What drives a teenager to commit unspeakable acts against his own family? It’s a question that has haunted New Jerseyans since the horrifying events in Jefferson Township in 1987. In a powerful new episode of Hollywood Wade’s Crime & Entertainment podcast, host Branden Morgan joins the show to discuss season one of his hit podcast The Devil Within, which centers on the deeply disturbing case of Tommy Sullivan—a local boy whose story sounds more like urban legend than reality.
Morgan, a seasoned storyteller and podcast host, dives into what he describes as “one of the most bizarre cases in the annals of American crime.” The season unpacks how a seemingly average teen spiraled into darkness, ultimately committing brutal acts against his mother, father, and younger brother before turning on himself. Morgan’s coverage of the Sullivan case goes beyond the headlines, offering a chilling, in-depth narrative that mixes forensic fact with emotional resonance.
In the Crime & Entertainment interview, Morgan reflects on the eerie parallels between Tommy’s descent and the folklore of the Jersey Devil, drawing symbolic lines between local legend and real-life horror. “It’s a story that grabs you by the spine,” Morgan says, “because it feels so close to home—like something that could happen right next door.”
Whether you’re a true crime aficionado or a local curious about New Jersey’s darkest mysteries, this episode is a must-listen. The full interview is available now on YouTube.
As Morgan continues to shine a light on America’s most chilling true crime stories, The Devil Within remains a gripping reminder that sometimes, the scariest monsters aren’t folklore—they’re real.
Tom is a lifelong New Jersey resident, Rutgers and FDU alumni and the publisher of The Digest.
