The Bone Breaker of Baraboo | The Unimaginable Survival of Thad Phillips

The Bone Breaker of Baraboo | The Unimaginable Survival of Thad Phillips

From Crime Salad by BLACKCAT | Realm

August 28, 2026 · 50 min

About this episode

The episode recounts the harrowing survival story of Thad Phillips, who was kidnapped and tortured, and how his bravery helped solve a cold case murder.

Support Thad Phillips ⚠️ LISTENER WARNING: This episode contains highly graphic details of severe, prolonged physical abuse. Listener discretion is strongly advised. A 13-year-old boy is abducted from his couch in the dead of night and forced into a 43-hour fight for his life. In July 1995, the quiet town of Baraboo, Wisconsin, was rocked when Thad Phillips was kidnapped and tortured by a local teenager named Joe Clark (later known as the "Baraboo Bone Breaker"). Thad’s miraculous survival and harrowing 911 call didn't just save his own life; his incredible bravery ultimately solved the cold case murder of 14-year-old Chris Steiner. Join Ashley and Ricky on this week’s Crime Salad as we dive into one of the most shocking kidnapping survival stories in true crime history. Support Thad: Thad Phillips continues to deal with the physical and financial aftermath of his injuries. Please consider donating to his official GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/79241d9a0  Thanks for supporting the show! 🥗  Follow us on Instagram @CrimeSaladPodcast  Share Crime Salad with a friend! It really helps us out! Ad-Free Episodes: Support the show and get exclusive access by joining our…

People in this episode

Hosts: Ashley, Ricky

Topics covered

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Crime Salad, GoFundMe, Novo Nordisk A/S

Places: Baraboo, Wisconsin

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