PODCAST · news
The Leonard Files
by NBC Los Angeles
When the dust settles, the real story begins. In The Leonard Files, veteran NBC4 Los Angeles investigative reporter Eric Leonard takes you beyond the headlines of Los Angeles' most compelling stories. With exclusive interviews and deep-dive reporting, this podcast uncovers the untold stories of survival, loss, and resilience in the face of crisis and change.From community leaders and impacted residents to the decision-makers shaping the future, The Leonard Files exposes the challenges, the failures, and the hard-fought battles happening behind the scenes.The Leonard Files.🎧 Subscribe now and stay ahead of the story.
Episodes
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LAPD wants more license plate readers. The City Council says - not so fast.
LA has again put the brakes on plans to expand the use of automatic license plate readers, or ALPRs, in the City. The LAPD has approved plans to use them in cars, and test a system that places cameras on the tops of existing street lights. Also, a former LAPD detective convicted of murder is up…
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More cameras, more data: LAPD’s new license plate surveillance expansion
Los Angeles is about to get more license plate cameras, and some of them could be mounted directly on streetlights. So what will LAPD collect, who can search the information, and what safeguards are in place? We take a deeper look at LAPD's plans to expand automated license plate readers, the...
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Crime down, questions up: the numbers behind L.A.'s safety trends
Crime rates continue to fall across Los Angeles, but is the city really getting safer? We’ll look at the latest LAPD crime statistics, gang violence trends, police shootings, traffic fatality data, and nationwide crime patterns. Plus, prosecutors have re-indicted former LAPD officer Clifford...
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Nick Reiner Fights for $558K Trust Fund From Jail
A Los Angeles judge is weighing whether Nick Reiner -- accused of murdering his parents Rob and Michele Reiner -- can access more than $550,000 from his family's trust while awaiting trial. We look at the legal fight, California's Slayer Statute, and why the outcome could determine whether Reiner...
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Unexpected grand jury move in Reiner murder case - and a new twist in the Palisades fire arson trial
The secret grand jury indictment against Nick Reiner in the murders of his parents, Rob and Michelle Reiner, was unsealed this week. We'll look at how it could dramatically accelerate the path to trial. Plus, federal prosecutors are revising their case against Jonathan Rinderknecht, the man…
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Three strange days in L.A. - a cop charged, a fire report, and the Trump golf course arrest
We'll look at three unusual events — why an LAPD officer who claimed he exposed racism, misogyny and homophobia inside the department is now facing criminal charges over secret recordings. More than a year after the devastating Eaton Fire, investigators finally released their official cause…
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New details emerge before D4vd - David Burke's - preliminary hearing in the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez
As the pop singer known as D4vd heads into a critical preliminary hearing - we look at a new defense motion, the depth of the prosecution's case, and what the defense might do at the hearing. D4vd, who's legal name is David Burke, is accused of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez....
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Why LAPD temporarily dropped Flock cameras, understanding police chases & the latest on California's $2.5 billion fire fund
LAPD surveillance technology, police pursuit policies, and California's wildfire recovery fund are all under new scrutiny. We look at the latest police watchdog findings on license plate cameras and car chases, more accountability questions, and what they could mean for Los Angeles. Also…
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$2.5B Fire Relief: Where Did the Money Go? + New Questions in Palisades Arson Case
First, an NBC4 investigation into California’s $2.5 billion wildfire relief package announced after the January 2025 fires. Records show only a portion of the fund has been spent — with much of the money routed through state agencies, and significant amounts still untouched more than a year…
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Criminal Charges Considered in Deadly Sheriff’s Grenade Explosion | LAPD Gang Unit Under Scrutiny
Prosecutors are weighing possible charges in the sheriff’s grenade explosion that killed three deputies—but time may have run out. We break down new investigative findings, the statute‑of‑limitations problem, and a separate LAPD gang unit misconduct case involving body‑camera violations. Thanks…
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Chainsaws, Court Delays & Trial Memos: Inside 3 Major L.A. Criminal Cases
In this episode of The Leonard Files we break down a busy week in court with new filings, delays, and revelations in three major Southern California criminal cases. Celeste Rivas Hernandez: defense lawyers for the singer knowns as D4vd (David A. Burke) asked to delay proceedings, as they review...
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Inside the Arrest of Singer David Burke: New Charges, Autopsy Details, and What Police Didn’t Say
Everything we know about the arrest of singer D4vd, also known as David A. Burke, now charged in the killing of 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, after her remains were found inside Burke’s Tesla. Burke has pleaded not guilty, and his defense lawyers are pushing for a speedy preliminary…
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A Close Call in the Skies, a Missing Grenade, and Millions in Medicare Fraud
Federal aviation officials imposed new helicopter restrictions after last year’s disastrous collision between an airliner and a military helicopter in Washington, D.C. The announcement mentioned a recent ‘conflict’ between a plane and helicopter near Hollywood Burbank Airport — an incident that...
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Celeste Rivas death revelations from Texas, LA planned to manipulate news coverage of Palisades fire report
The latest information on the investigation into the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who’s body was found inside a Tesla registered to the pop singer D4vd, appeared in Texas, where D4vd’s family tried to block an LA court order. Plus, documents released by the LA Fire Department…
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Full circle: the mysterious death of an LAPD officer, new consequences for the DWP over billing scandal, and a major legal victory for Palisades Fire victims
New developments in stories from years past: a jury has reached a decision about the death of LAPD Officer Houston Tipping, who suffered a catastrophic spinal injury during training, and the State Bar of California moves to punish a former top LA City Attorney’s Office official for his role in…
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How did the Feds finally nab the ex-Olympian accused of running an international cocaine ring?
How did federal agents catch Ryan Wedding, the former Canadian snowboarder facing indictment in Los Angeles for allegedly trafficking tons of cocaine through the U.S. to Canada? The FBI says he was caught after a decade-long manhunt; authorities in Mexico say Wedding walked into a US embassy and...
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Are the Palisades firefighters' text messages real?
Finally we have some insight into whether firefighters communicated their concerns -- that the smaller brush fire blamed for causing the Palisades fire -- had been fully extinguished. New court documents provide our clearest window into what evidence may exist. Plus - the City of LA has recorded...
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What you didn't see at the Nick Reiner hearing
Nick Reiner -- charged with murdering his parents Rob and Michele Reiner -- lost his private legal defense team at a hearing this week. But the judge also discussed an ongoing defense investigation that may suggest where the criminal case is headed. Plus -- moment by moment of what happened in...
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Too Few Cops, Too Many Shootings, and Finally We See the Texts?
The LAPD is ending 2025 with two key numbers going the wrong way: officers have used their guns far more often on duty than in recent years, and the number of officers employed by the City of LA is shrinking. Also, some new text messages exchanged by California State Parks employees could shed...
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Bad info on Tesla body case, Palisades fire revelations
Cops called out bad information circulating on the investigation into the death of Celeste Rivas-Hernandez, the teen whose remains were found in the Tesla sedan registered to the singer D4vd. Also, why the defense lawyer for the man accused of causing the Palisades fire is very interested in the...
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Can a Judge Fire the Top Federal Prosecutor in LA?
An unusual hearing was held this week in federal court in Downtown LA – when a judge was asked to disqualify the acting US Attorney for Southern California. Former state assemblyman Bill Essayli first served as the interim US Attorney, now described as an, ‘acting,” US Attorney – raising…
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Palisades Fire: The 29-Year-Old Suspect
After months of investigation the ATF announced this week that agents had arrested a 29-year-old man on a federal arson charge – and accused him of causing the Palisades Fire. Jonathan Rinderknecht is being held in Florida with no bail, after fire investigators concluded the January 7th Palisades...
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Tesla Body False Alarms
Why did so many news outlets blast out headlines – that an arrest had been made in the death of Celeste Rivas? No such arrest was made – we explain the confusion and have updates on another murder investigation tied to remains in a car, plus -- why a family’s lawsuit could renew a criminal...
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Body Found in Tesla: The Hollywood Investigation
The body of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, missing since April 2024, was discovered in the trunk of a Tesla registered to musician D4vd. Police are investigating the case as a homicide, though no charges have been filed. In this episode, we break down the latest details, the investigation’s focus…
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Home invasions, bodies in cars, and terrible conditions in jail
We run down some of the unusual crime stories we followed this week, including a home invasion robbery in Woodland Hills, the discoveries of the bodies of 2 people inside cars at LA tow yards, and consider why the California Attorney General has suddenly taken legal action against LA County…
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Eaton Fire: New Federal Lawsuit Against SoCal Edison
The US Attorney’s Office in Southern California filed a civil lawsuit against Southern California Edison in federal court, seeking to hold the utility liable for the cost of fighting the Eaton Fire and for the damage it caused to the Angeles National Forest. More than 5,000 fire victims have...
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Parole Denied — What’s Next for Erik & Lyle Menendez?
Erik & Lyle Menendez’s defense lawyer Mark Geragos says he’s going to court to challenge the decision last week to deny parole for the brothers, but it’s a difficult legal path. Criminal justice professor and parole attorney Bruce Zucker talks about the reality of the decisions last week and the...
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17 years later – a final arrest in the murder of an LA County Sheriff’s Deputy
The last of 6 men accused of taking part in the 2008 murder of LA County Sheriff’s Deputy Juan Abel Escalante was returned to Southern California from Mexico this week, as part of a negotiated agreement between the US Justice Department and Mexican justice officials. Roberto Salazar was charged…
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Burglars, Bass, and Price
We update a few stories we’ve been covering: arrests in burglary of actor Brad Pitt’s home in Los Feliz, an information vacuum in the hoax bomb threat made by LA Mayor Karen Bass’ former deputy mayor for public safety, and new allegations against already-accused LA City Councilman Curren Price....
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Could a faulty x-ray have led to the deaths of 3 LA County Sheriff’s detectives?
The ATF and LA County Sheriff’s Department continue to examine what caused the hand grenade explosion that claimed the lives of Detectives Victor Lemus, William Osborn, and Joshua Kelley-Eklund. The grenade that detonated – had been examined and x-rayed and was believed to be inert. But what if…
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At the Doorstep: LAPD, a Missed Warning, and a Deadly Burglary
More questions have been raised about the LAPD’s response to the home of an American Idol music supervisor and her husband, who were worried about security in the neighborhood, and were murdered when they walked-in on a burglary in progress. Police had been at their doorstep minutes earlier, but...
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Three Lost: The Bomb Squad Explosion That Shook LA
Federal agents and homicide detectives are working to find out – how 3 members of the LA County Sheriff’s Department’s Arson and Explosives Detail, also known as the Bomb Squad, were killed July 18 when something they were examining detonated in the parking lot of the unit’s headquarters near…
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LA’s Crime Shift: What Changed in 2025?
Mid-year crime data suggests LA is safer now – than last year. Like most other major cities in the US the number of violent and property crimes reported to police continue to decline, following major drops in 2023 and 2024. Historically the number of police shootings trend down along with the...
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The Fire Before the Flames
The cause of the January 7, 2025 Palisades Fire remains a mystery, at least to the public, as fire investigators from the ATF and local agencies have said little about what’s been discovered. We’ve picked up a few clues in recent weeks, that appear to suggest the case is focused on what ignited a...
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Alone in a Cell: The Death of an Accused Accomplice
New court documents show federal authorities had considered the possibility in early June that the man accused of being an accomplice in the Palm Springs fertility clinic bombing might try to harm himself. Daniel Park was found unresponsive in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Downtown LA...
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Tunnels, Blowtorches, and the Biggest Jewel Heist in U.S. History
Police and federal agents announced 2 significant arrests this week in high-dollar jewel heists. Detectives in Simi Valley say they caught 4 members of a safecracking crew – a few weeks after a jewelry store was the target of a tunnel-in blowtorch burglary. Separately, federal prosecutors…
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A Woodland Hills Murder, a Valley Village Arrest, and a Chilling Link
A key clue collected near the scene of the 2022 murder of 81-year-old Ok Ja Kim in Woodland Hills – may have helped investigators connect that case with the recent arrest of a man charged with murdering 53-year-old Menashe “Manny” Hidra in Valley Village in April. Newly amended criminal charges...
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Tracing the Baldwin Park Tragedy: A Murder, an Ambush, and the Search for Answers
Here’s what we know about the murder of a man in Baldwin Park, California on Saturday, May 31, 2025 – that led to the ambush-killing of Baldwin Park Police Officer Samuel Riveros and a gunfight between officers and the suspected killer. A second officer was wounded and survived. The accused…
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Fallen: The Story of Officer Samuel Riveros
Here’s what we know about the murder of a man in Baldwin Park, California on Saturday, May 31, 2025 – that led to the ambush-killing of Baldwin Park Police Officer Samuel Riveros and a gunfight between officers and the suspected killer. A second officer was wounded and survived. The accused…
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Million-Dollar Crimes: Are the Jewelry Heists Connected?
Thieves hit at least 2 Southern California jewelry stores this week, possibly taking advantage of the holiday weekend when more businesses would be closed. Both stores are small, family-owned businesses that say they lost more than $1-million each in jewelry, valuables, and cash. Are the…
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The Deputy Mayor Who Called in a Bomb Threat
Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles have announced that former deputy mayor Brian Williams has agreed to plead guilty to a charge related to a hoax bomb threat made at LA City Hall last Fall. Williams, who was Mayor Karen Bass' manager of public safety issues — and her liaison with outside law...
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Fatigue Behind the Badge
The tragic death of a 21-year-old LA County Sheriff’s deputy in a car crash this week raised renewed questions about how mandatory overtime shifts have exhausted some of the Department’s workforce. Dep. Daniel Chavira died at a hospital after he was airlifted from the scene of the crash. He was...
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Bombmaker in the Desert
Federal agents scouring online profiles that appear tied to the man who blew up a fertility clinic in Palm Springs — include some videos of explosive experiments in the desert! Some of the videos, which have since been taken-down from YouTube and other sites, show specific chemicals used in some…
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Closing In: The Menendez Brothers’ Fight for Freedom
We have a full account of the statements Lyle and Erik Menendez made in court this week just before a judge reduced their prison terms and opened the door to possible release on parole. Parole hearings are often scheduled months in advance, and it wasn’t clear when a hearing would happen. Then,...
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The Menendez Challenge: Fighting for Freedom
Erik & Lyle Menendez will argue this week that they deserve to have their life-without-parole prison terms reduced after spending decades behind bars. A resentencing hearing, delayed repeatedly for a variety of reasons, is finally scheduled to begin Tuesday, May 13. The LA County District...
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Burned by the Algorithm: The Hollywood Sign Hoax
Journalist Dexter Thomas joins the pod to explain who made those (obviously) fake videos of the Hollywood sign on fire – that spread rapidly across social media on the day the Palisades and Eaton Fires burned through Southern California. It turns out those fake videos earned the creator quite a…
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Not So Fast: California A.G. Defends L.A. D.A.
In the latest development in the Menendez brothers’ saga — California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office says there’s no reason their resentencing can’t go ahead with prosecutors from the LA County District Attorney's Office. Erik and Lyle Menendez have asked the court to boot the DA, alleging…
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Bias or Justice? The Fight Over Who Prosecutes the Menendez Case
The judge considering whether or not Erik and Lyle Menendez deserve to have their life-without-parole prison terms reduced is expected to decide this week - whether the LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman should be removed from the case. Menendez defense lawyer Mark Geragos says the DA...
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Gunfire in Eagle Rock: LAPD vs. Jillian Shriner
Nearly a month after LAPD officers shot and wounded Jillian Shriner in Eagle Rock — prosecutors still haven’t decided whether or not to file criminal charges. The LAPD says Shriner, who’s married to Weezer bassist Scott Schriner, fired a shot at officers while they were searching backyards for...
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Guns in the Ashes: What the LAPD Found After the Fires
An odd side-story to the recovery from the Palisades and Eaton Fires: the LAPD has been collecting and cataloging hundreds of guns found in the ashes of burned homes. They’re trying to make sure government records show guns burned up in the fire are listed as destroyed, or returned to the legal...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
When the dust settles, the real story begins. In The Leonard Files, veteran NBC4 Los Angeles investigative reporter Eric Leonard takes you beyond the headlines of Los Angeles' most compelling stories. With exclusive interviews and deep-dive reporting, this podcast uncovers the untold stories of survival, loss, and resilience in the face of crisis and change.From community leaders and impacted residents to the decision-makers shaping the future, The Leonard Files exposes the challenges, the failures, and the hard-fought battles happening behind the scenes.The Leonard Files.🎧 Subscribe now and stay ahead of the story.
HOSTED BY
NBC Los Angeles
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Leonard Files have?
The Leonard Files currently has 81 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Leonard Files about?
When the dust settles, the real story begins. In The Leonard Files, veteran NBC4 Los Angeles investigative reporter Eric Leonard takes you beyond the headlines of Los Angeles' most compelling stories. With exclusive interviews and deep-dive reporting, this podcast uncovers the untold stories of...
How often does The Leonard Files release new episodes?
The Leonard Files has 81 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to The Leonard Files on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Leonard Files?
The Leonard Files is created and hosted by NBC Los Angeles.
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