The Zoo Man: The Thomas Huskey Case
Crime Salad
06/15/25
•32m
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In the 1990s, Knoxville’s ‘Zoo Man’ wasn’t just caring for elephants—he was hiding horrific secrets. Thomas Huskey was accused of attacking sex workers and eventually linked to multiple murders. His shocking defense? Multiple personalities. This is the disturbing true story of the Zoo Man Killer.
Content Warning: sexual assault, sex work, strangulation, murder, and mental illness.
Need support?
• UK: NUM—Call 0800 464 7669 (Tues–Fri, 10am–4pm) or email casework@nationaluglymugs.org
• US: Sex Workers Project—Call 646-602-5617 or email swp@urbanjustice.org
Sponsor for this episode: FÜM is a flavored air device—no nicotine, no vapor, no batteries. Just breathe in and enjoy. Try it at tryfum.com/salad and use code SALAD for a free gift with your Journey Pack.
Content Warning: sexual assault, sex work, strangulation, murder, and mental illness.
Need support?
• UK: NUM—Call 0800 464 7669 (Tues–Fri, 10am–4pm) or email casework@nationaluglymugs.org
• US: Sex Workers Project—Call 646-602-5617 or email swp@urbanjustice.org
Sponsor for this episode: FÜM is a flavored air device—no nicotine, no vapor, no batteries. Just breathe in and enjoy. Try it at tryfum.com/salad and use code SALAD for a free gift with your Journey Pack.
- Thomas Huskey
- Zoo Man Killer
- Knoxville murders
- Knoxville Zoo
- Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville
- Tennessee serial killer
- Dissociative Identity Disorder
- DID defense
- 1990s true crime
- serial killer podcast
- sex worker homicides
- unsolved true crime
- true crime podcast
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Previous Episode
The Death of Stephanie Wasilishin: A Mystery Still Unsolved
June 9, 2025
•48m
In this episode of Crime Salad, we’re diving into the heartbreaking story of Stephanie Marie Wasilishin—a devoted mother, talented pastry chef, and vibrant woman whose life was cut short on July 9, 1993. What happened that night in Sedona, Arizona has haunted her family for over three decades, especially her daughters, Nikki and Christina.
Stephanie’s story began long before that tragic night. After the loss of her twin brother in infancy, her family relocated from Illinois to the Deep South, settling in Arizona. Years later, she would meet Russell Peterson, the man who would become her partner and the father of her youngest daughter. But when Stephanie was found dead in their home, and Russell was the only witness, the lines between accident, suicide, and murder became painfully blurred.
Despite Stephanie’s death being ruled a homicide, no one has ever been charged—and the case remains one of the many unsolved mysteries we explore on this show. Through Nikki’s courageous efforts to seek justice and keep her mother’s story alive!
If you’re drawn to true crime stories that mix deep emotion with disturbing questions, this one’s for you. We’re unpacking not only a potential murder but also the ripple effect it left behind.
Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, contemporary crimes, behind-the-scenes content, and more:
📱 TikTok, Instagram, Facebook → @crimesaladpodcast
While you're there, follow Stephanie’s daughter on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicolewasilishin
Also, please consider signing this petition: https://www.change.org/p/demand-a-complete-homicide-investigation-for-the-murder-of-stephanie-marie-wasilishin?source_location=petition_update_page
As always, we’re so grateful for our Crime Salad Patreon and Apple subscribers—your support means the world to us and helps us play our part in spreading awareness about these important topics.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Miracle Made—Sleep better with silver-infused, temperature-regulating sheets.
Save 40% + get a free towel set at TryMiracle.com/CRIMESALAD with code CRIMESALAD.
BetterHelp—Therapy made simple. Get 10% off your first month.
Visit BetterHelp.com/CRIMESALAD Sponsored by BetterHelp.
Detective Perspective—One unsolved case, real insight, every week.
Listen on Mondays wherever you get your podcasts. Watch Tuesdays on YouTube.
Stephanie’s story began long before that tragic night. After the loss of her twin brother in infancy, her family relocated from Illinois to the Deep South, settling in Arizona. Years later, she would meet Russell Peterson, the man who would become her partner and the father of her youngest daughter. But when Stephanie was found dead in their home, and Russell was the only witness, the lines between accident, suicide, and murder became painfully blurred.
Despite Stephanie’s death being ruled a homicide, no one has ever been charged—and the case remains one of the many unsolved mysteries we explore on this show. Through Nikki’s courageous efforts to seek justice and keep her mother’s story alive!
If you’re drawn to true crime stories that mix deep emotion with disturbing questions, this one’s for you. We’re unpacking not only a potential murder but also the ripple effect it left behind.
Be sure to follow us on social media for updates, contemporary crimes, behind-the-scenes content, and more:
📱 TikTok, Instagram, Facebook → @crimesaladpodcast
While you're there, follow Stephanie’s daughter on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicolewasilishin
Also, please consider signing this petition: https://www.change.org/p/demand-a-complete-homicide-investigation-for-the-murder-of-stephanie-marie-wasilishin?source_location=petition_update_page
As always, we’re so grateful for our Crime Salad Patreon and Apple subscribers—your support means the world to us and helps us play our part in spreading awareness about these important topics.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Miracle Made—Sleep better with silver-infused, temperature-regulating sheets.
Save 40% + get a free towel set at TryMiracle.com/CRIMESALAD with code CRIMESALAD.
BetterHelp—Therapy made simple. Get 10% off your first month.
Visit BetterHelp.com/CRIMESALAD Sponsored by BetterHelp.
Detective Perspective—One unsolved case, real insight, every week.
Listen on Mondays wherever you get your podcasts. Watch Tuesdays on YouTube.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Next Episode
Murder Without Justice: Jason Corbett
June 22, 2025
•43m
When Irish father Jason Corbett relocated to North Carolina with his two children, it was meant to be a fresh chapter after the tragic loss of his first wife, Mags. He eventually married Molly Martens, an American woman hired to help care for his young children. But nearly a decade later, Jason’s life would end violently inside their North Carolina home—sparking an international investigation and a courtroom battle that has left many questions unanswered.
In this episode, we look deeper into the years leading up to Jason’s death through the eyes of his daughter Sarah, now an adult, and his sister Tracey Corbett Lynch, who has long fought for answers. Tracey remembers troubling signs during the couple’s wedding visit to America, including Molly’s alleged behavior and inconsistencies in her personal story. Meanwhile, Sarah later came forward with unsettling memories from childhood—claims that challenge the public image of a loving stepmother and raise questions about control and manipulation inside the home.
From conflicting narratives to transatlantic legal twists, we break down the facts, examine the claims, and explore why many still feel justice remains out of reach for Jason Corbett and his children.
Please note: This episode contains discussions of domestic violence, mental health, and graphic content related to a violent murder. Listener discretion is advised.
Thanks to our sponsors!
Cash App: Download Cash App and use our code CRIMESALAD when you sign up. Send $5 to a friend within 14 days and get $10 back—no catch. That’s money. That’s Cash App.
Detective Perspective—One unsolved case, real insight, every week. Listen to Mondays wherever you get your podcasts. Watch Tuesdays on YouTube.
As always, we’re so grateful for our Crime Salad Patreon and Apple subscribers—your support means the world to us and helps us play our part in spreading awareness about these important topics.
In this episode, we look deeper into the years leading up to Jason’s death through the eyes of his daughter Sarah, now an adult, and his sister Tracey Corbett Lynch, who has long fought for answers. Tracey remembers troubling signs during the couple’s wedding visit to America, including Molly’s alleged behavior and inconsistencies in her personal story. Meanwhile, Sarah later came forward with unsettling memories from childhood—claims that challenge the public image of a loving stepmother and raise questions about control and manipulation inside the home.
From conflicting narratives to transatlantic legal twists, we break down the facts, examine the claims, and explore why many still feel justice remains out of reach for Jason Corbett and his children.
Please note: This episode contains discussions of domestic violence, mental health, and graphic content related to a violent murder. Listener discretion is advised.
Thanks to our sponsors!
Cash App: Download Cash App and use our code CRIMESALAD when you sign up. Send $5 to a friend within 14 days and get $10 back—no catch. That’s money. That’s Cash App.
Detective Perspective—One unsolved case, real insight, every week. Listen to Mondays wherever you get your podcasts. Watch Tuesdays on YouTube.
As always, we’re so grateful for our Crime Salad Patreon and Apple subscribers—your support means the world to us and helps us play our part in spreading awareness about these important topics.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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