The Real Killer

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In 1982, JoAnn Tate and her two young daughters, Melissa and Renee, are savagely attacked in the middle of the night. JoAnn dies; the girls barely survive. One month later, Melissa identifies Rodney Lincoln, one of JoAnn’s ex-boyfriends, as the killer. Two trials later, Rodney is found guilty and sentenced to two life terms plus 15 years. In 2015, thirty-two years after Rodney is convicted, Melissa recants and says Rodney didn’t do it. So who is the real killer? Follow true crime TV writer, producer, and director Leah Rothman as she maps the story from its gruesome beginnings to new bombshell revelations that could expose a miscarriage of justice and a killer still on the loose.

iHeartPodcasts and AYR Media


    • Apr 20, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 24 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Real Killer

    The Real Killer Season 2: Ep. 11, I Hear The Fire Trucks Coming

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2023 60:20


    As Keith LaMar's execution date fast approaches, support pours in from near and far. Will it be enough to save him?  For photos and documents related to this and every episode:  https://www.instagram.com/the_real_killer_podcast/?igshid=MGU3ZTQzNzY%3DSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    killers fire trucks
    The Real Killer Season 2: Ep. 10, The Clock Is Ticking

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2023 32:17


    The State of Ohio has been executing people since the 1800's, but there are some people on opposite sides of the political spectrum now trying to end that. Will capital punishment in Ohio soon be a thing of the past? And how, if at all, will that affect Death Row inmate Keith Lamar? For photos and documents related to this and every episode:  https://www.instagram.com/the_real_killer_podcast/?igshid=MGU3ZTQzNzY%3DSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Real Killer Season 2: Ep. 9, The Scapegoat

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2023 35:52


    Many blame the Lucasville uprising on the prayer leader of the Sunni Muslim prisoners. A revealing conversation with Siddique Abdullah Hasan sheds light on what he says happened during those 11 days, why he thinks he was convicted and sent to Death Row and whether or not he believes Keith was the leader of the “Death Squad.” For photos and documents related to this and every episode:  https://www.instagram.com/the_real_killer_podcast/?igshid=MGU3ZTQzNzY%3DSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Real Killer Season 2: Ep. 8, Visions of Versions

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2023 60:33


    The investigation into Keith LaMar's case leads to two men who share similar accounts of how investigators tried to manipulate them, but they tell very different stories when it comes to Keith. Are they speaking the truth or do they have a motive to lie? For photos and documents related to this and every episode:  https://www.instagram.com/the_real_killer_podcast/?igshid=MGU3ZTQzNzY%3DSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Real Killer Season 2: Ep. 7, A Caricature, A Travesty, An Obscenity

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2023 46:30


    Keith shares some of the potentially exculpatory evidence he says prosecutors withheld from his Defense team, proving he didn't receive a fair trial back in 1995. Turns out, there are other people on Death Row saying prosecutors did the same thing to them. If you have any information about the murder of Amber Garrett, contact the Office of the Ohio Public Defender at: 614.728.2715 or teamwogenstahl@gmail.com To learn more about Jeffrey Wogenstahl's case: https://jeffreywogenstahl.com/ For photos and documents related to this and every episode:  https://www.instagram.com/the_real_killer_podcast/?igshid=MGU3ZTQzNzY%3DSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Real Killer Season 2, Ep. 6: This Is My Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2023 25:57


    The 1989 murder case which sent Keith LaMar to prison in the first place comes into question when discrepancies in his story are discovered. But does what happened back then have any bearing on his death row case?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Real Killer Season 2: Ep. 5, Good Luck, Keith

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2023 37:48


    Adjusting to life on Death Row is anything but easy for Keith. Then a new admission by the Special Prosecutor and a chance at a new trial may change everything. Will Keith get his day in court or will the pressure finally break him?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Real Killer Season 2: Ep. 4, Duck Your Head and Full Speed Ahead

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2023 46:55


    Keith LaMar, the alleged leader of the so- called Death Squad, goes on trial. Prosecutors believe they have an open and shut case. Keith's attorneys say they don't. Will Keith get a fair trial or is his fate predetermined? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Real Killer Season 2: Ep. 3, Who Is Keith LaMar?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2023 44:16


    As Keith prepares for trial, his attorneys don't have much confidence in their case. But learning about where Keith comes from sheds some light on how and why he ended up at Lucasville in the first place.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    killers lamar lucasville
    The Real Killer Season 2: Ep. 2, Still Human Beings

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2023 50:09


    The largest investigation in the Ohio State Highway Patrol's history kicks off. Keith LaMar gives his first-person account of what he did and didn't do. Also, a deep dive into what led to the Lucasville Uprising, leaves many asking if all the death and destruction during those 11 horrible days could have been avoided. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Real Killer Season 2: Ep. 1, The Uprising

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2023 43:41


    The 1993 Lucasville Uprising is still one of the longest and deadliest prison riots in U.S. History. When it's all said and done, 10 men are dead and Keith LaMar is labeled the leader of the “Death Squad,” believed to be responsible for killing five. Question is, do they have the right guy?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Trailer: The Real Killer Season 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2023 1:26


    On November 16, 2023, Keith LaMar is scheduled to be executed by the State of Ohio. He has been on Death Row for almost 28 years, convicted of leading a so-called death squad and murdering five men during the 1993 prison uprising at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility. The 11-day revolt is still one of the longest and bloodiest in U.S. history. But Keith claims he's not the real killer; he says he's innocent. He says he was not only targeted by investigators but also railroaded by prosecutors who, he believes, withheld evidence that could have cleared his name. When true crime writer and producer, Leah Rothman looks into Keith's case, she finds more than she ever expected; she finds herself sucked into a story that becomes surprisingly personal. Is the State of Ohio about to kill an innocent man? The clock is ticking.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Something Stinks in Missouri

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2022 30:17


    With an estimated 60,000 innocent people sitting in prison today, many believe it's particularly challenging to free the wrongfully convicted in the state of Missouri. But why? Who is fighting for justice and who isn't? The answer is both shocking and disturbing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    missouri something stinks
    Memories… and Misidentifications

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2022 32:42


    How did the focus shift from Melissa's initial statement that, “Bill did it,” to Rodney becoming the prime suspect? Experts break down the police procedures which may have altered the course of the investigation, as well as the science behind how memories work and change over time. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Wished Her No Harm

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2022 45:01


    JoAnn's neighbor, Steve Yancey, is currently serving time in a Kansas prison for a heinous crime. For the first time publicly, he shares his memories of JoAnn, Melissa, and Renee, the day of the murder, and his interview with police. Will anything Yancey says reveal he's the real killer? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    36 Years and 10 Days

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2022 52:21


    Rodney Lincoln has now spent more than three decades in prison and his legal options are running out. But, there is a glimmer of hope when the new St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner says his case deserves another look. Then, a scandal at the highest level changes everything. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Tommy... or Who?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2022 51:11


    Melissa is convinced serial killer Tommy Lynn Sells is the one behind the sadistic attack on her family. Crime writer Diane Fanning, who interviewed Sells at length, says the JoAnn Tate murder has his name written all over it; however, Sells' whereabouts at the time of murder is hotly debated. But, there is someone else, someone much closer to home, who many say may have done it… and even confessed. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    I Need To Go Back

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2022 40:26


    In 2015, Melissa is interviewed about her story for a syndicated true crime show. On the program, she is adamant that she knows, with every fiber of her being, Rodney Lincoln is the one who murdered her mom and viciously attacked her and her sister, Renee. But after the show airs, something unexpected happens which changes the lives of those closest to the case and jumpstarts a legal battle of epic proportions. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Tell Me If I'm Guilty

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2022 51:00


    Kay Lincoln is on a mission to prove her dad is innocent. When new evidence is accidentally discovered and existing physical evidence is re-tested, the case looks like it may take a dramatic turn. Melissa, still reeling from the trauma of her mother's murder and her own violent assault, fights back. Meanwhile, a new suspect emerges, leaving some to wonder if he may be the real killer. To see bonus materials from The Real Killer, including Rodney Lincoln's lineup photo and St. Louis Metro PD's suspect sketch, see: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzxxWR Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Life Imprisoned

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2021 48:36


    With the dramatic trials finally behind them, Melissa and her sister, Renee, are ready to move on with their lives. Unfortunately, it's an uphill battle. Rodney Lincoln fights to stay alive in prison while his daughter, Kay, takes matters into her own hands. She launches her own investigation into the case—and what she uncovers is stunning. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    JoAnn and Rodney

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2021 43:36


    A chance meeting in a neighborhood bar brings JoAnn Tate and Rodney Lincoln together; now police are investigating him for her murder. But Melissa's memory of Rodney Lincoln and the record of his criminal past aren't helping his case. Although he maintains his innocence, after two trials, Rodney is convicted and sent away. That should be the end of it. Instead, it's only the beginning. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Hunt Is On

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2021 29:47


    The search is on for JoAnn Tate's killer. Melissa becomes Metro P.D.'s most prized eyewitness, but it takes a nearly month and a look into the pages of JoAnn's diary before Melissa points the finger at Rodney Lincoln, an ex-boyfriend of her mom's. Lincoln's daughters watch in horror as their dad is taken away by detectives. What happens next will rock the family's world forever. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A Bad Feeling

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2021 30:00


    As TV producer Leah Rothman sets out to reinvestigate the horrific murder of 35 year-old JoAnn Tate and the savage attack on her two young daughters, she travels back to where it all took place: St. Louis, Missouri. Melissa, who barely survived that night, shares the moment-by-moment, gut-wrenching account of what she and her family endured, including what happened when her uncle found them and screamed “Who did this to you?!” To everyone's surprise, Melissa gives him a name. The hunt is on for the killer. WARNING: This episode contains explicit descriptions of a violent crime that may not be suitable for all listeners. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Introducing: The Real Killer

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2021 1:31


    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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