In September 2014, 3-year-old Sarah and 2-year-old Jacob were last seen in the care of their mother, Catherine Hoggle, in Maryland. Sarah and Jacob have never been found. After disappearing for several days, Catherine was arrested and ultimately charged with the children’s murder. Catherine was declared not competent to stand trial shortly after and has been committed to a psychiatric facility until her competency can be restored. But plenty of people - including some of Catherine’s own family members - have suggested she’s faking incompetence, convinced it’s her path out of prison. Sarah and Jacob’s dad, Troy, and his wife, Stephanie, continue to search for the kids, desperate for both answers and justice. And now, the clock is ticking. Maryland law requires dismissal of murder charges against a defendant found incompetent to stand trial after the expiration of five years. This means that Catherine could be on the verge of release. Troy, Stephanie and their lawyer, Matt—along with police and prosecutors—are racing to stop that from happening. In addition to a compelling and tragic personal narrative, this case raises broader issues about mental health and the justice system and the unintended consequences of well-intentioned laws. Journalists Sarah Treleaven and Beth Karas examine a father’s quest for justice and one key question that overshadows this case: Can you really fake being incompetent and get away with murder?
#1
Introducing: Unrestorable
This introductory episode sets the stage for the gripping story of Sarah and Jacob's disappearance. New listeners will get a concise overview of the chilling case and the complexities surrounding it, making it an essential starting point.
2023-09-27•2m
Introducing: Unrestorable
This introductory episode sets the stage for the gripping story of Sarah and Jacob's disappearance. New listeners will get a concise overview of the chilling case and the complexities surrounding it, making it an essential starting point.
2023-09-27•2m
#1
#2
Episode 1 – Crisis
Delve into the emotional turmoil faced by a family in crisis. This episode lays the groundwork for understanding the mother’s mental illness and the chaos that ensues, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in true crime narratives.
2023-10-04•30m
Episode 1 – Crisis
Delve into the emotional turmoil faced by a family in crisis. This episode lays the groundwork for understanding the mother’s mental illness and the chaos that ensues, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in true crime narratives.
2023-10-04•30m
#2
#3
Episode 2 – Missing
The tension escalates as the search for the missing children unfolds. This episode highlights the desperation of a father and the complexities of relying on a mentally unstable mother, engaging listeners with its emotional depth.
2023-10-04•26m
Episode 2 – Missing
The tension escalates as the search for the missing children unfolds. This episode highlights the desperation of a father and the complexities of relying on a mentally unstable mother, engaging listeners with its emotional depth.
2023-10-04•26m
#3
Listen to your favourite podcasts.
Now ad-free.
Download herd and enjoy uninterrupted, high-quality podcasts without the wait.
As Catherine undergoes treatment, questions arise about her mental state. This episode delves into the controversial aspects of her competency and raises intriguing questions about accountability, captivating listeners with its psychological insights.
2023-10-18•33m
Episode 4 – Faking It?
As Catherine undergoes treatment, questions arise about her mental state. This episode delves into the controversial aspects of her competency and raises intriguing questions about accountability, captivating listeners with its psychological insights.
2023-10-18•33m
#4
#5
Episode 5 – The Ticking Clock
Tension mounts as a judge finally decides to hear testimony regarding Catherine’s competency. This episode is pivotal, revealing the urgency of the situation and the potential for justice, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats.
2023-10-25•25m
Episode 5 – The Ticking Clock
Tension mounts as a judge finally decides to hear testimony regarding Catherine’s competency. This episode is pivotal, revealing the urgency of the situation and the potential for justice, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats.
2023-10-25•25m
#5
#6
Episode 6 – The Decision
This episode centers around the critical ruling in Catherine’s competency hearing. It’s a turning point in the story that addresses the quest for justice, making it a must-listen for those invested in the outcome of the case.
2023-11-01•22m
Episode 6 – The Decision
This episode centers around the critical ruling in Catherine’s competency hearing. It’s a turning point in the story that addresses the quest for justice, making it a must-listen for those invested in the outcome of the case.
2023-11-01•22m
#6
#7
Episode 7 – Lost
Explore the intersection of the criminal justice and mental health systems as the search for Sarah and Jacob continues. This episode raises profound questions about the fate of the children, resonating deeply with listeners who seek closure in unresolved cases.
2023-11-08•30m
Episode 7 – Lost
Explore the intersection of the criminal justice and mental health systems as the search for Sarah and Jacob continues. This episode raises profound questions about the fate of the children, resonating deeply with listeners who seek closure in unresolved cases.
2023-11-08•30m
#7
#8
Episode 8 – Justice
Troy’s journey for accountability reaches new heights in this episode. It encapsulates the emotional struggle of a father seeking justice for his children, appealing broadly to anyone interested in the pursuit of truth in tragic circumstances.
2023-11-15•28m
Episode 8 – Justice
Troy’s journey for accountability reaches new heights in this episode. It encapsulates the emotional struggle of a father seeking justice for his children, appealing broadly to anyone interested in the pursuit of truth in tragic circumstances.
