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Criminally Obsessed

Criminally Obsessed goes deeper — inside the investigations, the courtroom drama, and the human stories at the center of the country’s biggest true crime cases. We track breaking developments, uncover overlooked details, and bring clarity to the chaos — always with compassion for victims and the people whose lives are forever changed. Host Anne Emerson brings more than 30 years of award-winning investigative reporting to every episode. She’s covered the nation’s most high-profile trials firsthand, conducted interviews with some of the biggest names in the true crime world — from Amanda Knox to Elizabeth Smart — and has trusted sources connected to the cases dominating the national conversation.

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  1. 75

    The Fate of Lindsay Clancy Is in Their Hands: What Happens If They Don't Agree?

    The Lindsay Clancy jury has entered another day of deliberations, and 12 jurors must now reach a unanimous decision on three separate counts in the Lindsay Clancy trial — with five possible verdicts for each.  What are their actual options, and what happens if they can't agree?  Investigative Reporter Anne Emerson is back from vacation and speaks with Family and Criminal Defense Attorney Ally Crouthamel about what is happening behind the scenes as the jury weighs the extensive record, works through notes and testimony, and asks to re-examine physical evidence from that night. Ally breaks down the five verdicts jurors are weighing for each count — first-degree murder, second-degree murder, manslaughter, not guilty, and not guilty by reason of insanity or lack of criminal responsibility under Massachusetts law — explains why the jury could theoretically reach different verdicts for each child but why she believes that would be unlikely, why conflicting mental health testimony could be decisive for reasonable doubt, and what a deadlocked jury could mean, including the prospect of a retrial. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage of the Lindsay Clancy trial, the Lindsay Clancy verdict watch, courtroom analysis and expert interviews that go beyond the headlines.

  2. 74

    Can You Escape Charles Manson's Shadow? His Granddaughter Says She's Trying

    At 22, Sophia Maddox discovered the grandfather she'd never known was Charles Manson — one of history's most notorious criminals. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Kristin Thorne — filling in for Anne Emerson this week — sits down with Sophia Maddox, co-director of the new documentary My Grandfather, Charles Manson, to talk about the DNA discovery that upended her family and the years-long investigation that followed. Maddox explains how her father's search for his own biological father led to a match with Michael Brunner — one of Manson's sons — and how three separate DNA tests ultimately confirmed Manson as her grandfather. Maddox opens up about growing up believing her family was "cursed," and how that feeling took on new meaning once the truth came out. She discusses undergoing the same Rorschach inkblot test Manson once took, comparing her results to his in search of answers about what she may have inherited — and what she's relieved she didn't. The conversation also digs into Maddox's complicated relationship with her father since the discovery, her frustration with how true crime often flattens victims into footnotes, and why she believes the popular narrative around Manson may not tell the whole story. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing true crime investigations, trial coverage, documentary spotlights, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines. #CharlesManson #SophiaMaddox #MansonFamily #TrueCrime #CriminallyObsessed

  3. 73

    Former Prosecutor: 3 Issues That Decide Lindsay Clancy's Fate

    The Lindsay Clancy trial jury has been living with the evidence day in and day out while the rest of us watch from a distance. As they head toward deliberations, three issues are likely weighing heaviest: the voice Lindsay Clancy allegedly heard, the takeout Patrick Clancy picked up the night of the crime, and the "mortal sin" comments that angered the judge and prompted the defense to ask for a mistrial. Judge William Sullivan refused the mistrial and ordered the jury to disregard the comments — but is that really the end of it? TODAY IN COURT: Both sides have officially rested their cases and the jury will return tomorrow for closing arguments. The Commonwealth's last witness was forensic psychiatrist Gregory Saathoff, who told the jury that Clancy did know right from wrong, but who also, on cross examination, contended that the prosecution's opening statement "minimized" what Lindsay Clancy was going through.  Investigative Reporter Kristin Thorne, filling in for Anne Emerson, sits down with criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor Jack Rice — a courtroom veteran who has argued from both sides — to walk through the three pieces of evidence the jury will carry into the deliberation room, and how each lands through the eyes of the Commonwealth versus the perspective of the defense. Which way will the jury lean, and will all twelve agree?

  4. 72

    Why The Lindsay Clancy Prosecution Will Lose This Trial: Billy Bush's Take

    The Lindsay Clancy trial in Duxbury, Massachusetts is nearing its end, and the jury will soon be deliberating. What will the jury decide? Today in court, forensic psychologist Dr. Kirk Heilbrun wrapped up his testimony after proceedings resumed following Monday’s interruption, when the defense’s mistrial request over religious references in earlier testimony was denied. Heilbrun testified that the 18-to-20-minute period in which the children were killed involved a series of decisions — directly challenging the defense’s argument that Clancy lacked the capacity to make decisions that night. The prosecution’s final rebuttal witness, forensic psychiatrist Dr. Gregory Saathoff, then took the stand. Much of his testimony focused on the voice Clancy reported hearing the night of the killings. Saathoff testified that Clancy said the voice was a clear male voice coming from outside her head, and he questioned aspects of her account. The judge said evidence is expected to conclude Wednesday, with closing arguments likely Thursday. The jury would begin deliberations after the arguments and jury instructions. Outside the courthouse, defense attorney Kevin Reddington said the case's message has "reverberated throughout the whole country" — and the national attention isn't slowing down. Radio and TV veteran Billy Bush, host of the Hot Mics podcast, has been watching the evidence unfold. After following the trial closely, he has a prediction about the verdict. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Kristin Thorne (filling in for Anne Emerson this week) sits down with Bush to break down the defense strategy, the evidence, and the prosecution's missteps. Bush also weighs in on the case's central legal question: whether Lindsay Clancy lacked criminal responsibility due to severe postpartum psychosis at the time of the killings — and whether the jury will find her guilty, not guilty by reason of insanity, or be unable to decide. He has nothing but praise for defense attorney Kevin Reddington, calling the 75-year-old "sharp as a tack" and crediting his authenticity — not performance — for winning over the jury early. The two also get into some lighter territory, including who Bush thinks should play Reddington if this case becomes a movie. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing Lindsay Clancy trial coverage, true crime investigations, courtroom analysis, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines.

  5. 71

    Susan Smith's Prosecutor: What Lindsay Clancy's Jury Must Decide

    As the Lindsay Clancy trial gets closer to a verdict, the prosecutor who convicted Susan Smith breaks down how you prosecute a mother accused of taking the lives of her own children. Former Prosecutor Tommy Pope prosecuted Susan Smith back in 1995, and he said the biggest issue he had to overcome was the defense painting the defendant as a victim. Smith was convicted and sentenced to life for the murders of her two sons, Michael and Alex — she let her car drift into a lake and the boys drowned. Lindsay Clancy, too, has attracted widespread sympathy, and her attorney, 75-year-old Kevin Reddington, has become a sort of savior to the online female community following the case. Her mental state at the time of the incident has become a hot topic throughout the three-week trial, and the defense rested on Friday, August 21st, after 18 days. As we wait for the jury's verdict, Pope lays out what he believes has been done right and wrong, along with the struggles for both sides and the 12 lay people about to decide Clancy's fate. He also lays out the similarities and differences between Clancy's trial and Smith's trial more than 30 years ago.

  6. 70

    Death Of A Pastor's Wife: Doc Director Reveals Pattern Of Control

    Mica Miller devoted her life to her church and her God — no surprise, since her husband was the pastor at Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. On the surface, it looked like a perfect marriage. The director of the new Netflix docuseries Death of a Pastor's Wife, Mike Gasparro, sits down with Valerie Bauerlein to talk about his investigation into the events leading up to the tragedy of April 27, 2024. Why did J.P. Miller focus so much on submission and a husband's expectations in his sermons? Why was Mica hospitalized for her mental health? And what was really happening in the relationship behind closed doors? Gasparro shares what he learned about the patterns of manipulation and control, and how they factor into the questions at the center of the case. Hear from her family and close friends as her husband faces federal cyberstalking charges in this exclusive interview. Death of a Pastor's Wife drops August 26 on Netflix — get the story behind the story so you're the friend who knows the scoop when everyone is binging this three-parter. For more of our coverage of this story: https://youtu.be/NCwkJaAIawc?si=nepevt37lNPeeIEK

  7. 69

    Murdaugh Bombshell: Did Maggie's Shell Casings Match Another Murder?

    IF YOU'VE BEEN FOLLOWING THE MURDAUGH CASE, YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS. At the August 14 motions hearing, Alex Murdaugh's defense attorney, Jim Griffin, dropped a bombshell tied to reporting from FITSNews: a possible connection between the shell casings found next to Maggie Murdaugh's body in 2021 and an execution-style murder just a few miles away in April 2026.  Valerie Bauerlein sits down with FITSNews reporter Jenn Wood to pull back the curtain on that reporting, including the original tip about Frank Alexander Brown III's murder in Allendale County, her verification process, and what she learned directly from South Carolina's State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) just last week — information Wood had no idea would become one of the first things out of the defense's mouth in court. Bauerlein also details never-before-presented texts from Alex Murdaugh's phone that didn't surface during the first trial, digs into the mystery of where Maggie's Mercedes actually is right now (hint: not where it should be), and explains why Eddie Smith has never gone to trial. It's an episode Murdaugh junkies will not want to miss.

  8. 68

    Lindsay Clancy: Why Her Mental Health Providers Didn't See a Crisis

    Lindsay Clancy was under the care of several mental health professionals — so why couldn't they connect the dots? She went from "a loving mother" to a defendant on trial,  and the psychiatric care leading up to this case is under a microscope. Today, Kevin Reddington, Clancy's defense attorney, called Dr. Donald Condie, a clinical and forensic psychiatrist, to the stand. He showed jurors some of what he believes Clancy's mental health care team did wrong, including "sparse" notes and potentially overlooking medication side effects. That courtroom critique is the through-line for this episode: best-selling author and national journalist Valerie Bauerlein sat down with litigation consultant and criminal behavior analyst Sunny Slaughter to go deeper on the alleged gaps in how Clancy’s providers worked — and didn’t work — together, and what that may mean beyond one trial day.   Together, they walk through testimony and analysis around psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Tufts, nurse practitioner Rebecca Jollata, and counselor Latiesha Dukes. You’ll hear why Sunny Slaughter calls Dr. Tufts “far from what Lindsay Clancy needed,” why Jollata’s thorough notes stood out, and why Dukes may have missed what Clancy could have been saying about hallucinations. We’re streaming every day of the Lindsay Clancy trial live on Criminally Obsessed. Turn on your notifications and subscribe for continuing trial coverage, expert insight, courtroom analysis, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines. #LindsayClancy #LindsayClancyTrial #PostpartumPsychosis #AndreaYates #TrueCrime

  9. 67

    Murdaugh Defense Dropping Clues? What You Need to Know

    If you’ve fallen behind on the Murdaugh case, this is the catch-up before the retrial. Valerie Bauerlein was in court Friday as Alex Murdaugh walked in to his motions hearing without shackles or an orange jumpsuit — dark sport coat, baby-blue tie. What unfolded played like a preview of the defense's case for next year's retrial. Former South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon helps break down what armchair detectives need to know with host Valerie Bauerlein, best-selling author of The Devil at His Elbow: Alex Murdaugh and the Fall of a Southern Dynasty, and the reporter who covered the Murdaugh murder trial alongside Anne Emerson in 2023. The stunner: defense attorney Jim Griffin said a recent Allendale County murder has been linked in press leaks to the Murdaugh murder weapon — and asked how that can be. Judge Debra McCaslin set the trial for April 5 and said she intends to stick by it. From Cousin Eddie to DNA to a change of venue to an attempt to toss Alex Murdaugh’s testimony from the first trial, this conversation is your roadmap of the Murdaugh retrial stakes — not a docket read, a defense-case preview. Charlie Condon unpacks it all and suggests the defense's theme ahead of Alex Murdaugh's April trial.

  10. 66

    Murdaugh Murder Timeline: Could Time of Death Be Completely Wrong?

    Could Maggie and Paul Murdaugh’s time of death create reasonable doubt for Alex Murdaugh? As his defense prepares for a second murder trial, attorney Dick Harpootlian is signaling that the timeline of the June 2021 murders at Moselle could become a major issue.  We had to speak with an expert who could tell us how time of death is actually determined… and is there room for error?  In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson speaks with Joseph Scott Morgan, Death Investigator and host of the podcast Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan, who helped create the national standards for determining time of death. He helps us understand the physical process coroners and medical examiners use to narrow down that timeframe, and examines the coroner’s actions in the Murdaugh murders with his expert perspective - what he did, and more importantly, what he didn’t do during that examination. Alex Murdaugh’s case returns to court on Friday August 14th for a retrial hearing, when Judge Debra McCaslin could rule on where the new South Carolina murder trial will be held, along with other pending motions. Join Anne and former South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon to watch and analyze the hearing live tomorrow here on Criminally Obsessed.  Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss our courtroom livestreams, the latest developments in the Alex Murdaugh retrial, and expert perspective with those closest to the case.

  11. 65

    Elizabeth Siders Will Be Evaluated: Is She Competent to Stand Trial?

    Is Elizabeth Siders competent to stand trial in the Ohio “House of Horrors” Case? As the Lindsay Clancy trial puts maternal mental health and criminal responsibility under a national microscope, another mother at the center of a major criminal case is facing psychological evaluation.  Elizabeth Siders, who faces 16 child endangerment charges in the Vinton County, Ohio case, has been ordered to undergo a competency evaluation. But what does a competency test actually involve?  Today, we hear from an expert who takes us inside the evaluation process, and shares parts of it that took us by surprise.  In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson speaks with forensic psychologist Dr. Leslie Dobson, who has administered many competency evaluations herself. She describes components of the test we’d never heard before, like taking part in a mock trial, and explains what happens after a defendant is found incompetent. With Dr. Dobson’s expert perspective, we learn what professionals will be looking for in Elizabeth Siders. The Siders case continues to move forward, with Gary Siders Jr. due back in court Thursday, August 13th on public indecency charges. We’ll keep you updated on the latest developments - Turn on your notifications and subscribe to Criminally Obsessed so you never miss our coverage of the Ohio “House of Horrors” investigation, the Lindsay Clancy trial, and the biggest true crime cases.

  12. 64

    The Doctors, the Village, the Medicine: Criminologist Explains What Went Wrong

    What went wrong in Lindsay Clancy’s life? As the trial continues into week three, we’re breaking down the circumstances that led to the deaths of the Clancy children on January 24th, 2023, and asking the question: Was this the result of a perfect storm?  In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson speaks with criminologist and victimologist Dr. Nicky Jackson to examine the forces that collided in Lindsay Clancy’s life at exactly the wrong time. We break down all the contributing factors, from her support system of family and friends to the doctors overseeing her prescriptions and mental health. As Lindsay’s ex-husband Patrick Clancy faces growing public scrutiny, we analyze his account of confusion over Lindsay’s condition, and ask whether this outcome could have been prevented.  Dr. Jackson lends her expert perspective to compare the Lindsay Clancy case to the Andrea Yates case, in which Andrea Yates was found not guilty by reason of insanity in 2006 in the drowning deaths of her five children. Two decades later, as Lindsay Clancy seeks the same verdict from a Massachusetts jury, could this trial affect change to prevent future tragedies? We’re streaming every day of the Lindsay Clancy trial live on Criminally Obsessed. Turn on your notifications and subscribe for continuing trial coverage, expert insight, courtroom analysis, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines.

  13. 63

    Patrick Clancy Isn't on Trial - So Why Are People Blaming Him?

    Week three of the Lindsay Clancy trial: why is Patrick Clancy under fire? And is the prosecution to blame?  On day 10 of the trial, Lindsay Clancy's former mental health providers testified that they never observed signs of psychosis or heard thoughts of self-harm or harm to others, as the defense argued they may have missed indicators of severe postpartum mental illness in the months before her three children died. A lot of online speculation has shifted toward Lindsay Clancy's former husband, with some questioning Patrick Clancy’s role in the events that led to the deaths of the Clancy children on January 24th, 2023. Are people blaming Patrick Clancy because the prosecutors got it wrong? Today’s expert says he would have done things differently.  In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson asks criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor Jack Rice how he would have presented the case against Lindsay Clancy, and hears his reaction to the latest developments in the trial. Jack Rice explains why, in his opinion, this case should have been handled differently from the beginning and whether prosecutors made the right decision by pursuing first-degree murder charges. Together, they discuss the public’s reaction to Patrick Clancy, and whether the scrutiny is a consequence of how the prosecution has framed the case.  Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing Lindsay Clancy trial coverage, true crime investigations, courtroom analysis, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines.

  14. 62

    3 Lindsay Clancy Trial Bombshells: The Nanny, Dear Diary and Lindsay Speaks

    Three big moments that could change everything in the Lindsay Clancy trial? This week, jurors heard emotional testimony from the Clancy family's former nanny, Elaine “Lainey” Rossi, and listened as Lindsay Clancy's private journal entries were read aloud in court. And, for the first time, we heard Lindsay herself speak.  Today’s guest has been there every day inside the courtroom, witnessing it all in person. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson is joined by Lauren Matthias, host of the Hidden True Crime podcast, who shares her experience inside the courtroom of the Lindsay Clancy murder trial. Sitting just feet from Lindsay, the attorneys, and the jury, Lauren reveals the moments cameras don't fully capture. We break down the three biggest developments from this week's testimony, including the nanny's description of Lindsay as a “wonderful mom,” the journal entries documenting her feelings of being “completely overwhelmed” and “drowning” while trying to care for her three children, and Lindsay's appearance before the judge outside the jury's presence. Lauren also reveals what Lindsay’s defense attorney Kevin Reddington told her during a courtroom recess, and why this case has become so personal to him. If you're following the Lindsay Clancy trial and the latest courtroom developments in one of America's most closely watched true crime cases, this conversation takes you inside the courtroom for firsthand perspective on this week’s biggest moments. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing Lindsay Clancy trial coverage, true crime investigations, courtroom analysis, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines. Watch or listen to Hidden True Crime Find postpartum resources and mental health support:  https://www.mavidahealth.com/ https://988lifeline.org/ or dial 988 for 24/7 support #LindsayClancy #LindsayClancyTrial #TrueCrime #PostpartumPsychosis #CourtCase #Massachusetts #Duxbury #CrimeAnalysis

  15. 61

    Forensic Psychologist: Why Lindsay Clancy’s Case Should Never Have Gone To Trial

    Lindsay Clancy Trial: Why is a forensic psychologist calling the prosecution a "witch hunt"? As the Lindsay Clancy murder trial continues in Massachusetts, the fiercest debate is no longer about what happened inside the Clancy home in Duxbury. It's about whether this case ever belonged in a criminal courtroom at all. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson speaks with forensic psychologist Dr. Leslie Dobson, who says prosecutors had another option in this case that they chose not to pursue - and explains why she believes they chose the wrong path.  Lindsay Clancy's defense does not dispute that her actions led to the deaths of her three children or challenge the physical evidence. Instead, the defense maintains she was suffering from severe postpartum psychosis and should not be held criminally responsible under the law. Dr. Dobson explains why offering Lindsay Clancy a plea and civil commitment - not a murder trial - could have been a more appropriate path. She also weighs in on the harrowing evidence jurors have heard, including the 911 call that courtroom insiders have described as one of the most emotionally wrenching trial moments they have ever witnessed. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing Lindsay Clancy trial coverage, true crime investigations, courtroom analysis, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines. Learn more about Dr. Leslie Dobson’s work: https://drlesliedobson.com/ Find postpartum resources and mental health support:  https://www.mavidahealth.com/ Repro Psych Academy - Expertly Managing Women's Mental Health https://988lifeline.org/

  16. 60

    Kohberger Wants His Guilty Plea Reversed. Families Say: "Bring It On."

    Trying to take back his guilty plea: Bryan Kohberger wants another bite at the apple. After admitting under oath that he murdered four University of Idaho students in 2022 - Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin - Bryan Kohberger is asking an Idaho court to undo the guilty plea that spared him from the death penalty. After being sentenced to life in prison, he has now filed for post-conviction relief, raising new questions in this high-profile true crime case: How is this even possible? Could he actually walk free?  And why are some victims' families saying "bring it on" to a new trial? In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson speaks with former Idaho Attorney General Dave Leroy, who has spent decades in Idaho's legal system, to break down the latest developments in the University of Idaho murder case. What happens if Kohberger actually gets a second chance? We revisit the powerful victim impact statements delivered at his sentencing and learn why today’s guest says Kohberger's attempt to withdraw his guilty plea reflects a narcissistic desire for control.  Dave Leroy has personal connections to this case - he visited the house at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho years before it became one of the most infamous crime scenes in the country, and he even knows some of Bryan Kohberger’s defense team personally.  Today, he examines Bryan Kohberger's latest legal move with his expert perspective. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing Bryan Kohberger coverage, true crime investigations, courtroom analysis, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines.

  17. 59

    Facts vs Rage: Can Lindsay Clancy's Jury Stay Unbiased?

    What does it take to be a juror in the Lindsay Clancy trial? As week two begins in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial, jurors are facing one of the hardest assignments in the criminal justice system: separating heartbreaking evidence from the law. They have already heard Patrick Clancy's emotional 911 call, watched first responders struggle through testimony, and seen evidence from inside the Duxbury, Massachusetts home where 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson, and 8-month-old Callan died in January 2023.  Today’s expert explains what it takes to separate emotion from fact in cases that push jurors to their limits. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson sits down with Jury Consultant and Body Language Expert Susan Constantine to discuss the emotional toll trials like this take on juries. She has spent years studying how juries respond in some of America's most emotionally devastating trials. She attended the Casey Anthony trial in 2011, and worked with the jury consulting firm that helped select jurors for Andrea Yates' retrial in 2006, where Yates was ultimately found not guilty by reason of insanity in the drowning deaths of her five children.  We revisit and react to some of the most brutal evidence the jury has seen so far in the Lindsay Clancy trial, like the prosecutor holding up the exercise bands used in the deaths of the children and the pajamas they had on the night they died. Right before the jury heard the 911 call, the judge instructed them to separate their emotions from the facts in the audio they were about to hear - Susan offers her expert perspective on whether this was a realistic expectation. The jury will ultimately decide whether Lindsay Clancy should be convicted in the deaths of her children or found not guilty by reason of insanity based on her defense of postpartum psychosis. Before they reach that verdict, they must answer a difficult question: how do you judge a case this heartbreaking based on the evidence alone? Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing Lindsay Clancy trial coverage, true crime investigations, courtroom analysis, and exclusive interviews with the experts behind today's biggest cases. Learn more about Susan Constantine’s work

  18. 58

    Kidnapped at 17 Days Old: Can Your Tip Bring Kevin Verville Home After 46 Years?

    HELP FIND KEVIN: 46 years ago, 17-day-old Kevin Verville Jr. was abducted near Oceanside, California.  His family has been waiting for answers ever since. But now there may be hope. After NCMEC asked the public to share Kevin's story last year, new tips came in — and the FBI is actively following up on those leads today. But those tips alone may not be enough. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson talks with Kevin's sister, Angelica Ramsey. She describes how the woman she believes was responsible for Kevin’s kidnapping went door to door through apartment complexes searching for a baby, deliberately targeting military families and looking for lower-ranking service members.  Angelica was joined by Angeline Hartmann, Director of Communications for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), who lays out the criminal profile investigators use in these cases: typically a woman who has recently lost a baby or has been lying about being pregnant, and needs to produce a child to keep up the deception.  Kevin's father put it simply when asked what he'd say to the woman who took his son: "I don't want to talk to her. I just want my baby."  If you know anything, say anything — this family has waited long enough. More on Kevin: Have you seen this child? Kevin Art Verville 

  19. 57

    Mother Who Survived Postpartum Psychosis Reacts to Lindsay Clancy Trial

    What does postpartum psychosis actually feel like? As the Lindsay Clancy murder trial continues, jurors will hear from experts about postpartum psychosis. But there's one perspective they won’t hear, and it’s an important one - the judge ruled that women who have personally lived through postpartum psychosis cannot testify about their own experiences. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson speaks with Kathryn Myers, a mother who survived postpartum psychosis and is sharing her story to raise awareness about the reality she experienced. Kathryn describes hearing voices, seeing shadow figures, and living in fear as the illness escalated after the birth of her child. Her goal isn't to declare Lindsay Clancy's guilt or innocence, but to help people understand what postpartum psychosis can actually feel like from the inside. Lindsay Clancy’s defense argues she was suffering from postpartum psychosis at the time of her children’s deaths in January 2023, and should be found not guilty by reason of insanity, while prosecutors contend she was fully aware of her actions. After Kathryn Myers shared her story online, thousands of women responded, describing similar hallucinations, intrusive thoughts, and fears they had been too afraid to tell anyone about. These stories reveal an often misunderstood condition that remains at the center of one of the most closely watched true crime trials in America. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing Lindsay Clancy trial coverage, true crime investigations, expert interviews, and conversations that go beyond the headlines. Read Kathryn’s story

  20. 56

    Lindsay Clancy Trial: I Watched Patrick Testify In Person

    Patrick Clancy Day 1 testimony: What was it like to watch from inside the courtroom? As the prosecution begins presenting its case in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial, all eyes are on their first witness: Patrick Clancy, the father of Cora, Dawson, and Callan, and the former husband of the woman accused of killing them in 2023. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson speaks with Lauren Matthias, host of Hidden True Crime podcast, who was inside the Massachusetts courtroom for Patrick Clancy's emotional testimony on Monday, July 27th 2026. Sitting just rows behind Lindsay Clancy, she describes the moments cameras couldn't capture, from hearing Lindsay breathing in her wheelchair to watching Patrick struggle to maintain his composure as prosecutors showed photos of his three children. If you're following the Lindsay Clancy trial, this conversation takes you inside the courtroom for the testimony that could become one of the defining moments of the case. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing Lindsay Clancy trial coverage, true crime investigations, courtroom analysis, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines. Watch or listen to Hidden True Crime

  21. 55

    Siders "House of Horrors": This Reporter Traced the Family’s Past

    On the ground in the Siders investigation: What did this reporter see in Vinton County, Ohio?  As the Siders family case continues to unfold, new court filings show both Gary Siders Jr. and Gary Siders Sr. have requested competency evaluations while facing charges connected to 16 children rescued from a home investigators describe as one of the worst scenes in Ohio history.  While we wait for more updates, we wanted to hear from someone with a firsthand perspective to learn more about the Siders’ past and what led to where we are today. So we spoke with a reporter who covered this case on the ground in Ohio - who’s seen the Siders family home in person, and investigated their history to uncover their dynamics before the arrests of Gary Siders Jr., Elizabeth Siders, Gary Siders Sr., and Christina Siders on June 30th 2026. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson sits down with Daily Mail journalist Mary O'Connor to learn what she saw when she visited the “house of horrors”, how she tracked down the family's second home, and what the family’s life looked like before authorities intervened.  If you're following the Ohio "House of Horrors" investigation, this conversation offers firsthand perspective and adds new details to the evidence many of us have only seen in photos.  Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage of the Ohio "House of Horrors" investigation, true crime updates, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines. Thumbnail photo credit: Google

  22. 54

    D4vd Hearing: Can the Defense Get Out of This?

    D4vd preliminary hearing: Is the defense already showing their hand? We’re watching in real time as prosecutors reveal new evidence in the case of musician David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, who is charged with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez in 2025. As the Los Angeles preliminary hearing continues, we’re speaking with an expert to learn how the defense may approach this horrific case.  In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson sits down with criminal defense attorney Jack Rice to analyze the latest developments in the Celeste Rivas Hernandez murder case, and discuss possible defense strategy from his expert perspective. We examine the prosecution's evidence - including body bags, chainsaws, and a blue inflatable pool - that add to the shocking case unfolding in court. What legal arguments could the defense pursue? And what does the preliminary hearing reveal about where the prosecution believes this case is headed? If you're following the Celeste Rivas Hernandez murder investigation and looking for a legal breakdown that goes beyond the headlines, this conversation explains the preliminary hearing, the evidence, and the key questions that could shape the outcome of the trial. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage of the D4vd case, true crime investigations, courtroom analysis, and exclusive interviews with the experts behind today's biggest cases.

  23. 53

    Javeayah Harris Case: What Evidence Could Investigators Still Find?

    Viewer discretion advised: This episode discusses the alleged murder of a child and details about the forensic investigation that has followed. The conversation is presented for news and educational purposes, with an informational focus on the investigative process. Javeayah Harris investigation: How do forensic investigators solve a homicide when the victim's remains have allegedly been severely damaged? That's one of the central questions in the investigation into the death of 4-year-old Javeayah Harris, whose parents Johmarea Harris and Michilae Herring are accused of abusing and killing her before allegedly attempting to destroy her remains in Aiken, South Carolina. The case has shocked investigators and raised difficult questions about what evidence can still be recovered. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson sits down with Joseph Scott Morgan, Death Investigator and host of the podcast Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan, to examine the forensic challenges surrounding the Javeayah Harris case. When investigators believe remains have been intentionally altered or destroyed, how do forensic experts identify a victim, reconstruct what happened, and establish a timeline?  Throughout this conversation, the focus remains on the forensic science behind the investigation and the pursuit of justice for a child whose case has deeply affected the community.  Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage of the Javeayah Harris case, true crime investigations, forensic analysis, and exclusive interviews with the experts behind today's biggest cases. Watch or listen to Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan

  24. 52

    Elizabeth Siders: Was Mom a Victim Too? Expert Analysis

    Ohio "House of Horrors": Is Elizabeth Siders a victim, a perpetrator, or both?  One of the biggest questions surrounding the Vinton County investigation is whether Elizabeth Siders was another victim, or a monster - and what culpability looks like in the Siders family case. Our expert guest today brings up another alarming question: could the Siders family also face human trafficking charges? In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson sits down with former judge, former Court TV anchor, and child welfare expert Ashley Willcott to examine one of the most debated aspects of the Ohio "House of Horrors" investigation. Drawing on decades of experience protecting children, Willcott explains how Ohio's human trafficking laws could apply, why investigators may still have unanswered questions about coercion, control, and isolation, and whether someone can legally use being a victim as a defense strategy. She also makes clear that even if Elizabeth Siders was exploited herself, parents still have a legal duty to protect their children. If you're following the Siders family investigation and trying to separate speculation from evidence, this conversation explores the legal questions, child welfare issues, and investigative angles that could shape one of Ohio's most disturbing true crime cases. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage of the Ohio "House of Horrors" investigation, true crime analysis, and exclusive interviews with the experts behind today's biggest cases.

  25. 51

    Lindsay Clancy Murder Trial: Another Andrea Yates?

    Can postpartum psychosis affect whether Lindsay Clancy is found criminally responsible for the deaths of her three children? That’s the central question in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial, now beginning with jury selection in Duxbury, Massachusetts, and it’s drawing comparisons to another infamous case of a postpartum psychosis defense: Andrea Yates. Today, we’re speaking with an expert who had firsthand experience with the Yates trial, to learn what we could expect as the Clancy trial begins. Prosecutors allege that Lindsay Clancy deliberately strangled her three children—5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson, and 8-month-old Callan—on January 24th, 2023, after sending her husband, Patrick Clancy, out to run errands. Her defense argues that she was suffering from postpartum psychosis and should not be found criminally responsible for her actions. Prosecutors argue that she planned the killings and understood what she was doing.  In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson speaks with courtroom sketch artist and licensed therapist Pat Lopez, who has spent decades documenting some of America's most infamous criminal cases, including the Oklahoma City bombing, the Branch Davidian siege at Waco, the Susan Smith trial, the Karmelo Anthony trial, and Andrea Yates' trials. In a heartbreaking parallel to the Clancy case, Andrea Yates confessed to drowning her five children in 2001 in the bathtub of their Texas home amid postpartum psychosis. After initially being convicted of capital murder in 2002, she appealed and was found not guilty by reason of insanity in 2006. We compare the Lindsay Clancy case with the Andrea Yates case, and hear what we should be looking for as the Clancy murder trial gets underway.  Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing Lindsay Clancy trial coverage, true crime investigations, courtroom analysis, and expert interviews.

  26. 50

    Scott Peterson: The New Evidence That Could Change Everything

    Could bombshell evidence exonerate convicted murderer Scott Peterson? A new A&E documentary titled “Scott Peterson: The New Evidence” reexamines the controversial true crime case through the lens of groundbreaking technology and scientific analysis. Twenty three years after the murders of Laci Peterson and her unborn son, Conner, newly surfaced witness accounts, forensic investigation, and legal filings are reigniting debate over Scott Peterson’s 2004 conviction. Today, we’re speaking with the insider and expert who led the documentary and has followed this case from day one. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson is joined by veteran defense attorney and ABC News legal analyst Chris Pixley to break down the new details in the Scott Peterson case, and give us an inside look at the evidence presented in the documentary. He reexamines the original investigation, offering new context for questions that have lingered since Laci Peterson first went missing from her Modesto, California, home on Christmas Eve in 2002. Watch Part 1 of the A&E documentary “Scott Peterson: The New Evidence” on Thursday, July 16th at 9pm ET/PT, followed by Part 2 on Friday, July 17th at 8pm ET/PT. Let us know what you think in the comments. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for new developments in the Scott Peterson case, deep dives on the latest true crime investigations, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines.

  27. 49

    Siders Rescue: How Did 16 Kids Slip Through the Cracks?

    Ohio "House of Horrors": How did the Siders children disappear from the system? Newly released documents reveal more details about the family before the arrests of Gary Siders Jr., Elizabeth Siders, Gary Siders Sr., and Christina Siders on Tuesday, June 30th. We wanted to speak with an expert who could help us understand how these kids remained seemingly invisible for so long. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson is joined by licensed clinical social worker Kelley Kitley to break down the latest case developments and how this tragedy unraveled from her expert perspective. Newly uncovered truancy records from an elementary school raise troubling details about the Siders kids - six of the children allegedly missed the entire school year in 2021. Officials filed complaints against Elizabeth Siders, but the family disappeared before they could be served.  If there were clear attempts by authorities and social systems to hold the Siders accountable for their actions, what went wrong along the way?  As a newly issued gag order limits what officials can publicly discuss, we break down what we know so far in the Siders investigation and offer a social worker’s professional opinion on the case. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage of the Ohio "House of Horrors" investigation, true crime updates, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines. Learn how you can support the victims in this case via South Central Ohio Job & Family Services

  28. 48

    What Does Alex Murdaugh’s Body Language Say? Expert Analysis

    Alex Murdaugh body language breakdown: What stands out to an expert in spotting deception?  On Monday, June 29th, we watched Alex Murdaugh appear in a South Carolina courtroom for a pretrial hearing ahead of his 2027 retrial for the murders of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and his son, Paul Murdaugh. With all eyes back on Alex, we’re asking whether his physical movements in the courtroom - like his tongue pressing repeatedly to the inside of his cheek - were signs of nervousness, deception, or something else entirely.  Today’s guest lends her expertise to help us read between the lines of physical behavior, and spot the “tells” that others might miss. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson sits down with body language and deception expert Susan Constantine to analyze Alex Murdaugh's behavior during his recent retrial hearing. Her upcoming book “How to Spot a Liar in 7 Seconds or Less” examines deception and nonverbal behavior.  Susan Constantine is no stranger to Alex Murdaugh and his ongoing case, and in this conversation, she tells us what she believes his body language reveals. What red flags did she notice in the courtroom, and what does she expect to see in the April 2027 retrial? She also breaks down Alex Murdaugh's body language in the 2021 police body camera video captured at the Moselle, South Carolina crime scene, and when he took the stand in the original 2023 murder trial. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing Alex Murdaugh coverage, true crime investigations, courtroom analysis, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines. Learn more about Susan Constantine’s work Catch up on our full coverage of the Murdaugh saga

  29. 47

    Tara Petito Recalls Red Flags Before Gabby's Death

    Gabby Petito’s family is speaking out five years after she embarked on a cross-country “van life” road trip with her fiancé Brian Laundrie that would change their lives forever. Gabby’s stepmother, Tara Petito, reveals new details about Gabby’s personal life, and warning signs of domestic violence that she believes could help save lives. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson sits down with Tara Petito for an emotional conversation about Gabby's life, legacy, and the “painful” and “infuriating” moments that still haunt her. Tara shares stories about Gabby that we’ve never heard before, reflects on the police encounter now made infamous via bodycam, and discusses the red flags she believes everyone should recognize in abusive relationships. We learn the status of the $50 million wrongful death lawsuit the Petito family filed against the Moab City Police Department, and what comes next in their case.   The conversation also looks at where the Petito family is today. Through the Gabby Petito Foundation and the Crime Unfiltered Tour, they are working to educate others about domestic violence, support victims, and help people recognize the signs of coercive and controlling behavior.  Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for exclusive true crime interviews, investigative reporting, and conversations that go beyond the headlines to explore the people and stories behind today's biggest cases. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 for help and information: Visit https://www.thehotline.org/ or call 1.800.799.7233  Learn how Gabby’s legacy lives on in the work of the Gabby Petito Foundation Learn more about Crime Unfiltered

  30. 46

    What "House of Horrors" Local Noticed: Red Flags Revealed

    How did the nightmare inside the Siders’ family home remain hidden for so long? What did neighbors and locals to the Ohio “House of Horrors” notice, if anything? Were there ANY red flags?  In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson speaks with someone who can tell us in her own words. Someone who knew of the Siders family - even interacted with them - years before their names became headlines. Ariel Gutierrez is a Dollar General employee who regularly crossed paths with members of the Siders family for nearly two years before authorities discovered 16 children living in horrific conditions inside a rural Ohio home. She isn’t law enforcement or a member of the press. She’s a local with firsthand perspective speaking out about what she witnessed, and reflecting in hindsight on red flags and alarming details. Ariel raises the questions she’s asking now that Gary Siders Jr., Elizabeth Siders, Gary Siders Sr., and Christina Siders have been arrested. She describes seeing Elizabeth Siders pregnant, but never seeing a baby. Is Elizabeth Siders a victim, too? Where does culpability lie in this horrific case? Ariel also shares the emotional message she wants the Siders children to hear.  This conversation goes beyond the headlines to bring you emotional firsthand perspective in the developing Siders family investigation. We explore the warning signs, the missed opportunities, and the heartbreaking reality of how 16 children allegedly became invisible in plain sight… Until now. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage of the Ohio "House of Horrors" investigation, true crime updates, courtroom developments, and exclusive interviews you won’t find anywhere else. Learn how you can support the victims in this case: South Central Ohio Job & Family Services

  31. 45

    Siders Family: Forensic Psychologist Says Grandparents Were Catalyst

    Psychological breakdown of Siders’ "House of Horrors": Why were 16 children forced to live this way?  As new details emerge in the Vinton County, Ohio investigation, one question continues to haunt us: WHY did four adults allegedly confine and neglect 16 children inside a filthy home for YEARS?  Gary Siders Jr., Elizabeth Siders, Gary Siders Sr., and Christina Siders were arrested on Tuesday, June 30th. In a press conference on Wednesday, July 8th, the Vinton County Sheriff revealed that Gary Siders Sr. has been released from jail to be taken to the hospital for health concerns after a reported fall. Siders’ attorney is now asking for a competency hearing and is considering a defense of not guilty by reason of insanity.  The Siders case is being compared to another heartbreaking story, the 2018 Turpin family case out of California, in which 13 siblings were found to be victims of their biological parents. As we react to the latest updates in the Siders case, we wanted to go deeper to understand where it all began, and how we got to where we are today. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson is joined by forensic psychologist Dr. John Delatorre. He analyzes the Siders family dynamics, sharing his expert opinion on the mastermind and catalyst of the abuse. What kind of a dark mind creates this environment within their own home and family, and why? Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage of the Ohio "House of Horrors" investigation, true crime analysis, courtroom updates, and exclusive interviews with the experts investigating today's biggest cases. Learn how you can support the victims in this case: South Central Ohio Job & Family Services

  32. 44

    Siders’ Ohio House of Horrors: Locals React to ‘Den of Evil’

    Sixteen ‘almost feral’ children. Aged 18 months to 18 years. Hidden from sight in an Ohio house of horrors. Until now. It’s a situation difficult to fathom: Investigators found 16 kids living inside a 1,300-square-foot home in Vinton County, Ohio, confined in a 12-by-12 bedroom investigators say was covered in human waste. Gary Siders Jr., Elizabeth Siders, Gary Siders Sr., and Christina Siders were arrested on Tuesday, June 30th, and remain in jail after waiving their preliminary hearings today, Tuesday, July 7th. Investigative reporter Anne Emerson goes beyond the headlines to understand the human impact in the developing Siders child abuse case. How did children live under these conditions for so long? We wanted to hear from the local community affected by this horrific story. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, we hear from those voices - from Captain Jeremiah Griffith who was a first responder to the shocking scene, to local Vinton County Pastor James Dimel who describes the community’s support of children who were trapped in a ‘den of evil’. Law enforcement and locals share their shock at the horror lurking in their own community. And Attorney Thomas Stolly, who represents Elizabeth Siders, says the case is more complicated than many believe, urging the public to remember that his client is presumed innocent. Today, we react in real time to what we know so far in this developing story, and offer multiple perspectives of those closest to this case. We're outraged by this developing story, and the horrors these children went through. Many are wondering how we can help and support these kids, so we wanted to share a message from South Central Ohio Job & Family Services - The outpouring of love and support for the situation in the Vinton County community has been truly overwhelming, and we are incredibly grateful to our community and individuals from across the state for wanting to help. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Shannon Kellough at 740-772-7451, or at [email protected]., and let us know that you would like to make a donation. Shannon can provide information on the next steps and available donation options. In addition, we have received several inquiries on how to become a foster parent. If you would like additional information, please email Jesssica Benner at [email protected], or Breanne Campbell at [email protected]. The kindness and compassion shown by our community and across the state remind us that even in difficult circumstances, people come together to make a difference. Thank you for your continued support and generosity. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage of the Siders investigation, true crime updates, courtroom developments, and exclusive interviews with the real people impacted by these cases.

  33. 43

    Murdaugh Retrial: Inside the Hunt for Alex's New Jury

    Alex Murdaugh retrial jury selection: How do you find an impartial jury for one of America's most well known murder cases? With Alex Murdaugh's murder retrial approaching in April 2027, one of the biggest challenges may come before opening statements are ever delivered. After jury influencing led to his original 2023 murder convictions of Maggie Murdaugh and Paul Murdaugh being overturned, selecting 12 impartial jurors for retrial will be a critical part of the next chapter. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson sits down with jury consultant and body language expert Susan Constantine to break down how attorneys will build a jury for the Alex Murdaugh murder retrial. This is an expert who is no stranger to the true crime spotlight - in 2011, she was inside the courtroom throughout the entire Casey Anthony trial in Orlando, Florida. When it seems nearly everyone has heard of a case like the Murdaugh murders, how do prosecutors and the defense determine who can still be fair? Susan explains what happens behind the scenes during jury selection, from analyzing body language and listening for subtle verbal cues to conducting extensive social media research on potential jurors. It’s her job to identify potential juror biases... so what exactly does she look for? If you're following the Alex Murdaugh murder retrial, this conversation offers an inside look at one of the most important and least understood parts of the criminal justice system. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing Alex Murdaugh coverage, true crime investigations, murder trial analysis, and exclusive interviews with the experts behind today's biggest cases.

  34. 42

    FBI Expert Breaks Down Ransom Investigation

    Nancy Guthrie ransom notes: How does the FBI determine whether they're real or fake? Five months after Today show host Savannah Guthrie's mother disappeared from her Tucson, Arizona home, the mysterious letters claiming to be from her kidnappers remain one of the most controversial pieces of evidence in the investigation. Despite reports suggesting the ransom notes were fake, the FBI and Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos are still actively investigating the letters. So what’s actually happening behind the scenes? In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson sits down with FBI Behavioral Analysis Expert Morgan Wright to help us understand how the FBI analyzes - and debunks - ransom notes. What are the first red flags investigators look for? What makes a ransom demand credible? And what does an FBI expert make of this “parasitic” evidence in Nancy’s case? While authorities sort through fact vs. fiction, the Guthrie family remains in limbo as they grieve this mysterious disappearance. If you’ve been following the Nancy Guthrie case from day one, this conversation offers a look inside the FBI's investigative process and answers many of the questions we’ve been asking about the ransom notes, the investigation, and what could happen next.

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    DNA Expert Analysis: Is Murdaugh Evidence Red Herring or Red Flag?

    Could male DNA under Maggie Murdaugh's fingernails change the Alex Murdaugh murder case? Three years after Alex Murdaugh was convicted of murdering his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and son, Paul Murdaugh, a sample of unidentified male DNA is at the center of the investigation as we anticipate an April 2027 retrial. At Alex Murdaugh’s hearing on Monday, June 29th, defense attorney Jim Griffin renewed his push to have DNA reexamined by Othram. Othram is the forensic genetic genealogy lab known for solving cold cases and assisting in high-profile investigations, including work connected to the Bryan Kohberger case. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson sits down with forensic DNA analyst Tiffany Roy to break down what the DNA evidence could mean for the case, and what she thinks should happen next in her expert opinion. How significant is touch DNA? Does it deserve another look using today's advanced forensic technology? As the Alex Murdaugh retrial approaches, we examine the evidence with a scientific perspective to understand its potential impact on a verdict. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed and turn on your notifications for continuing Alex Murdaugh coverage, true crime investigations, murder trial updates, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines.

  36. 40

    Retrial Predictions: Behind the Scenes With Murdaugh Insider

    The countdown is on for Alex Murdaugh’s murder retrial, and we’re asking insiders… What happens next? Alex Murdaugh's retrial is scheduled for April 5th 2027, and many expect it to become one of the biggest true crime trials in America all over again. With a new judge, new legal battles, and renewed public attention, the next chapter of the Murdaugh saga is already taking shape. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson sits down with veteran South Carolina attorney Joe McCulloch, who says Judge Debra McCaslin is about to become a "lion tamer in a three-ring circus." McCulloch has a unique perspective on the case, having represented Connor Cook after the deadly boat crash involving Paul Murdaugh that tragically killed Mallory Beach. He also represented two jurors during the Becky Hill jury tampering investigation, attended the original six-week murder trial in 2023, and has spent more than 40 years practicing law in South Carolina. The first Alex Murdaugh murder trial captivated the true crime world, and McCulloch believes the retrial is primed to be round two of that media spotlight. We examine what happens next, and what’s on his mind as a true insider to the Murdaugh case. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing Murdaugh coverage, murder trial updates, true crime analysis, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines. Catch up on all our coverage of the Murdaugh case If you’re Criminally Obsessed like us… Prove it! Shop our merch

  37. 39

    Murdaugh Murder Retrial: DNA Under Fingernails & ‘Cleaned’ Crime Scene?

    New developments from Alex Murdaugh’s pretrial hearing: Could DNA under Maggie Murdaugh's fingernails identify someone other than Alex Murdaugh? Could the Moselle crime scene have been "cleaned?"  And could either question change the outcome of one of America's biggest murder trials? Alex Murdaugh was back in court on Monday, June 29th, and his second murder trial is officially scheduled. Judge Debra McCaslin set a date for April 5th 2027, and we’re getting a glimpse into potential strategies for both the prosecution and defense. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson is joined by former South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon to break down everything we learned at the hearing and what it means for the retrial of Alex Murdaugh in the 2021 murders of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and son, Paul Murdaugh.  Anne also revisits her interview with Captain Jason Chapman of the Colleton County Sheriff's Office, one of the first officers at the Moselle crime scene, after defense attorney Dick Harpootlian referenced the theory of a "cleaned crime scene" in court.  If you know Criminally Obsessed, you know Anne has reported extensively on the Murdaugh saga - she reported from the South Carolina courtroom during all six weeks of the original trial in 2023! We’ll keep bringing you exclusive conversations with key players and the real people behind the headlines. Subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss an episode. Catch up on all our coverage of the Murdaugh case

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    Alex Murdaugh Latest: 3 Reasons A Criminologist Thinks He Could Be Convicted Again

    What evidence could convict Alex Murdaugh the second time around? Murdaugh's 2023 convictions for the murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul have been overturned, and forensic criminologist Dr. Laura Pettler lays out exactly what we need to pay attention to in the next chapter of the Murdaugh saga. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson speaks with our friend Dr. Laura Pettler to examine the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh using her "Murder Room Method," an investigative process she developed to systematically analyze homicide cases. Dr. Laura Pettler discusses the three pieces of evidence she believes remain most damaging to Alex Murdaugh’s case, and how her method could point to a conviction. The next major step in Alex Murdaugh’s case comes Monday, June 29, when attorneys return to court for a status hearing in Lexington County. His defense is expected to push for independent DNA testing, a change of venue, and expanded access to case materials as the retrial begins to take shape. It’s being reported that Alex will be present on Monday… We'll be livestreaming it with Anne to keep you updated every step of the way. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed and make sure you turn on notifications for our continuing Alex Murdaugh coverage, true crime analysis, murder trial updates, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines.

  39. 37

    New Evidence in Lynette Hooker Case: What Does Coast Guard Know?

    Have Coast Guard searches uncovered bombshell evidence in the Lynette Hooker case?  New search images released by the Coast Guard are raising questions about the disappearance of 55-year-old Lynette Hooker, who vanished in the Bahamas nearly three months ago. Her husband, Brian Hooker, says she accidentally fell overboard on April 4th and could not be saved - but Lynette’s loved ones have serious questions about what really happened out on the water, and what the Coast Guard may have found in their investigation. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson sits down with underwater crime scene investigator Alex Beer to analyze the Coast Guard images and what they might reveal. Beer has worked on similar cases, understands how digital evidence is used to track movements on the water, and even has experience with the same K-9 deployed during the search.  Brian Hooker has not been charged with a crime and is presumed innocent. But with Lynette still missing, we analyze the latest updates in the search through the expert lens of an underwater investigator. What’s standing out to him… and could there be an arrest on the horizon? Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for the latest Lynette Hooker updates, true crime investigations, missing persons cases, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines. If you’re Criminally Obsessed like us… Prove it! Shop our merch

  40. 36

    ‘Maternal Instinct’: Psychotherapist Analyzes Taylor Parker’s Dark Mind

    WHAT IS WRONG WITH TAYLOR PARKER? We’re examining the mind behind the shocking crimes unraveled in Netflix’s ‘Maternal Instinct’ and asking the question: what led Taylor Parker to commit these horrific acts of violence?  What were the warning signs in her behavior and mental state… and could she have been stopped? Taylor Parker was convicted of murdering her friend, Reagan Simmons-Hancock. She cut her unborn baby from her womb, and attempted to pass the child off as her own after faking a pregnancy for months. Her web of lies and deception led to two tragic deaths - Reagan, and her baby, Braxlynn Sage Hancock. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson sits down with psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott to explore the psychology behind this disturbing true crime case. We break down Taylor Parker’s psyche, how years of deception escalated into murder, and how she managed to manipulate those closest to her until it was too late.  Scott says Parker’s behavior points to a personality disorder, not a mental illness, and explains why that distinction matters. If you’re still reeling over the Netflix documentary, you’re going to want to hear this. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for more true crime analysis, psychological deep dives, and exclusive conversations that go beyond the headlines. Learn more about Shavaun Scott: https://www.shavaunscott.com/

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    Will DNA Reveal More Gilgo Beach Serial Killer Victims?

    Does the Long Island serial killer have more unidentified victims? Rex Heuermann’s sentencing - life in prison for the horrific murders of eight women - marks a significant milestone in the Gilgo Beach murders investigation. Heuermann’s DNA can now be officially entered into CODIS, the national law enforcement DNA database.  It has us asking - Are there other unidentified victims still waiting for justice? In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson digs into what comes next now that the Gilgo Beach murder case has entered a new chapter. Anne is joined by Ruth Bashinsky, Daily Mail Senior News Reporter, and Rachel Sharp, Daily Mail Crime Correspondent, who have covered the Rex Heuermann case from the beginning. We explore whether there could be additional victims, and why they believe the work in this investigation is far from over. Anne shares what she’s learned so far after contacting authorities in Nevada and South Carolina, two places connected to properties owned by Heuermann and his family. Were any unsolved cases ever examined in connection to those locations? Did investigators take a closer look after Heuermann's arrest? We’ve also reached out to the FBI to confirm the status of entering Heuermann’s DNA through CODIS - we’ll keep you updated as we learn more.  Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage of the Gilgo Beach murders, Rex Heuermann updates, Long Island Serial Killer developments, and exclusive true crime interviews that go beyond the headlines. Sign up for The Crime Desk newsletter

  42. 34

    Inside “COWARD” Rex Heuermann’s Sentencing: Victims Face Serial Killer

    “YOU’RE A COWARD!” Rex Heuermann has been sentenced to life in prison without parole. Suffolk County Court Judge Timothy Mazzei didn’t hold back during his sentencing on Wednesday, June 17th.  But the day wasn’t about Rex. It was about justice for his victims. And their families got to face him in an emotional moment that’s been a long time coming.  In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson speaks with Law&Crime correspondent Angenette Levy, who was inside the packed Suffolk County, New York courtroom and witnessed the emotion of the day - From the judge calling Heuermann a coward, to heartbreaking victim impact statements. The sentencing serves as a marker of justice for the victims: Megan Waterman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Lynn Costello, Sandra Costilla, Valerie Mack, Jessica Taylor, and Karen Vergata.  Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage of the Gilgo Beach Serial Killer case, true crime investigations, and exclusive interviews from the stories everyone is talking about. Watch Law&Crime Crime Fix with Angenette Levy

  43. 33

    Guthrie Investigation: FBI Tech Expert Answers Our Burning Questions

    We’re bringing our biggest Nancy Guthrie questions to an expert in digital investigations. Four months after Today show host Savannah Guthrie’s mother vanished from her Tucson, Arizona home, new theories and online speculation continue to swirl around the case. Can the masked suspect seen in the doorbell camera footage actually be identified? What is a "wrench attack," and could it explain what happened to Nancy Guthrie? And what should law enforcement do next?  In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson sits down with Morgan Wright, a nationally recognized cybercrime and intelligence expert who has worked closely with the FBI on major investigations. Wright has been following the Nancy Guthrie case from the beginning and believes this is far more than a missing person investigation.  Wright also tackles some of the biggest claims circulating online, including whether advanced technology can identify the suspect from the surveillance footage and why he believes some popular theories may be distracting from the real investigative priorities. Drawing comparisons to techniques used in major cases like the Gilgo Beach serial killer investigation and hunt for Rex Heuermann, he explains what law enforcement may need to do next to generate new leads and avoid losing momentum. If you're following the search for Nancy Guthrie and trying to separate fact from speculation, this conversation offers expert insight you won't want to miss. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for Nancy Guthrie updates, true crime investigations, missing persons coverage, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines. If you’re Criminally Obsessed like us… Prove it! Shop our merch

  44. 32

    Nancy Guthrie Latest: Why Private Investigator Thinks She's Still In Arizona

    An anonymous tip spurred a ground search for Nancy Guthrie in Mexico. But this private investigator thinks they're looking in the wrong place… and says that authorities have their eyes on a subject in the kidnapping. Four months after Today show host Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother was abducted from her Tucson, Arizona home, investigators and volunteers are still searching for answers. A recent tip out of Mexico sent searchers chasing a new lead, but one veteran private investigator believes Nancy was taken to Northern Arizona. Why? In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson sits down with licensed private investigator Bill Garcia, who recently spent a week on the ground in Arizona working the case pro bono. He has searched for missing adults and children across the country for decades, and after examining the scene for himself, he believes Nancy’s disappearance was a targeted kidnapping, not a random crime.  As the FBI continues its search and Savannah publicly pleads for her mother’s return, one question remains at the center of this heartbreaking mystery: what will it take to bring Nancy home? Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for the latest Nancy Guthrie case updates, true crime investigations, missing persons coverage, and exclusive interviews as this search continues. If you’re Criminally Obsessed like us… Prove it! Shop our merch

  45. 31

    Kidnapped. Accused of Lying. Denise Huskins & Aaron Quinn Tell True Story of Netflix's 'American Nightmare'

    Real-life couple in "Gone Girl" kidnapping case speaking out:  Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn became the faces of a twisted true crime story in 2015 after Denise was kidnapped from their Vallejo, California home. Instead of being treated like victims, they were accused by police of faking the whole thing, drawing comparisons to the plot of the movie “Gone Girl.”  But over a decade later, Denise and Aaron can confirm: It was all horrifyingly real. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson speaks with Denise and Aaron to talk about where they are now after a home invasion, kidnapping, and media firestorm changed their lives - a story captured in the 2024 Netflix documentary “American Nightmare,”  The case ultimately led investigators to Matthew Muller, a disbarred Harvard-educated attorney who later confessed and was linked to a string of sexual assaults and other crimes. But Denise and Aaron still believe there may have been additional perpetrators involved, raising questions that remain unanswered to this day. Now, Denise and Aaron are reclaiming their story and sharing what happened after the cameras left. From victims to survivors, they discuss trauma, resilience, and the lasting impact of their real-life American nightmare. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for more true crime interviews, trial updates, and the stories behind the headlines. Hear Denise & Aaron share their story on the Crime Unfiltered tour, June 18th in Indianapolis, IN and June 19th in Detroit, MI If you’re Criminally Obsessed like us… Prove it! Shop our merch

  46. 30

    Major Murdaugh Update: What We Know About New Trial Judge Debra McCaslin

    Alex Murdaugh has a new judge for his double murder retrial. And we want to know everything. Who is Judge Debra McCaslin? The South Carolina Circuit Court Judge has been assigned to oversee Alex Murdaugh’s upcoming murder retrial in the deaths of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and son, Paul Murdaugh in 2021. What should we know about the woman now tasked with presiding over the next chapter of the Murdaugh saga? In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson digs into Judge McCaslin’s path to the bench, a journey that started later in life and led her to the highest levels of South Carolina's judicial system. Joined by former South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon, we explore McCaslin’s legal background, her connections to key players in the Murdaugh case including Murdaugh’s Defense Attorney Dick Harpootlian, and how her courtroom style may differ from the judge everyone remembers from the first trial, Clifton Newman. This time, the stakes are even higher. Prosecutors have indicated the death penalty remains a possibility if Alex Murdaugh is retried for the murders at Moselle, making Judge McCaslin’s decisions critical from day one.  Where will the retrial be held? When could it begin?  When we know, you'll know.  Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage, trial updates, and exclusive interviews as the next chapter of the Murdaugh story unfolds.

  47. 29

    Inside the Karmelo Anthony Courtroom: No Cameras Allowed

    INSIDE THE MOMENT KARMELO ANTHONY WAS FOUND GUILTY IN TRACK MEET MURDER: There were no cameras in the courtroom. The public never got to hear the witnesses testify, watch the families react, or see the moment Anthony broke down as the verdict was read. He was indicted on first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf after an altercation turned deadly at a track meet in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025. So we had to speak to someone who was there. Sitting just rows behind the victim’s family. Court TV anchor Cody Thomas attended the trial every day, and now he’s taking us inside one of the most talked-about true crime cases that’s reached far beyond Texas - an experience he describes as an ‘emotional tornado.’ In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson shares an emotional conversation with Cody as he reveals the raw reactions inside the courtroom, and the moments the public will never get to see. It’s unclear how much evidence will EVER be revealed in this case, so grab your tissues, and join us for an interview that takes you inside the courtroom during the trial’s most intense, raw, and gut-punching moments. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed so you never miss the stories, trials, and true crime cases everyone is talking about.

  48. 28

    Reasonable Doubt in 'The Crash' Case? New Public Records Raise Red Flags

    SHOULD MACKENZIE SHIRILLA HAVE WALKED FREE? And is her personality the reason she didn’t? The Ohio teen was convicted of intentionally crashing her car at 100 miles per hour and killing her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, and friend, Davion Flanagan in 2022. As the world reexamines the case in Netflix’s newly released documentary “The Crash,” Mackenzie’s intentions, mindset, and personality are major discussion points.  She was convicted of murder. End of story, right? But what if the evidence is not as straightforward as it seems? In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson sits down with criminal defense attorney and true crime creator Stephanie Giancristofaro, who says there is reasonable doubt in the Mackenzie Shirilla murder case… and that she can prove it. She believes public opinion may be influenced as much by Shirilla's personality and behavior, as by the actual evidence presented in court. And if this case had been decided by a jury instead of a judge, would the outcome have been different? We break down the key issues at the center of the Ohio case, including newly released public records that raise fresh questions about what happened that day. This is not a case about whether Mackenzie Shirilla is likable. It is a conversation about the criminal justice system, and whether the evidence truly proves murder beyond a reasonable doubt. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for more true crime analysis, case breakdowns, and exclusive interviews. And after you watch “The Crash” on Netflix, let us know what YOU think.

  49. 27

    100 Missing Hawaiians. 3 Murders. One Arrest. Are These All Connected?

    HAWAII’S MISSING PERSON MYSTERY: WHY ARE PEOPLE VANISHING ON THE BIG ISLAND? And is a new arrest taking us one step closer to uncovering the secrets hiding in paradise?  Nearly 100 people have disappeared from Hawaii’s Big Island in just the last five years, many seemingly without a trace. Now, a recent arrest is drawing even more attention to the island’s darker side. Jacob Daniel Baker is facing murder charges in three separate deaths.  In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson sits down with investigative reporter Kristin Thorne, whose Law & Crime documentary Vanished in Paradise: Dark Secrets on the Big Island has drawn more than 1.2 million views on YouTube. In it, Kristin investigates the disappearance of Kelly Gravitt and other missing person cases on the island, but in our conversation she shares new details that did not make it into the documentary.  Could the arrest of Jacob Daniel Baker lead to answers in the Big Island’s dark mysteries? Watch Vanished in Paradise: Dark Secrets of Hawaii’s Big Island

  50. 26

    Mackenzie Shirilla “Loves Being Hated” - A Psychological Deep Dive

    The Netflix documentary The Crash has reignited debate around one of the most shocking true crime cases in recent memory: the conviction of Mackenzie Shirilla. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson talks with forensic psychologist Dr. John Delatorre to unpacks not only what may have been going on in Mackenzie's mind, but also her parents, Steve and Natalie Shirilla. Drawing from the documentary, courtroom evidence, and Mackenzie's behavior before and after the crash, Dr. John explores whether this was an impulsive act fueled by rage, entitlement, and immaturity—or something far more calculated.   We dive deep into the toxic relationship dynamics between Mackenzie and her boyfriend Dom, the role her family may have played in shaping her worldview, and the warning signs that many believe were overlooked long before the deadly crash. Dr. John breaks down concepts like entitlement, impulsivity, narcissistic traits, and the impact of parenting styles, while explaining why he believes Mackenzie's actions don't necessarily fit a traditional self-destruction profile. The discussion also tackles her controversial social media activity, prison behavior, and the ongoing public fascination with the case.   Is Mackenzie “hell on wheels” as the judge described her? Dr. John offers his unfiltered analysis of one of the most polarizing true crime stories in recent years, examining how personality, privilege, relationships, and decision-making collided with devastating consequences.   Do you believe the crash was premeditated, an impulsive act gone horribly wrong, or something else entirely? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Related links: Petition, "Dom and Davion's Law" - Victims Before Influencers: Modernize Son of Sam Laws Davion Flanagan’s Memorial Scholarship Fund Change The Game for Dom Foundation

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Criminally Obsessed goes deeper — inside the investigations, the courtroom drama, and the human stories at the center of the country’s biggest true crime cases. We track breaking developments, uncover overlooked details, and bring clarity to the chaos — always with compassion for victims and the people whose lives are forever changed. Host Anne Emerson brings more than 30 years of award-winning investigative reporting to every episode. She’s covered the nation’s most high-profile trials firsthand, conducted interviews with some of the biggest names in the true crime world — from Amanda Knox to Elizabeth Smart — and has trusted sources connected to the cases dominating the national conversation.

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Criminally Obsessed

Produced by Sinclair Inc.

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How many episodes does Criminally Obsessed have?

Criminally Obsessed currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Criminally Obsessed about?

Criminally Obsessed goes deeper — inside the investigations, the courtroom drama, and the human stories at the center of the country’s biggest true crime cases. We track breaking developments, uncover overlooked details, and bring clarity to the chaos — always with compassion for victims and the...

How often does Criminally Obsessed release new episodes?

Criminally Obsessed has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

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Who hosts Criminally Obsessed?

Criminally Obsessed is created and hosted by Criminally Obsessed.
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