The Hunt for John List (Part 1)

Ash and Alaina, hosts of the Morbid podcast, delve into the chilling and perplexing case of John List, a man who meticulously planned and executed the murder of his entire family before vanishing for nearly two decades. This episode, the first of a two-part series, explores the unsettling dynamics of the List family, their reclusive nature, and the initial, frustrating investigation into their disappearance.

A Family Apart: The Lists of Westfield, New Jersey

From the moment they moved into their massive 19-room mansion in Westfield, New Jersey, in 1965, the List family stood out. While the neighborhood was a close-knit community, John List immediately made it clear that his family was not interested in socializing. Alaina recounts a particularly stark example: when a neighbor stopped by with a pie to welcome them, John bluntly stated, "We're not friendly people and we don't like to get involved with neighbors socially." Ash expresses her disbelief at such an overt rejection of community, highlighting the importance of neighborly watchfulness. This reclusiveness extended to the List children—Patricia, John Jr., and Frederick—who, despite maintaining healthier relationships at school, were instructed not to discuss certain subjects, particularly their family life, with friends. Patricia's friend, Dana, noted that Patricia "wouldn't talk about her family and we didn't ask questions." This secrecy, coupled with the family's isolation, created an eerie atmosphere that would later prove crucial.