The true crime podcast “Paper Ghosts” will return for a fifth season, titled “Paper Ghosts: The Texas Teen Murders,” according to an announcement from iHeartPodcasts and M. William Phelps. The new season revisits the 1983 murders of two teenagers in Weatherford, Texas, whose deaths remain unsolved after more than four decades.
Michelle “Shelly” Cauliflower, 14, and Vincent Tejerina, Jr., 16, disappeared during their first car date. The next day, they were found shot dead in Vincent’s vehicle by his father. Their case is one of several teen deaths in the area that have been linked to rumors and speculation about possible connections and motives.
M. William Phelps, who hosts and executive-produces the series, has conducted over 100 hours of interviews with witnesses, law enforcement officials, and anonymous sources. Across nine episodes, the podcast will explore these interviews and attempt to clarify what may have happened in this long-standing cold case.
“The parallels between this case and the television series ‘Breaking Bad’ seriously made me take a look at if the TV producers used this case as the basis for their show,” said Phelps. “The answers go all the way up to the top of the law enforcement chain and there are people out there who need to answer for these crimes. We all know the hierarchy of sheriffs’ departments in this country and how they seem to have their own version of justice. In Texas, they say, everything is bigger—and that certainly includes all the corruption.”
Phelps is known for his work as an investigative journalist and author of nearly 50 true-crime books. He also produces other podcasts such as “White Eagle” and hosts “Crossing The Line With M. William Phelps.” He has received recognition including an Excellence in (Investigative) Journalism Award from the Society of Professional Journalists.
The first episode of “Paper Ghosts: The Texas Teen Murders” will premiere on November 5, 2025. New episodes will be released weekly on Wednesdays via iHeartPodcasts on platforms including the iHeartRadio app.
