Direct Appeal

Jun 25 2023 31 ep. 3.4k

Direct Appeal Podcast artwork

In August 2008, Sarah Widmer, a healthy 24 year-old woman is found dead in her bathtub, just four months after marrying Ryan Widmer… the only person at home with Sarah that night.

Suspicion quickly fell on Ryan, leading to his arrest and conviction for Sarah’s murder. But could this have been a tragic accident?

Ryan has adamantly maintained his innocence for the last 16 years, but now, two seasoned criminologists examine the very controversial conviction of Ryan Widmer, for the murder of his wife Sarah.

Is Ryan a murder or did something else happen in that bathroom? Join us to find out.

True Crime Society & Culture Science

Copy RSS

Subscribe on Podcast Addict

The Conclusion

Jun 25 2023 58 mins

Ep10: We'll learn whats next in Ryan's appeals process, and is there any possible explanation for what happened that night in the bathroom. Finally, Amy and Meghan give their thoughts on Ryan's guilt or innocence and whether he got a fair trial. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at [email protected] or leaving a voice

Surprise Witness

Jun 18 2023 43 mins

Ep09: A new mystery witness for the prosecution has everyone wondering who it is... and would they have any information that could seal Ryan's fate? If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at [email protected] or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James

The ReTrial

Jun 11 2023 37 mins

Ep08: Ryan has one more chance at fighting for his freedom, but will his new legal team be able to achieve a different outcome this time around? If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at [email protected] or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Var

The Jury's Duty

Jun 04 2023 34 mins

Ep07: In this episode we have a verdict, Ryan is found guilty, but someone comes forward with information that may turn the case upside-down. And Ryan builds a new legal team to take on the challenge ahead. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at [email protected] or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hos

The Defense

May 28 2023 38 mins

Ep06: The Defense makes their case that Sarah's death was a tragic accident, but will Ryan take the stand and defend himself? Also, we talk to a 3rd party pathologist and get their thoughts on the autopsy and manner of death. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at [email protected] or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0

The Prosecution Rests

May 21 2023 39 mins

Ep05: The Prosecution calls the rest of their experts, including the "star witness". Just before the Prosecution rests their case, a new theory emerges of what might have happened between Ryan and Sarah that night. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at [email protected] or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credi

The Battle Begins

May 14 2023 47 mins

Ep04: Ryan begins to grieve as he plans Sarah's funeral, but he also is planning for the battle of his life both in the courtroom and in the public eye. The Prosecution will present its case to the court. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at [email protected] or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted

Into the Fray

May 07 2023 34 mins

03: In the days following Sarah's death, the media begins to paint their own picture of what may have happened. Ryan is still trying to cope and realizes that he is now coming under suspicion. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at [email protected] or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan

Underwater

Apr 30 2023 44 mins

Ep02: On this episode, you'll hear Ryan's full account of the night of August 11th, 2008, when he found Sarah dead in their upstairs bathtub, along with the 911 call that will be used in court against him. Also, what happened in the hours after Ryan found Sarah? If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at [email protected]

The Nice Guy

Apr 30 2023 36 mins

Ep 01: On season 2 of Direct Appeal, we examine the murder conviction of Ryan Widmer for the death of his wife, Sarah Whitmer. Looking at the evidence that was presented, that which was not, and the evidence that may have seemed insignificant at the time, we form our own conclusion about Ryan Widmer's Guilt. It was night like any other. August 11th, 2008, Ryan and Sarah Whitmer ma