True Crime For Bedtime

In a study I made up in my head, four out of five experts agree there are massive benefits for those who read true crime stories before turning the TV on to Forensic Files so the soothing voice of Peter Thomas can lull them to dreamland. As a generous person, I offer the following stories for your bedtime reading needs. So, turn off the lights, cuddle underneath your blanket, and allow true crime knowledge to begin!

Man Arrested on 26th Offense Hid Thermos in Rectum

On October 4, 2025, a man arrested for his 26th offense was allegedly found to have a large thermos hidden inside his rectum.

Polk County police responded to a call reporting a naked man in a bathroom at a public park. Upon arrival, officers found 51-year-old Walter Frymire fully clothed. He was issued a no trespassing order and told to leave.

He was arrested after he climbed onto the railroad tracks across the street. Police found methamphetamine on his person. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the body scanner at the jail revealed he also had a thermos hidden in his rectum. He was admitted to a hospital where doctors surgically removed a thermos.

Frymire has been to prison five times.

The Skin Fell Off His Body

On July 13, 2020, Corinna Smith of Neston, England, poured 6.6 pounds of pure cane sugar into the pot of boiling water she prepared on the stove for a very special reason: she planned to throw it on her elderly husband of 38 years, 81-year-old Michael Baines, whom she believed had sexually assaulted her son Craig and her daughter.

Craig took his own life in 2007 at age 27.

On July 12, 2020, Corinna's daughter told her over the phone that her Michael had sexually assaulted her and Craig as kids. She pleaded with her mom not to go to the police until she could take a lie detector test and prove she was truthful.

Corinna could not take her mind off the news her daughter revealed. Enraged. Livid. Disgusted. Hurt. Emotions run wild. She prepared the sugar water and threw it on Michael as he slept.

Michael moaned and groaned in obvious pain. After watching his angst for several minutes, Corinna ran to a neighbor's house, telling them she believed she had killed her husband. The neighbors called paramedics.

Paramedics found Michael lying in the bed, screaming in pain, skin falling off his hands and arms. He suffered burns to 36% of his body and passed away just over a month later on August 19, 2020.

Corinna was charged with her husband's murder. She was found guilty and sentenced to 12 years to life.

Man Stabbed Baby's Mother 14 Times in Front of Her Kids, Claimed Wounds Were Self-Inflicted

He claimed his baby's mother stabbed herself 14 times in front of five children. On April 16, 2022, Gregory Deonte Norwood stabbed Crystal Powell, the mother of his infant daughter and four older children, and a teacher with the Newton County school system, 14 times as she stood at the front door of her home in Monroe, Georgia. She died at the scene.

All of her children, who ranged in age from 3 to 11 years old, witnessed the hideous attack. Norwood fled after stabbing Powell—the 11-year-old called 9-1-1.

Authorities located him a short time later. His shoes had blood on them that DNA later matched Powell's.  In custody, Norwood denied hurting anyone and claimed Crystal had stabbed herself 14 times.

At Norwood’s trial, prosecutors showed prior evidence of domestic violence between Norwood and Powell. The Medical Examiner confirmed Powell’s injuries were not self-inflicted. The children also testified to what they witnessed. Norwood testified on his behalf, claiming he witnessed Powell stab herself.

In February 2024, a judge found Norwood guilty of her murder. Judge Layla Zon imposed a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole plus 100 years.