The In Between Podcast with Mel Barrett

There's a defamation lawsuit that claims Aidan Kearney learned all about the Karen Read case from Karen Read. That's not true, and we explain how we know that. PLUS - Mel talks about what she finds interesting in Michael Easter's report. AND we watch some vintage videos again just for fun! 0:00 Intro, Housekeeping, + Welcome New Viewers! (plus some notes on how YouTubers are not grifters) 25:54 The filing that started it all + Discussion (the thing that sparked TurtleBoy’s interest) 1:00:21 Why did they muck up the process so much? 1:09:07 The importance of Michael Easter’s Report 1:28:57 Rebecca Needs Water + A Special Video 1:33:44 Back to Michael Easter 1:58:44 Phone calls with Dever + Closing Thoughts

Mel + Rebecca breakdown every footnote in the defamation suit brought by Jen McCabe, Brian Albert, Brian Higgins, and Colin Albert against Karen Read and Aidan Kearney.We're starting with Footnotes 2,3, and 6.

Rebecca may have solved the case of John O'Keefe's murder btw. You might want to tune in. (Rebecca doesn't agree with this characterization, btw.)If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us:venmo: @melbarrettwritescashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTipspaypal: paypal.me/MelBarrett11 You can now join the YouTube channel! When you become a member Rebecca will send you free stickers PLUS you'll get access to weekly Member's Only videos, as well as AMAs and AD FREE videos (at the AYFKM tier) Click the join button to select your favorite level.Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

A whole new load of FOIA'd docs just dumped regarding reports/correspondence at the NCDAO's office. Mel + Rebecca  pick apart some of the most incendiary among them. If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us:venmo: @melbarrettwritescashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTipspaypal: paypal.me/MelBarrett11 You can now join the YouTube channel! When you become a member Rebecca will send you free stickers PLUS you'll get access to weekly Member's Only videos, as well as AMAs and AD FREE videos (at the AYFKM tier) Click the join button to select your favorite level.Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

Join Mel + Rebecca on our regular stream to discuss the new filing in the Sandra Birchmore case...and why Michael Morrissey hasn't charged Matthew Farwell in Sandra's můrder.Plus, there was a hearing featuring Karen Read's team today!If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us:venmo: @melbarrettwritescashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTipspaypal: paypal.me/MelBarrett11 You can now join the YouTube channel! When you become a member Rebecca will send you free stickers! Click the join button to select your favorite level.Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

Mel and Rebecca break down the newest lawsuit in the Karen Read saga. This time Brian Albert, Jen McCabe, Colin Albert, and Brian Higgins sue Turtleboy and Karen Read for a "coordinated" campaign of defamation. But can they prove their claims?If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us:venmo: @melbarrettwritescashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTipspaypal: paypal.me/MelBarrett11 You can now join the YouTube channel! When you become a member Rebecca will send you free stickers! Click the join button to select your favorite level.Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

Join Mel + Rebecca with special guest, Broken Baker, to break down wtf actually happened in that courtroom.If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us:venmo: @melbarrettwritescashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTipspaypal: paypal.me/MelBarrett11You can now join the YouTube channel! When you become a member Rebecca will send you free stickers! Click the join button to select your favorite level.Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

Join Mel and Rebecca as they break down ALL the news in Karen Read adjacent world PLUS Rebecca breaks down a famous New Hampshire case, where Logan Clegg unalived the Reids. A lot of stuff happened this week in the civil cases, including Michael Proctor's formal denial of allegations, the release of the Fanning IA interview about the boys in blue showing up at Proctor's house directly after he testified in front of the Federal Grand Jury, laborious status hearings, AND Brian Tully officially "retires."Let's get into it!If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us:venmo: @melbarrettwritescashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTipspaypal: paypal.me/MelBarrett11 You can now join the YouTube channel! When you become a member Rebecca will send you free stickers! Click the join button to select your favorite level.Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

Join Mel + Rebecca for a very special stream with Aidan Kearney. No holds barred here. Come with your questions and an open mind.If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us:venmo: @melbarrettwritescashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTipspaypal: paypal.me/MelBarrett11You can now join the YouTube channel! When you become a member Rebecca will send you free stickers! Click the join button to select your favorite level.Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

*NOTE: The live with Aidan Kearney is being rescheduled due to scheduling conflicts. We're looking at Thursday and will update as soon as we have a solid date and timeFor today's show: join Mel and Rebecca for a reviewthe new filing in the Kelsey Fitzsimmons Family + Probate casePLUS Leticia Stauch conviction overturned!If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us:venmo: @melbarrettwritescashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTipspaypal: paypal.me/MelBarrett11 You can now join the YouTube channel! When you become a member Rebecca will send you free stickers! Click the join button to select your favorite level.Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

The paper trail is finally catching up. This week on The In Between, Mel Barrett dives into the explosive 2026 unsealed Department of Justice files regarding Jeffrey Epstein—and the massive political cover-up that just cost the Attorney General her job.Mel breaks down the chilling new evidence against the MCC guards on duty the night Epstein died, including a suspicious $5,000 cash deposit and the new survivor-led civil suit that has forced them back under oath. Then, we tackle the "PROTECT SOURCE" files—the horrifying 1983 FBI tip regarding the 47th President that the DOJ tried to bury. Finally, we head to New Mexico, where a newly formed Truth Commission armed with subpoena power is taking aim at the federal government's shocking failure to search the 7,600-acre Zorro Ranch.The enablers thought his death meant their secrets were safe. They were wrong.Timestamps: [0:00] Intro: The Inkling of a Fire [2:30] Part 1: The Cell, The Guards, and The $5,000 Deposit [12:15] The Civil Suit: Tova Noel is Dragged Back Under Oath [16:40] Part 2: The Motive & The DOJ Transparency Meltdown [22:05] The "Protect Source": The 1983 Hilton Head Tip & The Public Record [33:20] Part 3: Zorro Ranch and the 2019 Federal Stand-Down [39:45] New Mexico Fights Back: Boots on the Ground & The Truth Commission [43:30] Outro & Where to find this week's live streams Mentioned in this Episode: Read Julie K. Brown's latest reporting on the DOJ cover-up: [Link to Substack] The Post and Courier's investigation into the Hilton Head FBI tip: [Link to Article] If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us: venmo: @melbarrettwrites cashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTips paypal: paypal.me/MelBarrett11Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

Quick morning stream with Mel + Rebecca before they bounce over to Emily See's channel for the Friendlywed game. Grab your coffee and join us! If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us: venmo: @melbarrettwrites cashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTips paypal: paypal.me/MelBarrett11You can now join the YouTube channel! When you become a member Rebecca will send you free stickers! Click the join button to select your favorite level. Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

Rebecca's back from vacation and there's soooooo much to discuss including: The verdict in Kelsey Fitzsimmons' Trial, her live appearance with attorney Tim Bradl on Aidan Kearney's Turtleboy live, new filings in the Karen Read civil cases, and did the head cheese and Jen McCabe bestife, Mama Llama, use her influence in Canton to implore Chief Rafferty to charge citizens for engaging in their 1A rights. It's gonna be a doozy! If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us: venmo: @melbarrettwrites cashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTips paypal: paypal.me/MelBarrett11You can now join the YouTube channel! When you become a member Rebecca will send you free stickers! Click the join button to select your favorite level. Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

In this episode, we unpack a whirlwind week of legal maneuvers and local drama. We start with a comprehensive Kelsey Fitzsimmons recap, then, we shift gears to the Afroman civil trial. What happens when a viral music video meets a lawsuit from the law enforcement officers who raided his home? We discuss the intersection of art, privacy, and the police. Back in Canton, the tension at the Selectboard meeting reaches a boiling point. We analyze Chris Albert’s official statement, the public reaction, and how the town’s leadership is navigating the intense scrutiny. Plus, we dive into the details of the infamous 400-person party, examining the social ties between Peg O’Keefe and the McAlberts and why this gathering has become a focal point for those questioning the official narrative. Finally, we cover two major breaks in the professional and legal world: Kelly Dever’s resignation from the Boston Police Department—because she wants to (!) and Aidan Kearney (Turtleboy) loses a key battle as his motion to dismiss the Cosgrove charges is denied. We explain the legal reasoning behind the judge's decision and what it means for the upcoming trial. Don't forget to subscribe, like, comment, and request to join our private Facebook group! - Something's Off with Mel Barrett + Rebecca Lavoie If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us: venmo: @melbarrettwrites cashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTips paypal: paypal.me/MelBarrett11You can now join the YouTube channel! When you become a member Rebecca will send you free stickers! Click the join button to select your favorite level. Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts! 

This week on NewsLIGHT, Mel Barrett navigates a world where alliances are fraying and domestic battles over the ballot are reaching a fever pitch. We lead with a massive diplomatic rift: "Not Our War." As the conflict in the Middle East intensifies, President Trump’s urgent request for European and Asian allies to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz has been met with a resounding "no". From the UK to Japan, the sentiment is clear: "You started this, you handle it". We explore the President’s fury as he labels the hesitation a “foolish mistake” that could jeopardize the very future of the NATO alliance. Back at home, we pull back the curtain on the SAVE America Act, the bill critics are calling "Jim Crow 2.0". This legislation would require Americans to prove their citizenship in person with a passport or birth certificate just to register to vote—a move experts warn is designed to suppress the voices of Black and Brown voters. With the bill stalled in the Senate, we break down the high-stakes GOP strategy: a "talking filibuster" intended to physically exhaust the opposition into a simple 51-vote victory. But with key Republicans like Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski still on the fence, is the plan already doomed? The crisis then moves to the Caribbean, where Cuba sits in total darkness. Following a nationwide collapse of the power grid on March 16, 11 million people are without electricity due to a U.S. oil blockade that has left the island "down to fumes". Amidst the blackout, we analyze the President’s stunning musings about the "honor" of "taking Cuba" and his claim that he can do "anything I want with it". Special Guest: Joining us for this critical conversation is Marcia Chatelain, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and the Presidential Penn Compact Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Chatelain provides her expert analysis on the intersection of race, faith, and the moral leadership required in this volatile moment. Tune in for the news that matters, the context you need, and the perspective you won't get anywhere else. Only on NewsLIGHT with Mel Barrett. Don't forget to like, subscribe, comment, and share to help the channel grow. And subscribe to @somethingsoffpod to get your crime news on! If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you appreciate Mel's work, please tip: Venmo: @melbarrettwrites CashApp: cash.app/$newslight Paypal: paypal.me/MelBarrett11

In this solo deep-dive, Mel recaps the case of former North Andover police officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons as we head into trial next week. For months, we’ve been questioning the narrative of the night Kelsey was shot by her own colleagues while they were serving a restraining order. Now, just days before her trial is set to begin, the case has been blown wide open with a series of legal bombshells. What’s New This Week? A Rare Win in Court: On March 12, a judge officially loosened Kelsey’s bail conditions. Mel discusses what it means for Kelsey to finally move out of her parents’ home and into her own residence as she prepares for the fight of her life. The Quest for Her Son: The heart of this update is Kelsey’s emotional push for reunification. We explore the legal hurdles she’s facing in family court and how this new independence might help her regain custody of her child. The Defense Strikes Back: Kelsey’s team isn't playing defense anymore. Mel dives into the newly released surveillance footage—allegedly showing Kelsey’s former fiancé, Justin Aylaian, smoking marijuana "hundreds of times." Administrative Leave: Following the defense’s motion for disciplinary records, Aylaian has been placed on paid administrative leave from the North Andover Fire Department. Is the "credible witness" for the prosecution starting to crumble? The Shooting Officer: The defense is now seeking records for Officer Patrick Noonan, the man who pulled the trigger. Mel examines why these personnel files from North Andover and Lawrence could be the "exculpatory evidence" the defense needs. Don't forget to subscribe, like, comment, and request to join our private Facebook group! - Something's Off with Mel Barrett + Rebecca Lavoie If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us: venmo: @melbarrettwrites cashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTips paypal: paypal.me/MelBarrett11You can now join the YouTube channel! When you become a member Rebecca will send you free stickers! Click the join button to select your favorite level. Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

On an impromptu episode of Something's Off, Mel and Rebecca react in real-time to the bombshell conclusion of the Kouri Richins trial.In this episode:A Shockingly Fast Verdict: After weeks of wild testimony, digital footprint debates, and the infamous "Walk the Dog" letter, the jury deliberated for just a few hours before coming back with their decision: Guilty on all counts. We break down exactly what this rapid-fire verdict says about the state's circumstantial case and the defense's massive gamble to rest without calling a single witness.Special Guests in the house: We couldn't process this massive news alone! We are joined by true crime royalty to help us analyze the fallout: Kevin Flynn (Crime Writers On) and Ellyn Marsh (I Think Not!) pop in to share their unfiltered thoughts on the verdict, the messy legal strategies, and what's next for Kouri.The Final Breakdown: Did the timeline of the 911 call sink her? Was it the financial motive? We discuss what ultimately resonated with the jury and the ripple effects this case will have.Join us as we navigate the messy, complicated realities of the justice system. It's never black and white, and we're here for all the heavy analysis and the hot goss.(Don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment, or grab some gear from the new merch store, and request to join our private Facebook group - Something's Off with Mel Barrett + Rebecca Lavoie)

Grab your coffee and get ready to head back into the trenches! In this episode of Something's Off, Mel and Rebecca are breaking down the final, high-stakes maneuvers in two massive cases.In this episode:The Boldest Strategy in the Playbook: After two and a half weeks of wild testimony, the Kouri Richins trial hits closing arguments today. We dissect the shocking decision by the defense to rest without calling a single witness, essentially telling the jury the state’s circumstantial case is so full of holes it doesn't even need defending.Stitching the Puzzle Together: The prosecution is going hard on the financial desperation, the "Walk the Dog" letter, the damning Google searches, and the secret affair. We break down how both sides are framing their closing arguments and debate whether the lack of a physical "smoking gun" is enough to plant reasonable doubt.Karen Read Civil Case Updates: Shifting gears to Canton, Karen Read has filed explosive new papers in her civil lawsuit, bringing fresh, incriminating facts about Jen McCabe's role in the alleged coverup. When high-profile defendants with the resources to fight back take the gloves off, they often become the perfect vehicle to put egregious police and prosecutorial violations on full public display. We analyze Read's latest legal maneuvering and how shining a massive spotlight on systemic rot in these highly visible cases can force the courts to act—ultimately creating better legal precedents that help protect marginalized defendants who don't have millions of dollars to spend on their own defense.Don't forget to subscribe, like, comment, and request to join our private Facebook group! - Something's Off with Mel Barrett + Rebecca LavoieIf you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us:venmo: @melbarrettwritescashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTipspaypal: paypal.me/MelBarrett11 You can now join the YouTube channel! When you become a member Rebecca will send you free stickers! Click the join button to select your favorite level.Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

Lots to discuss this morning on Something's Off. Join Mel and Rebecca as they break down the absolute shocker that happened just before both sides rested their cases in the Kouri Richins trial, AND discuss Kelsey Fitzsimmons' huge day in court. Let's break it all down! In this episode: The Ultimate Flex or a Massive Gamble? After 2.5 weeks and 42 state witnesses, Kouri Richins’ defense team stunned the courtroom by resting their case without calling a single witness. Mel and Rebecca analyze the strategy behind keeping Kouri off the stand and relying entirely on reasonable doubt. The Legal Chess Match: We dive into the tense, behind-the-scenes standoff over David Norris—and how the judge’s threat to allow a damning jailhouse recording of the word "fentanyl" forced the defense to back down. Investigative Blind Spots: Breaking down Kathryn Nester's final, fiery cross-examination of lead investigator Det. Jeff O’Driscoll. From the Valentine's Day EpiPens to the fact that police never found a single fentanyl pill in 10 separate search warrants, we discuss the holes the defense hopes are big enough for an acquittal. Kelsey Fitzsimmons Updates: Shifting gears, we cover the massive developments in Kelsey Fitzsimmons' day in court and what it means for the trajectory of that case. Grab your coffee and let's get into the trenches! If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us: venmo: @melbarrettwrites cashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTips You can now join the YouTube channel! When you become a member Rebecca will send you free stickers! Click the join button to select your favorite level. Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

AFTER A TWO DAY BREAK, Mel and Rebecca are back to breakdown the (e)motions. In this episode, we dive into a sudden and dramatic halt in Day 11 of the Kouri Richins murder trial. On Tuesday, what was supposed to be a standard day of testimony turned into a tense, hours-long legal standoff that ended with the judge sending the jury home early and assigning the lawyers some high-stakes homework.The courtroom ground to a halt over the state's star witness: Carmen Lauber, the housekeeper who allegedly sold Kouri the fatal fentanyl. After a brutal cross-examination by the defense last week, the prosecution attempted to rehabilitate Lauber's credibility by introducing roughly 100 pages of transcripts from her prior police interviews. Their goal? To prove she wasn't lying or just telling detectives what they wanted to hear to get a plea deal.But the defense immediately threw a flag. They accused the prosecution of "cherry-picking" the evidence, leaving out hours of tape where detectives allegedly pressured and coerced Lauber. The defense drew a line in the sand: If the jury hears their 100 pages, they need to hear all 900 pages of the interviews—all seven and a half hours of it.We break down the intense legal arguments that followed, including the defense's Confrontation Clause objections, the prosecution's strategy to introduce the evidence through the lead detective, and the judge's ultimate—and pivotal—ruling.Rather than forcing the jury to sit through hours of unedited tape, the judge sent everyone home and hit the pause button. He ordered the defense to spend Tuesday afternoon scouring the remaining 800 pages to find their own excerpts to add for context under the "Rule of Completeness." With a strict 6:00 PM deadline to file their paperwork, both sides were ordered back to court Wednesday morning to stitch together a final video presentation before the jury returns.PLUS court's back in session on Wednesday and Detective Jeff O'Driscoll is supposed to take the stand! It should be spicy!If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us:venmo: @melbarrettwritescashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTipsYou can now join the YouTube channel! When you become a member Rebecca will send you free stickers! Click the join button to select your favorite level.Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

Join Mel Barrett and guests, Mari Forth and Sarah Carradine from the podcast, Crime Seen to discuss the international reaction to the Epstein Files and Trump and Bebe's war on Iran.If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us: venmo: @melbarrettwrites cashapp: cash.app/$Newslight Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

As the Kouri Richins murder trial entered its third week on March 9, 2026 (Day 10), the proceedings underscored a profound tension between the prosecution’s pursuit of a clear motive and the defense’s attempt to expose what they call a family-funded "hit job". The day featured pivotal testimony from a business partner, a handwriting expert, a lead detective, and the private investigator whose 936-hour probe laid the groundwork for the state's case.Mel + Rebecca break down the testimony of the Private Investigator hired by the Richins family. If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us: venmo: @melbarrettwrites cashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTips You can now join the YouTube channel! When you become a member Rebecca will send you free stickers! Click the join button to select your favorite level. Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

Mel Barrett and Rebecca Lavoie are back to dissect Day 10 of the Kouri Richins trial, and we are officially in the "piling on" phase of the prosecution’s case. As the state prepares to rest, they’re throwing everything at the wall—from forged signatures to high school drug rumors—but something is definitely off about the actual proof.In this episode, we break down the heavy hitters from Monday’s testimony:The Business Partner: Cody Wright took the stand to describe Eric as a "cowboy" who wouldn't let a cold stop him, let alone a fentanyl overdose. But the real chill? Cody’s description of a Valentine's Day call from Eric where he heard a "sense of urgency and fear" in his voice that he’d only heard twice before in his life.The "Simulated Forgery": Handwriting expert Matthew Throckmorton dropped a technical bomb, testifying that Eric "probably did not" sign those critical insurance documents. He called it a simulation—someone drawing a signature to pass it off as real.The Driveway Bombshell: Detective Jayme Woody recounted the moment she pulled into the driveway and met Eric’s sister, Amy, who claimed Eric told her point-blank: "I think Kouri is going to kill me."The state is working overtime to create an "atmosphere of a bad person." They want you to see a woman who fakes taxes, forges signatures, and had a messy childhood. But let’s be clear: Character evidence is not a conviction.Being a lousy financial manager or an unfaithful spouse isn't the same thing as being a murderer. We’re still missing the actus reus—the actual mechanics of how Kouri allegedly got that fentanyl into Eric. We spent hours today arguing over "red devils" and Sudafed from Eric’s high school days just to try and prove he wasn't a "drug person," but the state's burden is higher than "he was a good guy and she's a bad girl."If the Medical Examiner still has the manner of death listed as "undetermined," how can a jury get to "beyond a reasonable doubt"? At the end of the day, a fair trial means proving the crime, not just the character. If you can see both faces of that optical illusion—the witch and the widow—the law says you have to walk.Something is definitely off.If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us: venmo: @melbarrettwrites cashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTips You can now join the YouTube channel! When you become a member Rebecca will send you free stickers! Click the join button to select your favorite level. Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

As the prosecution begins to wrap up its case against Kouri Richins, the testimony from her inner circle painted a chilling portrait of a woman who was not just in financial ruin, but allegedly vocal about a world where her husband no longer existed.We’re breaking down the testimony of Kouri’s childhood best friends, Allie Staking and Chelsea Barney. From a "funny" story about hidden THC gummies in Hawaii to the heartbreaking moment Chelsea realized her "best friend" had allegedly stolen her life savings and left her facing eviction, the betrayal in the courtroom was palpable.Inside this episode: The "Joke" That Wasn't: We analyze Becky Lloyd’s bombshell testimony that Kouri explicitly stated it would be "better if Eric was dead" months before his fentanyl overdose. The Safe Incident: The raw desperation Kouri showed while trying to crack Eric’s safe the day after he died—and why she was so obsessed with his will. The Medical Narrative: We listen to the recorded jail calls where Kouri attempts to blame Eric's death on a "fungal infection" and COVID-19, despite the medical examiner's findings. "Don't Eat What Kouri Gives You": The haunting "poisoning joke" shared among friends just weeks before Eric’s death. Was it a dark premonition or just bad timing? PLUS we'll go live to the courtroom for the O'Keefes v Karen Read civil casStick around for our closing segment where we head back to Massachusetts. Karen Read is back in the headlines after a "misleading" phone call between her and Aidan "Turtleboy" Kearney was leaked. Is this the "smoking gun" the McAlberts have been waiting for, or is it another case of a conversation taken wildly out of context? If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us: venmo: @melbarrettwrites cashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTips You can now join the YouTube channel! When you become a member Rebecca will send you free stickers! Click the join button to select your favorite level. Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

Mel Barrett and Rebecca Lavoie are back to dissect Day 8 of the Kouri Richins trial, a day that felt less like a courtroom and more like a post-mortem of a "shadow war" Eric Richins didn't know he was losing. In this episode, we’re talking about the arrival of the "other man," Robert Josh Grossman. Grossman sat in that box and confirmed the affair, but he also dropped a chilling detail: ten days after the funeral, Kouri asked him point-blank what it felt like to kill someone while he was serving in Iraq. Mel and Rebecca ask—is that grief-fueled curiosity, or a killer looking for a kindred spirit? Something is definitely off about the paper trail: The 6-Minute Mission: We look at the digital evidence of someone using Kouri’s login to try and flip a $2 million beneficiary 61 times in six minutes. That’s not a glitch; that’s an obsession. The Digit Slip: A new $100,000 policy taken out weeks before the death had Eric’s SSN transposed and was mailed to a private PO box. Coincidence? We think not. But the defense isn't backing down. We break down the high-stakes mistrial motion filed after the defense discovered the state might have hidden the fact that their star witness, Carmen Lauber, failed drug court. Plus, we dive into the "catch pole" text that has the lead detective looking more like a bully than an investigator. Join us as we ask: Was Eric Richins a man who knew his time was up, or is the "Moscow Mule Killer" just a widow being buried by bad accounting? Something is definitely off. If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us: venmo: @melbarrettwrites cashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTips You can now join the YouTube channel! Click the join button to select your favorite level. Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

Join Mel and Marti Cummings as they discuss the current state of politics that led to war with Iran. Is the Epstein Files or Trump's ego? Mel is building this new show from scratch and can use your help! If you appreciate the work, please consider tipping. Venmo: @melbarrettwrites Cashapp: $newslight If you are unable to tip, that's totally okay! Please consider liking, sharing, commenting, and subscribing

Mel Barrett and Rebecca Lavoie are breaking down Day 7 of the Kouri Richins trial, an eight-hour masterclass in forensic accounting that suggests Kouri’s financial empire wasn't just crumbling—it was a full-blown "implosion".In this episode, we dive into the staggering testimony of Brooke Karrington, the state's star financial witness. Karrington detailed a web of debt totaling $8 million and a net worth that sat at a chilling negative $1.6 million on the day Eric Richins died. We look at the $1.3 million in life insurance payouts that Kouri allegedly burned through in just 90 days, leaving her with a measly $800 in her account by September 2022.Plus, something is definitely off about: The Boyfriend Payment: Why did $25,000 of Eric’s money flow directly to Robert Josh Grossman, the "paramour" Kouri was allegedly texting about a future life? The $3.2 Million Mansion: Mel and Rebecca discuss the sheer audacity of closing on a massive mansion just 24 hours after finding your husband "cold to the touch". The Secret HELOC: The $250,000 loan Kouri allegedly took out on the family home using a power of attorney Eric knew nothing about—until it was maxed out. We also analyze Kathy Nester’s surgical cross-examination for the defense, where she pivoted the narrative from "calculated killer" to "overwhelmed entrepreneur". Was Kouri a murderer, or just a woman who was too busy flipping houses to keep her books straight? And what about that safe in the garage and the $10,000 allegedly found in a backpack?Finally, we go behind closed doors to discuss Judge Richard Mrazik’s rulings on "junk science" experts and the high-stakes legal battle over Kouri’s allegedly forged tax returns.Join us as we ask: Is this a motive for murder, or a portrait of a messy, high-stakes life spinning out of control? something is definitely off.If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us: venmo:@melbarrettwritescashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTipsYou can now join the YouTube channel!Click the join button to select your favorite level. Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

There is the official story: A mother, a nurse, and a "premeditated" tragedy in a quiet Massachusetts suburb. And then there is the truth that lives in the gray area.In this episode, Mel Barrett deconstructs the case against Lindsay Clancy. As the July 20, 2026, trial date looms, the legal battle has shifted from the "what" to the "why." We dive deep into the medical records that reveal a staggering cocktail of 13 psychiatric medications prescribed in just four months—a chemical storm that Patrick Clancy says turned his wife into a "zombie."We walk through the haunting 55-minute timeline of January 24, 2023, and break down the defense's high-stakes motion for a bifurcated trial. Why is the state fighting so hard to keep the jury from seeing the science and the horror as separate issues? And what does the recent 2026 court appearance—Lindsay’s first in person—tell us about the road ahead?This isn't just a story about a crime; it’s an indictment of a medical system that treats postpartum mental health like a chemistry experiment.Inside the episode: The "Male Voice": A detailed look at the reported psychotic break. 17-Minute Appointments: How virtual care failed a family in crisis. The First Amendment Standoff: Why The New Yorker fought a subpoena for Patrick’s interview notes. The 2026 Lawsuit: Patrick Clancy vs. the doctors who signed the scripts. If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you appreciate the work Mel does, please tip her! venmo: @melbarrettwrites You can now join the YouTube channel! Click the join button to select your favorite level. Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

Join Mel and Rebeccas as they recap day six of the Kouri Richins trial PLUS did the O'Keefe's let their confirmation bias color what they think Karen Said on a private recording? Also...how does Kate Peter suddenly have access to Aidan Kearney's private messages? Let's discuss! If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us: venmo: @melbarrettwrites cashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTips You can now join the YouTube channel! Click the join button to select your favorite level. Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts! 0:00 Intro + Housekeeping 22:28 Karen Read Updates… when is enough, enough? (plus how does Kate Peter have TB’s private phone extraction?!) 43:20 Will Karen get her phone back? (plus the importance of certified transcripts) 1:03:59 RUBBBYYYY 1:04:18 Walk the Dog Letter + Kouri Richins catch up 1:15:54 Day Six Summary/Discussion 1:58:40 Kouri’s Google Searches + Closing Thoughts

Mel breaks down pre-trial motions and day-by-day coverage of the first week of the Kouri Richins trial.Here's what you'll find inside the episode:  A new straight bear we love: Judge Daddy False testimony sloppy investigators witness recantation a member of the gallery thrown out of the courtroom lead detectives threatening to take a witness' dog if she doesn't comply with their requests to testify. And soooo much more!Mel will be covering the trial Read-a-Thon style, doing nightly updates with Rebecca when she's available and solo when she's not!Join Mel tomorrow for DAY SIX!If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-...If you like us, please tip us: venmo: @melbarrettwrites cashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTips You can now join the YouTube channel! Click the join button to select your favorite level. Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

Join Mel + Rebecca as they break down the new filing from Kelsey Fitzsimmons team alleging that her ex-fiance, Justin Aylaian, broke into her home while she was recovering from her gunshot wound and destroyed her surveillance system, burglarized her home, and illegally gained access to her electronics where he proceeded to steal money from her bank accounts and infiltrate her social media. And the icing on top: THERE'S VIDEO On the other side of Massachusetts crime news we have a new hearing where Michael Proctor is fighting against the release of his phone extraction to Karen Read's team. This one's spicy too.Buckle up, y'all.If you like us, please tip us:venmo: @melbarrettwritescashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTipsYou can now join the YouTube channel! Click the join button to select your favorite level.Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

Mel + Rebecca finally share the lowdown on the Kouri Richins case and trial, while asking questions of our DOJ.If you want to watch the Impact x Nightline episode that Mel is featured in about Pamela Smart's new legal fight, watch it here: https://www.hulu.com/series/98fb0a9b-8a84-40df-8d88-7e1b032252f1?play=false&utm_source=shared_linkIf you like us, please tip us: venmo: @melbarrettwrites cashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTips You can now join the YouTube channel! Click the join button to select your favorite level. Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

Well...the State of the Union Happened. Mel watched, so you wouldn't have to. Plus, a disgraced monarch has fallen and did the DOJ hide Epstein Files that would hurt Donald Trump, plus the Supreme Court of the United States finally does its job and acts as a check on this unlawful president. Guests: Mr. Winks and Ellyn Marsh.Mel is building this new show from scratch and can use your help! If you appreciate the work, please consider tipping.Venmo: @melbarrettwriteCashapp: $newslightIf you are unable to tip, that's totally okay! Please consider liking, sharing, commenting, and subscribing on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@newslightwithmelbarrett

A Utah mother writes a children’s book about grief. A year later, she’s charged with murdering her husband with fentanyl.In this episode, Mel Barrett breaks down the financial timeline, the alleged prior poisoning attempt, the mansion flip, the boyfriend, and the prosecution’s theory against Khouri Richins — as her five-week trial begins.Money. Marriage. Motive. And the evidence that will decide it all.If you appreciate my work, please leave a tip:Venmo: @melbarrettwrites

We couldn't fit it all into the title, but there's lots to discuss:Karen phone, Jen McCabe allegedly intimidating witnesses (?), more audio and video from the Corri Hopkins doc dump, YES we'll get to Sean Goode, Nancy Guthrie, and Norfolk DA, Michael Morrissey shows up in a big way in Epstein Files -- why are no Boston journalists covering this story?? and probably a ton of tangents.Buckle up.If you like us, please tip us:venmo: @melbarrettwritescashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTipsYou can now join the YouTube channel! Click the join button to select your favorite level.Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!Links from the episode: Mel's new show - ‪ @newslightwithmelbarrett These Are Their Stories Podcast: https://www.lawandorderpodcast.com/ The In Between Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-in-between-podcast-with-mel-barrett/id1785257330 You Can't Make This Up: https://www.netflix.com/tudum/ycmtu YT Member Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...  @AttorneyMelanieLittle Corri Hopkins doc dump: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/fo... ‪

Mel and Rebecca are back together—double-fisting caffeine, single-fisting water, filling the swear jar, and trying (struggling) to keep it together after Rebecca’s near-death plague tour (DC included). We kick off with some housekeeping + sticker chaos—yes, they’re coming, yes, there’s a form, no, we’re not taking complaints—then slide into a quick, nerdy love letter to signposting (because some of you are apparently listening like it’s a scavenger hunt).Then it’s straight into the true crime/power structure blender:Michael Proctor’s phone download and Rosemary “Picchi” Scapicchio’s push in the Myles King case—plus the headline-making reality that Proctor’s filings basically boil down to: “Sure, there’s racist/homophobic stuff… but it’s fine because the targets are white and straight.”The bigger theme: toxic masculinity, institutional loyalty, and why these guys keep getting away with it—from frat-house bodycam audacity to “boys will be boys” policing.Karen Read updates you can actually use: the taillight footage (and what it does—and doesn’t—show), the recurring problem of missing videos, and why some narratives keep getting pushed even when the visuals don’t match.New-ish audio and timeline chatter (fight vs. snowplow language), plus the reality check: what’s compelling, what’s debunked, and what still stinks.We also hit the Karen Read civil-case sideshow: the infamous bcc email mishap, the judge basically begging grown adults to act like professionals, deposition wrangling, discovery stonewalling, and the ongoing comedy of “we lost the phone” in the case where the phone is the whole point.It’s messy. It’s infuriating. It’s funny in that “if we don’t laugh, we scream” way. And it’s very, very Something’s Off.If you like us, please tip us:venmo: @melbarrettwritescashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTipsYou can now join the YouTube channel! Click the join button to select your favorite level.Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!Links from the episode: Mel's new show - ‪@newslightwithmelbarrett‬  :   / @newslightwithmelbarrett  These Are Their Stories Podcast: https://www.lawandorderpodcast.com/You Can't Make This Up: https://www.netflix.com/tudum/ycmtuYT Member Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...Frat boys: https://www.the-independent.com/tv/ne...‪@AttorneyMelanieLittle‬    / @attorneymelanielittle  Corri Hopkins doc dump: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/fo...‪@BrotherCounsel‬  BC  v Big Case Mike:   • Karen Read Trial Debate between Brother Co...  

In January 2001, Tara Louise Baker, a 23-year-old University of Georgia law student, was found dead in her Athens apartment after a fire that investigators quickly determined was no accident. Tara had been sexually assaulted, beaten, strangled, and stabbed. The fire came after — an apparent attempt to erase what happened inside that apartment.For more than twenty years, her case lived in silence.Then, in 2023, new funding for Georgia cold cases reopened old evidence. Modern DNA testing produced a profile that led investigators to Edrick Lamont Faust. In 2024, Faust was arrested. In 2026, after a trial built largely on forensic science, he was convicted on all twelve counts.But this episode isn’t just about a verdict.It’s about what DNA can — and can’t — tell us.It’s about how cold cases move from evidence lockers to courtrooms decades later.It’s about reasonable doubt, secondary transfer, chain of custody, tunnel vision, and the quiet power of probability when everything else has faded.We walk through Tara’s life, the crime scene, the stalled investigation, the CODIS hit, the courtroom battles, and the defense’s unanswered questions — including the absence of eyewitnesses, fingerprints, surveillance, phone data, and any documented relationship between Tara and Faust.We also talk honestly about race, forensic certainty, and what it means for a Black defendant to stand trial for the murder of a young white woman in the South — especially when a case rests almost entirely on DNA.Faust was found guilty.But did the jury get it right?Or are we watching a justice system still learning how to handle science that arrives decades late?This is a story about grief and proof.About science and certainty.About what justice looks like when it finally shows up — and what it leaves behind.Because cold cases don’t just reopen files.They reopen wounds.And they force us to sit in the in between.If you like Mel's work, please support her by tipping: venmo: @melbarrettwrites You can now join the Something's Off YouTube channel! Click the join button to select your favorite level. Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!

WATCH NewsLIGHT on Youtube or listen ad free at The In Between Investigator ClubIf you like Mel's work, please tip:Venmo: @melbarrettwrites (put NewsLIGHT in the description)CashApp: cash.app/$NewsLightJoin host Mel Barrett with special guests, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and producer, Maggie Freleng (Wrongful Convictions, Bone Valley Graves County, The Disappearance of Maura Murray), Broadway superstar and Podcast host, Ellyn Marsh (I Think Not!, STFU Nick Lachey), and Thomas, the guy who looks like he might vote a certain way, but surprise, he doesn't as they break down the Epstein Files and what's going on with the Save Act, which just passed the House and is on its' way to the Senate. What does the Save Act mean for YOUR voting rights?We'll discuss/debate it all and Mel's guest will share their wildest news stories of the week!

Mel is solo while Rebecca's still recovering, but don't pass up this big debate about Lana Oriani's (Truth and Transparency on YT) video positing that Michael Lank may have shown up to the scene at 34 Fairview with John O'Keefe's phone on his person. Let's discuss!Also, the Lucy Letby case, and Corri Hopkins' latest document drop. If you like us, please tip us: venmo: @melbarrettwrites cashapp: cash.app/$SomethingsOffTips You can now join the YouTube channel! Click the join button to select your favorite level. Follow @realmelbarrett on all socials / TT: @jackofalltradesdc Listen to the In Between Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! Follow ‪@reblavoie‬ on all socials Listen to Crime Writer's On wherever you get your podcasts!