A married couple has transformed their passion for true crime into a successful podcasting venture, culminating in exclusive coverage of a high-profile murder case. Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee, founders of the podcast The Murder Sheet, dedicated four years to investigating the Delphi murders, producing hundreds of podcast episodes, and authoring a nonfiction book titled Shadow of the Bridge. Their journey led them to break significant news in the case, showcasing their commitment to ethical true crime reporting.
Their story began unexpectedly when Greenlee, an intellectual property attorney in Indiana, reached out to Cain, a reporter at Business Insider in New York, after noticing her interest in a cold case he was researching. This initial connection over a shared fascination for true crime blossomed into a long-distance relationship, culminating in Greenlee’s move to New York. Together, they launched The Murder Sheet from a modest apartment, initially earning just $300 in their first year.
Creating a podcast is simple; monetizing it is an entirely different challenge. The couple faced the daunting task of standing out in an oversaturated market with millions of podcasts competing for listeners. Their focus remained on delivering responsible and factual content, gradually building a loyal audience. By the end of their second year, they were able to commit to podcasting full-time, navigating the ups and downs of ad revenue while maintaining creative control over their work.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Bonds
As they ventured deeper into the true crime genre, the couple became captivated by the Delphi murders, a haunting case involving the deaths of two teenage girls, Abby Williams and Libby German, in February 2017. The girls recorded their encounter with their assailant, an act that helped propel the case into national headlines. The duo relocated to Indiana in 2021, allowing them to immerse themselves in the community and gather firsthand accounts, which played a crucial role in their investigative efforts.
Their commitment was put to the test during the trial of Richard Allen, the man arrested in October 2022 for the murders. The trial, held in a frigid Indiana courtroom, required them to endure extreme conditions to secure their place in the public gallery. They often arrived as early as 3 a.m., sacrificing basic needs like food and water to maintain their seats, which resulted in fatigue and discomfort. Yet, their dedication to covering the trial paid off, propelling their podcast into the Top 100 list on Apple Podcasts.
Throughout this intense period, Cain and Greenlee navigated the challenges of working closely together. They learned to uphold their personal boundaries while maintaining a strong working relationship. “Hold those boundaries,” they advise couples considering a similar path. Their shared experiences, marked by both exhaustion and triumph, ultimately strengthened their marriage.
The Impact of Their Work
The couple’s hard work culminated in the publication of their book, Shadow of the Bridge, which provides a comprehensive account of the Delphi murders and the broader implications of crime in America. With insights gained from interviews with key figures involved in the case, including family members and law enforcement, the book reflects their dedication to factual storytelling.
Upon the trial’s conclusion, they faced the daunting task of incorporating last-minute developments into their manuscript. Their commitment to accuracy and depth led to grueling workdays, but the success of the book has validated their efforts. They emphasize that their motivation extends beyond financial gain; it is rooted in a desire to honor the victims and provide clarity on a tragic event.
The couple has also established a charitable connection through their work, donating a portion of their advance to a fund honoring the memories of Abby and Libby. Despite the dark nature of the cases they cover, they remain hopeful. Their experiences have reinforced their commitment to ethical journalism and the importance of sharing these stories with empathy.
Cain and Greenlee aim to expand their reach, possibly venturing onto platforms like YouTube and TikTok while continuing to produce their podcast. They view their journey as a testament to their shared passion for true crime and a reaffirmation of their capabilities as a team. As they look forward to further projects, they remain dedicated to telling the human stories behind the headlines, ensuring that the memories of those affected by crime are not forgotten.
