She played his PSYCHOTIC game, and no one believed her...

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  • Опубліковано 3 лис 2023
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    Time Stamps:
    #1 -- "Wetsuits & Lasers" -- 1:34 -- After a man calls 911 to report that his girlfriend was kidnapped, police would have a hard time believing his wild and bizarre story - but that was just the beginning
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    For educational, documentary and entertainment purposes only. Based on actual events. The authoritative sources used for this story include interviews, newspaper articles, and TV news reporting meant to educate and memorialize notable cases in our history.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 7 тис.

  • @toddburgess5056
    @toddburgess5056 6 місяців тому +28787

    Mr. Ballen was me and my wifes favorite UA-cam channel and it was our tradition to sit down together and watch it together each weekend. She died unexpectedly 3 days ago and I am beside myself. This will be the first time I've watched an episode by myself in the 8 years we were together. I hope shes able to watch this wherever she is, she absolutely loved Mr. Ballen, the man and the UA-camr. RIP Crystal, I love you. 🕊️

    • @brendatomlinson
      @brendatomlinson 6 місяців тому +1934

      My sincerest condolences, sir. RIP Crystal.

    • @msc8663
      @msc8663 6 місяців тому +726

      I am so sorry for you.💕

    • @joycetucker9267
      @joycetucker9267 6 місяців тому +538

      My condolences .

    • @wesleyalan9179
      @wesleyalan9179 6 місяців тому +345

      💜🙏

    • @salem.saberhagen
      @salem.saberhagen 6 місяців тому +490

      i am so sorry for your loss. may she rest in peace. ❤️‍🩹

  • @MrMan-sy4ev
    @MrMan-sy4ev 6 місяців тому +2456

    I used to wonder as a kid: could you commit a crime and be so weird about it that you get away with it because the witnesses would sound ridiculous? Apparently you can.

    • @penngheeney
      @penngheeney 6 місяців тому +182

      But only once. Don't try to replicate it.

    • @TestaRosssa_
      @TestaRosssa_ 6 місяців тому +22

      I have wondered the same!

    • @mclovin2408
      @mclovin2408 6 місяців тому +64

      I just tried it and it works

    • @jay-jay133
      @jay-jay133 5 місяців тому +18

      @@mclovin2408 Bwahaha, Hahahahaa.. HAHAHAHAHAAAA!
      BRILLIANT! Thanks 4 that, it was SO needed 🤣 LMAO?? ..I haven't smiled in YEARS! X

    • @jay-jay133
      @jay-jay133 5 місяців тому +12

      @@penngheeney Yeah! So gotta choose when to use ur only Ace.. Wisely, X

  • @JBeezyJesusFreak
    @JBeezyJesusFreak 4 місяці тому +334

    How disturbing?! Just imagine going to your ex's house to possibly reconcile and instead you're drugged and sexually assaulted. And the boyfriend's fear of losing Denise and trying to do everything he can to make sure she came back safely. This is insane. I'm also happy to hear that Aaron and Denise got married. What an ordeal to go through.

    • @jumpinjohnnyruss
      @jumpinjohnnyruss 2 місяці тому +2

      Imagine if Denise came to believe that Aaron did it and then her family killed him or something. Stranger things happen every day.

    • @melanieo2569
      @melanieo2569 Місяць тому

      ​@@jumpinjohnnyruss😂😂

  • @blackthorn3335
    @blackthorn3335 4 місяці тому +176

    Whether the cops believed he was telling the truth or not saying he was drugged they should immediately taken him to the ER for a blood test to see if he had a drug in his system and what specifically it was.

  • @veronikabarek9219
    @veronikabarek9219 5 місяців тому +1664

    This is exactly why lie detectors are not admissible in court. What a wild story!!

    • @Nyanihyon
      @Nyanihyon 5 місяців тому +200

      Yes, exactly. they're less like lie detectors and more like stress detectors.

    • @joeybuzzz
      @joeybuzzz 4 місяці тому +53

      This was going to be my question - how did he fail the lie detector test. But I guess it makes sense that he was simply too stressed. 😮

    • @Lmaxk007
      @Lmaxk007 4 місяці тому +51

      ​@@joeybuzzzeven the lie detector didn't believe crazy story.

    • @rationallyruby
      @rationallyruby 4 місяці тому +70

      @@joeybuzzzbecause all lie detector tests do is measure the change in your bodies autonomic nervous functions. It doesn’t tell you why someone is experiencing it. Most people’s systems will respond when lying but there’s many other reasons a person has a spike in function.

    • @mstfleur77
      @mstfleur77 4 місяці тому +2

      At least the profile was correct

  • @fruitygranulizer540
    @fruitygranulizer540 4 місяці тому +567

    given how "genius" matthew muller was, i'm sure he "cleaned" the house to make it seem like aaron was lying and basically frame aaron (furthermore, matthew going out of his way to hijack aaron's email address is more proof he was actively trying to setup aaron.) given how smart he is, he also probably chose aaron and denise specifically because aaron looked a lot like him and he probably fancied denise so they seemed like the perfect victims for his plan.

    • @kiddteddy1
      @kiddteddy1 4 місяці тому +46

      Could also be to get rid of his DNA from the S Assault along with what you said.
      The question is since they weren't the first couple that he did that too, how many men are in prison because the evidence pointed at the boyfriend

    • @cheqmanis7291
      @cheqmanis7291 4 місяці тому +50

      He probably make up those ridiculous plan so Aaron was not taken seriously. Ridiculous ransom amount, stupid setup, cleaning smell but leaving a bit of blood drop, asking for banking detail but did not took the money, hijacking Aaron's email account to email reporters, all sounds so ridiculous for Aaron to defend himself, it's actually a genius plan. Such a waste someone so smart end up with loose screws in the mind.

    • @fruitygranulizer540
      @fruitygranulizer540 3 місяці тому

      ​@@cheqmanis7291agreed.

    • @Chrissmith857
      @Chrissmith857 3 місяці тому +26

      A lot of details were changed/omitted in this video, which would have shown just how inept the law enforcement officials were in this case.
      Mr. Ballen bent over backward to try and make the officers and detectives look good.
      Failed to mention that they tried to charge the victims with creating a false report.
      They held on to Aaron's phone and ignored the calls from the kidnapper, all because they had already made up their minds that Aaron killed her. All of the B.S. the police put them through would never had happened had they simply done what they were supposed to do and investigate what the victim said. Instead they only focused on trying to convict Aaron for a murder that hadn't even happened. Then when Denise showed up alive, they tried to save face by trying to discredit what she said (law enforcement were the ones that caused the news stations to start calling Denise "Gone Girl") and on top of that tried to charge them both with filling a false report. It was so bad that the abductor sent messages requesting the that the police stop trying to blame Aaron and Denise. Pretty weird and bad when the perpetrator has to defend their victims from the police. Bunch of damn clowns.
      Also, Aaron had just broken up with his ex days before this happened. His ex is who Matthew muller was obsessed with. While in their house he was asking about the ex and was surprised to see Denise.
      Oh yeah, the couple that fought off Matthew, were attacked a couple months after Aaron and Denise.

    • @words007
      @words007 Місяць тому

      Come on son ​@@Chrissmith857 mrballer long ago said he speaks these stories in a way to engulf the listener, now what your saying might be truth but me a random person on the internet if actually get interested can google search and read more info about any case mrballer comes up with in his story format. So he had to do to make suspense, but he didn't judged police anywhere, also the way everything was happening even I forgot the 1st time thought here we go another schizophrenia patient who murdered and probably didn't know about it type of case and was totally astonished by the ending. I did Google about it and already came up with conclusion that police f up. But mrballer did not wrong here

  • @echo.echo08
    @echo.echo08 5 місяців тому +400

    This case would now make me think twice about seemingly suspicious suspects and their outlandish accounts. I used to think authorities can read most suspects easily and Aaron was showing all the classic signs of a guilty party-his story sounded so wild and made up, his actions seemed unreasonable, his demeanor suggests guilt-turns out he was innocent all along. Fascinating!

    • @martinepeters9891
      @martinepeters9891 3 місяці тому +4

      All of his non verbal signs implied guilt. His reactions. Really weird.

    • @barbarat5729
      @barbarat5729 2 місяці тому

      OMG. It really sucks that people have to ruin these stories for others. Thanks A LOT.

    • @mars-ps1yk
      @mars-ps1yk 2 місяці тому +14

      ​@@barbarat5729maybe don't read the comments before the video?? ALSO this is a true case. Stop treating it like a story that you are waiting so badly for the plot twist. At least pretend to have some respect for the victims

    • @YoureTypicalDumbass
      @YoureTypicalDumbass 2 місяці тому +2

      You have to remember, most "authorities" have extremely minimal training and the majority of their credit comes down to "trust me bro"

    • @annacmoreno1
      @annacmoreno1 7 днів тому

      Why did Aaron fail the lie detector test so dramatically?

  • @lindanichole290
    @lindanichole290 5 місяців тому +319

    The fact that she was held and assaulted and she wasn’t believed breaks my heart. I followed the story when it first happened and they were treated like crap.

    • @Jamalquentinjr
      @Jamalquentinjr 4 місяці тому +2

      The polices job is to assess situations and find rational explanations based on factual evidence not to pamper two adults in a toxic relationship which clearly indicates unpredictable individuals. I was in 2 toxic relationships in the past, i was the abused and the abuser. Based on my own experience its easy to see why things happened the way they did 😂. Even better, neither of my toxic relationships had any physical abuse just like these two lost souls in the story. It was all manipulation, gas lighting, embellishment of information etc. people like you expect police to drop all logic and say yup there are just two innocent victims , especially after hearing from third parties that they were unstable as a couple and were not even officially together anymore 😂. One of my exs pretended she was pregnant and having an abor***. Pretended she was gonna off herself and dissapeared for a day. Even her family was worried then came back like everything was all sweet. You live in a bubble, sweetheart.

    • @Platinum907
      @Platinum907 3 місяці тому +15

      @linda agreed. I watched the police interrogation video & the police only had one narrative….To blame the victims. The victims were treated very poorly.

    • @cascharles3838
      @cascharles3838 3 місяці тому +20

      ​@@Jamalquentinjr mate there wasn't even evidence that their relationship was abusive. Consider taking this baggage to therapy instead

    • @jmoriarty8000
      @jmoriarty8000 3 місяці тому +1

      @@Platinum907I mean the story was absolutely insane and made no sense at all, I bet listening to this you yourself thought the story was made up. Even tho they didn’t believe them they still looked into the kidnappers

    • @helloneighbour2408
      @helloneighbour2408 3 місяці тому +1

      @@Jamalquentinjr there wasn't any evidence he killed her, the police acted irrationally lmao, and you posting emojis only highlights your childish immaturity.

  • @kendallbrown2904
    @kendallbrown2904 6 місяців тому +1050

    Dude I was fully expecting that Aaron was guilty of staging something. I never saw this coming with Aaron and Denice actually telling the truth

    • @MsKRRey
      @MsKRRey 6 місяців тому +7

      Same!

    • @fxgamer4870
      @fxgamer4870 6 місяців тому +32

      If you watch mr ballen long enough, you'll be able to predict that he's innocent.

    • @kendallbrown2904
      @kendallbrown2904 6 місяців тому

      @@fxgamer4870 I’ve been watching mr ballen for like 3 years lol 😂 I guess I just don’t trust people to be innocent

    • @oakfat5178
      @oakfat5178 6 місяців тому +47

      @@fxgamer4870 Are you sure Mr Ballen is innocent? Where's the proof?

    • @Phthalo
      @Phthalo 6 місяців тому +9

      thanks for spoiling the ending.

  • @aaronhelfor8764
    @aaronhelfor8764 6 місяців тому +596

    It’s weird every time law enforcement says something like “you failed a fake lie detector that’s still admissible in court” or “the feds would like to speak with you” and that person gets a lawyer, somehow that is supposed to be taken as suspicious

    • @R0cketRed
      @R0cketRed 6 місяців тому +133

      That's exactly why every lawyer will tell you, "no matter how innocent you are and what the scenario is, ALWAYS answer any question from any law enforcement with, I want my lawyer please". This is because there have been thousands of innocent people that have talked their way into jail, thinking what they were saying was going to help in some way.

    • @MrGoesBoom
      @MrGoesBoom 6 місяців тому

      nevermind that lie detector tests have been proven to be unreliable and pretty suspect for decades now. Definitely weird how law enforcement can lie to you as much as they want and use all sorts of intimidation tactics

    • @ferdinandfoch7816
      @ferdinandfoch7816 6 місяців тому +70

      Guilty people should get lawyers. Innocent people need to get lawyers.

    • @kyrilson71
      @kyrilson71 6 місяців тому +32

      Yeah, I’ve watched enough true crime shows where innocent people end up in prison that the first I’ll ever do if I get questioned by police is say one word: “Lawyer”

    • @yanomaybe9100
      @yanomaybe9100 6 місяців тому

      I got fucked from shitty officers. They’re wrong some times

  • @0230Raveena
    @0230Raveena 5 місяців тому +97

    I'm from the bay area. I remember this story very well. Initially, everyone thought he killed her and then when the proof of life came out, it was concluded that she ran away with another man. Amazing that it was all true and I'm glad a happy ending. She ended up marrying a man that would do whatever it took to get her back. A very dangerous man was put away.

  • @liquidrockaquatics3900
    @liquidrockaquatics3900 5 місяців тому +965

    Let me just commend the intelligence of Matthew and Denise for getting legal counsel and not communicating further to law enforcement. Always get counsel

    • @sanketshelke8667
      @sanketshelke8667 5 місяців тому +90

      *Aaron

    • @Thegaoat
      @Thegaoat 5 місяців тому +92

      Yup it may look guilty to law enforcement but it's always in your best interest to not say anything. The cops will find a way to twist your words!!!

    • @iainfraser7588
      @iainfraser7588 5 місяців тому +32

      I agree, it probably avoided them charges.
      I suspect the house never did smell of chemicals and that was the police adding their own to substantiating their own evidence to support their suspicions.

    • @liquidrockaquatics3900
      @liquidrockaquatics3900 5 місяців тому +3

      @@iainfraser7588 this was a couple weeks ago, but did in the same guy use vinegar on a different body? So chemicals wouldn’t be out of the question.

    • @brenklose
      @brenklose 4 місяці тому

      @@iainfraser7588sclerosis ❤402

  • @Wooxy117
    @Wooxy117 6 місяців тому +3150

    Today is Saturday right? This was unexpected, thanks Mr Ballen

    • @noah_v36
      @noah_v36 6 місяців тому +136

      throwing the fans off 😂

    • @angelr.8504
      @angelr.8504 6 місяців тому +23

      Blud Wild 😂

    • @lionface007
      @lionface007 6 місяців тому +42

      He did announce it ahead of time, so it shouldn't have been too unexpected

    • @dadjokestoembarrassyourkid4395
      @dadjokestoembarrassyourkid4395 6 місяців тому +73

      Maybe he has a vacation planned to some strange, dark and mysterious location for on location story telling.

    • @sianedwards7493
      @sianedwards7493 6 місяців тому +36

      I've spent all day trying to remember it's Saturday and then Mr B throws a curve ball!

  • @catlady5359
    @catlady5359 6 місяців тому +391

    Honestly, this is one of the most bizarre cases ever. I can understand why it seemed outlandish to police, especially with Aaron being medicated so heavily when he reported the kidnapping. And it was unusual for Denise to suddenly show up again without any ransom being paid. Yet the police really reacted too quickly and angrily to her reappearance. The PD paid Aaron and Denise $2.5 million dollars for that horrible treatment. Hopefully, Matthew Muller will serve his full federal sentence of 40 years because he only got 31 years from the state for the abduction and rape of Denise. I hope Aaron and Denise are doing well and living happily with their child (children?) these days.

  • @Phoenix-mh5eo
    @Phoenix-mh5eo 5 місяців тому +78

    This reminded me SO much of the case where the boyfriend wandered around the home with his girlfriends body on the couch for days. When police showed up they strongly suspected he'd killed her, I mean who continues living in the house with their girlfriends body if he didn't kill her, but she WAS murdered? He was also kind of out of it and drugged seeming. Turns out intruders had broken in and shot both of them in the head. Police interrogated the boyfriend for hours on hours before getting him medical care and he later also succumbed to his wounds iirc. This case feels like if that one had a happier ending for the victims.

    • @katiegarrison9414
      @katiegarrison9414 5 місяців тому +5

      Yes! I remember that story.

    • @Dislob
      @Dislob 5 місяців тому +5

      Yes, it's : " Detective realizes the suspect is dying".

    • @MachineGunKali
      @MachineGunKali 4 місяці тому +2

      I remember this. It was horrible.

    • @platomk123
      @platomk123 Місяць тому

      Yeo I remember that one too, so sad :(

    • @LelandAllmon-fr7uc
      @LelandAllmon-fr7uc 29 днів тому

      That was such a sad story, that poor man😢

  • @robertodimas7429
    @robertodimas7429 5 місяців тому +48

    What a bizarre and amazing story. So happy for Aaron and Denise overcame everything they went through

  • @annah7587
    @annah7587 6 місяців тому +269

    As soon as Aaron was taken to the police station instead of a hospital to get checked for drugs and injury, I thought to myself “well, this is going to end in a lawsuit.”

  • @crabmeat2263
    @crabmeat2263 6 місяців тому +864

    Do not abandon this channel. We love how you haven’t changed your style of narration since day 1 of filming. Best story teller on UA-cam and thank you for your service!

    • @user-ov8gn9qj4p
      @user-ov8gn9qj4p 6 місяців тому +24

      forget the story telling how can he tell these stories without getting scared bro

    • @bigboybaggins8993
      @bigboybaggins8993 6 місяців тому

      @@user-ov8gn9qj4pwell he was a navy seal for one

    • @ItsMadRiv
      @ItsMadRiv 6 місяців тому

      ​@@user-ov8gn9qj4pbecause he isn't a child 😅.

    • @barneyronnie
      @barneyronnie 6 місяців тому

      ​@@user-ov8gn9qj4pHe is a SEAL!

    • @marcj4788
      @marcj4788 6 місяців тому +1

      ​@@user-ov8gn9qj4pgrow up 🤦‍♂️ embarrassing comment begging for ballan attention sad people everywhere 🤡🤪😊🍀

  • @jjjppp-5136
    @jjjppp-5136 Місяць тому +6

    Every time we get in the car my kids look at me and say “Mr. Ballen?” And we listen every time we’re in the car. Currently it’s a beautiful sunny day. My daughter and I are sitting with the windows down having tacos listening 😊

  • @cindycaldwell9940
    @cindycaldwell9940 3 місяці тому +12

    This is the story that got me addicted to Mr Ballen. Binged all the back episodes in 2 months. Thanks Mr B for all the hard work

  • @finegirl4429
    @finegirl4429 5 місяців тому +381

    This story is unbelievable. I remember the media and the authorities did not believe their story. They called her the “Gone Girl,” from the movie. Crazy… the story was all true. If the guy that did this to them hadn’t got caught when the next couple fought back, no one would have ever believed their story. Denise was really traumatized by it all, of course, especially since people didn’t believe it.

    • @karenkeck-chambers5111
      @karenkeck-chambers5111 3 місяці тому +7

      They also got 2.5 million dollars! Well deserved if you ask me.

    • @firecat2770
      @firecat2770 3 місяці тому

      Recently watched a new documentary on this story,what a he'll of a twist after going thru hell and then with the police and the media.

    • @colinbarlow-xh2km
      @colinbarlow-xh2km 3 місяці тому

      @@firecat2770fr just watched it the other day very crazy and interesting

  • @SIeepParalysis
    @SIeepParalysis 6 місяців тому +477

    This was a chaotic roller coaster, but I’m happy for them and their marriage, they seem to very genuinely care for each other. The fact this all happened is crazy and feels like it could even be a movie

    • @Mrmghz1
      @Mrmghz1 6 місяців тому +13

      Well it is a book, which is often a pre cursor to a movie

    • @2knivestoolmad131
      @2knivestoolmad131 6 місяців тому

      88hi😅😅the of 6 6 50 2.00 😊88

    • @avamasquerade
      @avamasquerade 6 місяців тому +17

      I really hope their relationship is no longer "toxic" and that they have much more mutual love and respect for each other than trauma bonding..

    • @DaimyoD0
      @DaimyoD0 6 місяців тому +11

      @@avamasquerade I mean Aaron's behavior was pretty cringe but I feel like "begging your ex-fiancé to take you back while you're in a relationship" is actually pretty low on the abusive behavior scale, IMO. Everyone does something crazy and toxic eventually. But I'd like to believe that Denise wouldn't have been so willing to give him the time of day if he was habitually toxic. I mean him begging her to come over on a night where they both had to work in the morning, unwilling to talk on the phone, that's sorta weird, but I'd have to image if he was really pushing her and making her uncomfortable, she wouldn't have capitulated. But who knows.
      I wouldn't mind reading the book, actually. Fascinating story.

    • @sabi6684
      @sabi6684 6 місяців тому +5

      Only because Mr narrated it in such a way. Feels like just watched a movie in my mind. For free.

  • @patrickgolemme840
    @patrickgolemme840 5 місяців тому +73

    My hope is that Mr Ballen never gets tired of telling us stories of the strange , dark and mysterious in story format.

  • @beerfoot
    @beerfoot 5 місяців тому +11

    Thank you very much John for pointing out that there isnt a link between Schizophrenia and violence or aggression..a lot of misconceptions around this, so thanks for highlighting that.

  • @ramdingaliana9711
    @ramdingaliana9711 6 місяців тому +994

    Wow, what a story, I'd thought Aaron was just lying about the kidnapping and actually killed Denise. But I'm glad they weren't actually harmed and got back together and married. That's one of the most bizarre stories I've ever heard and it's a plot twist I never expected. Thanks for sharing the story, MrBallen and you're a great storyteller

    • @julieinid1
      @julieinid1 6 місяців тому +31

      Yeah and thanks for the spoiler

    • @TakimoV
      @TakimoV 6 місяців тому +137

      ​@@julieinid1why the heck would you read comments before actually watching the video itself.

    • @BlueBARv5
      @BlueBARv5 6 місяців тому +15

      Yeah I remember this case and I thought it was a publicity stunt to become famous or get a reality TV show 🤣 Crazy Story..

    • @mmcjmc1486
      @mmcjmc1486 6 місяців тому +9

      Same 😂 fully thought Aaron was the killer 😅

    • @catlady5359
      @catlady5359 6 місяців тому +95

      Well, she was raped at least twice and they were both terrorised and traumatised, so I’d say they were harmed.

  • @jayryker8261
    @jayryker8261 6 місяців тому +1154

    I miss those days when John would upload 3 to 4 or 5 videos a week but glad he’s still uploading at least once a week. The best storyteller on UA-cam!

    • @mulattens
      @mulattens 6 місяців тому +74

      That's because he only focused on UA-cam but he's doing a lot more now so there's no time

    • @mrpool339
      @mrpool339 6 місяців тому +136

      Peak Mr. Ballen. Missing 411, horror/creepy stories from Reddit, places you shouldn't go etc.

    • @archiesshowtell8094
      @archiesshowtell8094 6 місяців тому +70

      It’s a lot of work and he has expanded his brand but he also has young children so I guess he had to prioritise the parts that are most important.

    • @_neon-xeon_3966
      @_neon-xeon_3966 6 місяців тому +46

      Guy has a family🤷🏻 It used to be way easier in the pandemic but it'll be hell for him and his team to pump out 3-4 videos a week now

    • @Blackhankhill
      @Blackhankhill 6 місяців тому +28

      Nah I think it's way better this way. The quality of the videos is way better, imo.

  • @j.marvel7321
    @j.marvel7321 3 місяці тому +20

    I started watching American Nightmare on Netflix and immediately realized I knew this story thanks to MrBallen. It was touching hearing the story from their perspective. Thanks John for your hard work.

  • @jacquelinewalsifer6650
    @jacquelinewalsifer6650 5 місяців тому +2

    This is such a crazy story. I love all your stories. The way you tell them keeps me intrigued. Thank you Mr Ballen. Keep them coming.

  • @williamclayton7343
    @williamclayton7343 5 місяців тому +68

    The moral of the story….lawyering up is a good idea if you are innocent too. Unbelievably true story.

  • @pbjgurl
    @pbjgurl 6 місяців тому +222

    Another side note is that the police force that initially investigated the kidnapping of Denise did not ever really formally apologize for their negligence after Matthew was caught. They did "apologize" but it was very lackluster and took almost no responsibility for them not taking their claims seriously.

    • @scummymummy5955
      @scummymummy5955 6 місяців тому +6

      This is a good reason to defund ALL law enforcement.

    • @drevil5539
      @drevil5539 6 місяців тому

      @@scummymummy5955 why’s that ? Prick

    • @jordanmince7613
      @jordanmince7613 6 місяців тому +12

      ​@@scummymummy5955yeah no

    • @jijijijibaby
      @jijijijibaby 6 місяців тому

      ⁠​⁠@@scummymummy5955this is called making a mountain out of a molehill

    • @cameronthorby5799
      @cameronthorby5799 6 місяців тому +3

      They probably consider the 2.5M settlement the apology

  • @ShadowWorkz-ne1gv
    @ShadowWorkz-ne1gv 3 місяці тому +1

    I. So sorry for your loss Todd. Just know there are others attune with u and crystal and although we aren't with u in person, we sit with u where ever we are and hopefully the mere thoughts that u aren't alone will bring u some comfort as we watch Mr ballen together. I will pray for u both everytime I watch Mr ballen and send u ❤ hopefully offering u some sort of company even itsjust virtual. its all I can do but hope it's worth something to u.
    Thank you Mr ballen for your dedication putting out episodes weekly for us to enjoy. You have a family u created thru your beautifully animated stories we love you and your family and wait for your next stories to keep us off our feet in a different reality .. although the stories are sad and heartbreaking , u captivat3 us helping us get thru another hour of existenxe in this world

  • @amandafletcher4379
    @amandafletcher4379 6 місяців тому +26

    Could you imagine going through all of that and the police releasing a statement basically stating you're full of it?

  • @k.elysium6819
    @k.elysium6819 6 місяців тому +480

    Props to the second couple, that took on the kidnapper and won. If not for them, the truth may never have been revealed and the first victims might even have been charged for filing a false report.

    • @BeRightBack131
      @BeRightBack131 6 місяців тому +40

      If I recall correctly, the first couple, especially Denise, was in fact charged with filing a false report or something like that, and the prosecutors wanted to make them pay for all the "wasted resources" trying to find an "imaginary kidnapper." I think Denise spent a while in jail over this, like almost a year. I could be confusing it with another case, but I don't think so. I think that's why they won so much money from the state, for being wrongfully prosecuted and wrongly imprisoned.

    • @k.elysium6819
      @k.elysium6819 6 місяців тому +26

      @@BeRightBack131 Wow, that's horrible! They deserve every penny. People should never be charged without evidence just because their story seems too surreal to believe. This will keep other victims from coming forward and inflict a lot of suffering.

    • @SecretSauceyjuice
      @SecretSauceyjuice 6 місяців тому +9

      ​@@BeRightBack131I live about a 20 minute drive away from where this all happened and that sounds familiar. Still makes my blood boil.

    • @FollowerofJesus5181
      @FollowerofJesus5181 6 місяців тому +4

      I wish police would rely look in to situations better instead of going on what there only trained to do it's so sad the way police are trained my cousin is police chief and was trained only t9 loomat lodgeic..I wish police were trained to take police to hospitals right away I officer looked and held a man for hrs with a gun shot in his face and didn't believe him now the man is dead take people to the hospital police

    • @justarandompepe8961
      @justarandompepe8961 6 місяців тому

      @@FollowerofJesus5181 they did look into this situation seriously, they even brought in the fbi. everything about it pointed to aaron being suspicious and pointed to it likely being a murder. the scenario aaron gave them was absolutely ridiculous. i don't exactly know how you want them to look into it better when they've looked into everything they can look into and found nothing. the only reason they even solved it was because of the other couple. you cant blame the cops for not pulling non existant evidence out of their ass. as for your other issue, what does that have to do with the video? if your talking about the case with the guy who got shot in the head and they took him to the interrogation room, yeah, the cops didn't believe him. its not surprising why they didn't, but still, they should have at least got him looked at. still, he would have died regardless since he was at the house with the gunshot wound for days before the cops even arrived, the damage was already done. your point still stands though

  • @deedeedeadtree4215
    @deedeedeadtree4215 5 місяців тому +16

    Like a soothing balm these stories relax me after a chaotic night working in an understaffed emergency department. This story was more bizarre than I ever could have imagined.

    • @izzydowning5033
      @izzydowning5033 5 місяців тому +2

      I’m here after my crazy shift in rehab

  • @jayhaque856
    @jayhaque856 4 місяці тому

    Thank you Mr Ballen. Your stories I look forward too every week n they help with my anxiety. Thanks from Sydney Australia

  • @tjones5372
    @tjones5372 6 місяців тому +331

    Holy crap! I remember hearing this story. This poor couple. Getting blamed for something like that and knowing you are truthful is so frustrating. Thank God they caught that guy.

    • @kittikat2318
      @kittikat2318 6 місяців тому +17

      He turned himself in, & released Denise when he saw Aaron in jail for something he didn’t do. They didn’t “catch” anyone-he caught himself. 😂

    • @xWingzTV
      @xWingzTV 6 місяців тому +4

      @@kittikat2318how did Denise end up in SoCal? Mr. Baller never cleared that up?

    • @carpo719
      @carpo719 6 місяців тому +1

      Then again they called in sick to work at 7:00 a.m. how did they do that if they were kidnapped

    • @Dead_Braincells_Society
      @Dead_Braincells_Society 6 місяців тому +5

      ⁠@@carpo719watch the video again. It’s clearly stated that Aaron “called” his employer but that the communication to Denise’s employer was only text.

    • @denisebenedict6102
      @denisebenedict6102 6 місяців тому +1

      Another thing, the Sherri Papini case was around this same time, so that added another layer of craziness to it.

  • @shamilton695
    @shamilton695 6 місяців тому +396

    Another important note, the police had put Aarons cellphone on airplane mode while they interrogated him and by the time they let him go there were multiple calls and texts from Mathew. His multiple emails to media made demands for police to issue an apology to Aaron and Denise as well.

    • @URsooomad8613
      @URsooomad8613 6 місяців тому +4

      womp womp

    • @kodabug7024
      @kodabug7024 6 місяців тому +11

      OMFG!! Why did they not win more money!! they could of had the ass that day!!! this is why i say police need longer more throughto training ..

    • @kodabug7024
      @kodabug7024 6 місяців тому +5

      simple mistakes can cost so much more.. baffling...

    • @somethingelse4424
      @somethingelse4424 6 місяців тому +32

      And the police chief publicly called them liars and chastised them for wasting police resources during that press conference.

    • @tristanyoung9673
      @tristanyoung9673 6 місяців тому

      ​@@kodabug7024*could have

  • @havilahfarm1591
    @havilahfarm1591 4 місяці тому +2

    I love that this had a happy ending! Congrats Aaron and Denise.

  • @BlueLoveYou32
    @BlueLoveYou32 2 місяці тому +4

    the way he said “totally unhinged” was hella accurate and absolutely HILARIOUS 💀

  • @awesomepossum3708
    @awesomepossum3708 5 місяців тому +233

    This was the weirdest and wildest story I've ever heard. I kept saying "what?!" throughout the whole story. I thought Aaron was guilty of murder in the beginning. Talk about a 360. Great story telling John. I felt like I was really in the story. You have a gift. I really enjoyed it!

    • @Sparkzloco718
      @Sparkzloco718 5 місяців тому +5

      That's just to show that we shouldn't pass judgment and as some people that actually knows how that works will use that very understanding of PERCEPTION against another

    • @tonyjrdeets
      @tonyjrdeets 4 місяці тому +26

      180°
      A 360° would just put you right back where you started.

    • @Henry_Red
      @Henry_Red 4 місяці тому +10

      "Talk about a 360" is the real crime here.

  • @amandausharamdeen
    @amandausharamdeen 6 місяців тому +684

    Honestly Mr Ballen is probably the best storyteller on UA-cam. Feels like you are actually there

  • @phlebgrl6064
    @phlebgrl6064 5 місяців тому +1

    Great story with one of the best surprise twist endings I’ve heard in a long time! I couldn’t have imagined, never mind expected, the way this story would turn out. Thank you MrBallen!

  • @sunshineravens
    @sunshineravens 6 місяців тому +16

    I just woke myself up crying in the middle of the night - I lost my Mum suddenly and unexpectedly last week. I would give anything just to hear her voice. Picked up my phone, saw a new video from MrB (had to check I wasn't dreaming since it's not Sunday night yet). Thank goodness I had something to watch and hold my attention in this dark momemt. There are only 2 creators that provide total distraction for me and John is one of them (Mike at That Chapter is the other).
    Thanks so much for the consistently high quality content John. Aside from the obviously great storytelling, you have an extremely reassuring and calming quality to your voice. Just consider how many equally important moments (whether happy or sad) you help your viewers / listeners through, it's amazing.

    • @lovelife1837
      @lovelife1837 6 місяців тому +1

      Sorry for your loss 🕊️

    • @chantellemcnulty7057
      @chantellemcnulty7057 6 місяців тому +1

      So sorry for your loss big hugs and praying for your healing its so hard losing a parent 🙏😢💖

    • @emmasarge4057
      @emmasarge4057 12 днів тому

      I offer you my deepest condolences for your great loss 😢

  • @KittKatt542
    @KittKatt542 6 місяців тому +111

    I am so sad to hear Todd share his loss of his wife. It’s damn hard and even doing those usual shows and games become to hard to endure. I’m very proud to hear you are still trying to carry on your love for stories together. I highly encourage anyone facing a new a lone to keep some normalcy and carry forward in your new journey. Despite being alone, I did the total opposite and kind of cut everything off didn’t watch those same shows switch the TV pretty much off and didn’t live my life now five years later, and realizing how much time I lost, and how stupid that was s loss and a journey of unexpected realities of tears, sadness and joy, trying to remember those little things that you did, even if it was just watching Mr. BALLEN and getting part of your journey alone with at least memories and laughter and soon enough even if you’re still alone, you still have something to laugh about and smile. Good luck, sir and I wish I wish well with my condolences.
    Your journey to

  • @sharonrose6210
    @sharonrose6210 11 днів тому

    Mr Ballen’s stories have helped me and my children connect. We love to turn on a story in the car or when we get home to rest. It has become a fam fav

  • @Gypsy-Brown
    @Gypsy-Brown 6 місяців тому +58

    The storytelling is so natural. I would love to know how much practise goes into each video, whether the story is written out and Mr B is following /reading it out, just very naturally, or if he is telling it from notes or fully from memory and it’s all off the cuff…because it feels like he is telling it straight from his head and isn’t using any sort of script at all. I’ve seen an interview with him lately and he says he has always been a great storyteller. That really is more of a skill than it sounds like. Even retelling a real life event, that has happened to me is really difficult for me to recount without forgetting important bits and I don’t think I could ever remember the amount of detail in the stories Mr B tells. What a brilliant talent to have! I bet Mr B’s children love story time every bedtime! They will still be having bedtime stories in their twenties!!😊

  • @matrixiekitty2127
    @matrixiekitty2127 6 місяців тому +29

    Who would have thought that they were actually telling the truth! It’s gotta be so scary to be in a situation where nobody believes you and you can’t even blame them because the situation is so bizarre!

  • @jimb5246
    @jimb5246 5 місяців тому

    Thanks for the video man, great work.

  • @user-ov6bt2ym5m
    @user-ov6bt2ym5m 3 місяці тому +5

    Mr Ballen!!!! I’m so proud of you. I just watched a WHOLE Netflix show called American Nightmare about the wetsuit kidnapping of Denise. The fact that you covered this and brought it to our attention first is amazing! As a fellow veteran…keep up the good work! #USNAVYNURSE

  • @Naty129
    @Naty129 6 місяців тому +98

    I heard of this story before. The cops really tarnished their names calling them liars and refused to apologize even after finding the kidnapper

    • @resolecca
      @resolecca 6 місяців тому +28

      To be fair it is a pretty unbelievable story I can't blame the cops for not believing them, although you can absolutely blame the cops for not apologizing

    • @kantasify
      @kantasify 6 місяців тому +2

      Can't really blame the cops. This is really weird.

    • @juliemanarin4127
      @juliemanarin4127 6 місяців тому

      That is so sad

  • @TheMeatballMan420
    @TheMeatballMan420 6 місяців тому +59

    I really appreciate you taking the time to say that not everyone with schizophrenia is dangerous.
    There's a lot of people who think everyone with a mental illness is dangerous. Many people despise us for the crime of simply existing, and they use people like the guy in this story to justify it.

  • @whimsygrove9971
    @whimsygrove9971 5 місяців тому +10

    Wow what a weird story! I'm surprised I never heard of this one before. I always assumed the Sherri Papini case was considered the "Gone Girl," case. I didn't realize there was another one!
    Truth is definitely stranger than fiction. It's scary to think there could be some lunatic somewhere spying on your every move and ready to attack you for no reason other than their own delusions. What a nightmare.
    This poor couple! I cannot imagine the trauma Denise must've endured. Hopefully writing the book was somewhat therapeutic for them. I wish them all the best and hope they are doing better now. ❤️

  • @pyrodoll2422
    @pyrodoll2422 5 місяців тому +3

    One of the absolute best and most bizarre stories you've told, and the bar was already set very high.

  • @willvrtist
    @willvrtist 6 місяців тому +407

    That was a strange story for sure, I genuinely believed that Aaron must've been suspicious and a schizophrenic but the fact that Denise was still alive had me thinking there was a twist, like Aaron might've made up a story with Denise to murder his ex wife or perhaps they were making up a hoax for media attention... but... NOPE.. there really was a strange kidnapper 🤣 that was interesting

    • @lena-Ramone
      @lena-Ramone 6 місяців тому

      Spoiler alert comment.

    • @consciousobserver629
      @consciousobserver629 6 місяців тому +10

      ​@@lena-RamoneIt's always a gamble reading the comments section. Especially with true crime.

    • @ish9901
      @ish9901 6 місяців тому

      Don't be laughing kid

    • @DMWolFGurL
      @DMWolFGurL 6 місяців тому +1

      That's why I love Mrballen stories, there's always a twist. Listening to Mr Ballen is like watching one of those psychological thrillers, with a twist, that you never expected.

    • @patron8597
      @patron8597 6 місяців тому +3

      Yeah, what an absolutely random twist that nobody had seen coming. I can't even blame the officers too much because I would have also assumed that he or both of them are guilty, but then again it just shows that you can't assume someone's guilt without solid evidence. And that lie detector tests are BS!

  • @KennethMelis
    @KennethMelis 6 місяців тому +195

    Nothing better than relaxing in bed with a heated pillow and watching the new Mr. Ballen video ☺️

    • @donaanjon
      @donaanjon 6 місяців тому +1

      Love the video's the BEST!

    • @TheSixthSLoT
      @TheSixthSLoT 6 місяців тому +8

      A heated pillow. I think I finally found what's been missing from my life.

    • @toohamm6809
      @toohamm6809 6 місяців тому

      It's like 3 in the afternoon you lazy bum 😮 😂😮😅😊

    • @ladyblack49
      @ladyblack49 6 місяців тому +1

      ​@@TheSixthSLoTdito. Next week Im gonna buy one.

    • @himothy9871
      @himothy9871 6 місяців тому +1

      How much are they?

  • @4fNReal-
    @4fNReal- 5 місяців тому +5

    I'm so happy that everything worked out for these guys!!! Sometimes there are happy endings!

  • @reubenmendez9856
    @reubenmendez9856 4 місяці тому +1

    I remember that story when it was happening, and how weird the whole thing was...you did an EXCELLENT JOB retelling that story!!🤜🤛

  • @TampaCEO
    @TampaCEO 6 місяців тому +271

    WOW!!! The only thing better than a "strange, dark, and unusual" story is one with a HAPPY ENDING!!! This story is by far my favorite story from your podcast. Not only were they vindicated, but they ended up winning a huge settlement and getting married?!?!
    I hope Hollywood comes knocking and makes a movie about their lives. Congratulations to the 2 of them!!! Thanks for another awesome podcast. 🙂

    • @SunRabbit
      @SunRabbit 6 місяців тому +8

      Back in high school English Literature we were taught that if a story ends in marriage, it's technically a comedy.

    • @safwatnuman4297
      @safwatnuman4297 6 місяців тому +1

      Have you heard the one about the crows?

    • @speaktruth896
      @speaktruth896 6 місяців тому

      ​@@safwatnuman4297nop

    • @daviddvorak9481
      @daviddvorak9481 6 місяців тому

      ​@@safwatnuman4297no whats in called

    • @ARedMotorcycle
      @ARedMotorcycle 6 місяців тому +2

      Two and a half million dollars nowadays isn't that much money. That used to be Charlie Sheen's daily crack budget.

  • @aarontownsend1949
    @aarontownsend1949 6 місяців тому +34

    Im really relieved Aaron didnt get charged. What an amazing story!

  • @ginawelch7480
    @ginawelch7480 5 місяців тому

    I'm truly sorry for your loss. There are no words that can magically take away your pain I wish there were. Think of the good times not of the end times. Prayers for you and yours

  • @RaelynnM
    @RaelynnM 3 місяці тому +1

    Mr Ballen is my lullaby. I literally use him to fall asleep. I love his story telling. ♥️♥️♥️ I watch him daily

  • @dolceitalia5846
    @dolceitalia5846 6 місяців тому +203

    What I want to know is, what did Aaron want to speak to Denise about, that he could only discuss at his home?? Whole thing is bizarre 😂

    • @karlepaul6632
      @karlepaul6632 6 місяців тому +80

      Because it's easier to beg for someone to come back to you there, home field advantage so to speak lol Seriously, you can't really grovel properly in public and you can get kicked out if you go to her place.😋

    • @kayleigh3648
      @kayleigh3648 6 місяців тому +38

      I get fixated on little details like that too! Lol. My guess is that he wanted to rekindle their relationship and get back together, and asking someone over the phone isn’t going to have as strong as an impact… But ya, it’s awesome that this incident brought them back together and are married now 🙂

    • @Keydrianna
      @Keydrianna 6 місяців тому +7

      I was thinking the same thing but also maybe it was about the drone? Since they were on and off maybe it was that or just to beg to get back together is my guesses

    • @billg1374
      @billg1374 6 місяців тому +19

      And what about the drop of blood on the sheet? Did they ever test that to see who it was from?

    • @10RexTheWolf01
      @10RexTheWolf01 6 місяців тому +4

      He did say the dude is mentally unwell.

  • @pamorama
    @pamorama 6 місяців тому +79

    This is another example of how you cannot rely on lie detector tests.
    Another true crime podcast I was listening to recently had a suspect completely pass a lie detector test, even though he was the murderer. They really are unreliable. This entire story is so crazy to me and I don’t know why I never heard about this! Great storytelling as always.

    • @bradleyboyer9979
      @bradleyboyer9979 6 місяців тому +10

      The man who invented the lie detector test was regretful after he made it and it caught on. He knew that it wasn't at all reliable and that it would be used for bad things.

    • @24get24give
      @24get24give 6 місяців тому

      I was thinking the same thing, I lived in the Bay Area at the time and read the SF Chronicle daily, cover to cover, and don't remember this at all weird, all I can think is I was caught up in my stroke recovery and distracted from other things, I wonder what else I missed

    • @PrettyVacant45988
      @PrettyVacant45988 6 місяців тому

      That's why 'lie detector' results are inadmissable in Court and therefore useless. People shouldn't take them, nor should they be viewed as 'must be guilty' for refusing.

    • @kelliewhyte_85
      @kelliewhyte_85 6 місяців тому

      They're were 97% accurate though???

    • @kelliewhyte_85
      @kelliewhyte_85 6 місяців тому

      I wonder if you heard the same case i did.
      Was it an African American male who killed a woman because she stole weed???

  • @missmehigan
    @missmehigan 5 місяців тому

    This is one of my all time favs of yours, I never saw the ending coming! Thanks for the entertainment!

  • @williamdesrosiers5198
    @williamdesrosiers5198 5 місяців тому +8

    From tragedy to triumph. That'll never touch what they went through but it's gonna help. Glad they lived and moved forward.

  • @honestinsincerity2270
    @honestinsincerity2270 5 місяців тому +272

    Crazy thing is, the kidnapper actually sent emails to the cops exonerating the boyfriend and basically confirming his own existence

    • @MelonieG85
      @MelonieG85 5 місяців тому +39

      But him using the bfs email, he made it very confusing. And we know the cops thought the bf did that

    • @tovanille
      @tovanille 5 місяців тому +2

      Wow 😂😂

    • @beeech1080
      @beeech1080 4 місяці тому

      An email is easy to forge so it wouldn’t really prove anything unless they can show that it was sent from a device the bf doesn’t have access to

    • @miriamarnaez5183
      @miriamarnaez5183 3 місяці тому +3

      He was offended they didn't believe her

  • @JoshuaEdward12
    @JoshuaEdward12 6 місяців тому +185

    Cool video, My relationship of 5 years ended a month ago. The love of my life decided to leave me, I really love her so much I can’t stop thinking about her, I’ve tried my very best to get her back in my life, but to no avail, I’m frustrated, I don’t see my life with anyone else. I’ve done my best to get rid of the thoughts of her, but I can’t, I don’t know why I’m saying this here, I really miss her and just can’t stop thinking about her.

    • @josephregland
      @josephregland 6 місяців тому

      its difficult to let go of someone you love, i was in a similar situation, my relationship of 12 years ended, but i couldn't just let her go i did all i could to get her back, i had to seek the help of a spiritual counsellor who helped me bring her back..

    • @JoshuaEdward12
      @JoshuaEdward12 6 місяців тому

      Amazing, how did you get a spiritual counsellor, and how do i reach her?

    • @josephregland
      @josephregland 6 місяців тому

      Her name is *Shelly renee white* , and she is a great spiritual counsellor who can bring back your ex

    • @JoshuaEdward12
      @JoshuaEdward12 6 місяців тому

      Thank you for this valuable information, i just looked her up now online. impressive.

  • @FadingVitals
    @FadingVitals 4 місяці тому +5

    These are the stories I love to listen from Mr.Ballen!

  • @WinterLoveSpirit
    @WinterLoveSpirit 5 місяців тому +1

    Wow. I wasn't expecting it to be true. That makes Mr. Ballen the best story teller, hands down.

  • @AshanteLerone
    @AshanteLerone 6 місяців тому +41

    After battles with depression and drug use, your videos have helped me get more interested in life again and going clean, and I tune in every Sunday and have been watching for about a few years now. Keep up the amazing content🤘

    • @angelawilson83
      @angelawilson83 6 місяців тому +6

      Well done to you that is an amazing achievement

    • @minwade5436
      @minwade5436 6 місяців тому +2

      Congratulations, you’ve put in the extremely hard work & are clean & sober. Take everyday as it comes, yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery but today is a present, enjoy. Take care, best wishes from Adelaide; South Australia🇦🇺💐

  • @640A
    @640A 6 місяців тому +502

    It's truly a bizarre story and that's why Matthew came up with it knowing no one would believe the victims if they told it! I'm glad Aaron and Denise ended up together.

    • @LaymanGamin
      @LaymanGamin 6 місяців тому +8

      But he sent in a letter letting the public know that it was true? 😂

    • @kelliewhyte_85
      @kelliewhyte_85 6 місяців тому +6

      No he wouldn't have even been thinking of that.
      Remember he was bipolar so he was probably having a manic episode.

    • @romsalem890
      @romsalem890 6 місяців тому

      he was literally completely dumbfounded by the authorities lmfao@@LaymanGamin

    • @eroccha
      @eroccha 6 місяців тому +20

      @@kelliewhyte_85 ?? I don't think you have a grasp of bipolar. While a "manic state" has a vague meaning bipolar does in no way mean you can't come up with a plan.

    • @abigailbrown9556
      @abigailbrown9556 6 місяців тому +1

      @@kelliewhyte_85😅

  • @user-ud2sh8ku6w
    @user-ud2sh8ku6w 4 місяці тому +1

    I love Mr Ballen so much. He's one wonderful story teller!!🥰

  • @AsmoDeus42O
    @AsmoDeus42O 4 місяці тому +2

    I’ve been listening to Mr. Ballin since he was below 1 million subscribers. I can’t believe he’s this high now. Such a great man that he served the US and he’s a great storyteller. Congratulations you deserve it bro.🎉

  • @serpent6827
    @serpent6827 6 місяців тому +176

    Wow, what an insane story. I'm glad that everything turned out well for Denise and Aaron and I can only imagine how frustrating it was for them to try and get police and FBI to believe their story, but I can also understand why it would be difficult for officials to believe it in the first place.
    You're adverts with "ol Seagulll Lllllung!" are getting more hilarious with each video. Thank you Mr. Ballen.

    • @CriminalonCrime
      @CriminalonCrime 6 місяців тому +3

      Yes, I live the for the Adventures of Ballin and Seeeeaguuuul Lungs, it's right up there with Hecklefish!

    • @s-w
      @s-w 6 місяців тому +4

      I hate the seagull lung thing.

    • @kristinb8172
      @kristinb8172 6 місяців тому +4

      Also just imagine the harassment they were getting from the public and the media, especially since they called it the "gone girl" case. Essentially victim blaming her and setting her up as a target for hate and false accusations. I'm glad they won the lawsuit.

    • @cyndimack3527
      @cyndimack3527 6 місяців тому

      I hate them. We're listening to a serious story about possible murders etc and then he starts screaming like a 6 year old.

  • @LadyWithARustySaw
    @LadyWithARustySaw 6 місяців тому +46

    Mr. Ballen, you bring such comfort and enjoyment to so many. Like another of your listeners, my husband passed away two months ago and listening to you was one of the most enjoyable things. We were so happy just doing anything together, so sitting on the back porch and listening to the latest Mr. Ballen was so wonderful. We would look forward to it all week. I believe that his Crystal and my David are perched on a cloud, watching all the episodes together and waiting for the day when we will be reunited and will enjoy discussing all the twists and turns. Todd, my thoughts and prayers are with you for your comfort. RIP Crystal and David

  • @ChrisHavok
    @ChrisHavok 4 місяці тому +8

    Phenomenal storytelling. You are extremely talented

  • @DeadSezSo
    @DeadSezSo 4 місяці тому

    Ive heard this story before but I'm still gonna listen because nobody tells stories like Mr. Ballen!

  • @lorettadurbin4404
    @lorettadurbin4404 5 місяців тому +18

    Im so sorry for your loss. I became a widow after 8 yrs with my husband and the " first doing things by myself " was very hard. But I believe that even though you dont have her with you physically , she is with you in spirit. Anything you see, smell, think of that makes you think of her and it puts a smile in your heart, well I truly believe thats her sending you hugs from heaven and letting you know she is still with you , just in a different way. Hugs and prayers for you

  • @CharlieLynne-eu9dz
    @CharlieLynne-eu9dz 6 місяців тому +249

    I feel for Aaron and Denise. They thought they were mentally unwell or staged their own kidnapping. I feel for both of them and anyone that was victim of this unwell man.

    • @absolutnadia
      @absolutnadia 6 місяців тому +15

      I mean, it did sound ridiculously fake

    • @carpo719
      @carpo719 6 місяців тому +4

      Does anyone know how they called in sick to work at 7 a.m. I'm pulling my hair out trying to figure out that one

    • @jackthompson7546
      @jackthompson7546 6 місяців тому +3

      @@carpo719 i once had a boss who was chill as fuck and would cover you no matter what. it was really a trip, dont miss the job but i miss the fact you could actually work on getting better. was wild

    • @ShrodingersHat
      @ShrodingersHat 6 місяців тому +3

      ​@@carpo719"They" didn't call in sick, Aaron called in sick but Denise text messaged.

    • @24get24give
      @24get24give 6 місяців тому +4

      it being the East Bay, imagine how they'd be treated if they were black, that is really frightening

  • @Tawana_X
    @Tawana_X 5 місяців тому +1

    I’m so sorry about your lost!! Rip to your Beautiful Wife!!!❤

  • @carpenutz
    @carpenutz 3 місяці тому +2

    Netflix documentary is insane. Thank you for sharing this. You are awesome!

  • @Nostalgic_1
    @Nostalgic_1 6 місяців тому +20

    I remember when this happened.
    How horrific is it to be the victims of such a horrific crime and be treated the way that they were, especially with Denise being SA'd?
    I remember that they sued the police and received a large settlement, but it could never be enough money to compensate them for how they were treated, especially when the police publicly stated that they were lying effectively tarnishing their reputations permanently.
    I've always said that they could never completely undo the damage done because not everyone who heard the accusation would hear the actual truth afterward.
    I'm very glad that their relationship endured such a horrific crime and the horrific way that they were treated after it.
    I am very happy that they are still together and have a precious little baby. 💗

  • @katev37209
    @katev37209 6 місяців тому +33

    I'm at home with the flu and a chest infection. I coughed so hard i cracked a rib. My 6 year old son is also sick laying next to me. I had been binge re-watching mr ballen when the very surprising notification came up. Officially my day has been made. Thank you mr ballen! ❤

    • @miapdx503
      @miapdx503 6 місяців тому +3

      Lol, I cracked a rib coughing up pneumonia. Feel better soon 🌹

    • @katev37209
      @katev37209 6 місяців тому +2

      @miapdx503 omg noooo, I hope you're doing better and healed up quickly. It's so annoying not being able to cough now and only be able to do short, quick breaths in 😅
      Thank you for your kind message 🙏🏻 😘🩷

    • @rosannalovespanda
      @rosannalovespanda 6 місяців тому +2

      Hope you feel better soon!

    • @tynee123
      @tynee123 6 місяців тому +2

      Oh wow! That's some cough! Prayers for a speedy recovery for you and your little one.

    • @Findpepperbridge
      @Findpepperbridge 6 місяців тому +2

      I hope you both get better soon

  • @aliahfenty53
    @aliahfenty53 5 місяців тому +1

    I love how you Tell this Stories and all i am a big Fan .thank you Mr.Ballen

  • @kgould0026
    @kgould0026 4 місяці тому

    I just saw the 20/20 special on this story lastnight! The special told it a little different but always do love your videos and you do great at story telling!!!!

  • @aliciagonzalez212
    @aliciagonzalez212 6 місяців тому +259

    This story is nuts and bizarre, another excellent story telling by Mr. Ballen himself! Always imitated never duplicated! ❤❤❤❤

    • @CL4PTRAPS_SQUIRE
      @CL4PTRAPS_SQUIRE 6 місяців тому +1

      Honestly no one can top this man

    • @gadsabbah8381
      @gadsabbah8381 6 місяців тому

      😢😢😢😢😢

    • @URsooomad8613
      @URsooomad8613 6 місяців тому +1

      womp womp

    • @TwizzlerGirl
      @TwizzlerGirl 6 місяців тому

      Can anyone recommend another story teller like Mr Ballen? I’ve watched all his videos and I need more lol

    • @debbiecooper298
      @debbiecooper298 6 місяців тому

      ​@@TwizzlerGirlNot sure if it would interest you but I suggest you look up ' Well I never ' if you like a great storyteller

  • @louisronan5903
    @louisronan5903 6 місяців тому +70

    Part of me was like “I bet it turns out to be true”. Also you can’t blame the police for not believing them to begin with. It is really bizarre.

    • @givemeyouryummyskin
      @givemeyouryummyskin 6 місяців тому +10

      One thing is not believing them, but it's a whole other thing telling the public they are liars before finishing their investigation

    • @louisronan5903
      @louisronan5903 6 місяців тому +6

      @@givemeyouryummyskin : I suppose so. I believe that law enforcement employee s should have very open minds when dealing with cases. It could be the difference between an innocent man in prison or not.

    • @jimmyparris9892
      @jimmyparris9892 6 місяців тому

      Druggies don't freely admit to the police that they are under the influence of drugs. I felt this guy was telling the truth. Also wearing a wetsuit seems to be a good way of not leaving any DNA at the crime scene.

  • @phoebegalea9025
    @phoebegalea9025 3 місяці тому

    This case still blows my mind!!
    And is honestly the most insane and bizarre case I've heard

  • @bernardcantoii292
    @bernardcantoii292 3 місяці тому +1

    Mr Ballen is so awesome at telling stories that even though I knew what happened in this story I kept watching waiting for each detail. This story is so crazy that it's on Netflix now.

  • @ae2948
    @ae2948 6 місяців тому +384

    Denise and Aaron were very "lucky" that their attacker went after another couple and that the second set of investigators did an amazing job. Crazy as Aaron's claims seemed, you have to wonder if the first set of investigators bothered to test Aaron for drugs, or checked the neighborhood for strange cars.

    • @AstralJustus
      @AstralJustus 6 місяців тому +8

      Exactly what I was thinking

    • @michelledml3162
      @michelledml3162 6 місяців тому +31

      yeah, you think they would have taken him to a hospital immediately and had his blood tested

    • @URsooomad8613
      @URsooomad8613 6 місяців тому +3

      Nah Aaron did it the system got played🤣

    • @louhollingsworth1273
      @louhollingsworth1273 6 місяців тому +6

      I wondered that too. Why he wasn’t drug tested or a breathalyzer used on him.

    • @user-kd7cb4sj8m
      @user-kd7cb4sj8m 6 місяців тому

      And drones too...that seems to fit nowadays.....I know that fits into the category of suspicious but it wouldn't hurt to ask

  • @Yogimama14
    @Yogimama14 6 місяців тому +26

    Wait?! A Saturday drop?! My weekend just got infinitely better! So ready for a round of strange, dark, and mysterious 🙌🏽

  • @natashaanderson5117
    @natashaanderson5117 3 місяці тому

    Was not expecting that ending. Crazy story for sure! Glad they are ok.

  • @Linda-qr2zs
    @Linda-qr2zs 5 місяців тому

    So sorry for your loss!

  • @kittikat2318
    @kittikat2318 6 місяців тому +135

    This case is SOOO infuriating! The Vallejo PD just flat out chose not to believe Aaron, & instead of actually investigating, they CHOSE to put him in jail. Despite the fact that they were receiving emails/texts from the kidnapper while he was & the police station! If the abductor had not turned himself in & let her go-poor Aaron probably would be in jail right now!!
    On top of all that, the chief of police went on air, and took ZERO accountability for being biased, funnel-visioned douche bags! They can pretend they were “investigating” but they were doing the bare minimum. Minus a few agents & officers that believed him.

    • @didamnesia3575
      @didamnesia3575 6 місяців тому

      Vallejo pd is actually known to be incredibly corrupt. Bent badges if theyve shot someone. Stalk people. In CA if the police even pretend but say the word "investigation" they are immune.

    • @Sh3r-Bear
      @Sh3r-Bear 6 місяців тому +13

      These officers really messed up so bad that even an apology was arrogantly out of the question! That second couple were victims of these idiots as well! It wouldn’t have happened if VPD did their due diligence!🤬

    • @AdamsOlympia
      @AdamsOlympia 6 місяців тому +30

      99.9% of the time a boyfriend has a girlfriend missing and comes up with wild stories, the boyfriend is the murderer. So it's hard to blame them for assuming it's another typical case.

    • @josephbolton5199
      @josephbolton5199 6 місяців тому +12

      Yeah, I got to say I'm a little disappointed Mr. Ballin for how he presented this one. He makes the police seem like they were being reasonable

    • @SoleilMagica
      @SoleilMagica 6 місяців тому +7

      Honestly, I wouldn’t have believed Aaron either.

  • @user-np3rr7yt5n
    @user-np3rr7yt5n 6 місяців тому +17

    I actually didn't expect the ending of this story! I was actually relieved that the perpetrator wasn't who I thought it was.

  • @matthewscruggs7104
    @matthewscruggs7104 5 місяців тому +1

    #MrBallen love everything you do. Your stories have helped me through some hard times.

  • @janetbuck2007
    @janetbuck2007 3 місяці тому +6

    New Netflix doc on this story and as soon as dude said wetsuit and goggles I said "MrBallen did a story on this!!"

    • @R4D1ANT_
      @R4D1ANT_ 3 місяці тому

      yessss haha that’s where i recognized it too!

  • @TheDemonicHorseman
    @TheDemonicHorseman 6 місяців тому +28

    I haven't been this enthralled with a MrBallen video in over a year. This story is absolutely batshit insane, and I love it.

  • @Findpepperbridge
    @Findpepperbridge 6 місяців тому +90

    I remember this! It really pissed me off at the time that the police weren’t even looking into it being real. They also took him to the police station to interrogate him instead of the hospital when he was clearly on drugs that the kidnapper gave him. The kidnapper SA her so he probably cleaned everything up in the room because he didn’t want to leave evidence. I hate that police think you are guilty if you get a lawyer… if you are treating someone like a suspect when they are victims then they are going to get upset and lawyer up. I’m glad they got 2.5 million. Hopefully that police station learned something but I doubt it.

    • @Mewse1203
      @Mewse1203 6 місяців тому +4

      Did they even have Aaron tested for drugs? It doesn't sound like it.

    • @unboostedpueeblood
      @unboostedpueeblood 6 місяців тому

      Lawsuits get paid by the citizens, Police never pay for their lawsuits, they're too busy getting overpaid and getting rich while violating the citizens rights. That's why the Lawsuits get filed in the first place.

    • @DanyaSanMAMP
      @DanyaSanMAMP 6 місяців тому +10

      I mean Vallejo PD royally fucked up on catching The Zodiac Killer so what do you expect?

    • @SunRabbit
      @SunRabbit 6 місяців тому +6

      Yeah, right? If a suspect makes up a fake story, they want it to be believable, and not UNbelievable. If I was the cops I would err on the side of caution by assuming the story is TRUE, and act upon that immediately.

    • @FastDuDeJiunn
      @FastDuDeJiunn 6 місяців тому

      lol..... u have no clue what people are like do you. must be nice to live in bubble.......

  • @smaouh
    @smaouh 3 місяці тому +1

    You're the best story teller ever 😍 I discovered your channel two days ago and I'm already hooked, I even followed you on Apple podcast. I'm learning English right now and your videos help me a lot. Keep it up ❤ A BIG FAN FROM ALGERIA.