Help Me Solve My Dad's Murder

Hi, I’m Madison McGhee! When I was six years old my dad was murdered. It’s been a cold case ever since and for years it sat in a drawer in the Belmont County Sheriff’s Department. That is, until I called asking some questions. I’ve been on a mission ever since to find answers. Not only have I learned about my dad’s murder and the circumstances surrounding the case, but I’ve learned about myself, my family, and who my dad really was. I’m taking you on that journey, one of self-discovery and investigation, as I dive into the coldest case in Belmont County, Ohio — the murder of my dad, John Cornelius McGhee.

I independently released this podcast in May of 2023 with no financial or production support. With the help of a few friends, we made a show that captivated audiences across the globe and started to reach the corners of Belmont County that were previously very quiet. Tips started flooding in and I exhausted all my resources investigating those leads and exploring new theories. I have made it too far to turn back now, so I am humbly asking for support to keep this mission alive and close this case.

I have released nine episodes, have a number of press articles documenting this journey, and executed a non-traditional marketing plan that has gained a lot of attention. But unfortunately, that doesn't translate into dollars. And between the investigating, traveling, marketing, and making of the show - Ice Cold Case has become a full-time project. After years of combing through the case files, interviewing witnesses, and gathering information from locals, I am confident that I am close to finding answers. So close that recently I interviewed the police's main suspect in the case.

The concept of crowdfunding is intimidating and uncomfortable for me. I looked at the efforts of the podcasters that inspired me to make this show. Up and Vanished's and Serial's second seasons were made possible by crowdfunding campaigns. Why not me? (https://serialpodcast.org/posts/2014/11/there-will-be-a-season-two-of-serial-thanks-to-everyone-who-donated)

Below is what you can expect from Ice Cold Case in the months to come:

Part Two Release - 9 additional episodes (March - July 2024)

Continuing the marketing and public relations plan

Moving on leads and investigating tips as they come in

Part Three Release - 2025

DNA testing: pending evidence availability

Budget:

$9,000 for production (sound mixing/editing/video and graphics)

$1,500 travel for interviews/investigation

$7,500 for DNA testing (if evidence not available, use for a private investigator to explore new paths to concrete evidence)