In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I examine the heartbreaking Grand Haven, Michigan family tragedy that claimed the lives of Mandy Karolkiewicz and her six children. Rather than focusing solely on the perpetrator, I share who the victims were, the lives they lived, and the devastating impact their loss has had on their family and community. Drawing from my experience as a forensic death investigator, I explain how investigators reconstruct scenes like this, why determining the sequence of events matters, and what forensic evidence can reveal. We also explore the phenomenon of family annihilation, discuss common warning patterns identified by researchers, and examine how financial stress, loss of identity, and access to firearms can contribute to these tragedies. This episode is a compassionate look at a devastating case and an important conversation about prevention, awareness, and remembering those whose lives were taken.

Murder-suicides often leave more questions than answers. In this episode, I examine several recent murder-suicide cases from across the United States and explain how investigators work to reconstruct what happened when the person responsible is no longer alive to answer questions. Drawing from my experience as a forensic death investigator, I walk through the evidence, investigative process, and challenges these heartbreaking cases present.

With permission from Allie's friend, we're sharing a brief excerpt from Allie's Husband, Andrew Hummel, talking about when he discovered Allie.

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I examine the tragic and ongoing death investigation of Alexandra "Allie" Hummel, a 36-year-old Missouri nurse whose unexpected death has left her family, friends, and community searching for answers. I walk through the known timeline, previous domestic violence allegations, the events surrounding her death, and what investigators typically examine in cases like this. Drawing from my experience as a forensic death investigator, I explain the investigative process while honoring Allie's life and emphasizing the importance of letting the evidence guide the truth.

With permission from Allie's friend, we're sharing a brief excerpt from Allie's Husband, Andrew Hummel, talking about waiting on the toxicology report.

When 25-year-old Julie Mott lost her long battle with cystic fibrosis, her family gathered to celebrate her life and prepare for her cremation. But what happened after her memorial service became one of the most baffling and disturbing mysteries in modern funeral home history. In this episode, I examine the disappearance of Julie's embalmed remains from a San Antonio funeral home, the investigation that followed, the civil trial that exposed troubling security failures, and the heartbreaking reality that her family still has no answers. From my perspective as a forensic death investigator, I'll explain why this case remains so unusual and what it teaches us about the importance of proper chain of custody, funeral home security, and preserving dignity after death.

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I examine the tragic murder of 32-year-old Caroline Piña Cairo, a mother of five who was fatally stabbed in broad daylight in Del Rio, Texas. I walk through the timeline of the attack, the emergency medical response, the forensic realities of stabbing investigations, and the evidence investigators use to reconstruct violent crimes. As this case continues to unfold, I focus on the verified facts while honoring Caroline's life and the family she leaves behind. This episode contains discussion of homicide and violent injury. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, I examine the tragic Mechanicville family deaths involving Amy Steadman. I walk through the investigation, the forensic process used to reconstruct the events, and the challenges investigators face when responding to scenes involving multiple deaths. As always, my goal is to help you understand the investigative process while honoring the victims and the lives forever changed by this tragedy. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of Pushing Up Lilies, forensic death investigator Julie Mattson examines the case of Shawn Michael Grate, whose decade-long series of murders shocked communities across northern Ohio. Julie explores the investigation, the forensic evidence that linked the crimes, and the challenges investigators faced in bringing justice to the victims. As always, this episode keeps the focus on the lives of the women who were lost, honoring their stories while providing insight into the forensic process behind a complex serial homicide investigation.

Who am I, and how did I end up investigating death for a living? Originally released as Episode One, I'm bringing this episode back for new listeners who want to know the story behind the voice of Pushing Up Lilies. This is my story, from my path into nursing to becoming a Forensic Nurse Death Investigator. I'll talk about what drew me to this unique profession, what it's really like to investigate deaths, and why I felt called to create this podcast.