In a story unlike any other, we dive into the unconventional tribute of Prince Midnight, a Florida-based metal musician who honored his late Uncle Filip in a way no one saw coming. Using Filip’s skeleton, Prince Midnight crafted a fully playable electric guitar, the “Skelecaster,” bringing his uncle’s love of rock and metal to life one last time. From the unusual construction to the cultural and legal implications, this episode explores the layers of family, legacy, and how remembrance can...

In this episode, we explore the relentless pursuit of the Golden State Killer, a case that spanned decades and haunted California. Writer Michelle McNamara brought new attention to the terrifying case, dubbing him “The Golden State Killer” and amassing thousands of files in her personal investigation. Her book I’ll Be Gone in the Dark intensified the public’s fascination, paving the way for breakthroughs. We dive into how genetic genealogy, via GEDmatch, led to the unmasking of Joseph James...

On today's bonus episode, Jamie and John interview Jeremy Bartley, the attorney representing former Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines. Does the nationwide publicity make this case more difficult? What is the outcome his client is seeking? Will justice be served? All this and more on today's bonus True Crimecast.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crimecast--4106013/support.

In this episode, we uncover a surprising case of election fraud—not in politics, but in a high school homecoming vote. Laura Rose Carroll, an assistant principal in Pensacola, Florida, and her 17-year-old daughter allegedly accessed students’ accounts to cast hundreds of fake votes, securing her daughter’s crown as homecoming queen at Tate High School. What seemed like a high school prank took a serious turn when the Florida Department of Law Enforcement flagged the votes as suspicious,...

The Visalia Ransacker. The East Area Rapist. The Original Night Stalker. Before learning it was the same person, the Golden State Killer had a lot of names. But it would take over 30 years from the time of his last kill to learn his real name: Joseph James DeAngelo. Part 1 of this story guides us through the crimes of the Golden State Killer and leads all the way up to the moment that changed everything in this investigation: the involvement of a heroic author that shined a light so bright...

In this episode, we dive into one of the sweetest and most surprising heists in history: The Great Maple Syrup Heist. Between 2011 and 2012, thieves made off with $18 million worth of maple syrup from Quebec’s strategic syrup reserve, sneaking syrup out of barrels and replacing it with water. It was an inside job that revealed the complexity and high stakes of Canada’s maple syrup industry, which is tightly regulated to protect prices and local producers. Check out our partner in...

In this episode, we delve into South Dakota v. Fifteen Impounded Cats, a quirky yet consequential case that raised important questions about civil forfeiture, animal welfare, and pet owners' rights. In 2010, South Dakota seized fifteen cats from a woman living in her car, arguing that their presence was a public safety risk. But did this seizure go too far? As we break down the court's surprising decision and the legal nuances of in rem jurisdiction—where the case is against property (or...

In this shocking episode, we recount the harrowing story of Cassidy Rainwater, a beloved mother of six from Missouri, whose life was tragically cut short in a brutal crime that horrified the nation. On September 16, 2021, the FBI received chilling, anonymously submitted photos that revealed Cassidy’s disturbing final moments. These images led investigators to James Phelps and Timothy Norton, two men now convicted of her murder and dismemberment. We examine Cassidy’s life, the dark web of...

Pete Earley is a storyteller who has penned 22 books including four New York Times bestsellers, including The Hot House and the 2007 Pulitzer Prize finalist Crazy: A Father’s Search Through America’s Mental Health Madness. After a 14-year career in journalism, including six years at The Washington Post, Pete became a full-time author with a commitment to expose the stories that entertain and surprise. He later began writing novels for fun. Pete joins True Crimecast today to talk about his...

In this harrowing episode, we delve into a chilling case from Dadeville, Alabama. A 12-year-old girl escaped captivity after nearly a week of horrific abuse, leading authorities to uncover the remains of two dismembered bodies in the mobile home where she was held. The suspect, José Paulino Pascual-Reyes, now faces charges of first-degree kidnapping, capital murder, and corpse abuse for the brutal deaths of his girlfriend and young son. Join us as we recount the girl’s incredible courage, the...

In a dramatic last-minute intervention, Texas lawmakers have delayed the execution of Robert Roberson, convicted of killing his 2-year-old daughter in 2002. At the heart of this case lies the controversial diagnosis of "shaken baby syndrome," which initially led to Roberson's conviction but has since faced widespread scrutiny in the scientific community. With just hours to spare, the Texas Supreme Court issued a rare stay, allowing Roberson’s legal team to challenge the evidence under Texas’s...

In this episode, we dive into the harrowing murder case of Yvonne Layne, a 26-year-old mother found brutally killed in her Ohio home in 1999. Originally featured in the podcast “Murder in Alliance,” the story explores how a botched investigation and questionable courtroom practices left Yvonne’s family and community with more questions than answers. Police mishandling, controversial suspects, and a startling confession from a young man with a troubled past add twists to a case that has torn a...

Rachel lied, conned, and deceived her husband, her children, co-workers and many men over course of many, many years. She faked being an attorney, forged a pilot's license, lied about being a nurse, and maybe worst of all ran a scam where she pretended to have cancer. Harry was engaged to Rachel from 2022-2023 and experienced the whole gamut of scams she was running. He has now decided to share his story in The Messenger: The Rachel Cancer Scam. In today's bonus episode, we interview Harry...

An infamous ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland in "The Wizard of Oz" went missing in 2005. Their journey back home was a lot more challenging than just a yellow brick road. Check out our partner in Zinio! www.ziniounlimited.com?utm_source=true-crimecast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast_branding Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crimecast--4106013/support.

Nate has an interview with Michael Benson - Co-author of Moguls: The Lives and Times of Hollywood Film Pioneers Nicholas and Joseph Schenck. They talk murder, movies, and more!  Be sure to check out Moguls wherever you get your books! Especially at your local book store! Special thanks to Kensington Publishing for helping hook us up with Michael!  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crimecast--4106013/support.

In June of this year, Florida resident Dennis Winn shot a delivery drone over his home. What is your legal right to the space above your home? What does the future of air space usage look like? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crimecast--4106013/support.

In 2001, Patti Adkins planned a secret getaway with her married boyfriend. But after leaving work that night, she was never seen again. Despite suspicious evidence, including a failed polygraph by her boyfriend, no arrests were made, and Patti remains missing to this day. Tune in as we explore the unsolved case and the heartbreaking aftermath for her family. If you have any information about her whereabouts, please call Lt. Jeff Stiers at 937- 645-4126. Anonymous information may be left via...

This conversation with Beth started as a deep dive into some well known, ongoing crime cases. It quickly escalated into a series of stories, mostly crime related, that trend toward the more entertaining side of crime.  Beth Braden is an award-winning journalist whose mastery of the deep dive is evident in her work. In addition to Braden’s experience writing about local government, crime and courts, and engaging features from her home state of Tennessee, her byline appears on several...

In today's episode, John and Jamie dive into the shocking case of Byron "Low Tax" Looper, a politician whose ambition led to murder. After building his political career on anti-tax rhetoric, Looper orchestrated the killing of Tennessee State Senator Tommy Burks in 1998 to secure an election win. Instead, he faced a life sentence.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crimecast--4106013/support.

Dateline is known for arranging police sting operations to catch child predators. We always applaud the efforts and celebrate those monsters being taken off the streets. But have you ever stopped to think about the ethics of televising arrests? One story from 2006 brings that part a little more into perspective.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crimecast--4106013/support.

In January of 1982, Bobbie Jo Oberholtzer and Annette Schnee were brutally murdered in Breckenridge, Colorado. Thanks to familial genealogy, we now know that Allen Lee Phillips had been hiding in plain sight for decades. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crimecast--4106013/support.

In this episode, we unravel the bizarre and illegal world of Arthur “Jack” Schubarth, an 81-year-old Montana rancher involved in a decade-long scheme to traffic endangered sheep and create hybrid animals for profit. Schubarth's plan to breed rare Marco Polo sheep with native Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep posed a serious threat to local wildlife and violated both state and international laws. Yes, it's as weird as it sounds.  Become a supporter of this podcast:...

On Monday, August 19th of this year, 6-year-old Rowan Morey was supposed to come home to his mother from his father's house. After he did not arrive on time, Rowan's mom, Brandi, called the police for help. This was one of many calls Brandi placed in desperation for help in protecting her son. Unfortunately, it was also one of many calls that would result in no support or help for Brandi and Rowan. Rowan was found deceased two days later, the victim of a murder-suicide at the hands of his...

In this heart-wrenching episode, we dive into the decades-long mystery of Luis Armando Albino, a six-year-old boy abducted from an Oakland park in 1951. Despite relentless efforts by his family and law enforcement, Luis remained missing for over 70 years. But in a remarkable turn of events, a DNA test taken by his niece in 2020 led to the reunion that Luis' family had long hoped for. We explore the impact of DNA technology in solving cold cases, the emotional reunion between Luis and his...