Culpable
by Tenderfoot TV & Audacy
Join host Dennis Cooper as he explores unresolved cases where culpability has yet to be established. This acclaimed investigative series from the creators of Up and Vanished has tallied over 45 million downloads to-date. The newest season digs into the mysterious death of 17-year-old Danny Violette, who went missing for 11 days in the fall of 1998, and was later found in a cornfield with a ligature mark around his neck and a tire tread across his body. Season 2 followed the 2013 murder of 22-year-old Brittany Stykes, a young pregnant mother who was shot and killed while driving down a rural highway with her one-year-old daughter beside her in the vehicle. Season 1 investigated the suspicious death of 21-year-old Christian Andreacchio, whose 2014 shooting was classified as a suicide after a 45 minute investigation, despite substantial evidence of possible foul play. Culpable Case Review is a short-form adaptation of the franchise that raises awareness about under-reported
Episodes
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Dennis Cooper Introduces High Strange
High Strange Season 2 goes deeper into real encounters, credible witnesses, and the explanations that never seem to stick. More firsthand accounts. Bigger moments. And more times where the official story starts to wobble. This isn’t about believing everything. It’s about following the story until...
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Inside the Investigation with Payne Lindsey, Dennis Cooper, and Kyle Tekiela
Have you ever wondered what happens off mic in an investigative podcast? Join Payne Lindsey (Up and Vanished), Dennis Cooper (Culpable), and Kyle Tekiela (Crook County) for a candid look inside making a hit series. Hear personal reflections about honest storytelling, lifelong bonds to the cases…
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Domino Effect | 8
For more than 25 years, the Violette family have sought resolution in Danny's case. But some newly developed leads and advanced forensic technologies could finally help bring answers. Follow Culpable on our socials @CulpablePodcast Visit the website at culpablepodcast.com For early access and...
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A Conversation with Matt
Dennis finally gets a chance to speak with Danny's friend, Matt, to discuss what he remembers from the days leading up to Danny's disappearance, and some of the allegations that have been made throughout the course of the investigation. Follow Culpable on our socials @CulpablePodcast Visit the...
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Conflict of Interest | 7
When Danny’s case was re-investigated in 2014, informants provided an alarming account of what happened to him. Yet somehow, the information led nowhere. Were they simply discredited, or could there be another explanation for this? Follow Culpable on our socials @CulpablePodcast Visit the website...
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An Unreliable Witness | 6
The events of Friday night remain in question, due to inconsistent accounts and information omitted from the files. We know what happened that night did not lead to Danny’s death, but learning the truth about it could help lead to answers. Follow Culpable on our socials @CulpablePodcast Visit the...
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The Last Sighting | 5
If Danny died within hours of his disappearance, determining who saw him last could be the key to solving this. But varying accounts of what happened that night, compounded by years of separation, will make it quite the challenge. Follow Culpable on our socials @CulpablePodcast Visit the website…
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Secondary Scene | 4
The condition of the body and evidence recovered from the scene have left many unanswered questions. With help from the coroner who performed Danny’s autopsy, we learn his cause of death and how he wound up in that field. Follow Culpable on our socials @CulpablePodcast Visit the website at...
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A Bad Trip | 3
As authorities try to nail down the hours leading up to Danny’s death, a tip shifts their focus to the night before his disappearance, when Danny suffered a near death experience after taking some drugs. Even more concerning, he owed someone money for them. Follow Culpable on our socials...
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Ask Me Anything
Binge Culpable completely ad free only on Tenderfoot+. Subscribers also enjoy exclusive content including an upcoming Q&A episode about this season's case. For a chance to be featured in the episode send me a video or DM on Instagram @culpablepodcast or call our tip line at (470) 300-0238, and...
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Still a Blur | 2
Since losing Danny, life has been a blur for the Violette family, as they've been left in the dark about the details surrounding his case. Now, we get a rare peek into the early days of the investigation and learn the first leads that detectives chased. Follow Culpable on our socials...
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Inside Culpable: Behind the Mic with Dennis Cooper
In this exclusive interview, Dennis Cooper sits down with Status: Untraced’s Liam Luxon to give a behind-the-scenes look at how Danny Violette’s case became the focus of this season and what listeners can expect. Follow Culpable on our socials @CulpablePodcast Visit the website at...
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The Kid in the Cornfield | 1
17-year-old Danny Violette vanished in the fall of 1998. 11 days later, his body was found in a cornfield with signs of foul play. His case has gone unsolved for over 25 years, but some renewed interest could help unravel this mystery. Follow Culpable on our socials @CulpablePodcast Visit the...
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Culpable Returns - A New Season
A bizarre mystery has haunted a small town for more than a quarter of a century, but it's not too late to change that.
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Just the Beginning
Years ago, I received an e-mail about a case. I never thought it would lead to this.
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Truer Crime Season 3: Vanished. Vilified. Voiceless.
Vanished. Vilified. Voiceless. This season on Truer Crime, every story has something in common: it’s not what it seems. What starts as a disappearance, a tragedy, or a headline quickly reveals something deeper—about power, about prejudice, about who gets to be heard and who gets written off.…
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A Conversation w/ Emily
It’s been a few years since I interviewed Emily Hampton, Brittany Stykes’ sister. Find out what she’s been up to since the release of Season 2 and hear the latest on Brittany’s case.
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The Bystander Effect | 1 | Revisited
Let’s go back to 2022, when I started following the unsolved murder of Brittany Stykes, a young mother who was gunned down while driving through rural Ohio. Brittany’s story would be the focus of Season 2. Now, 3 years later, it’s time to go back and revisit it.
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A Conversation w/ Rae
It’s been more than 6 years since I sat down with Christian’s mother, Rae Andreacchio, for the first time. Hear the latest on Christian’s case as we discuss the everything that’s happened since the release of Season 1.
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Trust the Process | 1 | Revisited
As we gear up for a new season of Culpable, let’s take some time to revisit the ones that came before. Follow along as I go back to 2019, when I first learned about the suspicious death of Christian Andreacchio, the young man who inspired the creation of this podcast. Listen to the very first...
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Remembering Christian - Trust The Process I 1 (Republish)
On February 26, 2014, 21-year-old Christian Andreacchio was killed under suspicious circumstances. I spent years of my life investigating his case and following his family in their pursuit of justice. This podcast exists because of Christian and the impact he made on my life and countless others....
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Culpable 5-Year Review I Live From CrimeCon 2024
June 2024 marked 5 years since the release of the very first episode of Culpable - investigating the case of Christian Andreacchio. At that time nobody could have imagined where the road would lead, but a lot has happened since then. As Dennis and the team reached this new milestone, they decided...
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Live from CrimeCon 2024 with Payne Lindsey, Dennis Cooper, and Liam Luxon
What's the formula for making a chart-topping true crime podcast? Why do some shows resonate with listeners and become an instant sensation? Is it hard work, sheer luck, or maybe both? Join Up and Vanished's Payne Lindsey, Culpable's Dennis Cooper, and Status: Untraced's Liam Luxon as they talk...
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Case Review: Goldie Thornsberry, Part 2
When Goldie Thornsberry’s dismembered body was identified in 2010, a trial was quickly scheduled to prosecute the key suspects. But after a shocking acquittal, Goldie’s loved ones were left searching for answers despite what the evidence might suggest. For 28 years, the family has kept this…
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Case Review: Goldie Thornsberry, Part 1
Goldie Thornsberry was the glue that held her family together. When the 65-year-old disappeared in 1996 without any explanation, her loved ones quickly became concerned. Suspicions grew when Goldie’s bank revealed evidence of fraudulent checks on her account, leaving the family to wonder if one…
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Case Review: Austin Mitchell
Austin Mitchell was a kind and passionate young man living with his family in Union City, GA. The 20-year-old was a recent honors graduate with big dreams for the future. But in one tragic moment in March of 2019, all of that would be taken away. Austin had been hanging out with some friends in a...
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Case Review: Doug McMillin
Doug McMillin was a spirited young man who developed a sense of independence early in life after moving out and getting an apartment of his own. As a young 19-year-old, this newfound freedom was like a breath of fresh air to Doug. No one could have imagined that a short time later he would be...
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Case Review: Steven Haugen and Jeanette Bauman
Steven Haugen and Jeanette Bauman were two middle-aged explorers who had developed a budding relationship. Steven, a father to two daughters, and Jeanette, a mother to two sons, shared a passion for exploring the great outdoors. This is what they were doing in the summer of 2005 when their…
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Case Review: Tyeasha Starks
Tyeasha Starks was a vibrant young collegiate with a bright future. A student at Austin Peay State University, Tyeasha had many dreams and aspirations. The 22-year-old had recently become a new mother, and was actively working to create a better life for her and her child. But all that came...
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Case Review Returns
Sometimes, the worst crimes happen when you’d least expect it. From the creators of Culpable comes an all new anthology of crime stories too shocking to miss. Featuring stories of a custody exchange gone wrong, a camping trip turned manhunt, and a missing persons investigation with an…
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How Did We Get Here?
While the third season of Culpable is in development, we’re going to keep using this platform to help more families in their fight for justice. Last fall we brought you 6 cases over 6 weeks. Now we’re bringing you 5 more. From Tenderfoot TV, Culpable returns with another installment of Case…
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Case Review: Danny Violette
17-year-old Danny Violette was the star of his high school wrestling team, and known to be a very strong and determined individual. When the teen stormed out of his house one morning, after a dispute with his parents, they never imagined it would be the last time they'd see him alive. Eventually...
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Case Review: Amy Jo Nelson
For most of her life Amy Jo Nelson fought through health complications, which resulted in numerous treatments and medications. When the 39-year-old was found dead in a stranger's apartment, many believed she may have died of a drug overdose. But her family immediately suspected foul play, having...
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Case Review: Tim Watkins
In September of 2017, 61-year-old Tim Watkins went out for a routine bike ride on one of his favorite trails and never returned. When a search party located several of his belongings, it raised suspicions. But when they later found his body in a shallow grave nearby, it became clear that a…
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Case Review: Maurice Walker
It's been over 30 years since 18-year-old Maurice Walker was found dead near one of his regular fishing spots. To this day, no suspects have been named. But after all these years, his highschool sweetheart is still doing everything in her power to keep his memory alive. She suspects some of the...
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Case Review: Mika Westwolf
When 22-year-old Mika Westwolf was found dead from an apparent hit and run on her reservation, a person of interest was quickly identified. But months later, no charges have been brought and the investigation has stalled. Mika's family and legal advocate have taken matters into their own hands…
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Case Review: Andrew Thomas Wall, Part 2
After Andrew’s investigation takes a downturn, his childhood friend, Breanna, steps in to raise awareness on social media and question authorities about the circumstances surrounding his death. Was he alone when he died? Who supplied the lethal drugs? Andrew’s loved ones fight to learn the truth...
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Case Review: Andrew Thomas Wall, Part 1
When 26-year-old Andrew Thomas Wall was found dead in his apartment from an apparent drug overdose, his friends and family were devastated. But after noticing that all of his valuables were missing, including his car, they grew suspicious of the individuals he was known to be with in the days...
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Official Trailer: Culpable... A New Spin
In 2019 we took a long form, investigative approach, covering the case of Christian Andreacchio. In 2022, we did another deep dive into the case of Brittany Stykes. Now, we’re changing things up a little. A new spin on the hit series from Resonate Originals and Tenderfoot TV. Introducing Culpable...
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Whodunit | 10
After nearly a decade, the death of Brittany Stykes remains unsolved. Brown County's Sergeant Quinn Carlson warned us that we were dealing with a "true whodunit". But in a case where theories abound, we may be inching closer to an answer.
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Personal Agenda | 9
Brittany's sister, Emily, believes there was a personal agenda behind her sister's murder - someone must have benefitted in some way. Brittany's husband, Shane, has a firm alibi for the night of the murder, but he still wonders if this could all tie into him in some way.
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The Outsider (Bonus)
Producer Jessica Noll, interviews host Dennis Cooper, who came into this story as an outsider.
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Hollywood | 8
Sergeant Quinn Carlson may be a Los Angeles native, but now he finds himself in rural Brown County, Ohio where he is the lead detective on Brittany’s case, and he’s taking this investigation in a promising new direction.
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The Jeep | 7
There's been a lot of talk about the Jeep Brittany was driving in when she was murdered. The mobile crime scene may contain the most substantial evidence in this case.
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Informant | 6
Just as the investigation looks like it’s heading nowhere, a break in the case breathes new life. An informant tells authorities a harrowing story about an ex-boyfriend who murdered a young mother on a busy highway in Brown County, Ohio.
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Wrong Direction | 5
Over the years, investigators have chased endless leads and looked at numerous persons of interest. The first few names came as a tip from Brittany's husband. Could he be onto something?
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Elephant in the Room | 4
Coming to terms with Brittany's death was hard enough on her loved ones, but the aftermath only made things harder. The ripple effect may look different for each of these individuals, but is equally troubling.
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Road Rage | 3
August 28th, 2013 was supposed to be a pretty normal day for Brittany. But her day started with an unsettling encounter and ended with an unimaginable tragedy. Could they be connected in some way?
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The Insider (Bonus) | 10.28.22
Host Dennis Cooper interviews producer Jessica Noll, a local who's been following this case since day 1.
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Our Life, Our Story | 2
Brittany’s friends and family remember the impact she had on those around her. Yet in the wake of her tragic death, those left behind are still wondering, who’s responsible? Investigators look into Brittany's husband.
About this show
Join host Dennis Cooper as he explores unresolved cases where culpability has yet to be established. This acclaimed investigative series from the creators of Up and Vanished has tallied over 45 million downloads to-date. The newest season digs into the mysterious death of 17-year-old Danny Violette, who went missing for 11 days in the fall of 1998, and was later found in a cornfield with a ligature mark around his neck and a tire tread across his body. Season 2 followed the 2013 murder of 22-year-old Brittany Stykes, a young pregnant mother who was shot and killed while driving down a rural highway with her one-year-old daughter beside her in the vehicle. Season 1 investigated the suspicious death of 21-year-old Christian Andreacchio, whose 2014 shooting was classified as a suicide after a 45 minute investigation, despite substantial evidence of possible foul play. Culpable Case Review is a short-form adaptation of the franchise that raises awareness about under-reported
Hosted by
Tenderfoot TV & Audacy
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