Episodios

  • Episode 101: The Disappearance and Undetermined Death of Mitrice RIchardson

    Episode 101: The Disappearance and Undetermined Death of Mitrice RIchardson
    May 4 2025
    Mitrice Richardson, a 24-year-old psychology graduate, disappeared on September 17, 2009, after being released from the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station in Los Angeles, following her arrest for failing to pay an $89 restaurant bill and possessing a small amount of marijuana. Exhibiting erratic behavior suggestive of a mental health crisis, possibly undiagnosed bipolar disorder, Mitrice was released at 12:28 a.m. without her phone, wallet, or car, despite her mother’s plea to hold her until morning. Last seen alive resting in a resident’s backyard six hours later, her skeletal remains were found 11 months later in a remote canyon, with her clothing 700 feet away and no clear cause of death determined. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department faced criticism for releasing her, mishandling her remains, and obstructing the coroner’s investigation, prompting lawsuits and allegations of foul play, though her death was ruled undetermined, not a homicide. Her case led to policy changes for missing persons and mental health evaluations, but her family continues to seek justice, believing she was murdered. Branch of Hope for May 2025: The JED Foundation - Jedfoundation.org Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to the Dark Oak 1:40 Mitrice Richardson 1:28:20 The Brand of Hope - JED Foundation

    Sources:

    Suspicious death: Mitrice Richardson | Malibu, CA | Uncovered. (n.d.). https://uncovered.com/cases/mitrice-richardson

    Office of Independent Review, Gennaco, M. J., Katz, W. W., Miller, R., Ruhlin, J., Hernandez, C. L., Arias, A. A., Teran, D. M., Shasty, B., Calderon, A., Avery, M., & Newkirk-Ma, S. (2012). REPORT REVIEWING THE INVESTIGATION REGARDING THE DISCOVERY AND RECOVERY OF THE REMAINS OF MITRICE RICHARDSON (AND UPDATE ON PRIOR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SYSTEMIC REFORM OF RELEASE PROCEDURES). http://shq.lasdnews.net/shq/LASD_Oversight/Richardson_Coroner_LASD%20final.pdf

    Croft, C. (2025, May 3). Lost compassion [Video]. Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/156140192

    Veliz, L. (2022, October 17). The tragic 2009 disappearance and death of Mitrice Richardson. Grunge. https://www.grunge.com/1052145/the-tragic-2009-disappearance-and-death-of-mitrice-richardson/

    The Jed Foundation. (2024, August 30). The Story of JED | The JED Foundation. https://jedfoundation.org/the-story-of-jed/

    Sengupta, S. (2024, April 20). Mitrice Richardson Murder: What led to her tragic end? The Cinemaholic. https://thecinemaholic.com/mitrice-richardson-murder-how-did-she-die-who-killed-her/

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    This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
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    1 h y 37 m
  • Episode 100: The Redhead Murders/The Bible Belt Strangler

    Episode 100: The Redhead Murders/The Bible Belt Strangler
    Apr 30 2025
    The Redhead Murders, spanning 1978 to 1992, involve a series of unsolved homicides of white women found along highways in Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, with victim counts ranging from 5 to 14. While some cases may be linked to a serial killer dubbed the "Bible Belt Strangler," inconsistencies in victim profiles—such as hair color, cause of death (strangulation or blunt force trauma), and state of dress—leave uncertainty about whether all are connected. Many victims, often transient, hitchhikers, or sex workers estranged from family, remained unidentified for decades, complicating investigations during an era when serial killer profiling was nascent. Key victims include Lisa Nichols, Tina Farmer, Tracy Sue Walker, Michelle Inman, and Espy Pilgrim, with identifications often delayed until 2018 or later. Jerry Leon Johns, a trucker convicted of kidnapping survivor Linda Schacke, was linked to Farmer’s murder via DNA in 2016 and is the primary suspect, though he died in 2015. A significant breakthrough came in 2018 when Elizabethton High School students, led by teacher Alex Campbell, analyzed the cases, identified six potential victims, and implicated Johns through their podcast, Murder 101, though they received no official credit. The case underscores the marginalization of victims and the power of community efforts, with ongoing victim identifications offering hope for justice. Murder 101 Podcast went to town on June 6. 1984, they had no way of knowing the tragedy that would be awaiting them. While Raymond handled some business at the bank, Sherry walked to a gas station to buy a sod and was never seen again. With little clues, the case went cold rather quickly but in recent years has garnered new attention with the help of an unlikely team. In today's bonus episode, we will tell you the facts of Sherry's case and then share with you a compelling conspiracy theory that might just hold the answers to what happened to Sherry Lynn Marler. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Dark Oak 01:15 100th Episode Celebration 09:00 The Redhead Murders 01:09:40 The Branch of Hope Sources: Paoletti, G. (2019, May 1). The unsolved mystery of the Redhead serial murders. All That’s Interesting. https://allthatsinteresting.com/redhead-murders Ubiera, C. R. (2024, January 26). ‘Redhead’ serial killer case ‘is solved by high-schoolers’ during class project with same suspect now named. . . The US Sun. https://www.the-sun.com/news/10193888/redhead-murders-teenagers-solve-mystery-true-crime/ Frankie, C. (2023, May 22). The 'Redhead Murders': Are we any closer to solving the mysterious cases? A&E. https://www.aetv.com/real-crime/redhead-murders Jun 26, 1985, page 17 - The Tennessean at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). https://www.newspapers.com/image/112755748/?match=1&terms=redhead%20murder Nov 09, 1985, page 20 - Messenger-Inquirer at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). https://www.newspapers.com/image/378780385/?match=1&terms=redhead%20murder Apr 25, 1985, page 12 - Intelligencer Journal at Newspapers.com. (n.d.). https://www.newspapers.com/image/563469082/?match=1&terms=redhead%20murder Naves, A. (2022, October 19). Who is the Killer in the Redhead Murders? - A.W. Naves - Medium. Medium. https://medium.com/@awnaves/who-is-the-killer-in-the-redhead-murders-f1143a7f4c9a North, J. (2020, June 3). Appalachian Unsolved: The trucker who liked redheads. wbir.com. https://www.wbir.com/article/news/investigations/appalachian-unsolved/appalachian-unsolved-the-trucker-intrigued-by-serial-killers/51-624ef38c-0372-42a4-8bee-25b2b1647c95 Ubiera, C. R. (2024, January 26). ‘Redhead’ serial killer case ‘is solved by high-schoolers’ during class project with same suspect now named. . . The US Sun. https://www.the-sun.com/news/10193888/redhead-murders-teenagers-solve-mystery-true-crime/ Murder 101 | iHeart. (n.d.). iHeart. https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-murder-101-140096221/ Join The Dark Oak Discussion: Patreon The Dark Oak Podcast Website Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok Youtube This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
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    1 h y 13 m
  • Episode 99: Where is Sherry Lynn Marler?

    Episode 99: Where is Sherry Lynn Marler?
    Apr 25 2025

    When 12-year-old Sherry Lynn Marler and her stepfather Raymond went to town on June 6. 1984, they had no way of knowing the tragedy that would be awaiting them. While Raymond handled some business at the bank, Sherry walked to a gas station to buy a sod and was never seen again. With little clues, the case went cold rather quickly but in recent years has garnered new attention with the help of an unlikely team. In today's bonus episode, we will tell you the facts of Sherry's case and then share with you a compelling conspiracy theory that might just hold the answers to what happened to Sherry Lynn Marler.

    Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Dark Oak 07:05 The Disappearance of Sherry Lynn Marler 55:45 The Branch of Hope

    Sources:

    Have you seen this child? Sherry Lynn Marler. (n.d.). https://www.missingkids.org/poster/NCMC/601811/1

    FindtheMissing. (2020, July 18). Sherry Lynn Marler. The Resource Center for

    cmcc.com/2019/08/29/51-alf-sherry-lynn-marler/The Surviving Parents Coalition: Betty Stringfellow. (n.d.). http://www.spcoalition.org/stringfellow.html

    https://www.facebook.com/SherryLynnMarler/

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    This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
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    1 h y 1 m
  • Episode 98: The Probable Abduction of David Sneddon - Part 2 of 2

    Episode 98: The Probable Abduction of David Sneddon - Part 2 of 2
    Apr 23 2025
    In August 2004, American student David Sneddon disappeared while hiking in China's Tiger Leaping Gorge. Despite official claims that he fell into the Jinsha River, his family’s investigation uncovered multiple witness accounts suggesting he survived and reached Shangri-La. A guide, Keith Chu Chung, reported hiking with David, who spoke fluent Mandarin, Korean, and English, to Tina’s Guesthouse, and 12 other witnesses, including the owner of the Yak Bar in Shangri-La, confirmed seeing him as late as August 14, 2004. However, Chinese authorities confiscated guesthouse logs, and all witnesses later recanted, fueling suspicions of a cover-up. In 2011, Chuck Downs, a former Pentagon official, proposed that North Korea abducted David, possibly mistaking him for a smuggler or targeting him as an English teacher due to his language skills, as the gorge was a route for North Korean defectors. Reports in 2012 and 2016 supported this, suggesting David, under the name Yoon Bong Soo, was teaching English in North Korea, married with two children. Despite these leads, the U.S. and Chinese governments maintain he died, and North Korea denies involvement. The Sneddons, frustrated by official inaction, possibly due to U.S. nuclear negotiations with North Korea, urge public awareness through social media and contacting officials to seek justice for David and highlight North Korea’s human rights issues. Additional case details, including maps, are available on Instagram at @TheDarkOakPodcast. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Dark Oak 02:40 100th Episode Celebration and Giveaway 06:55 David Sneddon 01:08:40 The Branch of Hope Sources:

    Persio, S. L. (2018, June 11). Did North Korea kidnap a U.S. citizen in China? Family hopes Singapore summit will help bring their son home. Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/family-us-student-who-disappeared-china-looks-north-korea-summit-answers-967469

    China Discovery. (n.d.). China Discovery - Leading China Travel Agency with Reviews. https://www.chinadiscovery.com/

    Vogel, C., & Vogel, C. (2022, May 12). Did North Korea kidnap an American hiker? Outside Online. https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/hiking-and-backpacking/did-north-korea-kidnap-american-hiker/

    “Thinking Sideways Podcast” David Sneddon (Podcast episode 2015) - Plot - IMDB. (n.d.). IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14457712/plotsummary/

    O’Donoghue, A. J. (2023, December 31). Utah parents long for answers in missing son’s case. Deseret News. https://www.deseret.com/2012/8/5/20505138/utah-parents-long-for-answers-in-missing-son-s-case/

    Korea’s other Otto Warmbier. (2017, June 23). News. https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/true-stories/north-koreas-other-otto-the-unbelievable-story-of-missing-hiker-david-sneddon/news-story/90ab2549acafc281d965f7700c52bb4e

    Corbin, C. (2017, June 28). Family of David Sneddon, missing US student, says North Korea kidnapped him. Fox News. https://www.foxnews.com/world/family-of-david-sneddon-missing-us-student-says-north-korea-kidnapped-him

    David Sneddon: Tiger Leaping Gorge, China. (2024, February 8). Apple Podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/david-sneddon-tiger-leaping-gorge-china/id1715813037?i=1000644599761

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    This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
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    1 h y 11 m
  • Episode 97: The Probable Abduction of David Sneddon - Part 1 of 2

    Episode 97: The Probable Abduction of David Sneddon - Part 1 of 2
    Apr 20 2025
    Part 1 of 2 - David Sneddon, a 24-year-old Brigham Young University student from Logan, Utah, disappeared on August 14, 2004, while hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan, China, after completing Mandarin language classes in Beijing. A devout Mormon, Eagle Scout, and experienced hiker fluent in Korean and Mandarin, David was described as smart, outgoing, and adventurous, with plans to attend law school. He had spent two years in South Korea on a Mormon mission and was studying in Beijing with friend George Bailey during the summer of 2004. After classes, David and George traveled to southern China. On August 9, they parted ways, with David heading to hike the 16-mile High Trail of Tiger Leaping Gorge, a scenic but well-maintained trail. His last communication was an email to his parents on August 11 from Lijiang, expressing excitement about the hike and returning home. He planned to stay at Tina’s Guesthouse, visit Shangri-La, and fly to Seoul to meet his brother Michael on August 15. When David missed the flight, his family reported him missing. Chinese authorities conducted a brief investigation, finding no trace of David in hostels, hospitals, or jails. His passport and $700 in his bank account remained untouched, and his backpack, left at Jane’s Guesthouse in Lijiang, contained undeveloped film showing his travels. Despite no evidence of foul play and a heavily trafficked trail, officials concluded David fell into the Jinsha River and drowned, a theory his parents, Roy and Kathleen, rejected due to his hiking experience and the trail’s safety. On September 9, 2004, Roy and sons Michael and James traveled to Yunnan to retrace David’s steps, hiring a translator and guide. They found the trail safe, wide, and busy, with no perilous drops, contradicting the official narrative. The family’s methodical search—using non-leading questions and photos—yielded a confirmed sighting: a guide, Keith Chu Chung, recalled David hiking with a Hong Kong couple on August 11, reaching Tina’s Guesthouse by 7 p.m., proving he exited the gorge safely. The Sneddons grew suspicious of the Chinese authorities’ efforts, noting performative searches with bloodhounds and missing person posters that seemed staged. Seven years later, a phone call (details undisclosed) reignited hope that David might be alive. Part 2 will cover the family’s continued search, official reactions, and theories, including a controversial claim of North Korean abduction. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Dark Oak 03:30 100th Episode Celebration and Giveaway 05:30 David Sneddon 39:00 The Branch of Hope Sources:

    Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/family-us-student-who-disappeared-china-looks-north-korea-summit-answers-967469

    Vogel, C., & Vogel, C. (2022, May 12). Did North Korea kidnap an American hiker? Outside Online. https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/hiking-and-backpacking/did-north-korea-kidnap-american-hiker/

    “Thinking Sideways Podcast” David Sneddon (Podcast episode 2015) - Plot - IMDB. (n.d.). IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14457712/plotsummary/

    13: David Sneddon: Tiger Leaping Gorge, China - The Last Trip | iHeart. (n.d.). iHeart. https://www.iheart.com/podcast/270-the-last-trip-127775104/episode/13-david-sneddon-tiger-leaping-gorge-148633018/

    China Discovery. (n.d.). China Discovery - Leading China Travel Agency with Reviews. https://www.chinadiscovery.com/

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    This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
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    45 m
  • Episode 96: Joshua Maddux - The Boy in the Chimney

    Episode 96: Joshua Maddux - The Boy in the Chimney
    Apr 16 2025
    Joshua Maddux, an 18-year-old from Woodland Park, Colorado, vanished on May 8, 2008, after going for a walk. A bright, creative teen who loved nature, he seemed happy despite the 2006 suicide of his brother. After five days, his family reported him missing, but searches yielded nothing. In August 2015, his body was found in the chimney of an abandoned cabin near his home, upside down in a fetal position, wearing only a shirt, with his clothes folded inside the cabin. The coroner ruled his death an accident, suggesting he climbed in and got stuck, dying of hypothermia or dehydration. However, the cabin owner claimed a grate blocked the chimney, making entry impossible, and the coroner noted two people would be needed to place the body there. Rumors point to foul play, including a tip about Andrew Richard Newman, a convicted murderer seen with Josh, but no evidence supports this. The case remains an accident with no active police investigation, leaving questions about how Josh ended up in the chimney and whether others were involved. 00:00 Welcome to the Dark Oak 05:15 100 Episode Celebration and Giveaway 07:50 Joshua Maddux 48:18 The Branch of Hope Sources:

    Roberts, M. (2015, September 30). Joshua Maddux, R.I.P.: Remains of teen missing 7 years found in Cabin Chimney. Westword. Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://www.westword.com/news/joshua-maddux-rip-remains-of-teen-missing-7-years-found-in-cabin-chimney-7197390

    StrangeOutdoors.com. (2021, August 6). The strange death of josh maddux, the boy in the chimney. StrangeOutdoors.com. Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://www.strangeoutdoors.com/strange-indoors/joshua-maddux

    Young, N. (2023, May 11). How did Joshua Maddux die in the chimney of an abandoned cabin? Medium. https://medium.com/@nikyoung/how-did-joshua-maddux-die-in-the-chimney-of-an-abandoned-cabin-7502be457cb7

    Mendoza, J. (2023, March 13). Disturbing details about the case of Joshua Maddux, the teen found in a chimney. Grunge. https://www.grunge.com/1205963/disturbing-details-about-the-case-of-joshua-maddux-the-teen-found-in-a-chimney/

    Migration, & Paul, J. (2015, October 19). Chimney discovery ends mystery over young man’s disappearance, but questions remain. The Denver Post. https://www.denverpost.com/2015/10/19/chimney-discovery-ends-mystery-over-young-mans-disappearance-but-questions-remain/

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    This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
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    53 m
  • Episode 95: Poon Lim - Survival at Sea

    Episode 95: Poon Lim - Survival at Sea
    Apr 11 2025
    Poon Lim, born in 1918 on Hainan Island, China, grew up in a fishing village before moving to Malaysia at age ten. As Japan invaded China in the 1930s, sparking the Second Sino-Japanese War, Lim’s father sent him away to avoid conscription, possibly fearing atrocities like the Nanjing Massacre. Lim joined the British Merchant Navy as a cabin boy, but faced discrimination and abuse, leading him to leave in 1937 for Hong Kong, where he became a mechanic. In 1939, with Britain at war with Germany, the Navy improved conditions to recruit more Chinese seamen, including Lim, who joined the SS Ben Lomond in 1942 as a Second Mess Steward. On November 23, 1942, the unescorted, lightly armed ship was torpedoed by the German U-172 submarine off Brazil. Lim survived the sinking, which killed 54 of the 55 crew members, by clinging to debris and eventually finding a stocked life raft. Alone at sea, Lim survived 133 days by rationing supplies—water, hardtack, chocolate, pemmican, milk, and lime juice—building a canopy for shade and rainwater, and crafting tools to fish and hunt birds. Despite being a weak swimmer, he tied himself to the raft and later killed a shark for its blood and meat when dehydration threatened his life. Multiple ships passed him without rescuing him, possibly mistaking him for a Japanese sailor or fearing a U-boat trap. On April 1943, Brazilian fishermen rescued him near Pará after he drifted close to land, emaciated and weak. After recovering, Lim received the British Empire Medal from King George VI for his courage and resourcefulness. His story influenced Royal Navy survival manuals, and he later became a U.S. citizen, settling in Brooklyn with his family until his death in 1991 at age 72. Lim holds the record for the longest solo survival on a life raft, a testament to his extraordinary resilience. 00:00 Welcome to the Dark Oak 00:30 100 Episode Celebration and Giveaway 03:30 The Lake Oconee Murders

    Sources:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poon_Lim

    https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sole-survivor-of-the-sinking-of-the-benlomond-in-wwii-poon-lim-set-a-record-for-133-days-adrift-at-sea/news-story/9c63348c42762182e17bcc3c2ddbe1a8

    https://www.historydefined.net/poon-lim/embed/#?secret=sVREifRlva#?secret=E0phajhSTT

    https://www.joe.ie/fitness-health/133-days-at-sea-in-an-eight-foot-raft-meet-poon-lim-39850

    Jones, S. (2024, March 6). Poon Lim, The Man who Survived 133 Days Lost at Sea. Historic Flix. https://historicflix.com/poon-lim-man-who-survived-133-days-lost-at-sea/

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    This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
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    41 m
  • Episode 94: The Lake Oconee Murders

    Episode 94: The Lake Oconee Murders
    Apr 9 2025

    In May 2014, the murders of Russell and Shirley Dermond, a couple in their late eighties, shook the residents of Putnam County, Georgia. The decapitated body of Russell Dermond was found on May 6, 2014, in the garage of the house he owned on Lake Oconee. Neither his head nor his wife, Shirley, could be located in the house. As the investigation unfolded, the murder was revealed to be a double homicide when Shirley's body was found in Lake Oconee and the brutal attacks remain unsolved more than 10 years later.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Welcome to the Dark Oak 01:20 100 Episode Celebration and Giveaway 03:29 The Lake Oconee Murders 53:27 The Branch of Hope

    Sources: Deviant True Crime Podcast. (2024, September 24). The Lake Oconee Murders Part 1: Derby Day [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5-5Nsf7WrA

    Deviant True Crime Podcast. (2024b, October 1). The Lake Oconee Murders Part 2: By land or by boat [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eShTiXyZAJg

    Deviant True Crime Podcast. (2024c, October 8). The Lake Oconee Murders Part 3: A big lead [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=018IGAx4FaE

    Deviant True Crime Podcast. (2024d, October 15). The Lake Oconee Murders Part 4: The Workup [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo7o4tsoYFQ

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    This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep
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    57 m
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