including jays, ravens, crows, magpies and more) are highly intelligent and very good at mimicking sounds and solving problems/puzzles. Crows and ravens can absolutely speak with intent, much like african grey parrots (as in they learn a certain sound evokes a certain result and then they will repeat it purposefully). And yes they are tool users. They're even smart enough to understand the concept of value/currency of inanimate objects and wild crows can be trained to clean up trash in exchange for payment in the form of food. Their natural proclivity to collect shiny/colorful things makes this behavior very easy to redirect You can befriend a murder of crows and have bodyguards for life basically, too. They remember people very well - which also means if you cross or wrong them somehow and they take it personally, you may well be hated by your local murder for the rest of your life. Cute fact, they're also generally monogamous (even if they may mate with other crows, the social pair bonding is lifelong). I can't lie, being adopted by a family of crows sounds like the greatest honor of my life lmao. They're one of those species with generational teaching too. So if one learns to use a tool or make a toy of something, or learns that certain people are good/bad, it will teach other crows it knows the same thing, the way chimps and orcas do. If humans disappeared, human language would actually die many years later because of birds like crows that can repeat our speech and will teach favorite sounds to their young. And thanks to many mimicking species like crows, the sounds of car horns, construction, and music would also likely be carried on for many many years after we're gone which is kind of hilarious to me. Like the echo of our existence.

[@amemooress6291]

Thank you, fellow corvid-lover!

[@DerptyDerptyDUM]

Excellent. 🏆

[@UmatsuObossa]

The monogamy of crows is species dependent. Species like the American Crow are monogamous for life and won't mate outside their chosen partner. They 'date' for several YEARS, getting together in young social groups to bond before selecting their mate for life. If their mate becomes injured, they will still stay with them and care for them, and if their mate dies, they will NOT pair off again but remain single from then on.

[@Dio.]

Yes.

[@elizabethworthen4641]

Crows are said to be as smart as seven year olds by some ornithologists. However, it is important to note that bird intelligence is very different than human intelligence. Most avians are more rigidly hierarchical and display less empathy than similarly intelligent mammals. Crows are not only intelligent enough to use and manufacture tools, they are able to conduct what equates to gang warfare against raptors and rival corvids, and they can coordinate their actions in order to distract and steal from larger predators and scavengers in their ecosystem. They often have favorite foods and are capable of understanding a gift economy and simple rules of value and bartering in order to extract better foods.

[@grantandrews4826]

Episodes like this are why this is the best true crime channel on the internet. Nothing but compassion and love, from the writing to the reading to the editing. Thanks guys.

[@chillaxinchica]

I have watched you morph from death penalty is bad to pump him full of lead.😂 It’s been a wild ride! Great script Emma!

[@marcuspoosz2190]

Strap him in the chair, strap him in the chair! 😂

[@jonyemm]

I've always said that most people against the death penalty are ignorant to how horrible some people could be and never had something done to someone close to them. The rest just take that stance to look, what they think is, morally superior.

[@Dommifax]

@@jonyemm I think a big driver (and IMHO one of the most convincing ones) is also how flawed the judiciary system where one lives is. I noticed the opposite of what Simon went through in myself (from being mostly indifferent about the death penalty to mildly against), after regularly listening to a crime podcast of a local newspaper whose host used to specialise in writing about judicial miscarriages, which did lasting damage to my trust in the truthfulness of police findings upon which the court and press subsequently rely. A pretty recent example: A family of farmers was convicted in 2001 (with the main responsibility going to the wife/mother iirc) for killing the abusive husband/father of the family, including a graphic descriptions of how he was brutally beaten until dead by the accused, cut to pieces and fed to their animals, which was corroborated by confessions. In 2009 a car with his body was found in a river, without any traumatic injuries consistent with the previous story, rather it is thought most likely it was either an accident or self-deletion. It came out afterwards, that the police basically made up the story and then manipulated the mother (IQ of 50) and forced/coerced the rest of the family to get the confessions mentioned above. All evidence presented in court and later reported by the press was fabricated or conjecture from said fabrications. They also tried to do the same to some random guy from the neighborhood they accused of disappearing the car of the missing farmer, but he did not break under their abuse even when threatened with being shot, so in the end he was acquitted with the judge complaining about the rowdy behaviour and lack of professionalism of prosecutor and police in the court. If only he had known how right his impression of them was.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

​@@jonyemm I think nowadays, it's also because we know that innocent people are frequently put to death. I go back and forth on this topic as well. While we hear stories like this where without a doubt, someone is guilty ("Richard" would not be missed if put to death, even though he didn't kill anyone), others are not so clear and so a life sentence should be more applicable. At least then, the person can appeal and other advocacy groups might be able to help them. Many might feel that a death penalty should be abolished to ensure innocent people aren't also sentenced, instead of seeing it as, "Yeah, we accidentally killed some innocent people, but look at all the bad people we also killed!"

[@CodeGrayHere]

I can't give mom a full pass. Poor little Herman almost didn't make it, and ultimately had to save his own life.

[@i.b.640]

Agree. Mom is almost as guilty as Dad. My Mom also "couldn't be alone" but when someone went against us, the she-bear came put.

[@panoramicviewvision]

Mom is just as guilty.

[@kylienielsen6975]

​@panoramicviewvision I wouldn't say as. She's a bad mom by any sane persons standards but while she's like a 8 on the horrible scale, dad's like a 12. Doesn't really matter though the while thing is fucked up.

[@Christine005]

The strength and resilience of Landi and Herman is mind-blowing. How could anyone be anything but proud of them? I wish for only the best for all of these children in their future endeavours ❤️

[@amb163]

Herman and Yolandi (sp?) are heroes. They are not only breaking the cycle, but are creating entirely new, solid foundations for the future. I wish all the best for them and their younger siblings.

[@Portfelio]

Crows... Speaking??? Are you going to tell whistle or should I? *Crow: you can.*

[@arthurb6200]

Beat me to it lol crows mimic similarly to parrots. There was a crow at our house (South African here) that would mimic our dogs barking

[@Legion-San]

Ravens can mimic as well. Corvids are very smart birds.

[@Portfelio]

I got a bid of one quacking

[@charelljackson5617]

lol

[@erit3662]

I feed some crows in my neighborhood when I walk my dog in the mornings. They make different and distinct calls when they first see me, when I give them food, and when I am taking too long to give them food. No human like speak yet though!

[@Kageoni187]

Omg, that ending brought tears to my eyes. She is such an amazing beautiful soul. I pray she and her siblings find many beautiful days in the sun because they deserve that and so much more.

[@RavennaBlack]

Same!! We seldomly hear in true crime that a community (even a few people) actually step up to help & even more rare about the survivors breaking the cycle!! The growth, courage, bravery, & love they have…they are beautiful souls & deserve nothing but the best!! 🖤🖤🖤

[@serenetiv]

how herman showed up at the neighbors reminds me of how ruby franke's son showed up at a neighbors house and begged for food and water.. with tape on his wrists and ankles, etc.

[@KarynHill]

That's the image that showed up in mind during that part of the story.

[@JK-gm6kk]

And the Terpin's who escaped and called 911. The end was absolutely a tear jerker. My dog is concerned and is licking the tears from my face

[@babygravey]

I know Simon is right to say you never know what you would do in this situation and call the police but when I was 14 and my brother was 15 we saw out of our bedroom window a 10 Yr old boy was getting the belt from his dad in the garden and was screaming in pain with no hesitation we ran out of the house round the street and beat his dad up. We never heard of him getting abused of his dad again but now that boy is grown and in prison for murder.

[@SpyderQueen1988]

​@@KarynHillme too, that's exactly where my mind went. I wonder if they'll do an episode of the Franke case?

[@redundantnspeechless]

This story is horrific. But Emma's writing ans Simon's emotion are... Very much appreciated. The kids... I wanto to hug them.

[@donielle2868]

Recently found out my husband and i both listen to you, just on different channels. 😂 We're happily married but absolutely opposites in most ways so its nice to have SOMETHING however superficial in common 😂

[@Friedfishstucktomypan]

Aww! That’s such a cute coincidence!

[@Dannie-My0wnReality]

Wait which channel does your husband watch him on 😂

[@jezpeep538]

Considering that Simon has like a thousand channels, it would be weirder if you guys weren't listening to him.

[@CodeGrayHere]

🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵

[@andiward7068]

​@Dannie-My0wnReality my SO watches mega & side projects while I watch BB, DtU, Into the Shadows, CasCrim & some others occasionally. He didn't realize how many SW channels there are.

[@TheTacoBandit]

"A young crow knows what a gun is, an old crow knows if its loaded"

[@mygoldenwitch]

This episode actually moved me to tears, particularly during the epilogue. Thank you Emma for writing it with such care and sensitivity. Yulandi and Herman are both so incredibly strong. Her testifying about not realising just how abnormal your situation is because you have no proper reference point hits painfully hard for me, as I also experienced years of parentification and various types of abuse at the hands of my alcoholic biological father. I had no siblings to take care of, but I had to take care of him, instead. Clean him up when he passed out, things like that. I remember when I was 11 he once texted me late in the evening to casually inform me he was in London to see some woman (we're not from the UK), and he'd be there for the delightfully vague 'next couple of days', but I could take care of myself, right, I was so mature for my age, after all. And as a kid you're so often proud of that. You're not like other kids your age, you're 'responsible' and 'mature' and you're 'allowed' to do tasks your peers aren't bc you're supposed to be a goddamn kid. The only food in the house was half a box of cereal, and there wasn't any money for groceries lying around, despite him being quite affluent. In school you had the opportunity to buy a proper well-sized sandwich for only a single euro for lunch, so I only ate half and kept the rest for dinner. I felt clever and grown up. I was all by myself, and I was doing just fine, I managed to get myself food, I could stay up until whenever (not that that was a big change from when he was around, he'd usually be passed out long before I went to bed), I could even theoretically skip school without consequences if I wanted to--but then I wouldn't have food, so obviously I didn't do that. Sometimes I wish he'd actually beaten me, because at least I'm pretty sure I would've realised that that was *not* normal, and raised the alarm. Then again, when I was 8 a teacher beat me so badly my entire back was a purple-green-black mess, and I cooked up a story for my mum because I felt guilty and thought the whole thing was my fault (luckily her best friend was the mother of the only friend I had in that school, who had seen it happen and told her mother the actual story, who naturally called up my mother in shock, so my mum very quickly found out the truth). So maybe I'd have thought that it would've been my fault there, too. Who knows. Yulandi's take on trauma and overcoming it gives me hope. Wires in my brain got twisted the wrong way around from a very young age for a very long time, and I'm still trying to straighten myself out to this day. She truly is an incredible example--not just to her siblings (children, really, I agree with her on that), but to people with trauma everywhere. Wishing her, Herman and all the other kids the best, and even Christene.

[@theConquerersMama]

Wow. Thank you, Emma. This was rough. I appreciate Simon's heartwarming and very normal stories about his family. It helps to hear during things like this. As always, Simon and team are very kind in keeping this real but not crime porn. The edits added to making me tear up.

[@Laniba12]

Having grown up in an abusive household and then in my career typing up child statements of the abuse they had undergone I totally understand how definitions of "bad parenting" can vary. People use to ask me how could I sit and type up those statements and listen to children crying but if those children had forced themselves to relive it to put away their abuser I was going to type it for them. Least I could do. One of them still haunts me to this day and I can still hear her voice.

[@shaetenn]

The last bit had me in tears. Good piece, Emma. Thank you Simon, for presenting such a heartbreaking case. I'm so glad the victims are doing so well after all the devastating circumstances.

[@HorrorHermitofHell]

Okay we're all on the same page about the last 5 minutes of the story. I got that lump in my throat and started to cry. Thank you Simon and Emma for bringing this story to the world

[@vinniecroft4886]

I crawled out my mother’s basement window when I was 12 years old after being locked down there for a month. I could make an episode like this about my childhood. I’m 42 now and have done my best to be a better person than they were, I am definitely a better parent than mine were! But that shit stays with you

[@rebeccaotter8051]

Im sorry you had to endure that. I hope life is treating you kindly now.💖

[@Aemirys]

I like the little tangents Simon goes on about Romulus and Remus! It's nice to have the darkness countered by something of light.... and nothing is more pure light than the love between that of child and parent.

[@theConquerersMama]

Me too

[@haleyguthrie3113]

Herman is such an intelligent and brave boy! To be that young, endure all this, run for help and testify in court for every single picture taken in that house of horrors is astounding. Bravo Herman

[@bobana3105]

5:41 lmao wait until Simon finds out that Crows can speak and quite literally hold grudges if somebody is mean to them. To the point where theyll get their entire flock pissed at that person

[@KilNazis]

Its called a Murder for a reason 😂

[@nodoubtmisa]

yh and that for generations, not just the ones living or witnessing it, so its a really really bad idea to piss off a murder of crows, because they might just murder you for being a dick. xD

[@camillosteuss]

``fuck about and find out`` - Crow that is finishing the nest in your rain gutters with the final touch of a lit cigarette... (You shooed it for the third time this week...)

[@amemooress6291]

That's one of my favorite facts about them xD

[@noahlatzer9462]

The correct term for a group of crows is actually, “A murder of crows”, funny enough, not flock.

[@JustKrista50]

Thank you Emma and Simon. Christine was an adult. She was not to blame for how he treated her. She does have some responsibility for the treatment of her children. No food. No clothes. Filthy house. Being an abused adult is NOT the same as being an abused child. She tried to drag Herman out of safety, knowing how bad it would be for him. She refused to tell the police where Herman was. You can be an adult victim of abuse AND abusive yourself. Christine doesn't need the same punishment as the dad, but she should be held to some level of accountability.

[@rachelwitherspoon4394]

THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@ilselauwers6009]

Yes ! And she should never bern allowed to have an other child after all that !!!

[@Laura-vs6fs]

exactly! Like she could have given them love and raised them for sure, but I guess money was completely controlled by the husband, so I don't think that part is on her. She didn't do anything for her children and she probs has BPD, so she is obsessed with never being alone and has abandonment issues. She was so scared of being without her husband, that she wanted her children to continue suffering. I am also absolutely sure that she cried during the children's abuse bc she felt guilty about feeling relieved it wasn't her taking the beating. Again the guilt not enough to make her do anything. Truly a horrible woman and I hope she never sees her children again.

[@mejuliie]

@@Laura-vs6fs Think it was Herman who specifically pointed out that she did not cry when she watched them being abused. Personally it sounds like she was totally dissociating when said abuse happened. But as you also noted, she failed the children horribly and participated in the abuse and neglect. Personally, I find her sentence to be too lenient.

[@kkija0]

If she was financially dependent on Richard then she couldn't really do much about their food and clothes tho. And she was still a teen when Richard started abusing her. It's easy to comment about all that she should've done when you've never been in her place...

[@aliciadelacruz9925]

This was probably one of the hardest episodes in a while. Most of the time I can distance myself, and I was fine until the end. Hearing about someone else feeling guilty about not being there for your younger siblings, wondering how they are, knowing they aren’t yours but feeling like their parent who’s missing out on their lives. I’ve had a lot happen to me in the 35 years since, but my worst day is still the day I rode off in our case workers car as my younger brother & sister stood crying on the porch. Little did we know that would be the last time we lived together. I’ll always wish I could’ve done more, even though logically I know it was beyond my control. I was only 13. Great job everyone on this one.

[@mattiemathis9549]

Ditto

[@AleksandraLempart-s3v]

Have you seen them since?

[@mattiemathis9549]

@@AleksandraLempart-s3v I’ve seen mine, but my guilt kept me emotionally distant for too many years. I don’t think they blamed me, but I blamed myself. Now after 40 years of keeping them at an arms distance it’s kind of too late to hold hands and sing kumbaya, if you know what I mean.

[@brittany1049]

Yolande and Herman were so strong, and such good siblings, in a way no sibling should ever have to be. The fact that they protected the youngest kids the best they could when it would’ve save them pain to let their father target the little ones… horrifying and brave

[@emeraldqueen1994]

Herman IS a hero! I’m glad that all the kids and their mom got happy endings with this chapter of their stories

[@junejunejuniejune]

imagine going through what Landi went through, and still having so much love and care for her siblings, wanting to protect them. she is truly an amazing person.

[@pgbrown12084]

Herman is an outstanding brother to his siblings. People that live through nightmares like this one are some of the best people to have in your life. Theyve seen the worst of humanity, and many choose to never let such awful things happen to them or anyone else they care about. I hope Herman finds the people that make him the happiest. He deserves a happy life, whether he believes it or not.

[@melissapinol7279]

When you mentioned having the kids clean the house, I remembered a disturbing incident from my childhood. I was in Elementary school and was friends with two sisters, 8 and 11. The older sister was depressed and once told me she wished she was dead. I had no idea why until I went to their house. One sister was mopping the kitchen floor while the other did the dishes, the parents were sitting on the couch gazing into scented candles and listening to music ( it was the 60's). I was told that the girls couldn't play because they were working, and they were going to the coast for the day while the girls *really* cleaned the house. The younger sister said in a panicked voice "no, mom, no! The work is just too much!" The mother turned to her with a threatening stare and indicated I was there and hissed "shush! Be quiet". I turned around and left. When I got home home I tried to describe the scene to my mother, who responded that it was nice the kids were helping around the house. She just didn't get it. I moved away the next year and lost track of them, but later I heard that the older sister had died young. I always wondered if she had committed suicide.

[@AleksandraLempart-s3v]

Or parents killed her

[@juliaizquierdo923]

What a heartbreaking story, I am just glad that the father can cause no new hurt to anyone. Those children are beyond brave and amazing!

[@oopy354]

31:00 Dude, I am so proud of your character development.

[@Khanjikai]

The job of a mechanic is to look at a system that is broken and take the neccessary steps to repair it. Herman did exactly that the night he saved his family. He is going to be a fantastic gearhead.

[@Neon_EG]

Your comment made me cry 😭

[@_Geist]

i relate to christine's regressive helplessness, and i relate to yulandi's confusion about what's normal from everything she's witnessed. i grew up without escaping a milder version of this dynamic, and i wonder what it's like to live a normal life in the world. i'll be healing for the rest of my life. my heart goes out to everyone affected.. i'm so glad you got help

[@andreagriffiths3512]

Both of those older children are heroes! My heart aches for them and for Simon who hates this stuff. I’d bet my last dollar that he took his kids a treat home after he finished that script.

[@kevinscottbailey8335]

In the past there have been episodes that made me angry or even sad. This is the first one that's ever really made me cry. What Landy says at the end is just so beautiful

[@PowPowPixie]

Holy shit that was a hard one, but thankfully it had a happy ending, unlike so many. Those kids are amazing. To go through so much and still come out wonderful people is incredible. I've said it before and I will say it again, this is the best true crime podcast on the internet.

[@olaftheblack2012]

The thing about child abuse hitting harder once you're a parent happens to most people. I was raised as a pacifist, teach my children to be pacifists, and believe words can resolve conflict better than fighting in almost all cases... But after becoming a parent, I realized I would absolutely merk anyone to protect any child that needed it.

[@lisamartinbradley1039]

I was crying by the end. That was such a tough episode. I'm so proud of the kids for not letting the abuse define them. Herman is a hero.

[@magnaira5072]

Early cas crim was Simon defending why we shouldn't have death penalty, 2025 cas crim we cant make it 5 minutes before Simon wants the chair or needle.

[@i.b.640]

Yeah, this always surprises me. Me, I am against the death penalty, but for a load of reasons that have nothing to do with finding out only now how dark people can be.

[@williamroberts5811]

🤣💯🤣💯🤣💯

[@RelaxingPlatypus39]

These kids were SO brave. I am absolutely in awe of their resilience. I hope Herman got into some kind of martial art. It can be SO healing to punch the ever living out of a punching bag. BJJ was very healing for me.

[@coastalsunshine4433]

This was a disturbing story and I fell into a state of shock. But when Simon read Yulandi’s words about her siblings, I wept. My background is not like hers in extremity but I relate to the feelings of deep responsibility and affection for my younger siblings. I’m so impressed by the character and compassion she and Herman developed in spite of all of the reasons to stay justifiably enraged. I’m so grateful to everyone who supported them in those efforts; I’ve had several who have done so in my life, too, and it makes all the difference.

[@Loralanthalas]

Man her words were so extremely sweet. I had no idea a sisters words could make me cry like that. Truely an amazing sweet kind hearted person. Such an amazing caretaker ❤❤

[@mariz2361]

WOW!!! Those final few comments at the end hit hard...!!! Lovely writing Emma!!!

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Thanks For this emma! Your scripts are always great

[@ignitionfrn2223]

1:15 - Mid roll ads 2:40 - Back to the video 3:55 - Chapter 1 - Tomato jam times 21:30 - Chapter 2 - The house of horrors 28:35 - Chapter 3 - Help me 43:20 - Chapter 4 - The springs monster 1:03:30 - Chapter 5 - A silver lining

[@andreiefremushkin1581]

As a parent, it's always HARD to listen these stories of abuse. It's...Impossible to even imagine hurting your own children like that... I feel you Simon, I also wish that these people get what they deserve... The only problem is that no matter what the abusing parents will get, the damage is already done, and as you said, will take a long time and an enormous effort to fix or even to improve.

[@mizukigin3757]

Crows are actually that smart and can mimic loads of noises - if I'm not mistaken, they can actually mimic human voices as well (I could also be thinking of ravens right now, who can definitely do that). They're amazing birds!!! :D

[@feraldelight]

They absolutely can. For weeks I thought a neighbour was telling me to f*** off, but it was a crow who lived on our street 😂

[@mizukigin3757]

@feraldelight Haha that's hilarious 😂 Man, I love these birds so much, they are just so fun to watch and interact with xD

[@Talisguy]

They're clever and social enough to not only hold grudges if you're mean to them, but _tell other crows that you're a dick_ and have all their friends hold grudges too.

[@Fluffy_production]

Idk ab crows but ik most corvids will, if you piss them off, tell their friends your a dick and their friends will come fw u

[@mizukigin3757]

@@Talisguy Just like they do if you're nice to them xD Then you can befriend them xD I think I also read that they investigate it if one of the crows in their flock passes away - for years everybody just assumed that they were mourning, but they're actually also trying to figure out why that crow passed and how they can prevent that or avoid that for the whole flock. They're really just so so clever!!! :')

[@camdenharper7244]

I just want to say, these two kids are heroes. The strength they've shown. The purity of heart and wisdom to both forgive but never forget. As horrible as this story is, they are a true inspiration.

[@nathannewman3968]

The strength and resilience of these kids are remarkable. I hope they know only peace and love for the rest of their days.

[@GeorgeBritten-s8o]

5:37 crows can actually speak. They can mimic like parrots

[@jellybean7283]

Crows are actually capable of speech, better than parrots actually

[@tiagomiotto1067]

Half way through this episode, amazingly written really but OMG…. Those poor children😭😭😭

[@somethinunameit637]

5:33 you mean as far as you know, because crows do talk and the most fed up thing I know someone taught a wild crow to say was "run" talk about horror movie

[@hj60dot5]

Jeezus, another tough one to watch. Sitting here, getting ready to go to work, with tears running down my face. Thanking whatever force there is in the universe that i had 2 excellent parents.

[@mr.protagonist5639]

34:35 So as a teen there was a kid in the neighborhood who was a year or two younger. I barely knew him through a friend at the time. So one day I'm walking home since none of my friends were available when i run into the kid, we decide to talk since we're going in the same direction anyway when suddenly a car comes from behind asking him to get in. Now from the way it happened and how sudden the whole situation was i misunderstood and spoke up. Turns out it was his uncle and i had completely misunderstood. It was an awkward situation at the moment but the families reaction was actually pretty positive. We became pretty good friends until his family moved and i lost contact. But his family basically treated me like a family friend until then which initially surprised me. But in hindsight I basically showed i was a friend willing to look for their kid if i thought something was wrong as a first impression. Besides i think that even if i was wrong it was the right move to be safe. Point is even if your wrong its better to stand up and not be a bystander, at least report what happened.

[@helenr-b8156]

I hope these children get a chance to view this video and read these comments to see just how many people around the world wish them all the very best in their lives. My heart breaks for them, but to see them doing well as they get older is wonderful and I wish a thousand times that they can be who they were meant to be. They are truly inspirational and I am grateful to live in a world where people like this live. It gives me hope for a brighter future. Sending them all my love.

[@TheDominoizEffect]

So proud of you Simon for finishing yet another very tough script! And Emma did a fantastic job the way she wrote it!

[@SailorIda3]

when I heard the CPS and Police showee up I legit exclaimed "YES!" outloud, only to later have it turn into a "oh no, no no no no!" as my thought was once they had left he would kill the boy. This script was genuinly one of your best ones.

[@annieannie2887]

As a South African - Phoning the police and expecting help is the same as trying to phone a herd of sheep and expecting help.

[@VintagePokemonCardValues]

That’s the most beautiful ending to any of your videos man. I’ve watched a ton of your content and….wow.

[@jamesnonn8794]

I listened to a few old casual criminalists today, from years ago, and now it's only 10 minutes old and I'm hitting a new episode 🎉

[@droomzy]

Yes, same. I do the same. I'll throw on CasCrim to fall asleep at night (volume low), to fill the void, and it makes for something to watch if I'm too stoned & want to watch familiarly compelling videos. It helps that there's hundreds of episodes now so I don't retread the same ones too much. I do the same with Brain Blaze if I'm faded or bored & don't remember the video well or if I know I like the episode

[@andiward7068]

Into the Shadows and Decoding the Unknown both have 12hr streams (minus ad reads) along w/CasCrim if you're interested in expanding.

[@Zirina91]

I hardly ever cry, but this script was incredible thank you for writing this.

[@ettiennedevilliers9185]

Jesus, what an episode. I'm not one to get misty-eyed when listening to things, but Jesus. Well done, Emma and Simon. I feel like Herman and Yolandie do indeed deserve the tile of "Held"(Hero), for what they sacrificed for their siblings, amongst other brave deeds (I don't want to say more, so as to avoid spoilers). These people deserve so much of what is good in life, after having lived through that.

[@Bjwuv]

Jesus christ this is the first episode that made me emotional. The way I screamed and started crying when he said that her new foster uncle was hurting her. God dammit! This one was rough.

[@melberry5379]

As a 48 year old man who lived through a very similar situation more than 30 years ago, I don't think I've ever connected more with an episode. My situation was both better and worse in ways, but the overlap is uncanny. I certainly understand what happened, and how, better than the average viewer. What's difficult to express is just how uneventfully normal this is to a person when you're living through it. It's just your life and the things you have to do are just how you get through it. The writer did a pretty good job here, but if anyone has questions about situations like this, feel free to ask.

[@dinamorley746]

I’m so happy that you got out of that situation

[@CanadianEh-py6dm]

Not going to lie this one made me sad. Glad they're out of that misery. Yup that guy is really high up on the psychopathy checklist. Bless the two older siblings. I hope life will be alright for them. Awesome episode, Emma and Simon.

[@theroguejestertv677]

Simon I've been watching you for so long and as a father of 4 boys and 1 girl, I had my first daddy daughter dance yesterday and I JUST wanted to tell you thank you for all the bedtime serenades (for me, cocomelon for the kids lol) and congrats on the family you more than deserve brother. You're an amazing father I bet ❤

[@gamersrepublic6920]

I often watch these and think about the parallels of my own childhood, often with the direct intention of not repeating the cycle for my own son. I’m generally pretty detached from even the most gruesome details but Herman’s victim impact statement was something I was utterly unprepared for. “I think a lot about how I don’t feel normal or can’t be normal. Sometimes I get mad and I just want to hit things. I know it’s wrong, but all of this just makes me so, so very mad.” This is easily the most clear and concise way I’ve heard my experience in recovery explained and I actually cried, a way I haven’t cried since I was a child. I hope he can continue on to have a life similar to mine, finding a way to use the unfortunate skills he was forced to learn in a beneficial way and build something better for himself and maybe, if it should happen that he has a child or children, be the end to the cycle of violence.

[@pixelapocrypha]

Brilliantly written and presented with compassion and care. I hope you got to record something silly after this, Simon. This was a rough one.

[@theConquerersMama]

I have to go watch the maple syrup heist after this.

[@videogamevalley7523]

You had some rough ones on this channel but this was in a class by itself. Great ending tho, really glad they grew up and are able to live happy productive lives.

[@nataliemason4656]

If Yolandi hasn't written a memoir yet she needs to. It would be a best seller and she could become financially free. And get her siblings back. Herman, too. Heartbreaking, amazing story.

[@mistyhisel7203]

Emma is an amazing writer, and the way Simon reads it.... idk this one hit different, I'm in tears... ugh...

[@richardosbourne3346]

Vessi need to expand into the UK. At the moment I would have to order and have them delivered in Australia then get them forwarded to me at a ridiculous cost.

[@thareelhelloagain]

PERFECT timing chaps, as always! Take me away, Whistleboy!!

[@Snake369]

how long before you regretted this?

[@TAddy-wq3hg]

Fun Fact! Wendy Houses were named after the small house built for Wendy by the Lost Boys in "Peter Pan" (1911) and in the USA they're often called "dollhouses" or "playforts".

[@auntbee6993]

This one has me sobbing. I really needed that last quote

[@ellenokuda7882]

I can understand why it is so difficult to feel empathy for Christine. She was an adult and did not try to intervene when her children were being abused. That said, it's also important to remember that she was not operating at the same level mentally as most women her age. She met Richard as a teenager and he abused her from the beginning, which likely left her emotionally stunted. It sounds like she may also have an undiagnosed mental disability, seeing as other people joked that she was slow. In addition to all that, she was also a drug addict, which would have greatly affected her ability to think rationally and increased her dependence on Richard, who was already controlling and abusive towards her. The court testimony demonstrates that he controlled every aspect of her life to the point that she was no longer her own person. The constant threat of sexual and physical violence most likely affected her in such a way that she never developed maternal feelings towards her children. The letter she wrote to him in prison clearly shows signs of Stockholm Syndrome, as well as demonstrating her childish mental capacity. He was her captor, but he was also her everything. So yes, she could and should have done more to help her kids, but she is also a victim who needed to be saved.

[@mejuliie]

I don't think anyone would argue that she wasn't a victim. She clearly was severely abused. That said, a victim can also be an abuser themselves, which is what happened in this story.

[@sarahlovell2]

Heart breaking case, well written and read … hats off to Emma & Simon and even bigger hats off to Landi & Herman ❤

[@saychaysarchive7065]

I've listened to some messed-up stuff on this channel but anything with kids gets really tough to deal with, to the point where lately I'm just not able to stomach it. So, Simon, Emma, and fellow viewers, I wish you a good time or at least as good a time as the subject matter will allow

[@andiward7068]

Good choice. Having just watched, it was an incredibly well told story of a horrible series of events. The writing is compelling. The subject matter is devastating.

[@LadyValkyri]

This was a hard one. No lie. Hugs to all those kids. Thank you, Emma & Simon. Hugs

[@RamboVee]

Well, this is a first. I paused immediately after Simon closed out… so I could just sit here in the quiet and continue to cry. To have wrapped up with those empowered, compassionate, wise and loving words of a young woman who would be justified in being a rampaging, retaliatory time bomb, but chose to do right… to be right… that was the the breaking of the dam. That was hard. I’m ever so grateful that I only had to bear listening to their story. I hope they are surrounded by love that will forever fight for them… they deserve that and more. Especially peace. Still sobbing

[@emmaroseradcliff9095]

This video made me tear up. The love and strength of siblings is so beautiful.

[@ilaria298]

Oh that ending made me cry, I hope landi and Herman and the wee ones, have the most amazing lives from now on

[@AngelDame17]

You're a good dad Simon. Go hug your kids and keep being the Good Dad

[@EmilyJelassi]

Excellently written Emma!! A very rough episode, but I'm happy that Herman had the incredible intelligence to run away and go for help and that that horrendous father got life behind bars for all of the torture he did to his family!!!

[@Ghoulgirloo]

You know I've never bought anything recommended by a KZbinr but Simon has me thinking about vessi for my next pair, he's a really good sponsor.

[@audibjornsson6107]

So traumatic and melancholy that I can't bring myself to leave my usual snarky comment. I hope all these children can find peace and heal 💞

[@jenniferb585]

You know the episode is going to be unhinged when the suicide help line is the first line of the description. wasn't ready for how rough it was.

[@johnahonen2022]

This one was hard on Simon , hang in there, young man

[@rachelbarrie5359]

Yolandi and Herman are true heroes. I have been in a similar situation with my own father and I am fiercely protective of my half sister. She didnt deserve what happened to her and I would constantly shield her with my own body. 41 years down the track, I wouldn't be the selfless person I am today, if I hadnt had those experiences, or even the r word in the park as a teenager. Funny how trauma teaches people different things. Some people turn good and not let the evil win and others turn bad and do just that. Let the evil takeover. I really wish all of those kids well in their future endeavors. Mad respect to you and to all who have suffered the same fate around the world.

[@chrisfeld3650]

Wow. This episode ripped at my heart and then warmed it in the end. Very, very moving. Amazing.

[@burgerkingler_anim]

I know the joke is that Simon has writers chained in the basement, but sometimes it feels like Simon is the one who's chained and being forced to read about these horrific stories

[@nivision]

I'm 42 and my mother's childhood was pretty much like this. she was the oldest child, utterly parentified, horrifically neglected, physically abused, in charge of a whole litter of siblings... vague family rumor of worse. it used to be so much more common than most could ever imagine. my grandmother was /thirteen/ and my grandfather was thirty. this behavior is intergenerational. my mother lost custody of me when I was 2. my dad's family did most of my raising thank goodness. not all of these kids break the cycle. some of them don't get the right help or just wall themselves off before it gets to them and spend the rest of their lives unable to regulate their emotions and driving off those who love them thanks to it. even I still have tendencies I have to work on from the messy childhood was left with. call the police. and if it gets written off and you see more, call them again. getting to kids when they can still be helped breaks cycles.

[@Rhanwen]

Emma, that was an incredible story, brilliant. Simon, I know many of these weigh on you, but know that sometimes it's more than knowledge and entertainment. This story brought up multiple emotions and memories for me. As hard as it was to listen to, knowing that there are people who will step in, offer love and safety, and also see that there are survivors who are able to move through the abuse, and beyond, it was consolatory. Even if that wasn't my experience. Thank you both.

[@Silkenray]

You know it’s going to be grim when you hear the phrase “house of horrors”

[@trajhver3]

dang I love you man. how many channels do you have?! you have a perfect narration voice and you seem very intelligent.

[@MochoStudiosYT]

He has 9 channels.

[@AleksandraLempart-s3v]

​@@MochoStudiosYT what 😮

[@Tacotim9999]

I don't believe for a second Simon would call the police. He would invite the parents in and after the locking of the door the last thing they would hear is Simon's voice saying "Rule 1, never write down your crimes."

[@ouijaloveletters]

Crows actually can speak. They've been known to mimic human speech and even car horns.

[@katelynbrown98]

19:05 reminds me of the children from A Series of Unfortunate Events