True Crime with Rachel Shannon

When John Hayes called 911 on August 30, 2026, he told the dispatcher, "I don't see her anywhere. She must have just escaped." He says it happened in a split second; the girl couldn't speak, so she couldn't call out, ask for help, or identify herself. For the next 22 hours, hundreds of searchers combed the South Carolina coastline for 5-year-old Saylor Hayes. Once she was found, investigators say everything they thought they knew about her disappearance began to fall apart. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On August 6, 2026, Cincinnati police found 7-year-old William Evans‑Ellis bound with duct tape inside a closet. For the nine months prior, three adults who called themselves his co-parents isolated him and exchanged texts about plans to harm him. His grandparents noticed concerning behavior, were denied access, consulted an attorney, and hired a private investigator—arriving one day too late. This video examines the case of William Evans‑Ellis. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laura Caron was a fifth-grade teacher and her 11-year-old student was the father of her child. She was deeply embedded in the student's life, and the relationship and paternity were exposed after a Facebook post — for years, nobody knew the child's father was a boy. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In December of 2012, 13 month old Poppi Worthington died after being taken into her father's bed in Barrow-in-Furness, England. Within hours, a consultant pediatrician had flagged her injuries as suspicious and contacted children's services. Within days, a senior pathologist told police she believed Poppi had been horrifically assaulted. But then, for almost a year, nothing happened. Evidence was lost, thrown away, or sold. Investigators ignored evidence. Hearing after hearing was held, yet to this day, the man thought to be responsible for Poppi's disturbing death, walks free. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode examines the case of six-week-old Grayson Luncsford. State officials, family, and friends were reportedly concerned about the mother’s behavior; grandparents searched for her and tried to locate her in person. Neighbors noticed a U-Haul truck parked all day and felt something was off. Grayson’s grandfather sent a text hours before the incident that has been described as a haunting foreshadowing. Despite multiple warnings, the infant died. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you have any information regarding Irene Gakwa’s whereabouts, contact the Gillette Police Department: 307-682-5155. This episode examines the disappearance of Irene Gakwa, a Kenyan immigrant who moved to the United States and went missing in early 2021 after meeting a man online. It reviews the timeline, reporting, and available public information from local and national outlets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are your thoughts on Jesse's case? Let's discuss your thoughts and theories down below. Anyone with information regarding Jesse's whereabouts are asked to contact [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the evening of June 9, 2026, Sara Gilson received a call from the Owasso Police Department: a youth basketball coach had been caught with one of his students, another coach intervened, and the coach was on the run. That coach was Sara's husband. Sara publicly accused him of being a pedophile in a TikTok video that was viewed over 17 million times. Days later, Sara Gilson was found dead in her home; her son ran to a neighbor's house to call 911. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 or text start to 88788. If you or someone you know is struggling, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the u.s. can be reached by calling or texting 988. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Human remains found in Hope were identified as missing Port Moody woman Trina Hunt. Her family has expressed anger and frustration as the murder remains unsolved. Investigators say they continue to explore every possible avenue three months after confirming the homicide. This video covers the identification, the family’s reaction, and the status of the ongoing investigation. UPDATE: Trina Hunt's murder remains unsolved — no one has been charged with killing her. Her husband faces only the lesser charge of indignity to human remains, with a trial not expected until late 2027. The national security angle has added a baffling new layer to an already deeply frustrating case for the nearly 10,000 members of the "Justice for Trina" Facebook group who continue demanding answers. #TrinaHunt #PortMoody #Hope #UnsolvedHomicide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Wanda Palmer was viciously attacked with an axe in her own home, investigators quickly hit a dead end. They suspected who was responsible but lacked the evidence to prove it, and the small community resigned itself to never seeing justice. Years later, one morning the truth that had been locked inside Wanda’s head suddenly wasn’t, setting off a roller-coaster investigation that those involved will never forget. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On August 31, 2022, 16-year-old Gabriel Davies disappeared after a weekend camping trip with a friend named Justin. Following a police investigation, Gabriel later reappeared but was in poor condition. Around the same time, a 51-year-old man was reported missing and was subsequently found dead in his home. This episode examines the timeline, available evidence, and whether the two cases may be connected, drawing on charging documents and multiple news reports. UPDATE: Both Davies and Yoon, now 17, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder as part of a plea agreement. Prosecutors dropped additional charges of first-degree burglary and unlawful gun possession. Both teenagers are serving 12.5 years in prison for the murder of Daniel McCaw. They will be in their late twenties when eligible for release. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode examines the case of Zohreh and Mohammed, compiling reporting and public records from Inside Edition, KOMO News, NBC News, the City of Redmond, BuzzFeed News, Fox26 Houston, The Independent, the Daily Mail, and the New York Post. The video presents the known facts and local reporting, outlines the investigative timeline and developments, and highlights key details reported by multiple outlets. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

She survived a shooting and gave sworn statements to police, but it still wasn't enough. In December 2022, Meshay Melendez was assaulted and shot at by her boyfriend, Kirkland Warren — a man already facing numerous other charges, including an unresolved murder charge. Investigators ran a danger assessment that scored so high it broke the scale. In the weeks that followed, Warren was repeatedly released from jail; the second release came four days before Meshay and her 7-year-old daughter, Layla Stewart, disappeared without a trace. The episode examines whether more could have been done to prevent their deaths. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) or text START to 88788 for 24/7 confidential support. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coverage of the indictment of a Knoxville woman accused of attempting to hire a hitman in a murder-for-hire plot. UPDATE: Sasser pleaded guilty to using interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire. On September 18, 2024 U.S. District Judge Thomas A. Varlan sentenced her to 100 months (8 years, 4 months) in federal prison, plus 3 years of supervised release and $5,389.31 in restitution. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Saturday, August 28, 2016, Olga Tsyvk invited Viktoria Nasyrova to her home for a "lash emergency." Viktoria brought a slice of cheesecake; immediately after eating it, Olga lost consciousness and spent three days in the hospital. After her release she discovered she had been robbed, and a police investigation revealed that Viktoria led a secret life marked by lies, deception, and criminal activity. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the night of April 21, 2017, a father took his 5-year-old son to Disneyland. Security cameras recorded them leaving hours later, but by the next morning the boy was missing. The ensuing search across Southern California lasted more than two months and was accompanied by public records revealing bitter disputes and disturbing allegations. As investigators uncovered more, the case grew darker and more sinister. This episode examines the true crime case of Aramazd Andressian Jr., known to family and friends as "Piqui." #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A further examination of the Rodney Alcala case, focusing on photos released by the Huntington Beach Police Department and the investigation into possible additional victims. Sources referenced include The Killing Game: The True Story of Rodney Alcala (Alan R. Warren) and reporting from the Los Angeles Times, The Mercury News, Orange County Register, and Patch. #RodneyAlcala #TrueCrime #HuntingtonBeach Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I explore today the disturbing history of Rodney Alcala, a serial offender who infamously appeared on the reality show The Dating Game. This first part of a two-part series details early crimes, subsequent legal proceedings, and the systemic failures that allowed a dangerous individual to evade accountability for years. #TrueCrime #RodneyAlcala #KillingGame Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A tiny baby girl is rushed to the hospital with severe head and body injuries. Doctors suspect foul play due to the extent of her injuries. Her mother claimed the injuries occurred when she put her baby down for a nap and later found her on the floor, suggesting her 2-year-old child was responsible. Investigators uncovered inconsistencies in the mother’s account and behavior, leading to a darker turn in the case. Join the discussion on the true crime case of Thea Wilson. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This bizarre true crime mystery examines the disappearance of Robert Hoagland, who vanished from his Connecticut home in July 2013 without a trace. For nearly a decade, his family had no idea what happened to him. Then, in December 2022, police discovered his body in Rock Hill, New York—and uncovered a shocking secret. Hoagland had been living there under the name Richard King, even keeping his real identity hidden from his roommate. Investigators found no signs of foul play, but the mystery remains: why did Robert abandon his old life and disappear under an assumed name? #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For months, Andrea and Nate Shaw were at the center of a tragic story as grieving parents whose 18-month-old twins, Dallas and Tyson, died shortly after receiving routine vaccinations. Their narrative resonated within the anti-vax community, used to argue that vaccines can harm children. However, investigations revealed inconsistencies in the timeline, symptoms, and circumstances surrounding the twins' deaths, ultimately leading to a shocking revelation about the truth. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Tragic Case of Ingrid Lyne. On April 8th, 2016, Ingrid informed friends she was going on a date with a man named John. When she did not return home to her children, her family grew concerned. This tragic case culminated in the discovery of her decapitated head in a recycling bin. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On November 4th, 2025, first responders were called to assist 7-year-old Casper O'Brien, who had suddenly become unresponsive. Upon arrival, they encountered a home in horrific condition, leading to the discovery that Casper had been hidden from the outside world. This true crime case delves into the shocking events surrounding Casper's situation and the evidence that resulted in his parents being charged with severe crimes. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this video, we explore the murder case of Jared Bridegan, examining the circumstances surrounding the crime, potential suspects, and the latest developments in the investigation. UPDATE: This case is about to reach its climax. Fernandez’s trial begins this month, and Gardner’s follows immediately after. Both face first-degree murder charges and potential life sentences. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On an October morning in Galveston, Texas, a passerby discovered a 17-month-old baby girl unresponsive on the sidewalk outside a beachfront hotel. First responders found her alone, with no parent present. Investigators uncovered troubling details, including surveillance footage, physical evidence, and witness statements, all leading to one suspect: the person meant to protect her. This video explores the true crime case of Hannah Yonko. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This true crime case examines the controversial shooting death of Peter Spencer, a Jamaican immigrant who was killed during a camping trip in rural Pennsylvania. Investigators concluded the shooter acted in self-defense after an armed confrontation, and no criminal charges were filed. However, Spencer's family strongly disputes that conclusion, arguing the evidence tells a different story and continuing to seek justice. In this episode, we break down the timeline, the witness statements, the forensic evidence, and the unanswered questions at the center of one of Pennsylvania's most debated homicide cases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this video, we explore the case of Kent Heitholt's murder and the accusations against Ryan and Charles. UPDATE: Both men convicted of this murder were almost certainly innocent — one exonerated and awarded nearly $49 million, the other paroled after 18 years. But Kent Heitholt's murder remains unsolved 25 years later, with his family still waiting for real justice. #TrueCrime #KentHeitholt #Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On May 14, 2017, Lewis Bennett, 42, a dual citizen of Australia and the UK, and his wife Isabella Hellman, 41, a Delray Beach real estate agent, departed Cuba on their catamaran Surf Into Summer during a belated honeymoon. At around 8 p.m., Bennett had Hellman take over the helm for a night watch without requiring her to wear a life jacket, harness, or personal locator beacon. He claims he woke up to a loud noise and found the helm unmanned and his wife gone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a seemingly ordinary parking lot, a car pulls in and leaves within seconds. Hours later, a faint sound from a nearby dumpster leads to a shocking discovery of an abandoned baby. This video delves into the subsequent investigation and the unsettling truths that emerged through intense questioning. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Connie Dadkhah tried to warn the police about her stalker. And then he murdered her. Was this all preventable? UPDATE: On April 28, 2026, Chambers was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for second-degree murder, plus an additional two years for false imprisonment, to be served consecutively. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maddox Williams, born 11 weeks premature, tragically did not survive the very people meant to protect him. His life was mired in instability and chaos, with numerous warnings about his safety. Despite concerns, he was returned to his mother's care, who had previously expressed disdain for him. In June 2021, after suffering severe injuries, Maddox was admitted to the hospital under suspicious circumstances. Medical experts determined that his injuries could not have been inflicted by a dog or a child. This true crime video explores the heartbreaking case of Maddox Williams, the evidence presented at trial, and the tragic chain of failures that allowed his abuse to continue until it was too late. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this video, we discuss the tragic case of Alexis Crawford, a Clark Atlanta student who filed a sexual assault report shortly before her disappearance. UPDATE: a case stuck in legal limbo. Both defendants remain charged but untried after six years of pretrial legal battles. National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 #AlexisCrawford #TrueCrime #JusticeForAlexis #SexualAssaultAwareness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this video, I talk about the devastating murder of Mirna Salihin. The fact that she poisoned her in public and could just sit there and watch. Something about that just makes my stomach churn. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A night meant for reunion among lifelong friends turned into a horrifying act of violence on January 7th. After heavy drinking, tensions escalated when one friend told the only woman in the group she should be in the kitchen baking scones. This led Corbie Walpole to threaten to set her friend Jake Loader on fire, a threat that tragically became reality, leaving him in agony. In this true crime case, we explore the events leading to this act, the aftermath investigations, and Corbie's response to her actions. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's video, we explore Ronald's case, drawing on insights from a range of credible sources including Crime and Investigation, various newspapers, historical articles, Globe and Mail, Boss Hunting, Macleans, History Daily, Medium Crimebeat, and local press articles about notorious killers. #RonaldCase #TrueCrime #NotoriousKillers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The case inspired legislation in Maryland to eliminate diminution credits (The Pava Marie LaPere Act) for first-degree sex offenders. Billingsley pleaded guilty to first-degree murder of LaPere, as well as the attack on Hurley and Gilmore. He was sentenced to three life sentences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kathleen Moore, known as "Kit Kat," was 34, working as a bartender/waitress, and pursuing a phlebotomy degree to become a nurse. She was last seen spending time with her best friend Nikki and her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Colin Knapp... UPDATE: The case is fully resolved. Collin Knapp is serving life in prison for the first-degree murder of Kathleen. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 #truecrime #casesolved #kathleenmoore Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A middle-aged man paid over $11,000 for an extreme fetish encounter, leading to his death shortly after. This case has ignited a debate about consent, personal responsibility, and the legal boundaries surrounding dangerous sexual activities that end in tragedy. We explore the case of Michaela Rylaarsdam, an OnlyFans creator and escort, who became the center of a homicide investigation following the incident during a BDSM session. The complexities of this case reveal much more than what initially meets the eye. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this heartbreaking true crime case I examine the murder of Elias Otero, a young man who lost his life while trying to protect his family during a violent kidnapping and robbery. After his brother was lured into a trap through social media, armed suspects forced their way to the family's home. When Elias confronted them in an effort to save his brother, he was fatally shot. Investigators later uncovered a carefully planned robbery that escalated into murder. In this episode, we break down the kidnapping plot, the investigation, and the heroic actions that made Elias Otero's final moments a remarkable act of courage. UPDATE: Both suspects have been sentenced. Shooter Adrian Avila pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and received 29 years in prison (April 2024). Accomplice Anna Bella Dukes pleaded guilty to armed robbery and was sentenced to 5 years (November 2025). Elias’s mother co-founded the New Mexico Crusaders for Justice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When 9-month-old Preston Davey was placed with his adoptive parents, it seemed like a happy ending. However, behind closed doors, a dark reality unfolded. After months of suffering, investigators uncovered details about the tragic treatment Preston faced in his final four months, which were so horrific that even seasoned officers deemed it the worst case they had ever encountered. This true crime case delves into the circumstances surrounding Baby Preston and the consequences for those responsible. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Those around Kristen began to notice alarming patterns of deaths linked to her work schedule, leading to an urgent effort to conceal her actions as police started to unveil the truth. Special thanks to "Perfect Poison: A Female Serial Killer's Deadly Medicine" by M. William Phelps. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristen Gilbert was a respected nurse whose shifts coincided with a troubling number of patient deaths, leading colleagues to suspect there might be foul play involved. Initially dismissed as coincidences, the rising death toll raised significant concern among her peers. This video explores the potential dark truths behind these alarming events. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the case of Rebecca Bliefnick. Today, we delve into the Pike County massacre trial and the events surrounding it. The focus is on the testimonies and pivotal moments in the court proceedings, as well as the timeline of the tragic Rhoden family murders. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On what should have been an ordinary Friday night, 14-year-old Scarlett Vickers was spending time with her parents in their home in Durham, England. A playful joke quickly turned into a nightmare when paramedics found Scarlett lying on the floor, covered in blood from a stab wound to her chest. Her father claims it was a freak accident, but the investigation revealed a more sinister scenario. Did a loving father stab his daughter out of anger over a harmless joke, or was this truly a tragic accident? #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elly Warren was a 20-year-old woman with a passion for adventure. During her six-week trip in a country she loved, her tragically discovered body on November 9, 2016, raised many questions. Found partially nude, with her clothes torn, the circumstances surrounding her death have led to speculation about a possible cover-up, as local police have refused to investigate. UPDATE: The case remains unsolved despite the homicide ruling. No one has been charged. Paul Warren is publishing a book called "Hunting Elly's Killer" on June 30, 2026, presenting what he describes as a "full, factual, and evidence-based account" of his daughter's murder and the years-long investigation, drawn from recordings, court transcripts, and forensic reports. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We delve into the tragic story surrounding the Careaga family, focusing on the quadruple homicide that rocked Kitsap County. UPDATE: The case is now fully resolved. On April 5, 2024, all three suspects were found guilty of four counts of first-degree premeditated murder, four counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and first-degree arson. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #familymurder #careagafamily Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two teenage best friends, Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, set out for an evening ride to get boba tea in Cranford, New Jersey, but tragically both girls lost their lives. Initially believed to be a hit-and-run accident, investigations uncovered a complex story of months of stalking, harassment, and threats against one of the victims. The suspect went live on social media the day after the crash to respond to viewer accusations. This video examines the case details, highlighting ignored red flags and questioning whether this tragedy could have been prevented. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

UPDATE: The case is fully resolved. Judge Eleanor J. Hunter sentenced him to 119 years to life in prison — 40 years to life for the murder. He will almost certainly die in prison. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #tristanbeaudette Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the night of August 10, 2012, a mother was brutally murdered in her home, which was subsequently set ablaze. The perpetrator confessed to the crime but claimed he was hearing voices compelling him to commit it. He also attempted to implicate another suspect. This video explores the court's acceptance of his insanity plea and investigates whether the other suspect was truly responsible for the crime. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Netflix recently released "The Witness," a dramatized series, alongside the documentary "The Murder of Rachel Nickell." While the documentary offers a solid overview of the case, this video goes deeper, uncovering details from newspaper archives, court documents, and historic coverage. It reveals vital evidence and analyzes the systemic failures that led to the devastation of numerous families. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices