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

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 3. 11. 2023
  • Use code MRBALLEN50 to get 50% off your first Factor box at bit.ly/3RuEKnj!
    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
    🔊 For more NEW stories check out the "MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark and Mysterious Stories" which is available on Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts - www.amazon.com/MrBallenPod
    🎧 For a bone-chilling NEW SHOW from Ballen Studios, listen and follow the "Bedtime Stories" podcast - apple.co/ballenbedtimestories
    🔊 Check out my second show called “MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries” Don’t worry, this won’t replace any of my weekly content - it will be in addition to! New episodes on Tuesdays.
    Follow and listen here - wondery.fm/MBMM-MB
    Check out the trailer for the Netflix documentary on this case, called American Nightmare - • American Nightmare | O...
    ♥️ The MrBallen Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit that honors & supports people impacted by violent crime go to 👉 MrBallen.Foundation 👉 and click on Get Involved to join the Honor Them Society, and receive free gifts and exclusive invites to special live events!
    Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and the rest of social media 👉 "@MrBallen"
    Our Facebook page 👉 / mrballen
    Find out what we have going on at Ballen Studios 👉 ballenstudios.com/
    Join our Discord 👉 / discord
    MrBallen merchandise 👉 shopmrballen.com
    **Also go to our Instagram page "shopmrballen" to see deals and promotions!
    Our 2nd CZcams channel 👉 @mrballenshorts
    Spanish Language channel 👉 @mrballenespanol
    Please post story suggestions on our subreddit 👉 r/mrballen ( / mrballen )
    The next time the Like Button is out of town, go into their house and completely demolish their master bathroom and replace it with a used summertime music festival porta potty. Also please subscribe/turn on all notifications so you don't miss any of our weekly stories!
    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.
    Theme Song: "Something Wicked" -
    • ♩♫ Epic Horror Sy...
    ('Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License')
    Theme Song by: @RossBugden
    Story Music by: @co.agmusic
    Intro video by :
    Tiktok @mr.poopnite
    Instagram @mr.poopnite_
    DISCLAIMER: All materials in these videos are used for entertainment purposes and fall within the guidelines of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. If you are, or represent, the copyright owner of materials used in this video, and have an issue with the use of said material, please send an email to info@mrballenpodcast.com
    Copyright © 2023 MrBallen. All rights reserved.
    #mystery #recording #mrballen

Komentáře • 7K

  • @toddburgess5056
    @toddburgess5056 Před 6 měsíci +28908

    Mr. Ballen was me and my wifes favorite CZcams 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 CZcamsr. RIP Crystal, I love you. 🕊️

  • @MrMan-sy4ev
    @MrMan-sy4ev Před 6 měsíci +2512

    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 Před 6 měsíci +186

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

    • @TestaRosssa_
      @TestaRosssa_ Před 6 měsíci +23

      I have wondered the same!

    • @mclovin2408
      @mclovin2408 Před 6 měsíci +66

      I just tried it and it works

    • @jay-jay133
      @jay-jay133 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +12

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

  • @JBeezyJesusFreak
    @JBeezyJesusFreak Před 4 měsíci +370

    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 Před 2 měsíci +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 Před měsícem

      ​@@jumpinjohnnyruss😂😂

  • @blackthorn3335
    @blackthorn3335 Před 5 měsíci +200

    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 Před 6 měsíci +1698

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

    • @Nyanihyon
      @Nyanihyon Před 5 měsíci +203

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

    • @joeybuzzz
      @joeybuzzz Před 5 měsíci +54

      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 Před 5 měsíci +51

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

    • @rationallyruby
      @rationallyruby Před 5 měsíci +72

      @@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 Před 5 měsíci +2

      At least the profile was correct

  • @kendallbrown2904
    @kendallbrown2904 Před 6 měsíci +1075

    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 Před 6 měsíci +7

      Same!

    • @fxgamer4870
      @fxgamer4870 Před 6 měsíci +32

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

    • @kendallbrown2904
      @kendallbrown2904 Před 6 měsíci

      @@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 Před 6 měsíci +48

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

    • @Phthalo
      @Phthalo Před 6 měsíci +9

      thanks for spoiling the ending.

  • @fruitygranulizer540
    @fruitygranulizer540 Před 4 měsíci +597

    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 Před 4 měsíci +47

      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 Před 4 měsíci +56

      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 Před 3 měsíci

      ​@@cheqmanis7291agreed.

    • @Chrissmith857
      @Chrissmith857 Před 3 měsíci +29

      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 Před měsícem

      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 Před 6 měsíci +408

    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 Před 4 měsíci +4

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

    • @barbarat5729
      @barbarat5729 Před 3 měsíci

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

    • @mars-ps1yk
      @mars-ps1yk Před 3 měsíci +16

      ​@@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 Před 3 měsíci +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 Před 15 dny

      Why did Aaron fail the lie detector test so dramatically?

  • @Wooxy117
    @Wooxy117 Před 6 měsíci +3155

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

    • @noah_v36
      @noah_v36 Před 6 měsíci +136

      throwing the fans off 😂

    • @angelr.8504
      @angelr.8504 Před 6 měsíci +23

      Blud Wild 😂

    • @lionface007
      @lionface007 Před 6 měsíci +42

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

    • @dadjokestoembarrassyourkid4395
      @dadjokestoembarrassyourkid4395 Před 6 měsíci +73

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

    • @sianedwards7493
      @sianedwards7493 Před 6 měsíci +36

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

  • @crabmeat2263
    @crabmeat2263 Před 6 měsíci +874

    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 CZcams and thank you for your service!

    • @user-ov8gn9qj4p
      @user-ov8gn9qj4p Před 6 měsíci +24

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

    • @bigboybaggins8993
      @bigboybaggins8993 Před 6 měsíci

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

    • @ItsMadRiv
      @ItsMadRiv Před 6 měsíci

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

    • @barneyronnie
      @barneyronnie Před 6 měsíci

      ​@@user-ov8gn9qj4pHe is a SEAL!

    • @marcj4788
      @marcj4788 Před 6 měsíci +1

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

  • @liquidrockaquatics3900
    @liquidrockaquatics3900 Před 5 měsíci +974

    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 Před 5 měsíci +90

      *Aaron

    • @Thegaoat
      @Thegaoat Před 5 měsíci +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 Před 5 měsíci +34

      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 Před 5 měsíci +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 Před 5 měsíci

      @@iainfraser7588sclerosis ❤402

  • @jjjppp-5136
    @jjjppp-5136 Před měsícem +9

    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 😊

  • @aaronhelfor8764
    @aaronhelfor8764 Před 6 měsíci +598

    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 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci

      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 Před 6 měsíci +70

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

    • @kyrilson71
      @kyrilson71 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci

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

  • @annah7587
    @annah7587 Před 6 měsíci +275

    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.”

  • @0230Raveena
    @0230Raveena Před 5 měsíci +103

    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.

  • @Phoenix-mh5eo
    @Phoenix-mh5eo Před 5 měsíci +81

    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 Před 5 měsíci +5

      Yes! I remember that story.

    • @Dislob
      @Dislob Před 5 měsíci +5

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

    • @MachineGunKali
      @MachineGunKali Před 4 měsíci +2

      I remember this. It was horrible.

    • @platomk123
      @platomk123 Před měsícem

      Yeo I remember that one too, so sad :(

    • @LelandAllmon-fr7uc
      @LelandAllmon-fr7uc Před měsícem

      That was such a sad story, that poor man😢

  • @lindanichole290
    @lindanichole290 Před 6 měsíci +324

    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 Před 4 měsíci +3

      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 Před 4 měsíci +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 Před 4 měsíci +20

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

    • @jmoriarty8000
      @jmoriarty8000 Před 3 měsíci +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 Před 3 měsíci +1

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

  • @catlady5359
    @catlady5359 Před 6 měsíci +393

    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.

  • @BlueLoveYou32
    @BlueLoveYou32 Před 2 měsíci +6

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

  • @RaelynnM
    @RaelynnM Před 3 měsíci +4

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

  • @jayryker8261
    @jayryker8261 Před 6 měsíci +1157

    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 CZcams!

    • @mulattens
      @mulattens Před 6 měsíci +74

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

    • @mrpool339
      @mrpool339 Před 6 měsíci +136

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

    • @archiesshowtell8094
      @archiesshowtell8094 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +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

    • @Newjerseyblows
      @Newjerseyblows Před 6 měsíci +28

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

  • @amandafletcher4379
    @amandafletcher4379 Před 6 měsíci +29

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

  • @robertodimas7429
    @robertodimas7429 Před 6 měsíci +50

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

  • @cindycaldwell9940
    @cindycaldwell9940 Před 3 měsíci +14

    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

  • @SIeepParalysis
    @SIeepParalysis Před 6 měsíci +481

    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 Před 6 měsíci +13

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

    • @2knivestoolmad131
      @2knivestoolmad131 Před 6 měsíci

      88hi😅😅the of 6 6 50 2.00 😊88

    • @avamasquerade
      @avamasquerade Před 6 měsíci +18

      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 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +5

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

  • @finegirl4429
    @finegirl4429 Před 6 měsíci +384

    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 Před 3 měsíci +7

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

    • @firecat2770
      @firecat2770 Před 3 měsíci

      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 Před 3 měsíci

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

  • @patrickgolemme840
    @patrickgolemme840 Před 5 měsíci +75

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

  • @j.marvel7321
    @j.marvel7321 Před 4 měsíci +22

    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.

  • @williamclayton7343
    @williamclayton7343 Před 6 měsíci +71

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

  • @ramdingaliana9711
    @ramdingaliana9711 Před 6 měsíci +997

    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 Před 6 měsíci +31

      Yeah and thanks for the spoiler

    • @TakimoV
      @TakimoV Před 6 měsíci +137

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

    • @BlueBARv5
      @BlueBARv5 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +9

      Same 😂 fully thought Aaron was the killer 😅

    • @catlady5359
      @catlady5359 Před 6 měsíci +95

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

  • @beerfoot
    @beerfoot Před 5 měsíci +14

    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.

    • @chasb3234
      @chasb3234 Před 6 hodinami

      What doesn't help is that most people are misdiagnosed as Schizophrenic when they display violent, grandiose behaviors. They treat it a catch-all.

  • @user-ov6bt2ym5m
    @user-ov6bt2ym5m Před 3 měsíci +6

    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

  • @pbjgurl
    @pbjgurl Před 6 měsíci +223

    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 Před 6 měsíci +6

      This is a good reason to defund ALL law enforcement.

    • @drevil5539
      @drevil5539 Před 6 měsíci

      @@scummymummy5955 why’s that ? Prick

    • @jordanmince7613
      @jordanmince7613 Před 6 měsíci +12

      ​@@scummymummy5955yeah no

    • @jijijijibaby
      @jijijijibaby Před 6 měsíci

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

    • @cameronthorby5799
      @cameronthorby5799 Před 6 měsíci +3

      They probably consider the 2.5M settlement the apology

  • @k.elysium6819
    @k.elysium6819 Před 6 měsíci +482

    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 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci

      @@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 Před 5 měsíci +18

    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.

  • @janetbuck2007
    @janetbuck2007 Před 3 měsíci +7

    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_ Před 3 měsíci

      yessss haha that’s where i recognized it too!

  • @amandausharamdeen
    @amandausharamdeen Před 6 měsíci +685

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

  • @shamilton695
    @shamilton695 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +4

      womp womp

    • @kodabug7024
      @kodabug7024 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +5

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

    • @somethingelse4424
      @somethingelse4424 Před 6 měsíci +32

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

    • @tristanyoung9673
      @tristanyoung9673 Před 6 měsíci

      ​@@kodabug7024*could have

  • @LelandAllmon-fr7uc
    @LelandAllmon-fr7uc Před měsícem +1

    Mr. Ballen could read the phone book and make it interesting. Best story teller on CZcams!

  • @whimsygrove9971
    @whimsygrove9971 Před 6 měsíci +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. ❤️

  • @awesomepossum3708
    @awesomepossum3708 Před 6 měsíci +234

    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 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 5 měsíci +26

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

    • @Henry_Red
      @Henry_Red Před 5 měsíci +10

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

  • @sunshineravens
    @sunshineravens Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +1

      Sorry for your loss 🕊️

    • @chantellemcnulty7057
      @chantellemcnulty7057 Před 6 měsíci +1

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

    • @emmasarge4057
      @emmasarge4057 Před 20 dny

      I offer you my deepest condolences for your great loss 😢

  • @Cece20627
    @Cece20627 Před měsícem +1

    This case has since been made into a TV mini series called “American Nightmare” which was just released in January 2024. It provides a great deal of insight into what happened and how the police failed Aaron and Denise. Definitely worth watching!

  • @irodriguez062
    @irodriguez062 Před měsícem +2

    I remember this in the news. They dragged her, calling her a liar & fraud. They were pursuing charges against them. Glad they sued & won.

  • @honestinsincerity2270
    @honestinsincerity2270 Před 6 měsíci +273

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

    • @MelonieG85
      @MelonieG85 Před 5 měsíci +39

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

    • @tovanille
      @tovanille Před 5 měsíci +2

      Wow 😂😂

    • @beeech1080
      @beeech1080 Před 4 měsíci

      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 Před 3 měsíci +3

      He was offended they didn't believe her

  • @TheMeatballMan420
    @TheMeatballMan420 Před 6 měsíci +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.

  • @Girthbrooks248
    @Girthbrooks248 Před 4 měsíci +6

    I came back to this video because I just watched American Nightmare on Netflix. I heard it first from the 🐐Mr Ballen. Doc was incredible tho. What a story.

  • @bobschultz8069
    @bobschultz8069 Před 4 měsíci +2

    You should do a story about missing Randy Leach from Kansas cold case. He went missing along with his car in 1988 from a pre graduation party. No one has heard from him or found the car since. Maybe it will help us get answers on where he is and bring closure to the family. Thank you

  • @dolceitalia5846
    @dolceitalia5846 Před 6 měsíci +205

    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 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +19

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

    • @10RexTheWolf01
      @10RexTheWolf01 Před 6 měsíci +4

      He did say the dude is mentally unwell.

  • @tjones5372
    @tjones5372 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +4

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

    • @carpo719
      @carpo719 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +1

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

  • @williamdesrosiers5198
    @williamdesrosiers5198 Před 5 měsíci +8

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

  • @brianwarner965
    @brianwarner965 Před 3 měsíci +2

    Netflix just released a Documentary about this story. I realized after watching Netflix's 3 part (2.5 hours) series, I enjoyed Mr Ballens (33 Mins) version better. Thank you Sir and thank you for your Service!

  • @Naty129
    @Naty129 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +2

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

    • @juliemanarin4127
      @juliemanarin4127 Před 6 měsíci

      That is so sad

  • @matrixiekitty2127
    @matrixiekitty2127 Před 6 měsíci +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!

  • @sherrylawrencelewis2544
    @sherrylawrencelewis2544 Před 2 měsíci +1

    13:07 I watched 'Seagull Lungs' FOUR times because I love the silliness! My toddler does not understand a word but he gets the humour! He laughs so hard that he gets hiccups! Perhaps, Mr Ballen, you could draft a script series featuring our green friend on a new 'Ballen Funnies!' CZcams channel?! You would be making a little boy and a massive population very happy.
    Thank you, kindly.
    🇬🇧🕊👑✝️👑🕊🇬🇧

  • @heathertaylor8904
    @heathertaylor8904 Před 5 měsíci +3

    I remember this story! He was actually suggesting there were other people in the other rooms and he was playing good cop in a manner of speaking. They just took him at face value.

  • @KennethMelis
    @KennethMelis Před 6 měsíci +196

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

    • @donaanjon
      @donaanjon Před 6 měsíci +1

      Love the video's the BEST!

    • @TheSixthSLoT
      @TheSixthSLoT Před 6 měsíci +8

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

    • @toohamm6809
      @toohamm6809 Před 6 měsíci

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

    • @ladyblack49
      @ladyblack49 Před 6 měsíci +1

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

    • @himothy9871
      @himothy9871 Před 6 měsíci +1

      How much are they?

  • @TampaCEO
    @TampaCEO Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +8

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

    • @safwatnuman4297
      @safwatnuman4297 Před 6 měsíci +1

      Have you heard the one about the crows?

    • @speaktruth896
      @speaktruth896 Před 6 měsíci

      ​@@safwatnuman4297nop

    • @daviddvorak9481
      @daviddvorak9481 Před 6 měsíci

      ​@@safwatnuman4297no whats in called

    • @ARedMotorcycle
      @ARedMotorcycle Před 6 měsíci +2

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

  • @jacquelinewalsifer6650
    @jacquelinewalsifer6650 Před 5 měsíci +3

    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.

  • @kaz2101
    @kaz2101 Před 3 měsíci +2

    I’ve watched an in depth interview with Denise and Aaron (Netflix) on
    this incredible incident and I have to put my hands up and admit I didn’t believe a word of what each of them were saying, it’s too fantastic a story. However, it turned out to be absolutely 100% true, every single unbelievable detail 😮 I was so shocked x God bless them both x I feel so bad for what they went through and then to add insult to injury every one (including me 🙄) ridiculed them and called them liars 😢

  • @willvrtist
    @willvrtist Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci

      Spoiler alert comment.

    • @consciousobserver629
      @consciousobserver629 Před 6 měsíci +10

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

    • @ish9901
      @ish9901 Před 6 měsíci

      Don't be laughing kid

    • @DMWolFGurL
      @DMWolFGurL Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +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!

  • @katev37209
    @katev37209 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +3

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

    • @katev37209
      @katev37209 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +2

      Hope you feel better soon!

    • @tynee123
      @tynee123 Před 6 měsíci +2

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

    • @Findpepperbridge
      @Findpepperbridge Před 6 měsíci +2

      I hope you both get better soon

  • @AsmoDeus42O
    @AsmoDeus42O Před 4 měsíci +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.🎉

  • @Salhd10
    @Salhd10 Před 4 měsíci +2

    And now this story is the #1 show rn on Netflix 👀!

  • @pamorama
    @pamorama Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci

      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 Před 6 měsíci

      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 Před 6 měsíci

      They're were 97% accurate though???

    • @kelliewhyte_85
      @kelliewhyte_85 Před 6 měsíci

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

  • @KittKatt542
    @KittKatt542 Před 6 měsíci +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

  • @jediiiiiii2707
    @jediiiiiii2707 Před 5 měsíci +2

    The pinned comment on this video has broke my heart 💔 I am literally laying next to my precious girlfriend right now watching Mr ballen like we always do (she has dropped off) and can’t imagine the pain 😢 I will be hugging her a little tighter tonight. God bless you brother and rip Crystal 🙏🏼

  • @ShadowWorkz-ne1gv
    @ShadowWorkz-ne1gv Před 4 měsíci +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

  • @640A
    @640A Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +8

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

    • @kelliewhyte_85
      @kelliewhyte_85 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci

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

    • @eroccha
      @eroccha Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +1

      @@kelliewhyte_85😅

  • @CharlieLynne-eu9dz
    @CharlieLynne-eu9dz Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +15

      I mean, it did sound ridiculously fake

    • @carpo719
      @carpo719 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +3

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

    • @24get24give
      @24get24give Před 6 měsíci +4

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

  • @blackmambaforever4036
    @blackmambaforever4036 Před 4 měsíci +3

    I had to come back to this video to say that I’m currently watching the docuseries about this story on Netflix and I feel so bad for Aaron on how they pressed him as a suspect when he was innocent all along

  • @havilahfarm1591
    @havilahfarm1591 Před 4 měsíci +2

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

  • @Yogimama14
    @Yogimama14 Před 6 měsíci +26

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

  • @louisronan5903
    @louisronan5903 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci

      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.

  • @tasiahampton7857
    @tasiahampton7857 Před 5 měsíci +9

    I went on a ballen break for a few months (one of the hardest things EVER!) because I like to binge your stuff, just came back the other day and DAMN this is a crazy story. I definitely thought Aaron did it, almost sounds like a movie plot

  • @untaken1618
    @untaken1618 Před 2 měsíci +2

    Lawyer was tryna pull a Saul goodman

  • @user-np3rr7yt5n
    @user-np3rr7yt5n Před 6 měsíci +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.

  • @Gypsy-Brown
    @Gypsy-Brown Před 6 měsíci +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!!😊

  • @ChrisHavok
    @ChrisHavok Před 5 měsíci +8

    Phenomenal storytelling. You are extremely talented

  • @memedemon6273
    @memedemon6273 Před měsícem

    I really appreciate you for NOT calling this “the gone girl case” even major media outlets were calling it that and it’s just so disrespectful bc what happened to Denise was real, they didn’t fake anything.

  • @serpent6827
    @serpent6827 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +3

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

    • @s-w
      @s-w Před 6 měsíci +4

      I hate the seagull lung thing.

    • @kristinb8172
      @kristinb8172 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci

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

  • @Nostalgic_1
    @Nostalgic_1 Před 6 měsíci +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. 💗

  • @sharonrose6210
    @sharonrose6210 Před 20 dny

    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

  • @aarontownsend1949
    @aarontownsend1949 Před 6 měsíci +34

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

  • @MikeGervasi
    @MikeGervasi Před 6 měsíci +85

    This is definitely the story with the most twists, turns, and plot twists you've ever featured.

    • @TwizzlerGirl
      @TwizzlerGirl Před 6 měsíci +1

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

    • @viclorenzo5016
      @viclorenzo5016 Před 6 měsíci +2

      @@TwizzlerGirl Two recommendations, Mike from That Chapter and Stephanie Soo from Rotten Mango.

    • @TwizzlerGirl
      @TwizzlerGirl Před 6 měsíci

      @@viclorenzo5016 I watch Rotten Mango but I haven’t heard of the other guy Mike, thank you so much!!

  • @phlebgrl6064
    @phlebgrl6064 Před 6 měsíci +2

    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!

  • @ned2136
    @ned2136 Před 4 měsíci +1

    Netflix just added this story too, they should’ve had you narrating
    Crazy story

  • @ae2948
    @ae2948 Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +8

      Exactly what I was thinking

    • @michelledml3162
      @michelledml3162 Před 6 měsíci +31

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

    • @URsooomad8613
      @URsooomad8613 Před 6 měsíci +3

      Nah Aaron did it the system got played🤣

    • @louhollingsworth1273
      @louhollingsworth1273 Před 6 měsíci +6

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

    • @user-kd7cb4sj8m
      @user-kd7cb4sj8m Před 6 měsíci

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

  • @AshanteLerone
    @AshanteLerone Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +6

      Well done to you that is an amazing achievement

    • @minwade5436
      @minwade5436 Před 6 měsíci +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🇦🇺💐

  • @saintriss
    @saintriss Před 4 měsíci +2

    The kidnapper story gives me more hope that Jon Benet Ramsays parents are also innocent

  • @ginawelch7480
    @ginawelch7480 Před 6 měsíci

    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

  • @evelynrosewindsor
    @evelynrosewindsor Před 6 měsíci +60

    I’m ready for a strange, dark, and mysterious delivered in story format on a SATURDAY.

    • @rowe024
      @rowe024 Před 6 měsíci

      8 days to wait for a new upload vs 7 😅

  • @Findpepperbridge
    @Findpepperbridge Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci +4

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

    • @unboostedpueeblood
      @unboostedpueeblood Před 6 měsíci

      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 Před 6 měsíci +10

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

    • @SunRabbit
      @SunRabbit Před 6 měsíci +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 Před 6 měsíci

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

  • @MEL-xn4yt
    @MEL-xn4yt Před 11 dny

    The only thing I like better than the stories are when he makes himself laugh. It gets me every time!!!

  • @bernardcantoii292
    @bernardcantoii292 Před 3 měsíci +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.

  • @JoshuaEdward12
    @JoshuaEdward12 Před 6 měsíci +105

    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 Před 6 měsíci

      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 Před 6 měsíci

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

    • @josephregland
      @josephregland Před 6 měsíci

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

    • @JoshuaEdward12
      @JoshuaEdward12 Před 6 měsíci

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

  • @lorettadurbin4404
    @lorettadurbin4404 Před 6 měsíci +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

  • @carpenutz
    @carpenutz Před 3 měsíci +2

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

  • @bretlogan2148
    @bretlogan2148 Před 5 měsíci +3

    I grew up in Dublin and had a cabin in S. Lake Tahoe but never heard of this ever! Wow what a trip!

  • @bettie2803
    @bettie2803 Před 6 měsíci +145

    Growing up in middle school we had a substitute teacher that told us Edgar Allen Poe stories. He would have the class at the edge of our seats. I had never heard anyone even come close to story telling until you. I can listen to you all day long. Thanks so much for your work.

    • @irisezer7477
      @irisezer7477 Před 6 měsíci +6

      I love Poe. my favorite author.

    • @lisahinton9682
      @lisahinton9682 Před 6 měsíci +6

      @bettie2803
      With as many subscribers as @MrBallen has, wouldn't it be something if your substitute middle school teacher was a subscriber to this channel? Maybe consider editing your comment so as to mention the town that you were in back then, because wouldn't it be something if that very teacher saw your comment? How heartwarming that would be, and, entirely possible, at that!

    • @WintaAssefa
      @WintaAssefa Před 6 měsíci

      yesss!!!@@lisahinton9682

    • @heatherL4834
      @heatherL4834 Před 6 měsíci +6

      I had a middle school history teacher who was a gifted storyteller. He would teach about a subject, test us and do the necessary school things. Then, I guess, as a way to make sure we would love history, he would have us sit in a circle, turn off the lights, and put what we just learned in story form. He would make it a 2 day event. I swear it was better than any movie.

    • @kelliewhyte_85
      @kelliewhyte_85 Před 6 měsíci +2

      He's great isn't he???
      I literally have a T shirt with Mr Ballens face on it!!!
      Been a subscriber since before he even had a million subscribers!!!
      🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
      😂😂😂😂😂