Murder: True Crime Stories

In 1918, Russia's last royal family vanished into the chaos of revolution. Tsar Nicholas II, his wife Alexandra, and their five children were being held by Bolshevik forces as the Russian Empire collapsed around them, and rumors about their fate quickly spread across the world. In this episode of Murder: True Crime Stories, Carter Roy examines the final days of the Romanov family, the secretive execution that ended a dynasty, and the decades of mystery that followed as rumors of surviving heirs and hidden graves fueled one of history's most enduring royal mysteries. Head over to our Murder True Crime Stories YouTube channel to WATCH our video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@MurderTrueCrimeStories If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

Three days after the taping of The Jenny Jones Show, the tension that had lingered off camera turned deadly. What began as a daytime television surprise became a national tragedy, thrusting Scott Amedure and Jonathan Schmitz back into headlines under far darker circumstances. In Part 2, Murder: True Crime Stories examines the murder of Scott Amedure, the urgent investigation that followed, and the courtroom battle that put Schmitz on trial. Carter Roy breaks down the prosecution's case, the defense's argument that the televised reveal triggered overwhelming emotional distress, and the broader cultural attitudes toward sexuality that shaped public reaction. As the verdict was delivered, the case raised unsettling questions about media ethics, personal responsibility, and the limits of entertainment built on public confession. The fallout extended beyond the criminal trial, leading to a landmark civil lawsuit against The Jenny Jones Show and forcing a national reckoning over how far television should go in the pursuit of ratings. Head over to our Murder True Crime Stories YouTube channel to WATCH our video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@MurderTrueCrimeStories If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

Scott Amedure was 32 years old when he stepped onto the stage of The Jenny Jones Show, prepared to share a deeply personal confession. In 1995, he revealed on national television that he had a crush on Jonathan Schmitz, a moment designed for daytime drama that would soon take on far more serious consequences. In Part 1, Murder: True Crime Stories examines Scott's life leading up to the taping and the cultural climate surrounding daytime talk shows in the 1990s, where sensational reveals and emotional confrontations drove ratings. Carter Roy traces how producers recruited guests, what participants were told in advance, and how the episode was framed behind the scenes. As the cameras rolled and the surprise was revealed on stage, laughter, shock, and visible discomfort filled the studio. Schmitz's stunned reaction became part of the spectacle, but when the taping ended, the tension lingered. Within days, the fallout from that televised moment would escalate into one of the most controversial crimes of the decade. Head over to our Murder True Crime Stories YouTube channel to WATCH our video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@MurderTrueCrimeStories If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

In this episode of Murder: True Crime Stories, Carter Roy investigates the Smiley Face Killers theory, a controversial claim that a hidden network of predators is responsible for the drowning deaths of dozens of young men across the United States. What authorities have often ruled accidental drownings, some investigators argue may be something far more coordinated and sinister. The theory points to clusters of college-aged men found in rivers and lakes, often after nights out with friends, with graffiti of smiley faces reportedly discovered near several recovery sites. Supporters believe the similarities are too consistent to ignore. Critics counter that the markings are common urban graffiti and that the circumstances reflect tragic but explainable patterns involving alcohol and water. As families search for answers and law enforcement agencies push back against the theory, the case raises unsettling questions about pattern recognition, confirmation bias, and the power of narrative in the age of viral true crime. Is there evidence of an organized killing network, or has a modern myth taken hold in the absence of certainty? Head over to our Murder True Crime Stories YouTube channel to WATCH our video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@MurderTrueCrimeStories If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

75 years after the Rosenberg trial gripped the nation, its legacy still sparks debate about justice, fear, and political power. In Part 2 of this two-part special, Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Crimes turns to the courtroom battle that would cement Julius and Ethel Rosenberg's place in history and ignite decades of controversy. Carter Roy is joined again by Vanessa Richardson, host of Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Crimes, to break down the prosecution's strategy, the defense's uphill fight, and the testimony that shaped the jury's decision. Against a backdrop of anti-Communist hysteria and the looming threat of nuclear annihilation, the case raises urgent questions about due process, loyalty, and the influence of public opinion. As the verdict is delivered and the sentence shocks the world, the fallout reverberates far beyond the courtroom. Public protests, international appeals, and lingering doubts ensure that the Rosenberg case endures as one of the most polarizing chapters of Cold War history. Head over to our Murder True Crime Stories YouTube channel to WATCH our video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@MurderTrueCrimeStories If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

At the height of Cold War paranoia, one American couple stood accused of betraying their country in a case that would divide a nation. In Part 1 of this two-part special, Murder: True Crime Stories examines the explosive investigation that placed Julius and Ethel Rosenberg at the center of an alleged atomic spy ring. Carter Roy is joined by Vanessa Richardson, host of Conspiracy Theories, Cults, and Crimes, to unravel the earliest cracks in a story shaped by fear, ideology, and the race for nuclear dominance. As the United States grappled with the threat of Soviet expansion, whispers of stolen secrets and hidden allegiances began to fuel a rapidly intensifying manhunt. What began as quiet suspicion soon escalated into sweeping accusations, mounting pressure, and a tightening circle of scrutiny around family and friends. The tension reaches a breaking point with a pivotal arrest, a moment that reshapes the investigation and sets the stage for one of the most controversial espionage trials in American history. Head over to our Murder True Crime Stories YouTube channel to WATCH our video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@MurderTrueCrimeStories If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

Serial killers. Unsolved murders. Investigations that gripped America. If you think you know these cases, think again. America's Most Infamous Crimes is a Crime House original hosted by Katie Ring. Each week, we go deep on one of the most notorious true-crime cases in American history. Not the quick recap version, but the full story told across multiple episodes every Tuesday through Thursday. We break down: What happened: the crimes, the victims, and the evidence How investigators closed in: the breakthroughs, the dead ends, and the mistakes Why it still matters: the lasting impact on American law, culture, and justice From the serial killers who terrorized entire cities to the cold cases that still don't have answers, this is the podcast that takes you beyond the headlines and inside the investigation. New episodes drop every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. America's Infamous Crimes is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. For more, Follow us on Instagram at @Crimehouse To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Murder: True Crime Stories, Carter Roy examines the disappearance of Joseph Force Crater, the New York Supreme Court justice who walked out of a Manhattan restaurant in 1930 and was never seen again. What began as a routine summer evening quickly spiraled into one of the most baffling missing persons cases in American history. As newspapers seized on the story, the vanishing judge became front-page news across the country. Rumors of political corruption, backroom deals, organized crime, and secret affairs swirled through New York City at the height of Tammany Hall power. Witness accounts conflicted. Leads evaporated. Evidence surfaced and then seemed to disappear just as quickly. Despite grand jury investigations, nationwide searches, and years of speculation, no body was ever found and no clear answers emerged. Was Joseph Force Crater the victim of a calculated murder, a casualty of political scandal, or the architect of his own disappearance? Nearly a century later, his fate remains one of true crime's most enduring mysteries. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

All the threats against Veronica Guerin reached a head one day in 1996, when the Irish investigative journalist was shot multiple times while stopped at a red light outside Dublin. For years, Guerin had exposed powerful Dublin drug gangs in the Sunday Independent, naming crime bosses and revealing how heroin was devastating communities across Ireland, despite escalating intimidation and violence. In this episode of Murder: True Crime Stories, we examine the murder of Veronica Guerin, the urgent investigation that dismantled key figures in Ireland's criminal underworld, and the sweeping anti organized crime laws that followed. Her assassination became a turning point in Irish history, reshaping the country's fight against organized crime and cementing her legacy as a journalist who changed a nation. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

Veronica Guerin was a fearless Irish investigative journalist who became known for exposing Dublin's powerful drug gangs in the 1990s. After leaving a career in public relations, she joined the Sunday Independent and quickly built a reputation for naming suspected crime bosses and detailing how heroin was devastating communities across Ireland. In Part 1, Murder: True Crime Stories traces Guerin's rise as a crime reporter, her high profile investigations into organized crime, and the escalating threats she faced as a result of her reporting. Her home was shot at, she was assaulted, and she received repeated warnings to stop writing. Even as the danger grew more personal and more public, Veronica Guerin refused to be intimidated, determined to continue reporting on Ireland's criminal underworld. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

In this episode of Murder: True Crime Stories, Carter Roy investigates the Beast of Gévaudan, one of the most infamous unsolved mysteries in true crime history. Between 1764 and 1767, a series of brutal attacks terrorized the rural French province of Gévaudan, leaving dozens of men, women, and children dead. Witnesses described a massive wolf-like creature with unusual features, sparking panic, superstition, and a nationwide manhunt ordered by King Louis XV. Professional hunters, local militias, and royal forces all attempted to track and kill the beast, turning the case into an international sensation. When a hunter named Jean Chastel claimed to have finally slain the creature, the killings stopped, but the mystery only deepened. Was the Beast of Gévaudan a rogue wolf, multiple animals, a serial killer, or something else entirely? If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

For nearly 30 years, Ken McElroy terrorized the small town of Skidmore, Missouri. Accused of theft, assault, arson, statutory rape, and intimidation, he manipulated the legal system and silenced witnesses through fear. When he shot 70-year-old grocery store owner Bo Bowenkamp in broad daylight—and still managed to delay justice yet again—the town's patience began to crack. In Part 1 of this two-episode series, host of Minds of Madness, Tyler Allen joins Carter Roy to help unravel how one man's unchecked violence exposed the limits of the justice system and pushed a quiet farming community toward the brink. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

After decades of intimidation and legal loopholes, Ken McElroy's reign of terror came to a sudden end on July 10, 1981. In front of 30 to 45 witnesses, he was shot dead in the middle of Skidmore, Missouri, and no one claimed to see who pulled the trigger. In Part 2, Carter Roy reconstructs the tense town meeting that preceded the shooting, the fatal confrontation outside a local tavern, and the investigation that unraveled when an entire community closed ranks. Then, Tyler Allen of Minds of Madness joins for an extended conversation examining the legacy of the case and why this act of collective silence remains one of the most infamous instances of vigilante justice in American history. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

In this episode of Murder: True Crime Stories, Carter Roy investigates the disappearance of the Sodder children, who vanished after a fire destroyed their West Virginia home on Christmas Eve in 1945. George and Jennie Sodder escaped with four of their children, but five were believed to have died inside. No remains were ever recovered, raising immediate doubts about the official ruling of accidental fire. As questions mounted, troubling details surfaced, including a cut phone line, a missing ladder, and reports of strangers near the home before the blaze. Convinced their children had been abducted, possibly linked to George Sodder's outspoken views, the family spent decades searching for answers. This episode explores the fire, the inconsistencies, and the mystery that refuses to fade. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

In the aftermath of Sister Margaret Ann Pahl's murder, suspicion lingered within the walls of Mercy Hospital. Early attention focused on clergy members and hospital staff, but despite initial questioning and forensic work, the case stalled and eventually went cold. In Part 2, Murder: True Crime Stories examines how new evidence and renewed scrutiny more than two decades later led investigators back to a priest who had once been questioned and released. As prosecutors built their case, allegations surfaced about prior misconduct and institutional silence within the Catholic Church. The trial would hinge on circumstantial evidence, witness testimony, and a jury's interpretation of events that had taken place years earlier. This episode explores the reopening of the case, the conviction that followed, and the lingering debate over whether justice was truly served in the killing of Sister Margaret Ann Pahl. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

Sister Margaret Ann Pahl had devoted her life to faith, service, and the Catholic Church. A hospital chaplain in Toledo, Ohio, she spent her days comforting the sick and ministering to those in need. In Part 1, Murder: True Crime Stories traces Sister Margaret's life from her early calling to the Sisters of Mercy to her years at Mercy Hospital. Known for her discipline and deep commitment to her vocation, she was respected by many and quietly at odds with others inside the institution she served. On Holy Saturday in 1980, Sister Margaret was found brutally stabbed and strangled inside the hospital chapel, her body positioned in a way that stunned even seasoned investigators. As rumors spread and early suspects emerged, her killing sent shockwaves through the Catholic community and left investigators facing a crime that felt both deeply personal and profoundly unsettling. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

In January 1997, Scott Falater appeared to be a devoted husband, father, and successful engineer living a quiet suburban life in Arizona—until his wife, Yarmila Falater, was found brutally stabbed and drowned in their backyard pool. Scott was discovered nearby with blood on his clothes, yet he claimed he had no memory of the attack, insisting he was sleepwalking during the murder. In this episode, Up and Vanished's Payne Lindsey introduces us to the case and discusses what makes this case so fascinating. We explore the shocking crime, the rare “homicidal sleepwalking” defense that divided experts, and the chilling question at the center of the case: was this a calculated act of violence, or a tragic nightmare carried out unconsciously? The Scott Falater story remains one of the most controversial and unsettling murder trials in modern history. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

In the aftermath of Joan Risch's sudden disappearance, investigators were left staring at a scene filled with unsettling clues. Blood on the kitchen floor. A phone torn from the wall. Two young children alone in the house. In Part 2, Murder: True Crime Stories examines how police processed the evidence and why the case quickly split into competing theories. Detectives traced blood types, followed reports of a woman seen walking along a nearby road, and scrutinized Joan's recent interest in crime and disappearance stories. Was she the victim of a violent abduction, or had she carefully staged her own vanishing? As leads faded and the years passed, Joan's disappearance became one of New England's most enduring mysteries, leaving investigators and her family still searching for answers. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

Joan Risch seemed to embody suburban perfection. A devoted mother of two building a quiet life in Massachusetts in the early 1960s. In Part 1, Murder: True Crime Stories traces Joan's journey from her childhood and adoption to her marriage and move to the small town of Lincoln. As neighbors describe her as intelligent and reserved, subtle details emerge in the days leading up to October 1961. When Joan vanishes from her kitchen, leaving behind bloodstains and two young children alone in the house, the community is left stunned. This episode sets the stage for one of New England's most haunting and puzzling disappearances. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

Hosted by Sarah Turney and Kourtney Nichole, The Final Hours examines the moments just before a person disappears. The routines. The timelines. And the small details that often get overlooked,  until it's too late. Sarah is an advocate for missing and murdered victims whose sister disappeared in 2001. Kourtney is a true crime storyteller and investigator who witnessed firsthand how crime can change a family forever. Together, they bring lived experience into every case, looking not only at what happened, but what led up to it. Listen to and follow The Final Hours on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes are out every Monday. Listen here: https://play.megaphone.fm/dpvwewsiqralbvsx8wptag To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Murder: True Crime Stories, Carter Roy is joined by Sarah Turney and Kourtney Nichole from Crime House's new show, The Final Hours. Carter examines the disappearance of 15-year-old Emanuela Orlandi, a Vatican citizen who vanished after a music lesson in Rome in 1983. What began as a missing-person case quickly spiraled into one of the most complex and disturbing mysteries in modern history, involving anonymous phone calls, audio recordings, international terrorism claims, the mafia, and alleged Vatican cover-ups. As decades pass, new witnesses, secret documents, and shocking accusations raise a haunting question: did the Vatican know where Emanuela was all along? Her case remains unsolved—and uniquely chilling—as the only disappearance of a Vatican citizen in history.Listen to and follow The Final Hours with Sarah Turney and Kourtney Nichole wherever you listen to podcasts: https://play.megaphone.fm/zl8pwmgtteoqb01h_o7oww If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

In this episode of Murder: True Crime Stories, Carter Roy examines the final days of Selena Quintanilla's life and the devastating events that followed when a trusted relationship fractured beyond repair. As Selena attempts to distance herself from someone she once relied on, a private conflict escalates into public tragedy. This episode walks through the confrontation that ended her life, the immediate aftermath, and the investigation that followed—along with the lasting impact Selena left on her family, her fans, and music history. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

In this episode of Murder: True Crime Stories, Carter Roy traces the rise of Selena Quintanilla from a gifted child performer in a family band to one of the most influential figures in Tejano music. As Selena's fame grows, she inspires millions with her talent, warmth, and ambition—while quietly navigating the pressures of success and trust. The episode explores Selena's close-knit world, the devoted fan base that surrounded her, and the gradual rise of a trusted insider whose admiration slowly turned into something far more dangerous, setting the stage for an unimaginable tragedy. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

In this episode of Murder: True Crime Stories, Carter Roy investigates the mysterious death of journalist Danny Casolaro, who was found dead in a West Virginia hotel room in 1991 just as he claimed to be on the verge of exposing a vast global conspiracy he called “the Octopus.” Danny believed powerful government officials, intelligence agencies, and criminal networks were secretly connected through stolen software, covert weapons programs, and international corruption. After his death was ruled a suicide, his most critical files vanished—fueling decades of suspicion. Was Danny unraveling under pressure, or was he silenced for getting too close to the truth? If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

On the 40-year anniversary of Sherri Rasmussen's murder, Murder: True Crime Stories continues the story of a case that refused to stay buried. Carter and Vanessa examine the decades-long fight for justice, as ignored evidence, stalled leads, and mounting frustration finally give way to a shocking breakthrough. As forensic science advances and old assumptions are challenged, the investigation exposes deep flaws within the system meant to protect victims. This episode reflects on the cost of delayed accountability—and how perseverance ultimately brought long-overdue answers in a case that defined institutional failure for an entire generation. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

On the 40-year anniversary of the murder of Sherri Rasmussen, Murder: True Crime Stories revisits the beginning of a case that would haunt Los Angeles for decades. Carter is joined by Vanessa Richardson, host of Conspiracy Theories, Cults, & Crimes, to explore Sherri's life, her new marriage, and the volatile love triangle unfolding just out of sight. What was initially labeled a burglary gone wrong quickly reveals deeper warning signs—obsession, jealousy, and investigative blind spots that shaped the case from day one. Four decades later, this episode examines how early assumptions and missed red flags set the stage for one of the most troubling failures of justice in modern true crime history. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

In this episode of Murder: True Crime Stories, Carter Roy revisits the terrifying reign of the Zodiac Killer, whose cryptic letters and brutal attacks paralyzed Northern California in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Taunting police and the media with ciphers, threats, and chilling promises, the Zodiac cultivated fear as deliberately as he committed murder. Despite surviving victims, physical evidence, and thousands of suspects, his identity remains unknown. From lovers' lanes to city streets, this episode explores how the Zodiac built a legacy of terror—and why, decades later, the mystery still refuses to die. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

After Missy Avila's body is discovered, investigators search desperately for answers—but the truth is closer than anyone expects. As the case drags on, manipulation, false leads, and psychological games torment Missy's family and friends for decades. This episode follows the long road to justice, revealing how jealousy and deception masked the identities of those responsible—and how one crucial breakthrough finally exposed a horrifying betrayal. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

Seventeen-year-old Missy Avila was popular, kind, and full of promise—but jealousy simmered beneath the surface of her closest friendships. As rumors, betrayal, and resentment escalated during high school, lines between loyalty and cruelty blurred. This episode explores Missy's life, the toxic dynamics surrounding her, and the emotional tensions that built quietly for years. What seemed like ordinary teenage drama would soon spiral into something far darker. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

In 1948, an unidentified man was found dead on an Australian beach with no wallet, no ID, and a cryptic message hidden in his clothing. Despite decades of investigation, his identity—and cause of death—remained a mystery. Was he a spy, a poisoned lover, or something else entirely? This episode unpacks one of the world's most enduring cold cases, filled with coded messages, missing clues, and a relentless search for the truth that continues more than 70 years later. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

After the murders of Harold and Thelma Swain, investigators faced mounting pressure to deliver answers—but instead, the case spiraled into decades of missteps, false leads, and a wrongful conviction. In Part 2, Murder: True Crime Stories follows the long investigation that led to the arrest of Dennis Perry, the flaws in the evidence used to convict him, and the stunning DNA revelations that ultimately set him free after 20 years behind bars. As attention finally returns to the true suspect, this episode examines how race, politics, and systemic failure delayed justice—and why the Swains' story is still unfolding 40 years later. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

Harold and Thelma Swain were pillars of the Black community in Waverly, Georgia, devoting their lives to service through Rising Daughter Baptist Church. But on the night of March 11, 1985, that sanctuary was shattered when a gunman walked into the church and murdered the beloved couple. In Part 1, Murder: True Crime Stories traces the Swains' lives, their leadership during the Jim Crow era and Civil Rights Movement, and the shocking night that turned a place of worship into a crime scene. This episode sets the emotional and historical foundation for a case that would haunt the community for decades. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

A brilliant intelligence analyst is found dead inside a locked sports bag in his London apartment—no signs of forced entry, no clear cause of death, and a trail of secrets left behind. Officially ruled an accident, the case quickly sparks global controversy. Was this a tragic mistake, a dangerous private life gone wrong, or an expertly executed assassination? This episode dives into one of the strangest deaths in modern history, exploring espionage, unexplained evidence, and the conspiracy theories that refuse to fade. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

In the aftermath of Pat Tillman's death in Afghanistan, the U.S. military told a heroic story of enemy fire and battlefield bravery—but it wasn't true. In Part 2, Murder: True Crime Stories unpacks how Pat was killed by friendly fire, how senior officials concealed that truth, and how his family spent years unraveling a web of misinformation, redactions, and institutional self-protection. Through congressional hearings, leaked memos, and relentless advocacy by Pat's mother, this episode explores the cost of truth in wartime—and why the Tillman family refused to let their son's death be rewritten. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

Pat Tillman was at the peak of his NFL career when he walked away from millions to enlist in the U.S. Army after 9/11. In Part 1, Murder: True Crime Stories traces Pat's life—from his driven childhood and record-setting football career to the values that pushed him toward military service. As Pat deploys to Iraq and later Afghanistan, he begins questioning the war and the narratives surrounding it, even as the military and media shape him into a powerful symbol of sacrifice. This episode sets the stage for the tragic events that would transform Pat Tillman from a man into a myth. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

A woman checks into a luxury hotel using a fake name—and is later found dead under suspicious circumstances. With labels removed from her clothes, no identification, and evidence suggesting the scene was staged, investigators are left with more questions than answers. This episode explores the haunting mystery of the Oslo Plaza Woman, a case filled with espionage theories, deliberate erasure, and unanswered questions about who she was—and why someone went to such lengths to make her disappear. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

When Travis Alexander was found brutally murdered in his Arizona home, investigators quickly realized this was no random attack. In Part 2, Murder: True Crime Stories follows the shocking discovery of Travis's body, the damning digital evidence hidden inside a washing machine, and the unraveling lies of his ex-girlfriend, Jodi Arias. As her story shifted from denial to masked intruders to claims of self-defense, prosecutors built a devastating case fueled by forensic proof, explicit photographs, and her own contradictions. This episode examines the trial that transfixed the nation—and the final verdict that exposed obsession turned lethal. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

Before the headlines and the courtroom drama, Travis Alexander's story began as a whirlwind romance. In Part 1 of this two-episode series, Murder: True Crime Stories traces Jodi Arias's troubled past, her pattern of volatile relationships, and the intense bond she formed with charismatic motivational speaker Travis Alexander. As Jodi reshaped her identity to fit Travis's world—converting to his faith, moving closer to him, and refusing to let go—their relationship spiraled into a toxic cycle of control, jealousy, and obsession. This episode sets the stage for a tragedy that was quietly building behind closed doors. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

In the winter of 1959, nine experienced Soviet hikers vanished in the Ural Mountains—and what rescuers later found defied logic. Their tent had been cut open from the inside, their bodies lay scattered barefoot across the snow, and several suffered catastrophic injuries with no clear cause. In this episode of Murder: True Crime Stories, Carter Roy explores the chilling discovery at Dyatlov Pass, the Soviet investigation that blamed an “insurmountable force of nature,” and the decades of theories that followed—from secret military tests and UFO sightings to avalanches and infrasound-induced panic. More than 60 years later, the question remains: what really drove these hikers into the frozen night? If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

In the aftermath of Tom Wales's murder, investigators faced a troubling reality: the killing of a federal prosecutor just weeks after 9/11 risked being lost in the chaos of a nation at war. In Part 2, Murder: True Crime Stories follows the decades-long investigation marked by missed opportunities, unreliable informants, anonymous confessions, and a single suspect who remained just beyond the reach of prosecution. As the FBI pursues theories involving revenge, contract killers, and organized crime, this episode explores how Tom's case became one of the most haunting unsolved murders in American legal history—and why justice remains elusive more than 20 years later. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Wales dedicated his life to public service, integrity, and the belief that the law should protect everyone equally. But in October 2001, his commitment to justice may have made him a target. In Part 1, Murder: True Crime Stories traces Tom's journey from an ambitious law student to a respected federal prosecutor and outspoken gun-control advocate in Seattle. As his influence grew, so did the list of people who resented him. The episode walks through Tom's final months, the cases and causes that put him in the spotlight, and the chilling night when a gunman fired through his basement window, changing everything. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

In the gripping conclusion of this two-part series, Murder: True Crime Stories follows the intense investigation that led authorities from scattered surveillance footage and a single DNA trace on a knife sheath to an unexpected suspect: criminology PhD student Bryan Kohberger. Carter Roy breaks down how digital forensics, cell-phone data, and genetic genealogy converged to identify the killer—and how families, investigators, and an entire community sought justice in the aftermath. Even with a guilty plea and multiple life sentences, unanswered questions remain about motive, intent, and the chilling months Kohberger spent stalking the victims. This episode examines the pursuit of closure when the truth may never fully come. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

In November 2022, four University of Idaho students—Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—returned home from a night out in their small college town, unaware that a killer was already watching. In this emotional first episode, Murder: True Crime Stories introduces the vibrant young lives at the heart of the tragedy and follows their final hours inside the now-infamous King Road house. Through detailed timelines, eyewitness accounts, and early clues—including a mysterious white Hyundai Elantra and chilling testimony from a surviving roommate—Carter Roy unpacks how a community built on trust and closeness was thrust into national horror overnight. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

Happy New Year! This year across Crime House, we released over 600 episodes. While we are proud of all of them, one episode rose above the rest and was voted on as Crime House's Best Episode of 2025. It's the case of the missing Martin Family, from Clues with Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore.  This episode takes us back to December 1958. The Martin Family was as picture-perfect as they come during the holidays: Santa suits, candy canes, Christmas cards. And then… they vanished without a trace. In this story, Morgan and Kaelyn unravel a case full of bizarre leads: an abandoned car, shifting witness accounts, and a station wagon that seemed to disappear into thin air. If you want more Clues with Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore you can follow in your favorite podcast app here: https://play.megaphone.fm/qtjt1ensshm_toud4upqyg To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The investigation into the disappearance of Olivia Hope and Ben Smart intensifies in this second episode, following detectives as they seize on 26-year-old Scott Watson as their primary suspect despite mismatched witness descriptions, a missing boat, and no bodies ever found. Carter and Vanessa examine the controversial forensic hair evidence, disputed scratch marks, shifting witness identifications, jailhouse informants, and the prosecution's improvised “two-trip theory,” all of which led to Watson's conviction in one of New Zealand's most divisive murder cases. As key witnesses later recant and public skepticism grows, the episode explores decades of appeals, wavering public opinion, and the families' painful search for closure—raising the haunting question of whether the truth about what happened to Olivia and Ben has ever truly been uncovered. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

In the first episode of this New Year's two-part special, Murder: True Crime Stories retraces the final hours of 17-year-old Olivia Hope and 21-year-old Ben Smart, who rang in 1998 at a massive party at New Zealand's Furneaux Lodge before mysteriously vanishing. Through eyewitness accounts, detailed timelines, and growing concerns from loved ones, Carter Roy and guest host Vanessa Richardson unravel the pair's movements that night—from youthful excitement and romantic sparks to a fateful ride on a water taxi with a drunken stranger and a promise of a place to sleep. As police launch a massive search through the Marlborough Sounds and sift through conflicting descriptions, dozens of witnesses, and more than 150 boats, the disappearance quickly shifts from confusion… to fear that something far darker occurred on the water. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

Merry Christmas! As we look ahead to 2026, we're excited to bring you even more fascinating cases and gripping investigations. More importantly, we'd like to thank you for listening, and making 2025 an unforgettable year, your support and curiosity keep us coming back week after week. Please enjoy Carter's Best of 2025 selection, The Pickaxe Murders, and be sure to tune in next week for a special episode. When 27-year-old Jerry Dean and 32-year-old Deborah Thornton were found dead in Houston, Texas in 1983, police desperately searched for their killer. Eventually, they honed in on a suspect with a vendetta against Jerry: his ex-girlfriend's best friend, 23-year-old Karla Faye Tucker. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

Merry Christmas! As we look ahead to 2026, we're excited to bring you even more fascinating cases and gripping investigations. More importantly, we'd like to thank you for listening, and making 2025 an unforgettable year, your support and curiosity keep us coming back week after week. Please enjoy Carter's Best of 2025 selection, The Pickaxe Murders, and be sure to tune in next week for a special episode. In 1983, 27-year-old Jerry Dean was newly single and looking for a little fun. When he met 32-year-old Deborah Thornton at a pool party that summer, she seemed to have the same idea. But what should've been a simple one-night stand ended in a brutal double murder. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

Happy Holidays! Because you are part of the Crime House community, we're treating you to a bonus holiday episode from our very own team — the same creators behind the show you're listening to now. This time, we're showcasing a special holiday episode from our show, Clues with Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore.  Join hosts Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore as they take you deep into the world of the most notorious crimes ever — where a single clue can crack a case wide open. From shocking murders to serial killers, Clues dives into all the forensic details and brilliant sleuthing of the world's most infamous cases. In every episode they'll uncover the hidden details, analyze the overlooked evidence, and follow the trail of clues behind the biggest cases in history. Tune in for compelling storytelling, forensic analysis, and a thrilling ride through some of the world's most puzzling crime cases. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen: https://play.megaphone.fm/ajrhc0hiqwyg8sqq0tpira To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Christmas Eve 2008, the Ortega family gathered at their home in Covina, California, for their annual holiday celebration. Laughter, food, and music filled the night—until a man dressed as Santa Claus knocked on their door. In Part 2 of The Santa Claus Massacre, Carter Roy reveals the shocking and tragic events that unfolded that night, when 45-year-old Bruce Pardo—Sylvia Ortega's embittered ex-husband—turned holiday cheer into unimaginable horror. What began as a festive family gathering ended in one of California's deadliest crimes. This episode traces Bruce's meticulously planned attack, the inferno that followed, and the chilling aftermath that left investigators searching for answers—and a surviving family struggling to rebuild their lives. But out of the ashes, hope emerged: a story of survival, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios

Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year — but for Bruce Pardo, the holidays brought something far darker. After losing his marriage, his family, and even his dog, Bruce's bitterness turned deadly. In this first part of our Christmas Crime Special, we meet the Ortega family — a loving, tight-knit clan from Covina, California. When Sylvia Ortega met Bruce, she believed she'd finally found her happily ever after. But behind Bruce's charming smile was a trail of deceit, neglect, and violence stretching back decades. As Carter Roy guides us through the Ortegas' story, we uncover how one man's obsession and thirst for revenge set the stage for one of the most horrifying crimes in Christmas history. If you're new here, don't forget to follow Murder True Crime Stories to never miss a case! For Ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to Crime House+ on Apple Podcasts. Murder True Crime Stories is a Crime House Original Podcast, powered by PAVE Studios