Grand Canyon Criminal Defense

It was one of the most-watched trials in American history. Everyone knows the case, but almost no one knows what actually happened in the courtroom.This episode takes you inside the 67-day Jodi Arias trial — the doomed defense strategy, the prosecutorial misconduct that led to a controversial appeal, and the media circus in and out of the courthouse. You'll hear behind-the-scenes stories and the kind of analysis only trial lawyers can give.Topics discussed:00:00 - Introduction1:47 - Before the crime: Jodi and Travis’ relationship03:10 - The crime and the evidence08:30 - Jodi’s stories and claims of self-defense10:41 - The jury verdict and sentencing12:07 - The appeal: what went wrong at trial15:45 - Did media coverage influence jurors?27:03 - Defense strategy and how Jodi hurt her case33:14 - Prosecutorial misconduct during the trial44:15 - The duty of a prosecutor and rights of a defendant47:31 - The Court of Appeals ruling49:17 - Our verdict: was justice done?Connect with us:Werbsite: https://www.grandcanyon.law/

In this episode, we break down Arizona v. Hicks — the landmark case that reshaped how police can search a home. What began as a gunshot call turned into a Supreme Court decision that defined the limits of “plain view” and police authority during a search.We walk through what happened that night, how evidence was discovered, and why this case still matters today when it comes to your Fourth Amendment rights. If you’ve ever wondered what officers can legally seize during a search — and what crosses the line — this is an episode you don’t want to miss.🎧 Listen now to learn how one case changed the rules for searches nationwide.

In this episode, we unpack the shocking case of Richard Djerf, whose desire for revenge exploded into a horrific family massacre. Our attorneys break down the motive, the crimes, and the key evidence that brought the case to a close.A chilling story — and one of Arizona’s most haunting true-crime cases.

In today’s episode, we break down the Tison Family prison escape—one of Arizona’s most notorious criminal cases. We cover the Tison brothers’ role in helping their father escape custody, the tragic murders that followed, and how the case reshaped felony-murder law in Arizona.If you’re interested in criminal law, real case strategy, and the legal lessons behind true crime stories, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, we dive into the landmark case of Ernesto Miranda — the man whose name became synonymous with the rights every American now hears when taken into custody. From the details of his arrest to the pivotal Supreme Court ruling, we break down how Miranda v. Arizona forever reshaped U.S. law and criminal procedure. Discover the story behind the famous “Miranda Rights,” why this case was so controversial, and how its ripple effects still protect defendants in courtrooms across the country today.

In this episode, we dive into the shocking case of Marjorie Ann Orbin, an Arizona woman whose glamorous life took a dark turn when she was convicted of murdering her husband, Jay Orbin. Known for her ties to Las Vegas show business and her seemingly picture-perfect lifestyle, Marjorie’s story became one of betrayal, manipulation, and cold-blooded crime.We break down the evidence, the timeline of Jay’s disappearance, the gruesome discovery in the desert, and how investigators pieced together a case that revealed infidelity, financial motive, and chilling deception. Was this premeditated murder or a desperate act gone wrong? Join us as we unpack the twists and turns of a case that gripped Phoenix and made national headlines.

In this episode, we dive into the chilling case of Corey Morris, infamously known as the “Crackhead Killer.” Between 2002 and 2003, Morris was convicted of brutally murdering several women in Phoenix, Arizona. We break down the evidence that led to his arrest, the investigation that pieced together his crimes, and the courtroom battle that resulted in his conviction. From the disturbing details of the crime scenes to the strategies used by both prosecution and defense, this episode sheds light on one of Arizona’s most notorious serial killers.Tune in as we examine how the case unfolded—and why it continues to haunt true crime discussions today.

In this episode, David Lish and Ryan McPhie break down the explosive case of Wendi Andriano—a Phoenix woman convicted of first-degree murder in the death of her husband. We explore the evidence, the emotional testimony, and the prosecution’s theory: that behind the façade of caregiving was a motive rooted in money, affairs, and control.

After being convicted of murder, Winnie Ruth Judd’s story was far from over. In this episode, we follow her through years of legal challenges in the Arizona Court of Appeals and beyond. We explore the arguments her attorneys raised, the procedural roadblocks she faced, and how her case reveals striking parallels—and differences—between the criminal justice system then and now.Was justice delayed… or denied? And how much has really changed in nearly a century?

In this episode, we unpack one of Arizona’s most infamous and bizarre murder cases: the Trunk Murders of 1931. When two women turn up dead—stuffed into steamer trunks and shipped by train—the investigation leads to a suspect who stuns the public: Winnie Ruth Judd. We break down the details of the crime, examine the evidence that shocked the nation, and explore how the trial unfolded. Was this an open-and-shut case… or is there more buried in the details?

In this episode we explore one of the most high-profile murder trials in Arizona history—the case against Steven DeMocker.When Carol Kennedy was found bludgeoned to death in her Prescott home in 2008, suspicion quickly turned to her ex-husband. Despite the lack of direct physical evidence, DeMocker was arrested, tried, and ultimately convicted. But questions still linger: Was the evidence truly convincing? Did the prosecution go too far? And what does this case reveal about how circumstantial evidence can sway a jury?Hosted by the attorneys at Grand Canyon Law Group, this episode brings former prosecutors and experienced defense lawyers together to analyze the complexities of the legal system and what’s at stake when your freedom is on the line.

In Part 2 of our two-part deep dive into the Baseline Killer case, we pick up where the chaos left off—when fear turned into focused pursuit.As Phoenix police narrowed in on a suspect, what followed was a complex legal battle that included multiple trials, a deeply scrutinized investigation, and a courtroom saga that kept the public on edge.In this episode, we break down:The arrest that ended the reign of terrorThe separate trials and how prosecutors built their caseThe conclusion of a legal battle years in the makingA critical review of the trial strategy, outcome, and public reactionWas justice truly served? Or did the process leave behind more questions than answers?Join us as we close the chapter on one of Arizona’s most disturbing true crime stories—and examine what justice really looked like in the aftermath.

In this episode, we plunge headfirst into the terrifying saga of the Baseline Killer—a violent predator who turned Phoenix into a city gripped by fear.Between 2005 and 2006, this elusive figure committed a series of brutal crimes: sexual assaults, kidnappings, and murders that left neighborhoods paralyzed. No one knew where he would strike next, or why.In Part 1 of this two-part series, we cover:The haunting timeline of the Baseline Killer’s attacksThe key victims and how their lives were forever changedThe rising panic as a city lived in the shadow of a faceless threatThe early missteps and challenges in the investigationAs the terror unfolded, Phoenix residents were forced to confront a nightmare that seemed to have no end.Stay tuned—in Part 2, we reveal how police finally unmasked the fear.

The Harold Fish Case – A Fatal Hike in ArizonaIn this gripping episode, we dive into one of Arizona’s most controversial self-defense cases: the 2004 shooting of Grant Kuenzli by retired schoolteacher Harold Fish.What started as a peaceful solo hike in the Coconino National Forest turned deadly within minutes. Fish claimed he was forced to fire in self-defense after being charged by Kuenzli, who had aggressively confronted him—following a dispute over two unleashed dogs.Fish was convicted of second-degree murder in 2006 and sentenced to a decade in prison. But years later, that conviction was overturned. What changed? And what does this case tell us about the justice system, gun rights, and the ever-blurry line between self-defense and excessive force?In this episode, we explore:The facts and timeline of the shootingThe prosecution's theory vs. the defense's strategyThe role of Kuenzli’s dogs—and their impact on the caseThe trial, conviction, and the appeal that reversed it allHow this case helped reshape self-defense laws in ArizonaWas this truly a justified shooting? Or a deadly overreaction?Tune in as we unpack the legal, moral, and societal implications of the Harold Fish case—and why it still sparks debate two decades later.

Would you believe someone could stab their spouse, drag them into a pool, and claim they were asleep the entire time? In this episode, we unpack one of Arizona’s most bizarre and controversial murder cases: the trial of Scott Falater, also known as The Sleepwalking Killer.Join Grand Canyon Law Group owners and seasoned defense attorneys Ryan McPhie and David Lish as they break down:The shocking facts of the case and the eye-witness testimonyThe defense’s argument of automatism and sleepwalkingWhy Falater’s legal team argued the trial was unfairThe deeper ethical questions this case raises for defense attorneysThis isn't your average true crime podcast. We're digging into the courtroom strategy, jury dynamics, and legal principles that shaped the outcome — and whether justice was really served.

Welcome to the Grand Canyon Law Group Podcast This is just the beginning! We’re excited to launch our official podcast, where we’ll dig into real cases, legal strategies, and the stories behind Arizona’s criminal justice system.This teaser is just a preview—our first full episode drops Monday, April 21, 2025, at 8:00 AM.Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!