Real Crime: The REELZ Files

Hitchhiking, sex worker, Aileen Wuornos garnered national attention after she was charged with murdering at least six different men in less than a year by shooting them at point-blank range. Wuornos' sanity proved to be a challenge for prosecutors, but she confidently plead guilty to each charge made against her. She was executed by lethal injection in 2002. Charlize Theron won an Oscar for her portray of Wuornos in the movie, “Monster.” Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

The gruesome discovery of murdered 31-year-old Travis Alexander is something that many will be unable to forget. His killer unknowingly leaves clues that lead homicide detectives down a dark and twisted path of sex, lies, religious faith and ultimately - murder. Like what you hear and want more real crime and mystery? Go to reelz.com/get-reelz/

Two middle school girls, Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier, decide to sacrifice their friend Payton Leutner to the infamous supernatural internet meme known as “Slender Man.” After reading stories about Slender Man online, the 12-year-old girls attempt to murder their classmate, but they soon discover that committing a cold-blooded murder is harder than it seems. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

On March 4th 1994, beloved comedy actor John Candy was found dead in Durango Mexico, where he was working on what would be his final film, Wagons East. Candy rose to fame in over 40 films including Splash, Cool Runnings and Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Off-camera, John Candy had battled with his weight throughout his life. But what events unfolded in Mexico that could have contributed to his shocking fatal heart attack at just 43? World renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter will examine Candy's death certificate, along with first-hand accounts from those closest to him, in order to understand what ultimately caused the death of this Hollywood icon. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

The Canadian serial killer, alongside her husband Paul Bernardo, drugged, raped and murdered three women, including her own younger sister. While the world watched in shock as her sentencing unfolded, Karla struck a deal claiming that she had been an unwilling accomplice to her husband and walked away a free woman in 2005 after only serving 12 years in prison. In recent years, she was met with protesters trying to prevent her from working in a school. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to www.reelz.com/podcasts/

A Navy dropout is the target of a couple's twisted desire to indulge in a gruesome fantasy. Their behavior is fueled by money, lies and a litany of delusions all resulting in a tragic murder. New episodes of Sex Lies & Murder drop each Wednesday. Like what you hear and want more real crime and mystery? Go to reelz.com/get-reelz/

A man becomes so obsessed with the film Queen of the Damned that he murders his friend, eats part of his body, and drinks his blood – thinking that just like in the movie, the gruesome act will help him achieve immortality. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/

As the gentle giant “John Coffey” in the fantasy-drama, The Green Mile, Michael Clarke Duncan found fame at the age of 42. The 6'5” actor went on to star in a string of Hollywood blockbusters but he wasn't a typical movie star. He was obsessed with working out and eating well so when he suffered a fatal heart attack in 2012, rumors of a conspiracy emerged. Now world-renowned medical examiner Dr. Michael Hunter investigates Michael Clarke Duncan's mysterious death at the age of 54-- just 12 years after he became a Hollywood favorite. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

18-year-old Melissa Drexler attended high school in New Jersey where she was impregnated by her boyfriend in 1997. Ignoring her stomach cramps, Drexler arrived at her school's Prom and gave birth to her son in a bathroom stall. The miraculous moment turned into murder when the teen suffocated the child, wrapping him in a plastic bag and discarding her baby in the trash. Drexler returned to the dance floor as if nothing happened, blaming the blood trail on her period. It's not until janitors discovered the deceased baby in the dumpster that Drexler was finally discovered for the killer she is. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to www.reelz.com/podcasts/

A wealthy gay woman lusts over a young college girl and lavishes her with the finer things in life. The unrequited love leads to excess, drugs, and a twisted love triangle with a man who would do anything for sex and money – which, of course, includes murder. New episodes of Sex Lies & Murder drop each Wednesday. Like what you hear and want more real crime and mystery? Go to reelz.com/get-reelz/

Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother forty whacks. When she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one. This childhood rhyme was based on a real-life murder that was turned into a great movie, The Legend of Lizzie Borden. So great that when one fan, James Cushing, finds an axe, he thinks it is destiny to follow Elizabeth Montgomery's portrayal and become Lizzie. Walking the streets of a Seattle suburb at night, no one is safe as he searches for the perfect victim. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

On the morning of February 29th, 2012, Davy Jones the idolized front man of the 60's pop phenomenon, The Monkees, died. He had been performing just days before and showed no signs of illness. A working-class kid from Manchester, England, Davy won international fame when, at 19 years-old, he was cast in the wacky TV show about a failing pop band named The Monkees. His sudden death from cardiac failure came completely out of the blue. In this podcast, world-renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter uses Davy's autopsy and medical examiner's report to uncover what really killed Davy Jones at just 66 years old. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

From All-American to convicted murderer, Aaron Hernandez' early career success as tight end for the New England Patriots was shockingly overshadowed by his violent life as a killer. Hernandez' temper seemed to get the best of him in situations, and he was charged with the first-degree murder of friend Odin Lloyd and also indicted in connection with two drive-by murders in 2012. Without the possibility of parole on his life sentence, Hernandez ultimately saw no way out from it all and tragically took his own life in prison in 2017. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to www.reelz.com/podcasts/

Laura and Craig Stelmasek are living the quintessential all- American life until their family hits a financial rough patch. Police receive a tip of a suspicious van at the Phoenix Arizona airport parking lot, leading them to the Stelmasek residence. They arrive to find a 16 year old girl home alone and both of her parents missing. What they discover inside the van is something they never anticipated. Investigators must follow a trail of clues that start with the abandoned van and ultimately lead them to a cold blooded killer. New episodes of Sex Lies & Murder drop each Wednesday. Like what you hear and want more real crime and mystery? Go to reelz.com/get-reelz/

In a scene right out of the crime-comedy Heathers, three high school best friends become mortal enemies in a plot to kill the “cool kids.” Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/

Dennis Wilson was the golden boy drummer for the Beach Boys. His good looks, energetic attitude and musical prowess made him one of the great drummers of rock and roll. True his band's ident ity, he was also an avid surfer. But the Beach Boys drummer was also an avid drinker and on December 28, 1983, after a day of alcohol-use, Wilson dove into LA's Marina Del Rey harbor and drowned in less than 15 feet of water. Byt what really happened? Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter examines Dennis's autopsy report to dispel the rumors and reveal the real cause of the drummer's tragic and untimely death at the age of 39. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

For three weeks in 2002, the streets of D.C. were terrorized as two men, 17 year-old Lee Boyd Malvo and 42 year-old John Muhammad, hunted random civilians in broad daylight with a rifle. The sniper attacks made national news and Americans became fearful that they could be the next victims. After training to be a marksman in the military, Muhammad recruited the help of friend Malvo to shoot 17 people from the trunk of his car. Malvo was given multiple life sentences and Muhammed was executed by lethal injection. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

Nathan and Michelle Paet are high school sweethearts who marry and start a family together. Nathan fights in the Iraq war and is lucky enough to return home where he works at the Nellis Air Force base in Las Vegas, NV. Unfortunately he finds out that returning home might be an even more dangerous battlefield than the one he just survived. New episodes of Sex Lies & Murder drop each Wednesday. Like what you hear and want more real crime and mystery? Go to reelz.com/get-reelz/

The psychological thriller starring Michael Douglas and Glenn Close inspired a real murder Known as “The Fatal Attraction Case.” The crime occurred when one man's infidelity resulted in obsession, stalking, and murder—just like in the movie. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

One of the most brilliant performers of his generation, George Michael's music career spanned 35 years. Following global fame with the pop group Wham!, his solo career sent him into the stratosphere. But the death of both his lover and mother, along with the pressures of keeping his sexuality a secret, took their toll. Conflicted and depressed, Michael turned to drugs and alcohol to numb his pain. His slide into self-destruction led to his sudden death at the age of 53. Now expert pathologist and coroner, Dr. Michael Hunter, investigates what was going on in the singer's body that caused him to die so suddenly and at such a young age. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

Murder. Rape. Mutilation. August 1990. After 675 suspects and thousands of pieces of evidence, it all came down to one man: Danny Rolling. Three years after five brutal and disturbing murders in Gainesville, Florida, Danny Rolling is called to trial. He is accused of several counts of murder, rape, and burglary. But before Rolling can step foot into his trial he unexpectedly pleads guilty to each charge. His motive for the crimes? To become a “superstar” like Ted Bundy. Rolling was sentenced to death on each count and was later executed by lethal injection. Moments before his execution, he writes a statement in which he takes responsibility for another three murders in Shreveport, Louisiana. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to www.reelz.com/podcasts/

Michael Dojaquez is a free spirited ladies man who is lucky enough to have found his passion in life - yoga. He begins dating one of his yoga students, Amber, only to find out later that she is hiding some dark secrets. Namaste? Not today… New episodes of Sex Lies & Murder drop each Wednesday. Like what you hear and want more real crime and mystery? Go to reelz.com/get-reelz/

Inspired by an episode of TV's Forensic Files, disgraced businessman Ari Squire attempts to start a new life by faking his own death in order to collect his $5 million life insurance policy. To do it, Squire plans to murder an innocent man named Justin Newman and take on his identity. Little does Ari know, his plan is far from airtight, and Newman is not the only one who will end up dead. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/

Canadian actor, Corey Haim, was the poster boy for 1980's Hollywood. As a teen idol, he starred in “The Lost Boys”, “Lucas”, and “License to Drive.” But his fast lifestyle also led the young actor to his first encounters with drugs and alcohol. What followed were years of cocaine addiction, prescription drug abuse and a waning career. Then on March 10, 2010, Haim was found unconscious in the apartment he shared with his mother. He died that night of what was rumored to be an accidental overdose. Now forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter examines Corey's autopsy report to dispel the rumors, and reveal the real cause of the actor's tragic and untimely death at the age of 38. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

Although a seemingly average husband and father of two, Dennis Rader lived a double life as a serial killer who terrorized the Wichita, Kansas area from the 1970s to the ‘90s. In letters to police and local news outlets that detailed his murders, Rader would sign them as the BTK Killer. The acronym stood for: “Bind, Torture, Kill”. During all ten of his murders, Rader lived a normal working life and was an active member of his church until he was arrested in 2005. He is currently serving 10 consecutive life sentences. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to www.reelz.com/podcasts/

Rick Chance, TV pitch man and owner of Empire Glass - an auto glass company- is a self-made multi-millionaire. While he is a business tycoon, he is also reckless. Chance fails to show up to a scheduled tv shoot - and his business associates begin to wonder if his life in the fast lane has come to a halt. New episodes of Sex Lies & Murder drop each Wednesday. Like what you hear and want more real crime and mystery? Go to reelz.com/get-reelz/

The movie tells the story of a star student's decent into the violent, underground world of heroin on the streets of New York. Inspired by what he saw, 14-year old Michael Carneal of Paducah, Kentucky, horrifies the nation when he reenacts the movie's most violent scene with an unsuspecting group of students in a prayer circle. It's a copycat killing that forever leaves a small town shaken to its core. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/

The legendary singer-songwriter behind “Country Roads” and “Rocky Mountain High” was one of America's biggest selling artists in the 1970's. The fresh-faced superstar wrote nearly 200 songs and sold over 35 million albums and spent his free time as a private aviator. But on the afternoon of October 12, 1997, John Denver crashed his Rutan Long-EZ experimental plane into the Pacific Ocean. The unexplained disaster led to revelations about Denver's drug and alcohol abuse as well as mental health issues. But the investigation was hindered by the fact that only fragments of Denver's plane and parts of his body were recovered from the ocean. Now renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter is reopening the case into the mystery of what caused John Denver's fatal plane crash. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

The original "Killer Clown," Gacy is widely thought to be the inspiration for the terrifying and nightmare inducing Stephen King character, Pennywise the Clown. Gacy's death count totals 33 young men and teen boys, most of whom he buried in the crawl space under his home. An active member of his community, Gacy often dressed up as a clown to perform for charitable events and parties. He'd lure his victims to his house with the promise of giving them alcohol. After they were drunk, he would handcuff them then viciously torture and sodomize them before ultimately strangling them to death. In May of 1994, he was executed by lethal injection. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to www.reelz.com/podcasts/

Ron and Margaret Rudin are each four times married and four times divorced when they marry each other in 1987. Ron is a wealthy but frugal businessman, and Margaret owns an antique shop. Their marriage had its share of problems but it really started to sour after jealousy, bugged phone lines, and rumors of infidelity take their toll. The question becomes - will they make it out of this 5th marriage alive? New episodes of Sex Lies & Murder drop each Wednesday. Like what you hear and want more real crime and mystery? Go to reelz.com/get-reelz/

Lyle and Erik Menendez live an extraordinarily comfortable life, thanks to the hard work of their father. Despite being set for success with prestigious educations and father's many connections, the boys lack an adequate work ethic and prioritize play over work. When their self-made father finally cuts them off, the boys are outraged. They start to compare themselves to the characters in the popular TV movie Billionaire Boys Club. They won't accept any obstacles in their quest for free-flowing money and freedom, even if it means killing their parents to get it. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

On May 16th 1984, comedian Andy Kaufman, died from a rare form of lung cancer when he was 35 years old. Renowned for his eccentric comedy sketches on Saturday Night Live, he went on to gain international fame for his character “Latka,” the goofy mechanic, in the 70's sitcom Taxi. A master of invention, he told friends he was going to fake his own death, leading some to believe he never really died. In this podcast, expert Coroner and Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter, examines Andy Kaufman's medical history to uncover what caused the disease that killed this comic genius at such a young age. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

Responsible for killing and dismembering 17 young men between 1978 and 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer is arguably one of the most gruesome serial killers the world has ever seen. Mostly targeting African-American men at gay bars, Dahmer would lure his victims to his home and drug them before strangling them to death. He would then engage in sexual acts with their corpses and often keep their genitals or skills as souvenirs. Dahmer's rampage came to an end in 1992 after he was captured and given 15 life sentences. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to www.reelz.com/podcasts/

Successful businessman, Jay Orbin meets ex-Vegas-showgirl Marjorie Orbin and they enter into a whirlwind romance. Life seems to be going smoothly until Jay fails to return home after a business trip. Marjorie starts engaging in suspicious behavior that pushes this missing persons case to the top of Arizona police's priority list. New episodes of Sex Lies & Murder drop each Wednesday. Like what you hear and want more real crime and mystery? Go to reelz.com/get-reelz/

Janice Orndoff kills her husband in a supposed act of self-defense. Despite the couple's recent troubles, no one believes this sweet woman could commit such a grisly murder unless it was absolutely necessary. However, much like in the movie Primal Fear, her court case unravels the truth, proving that Janice has plenty of hidden secrets. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

Actress Rue McClanahan was beloved for playing the sassy Southern Belle, “Blanche Devereaux,” on TV's The Golden Girls. But behind the smiles, Rue's life was blighted by heartbreak, disease and reported near-death experiences. Her cause of death was officially called a stroke—an event most commonly caused by a blood clot in the brain. But Rue was taking the drug Warfarin, a powerful anticoagulant prescribed to prevent blood clots. So why did the actress die of a stroke at the age of 76? World renowned Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter digs in to analyze every detail of of the actress' medical history to reveal if other drugs played a part in the mystery of what killed Rue McClanahan. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

With a total of 49 confirmed murders (he confessed to 71), Gary Ridgway, otherwise known as the Green River Killer, is one of the most prolific serial killer in American history. While married, Ridgway began murdering sex workers and children throughout the 1980's and 1990's. Strangling his victims and discarding their bodies around Seattle and the Washington Green River, Ridgway regularly returned to the corpses for intercourse. It wasn't until 2001 when the nefarious necrophiliac was connected by DNA evidence to the murders of four women. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

Craig Titus and Kelly Ryan are superstars of the bodybuilding and fitness circuit in Las Vegas. They are the quintessential power couple, but when you add, drugs, sex, parties, and the over-the-top lifestyle of the Las Vegas strip - everything seems to be on steroids - literally. New episodes of Sex Lies & Murder drop each Wednesday. Like what you hear and want more real crime and mystery? Go to reelz.com/get-reelz/

Like the film, The Talented Mr. Ripley, a young working-class man creates multiple identities in order to become part of the wealthy elite – and kills to keep his lies a secret. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

Gary Coleman soared to success in the hit 80's TV show, "Diff'rent Strokes," but at the height of his fame he was plagued by health problems and when his career stalled he hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

The case is undoubtedly the most infamous murder-mystery in history. “Jack the Ripper” is the name given to the unidentified serial killer that murdered and mutilated five female prostitutes in London in 1888. While there have been over 100 theories presented on the Ripper's true identity, renowned “Ripperologist” Martin Fido suggests that a violent, anti-social man named “David Cohen” is the true killer, partly because Cohen's incarceration at an insane asylum happened to coincide with the end of the murders. Although various letters were sent to the press by the alleged killer, one with a human kidney, the case of the Ripper murders will possibly forever remain unsolved. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

Three frantic 911 calls lead police to a brutal murder scene. When the investigation begins - it seems that everyone gives a different version of the truth. When the truth seems to change from minute to minute - police only have forensic evidence to fall back on. The conclusion of the case comes down to life or death - all resting in the hands of a judge. New episodes of Sex Lies & Murder drop each Wednesday. Like what you hear and want more real crime and mystery? Go to reelz.com/get-reelz/

Socially awkward George Hennard has been searching all his life for love. But no matter how hard he tries he can't seem to find a girlfriend. After years of rejection, his resentment and hatred of women grows and culminates in the tragic slaughter of a restaurant full of customers. George kills himself as well. His autopsy reveals a ticket stub for the film The Fisher King, tucked into his pants pocket, indicating George's inspiration for this mass shooting came from a twisted misinterpretation of the movie. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

On July 1st 1991, actor Michael Landon passed away at his Malibu home just three months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was 54. Michael had spent his life defying the odds to become a renowned television superstar as “Joe Cartwright” in Bonanza. He went on to write, produce, direct and star in family favorites like Little House on the Prairie and Highway to Heaven. But only 12 weeks after his cancer diagnosis, Michael Landon was dead. Now world-renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter digs deep into Michael's past to reveal why he developed the disease in the first place and why he died so quickly. Dr. Hunter also uncovers Landon's potentially lethal addictions and a link to one of the worst nuclear disasters in U.S. history. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

An exclusive prison interview with convicted murderess Pamela Smart, who recounts her affair with a 15 year-old student and the events that led to the brutal murder of her husband as well as a national media frenzy and the Nicole Kidman movie “To Die For." Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

Life isn't always easy - Kevin and Heather Miller knew this all too well. Kevin lost his job at the same time Heather discovered an unplanned pregnancy. The escalating situation left Heather searching for solace - which she found in best friend Mindi Robbins. A lesbian affair, Wiccan rituals, and Belladonna come together to create a perfect storm -of murder. New episodes of Sex Lies & Murder drop each Wednesday. Like what you hear and want more real crime and mystery? Go to reelz.com/get-reelz/

The gruesome kidnap and torture of 16-year-old Suzanne Capper ends in murder. But the story proves even more twisted upon the revelation that the character "Chuckie" from the movie Child's Play played a dark and sinister role in inspiring the killers. New Copycat Killers podcasts drop each Thursday. Next week, Forensic Psychologist Dr. J. Buzz Von Ornsteiner and the experts unveil the mass shooting inspired by The Fisher King. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/

On June 19th 2013, actor James Gandolfini died of a heart attack while vacationing in Rome. A famously intense character actor, Gandolfini became a household name for playing mob boss “Tony Soprano” in the HBO series, The Sopranos. But dedication to his craft took a deep toll on the actor, and rumors of addiction and an eating disorder followed him throughout his career. Now expert pathologist Dr Michael Hunter is examining Gandolfini's medical history to discover which of these led to the heart attack that killed him at 51. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

On one tragic afternoon in 1995, the Queen of Tejano Music, Selena Quintanilla, was inexplicably shot down by the president of her fan club, Yolanda Saldivar, in a Corpus Christi hotel. Not only did Saldivar receive a life sentence in prison, but she was also cemented as the most hated woman in the Latin American community for taking the life of one of the most celebrated and influential Latin artists of all-time, selling over 60 million albums worldwide. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/

Sometimes love is beautiful, transcendent of all its obstacles, sometimes love is blind - maybe too blind. 20-year-old Steven and 15-year-old Alyssa met online, fell in love and had a daughter. When the relationship turned sour they gave their baby up for adoption not knowing if either one would ever see her again. When they do - it gives serendipity a whole new meaning. New episodes of Sex Lies & Murder drop each Wednesday. Like what you hear and want more real crime and mystery? Go to reelz.com/get-reelz/

A mentally ill man takes a page out of the script from the movie Taxi Driver, as he attempts to assassinate President of the United States and impress the film¹s star with his deranged act of violence. Like what you hear and want more true crime and mystery? Go to https://www.reelz.com/podcasts/