Victoria Velkova
Bio
With a passion for words and a love of storytelling.
Stories (157)
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The Patients of "Bedlam": The Horrors of London's Oldest Psychiatric Institution
--- The name Bedlam has become synonymous with madness, chaos, and brutality. It refers to one of the oldest and most infamous psychiatric institutions in the world, the Bethlem Royal Hospital in London. Founded in the 13th century, Bedlam became notorious for its horrific treatment of mentally ill patients and its grim reputation as a place of suffering. For centuries, it was a symbol of the mistreatment and neglect that those with mental health conditions faced in an era of ignorance and cruelty.
By Victoria Velkova10 months ago in Criminal
Ruby Franke — From Family Vlogger to Convicted Felon
In early 2024, Hulu released a chilling documentary titled Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, exposing the dark reality behind one of YouTube’s most famous family vloggers. The documentary featured never-before-seen footage, interviews with former family friends, and an in-depth look at the disturbing parenting practices that led to Franke’s conviction. As viewers watched in shock, the story of Ruby Franke — once a seemingly devoted mother and content creator — unraveled into one of the most disturbing cases of child abuse in recent memory.
By Victoria Velkova10 months ago in Criminal
The Forgotten Children of Willowbrook: A Dark Chapter in Psychiatric History
In the early 1970s, nestled in the quiet borough of Staten Island, New York, sat a facility that would become synonymous with horror, neglect, and government scandal. Willowbrook State School, initially founded in 1947 as a home for children with intellectual disabilities, had fallen into a tragic state of disrepair and cruelty. What was meant to be a safe haven for vulnerable children became a nightmarish institution where they were subjected to unimaginable suffering.
By Victoria Velkova10 months ago in Criminal
Larry Ray, the Leader of the Sarah Lawrence Sex Cult. Content Warning.
In 2010, a charismatic and manipulative man named Lawrence “Larry” Ray moved into his daughter’s dorm at Sarah Lawrence College, a prestigious liberal arts school in New York. What followed was a disturbing decade-long story of psychological manipulation, abuse, extortion, and sex trafficking—one that would ultimately land Ray behind bars. His crimes shattered the lives of the young students who fell under his influence and exposed the terrifying ways a single person can exert complete control over others.
By Victoria Velkova11 months ago in Criminal
Inside the Shocking Murder of 13-Year-Old Tristyn Bailey. Content Warning.
On May 9, 2021, the quiet community of St. Johns, Florida, awoke to a nightmare that would haunt them forever. Thirteen-year-old Tristyn Bailey, a bright and bubbly cheerleader, was reported missing by her family that morning. Hours later, her lifeless body was found in a wooded area near her home, brutally stabbed 114 times. The shocking nature of the crime and the unexpected identity of her killer—14-year-old classmate Aiden Fucci—sent shockwaves through the nation. This is the story of Tristyn Bailey’s horrifying murder and the chilling unraveling of the case.
By Victoria Velkova11 months ago in Criminal
Michael Turney: The ‘Obsessive’ Stepfather Accused of Murdering Alissa Turney. Content Warning.
On May 17, 2001, 17-year-old Alissa Turney left her high school in Phoenix, Arizona, and was never seen again. Her case remained a mystery for nearly two decades—an unresolved disappearance clouded by strange circumstances, unsettling evidence, and a stepfather whose obsessive control would later make him the prime suspect in her presumed murder.
By Victoria Velkova11 months ago in Criminal
Why Ordering Food Over the Phone Feels Like an Extreme Sport
Look, I know we live in an age where you can order an entire meal with a few taps on your phone, never having to endure the horror of actually speaking to another human. And believe me, I take full advantage of it. But sometimes — whether due to an old-school restaurant, a glitchy app, or the sheer bad luck of being born into this world with social anxiety — I find myself in the ultimate nightmare scenario: having to order food over the phone.
By Victoria Velkova11 months ago in Motivation
Ed and Lorraine Warren: The Paranormal Investigators Who Built an Empire of Ghosts and Hauntings
Ed Warren and his wife Lorraine Warren became household names for their involvement in some of the most famous paranormal cases in history. From hauntings to demonic possession, the Warrens' work has been the subject of books, movies, and countless discussions in the realm of the supernatural. Known for their investigative methods and controversial claims, the Warrens are both revered and criticized by the public. But behind the ghost stories, the chilling encounters, and the hauntings, lies a couple that built an empire out of their belief in the supernatural, leaving a legacy that continues to intrigue and divide people to this day.
By Victoria Velkova11 months ago in Horror
The Tragic Fall of Keith Papini: Ex-Husband of Kidnapping Hoaxer Sherri Papini
Keith Papini’s life was irrevocably changed the moment his wife, Sherri Papini, was reported missing in November 2016. The story of Sherri’s abduction captivated the nation: a young mother, seemingly taken off the streets of Redding, California, only to return weeks later with harrowing tales of captivity. But as the investigation unfolded, it became clear that the truth was far darker than anyone could have imagined. In the center of it all was Keith, a man who went from a devastated husband hoping for the safe return of his wife to a person caught up in a web of lies, deceit, and national scandal.
By Victoria Velkova11 months ago in Criminal
Desiree Washington, the Teen Beauty Queen Raped by Mike Tyson. Content Warning.
In 1991, a tragic and harrowing incident rocked the world of professional sports and the media, leaving a lasting impact on both the victim, Desiree Washington, and the boxer involved, Mike Tyson. The case drew attention for its shocking nature, the contrasting public perceptions of Tyson as a dominant athlete, and the bravery of Washington as she came forward to accuse one of the most famous and feared athletes of a heinous crime. The story of Desiree Washington is one of trauma, courage, and a long-lasting aftermath that would haunt both her and Tyson in very different ways.
By Victoria Velkova11 months ago in Criminal
Understanding Social Anxiety: Common Myths vs. Reality
If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one sweating bullets at the thought of socializing or if you’ve caught yourself overthinking the smallest interaction, then welcome to the club! You’re not alone. Social anxiety is more common than you might think, but unfortunately, it’s surrounded by a lot of misunderstandings. And honestly, some of these myths can be pretty frustrating.
By Victoria Velkova11 months ago in Motivation
Joel Rifkin: New York's Most Horrifyingly Prolific Serial Killer. Content Warning.
Joel Rifkin, a name now synonymous with one of the most chilling crime sprees in modern New York history, is often remembered for the sheer brutality of his actions and the terrifying span of time during which he eluded authorities. Rifkin, a man who, on the surface, seemed to be an ordinary figure living an average life, harbored a deeply disturbed nature that would eventually lead him to become one of the most prolific serial killers in American history.
By Victoria Velkova11 months ago in Criminal
