Truer Crime

Welcome to Season Seven of Nobody Should Believe Me. Andrea revisits the case of Maya Kowalski—the story at the center of the Netflix film Take Care of Maya–and the family’s high-profile lawsuit against Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. What became widely framed as a story about “medical kidnapping” began when hospital staff reported suspected medical child abuse after Maya arrived with a history of extreme ketamine treatments.  How did a case of horrific abuse become a story about evil doctors kidnapping children? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bonus episode of Truer Crime, we return to the disappearance of eight-year-old Relisha Rudd. In 2014, Relisha vanished from a Washington, D.C. homeless shelter. She was not officially reported missing for eighteen days. More than a decade later, she has never been found. I’m joined by Derrica Wilson and Natalie Wilson, co-founders of the Black and Missing Foundation, to discuss their two-part YouTube docuseries, The Vanishing of Relisha Rudd: A Cold Case Re-examined, and the broader patterns that shape cases like hers. We talk about media disparities, reporting delays, public alert systems that aren’t always activated, and what it means to advocate for missing people of color inside systems that don’t respond equally. To learn more about the Black and Missing Foundation or watch the docuseries: bamfi.org hwb5k.org Find all action items, sources, and resources in the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠truercrimepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Keep up with us through our ⁠⁠⁠⁠Truer Crime Substack Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow @truercrimepod on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow me @celisiastanton on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Sign up for my weekly newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sincerely, Celisia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

True crime is usually something we consume at a distance, through headlines, documentaries, podcasts. But what happens when those stories are tied to real places you can stand in front of? In this bonus episode, I’m joined by Adam Paul Levine, the founder of Graveline Tours, a Los Angeles–based company that takes people through the city’s most infamous crime scenes in restored vintage funeral limousines. On its surface, true crime tourism can feel unsettling. But Adam and I quickly find ourselves asking the same questions: why are we drawn to these stories in the first place? What responsibility do storytellers have to victims and their families? And where is the line between education, empathy, and exploitation? Much of our conversation centers on the Menendez brothers case, from the media’s fixation on sexuality and spectacle, to the cultural moment that shaped the trials, to the ripple effects of the O.J. Simpson case on their fate. We talk about how narratives are built, distorted, and remembered and how those narratives still carry real consequences today. Want early access to every episode, all at once? Tenderfoot+ subscribers get the full case at the start of each month—plus ad-free listening and exclusive content from over 30 shows. Sign up at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tenderfootplus.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Find all action items, sources, and resources in the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠truercrimepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Keep up with us through our ⁠⁠⁠Truer Crime Substack Newsletter⁠⁠⁠. Follow @truercrimepod on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow me @celisiastanton on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Sign up for my weekly newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sincerely, Celisia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most of us were taught a simple version of what happened to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: a lone gunman, a closed case, a tragic end. This episode of Truer Crime looks beyond that familiar story. Drawing on historical records, testimony, and a little-known 1999 civil trial brought by the King family, it examines the years of surveillance, intimidation, and unanswered questions surrounding King’s assassination. Originally released one year ago, this episode feels newly relevant today, not because it offers easy answers, but because it asks what happens when narratives about state violence harden before the truth is fully known. Whether you’re listening for the first time or returning with new perspective, this is an invitation to slow down and look again. Want early access to every episode, all at once? Tenderfoot+ subscribers get the full case at the start of each month—plus ad-free listening and exclusive content from over 30 shows. Sign up at ⁠⁠⁠⁠tenderfootplus.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Find all action items, sources, and resources in the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠truercrimepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Keep up with us through our ⁠⁠Truer Crime Substack Newsletter⁠⁠. Follow @truercrimepod on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow me @celisiastanton on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠. Sign up for my weekly newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sincerely, Celisia⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two years after Jennifer Kirk was found dead on former mayor Clement Richards Sr.’s property, another woman was discovered at that same address: 30-year-old Susanna “Sue Sue” Norton, who was in a relationship with one of Richard's sons. To this day, no one has been charged in connection to her murder. Today’s episode examines how this could happen again on the same property, the questions still surrounding Sue Sue’s death, and the deeply broken systems that continue to fail Indigenous women and girls across Alaska. Want early access to every episode, all at once? Tenderfoot+ subscribers get the full case at the start of each month—plus ad-free listening and exclusive content from over 30 shows. Sign up at ⁠⁠⁠tenderfootplus.com⁠⁠⁠. Find all action items, sources, and resources in the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠truercrimepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠. Keep up with us through our ⁠Truer Crime Substack Newsletter⁠. Follow @truercrimepod on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠. Follow me @celisiastanton on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠. Sign up for my weekly Substack newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠Sincerely, Celisia⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the small town of Kotzebue, Alaska, police responded to a call at the mayor’s property and found 25-year-old Jennifer Kirk dead, a rifle beside her and a bullet wound under her chin. Within days, her death was ruled a suicide. But many in the community saw something different: a history of domestic violence involving all three of the mayor’s sons, unanswered questions at the scene, and an investigation closed almost as soon as it began. Today’s episode examines a powerful family, a rushed case, and a community still searching for the truth. Want early access to every episode, all at once? Tenderfoot+ subscribers get the full case at the start of each month—plus ad-free listening and exclusive content from over 30 shows. Sign up at ⁠⁠⁠tenderfootplus.com⁠⁠⁠. Find all action items, sources, and resources in the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠truercrimepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠. Keep up with us through our ⁠Truer Crime Substack Newsletter⁠. Follow @truercrimepod on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠. Follow me @celisiastanton on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠. Sign up for my weekly newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠Sincerely, Celisia⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Within days of Natalee Holloway’s disappearance, her mother suspected Joran van der Sloot was involved. What she couldn’t have known was just how much, and for how long, Joran would manipulate the truth. For nearly two decades, he cycled through lies, near-confessions, and sensational claims that kept Natalee’s story in the headlines while dragging her family through hell. In Part 2, we follow the Holloways through the maze of shifting stories, the scams and false leads, a shocking murder in Peru, and finally, after eighteen years, the shocking revelation that broke the case wide open. Want early access to every episode, all at once? Tenderfoot+ subscribers get the full case at the start of each month—plus ad-free listening and exclusive content from over 30 shows. Sign up at ⁠tenderfootplus.com⁠. Find all action items, sources, and resources in the show notes at ⁠truercrimepodcast.com⁠. Keep up with us through our Truer Crime Substack Newsletter. Follow @truercrimepod on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠. Follow me @celisiastanton on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠. Sign up for my weekly Substack newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠Sincerely, Celisia⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eighteen-year-old Natalee Holloway vanished during a senior trip to Aruba, a disappearance that captured international attention and reshaped the island overnight. Her family fought for answers with a level of visibility most grieving families could only dream of. But more attention doesn’t always mean more truth. In Part 1 of our two-part deep dive, we revisit the night Natalee went missing, the investigation that unraveled almost immediately, and the media storm that turned her case into a global spectacle. This episode examines what the spotlight illuminated, and what it obscured, in a family’s desperate search for their daughter. Want early access to every episode, all at once? Tenderfoot+ subscribers get the full case at the start of each month—plus ad-free listening and exclusive content from over 30 shows. Sign up at ⁠tenderfootplus.com⁠. Find all action items, sources, and resources in the show notes at ⁠truercrimepodcast.com⁠. Keep up with us through our Truer Crime Substack Newsletter. Follow @truercrimepod on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠. Follow me @celisiastanton on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠. Sign up for my weekly Substack newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠Sincerely, Celisia⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bonus episode, I sit down with investigative reporter Jennifer Mayerle, the journalist behind the WCCO documentary Footprint to Murder. Jennifer spent years following Jeanie Childs’ case, building trust with Jeanie’s family and navigating the emotional and ethical challenges of reporting a story this complex. We talk about what it was like to cover this case from the inside: the relationships behind the reporting, the tensions around forensic genetic genealogy, and how the footprint evidence shaped the investigation. We also get into the questions that still linger, and what it means to center a victim’s humanity in a story often flattened by headlines. Want early access to every episode, all at once? Tenderfoot+ subscribers get the full case at the start of each month—plus ad-free listening and exclusive content from over 30 shows. Sign up at ⁠⁠tenderfootplus.com⁠⁠. Find all action items, sources, and resources in the show notes at ⁠⁠truercrimepodcast.com⁠⁠. Follow @truercrimepod on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow me @celisiastanton on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠. Sign up for my weekly Substack newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sincerely, Celisia⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For more than 25 years, Jeanie’s case stayed unsolved. Investigators had fragments—a DNA profile appearing across key items, a set of bloody footprints—but not a name. Then, a new technology entered the picture with the potential to blow the whole case wide open. In Part 2, we follow the quiet breakthrough that put a suspect in focus, the messy, very human work of proving it, and the questions that still remain about privacy, power, and what “justice” really means for a grieving family. Want early access to every episode, all at once? Tenderfoot+ subscribers get the full case at the start of each month—plus ad-free listening and exclusive content from over 30 shows. Sign up at ⁠tenderfootplus.com⁠. Find all action items, sources, and resources in the show notes at ⁠truercrimepodcast.com⁠. Follow @truercrimepod on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠. Follow me @celisiastanton on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠. Sign up for my weekly Substack newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠Sincerely, Celisia⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the Summer of 1993, a leak in a south Minneapolis high-rise led a caretaker to a horrifying discovery: 35-year-old Jeanie Childs, murdered inside her apartment. On the floor beside her, a haunting clue: a trail of bloody bare footprints. Today we start at the beginning of a decades-long search for answers, tracing Jeanie’s story, the evidence left behind, and the first threads investigators followed as they tried to uncover what really happened that night. Want early access to every episode, all at once? Tenderfoot+ subscribers get the full case at the start of each month—plus ad-free listening and exclusive content from over 30 shows. Sign up at ⁠tenderfootplus.com⁠. Find all action items, sources, and resources in the show notes at ⁠truercrimepodcast.com⁠. Follow @truercrimepod on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠. Follow me @celisiastanton on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠. Sign up for my weekly Substack newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠Sincerely, Celisia⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m going off the record with my co-producer, Olivia, to break down our Menendez Brothers series, from how the story evolved during production to what it reveals about our culture’s fascination with crime and punishment. We talk about the ethics of telling familiar stories, the lasting impact of media coverage, and the newest developments in the brothers’ case more than 30 years later. Want early access to every episode, all at once? Tenderfoot+ subscribers get the full case at the start of each month—plus ad-free listening and exclusive content from over 30 shows. Sign up at tenderfootplus.com. Find all action items, sources, and resources in the show notes at ⁠truercrimepodcast.com⁠. Follow @truercrimepod on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠. Follow me @celisiastanton on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠. Sign up for my weekly Substack newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠Sincerely, Celisia⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadcast into millions of homes, the Menendez trial became something bigger than a murder case. It was television. Tabloid fodder. Even comedy material. But when trauma turns into spectacle, what gets lost? In Part Three, we trace how the case was flattened into a punchline, and why, 35 years later, it demands a different look. Want early access to every episode, all at once? Tenderfoot+ subscribers get the full case at the start of each month—plus ad-free listening and exclusive content from over 30 shows. Sign up at tenderfootplus.com. Find all action items, sources, and resources in the show notes at truercrimepodcast.com. Follow @truercrimepod on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠X⁠⁠. Follow me @celisiastanton on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠. Sign up for my weekly Substack newsletter, ⁠⁠Sincerely, Celisia⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At just 18 and 21, Erik and Lyle Menendez stood trial for killing their parents. To many, it seemed unfathomable: how could two privileged kids from Beverly Hills do something like this? When they finally spoke, the picture that emerged was darker and more complicated than anyone expected. In Part Two, we follow the trial that gripped the country, and the stories the brothers had kept hidden for years. Want early access to every episode, all at once? Tenderfoot+ subscribers get the full case at the start of each month—plus ad-free listening and exclusive content from over 30 shows. Sign up at tenderfootplus.com. Find all action items, sources, and resources in the show notes at truercrimepodcast.com. Follow @truercrimepod on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠X⁠⁠. Follow me @celisiastanton on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠. Sign up for my weekly Substack newsletter, ⁠⁠Sincerely, Celisia⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the summer of 1989, wealthy media executive José Menendez and his wife, Kitty, were found dead inside their Beverly Hills home. The brutality of the crime was shocking enough, until the truth came out. Their killers weren’t intruders. They were their sons, Lyle and Erik. In Part One, we begin unraveling the story of a family that looked perfect on the outside, but was breaking apart from within. Want early access to every episode, all at once? Tenderfoot+ subscribers get the full case at the start of each month—plus ad-free listening and exclusive content from over 30 shows. Sign up at tenderfootplus.com. Find all action items, sources, and resources in the show notes at truercrimepodcast.com. Follow @truercrimepod on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠. Follow me @celisiastanton on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠. Sign up for my weekly Substack newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠Sincerely, Celisia⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keith LaMar has spent more than 30 years on death row for crimes he says he did not commit. With his execution date set for January 13, 2027, and his final legal options dwindling, Keith speaks candidly about betrayal by his own attorneys, the indifference of the courts, and why he believes the public may be his last chance at justice. But this is also a conversation about life—about what it means to hold onto your humanity, to love, and to create, even in a place designed to strip all of that away. Referenced: The Cross of Redemption by James BaldwinY ou can find photos of Keith on our Instagram ⁠@truercrimepod⁠ Find the complete list of action items, sources, and resources for our Keith LaMar coverage in the show notes at ⁠truercrimepodcast.com⁠. Keep up with us through our ⁠Truer Crime Substack Newsletter⁠. Follow @truercrimepod on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠. Follow me @celisiastanton on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠. Sign up for my weekly Substack newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠Sincerely, Celisia⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In many true crime stories, the ending comes with the verdict: guilty, condemned, case closed. But for Keith LaMar, that moment marked the beginning of another story. For three decades, he has fought to keep living inside a system determined to end his life. This episode explores what survival looks like on death row, and what it means to keep resisting in the shadow of an execution date. Want early access to every episode, all at once? Tenderfoot+ subscribers get the full case at the start of each month—plus ad-free listening and exclusive content from over 30 shows. Sign up at tenderfootplus.com. Find all action items, sources, and resources in the show notes at truercrimepodcast.com. Follow @truercrimepod on Instagram and X. Follow me @celisiastanton on Instagram and TikTok. Sign up for my weekly Substack newsletter, Sincerely, Celisia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keith LaMar once admitted to murder. But when prosecutors accused him of ordering deaths in the Lucasville prison riot, he drew a line: this time, he said, he was innocent. In this episode, we return to the crime that put Keith behind bars, and follow the trial that would decide his fate. Want early access to every episode, all at once? Tenderfoot+ subscribers get the full case at the start of each month—plus ad-free listening and exclusive content from over 30 shows. Sign up at tenderfootplus.com. Find all action items, sources, and resources in the show notes at truercrimepodcast.com. Follow @truercrimepod on Instagram and X. Follow me @celisiastanton on Instagram and TikTok. Sign up for my weekly Substack newsletter, Sincerely, Celisia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For eleven days, turmoil gripped the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility. Hostages were trapped, negotiations collapsed, and the violence only grew. Inside those same prison walls, Keith LaMar was forced to witness horrors that would shape the rest of his life. This is the story of how the riot ended, and how Keith’s reckoning began. Want early access to every episode, all at once? Tenderfoot+ subscribers get the full case at the start of each month—plus ad-free listening and exclusive content from over 30 shows. Sign up at tenderfootplus.com. Find all action items, sources, and resources in the show notes at truercrimepodcast.com. Follow @truercrimepod on Instagram and X. Follow me @celisiastanton on Instagram and TikTok. Sign up for my weekly Substack newsletter, Sincerely, Celisia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Easter Sunday in 1993, the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville erupted into chaos. Tensions between prisoners and staff had reached a breaking point, sparking one of the longest prison sieges in U.S. history. Over eleven days, nine inmates and one corrections officer would lose their lives. But what caused the riot? And for the hundreds trapped inside, what did it mean to survive it? Today’s episode kicks off a month-long exploration of the Lucasville uprising. An event that put all eyes on Ohio, and left one man reeling in its wake. Want early access to every episode, all at once? Tenderfoot+ subscribers get the full case at the start of each month—plus ad-free listening and exclusive content from over 30 shows. Sign up at tenderfootplus.com. Find all action items, sources, and resources in the show notes at truercrimepodcast.com. Follow @truercrimepod on Instagram and X. Follow me @celisiastanton on Instagram and TikTok. Sign up for my weekly Substack newsletter, Sincerely, Celisia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Celisia joins Meghan Sachs on Women + Crime to unpack the Cassie Ventura case and the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs. Together, they explore the power dynamics at play, the impact of the MeToo era, and the bigger questions about justice and accountability when the accused is one of the most powerful men in music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the worst day of your life becomes a talking point on national TV? In this special ‘Off the Record’ episode, we go deeper into the making of our two-part story on Mollie Tibbetts. I sit down with my co-producer Olivia Heusinkveld to unpack why we told this story, what didn’t make it into the episode, and the uncomfortable questions we wrestled with along the way. We talk about the political hijacking of Mollie’s story, the haunting parallels to Aiden Clark, and the reality behind the headlines about immigrants and crime. Sources for today’s episode: ⁠ PBS⁠ ⁠Des Moines Register 1⁠⁠ Des Moines Register 2⁠ Want early access to every episode, all at once? Tenderfoot+ subscribers get the full case at the start of each month—plus ad-free listening and exclusive content from over 30 shows. Sign up at ⁠tenderfootplus.com⁠. Find the complete list of action items, sources, and resources for our Mollie Tibbetts coverage in the show notes at ⁠⁠truercrimepodcast.com⁠⁠. Keep up with us through our ⁠⁠Truer Crime Substack Newsletter⁠⁠. Follow @truercrimepod on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠X⁠⁠. Follow me @celisiastanton on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠. Sign up for my weekly Substack newsletter, ⁠⁠Sincerely, Celisia⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For weeks, the search for Mollie Tibbetts consumed her small town, her face on posters, her name on everyone’s lips. And when investigators finally closed in on the man behind the wheel of the car seen circling Mollie on the night she vanished, justice for her family felt within reach. But what unfolded next wasn’t the ending anyone had imagined. Instead, Mollie’s disappearance was thrust into the national spotlight, sweeping her family, her community, and even the country into a battle over who gets to tell her story and why. In Part 1, we told you about the search to find Mollie. Today, we’re finishing this story with the town left to pick up the pieces. Want early access to every episode, all at once? Tenderfoot+ subscribers get the full case at the start of each month—plus ad-free listening and exclusive content from over 30 shows. Sign up at tenderfootplus.com. Find all action items, sources, and resources in the show notes at truercrimepodcast.com. Keep up with us through our Truer Crime Substack Newsletter.Follow @truercrimepod on Instagram and X.Follow me @celisiastanton on Instagram and TikTok.Sign up for my weekly Substack newsletter, Sincerely, Celisia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In July of 2018, 20-year-old Mollie Tibbetts went on a run in her small hometown of Brooklyn, Iowa. Something she’d done countless times before. But this time, she didn’t come home. What followed was a search unlike anything this town had ever seen. Neighbors combed the fields. Reporters camped out at the local diner. And as the weeks stretched on without answers, the questions only grew louder: How does someone vanish without a trace in a town this small? Who could have seen something and stayed silent? Today, we’re digging into the first chapter of Mollie’s story, a case that began as a missing persons search and grew into something bigger: an investigation that transformed a town and captured the attention of a nation. Want early access to every episode, all at once? Tenderfoot+ subscribers get the full case at the start of each month—plus ad-free listening and exclusive content from over 30 shows. Sign up at tenderfootplus.com. Find all action items, sources, and resources in the show notes at truercrimepodcast.com. Keep up with us through our Truer Crime Substack Newsletter.Follow @truercrimepod on Instagram and X.Follow me @celisiastanton on Instagram and TikTok.Sign up for my weekly Substack newsletter, Sincerely, Celisia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. We’re digging into six gripping cases. Some you might recognize. Others you’ve never heard before. But every one of them will leave you questioning the stories we’re told and the stories we choose to believe. Six months. Six cases. One show that digs deeper. Truer Crime returns August 4th. Listen for free on the iHeartRadio app, Spotify, Amazon Music, or Apple Podcasts. Want early access to episodes? Tenderfoot+ subscribers get the full case at the start of each month—plus ad-free listening and exclusive content from over 30 shows. Sign up at tenderfootplus.com. Keep up with us through our Truer Crime Substack Newsletter. Follow @truercrimepod on Instagram and X. Follow me @celisiastanton on Instagram and TikTok. Sign up for my weekly newsletter, Sincerely, Celisia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 3 of Truer Crime launches this August—and this time, we’re doing things differently. Each month, we’ll spend multiple episodes digging into one case, with deeper stories, bigger arcs, and the kind of nuance and context you’ve told us you love. After years of on-and-off releases, we’re finally bringing you a season built for consistency with new episodes most weeks for six months straight. Season 3 starts August 4th. We can’t wait to share it with you. In the meantime you can stay in the loop by following Truer Crime on Instagram, X, Threads, and Bluesky @truercrimepod, and you can sign up for the official newsletter at truercrime.substack.com. And if you want to keep up with me personally, I’m @celisiastanton on Instagram and TikTok. I also write a weekly newsletter called ‘Sincerely, Celisia’ where I share fun recommendations, reflections, and my unfiltered thoughts on culture and politics. You can read and subscribe at sincerelycelisia.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Early Saturday morning, a man disguised as a police officer went door to door in the Minneapolis suburbs with a hit list. He shot State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. He murdered State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband. He nearly reached my own childhood senator, Ann Rest.This was a political assassination—and it happened in my hometown.In this bonus episode, Olivia and I walk through what we know, what we still don’t, and the questions we can’t stop asking: Could this have been prevented? Why was it so easy for the killer to impersonate authority? And what does accountability look like when the truth is still unfolding?We also speak with News Nation reporter Brian Entin, who traveled to Minnesota to cover the story as it happened, about what he’s learned on the ground and what might come next.If you’re looking for a way to support the Hortman family, Melissa and Mark’s children have shared this GoFundMe: Support Colin and Sophie after their tragic loss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first episode of Nobody Should Believe Me’s latest season, host Andrea Dunlop unpacks the origin story of Sophie Hartman — a young woman from Michigan who, by 25, had adopted two Zambian girls and written a memoir titled Crowns of Beauty. Andrea explores Sophie’s evangelical roots, the savior narrative she constructed, and what it reveals about identity, motherhood, and power. Andrea is joined by Chad Goller-Sojourner — a performance artist and transracial adoption coach — who helps contextualize the complexities at play. If this episode grabs you, good news: the full season is out now. You can binge all of Nobody Should Believe Me wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the show notes: https://link.chtbl.com/NSBM2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special crossover, Celisia joins Andrea Dunlop — host of Nobody Should Believe Me — for a Casefiles conversation on the Susan Smith case. In 1994, Smith falsely claimed a Black man had kidnapped her two sons. The truth was far more chilling — and her lie launched a national manhunt. Together, Celisia and Andrea unpack the media frenzy, the racial panic Smith weaponized, and what this case reveals about bias, mental health, and motherhood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Manson murders have been told and retold—but rarely like this. In this special bonus episode, Anthony DiMaria, nephew of victim Jay Sebring, reveals the story behind the headlines. Anthony shares what it’s like to grow up under the shadow of a crime that defined a generation, how the media erased Jay’s humanity, and why so much of what we “know” about the Manson Family is wrong. From his uncle’s groundbreaking influence on men’s style to the disturbing truths Anthony uncovered about the parole process, this is a story about family, justice, and fighting to reclaim the truth. Follow Anthony's work: - Instagram: instagram.com/jaysebringfilm - Twitter/X: twitter.com/jaysebringfilm - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Jay-Sebring-Film-100056007829576/ - YouTube: youtube.com/@jaysebringcuttingtothetruth - Jay Sebring: Cutting to the Truth Book: geniusbookpublishing.com/products/jay-sebring-cutting-to-the-truth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In October 1983, 23-year-old Timothy Coggins was brutally murdered in the small town of Sunny Side, Georgia. As his family grieved, they were met with menacing threats, warning them to back off from the investigation. Today’s episode covers a case that had stayed cold for more than three decades, spotlighting a family that never stopped hoping for justice. A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/timothy-coggins Truer Crime merch is here! Get your limited-edition shirt before they're gone: https://shop.tenderfoot.tv/products/take-care  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a journalist discovers a supposed "serial killer" case might actually be a web of police corruption, informant murders, and small-town cover-ups? In this riveting follow-up to our Jeff Davis 8 episode, I go one-on-one with investigative reporter Ethan Brown, who spent years untangling the deaths of eight women in rural Louisiana. Brown reveals shocking new details - from his strange friendship with the prime suspect to death threats he received while investigating. He explains why local law enforcement might have wanted these women silenced, the horrifying connection between all eight victims, and why the case remains unsolved nearly two decades later. This isn't just another cold case - it's a frightening glimpse into what happens when those meant to protect become the ones to fear. The truth behind the Jeff Davis 8 is darker and more disturbing than any serial killer theory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Between 2005 and 2009, eight women were murdered in Louisiana’s Jefferson Davis Parish. To this day, all eight murders remain unsolved. It’s a story that drew the attention of New Orleans private investigator and author Ethan Brown, who uncovered a pattern of police misconduct, scandal, and investigative failures. In today’s episode, we explore the mysteries of this small town, where the pursuit of justice has been thwarted at every turn, leaving a trail of frustration and unanswered questions. A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/jeff-davis-8 Truer Crime merch is here! Get your limited-edition shirt before they're gone: https://shop.tenderfoot.tv/products/take-care  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After countless requests, Truer Crime's first-ever merchandise has officially launched! In this special announcement, Celisia reveals the limited-edition t-shirt featuring an exclusive inside reference that only dedicated listeners will understand. This isn’t just a merch item—it’s a conversation starter, community badge, and direct support for the future of Truer Crime. But act fast—this isn't a permanent offer. When they're gone, they're gone for good. Visit https://shop.tenderfoot.tv/products/take-care to claim yours before they sell out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sonya Ivanoff was a rising star in Alaska’s small, tight-knit community. A talented basketball player with dreams of a college career, she had her whole future ahead of her—until she was found murdered at just 19 years old. In the isolated town of Nome, investigators were left with few clues and fewer answers, as the case spiraled into a labyrinth of conflicting leads. In today’s episode, we explore the haunting mystery behind Sonya’s death and the unsettling questions it raises about power and justice in America. A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/sonya-ivanoff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Manson murders have been covered endlessly, turned into sensational headlines, Hollywood blockbusters, and pop culture mythology. But how do you tell this story differently—without glorifying the killers or repeating the same tired narrative? In this special behind-the-scenes episode, I sit down with my co-producer Olivia Heusinkveld to unpack the making of our two-part series on the Manson murders. We reveal the creative choices we wrestled with, the moments that shocked us most, and the parts of the story that didn’t make it into the final episodes—but still haunt us. This conversation pulls back the curtain on what you thought you knew about one of America's most infamous crimes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the summer of 1969, California police hunted for the killers behind seven brutal deaths over two vicious nights. As the investigation zeroed in on Charles Manson and his cult followers, a shocking story began to emerge. What followed was a criminal trial like no other, marked by a revolving defense team, dramatic protests, and violent threats to witnesses. In this second installment of a two-part breakdown, we go deeper—and darker—to unravel the grisly murders that have haunted Americans for more than six decades. A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/Manson-pt-2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charles Manson is a name synonymous with terror. But after decades of coverage, is there still something we’re missing about one of the most notorious figures in American crime? What forces shape the narratives we think we know? In the first chapter of a two-part deep dive, we’ll examine the Manson murders through a fresh lens, uncovering details that have long gone unnoticed. Sometimes, the most familiar stories require the closest look. A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/Manson-pt-1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you heard our last episode, you already know the case against Toforest Johnson is riddled with problems—key witnesses recanted, no physical evidence tied him to the crime, and even the original prosecutor now says he deserves a new trial. But there’s even more to this story. In this follow-up conversation, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne peels back the layers of the case and shares what she uncovered while making Earwitness. We go deep into the tangled web of unreliable witnesses, missed leads, and the political forces keeping Toforest behind bars. Beth also reveals disturbing new details—ones that never made it into the courtroom but could change everything. What happens when the truth is clear, but the system refuses to listen? And how close is Toforest to finally seeing justice? Listen in—because this fight is far from over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1995, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy William Hardy was shot behind a Birmingham hotel. At that moment, over ten witnesses placed Toforest Johnson at a nightclub across town. Despite this, Toforest has spent more than 26 years on death row for a crime he swears he didn’t commit. Today, many—including one of the jurors who originally convicted him— think the courts got it wrong. But how? With the support of investigative reporter Beth Shelburne, we explore the horrifying twists behind Toforest’s controversial conviction. A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/Toforest-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alan Berg, a prolific talk radio personality, kept Denver listening. At a time when the airwaves still sounded mostly polite and apolitical, Alan was best known for his brash politics and fiery arguments with callers. All of this came to an end in the summer of 1984, when Alan was murdered outside of his home. Today’s episode is about the importance of speaking up, even against the forces that will do anything to keep us quiet. A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/alan-berg  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You might know Alice Sebold from her bestselling novel “The Lovely Bones.” But before that, she became famous for her memoir “Lucky,” where she recounts the brutal assault she survived in a park near her college campus—and the trial that followed. The man convicted in that trial was Anthony Broadwater, who has maintained his innocence for more than 40 years. Today’s episode is about forgiveness, resilience, and the devastating consequences of getting it wrong. Please be aware that today’s episode contains references to sexual assault and physical violence. A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/andthony-alice  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On April 4, 1968, a single bullet ended the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The official story pinned the murder on James Earl Ray—a fugitive desperate to evade capture—but for decades, the King family has fought to expose a darker truth. In this episode, we uncover the buried evidence, tangled conspiracies, and a stunning 1999 civil trial that found the U.S. government complicit in King’s assassination. What does justice look like for one of history’s most celebrated heroes—and why is so much of this story still left untold? Please note that today's episode includes language some listeners might find offensive as well as references to gun violence. Please take care while listening. A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/mlk-assassination  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A student at the University of Utah, Lauren McCluskey began receiving threatening messages from her ex-boyfriend in the fall of 2018. For nearly three weeks, concerned for her safety, she reported this harassment to campus police again and again. Today’s episode is about the deadly cost of warnings ignored—and what happens when the people we trust to protect us fail to take action. Please be aware that today’s episode contains references to sexual assault and suicide. A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/lauren-mccluskey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Truer Crime is back for season 2 with 10 brand-new episodes you won't want to miss. From high-profile stories like the Manson Murders to lesser-known cases about everyday people — the victim of a modern lynching, a talk radio host gunned down in his driveway, a famous author and the man wrongfully convicted of her rape — each episode is a take on true crime you won't hear anywhere else. Be sure to catch new episodes available every Monday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From 1920 to 1940, no Black people lived in Forsyth County, Georgia. None. But by the time Tamla Horsford moved there with her family, a lot had changed. Or so it seemed, until Tamla was found dead in the Fall of 2018. Suddenly, a century’s worth of trauma resurfaced in the once all-white Georgia county. Today’s episode reveals what happens when a woman and a county collide. Please be aware that today’s episode references lynching and other racial violence. Please take care while listening. Action Items Related to Today’s Episode: Learn more about Tamla and follow any developments on her case at @justicefortam on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/justicefortam/). Check out and support The Georgia Newspaper Project at www.libs.uga.edu/gnp and www.libs.uga.edu/development/support. Explore the Atlanta History Center's online collect Forsyth 1912 project, which seeks to collect the histories of descendants of Forsyth County’s expelled Black residents: https://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/learning-research/projects-initiatives/originals/forsyth-1912/. You can also donate to support their work here: https://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/support. A full list of sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/tamla-horsford. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Mandez was just 14 years old when his elderly neighbor, Frida Winter, was found murdered in her home, the same home Sam had painted with his grandfather just a few summers prior. It would be years before they set their eyes on Sam as their main suspect. And while he was just a kid when the crime took place, Sam was tried as an adult and eventually sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder. Despite maintaining his innocence, he now faced a future behind bars. But what would that future *actually* look like? Today, we’re starting where a lot of other true crime stories end – in prison.  Please be aware that today’s episode discusses incarceration, solitary confinement, severe mental illness, suicide, and self-harm. Please take care while listening. Action Items Related to Today’s Episode: If you’re in the United States and you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or visit their website at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.  To learn more about solitary confinement and the movement to end its practice, I highly recommend checking out Solitary Watch at https://solitarywatch.org/. A full list of sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/sam-mandez. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you consume a lot of true crime, you might have heard Mindy Dodd’s story before. Or at least one like it – the classic story of a housewife who, pushed too far, snaps and murders her husband. The scary music swells and the story ends neatly. The housewife is locked away. But what if that’s not the whole picture? Today’s episode is about the muddy middle that's so often left out. Please be aware that today’s references sexual assault and domestic violence. Please take care while listening. Action Items Related to Today’s Episode: If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence and looking for anonymous, confidential help, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.  Access additional resources at the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence at https://ncadv.org/. Support domestic violence survivors by purchasing from Gifted by freefrom at https://giftedbyfreefrom.org/. A full list of sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/mindy-dodd. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever listen to a true crime podcast and think “that’s not quite right…?” Same. Crime stories are hard to ignore and even harder to forget. But the thing is... they’re stories. And getting a story right is all about how you tell it. Truer Crime talks about real people — murdered, missing, misled — with more nuance, more context, and more questions. Hosted by Celisia Stanton. You can see more of Rachel Monroe's work and find links to buy your own copy of "Savage Appetites" at http://www.rachel-monroe.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July 11th marks “Relisha Rudd Remembrance Day’' in Washington DC. The purpose of this event is to spread awareness and let the public know that the search for Relisha is not over. Today we republish Episode 5 covering Relisha’s disappearance to bring more attention to her story. --- No one had seen 8-year-old Relisha Rudd for weeks before she was finally reported missing in March of 2014. So where was she? Why did it take so long for anyone to notice? And who was to blame? Today’s episode explores what can happen when the systems built to protect families just — *don’t*.  Please be aware that today’s story contains references to suicide, gun violence, child abuse, and housing insecurity. A full list of sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/relisha-rudd/  If you like Truer Crime, leave us a review! It's a great way to support our work and helps other people find us! Keep up with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @truercrimepod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices