Episode 3

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Published on:

4th May 2026

Finding the Bannisters - Part 3

Finding the Bannisters

Episode 3 concludes the shocking search for Melody Bannister and her four children.

Senior Inspector Tommy O’Brien reveals how the U.S. Marshals tracked the family through a hidden support network and brought the case to an end during a high-risk takedown in Indiana.

Genevieve Bannister tells her story in extraordinary detail—how fear and manipulation reshaped reality, what life was like while moving from house to house, and how difficult it was to rebuild once the ordeal ended.

A gripping finale about resilience, deception, and the long road back.

Guests:

Genevieve Bannister, Tommy O’Brien, Bill Bannister, Detective Jamie Wright, Jim Hinton.

Show Notes

Episode 3: The Search Ends

In the final chapter of the Bannister series:

  • How the U.S. Marshals developed confidential informants and followed hidden leads
  • The “Courage Conference” connection and the support network behind Melody Bannister
  • Why investigators believed the children could be in grave danger
  • The late-night surveillance operation in Indiana
  • The takedown at the gas station that ended the manhunt
  • Genevieve Bannister’s firsthand account of fear, conditioning, and recovery
  • Bill Bannister describes the emotional reunion with his children
  • The aftermath and Melody Bannister’s plea deal

Featured Guests

  • Genevieve Bannister
  • Senior Inspector Tommy O’Brien
  • Bill Bannister
  • Detective Jamie Wright
  • Jim Hinton

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About the Podcast

Chasing Evil
A compelling true crime podcast featuring never-before-heard moments of real crimes told by the survivors and those who were called in to chase - and ultimately stop - evil. Host and creator, Emmy award-winning film and television producer Christopher Godsick, goes behind the scenes to share the untold stories of criminal cases including the infamous fraudster Bernie Madoff, notorious drug lord El Chapo, the recovery of missing children and much more.

About your host

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Chris Godsick

I have worked in the entertainment community for my whole career, and in all the jobs I’ve had, they all have one thing in common, the search for great stories and engaging characters. I started my career sorting mail at the William Morris Agency in LA, and with a lot of luck and perseverance, I eventually became a motion picture agent. I worked with some of the top talent in Hollywood and also met my future bride. After a few years I left to team up with my client, legendary director John Woo. We did some fun action films like “Broken Arrow” and “Face Off”. I then joined New Line Cinema as a Sr. Vice President of Production where I bought the future hit “Shazam," got yelled at by Sean Connery, and won a bet with Adam Sandler. I left three years later to produce “Take the Lead” starring Antonio Banderas. One day I was introduced to the extremely talented British writer and director Armando Iannucci and a year later we started work on what would become the comedy hit “Veep” for HBO. I was nominated for five Emmys for my work as an Executive Producer and was fortunate enough to win two statues. I was still on top of the world when I returned home after the celebrations and my wife reminded me that it was trash night and the cans needed to be taken out to the curb! I’ve developed projects in several different genres and now I’m diving into something new. I found what I was searching for… great stories and engaging characters…and now I’m hooked!!