Real-Time Crime

Can’t make this story up out of Beltsville, Maryland. A man walks into a pet store, and steals a 3-month-old tuxedo kitten named “Magnolia” and then heads straight to a nearby PNC bank to use the kitten as a distraction to rob the bank. We go over some of the most absurd attempted bank heists from around the country, including would be robbers using flower bouquets, others phoning in the amount they’d like to be waiting for them when they arrived at the bank, or how about a man turning to a life of crime because he’d rather go to jail than go home to his wife.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A family vacation turns horrific. A 4-year-old shot and killed his 2-year-old cousin after the two were left unattended in a car with a loaded gun. The family was on vacation to celebrate the 2-year-old's birthday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Washington Post is reporting that two sources have confirmed Federal and Michigan state officials are looking into whether Taco Bell restaurants played a role in the current Cyclospora outbreak that has now sickened as many as 7 thousand people across 34 states.  The epicenter of the outbreak is in Michigan, responsible for nearly half of the reported cases. In the Detroit area Taco Bell restaurants, signs are posted saying certain items are unavailable due to “a national recall.” While some have praised the restaurant for being proactive and voluntarily stopped serving lettuce, onions, cilantro, pico de gallo and guacamole, it’s paying the price, literally, with stocks plummeting nearly 5% in just one day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unbeknownst to neighbors, local schools, or hospitals, sixteen children were being locked in a 12x12 foot room in rural Ohio by their parents and grandparents. How did police accidentally stumble upon this scene? What is the state of these children, aged 18 months to 18 years old?! Is the mother a victim, considering she was giving birth almost every year for 17 years, or is she an accomplice?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years, Natalee Holloway's disappearance left more questions than answers. Long before Joran van der Sloot finally confessed to killing Natalee on a beach in Aruba in 2023, actress Amy Gumenick helped bring her story to millions of viewers. Amy looks back on playing Natalee while the case remained unsolved, the emotional responsibility of portraying a real victim, and how Joran van der Sloot's confession forever changed the way she sees the story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why did so many people...including judges, girlfriends, friends, and even complete strangers...trust Ted Bundy? Acclaimed filmmaker Joe Berlinger reveals the one thing about Ted Bundy that still unsettles him most, and it isn't the killings. From the people who loved him to the judges who trusted him, he explains why Bundy's greatest weapon was hiding in plain sight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile glamorize Ted Bundy or expose the uncomfortable truth about one of history's most notorious serial killers? Acclaimed filmmaker Joe Berlinger addresses the criticism head-on. He explains why Zac Efron was the only choice to play Ted Bundy, why audiences were supposed to feel uncomfortable, and what the controversy says about the way we judge evil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another day, another accusation by a former girlfriend… and yet Maine Democratic candidate Graham Platner has yet to drop out of his bid for the U.S. Senate and a chance to unseat longtime republican incumbent Susan Collins. 41-year-old Lyndsey Fifield told several news outlets that while they were dating, Platner repeatedly removed condoms without her consent while having sex. The act is known as “stealthing” and is considered a crime in multiple countries and states here in the U.S. and is classified as a form of sexual assault.  Platner’s camp is vehemently denying the latest accusations, in addition to a former girlfriend’s claims that he raped her while they were dating, saying they are all politically motivated.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NPR correspondent Nina Totenberg wrote a formal apology to Justice Samuel Alito for publishing a report about his retirement, saying she was “so, so sorry.” It was a shocking headline that was up for only a few minutes before it was replaced with a note from the editor saying the article was “published in error.” NPR explained Totenberg misheard an announcement at the Supreme Court, Totenberg saying “it was the worst professional mistake of my more than 50 years in journalism.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a remarkable spectacle here in New York City this afternoon! A well known daredevil duo scaled the needle of the Empire State Building from the Observation Deck to first unfurl a banner about love…. And then, he put a ring on it. 32-year-old Ivan Beerkus proposed to his girlfriend 33-year-old Angela Nikolau as police and news helicopters surrounded the couple celebrating 1454 feet above Manhattan. They were both promptly arrested after they climbed down to a safe enough level for police to take them into custody.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A shocking story is breaking out of Southern Ohio: Authorities are calling the conditions 16 children were living in, unimaginable. The children, ranging in age from 18 months to 18-years-old, are all currently being medically evaluated, after two were in such critical condition, they had to be airlifted to level one trauma units. Several of the other kids are being described as in serious condition. Four adults are expected in court today to face 17 charges of child endangerment for what prosecutors are calling “pure evil.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All eyes were on a South Carolina courthouse today as 58-year-old Alex Murdaugh once again faces double murder charges for the shooting deaths of his wife and son. Murdaugh’s attorneys had him stand dramatically making the point his appearance as a convicted criminal could taint a potential jury pool. Hear how the new judge ruled on everything from what Murdaugh can wear in court, to a new DNA testing request, to a change of venue motion. Last month, the Supreme Court threw out Murdaugh’s 2023 double murder conviction after a court clerk unfairly tainted jurors during the trial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when a television series takes on one of the most powerful companies in America Danny reveals how representatives connected to the company behind OxyContin tried to convince him he had the facts wrong and shares what he learned while investigating the people, decisions, and corporate practices that helped fuel the opioid epidemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

63-year-old Richard Glossip was back in court yesterday asking a judge to set a new preliminary hearing to determine whether there was enough evidence for prosecutors to proceed with a third trial.  The judge refused and instead set a September trial date for the former death row inmate whose murder conviction was thrown out by the Supreme Court last year. Glossip has maintained his innocence for the 1997 killing of his boss, motel owner Barry Van Treese. Kim Kardashian and others have voiced their support for Glossip, Kardashian even helping post his $500,000 bond last month, which allowed Glossip to walk out of prison for the first time in nearly 30 years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Zachariah Rasch shot his wife in the head, burned her body, and impersonated her for days after her death, what did he expect the outcome to be? How did investigators identify his wife, Crystal, by a single tooth? When Zachariah took the stand at his own trial, what was his defense? Did the jury see through him, or did he walk away a free man? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From notorious killers and headline-making scandals to the unsettling twists of Maternal Instinct, Elisa Donovan and Jenn Fessler swap their latest obsessions and explore the dark stories that captivate us, haunt us, and keep us hitting next episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taylor Parker lied consistently throughout life, claiming she had chronic illnesses and multi-million dollar inheritances being kept from her. But there was one, final lie that led Taylor to death row. How did a prosthetic baby bump and a fake 10-month pregnancy lead to her murdering her friend and kidnapping her unborn baby? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Jenn sits down with Maternal Instinct director Jessica Dimmock to discuss the shocking true story of Taylor Parker, a young Texas woman whose elaborate web of deception spiraled into one of the most disturbing crimes in recent memory. Together, Jenn and Jessica delve into Parker’s years of lies, the unanswered questions surrounding her motivations, and the devastating impact the crime had on Reagan Hancock’s family and community. They also explore the challenges of telling such a sensitive story, the red flags that many people noticed but struggled to act upon, and the deeper themes of motherhood, manipulation, intuition, and trust.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor Shane Meier opens up about the emotional and physical toll of portraying Matthew Shepard, one of America's most infamous hate-crime victims. He revisits the murder that shocked the world and shares memories of the brutal assault scenes that still haunt him, the responsibility of telling a real family's story, and why he remains deeply connected to Matthew's legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Within hours of Karmelo Anthony’s first degree murder verdict, Texas congresswoman Jasmine Crockett defended Anthony’s use of a deadly weapon, saying if she had someone on top of her, she wouldn’t be limited to fists either. The problem, Crockett was comparing a much different scenario than what happened at that Texas high school stadium. Earlier, Crockett explained the fear black mothers have for their black sons, but seemingly dismissed the pain of the Austin Metcalf’s mother, creating a wave of negative, racially charged comments online. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Texas jury deliberated for 2 and a half hours, quickly returning a guilty verdict for 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony who was visibly shaking in court. Anthony, who is black, was convicted of first degree murder of fellow teen Austin Matcalf, who is white. A jury with no black members  then rejected a “sudden passion” option that would’ve reduced Anthony’s sentence, instead, the jury came back with a 35 year sentence for the tearful teen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The state of Oklahoma has just executed 52-year-old Raymond Eugene Johnson for the 2007 brutal murders of his ex girlfriend and her infant daughter. During last month’s clemency hearing, Johnson apologized to the family of 24-year-old Brooke Whitaker and her 7 month old baby girl Kya for beating Whitaker and then setting her and her baby on fire in their Tulsa home. Johnson confessed to the crime and his attorneys didn’t file any last minute appeals on his behalf.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A shocking and confusing story out of Denver International Airport just before midnight. A Frontier jet had to abort its take off after accelerating and striking a pedestrian on an active runway. No word on who the person was and how and why they were crossing the runway. We have the audio between the pilot and the air traffic controller moments after the collision, when the jet’s engine caught fire.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Holy hell, superstar Taylor Swift has come out swinging, defending herself in a lawsuit by a former Vegas showgirl who claims Swift’s latest album infringes on her trademark. Swift’s team of lawyers has filed a brutal response arguing the former showgirl has been trying to use Taylor’s name to try and prop up her own brand. It’s an eviscerating and entertaining response that you have to hear to truly appreciate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first black woman to ever become sheriff in New Orleans is now on the other side of the law.  Sheriff Susan Hutson has been indicted with 30 felony counts for last year’s brazen jailbreak of 10 inmates. Louisiana’s Attorney General said Sheriff Hutson didn’t personally open the doors for the inmates, but her inaction allowed and enabled their escape.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new, jaw dropping court document details how prosecutors allege singer D4vd lured 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez to his home, then viciously stabbed her and watched her bleed out and die. The 8 page filing reveals text messages between the two and offers a grisly timeline of their relationship, Celeste’s murder and dismemberment. It includes evidence showing D4vd had chainsaws, a body bag and other items delivered to his house after the alleged murder. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is set to be the second execution in the U.S. on the same day, Thursday, April 30th. 37-year-old James Broadnax was convicted of a double homicide while robbing two young music producers.  Broadnax’s cousin, who was also convicted in the crime, has now issued an affidavit saying he was the one who pulled the trigger, killing 26-year-old Stephen Swan and 28-year-old Matthew Butler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Thursday April 30th, the state of Florida is set to finally execute 70-year-old James Ernest Hitchcock. Hitchcock was just 20 when he raped, beat and strangled 13-year-old Cynthia Driggers to death. After decades of appeals and having his death sentence overturned three times, Driggers’ family is relieved that their legal nightmare is finally coming to an end.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A California judge has refused to review new evidence that the L.A. Innocence Project and Scott Peterson’s attorneys say will exonerate him. Peterson’s defense team says they will take their fight further, and plan to appeal to a higher court. The LAIP says they have conducted more than 50 interviews with witnesses who have information that will shed light on what really happened, as well as new scientific evidence that jurors were not able to hear during his trial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Federal grand jury has returned an indictment against Former FBI Director James Comey over an instagram photo showing a seashell formation on the beach. Last May, Comey posted a picture with shells forming the numbers “8647” which the DOJ says amounts to an expression to do harm to President Trump, the 47th President of the U.S. Comey says he is innocent and legal experts say the charges the DOJ is pursing are “unlikely to be successful” in court.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration is reportedly planning to review ABC owned stations broadcast licenses, even though they’re years away from being up for renewal. It’s widely believed this is in direct retaliation for Jimmy Kimmel’s late night joke saying Melania Trump was glowing like an “expectant widow.” White House spokesman Steven Cheung went so far as to post on X that Kimmel is a “sh*t human being” who should be shunned for the rest of his life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived in the U.S. to celebrate our country’s independence from Great Britain 250 years ago, at a time of deep political divisions in this country, with political violence dominating the headlines.  Today, the King will be the second monarch in history to address a joint session of Congress, his mother, Queen Elizabeth, was the first. King Charles remarks will come after a private, bilateral meeting with Trump at the Oval Office without a presser afterwards. In fact, we’ll explain why there are only photo ops with the King, no questions allowed from the press.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel maintained he was making an “age gap” joke about Melania Trump looking like an “expectant widow.” Kimmel’s joke was days before a third attempt was made on President Trump’s life at the WHCD and while some have said it was distasteful, others maintain it was dangerous, even suggesting it could encourage violence against the President. ABC has remained silent around the controversy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The LA District Attorney just announced first degree murder charges against singer D4vd for the killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Authorities say David Anthony Burke invited Celeste to his Hollywood Hills home on April 23rd last year and that was the last time she was seen alive. Burke is also charged with lewd and lascivious acts with a minor and mutilating human remains. Police say there is enough physical and digital forensic evidence to prove Burke murdered the teen, beyond a reasonable doubt. Burke’s attorneys maintain their client’s innocence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 1pmET/10am PT we may finally get some answers in the mystery surrounding the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The LAPD and DA will hold a press conference to discuss the case against singer D4vd who was arrested last Thursday without formal charges. Today is the day the DA must file charges against David Anthony Burke or police must release him from jail where he’s been held for the past 4 days. The family of Rivas Hernandez plans to be at the presser and is “committed to ensuring Celeste’s voice is heard.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve all known for years that 4/20 is a day for weed lovers to celebrate and unite in their passion for smoking weed. But do you know how it all came about? There are plenty of competing theories, but we share the actual origins of what’s become an international day of celebrating. We also talk about the impact the rise of weed has had on alcohol sales and just how big and booming the marijuana industry is becoming in this country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An investigation is underway following a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana early this morning that left 8 children dead. Details are still emerging, but right now police say a total of 10 people were shot, and the 8 who were killed ranged in age between 1 and 14-years-old. Authorities were able to chase down the suspect, where they ultimately shot and killed him. Shreveport’s mayor calling this the worst tragedy in his city’s history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exactly two weeks after his Easter post threatening to wipe out an entire civilization, President Trump’s latest social media post suggests he’s willing to return to that threat if Iran doesn’t take our deal. Trump saying he will “knock out every single power play and every single bridge in Iran” and it will be his “honor” to do what has to be done.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“The Atlantic” has published an article sourcing multiple current and former officials within the FBI that details deeply concerning behavior from Director Kash Patel. The reported behavior includes excessive drinking to the point that meetings have to be rescheduled and equipment was requested to break down locked doors to gain access to him when he can’t be woken up when he is needed. Patel has reacted forcefully on social media, denying the reports and threatening a lawsuit. Patel’s lawyers published the letter they sent “The Atlantic” saying the article is one of the most absurd things they’ve ever read. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utah Valley University has announced it will no longer have a commencement speaker, citing security concerns, after an outcry from Republican lawmakers and some students. UVU is the very campus where Charlie Kirk was assassinated last September and the planned speaker made public comments critical of Kirk in the days following his murder. Author and podcaster Sharon McMahon defended herself, saying she “unequivocally condemned” the murder of Kirk and brings together voices from across the political aisle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In August 2018, Richard “Beebo” Russell, a ground service agent with no flying experience, stole a commercial plane from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport and took it on a wild solo flight. Director of the new Hulu Documentary #SkyKing, Patricia E. Gillespie, shares what actually happened, using real air traffic control recordings and interviews to piece it all together. In Sky King, she sits down with Beebo’s friends and family to paint a more personal picture of the man behind the headlines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New DNA technology has allowed police to finally link notorious serial killer Ted Bundy to the brutal rape and murder of 17-year-old Laura Ann Aime. The teenager was found a month after she went missing from a Halloween party in 1974, her body naked, bound and badly beaten. DNA sitting in an evidence locker for more than 50 years was finally able to be recognized and matched to Bundy’s, creating a DNA profile that investigators say can now be used to provide answers in other unsolved cases where Bundy was a suspect. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have been anticipating “The Mummy” for months now, with “Evil Dead Rise” producer Lee Cronin at the helm, this is must see movie making for horror fans. We break down what we loved about the movie, what we didn’t and whether some of the blistering critics’ reviews are warranted. We give our recommendations on whether or not you should see “The Mummy” or skip it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.