True Crimecast

America certainly has no shortage of conspiracies. The moon landing, JFK and MLK makes us question what we really know. Today, another conspiracy will be the topic of discussion. Did John Wilkes Booth manage to escape justice and live out his life in peace? Did his body travel the country as a sideshow exhibit? Did you know Jamie shares the same initials as this traitor?To hear the rest of this episode, and many other exclusive episodes, visit patreon.com to sign up!  --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Franklin Township Police Sergeant Kevin Bollaro was charged with second-degree official misconduct for allegedly ignoring multiple August 2025 911 calls reporting an active double murder. Instead of responding, investigators proved through GPS data that Bollaro was conducting personal errands (ATM, dinner) and sleeping in a cemetery while on duty. Seriously...what the heck? --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A 14-year-old boy in Greater Manchester, England, known as "John," became the first person in British legal history to be convicted of inciting his own murder. Feeling isolated, John created six fake online personas to manipulate an older friend, "Mark," into stabbing him, convincing Mark it was a "mission" for the British Secret Service. The episode details the intricate digital deception that led to the 2003 stabbing and John's subsequent conviction, highlighting the disturbing legal and psychological consequences of self-destructive behavior in the digital age. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The 1986 murder of San Diego college student Cara Knott exposed a shocking abuse of power by a law enforcement officer. After Cara's body was found near an I-15 off-ramp, the investigation focused on an officer with the California Highway Patrol, whose patrol route covered the area. Dozens of women testified that this officer had previously sexually harassed them after pulling them over at the same location. Would the evidence lead to a conviction in Cara's case? --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Houston is facing a disturbing pattern of deaths after at least 16 bodies were pulled from the city's bayous this year, including that of Kenneth Cutting Jr., 22. The episode covers the victims found with no obvious trauma or drugs, leading to "undetermined" causes of death. We explore the family's disbelief that Kenneth drowned, their claims of being "gaslit," and Mayor John Whitmire's insistence that there is no serial killer and the deaths are linked to homelessness and drug use. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a bold daylight raid on Sunday, October 19, 2025, thieves breached the Louvre Museum in Paris, stealing priceless French crown jewels from the Galerie d'Apollon. This episode details the audacious heist where intruders, disguised with construction gear, used a basket lift platform to break a window on the Seine-facing façade. The entire operation—smashing display cases and loading up necklaces, crowns, and tiaras—took only four to seven minutes before the thieves fled on motorbikes. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is the heartbreaking case of Benjamin Elliott, a 17-year-old in Katy, Texas, convicted of murdering his twin sister Meghan Elliott. The episode details the loving sibling bond shattered when Benjamin fatally stabbed Meghan in her sleep. His defense claimed the act was due to a sleepwalking (parasomnia) episode, citing a family history of sleep disorders. Prosecutors countered with phone data and a chilling 911 confession to argue premeditation. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The release of Ronald Exantus, a man convicted in the brutal 2015 fatal stabbing of 6-year-old Logan Tipton, has sparked national outrage. Exantus, a former dialysis nurse, was released 13 years early from his 20-year sentence, despite the Parole Board denying him parole. We cover the furious reaction from Logan's family, who are pushing for "Logan's Law" to close the loophole, and the federal scrutiny the case is now under, with the White House confirming it is "looking into" the release of the convicted killer. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Halloween yard display in Stanton, Kentucky, led to the arrest of a local man on charges of intimidating a witness and third-degree terroristic threatening. This episode details the unsettling scene where five effigies, wrapped in black trash bags, were labeled with titles like "district judge," "mayor," and "C.A." One figure was found hanging by a rope. We explore how the highly specific nature of the labels and the grotesque imagery caused local officials to view the display not as protected free speech or holiday decor, but as a deliberate attempt to terrorize and influence public officials involved in the legal process.  --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The life and unsolved murder of Christopher "Notorious B.I.G." Wallace remains one of hip-hop's greatest tragedies. This episode charts his rise from a Brooklyn drug dealer to the savior of East Coast hip-hop, detailing his early career with Sean "Puffy"  (Diddy) Combs and the meteoric success of his albums Ready to Die and the posthumously released Life After Death. The story pivots on his infamous rivalry with Tupac Shakur, which began after Tupac was shot in 1994. It culminates with Biggie's own unsolved murder in a 1997 Los Angeles drive-by shooting.  --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's bonus episode, John spoke with retired officer, Gary Linnemeyer about traffic stops. Numerous videos online depict citizens refusing to give police their identification cards, refusing to cooperate until the officer explains the reason for the stop, or simply refusing to do anything the officer says until their supervisor shows up. What is the law in these situations? Today's episode will answer those questions and more!  --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When Vallejo, California resident Renia Lewis, 28, went missing, the search led police to a home where her remains were hidden in a secretly accessed attic. The episode details the investigation, the multiple visits to the home, and the swift arrest of Douglas Irwin Shaw, 41, who later confessed to the murder. The case focuses on the shocking method of concealment and the ongoing mystery surrounding the motive. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Serving a life sentence for murder in Iowa, prisoner Benjamin Schreiber claimed his term was fulfilled after his heart briefly stopped during a 2015 medical crisis. This episode details Schreiber's bizarre legal argument that his momentary clinical "death" counted as serving the rest of his natural life. We explore the court's rejection of this claim, affirming that since he was revived and is legally alive, his life sentence remains in effect. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode exposes the shocking downfall of Jared Fogle, the former face of Subway. Known for his dramatic weight loss, Fogle was arrested in 2015 on federal charges related to child pornography and illicit sexual conduct with minors. The story details the years-long FBI investigation, the use of an undercover informant, and the role of his friend and charity director. It concludes with Fogle's conviction and his sentence of 15 years and 8 months, detailing the betrayal that shattered his public persona. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Anna Sonoda, LCSW is a graduate of Emory University, where she double-majored in Anthropology and French Studies, and earned her Master's in Social Work from the University of Georgia in 2006. She became a licensed clinical social worker in 2009.With a career spanning counseling convicted sexual offenders, working in residential mental health, leading anger management and domestic violence programs, and supporting individuals with dual diagnoses, Anna brings rare, front-line expertise into the realities of predatory behavior.As both a clinician and a mother, she recognized a profound gap: society reacts to child sexual abuse after the fact but rarely teaches families how to stop it before it begins. This realization inspired her groundbreaking work, Duck Duck Groom: Understanding How a Child Becomes a Target (2022), a first-of-its-kind resource equipping parents and professionals to detect grooming before abuse occurs.Buy Duck Duck Groom here!  --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode explores the bizarre case of William Tager, the man who fatally shot a stagehand outside the NBC studios in 1994. The true crime story is infamous for Tager's confession to also being the attacker who assaulted CBS anchor Dan Rather in 1986, repeatedly asking: "Kenneth, what is the frequency?" We detail Tager's mental delusions—including his claims of being a time traveler—and his subsequent conviction, examining how his violent acts connected two major media incidents and became a lasting cultural phenomenon. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In 1999 our favorite albums were nearly $20, which is a lot of money if you're in high school and have no job. However, a software company called Napster came to our rescue. With this software, we had all of the world's music available at just the click of a mouse (and 4,728 minutes of wait time.). Over 60 million users of this service enjoyed unlimited downloads of our favorite artists. But one day, the music died. What happened?This episode is fully available for all supporters of True Crimecast on Patreon. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A massive, brazen smash-and-grab heist at Heller Jewelers in San Ramon, California, shocked the Bay Area. This episode details the daylight robbery where two dozen masked, armed thieves stormed the store. The suspects were temporarily trapped when the security doors locked, forcing them to shoot their way out. We explore the minute-long coordinated attack, the ensuing police chase tracked by drones and aerial surveillance, and the arrests of seven suspects. The case highlights a disturbing organized retail theft trend, where large rings use overwhelming force to target high-value goods. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We explore the bizarre 2009 "Balloon Boy" hoax, where parents Richard and Mayumi Heene staged a national panic by claiming their six-year-old son, Falcon, was trapped in a runaway homemade flying saucer. This episode details the chaotic search, the moment Falcon was found, the on-air slip that exposed the stunt as a desperate bid for a reality show, and the felony charges and restitution that followed. We also cover the controversial 2020 pardon and hear from Falcon today, who still grapples with the fallout of the infamous media circus. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The 2007 murder of Danny Harris, a veteran and father, inside his Memphis apartment, was a case that quickly went cold. This episode features host Stephanie Tinsley of the podcast Everything They Missed, who has spent the past year re-investigating the case. It starts with a name—a suspect quickly dismissed—and then leads to a tangled web of overlooked evidence: a mysterious truck, a missing checkbook, and crucial fingerprints that never led to an arrest. Join us as we explore the vital clues that were missed, the voices that went unheard, and the truth behind Danny Harris's brutal murder.Follow Stephanie on social @thestephanietinsley!Download Everything They Missed!Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everything-they-missed/id1834984809Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1EXFy1oeWh8kxwoqkGYRpl --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A school groundskeeper turned administrator becomes the center of an ethics scandal when he (allegedly) illegally trades in 11 lawnmowers belonging to Akron Public Schools. After obtaining seven of the machines at a "friends and family" rate, he then (allegedly) tried to sell five of them on Facebook Marketplace for a significant profit.  --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tobey Maguire's rise to Hollywood fame is well known, but his family's past holds a darker secret. This episode of True Crimecast explores the 1993 bank robbery committed by Tobey's father, Vincent Maguire, in Reseda, California. The episode details the confirmed facts of the crime and conviction, which Tobey himself has acknowledged, while also dispelling common online rumors.  --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rafael Miguel, a former Brazilian child star, and his girlfriend, Isabela (Matias) Tibcherani, fell victim to Isabela's abusive and possessive father, Paulo. The story details Isabela's terrifying home life and the secret love she shared with Rafael. When Rafael and his parents went to Isabela's home to talk, Paulo was waiting for them...but not to talk. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee, the investigative team behind the Murder Sheet podcast and a series of bombshell reports on the Delphi case, have put forth the only definitive account of the entire investigation. Shadow of the Bridge: The Delphi Murders and the Dark Side of the American Heartland goes deeper and offers more detail than what was shared on the popular Murder Sheet podcast, answering many of the questions that have haunted so many since the deaths of Libby and Abby. Most importantly, in working closely with the German and Williams families, Cain and Greenlee tell the stories of who these two warm, bright, and promising girls were to all who cared for them. With rigorous research and captivating prose, Shadow of the Bridge is a powerful narrative of a complicated, twisting story of tragedy and a community's determination to see justice.Follow Murder Sheet!Web: https://murdersheetpodcast.com/Facebook: facebook.com/MSheetPodcastInstagram: @murdersheetPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/murdersheetX/Twitter: @murdersheetYouTube: @themurdersheetGet your book signed and meet Áine and Kevin: https://murdersheetpodcast.com/eventsBuy the book!Bookshop.org Link:https://bookshop.org/p/books/shadow-of-the-bridge-the-delphi-murders-and-the-dark-side-of-the-american-heartland-aine-cain/21866881?ean=9781639369232Simon & Schuster Link:https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Shadow-of-the-Bridge/Aine-Cain/9781639369232Amazon Link:https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Bridge-Murders-American-Heartland/dp/1639369236Audible Link for Audiobook:https://www.audible.com/pd/Shadow-of-the-Bridge-Audiobook/B0F8KSNW7YBarnes and Noble Link for Audiobook:https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadow-of-the-bridge-kevin-greenlee/1147419487 --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join us as we revisit one of the most shocking scandals in college sports history: the 1984-85 Tulane University basketball point-shaving scandal. The episode breaks down the criminal and institutional events that led to the program's demise, including the arrests of several players on charges of sports bribery and conspiracy. It explores the allegations that players accepted money to manipulate game outcomes, the internal NCAA violations uncovered by the university, and the unprecedented decision by Tulane to disband its men's basketball program. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In October 2000, two women with the same name, but no other known connection, were found murdered in their cars just days apart. The episode details the unsettling similarities between the two deaths—neither appeared to be a robbery, and both victims were found inside their vehicles. We explore the investigation and the theories that have emerged, including the possibility of a botched hit or a case of mistaken identity. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of True Crimecast, we take a deep dive into the world of forensic science. We explore the history and methods behind the most critical tools used to solve crimes, including fingerprints, DNA, and ballistics. The episode discusses how these forensic techniques have revolutionized criminal investigations, but also reveals the surprising flaws, controversies, and ethical debates that accompany each. From the "silent witness" of a fingerprint to the power of a DNA database, this episode uncovers the science behind justice—and the human fallibility that comes with it. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brittany Weinberger is the author of a fascinating book called "Whispers in the Cradle: Uncovering the Dark Side of English Nursery Rhymes". Jamie and John met Brittany at CrimeCon, and they HAD to have her on to talk about the book.Buy "Whispers in the Cradle" here! https://amzn.to/41LVI52Follow Brittany online!Instagram: @tinybrit05TikTok: @tiny_bit05Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1373152197067111Book Description:How could something as innocent as “London Bridge is Falling Down” carry the weight of destruction and death? Why does “Ring Around the Rosie” feel eerily like a whispered funeral dirge? And who—or what—really inspired “The Muffin Man”? With each page, I peeled back the layers of folklore and unearthed stories of political intrigue, forbidden faiths, brutal punishment, and untold tragedy.This isn't just a collection of familiar tunes—it's a descent into the shadowy corners of history, where nursery rhymes served as coded messages, laments, and warnings. They speak of kings toppled, children exploited, families torn apart, and lives consumed by fire, famine, and fear. These songs were never as innocent as they seemed.If you think you know nursery rhymes, think again. Whispers in the Cradle will shatter everything you thought you understood about the melodies of your childhood. Some truths are too dark to stay buried, and some whispers too haunting to ignore. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In March 2025, thieves made off with eight brand-new Corvettes from the Chevrolet Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky, leading to a high-speed chase and the arrest of two suspects. Just five months later, the plant was hit again, this time for two high-end Corvette ZR1s. The episode details the crimes, the high-octane police pursuits, and the eventual arrests.  --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon!

On September 19, 2024, in a small Kentucky courthouse, Judge Kevin Mullins was shot and killed by his longtime friend and colleague, Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines. The episode walks listeners through the shocking events, from security footage capturing the fatal moment to Stines's immediate surrender and his defense of "extreme emotional disturbance." With the motive still unconfirmed, Jamie and John explore the deep-seated questions and rampant speculation that have shattered a community. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon!

Lori Paige is a 12-year-old girl whose disappearance in June 2023 ended in a shocking murder. The episode covers the timeline of events, from Lori's troubled childhood and the red flags in her home life to the killer's suspicious online searches and movements in the days surrounding her disappearance. It documents the nearly two-year investigation that uncovered a trail of damning evidence, including Lori's blood in her killer's car, phone pings to a remote location, and a disturbing motive linked to sexual assault.  --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon!

Laken Snelling, a University of Kentucky student, was arrested in August 2025 after her newborn infant was found deceased and concealed in a closet. This episode breaks down the timeline of events, from the initial police dispatch to Snelling's arrest and subsequent not-guilty plea. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon!

For decades, Sheriff Buford Pusser was celebrated as a hero who survived a brutal ambush that killed his wife, Pauline. Now, a cold-case review of the 1967 crime has revealed stunning new forensic evidence. The hosts discuss how blood spatter analysis and medical examiner findings suggest that Pauline was shot outside the car, and that Pusser's own wound may have been self-inflicted. The new evidence forces a community to grapple with a shocking question: Did the legendary sheriff murder his own wife? --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon!

In this episode of True Crimecast, hosts Jamie and John investigate the 1998 double murder of Victor and Alla Kolesnikow. The conviction of local businessman Greg Lance hinged on circumstantial evidence and a business dispute, but decades later, new witness testimonies have cast doubt on the verdict. The episode explores the police's "tunnel vision" and raises the haunting question: Did the state of Tennessee convict an innocent man while the real killers walked free? --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon!

Lead True Crimecast writer Mackenzie joins this Patreon exclusive episode to debate Jamie on Scott Peterson's guilt. Could he really be innocent? And if he is, can Jamie be convinced of that? --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon!

A man disappears during a kayaking trip in Green Lake, Wisconsin, triggering a massive two-month search. But when investigators make a shocking discovery, the story takes an unbelievable turn. Join Jamie and John as they unravel the strange case of the Wisconsin kayaker who staged his own death. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon!

During a highly anticipated high school football rivalry game in Mayfield, Kentucky, a shooting in the stadium parking lot left an 18-year-old wounded and a 14-year-old in police custody. Join us as we examine the shooting, the quick response of law enforcement, and a community's resilience in the face of tragedy. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon!

Six months after she vanished, Tawnya's remains were found in a secluded farmer's field, turning a missing person case into a homicide investigation. Decades later, with no arrests made, her murder remains a haunting mystery. We'll discuss the challenges faced by law enforcement in the mid-90s, the theories that have circulated over the years, and how modern forensic science offers new hope for a breakthrough. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon!

In a quiet California town, a mother reports a terrifying attack and the abduction of her 7-month-old son, Emmanuel Haro. But as police launch a search, her story unravels. With no witnesses and no leads, investigators are left with a single, chilling possibility: that Emmanuel's disappearance is not what it seems. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon!

In this episode, Jamie and John uncover a shocking story of legal maneuvering after a tragic death at Disney Springs. When a doctor with severe allergies suffers a fatal reaction after a meal, her family sues the entertainment giant for wrongful death. But Disney's response is even more stunning: they attempt to dismiss the lawsuit by using arbitration clauses buried in a Disney+ subscription agreement and a theme park app. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon!

On February 21, 1965, civil rights leader Malcolm X was assassinated while giving a speech in New York City. While three men were convicted of the murder, the case has been shrouded in mystery for decades. In this episode, we explore the life of Malcolm X, from his early years as Malcolm Little to his rise as a prominent and controversial voice in the Nation of Islam. We then dive into the events leading up to his death, including the growing tensions within the Nation of Islam, the death threats, and the multiple law enforcement agencies keeping him under surveillance. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon!

A mother reports her 10-year-old son, Jayden Spicer, missing. An extensive search is launched in rural Kentucky, with K-9s, drones, and hundreds of volunteers scouring the area. But less than a week later, the search becomes a homicide investigation when Jayden's body is discovered in a shallow grave—and his own mother is arrested. --For early, ad free episodes and monthly exclusive bonus content, join our Patreon!