Crime Junkie

This episode investigates the decades-long pursuit of justice for a series of murders in Portland, linked to Homer Lee Jackson III through fingerprint and DNA evidence. The narrative explores the complexities of the investigation, including forensic discrepancies, controversial interrogation tactics that led to suppressed statements, and the legal challenges of separating trials which prevented prosecutors from presenting a full pattern of violence. The investigation also highlights significant gaps in the handling of specific cases, such as the 1987 murder of Latangi, and examines missed leads involving other suspects. The case ultimately reached a resolution through an Alford plea, leaving behind reflections on the impact of investigative failures on victims' families and the importance of thorough cold case work.

The hosts examine the inconsistencies surrounding the death of Heather Turner, analyzing physical evidence such as the state of the bathroom and the lack of stippling on her wound. The discussion explores theories regarding a potential staged scene, the validity of the suicide note, and suspicious behavior involving Andy Turner and his family. Following the official closure of the case by the Paulding County Sheriff's Office, the episode covers the Coroner's decision to call for an inquest to present evidence publicly. The episode also features Christy Chupp, who shares her personal journey of surviving domestic abuse and how that trauma inspired her to pursue a career in criminal justice.

This episode investigates the death of Heather Turner, initially reported as a suicide by her husband, Andy. While Andy presented an image of a perfect marriage, investigators and witnesses revealed evidence of domestic violence, workplace disciplinary issues, and controlling behavior. The investigation delves into allegations of physical and sexual abuse, potential forensic tampering at the crime scene, and the role of religious influence in suppressing reports of violence. The episode also explores new theories involving uncollected physical evidence and public scrutiny following the emergence of a justice movement for Heather.

This episode investigates the 2009 murder of Noria Maya, a Washington, D.C. entrepreneur. The investigation explores the forensic complexities of the crime, including evidence of sexual assault and the mysterious removal of her fingernails, complicated by the fact that the murder occurred on Halloween night. The narrative follows various leads, from a high-stakes DNA sting operation in Argentina to suspicious connections involving a club owner, a friend named David, and a potential diplomat. As investigators grapple with missing evidence like a red digital camera and inconsistencies in alibis, the episode concludes with an appeal for witnesses to come forward.

This episode investigates the disappearance of 20-year-old Gregory Keith Mann Jr., who vanished after mentioning a secret midnight meeting. The investigation explores suspicious findings, including a red Ford Mustang with seat positions suggesting someone else was driving, and the movements of Keith's friends on the night he was last seen. The discussion delves into potential leads, such as the investigation of Gary Price, unverified rumors regarding the Ron Roberts dealership, and recent police searches at an abandoned car wash. The hosts also examine evidence found during excavations, including a checkbook and photos, while highlighting the mystery surrounding the unidentified individual Keith was scheduled to meet.

This episode investigates the 'Horsch House of Horrors' in North Philadelphia, where a routine stop involving a fake DEA badge led to the discovery of drug operations, weapons, and unsettling evidence including unidentified cremated remains. The investigation delves into the criminal legacy of Raymond Horsch and his son Eugene, examining their connections to several missing women, including Blair Tonzelli and Amy McHale. As authorities processed massive amounts of digital evidence—including hundreds of thousands of images and videos—new potential victims were identified through graphic footage. The investigation continues to grapple with the complexities of unidentified remains, suspicious activities at various properties, and the chillingly documented history of the Horsch family.

This episode investigates the 1983 cold case of Dorothy 'Toby' Tate, a free-spirited traveler found murdered in her van near a California beach. Early investigations into the ambush-style robbery focused on physical evidence like a mysterious campsite registration and a suspect vehicle, but the case eventually went cold for decades. Through the modern use of genetic genealogy and fingerprint analysis, detectives identified Stephen Hardy and Charlie Sneed as persons of interest. While investigators have linked the men to the crime scene through DNA and biological evidence, the identity of the person who pulled the trigger remains an unresolved mystery.

This episode investigates the 1989 murder of an unidentified woman found in the Arizona desert. Initially a cold case marked by significant physical evidence but no identity, modern DNA and database work eventually identified the victim as Marina Ramos. The investigation follows Detective Lori's efforts to uncover the truth behind Marina's death and the disappearance of her two daughters, who were later found abandoned in an Oxnard park. While investigators explore leads involving suspects like Joseph Michael Nisenson and a man known as 'Fernando,' the search for biological connections faces significant obstacles, including suspicious dead ends from potential relatives.

This episode investigates the death of Lakeisha Thompson, which was initially ruled a suicide by investigators despite significant inconsistencies noted by her daughter, Andrea. The narrative follows the struggle for answers as law enforcement dismissed concerns and forensic evidence—such as bullet trajectory, gunshot residue testing, and crime scene photography—remained unaccounted for or contradictory. As the investigation deepens, the hosts analyze body cam footage and missing records that suggest a more complex story involving Lakeisha's fiancé, Nathan. Despite the GBI eventually changing the manner of death from suicide to undetermined after reviewing new evidence, authorities have refused to reopen the case or provide transparency regarding available surveillance footage.

This episode investigates the 1945 disappearance of five Sodder children during a house fire in West Virginia, featuring new research from descendant Miranda Weeks. The investigation explores suspicious circumstances, including the lack of human remains found in the ashes and potential evidence of foul play involving local figures. The narrative delves into theories of a local conspiracy, examining the ties between powerful community members and the jury. It explores how personal grudges and local influence may have driven the kidnapping, highlighting the ongoing search for truth and the profound emotional impact on the Sodder family.

The hosts explore two primary theories regarding the death of Alyssa Romine Olson, investigating potential connections to 'The Last Reformation' religious movement and a suspicious encounter with a man in a green Toyota 4Runner. The investigation also examines several leads, including information provided by individuals named James and Sammy, as well as the role of Luis Bueno. The episode details the investigation into Luis, focusing on evidence found in a backpack and his criminal history, while highlighting the failure of authorities to follow up on potential leads due to destroyed evidence. Finally, the hosts discuss the lack of progress and transparency in the case, addressing issues with redacted police files, unverified FBI involvement, and the family's frustration with the Gilbert Police Department.

The hosts analyze a Netflix documentary regarding the death of Micah Miller, exploring the disturbing dynamics of abuse and manipulation within her husband's evangelical ministry. The discussion covers themes of psychological control, medical coercion, and the use of religious authority to maintain power and isolate victims. The episode further delves into allegations of infidelity, sexual misconduct involving minors, and financial fraud within the church structure. The hosts also examine significant inconsistencies in the investigation surrounding Micah's death, including unexplained gaps in her timeline and forensic discrepancies regarding evidence at the scene.

This episode examines the 2016 death of Alyssa Romine Olson, whose body was discovered in a Gilbert, Arizona, nature preserve. While authorities initially framed the death as a suicide due to depression, investigators and family members point to significant discrepancies, including missing personal belongings and suspicious redactions within the autopsy and DNA evidence files. The investigation also focuses on the behavior of Alyssa's husband, Brayden, following her disappearance. The hosts explore his erratic religious-based claims regarding supernatural involvement in the death, his deletion of digital footprints, and his unsettlingly detached reaction to the news, leaving the case in an undetermined state.

The hosts examine the brutal, ritualistic murder of Bill and Peggy Stevenson in Boone County, Kentucky. Investigators initially grappled with a staged crime scene, examining forensic evidence and pursuing leads involving a mysterious trucker and the victims' nephew, Stevie. A major breakthrough occurred when a lab technician identified a partial fingerprint match linked to a man from a western state. However, the investigation faced a significant complication when DNA evidence found at the scene failed to match the individual identified by the fingerprint.

This episode investigates the 1989 disappearance of Carrie O'Brien Kruger in Wisconsin, focusing on the suspicious behavior and inconsistent accounts provided by her husband, Tracy. Investigators uncovered a pattern of deception, including forged signatures and false claims of medical issues, alongside significant failures by the Burlington Police Department, such as the mishandling and destruction of physical evidence. The investigation further explores new leads, including the potential involvement of a neighboring serial killer, Philip Andrew Fox, and mysterious clues involving a contractor's observations of basement repairs. As investigators struggle to decipher outdated phone records, the episode concludes with a call for information to help solve this long-standing mystery.

The hosts investigate the disappearance of Joyce LePage, examining theories involving a meditation group known as SIMS and potential suspects like Mark Wadley. The investigation delves into cryptic warnings from Joyce's friend Kay regarding chemistry and threats, alongside suspicious behavior from her roommate, Bruce Beerbomb, whose inconsistent timelines and letters raise significant questions. The episode further explores leads involving a former student named Steve, a suspicious campus police officer, and an unidentified long-distance call. The discussion concludes by highlighting the $100,000 reward offered by Joyce's brother to help solve this decades-old cold case.

Ashley Flowers introduces Brianna Whitney, a new breaking news reporter for Crime Junkie, to discuss her firsthand experience reporting on the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case. The episode explores the early days of the investigation in Tucson, including the discovery of blood at the scene and the arrival of ransom notes demanding Bitcoin. The discussion details the chilling specifics of the ransom notes, the release of surveillance video featuring 'Porch Guy,' and the complexities of the investigation, such as crime scene contamination and tensions between authorities. The hosts also examine the theory of an 'evolved wrench attack' targeting digital assets and the lack of recent updates on key evidence.

This episode investigates the 1971 disappearance of Joyce LePage, a 21-year-old Washington State University student. The investigation follows her final known activities, the discovery of human remains in a canyon, and the bizarre clue of a piece of carpet missing from a hiding spot. The hosts analyze several persons of interest, including Mike Finch, whose inconsistent alibi and travel timeline raised significant suspicion, as well as the potential involvement of Ted Bundy. The episode also explores new theories involving a contract worker with proximity to the scene and a mysterious meditation group.

This episode investigates the case of Roger Huber, a correctional officer accused of grooming and sexually abusing multiple young girls. The investigation gained momentum after Cheryl Rucci provided a detailed confession that helped build a case against him, but the momentum stalled when Cheryl mysteriously disappeared just as she was set to testify via subpoena. The discussion explores suspicious circumstances surrounding Cheryl's disappearance, including potential police negligence, witness intimidation, and unverified leads involving a mysterious encounter on Route 71. Despite Huber's criminal history, the episode examines the legal proceedings that led to his indictment and the controversial leniency of his sentencing.

This episode details the tragic murder of 19-year-old Carmen Van Huss in Indianapolis, an investigation that spanned over three decades. Initially complicated by a lack of forced entry and a devastating laboratory error that misidentified the killer's profile, the case remained cold for years despite the dedicated efforts of Sergeant Bill Carter. Through the use of genetic genealogy and support from Season of Justice, investigators eventually identified Dana Shepard as the suspect, leading to his arrest in 2024. The episode concludes with the resolution of the case via a plea deal and the passage of 'Carmen's Law' in Indiana, which expands access to advanced DNA testing for cold cases.

This episode investigates a violent incident in Fairfax County where federal agent Brendan Banfield shot an intruder who had stabbed his wife, Christine. What initially appeared to be a tragic home invasion was revealed through digital forensics and blood pattern analysis to be a meticulously planned 'catfishing' scheme orchestrated by Brendan and the family's au pair, Juliana. The investigation uncovered evidence that the pair used a BDSM persona to lure Joseph Ryan to the house, intending to frame him for the murders. The narrative follows the legal proceedings, including the prosecution of the Banfields, the defense's attempts to rewrite the victims' legacies, and the eventual life sentence handed to Brendan.

This episode investigates the 2018 disappearance of 23-year-old Brittany Wallace Shank, who vanished after appearing at a stranger's home following a minor car accident. The hosts explore conflicting accounts regarding her companion, investigating whether she was with her boyfriend or an unidentified 'mystery man,' and examine theories that she may have been fleeing an altercation. The investigation delves into suspicious connections involving Ashley Hooley and Brittany's ex-husband, Eric Shank, including the discovery of a phone backplate and a gas receipt. Through analysis of prison call recordings, polygraph discrepancies, and volatile family dynamics, the hosts piece together a web of uncertainty surrounding the unsolved case.

Alberta O. Jones was breaking barriers in Louisville, Kentucky. She was the first Black woman prosecutor in the city’s history, she helped register some 6,000 Black citizens to vote, and she was a leader in the city’s civil rights movement. But on Aug. 5, 1965 – before she could make even more changes in the highly segregated city – Alberta was found dead floating in the Ohio River. The night before, she reluctantly went out late to visit a close friend, setting off a 60-year mystery that has led to more questions than answers.

In November 2024, 15-year-old Tripp Brazeale was found hanging from a tree in the middle of the woods of Forrest City, Arkansas. His death was quickly ruled a suicide, but in the weeks and months that followed, details of the case began to emerge that led Tripp's family, friends, and a private investigator to realize things might not be as clear-cut as they were led to believe.

A call from someone you love in crisis is terrifying enough - but what if the voice begging for help isn’t really them? We break down how AI voice cloning is fueling virtual kidnapping scams, why panic is the weapon scammers count on, and the one conversation your family should have before the phone rings.

In the summer of 1973, the Jaeger family wakes at a Montana campground to every parent's nightmare: their young daughter, Susie, is gone. Searches turn up nothing, until a man begins tormenting the family with chilling calls and letters. He has Susie, and he has no intention of giving her back. As investigators race to find her, more victims begin to surface. The case finally breaks when a determined mother joins forces with the FBI’s newly formed behavioral profiling unit. Together, they uncover the truth about what happened to Susie and bring long-awaited answers to three other grieving families.

Bobby, Sherilynn, and 6-year-old Madyson Jamison went to the Sans Bois Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma in search of a fresh start. The family planned to live off the land in a remote, rugged area of Latimer County. But on Oct. 8, 2009, they vanished – leaving behind their truck with all their belongings inside. Their remains were found four years later, less than 3 miles from where the truck was abandoned. Now, more than a decade later, the circumstances surrounding their deaths remain a mystery.

On Black Friday 2016, 22-year-old Christopher “Cole” Thomas was driving through rural North Carolina with two coworkers. Hours later, the coworkers approached police and said Cole had suddenly panicked, pulled over, and ran into the dark, never to be seen again.

Spencer Irwin was just 30 years old when he vanished one Sunday morning in July 2024. Days later, his body was found in a way that raised questions – naked, alone and quickly dismissed by authorities. But their assumptions about Spencer were wrong. As his mother began asking questions, the answers she received only raised more red flags: no autopsy, missing belongings and a timeline full of gaps no one seemed interested in filling. When toxicology results came back, they didn’t just complicate the story, they began to unravel it.

On May 4, 2007, 19-year-old Brittany McGlone did something she rarely did. Instead of going home after work, she went to her boyfriend’s house. By that afternoon, she was found dead in his bed, brutally beaten. She was naked, and her underwear was missing from the scene. In the home’s only bathroom, investigators found signs the killer may have showered before leaving. There were no signs of forced entry or robbery, only a small circle of people who knew she would be there. More than 15 years later, one man was arrested, but he was later released and walked free. Someone still knows what happened in that house.

The Melissa Casias case keeps unraveling, and the more we learn, the less anything makes sense. New details have emerged about the strange woman who showed up at Sierra's job to deliver $50 in graduation money, and the trail leads to a confusing tangle of mismatched names. Meanwhile, the family fracture has only widened, with a private investigator turning up the heat and the FBI now stepping in. Was Mark's theory about a subcontractor closer to the truth than anyone realized? Or is this just another dead end in a case that refuses to stay still?

In June 2025, Melissa Casias dropped her husband off at work in Los Alamos, New Mexico… then did something nobody expected. She turned around and drove home. By that afternoon, she had vanished, leaving behind her wallet, her keys, both of her personal phones wiped to factory settings, and a family already splitting in two over what to believe. Her husband, Mark, insists she walked away on her own. Her parents and siblings are certain something far worse happened to her. Surveillance video proves she was alive walking along Highway 518 that day. But where she went next - and why - is a question that only deepens the further you pull at it.

In 1976, a 22-year-old nursing student was murdered in her Los Angeles apartment, leaving behind just one clue: a bloody fingerprint. Decades later, that print was matched—and the case was quietly marked solved. But no one ever publicly announced who did it. So we set out to find the answer… and to uncover what else he may have done.

In the summer of 1969, Stephanie Casberg walked out the front door of a Milwaukee restaurant after her waitressing shift — and was never seen alive again. Days later, her dismembered remains were found near a condemned bridge along the Root River, leaving investigators with a chilling conclusion: the work of someone methodical, skilled and patient.

On the heels of our investigation into Laura Sweetman’s death, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office fulfilled our FOIA request, providing new audio files—including recordings of Laura arguing with her estranged husband, Dave, and deputies’ interview with him. Laura was found dead in her Gilbert, Arizona bathtub in December 2013, and despite early red flags, her case was ruled undetermined and quietly closed. Now, these newly obtained materials raise fresh questions. Listen to our update on Laura Sweetman now.

In December 2013, 42-year-old Laura Sweetman was found dead in the bathtub of her home in Gilbert, Arizona. Despite numerous red flags identified during early interviews, her death was ruled undetermined and the case was quietly closed. More than a decade later, our team has uncovered critical details that were overlooked, raising questions about whether the investigation was prematurely closed.

In May 2020, Nick Cordova was shot in the head while on FaceTime with his children. Suspicion initially focused on one man, but surveillance video showed he was not the shooter. Nearly six years later, Cordova’s family is still pleading for answers.

An arrest has been made in the 1990 Lovers' Lane murders of Cheryl Henry and Andy Atkinson. More than 30 years after the killings, a DNA match led investigators to a suspect. Listen for the full update and to learn what investigators need your help with.

At a busy campsite one summer night, Darrel “Bubba” Johnson Sr. says goodnight and zips up his tent. By sunrise, he’s gone. No Bubba. Just a borrowed flashlight, a phone that pings but is never found, and stories that don’t make much sense. Did Bubba wander off…or did something more sinister happen in the dark?

In July 2015, Mary Yoder, a healthy 60-year-old chiropractor, went to work as usual. Later that day, she began feeling sick. Within 48 hours, she was dead. At first, her sudden decline seemed like a medical mystery. But investigators soon uncovered evidence of poisoning, launching a murder investigation that divided her family and the community.

In the summer of 2015, Mary Yoder, a healthy 60-year-old chiropractor, went to work as usual. Later that day, she began feeling sick. Within two days, she was dead. At first, her sudden decline seemed like a medical mystery. But investigators soon uncovered evidence of poisoning, launching a murder investigation that divided her family and the community.

In the 1980s and early 1990s, a serial predator targeted young girls in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. He wore a mask and left little evidence behind. Investigators described him as calm and calculating, earning him the nickname, “Mr. Cruel.” More than three decades later, he has never been caught. But continued reporting by crime journalists and renewed hope from crime junkies have kept the case in the spotlight, fueling hope that his identity may one day be revealed.

In 1981, a Harvard graduate student vanished after stepping out of Logan Airport the night after Thanksgiving. As investigators searched for answers, they focused on a suspect connected to another murder – a woman who was killed just two years earlier. He was convicted in one case and widely believed responsible for the other. But after reviewing thousands of pages of records, we found gaps that raise difficult questions: Was the wrong man blamed? And is the real killer still out there?

In 1984, when Robin Altman was just 22 years old, her brother Steven was found hanging by his neck in an apparent suicide. 12 years later, tragedy struck this family again when Robin's mother Mary Ann took her own life by self-strangulation. But Robin had a nagging feeling that something wasn't right. There was one question she could not get out of her head: what if these deaths weren't suicides at all? What if her brother Steven and her mother Mary Ann were murdered? Robin embarks on a journey to find the truth.

On June 2, 2022, Rachel Hansen opened her eyes to a dark figure standing over her bed, staring at her. She screamed, and the person took off. But the very next night — just after 2 a.m. — a dark figure entered her Gilbert, Arizona, apartment again, kicked down her bedroom door and shot her in the abdomen before fleeing.

The 1986 shooting of 16-year-old twin sisters Jill and Julie Hansen stunned the small town of Willow Creek, California. The investigation into who shot the girls and set fire to the Hansen family home is marked by twists and turns, with evidence ultimately pointing back to a suspect close to the family. Did tunnel vision cause investigators to overlook critical pieces of evidence?

A Chicago house fire killed a firefighter’s wife and their three children. The city called it a tragic accident. But as we pulled records and spoke with those who knew the family best, the story began to unravel. This is the untold story of the Day-Stewart family fire.

What began as a whirlwind romance in the midst of a murder in 1970s DC, ended in a mysterious tragedy in small-town Indiana. Separated by five months, the deaths of Bobby and his wife, Barbara Moore, tore a town and a family apart.

This is the full sit-down interview between Ashley and Elizabeth Smart -- a powerful 90 minutes of raw, unedited conversation with one of the most real and honest and deep-down GOOD human beings we've ever had the privilege of knowing.

R&B radio fans in Dayton, Ohio, knew Kelly Dee Wilson as her on air name Nikki Brooks. When Wilson turned up murdered in her apartment after her show in March 2000, the community was shocked.