Investigation: Homicide

Every courtroom tells a story, but rarely do we hear it straight from the bench.   This week, Nicole Kral and Therese Apel sit down with Justice Court Judge Marsha Weems Stacey for a candid conversation about what it really looks like to dispense justice at the community level. Judge Stacey pulls back the curtain on cases that have moved through her courtroom: the ones that stay with you, the ones that challenge you, and the ones that reveal something true about the people we live alongside every day. It’s a conversation about law, yes, but more than that, it’s about the relationship between a judge and the community she serves, and how each one quietly shapes the other in ways most of us never see.   This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

 On April 24, 1996, an ordinary shift at Jackson Fire Department headquarters turned into one of the deadliest days in the department's history. Firefighter Kenneth Tornes walked the halls of the station he knew well, moving from office to office with deadly intent — targeting the men who wore the same uniform he did, the supervisors who had dedicated their lives to protecting others. When it was over, four members of the command staff were dead: Captain Merideth Moree, District Chief Dwight Craft, Captain Stan Adams, and District Chief Rick Robbins.   For retired Jackson Police Department Crime Scene Investigator Charlie Smith, this wasn't just another case. These were men he knew — colleagues he had worked alongside for years, responding to the same scenes, in the same city, all of them bound by the same mission to serve and protect. Processing a crime scene is already one of the most demanding things a first responder can be asked to do. Doing it where your friends fell is something else entirely. On this episode of Investigation: Homicide, hosts Therese Apel and Amanda Johansson sit down with Charlie Smith to revisit a case that shook Jackson's first responder community to its core. Nearly three decades later, the weight of that day hasn't faded — and neither has Charlie's commitment to making sure the men who died that morning are not forgotten.   This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

When a defense attorney steps into a case that has captured national attention, the stakes couldn’t be higher. On this episode of Investigation: Homicide, Jackson-based attorney Aafram Sellers joins Therese Apel and Nicole Kral for an in-depth conversation about representing Brett McAlpin, the alleged ringleader in Mississippi’s infamous “Goon Squad” case. Sellers offers a rare look at the legal strategy, public scrutiny, and ethical complexities that come with defending a client at the center of one of the most talked-about law enforcement scandals in recent memory. Throughout the episode, Sellers discusses what it’s like to navigate a case that has drawn widespread outrage, intense media coverage, and federal attention. He breaks down the realities of high-profile criminal defense work, the importance of due process, and how attorneys balance public perception with their obligation to advocate for their clients. The conversation also explores the broader implications of the case for Mississippi’s justice system and the community at large. The “Goon Squad” case refers to a group of former Rankin County sheriff’s deputies accused of carrying out a pattern of violent, unlawful acts, including the torture and abuse of suspects. The case gained national prominence after federal charges were filed, detailing a series of incidents that exposed deep concerns about misconduct, accountability, and civil rights violations within a local law enforcement unit. The allegations and subsequent prosecutions have sparked ongoing conversations about policing practices and oversight across the country. Don’t miss this compelling and candid discussion that pulls back the curtain on a case that continues to make headlines nationwide.   This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Tonight on Investigation: Homicide, we revisit the case of Alex Easterling, a missing man from Pickens whose disappearance continues to raise questions for his family and community.   Joining us is his mother, Ashley Martin, who shares the latest developments in her son’s case and the ongoing search for answers. She also discusses new efforts she’s leading to support other families facing the heartbreak of missing loved ones, turning her personal tragedy into a mission to help others.   As the investigation continues, Martin speaks candidly about the challenges, the unanswered questions, and why she believes the truth is still out there.   Anyone with information about Robert “Alex” Easterling’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at (888) 827-4637.   This episode is sponsored by Southern Connection Police Supplies, protecting and serving those who protect and servce. We are produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

A woman's body is found in the road in Rankin County. No one knows how she got there. Was it a hit-and-run? An accident? Investigators are left with more questions than answers — until the phone rings. Tonight, hosts Therese Apel and Sara Perkins sit down with Rankin County Coroner David Ruth, who worked the case as a Brandon Police officer, to talk about the night Sonja Stapleton was found and the investigation that followed. What started as a mystery on a dark Mississippi road would eventually lead somewhere no one expected.   This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Tonight on Investigation: Homicide, Therese Apel breaks down the latest developments in the murder trial of Ming Chen Hsiao. The case centers on Quinton Tellis, also known as the primary suspect in the Jessica Chambers case, as the first week of testimony wrapped Friday in a bench trial that has already raised serious questions. Joining the conversation tonight is defense attorney Lance Mixon of Stewart and Associates, offering a defense attorney’s perspective on what we’ve seen so far and what it could mean moving forward. With court now awaiting a date to resume proceedings, what happens next? And more importantly, how strong is the case against Tellis, really? Therese is joined by co-host Amanda Johansson to walk through the most critical moments from the courtroom, break down the evidence and testimony, and take your questions live. Join the conversation, tune in tonight and come ready with questions.   This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions. 

This week on Investigation: Homicide, hosts Therese Apel and Nicole Kral sit down with Sheriff Tyree Jones, who takes us back to his days as a Jackson Police Department detective working the 2007 murder of Lyneil Deshun Vaughn. Vaughn, who was disabled, was found burned and rolled up in a blanket — the tragic end to a horrific crime that began as a kidnapping. Three suspects were ultimately charged, but the case would test the resolve, instincts, and teamwork of the detectives who worked it. It’s a story that not only reveals the dark side of human nature but also the strength of those who stand against it. The investigation into Lyneil Vaughn’s murder became a defining moment for a group of detectives who are now leaders across the Jackson metro area — including Sheriff Tyree Jones himself. 🎧 Join us as we revisit a case that still haunts those who worked it, and hear how it helped shape the future of law enforcement in Mississippi. Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments!   This episode, like all our others, is brought to you by The Southern Connection Police Supplies, serving and protecting Mississippi first responders so they can serve and protect us.   #InvestigationHomicide #TrueCrimePodcast #JacksonMS #SheriffTyreeJones #LyneilVaughn #MississippiJustice #LawEnforcementStories #TrueCrime   This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.  

Mississippi’s fight over first responder retirement benefits is heating up at the Capitol — and tonight we’re breaking down what it means for the people on the front lines.   On this episode of Investigation: Homicide, hosts Therese Apel and Nicole Kral are joined by Southern States Police Benevolence Association President Andy Matuszewski, also known to many in law enforcement as “Ski.” Matuszewski will discuss the progress of several bills currently moving through the Mississippi Legislature that could directly affect first responders across the state. One of the biggest debates centers around Tier 5 of the Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS).   The changes placed many newer first responders into a 35-year retirement plan with reduced benefits, and law enforcement leaders say that shift is already affecting recruitment and retention in agencies across Mississippi. Matuszewski will explain why public safety organizations believe the system puts officers, deputies and other first responders at a disadvantage compared to previous tiers — and how a coalition of public safety groups has been working to push for reforms.   But the conversation doesn’t stop there.   Therese and Nicole will also talk with Matuszewski about other key public safety issues making their way through the Legislature, including the ongoing push to allow radar use for sheriff’s departmentsand how proposed laws could impact policing, staffing and community safety statewide.   If you want to understand what’s happening behind the scenes at the Capitol — and how those decisions affect the men and women protecting Mississippi communities — this is an episode you won’t want to miss.   This episode, like all our others, is brought to you by The Southern Connection Police Supplies, serving and protecting Mississippi first responders so they can serve and protect us.   New episodes of Investigation: Homicide drop wherever you listen to podcasts.   This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions. 

On this episode of Investigation: Homicide, Therese Apel and Amanda Johansson sit down with Byron Swilley, sheriff of Copiah County, to take a deep dive into the case of Jack Donald Cole — a case that raises difficult questions about self-defense, property rights and the limits of Mississippi’s Castle Doctrine.   Jesse James Chapman knew someone had been slipping onto his property to steal catalytic converters. What he didn’t know was what would unfold the day he came face to face with suspected trespassers. Chapman walked away from that encounter — but weeks later, Cole was dead.   This story is about a shooting — was it justified? Or did it cross a legal line? Sheriff Swilley walks listeners through the timeline of events, the evidence investigators uncovered and how Mississippi law applies when someone claims they were protecting their property. We break down what the Castle Doctrine actually says (and what it doesn’t) in a case that sits at the intersection of fear, firearms and the fine print of the law.   It’s a story about confrontation, consequences and the gray areas that can turn a property dispute into a homicide investigation.   Many thanks to The Southern Connection Police Supplies for making this important conversation possible.The Southern Connection is Mississippi’s Glock Distributor for law enforcement and specializes in the sale of firearms (new and used), custom vehicle graphics and lighting by an ASE Master Certified Automotive Technician, police supplies, SWAT gear, tactical uniforms, laser engraving, custom embroidery, apparel, patch and badge design, and more. They are Mississippi’s destination for law enforcement supplies and vehicle outfitting! This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

August 2025: Two front doors kicked in. Two men shot multiple times inside their own homes. One suspect who would ultimately confess to both killings. Tonight on Investigation: Homicide, Therese Apel and Nicole Kral Woods sit down with Rankin County Investigator Tyler Burnell to walk through the chilling case that stunned Rankin and Madison counties and ended with a rare courtroom moment: a double guilty plea to murder and capital murder just two months after the crimes were committed. Investigator Burnell gives listeners an inside look at how the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department and the Brandon Police Department worked together with urgency and precision to build the case and ensure the families saw justice. This episode is about coordination, confession, and swift closure. Join us as we take you inside the investigation. This episode is brought to you by The Southern Connection Police Supplies 274 Commerce Park Dr, Ridgeland, MS 39157 www.thesouthernconnection.com (601) 853-3106   #InvestigationHomicide #TrueCrimePodcast #MississippiCrime #RankinCounty #MadisonCountyMS #TrueCrimeCommunity #BehindTheInvestigation #LawEnforcement #JusticeServed #PodcastRelease   This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions. 

Human trafficking is dominating headlines around the world — dramatic rescues, sweeping arrests, viral claims. But what does human trafficking actually look like here in Mississippi? On tonight’s episode of Investigation: Homicide, hosts Therese Apel and Amanda Johansson sit down with Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch and Favian Jones, the supervisor of her Human Trafficking Task Force, for a grounded, no-nonsense conversation about the realities behind the rhetoric. They break down how trafficking cases really begin, who is most at risk in the Magnolia State, and why some of the most popular narratives can distract from identifying and helping real victims. The discussion also puts large-scale national and international trafficking stories into context — showing where they align with local cases, where they don’t, and why that distinction matters. If you’re looking to separate fact from fiction and understand what Mississippians should truly be paying attention to, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.   This episode is brought to you by The Southern Connection Police Supplies at 274 Commerce Park Dr, Ridgeland, MS 39157, Online at www.thesouthernconnection.com (http://www.thesouthernconnection.com/), or Call (601) 853-3106 #InvestigationHomicide #HumanTrafficking #Mississippi #LynnFitch #ThereseApel #AmandaJohansson #FavianJones #TrueCrimePodcast #CrimeAwareness #MagnoliaState #StopHumanTrafficking #PublicSafety #TrueCrimeCommunity This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Tonight on Investigation: Homicide, brought to you by The Southern Connection Police Supplies, we sit down with Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace to revisit a case that, more than two decades later, still weighs heavily on his mind — the death of Angela Shires Barrentine. In November 2004, the 27-year-old Vicksburg mother left home the evening before Thanksgiving to pick up cigarettes. She never returned. When she failed to show up for holiday dinner the next day, her family reported her missing, launching a search that would stretch on for months. Angela was last reportedly seen in Edwards on Thanksgiving Day. Investigators explored numerous leads, including questions surrounding her movements and the people she encountered in the hours before she disappeared. Nearly nine months later, as water levels dropped along the Big Black River, a grim discovery brought partial answers. Angela’s 1997 Ford F-150 was found submerged and overturned in a remote area near the Kansas City Southern Railroad Bridge. Her remains were inside. One critical question has never been resolved: Was Angela’s death an accident — or a homicide? Sheriff Pace joins us to discuss the investigation, the challenges posed by time and evidence, and why this case has never left him. What do investigators know? What remains unanswered? And could advances in forensic science finally bring clarity to a case that has haunted Warren County for more than 20 years? Join us as we take a closer look at the enduring mystery of Angela Shires Barrentine.   Visit The Southern Connection Police Supplies at 274 Commerce Park Dr, Ridgeland, MS 39157, Online at www.thesouthernconnection.com, or Call (601) 853-3106   This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Tonight’s episode of Investigation: Homicide steps away from case files, crime scenes, and criminals to focus on something many first responders quietly rely on every day: faith. Tonight, Therese Apel and Amanda Johansson will host Clint Hatch, an investigator with the Rankin/Madison District Attorney’s Office, for an honest conversation about belief, resilience, and the importance of protecting mind and spirit. Hatch will talk about how his reliance on Christ has helped him navigate the trauma, stress and despair that often accompany the life of a first responder. From scenes that linger long after the job is done to the emotional weight of seeking justice for victims, Hatch will tell us his stories about how faith has been an anchor when the work becomes overwhelming. The episode will also highlight a project Hatch has been developing that centers on faith-based support for first responders — an effort aimed at helping others in the profession find hope, healing and purpose beyond the badge. While Investigation: Homicide often focuses on the facts of a case, tonight’s episode looks inward, exploring how belief can sustain those who spend their careers walking alongside tragedy.   This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Tonight on Investigation: Homicide, the focus turns to one of the most disturbing and complex fronts in modern law enforcement: Internet Crimes Against Children. The episode features Jay Houston, a veteran investigator who spent more than two decades confronting online child exploitation in Mississippi and around the world. Houston now serves as director of training for the Child Rescue Coalition, but his expertise was earned in the field. Houston served 24 years in law enforcement before retiring in 2021, spending more than half of his career with the Mississippi Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, where he rose from investigator to commander and earned multiple commendations. Since 2009, he has trained child exploitation investigators internationally for agencies including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, INTERPOL, Brazil’s Federal Police and Australia’s ARGOS task force, and has been qualified as an expert witness in child exploitation investigations and victim identification. In this episode, Houston talks with Therese Apel and Amanda Johansson about  how investigators identify predators who hide behind screens, locate victims across borders, and manage the emotional toll of work few people ever see. It is a rare look at how the men and women fighting online child exploitation do their jobs—and why it matters.   This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Mississippi’s first responders are pushing back as lawmakers debate the future of public employee retirement during the current legislative session. In this episode of Investigation: Homicide, we sit down with Reservoir Fire Chief Josh Swales to break down what Tier 5 of the Public Employees’ Retirement System really means for those on the front lines. Set to apply to new hires beginning March 1, 2026, Tier 5 requires 35 years of service for full retirement and replaces a traditional pension with a hybrid plan that includes a smaller guaranteed benefit and a market-based investment account. First responder organizations warn the changes could worsen recruitment and retention problems and ultimately impact public safety. Swales also responds to recent remarks by Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann suggesting first responders live longer because they “stay healthy,” a claim law enforcement and fire leaders say ignores the medical realities of high-risk professions. This conversation explores the facts behind Tier 5, the concerns being raised by police and fire leadership across Mississippi, and what’s at stake as the Legislature considers the future of retirement benefits for those who protect and serve. This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

On this episode of Investigation: Homicide, host Therese Apel and Nicole Kral are joined by veteran Memphis-area journalist Ron Maxey to revisit one of the most haunting and high-profile cases in the Mid-South: the 2014 murder of Jessica Chambers.   Both Apel and Maxey covered the case from its earliest days, when the Panola County teenager was found burned alive on a remote rural road — a crime that drew national and international attention and stunned even seasoned investigators and reporters. The case went to trial twice, ending in hung juries both times, leaving Jessica’s murder officially unresolved.   Now, more than a decade later, the story has taken several chilling and devastating new turns. District Attorney John Champion, Investigator Tim Douglas, and now DOJ Analyst Paul Rowlett have all died in the years that have followed, in addition to other key figures in the case, and the man accused in the Chambers case is facing trial in Louisiana in another brutal homicide, raising new questions about whether justice delayed may still be justice pursued.    In this episode, Apel and Maxey discuss with Kral what it was like reporting on the Chambers case as it unfolded, what the trials revealed and failed to resolve, and how the latest developments may reshape the public’s understanding of one of Mississippi’s most disturbing unsolved murders. Investigation: Homicide examines the cases that leave lasting scars and the questions that refuse to go away. This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

It’s a day Mississippi will never forget. October 1, 1997, a nerdy teenager walked into a high school and changed everyone’s life forever. We talk with Greg Eklund, who was an investigator with the Rankin County Sheriffs Dept at the time. Eklund takes us through the events leading up to that day and what the ripple effect has been over time.       This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In the inaugural episode of Investigation Homicide, Therese and Nicole explore the case of an intelligent and manipulative teenager who killed her mother in cold blood through the eyes of Assistant District Attorney Michael Smith, who was tasked with prosecuting her. The Investigation Homicide team examines this sensational case beyond the national headlines. This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

For nearly four decades, the murder of Shondra May has haunted central Mississippi—until now. In this powerful new episode of Investigation: Homicide, Sheriff Mike Lee and Chief Deputy Brad Ellis return to the studio to sit down with Therese Apel and walk us through the shocking arrest of Rubin Weeks, a former suspect who had vanished into the shadows… until justice came knocking. Weeks, found living in Madison, was previously imprisoned in Missouri for a crime eerily similar to Shondra’s case. From early suspicions to groundbreaking developments, discover the behind-the-scenes strategies, gut instincts, and relentless pursuit that finally brought a suspect into custody. Join us live at 5 and bring your questions—this is one case you don’t want to miss. #ColdCaseSolved #ShondraMay #RubinWeeks #ScottCountySheriff #InvestigationHomicide #TrueCrimePodcast #JusticeForShondra #ColdCaseBreakthrough #ThereseApel #MississippiCrime #HomicideInvestigation This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

This week on Investigation: Homicide, hosts Therese Apel and Nicole Kral sit down with Sheriff Tyree Jones, who takes us back to his days as a Jackson Police Department detective working the 2007 murder of Lyneil Deshun Vaughn. Vaughn, who was disabled, was found burned and rolled up in a blanket — the tragic end to a horrific crime that began as a kidnapping. Three suspects were ultimately charged, but the case would test the resolve, instincts, and teamwork of the detectives who worked it. It’s a story that not only reveals the dark side of human nature but also the strength of those who stand against it. The investigation into Lyneil Vaughn’s murder became a defining moment for a group of detectives who are now leaders across the Jackson metro area — including Sheriff Tyree Jones himself. 🎧 Join us as we revisit a case that still haunts those who worked it, and hear how it helped shape the future of law enforcement in Mississippi.   Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments!   #InvestigationHomicide #TrueCrimePodcast #JacksonMS #SheriffTyreeJones #LyneilVaughn #MississippiJustice #LawEnforcementStories #TrueCrime   This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Tonight on Investigation: Homicide, hosts Therese Apel, Nicole Kral, and Amanda Johansson welcome former Jackson detective Charlie Smith for an in-depth look at one of Jackson’s most haunting cases: the 1987 kidnapping and death of Mildred Spires.    On a warm July afternoon in 1987, 22-year-old Mildred left her family’s home after a brief phone call with her mother’s estranged husband — a conversation about a “pipe” in the garage that no one fully understood. Dressed in Calvin Klein jeans and a t-shirt, Mildred told her sister she was heading out to get gas and would bring back Doritos Ranch chips. She never returned.     In this episode, the team retraces the chilling timeline of Mildred’s last known hours, explores the behavior of those closest to her, and examines the desperate search that followed. Detective Smith shares first-hand insights from the original investigation: the missing car, the unanswered calls, and the clues that pointed to something far more sinister.     It’s a story of suspicion and mystery that still casts a long shadow nearly four decades later.     This podcast is produced by Daniel Anderson and Audio Alchemy.

When 73-year-old Dee Eady was found dead in her home in Forest, Mississippi, on December 30, what began as a quiet Saturday turned into one of the most intense manhunts in Scott County history. Soon after, authorities charged Sammy Patrick with capital murder, armed robbery, sexual assault, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.   In this episode of Investigation: Homicide, hosts Therese Apel and Amanda Johansson sit down with Scott County Sheriff Mike Lee to take listeners inside the case — from the first call to the exhaustive search that spanned counties. Sheriff Lee shares how investigators tracked their suspect, the teamwork that brought the case to a close, and what justice means for a small community shaken by violence.   Listen as we go behind the badge for an unflinching look at how one investigation unfolded — and what it takes to bring answers to a grieving town. This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

On this episode of Investigation: Homicide, hosts Therese Apel and Nicole Kral talk with retired Ridgeland Police Chief John Neal about the murder of Bobby Adams, the Party City manager whose life was taken during a robbery that shocked the community.   Chief Neal walks through the investigation that led detectives to identify and arrest Joshua Archie and what it meant to finally bring justice in a case that hit close to home for everyone involved.   Listen to Investigation: Homicide, produced by Daniel Anderson and Audio Alchemy, wherever you get your podcasts.

Tonight on Investigation: Homicide, hosts Therese Apel and Amanda Johansson sit down with Vicki Moak, founder of Warriors of the Badge — a Mississippi nonprofit born from unimaginable loss and a mother’s enduring love. Vicki’s son, Cpl. Zach Moak, was killed in the line of duty with the Brookhaven Police Department in 2018. In the wake of his death, Vicki turned her grief into purpose, creating Warriors of the Badge to support families of fallen and injured first responders across Mississippi. In this powerful episode, Vicki shares her son’s story, the pain of that day, and how she’s found strength by helping others who walk the same difficult road. Tonight we honor those who serve, remember those who’ve fallen, and talk about how one mother’s mission is changing lives.   This podcast is produced by Daniel Anderson and Audio Alchemy.   #InvestigationHomicide #WarriorsOfTheBadge #VickiMoak #MississippiHeroes #TrueCrimePodcast #FirstResponders #LawEnforcementFamily

On this episode of Investigation: Homicide, hosts Therese Apel and Nicole Kral welcome Bubba Holifield, a current detective with the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department and former investigator and polygraph examiner with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. With years of experience on some of the state’s most complex cases, Holifield has seen firsthand how the polygraph can shift the course of an investigation.   Together, they’ll unpack cases where the polygraph played a pivotal role—sometimes confirming suspicions, sometimes clearing the innocent, and often opening doors to critical breakthroughs. Listeners will get an insider’s view into how this controversial but powerful investigative tool is used, what it can and can’t prove, and why it still matters in the pursuit of justice. This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

On this episode of Investigation: Homicide, hosts Therese Apel and Amanda Johansson speak with Bo Bertling, a licensed professional counselor with the Texas Department of corrections. Having spent years working with some of the most dangerous offenders in the Texas prison system, Bertling shares a rare perspective on the psychology of a violent criminal – how the mind develops, and what Law Enforcement and society need to understand in order to confront, prevent, or maybe even correct it. This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

On tonight’s episode of Investigation: Homicide, hosts Therese Apel and Amanda Johansson sit down with Sgt. Jordan Jones, an Army Green Beret and special forces medic, to discuss the lasting impact of 9/11 on the world and his career. Sgt. Jones shares powerful stories from his time in the military, reflections on patriotism, and his personal journey from the battlefield to his latest venture—HOLOS, a wellness and performance optimization company dedicated to military personnel, law enforcement, first responders, and high-stress professionals. Don't miss this deep conversation about resilience, service, and what it means to truly give back to those who serve. This podcast is produced by Daniel Anderson and Audio Alchemy.

This week on Investigation: Homicide, co-hosts Therese Apel and Amanda Johansson dig into the chilling case of Miguel Oros — a suspected serial predator whose crimes stretched across Mississippi and Louisiana, leaving elderly victims in fear for years. After vanishing across international borders, Oros was finally tracked down and brought back to face justice. Joining us is MBI Lt. Col. Jimmy Herzog, one of the investigators who worked the case, to share how law enforcement pieced it all together and what it took to capture him.   This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In this episode of Investigation: Homicide, Nicole and Amanda sit down with Robert Latham, retired Director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), to reflect on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina; a storm that forever changed the Mississippi Gulf Coast.   Robert shares his perspective on the monumental challenges faced by first responders, local leaders, and everyday citizens in the days and weeks following the storm. From coordinating emergency response efforts amid unprecedented destruction to addressing the overwhelming needs of displaced families, he provides a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to hold communities together in the face of crisis.   This conversation explores not only the devastation left in Katrina’s wake but also the resilience and determination of Mississippi’s people. Robert discusses the lessons learned, the importance of preparation, and the spirit of unity that emerged when neighbors, volunteers, and responders came together to rebuild.   Through stories of heartbreak, heroism, and hope, this episode offers a powerful reminder of the impact Katrina had on the Gulf Coast and the lasting legacy it left behind.   Many thanks to Tim Dillard at Line Shot Photography for making today’s episode possible! To book your session, visit www.LineShotPhotography.com or email [email protected]   This podcast is produced by Daniel Anderson of Audio Alchemy

A missing man. A burned-out car. And a quiet Mississippi county holding its breath.   Gregory Varnado vanished in August 2024. Weeks later—his remains were found in the ashes of his burned-out vehicle.   Now, Lawrence County Sheriff Ryan Everett takes us inside the investigation… and the unanswered question: What happened to Greg Varnado?   #InvestigationHomicide #TrueCrimePodcast #GregoryVarnado #LawrenceCounty #MississippiCrime #UnsolvedMystery #HomicideInvestigation #TrueCrimeCommunity #CrimePodcast #AudioAlchemyProductions #TrueCrimeAddict #CrimeStory #MurderMystery #TrueCrimeJunkie #CrimeCase #SheriffInterview #TrueCrimeMississippi This is Investigation: Homicide. New episode streaming now, brought to you by Daniel Anderson and Audio Alchemy Productions.

On May 24, 1992, 39-year-old nurse and mother of two, Gail Mosby, was found dead in her bathtub in Jackson, Mississippi. Initially believed to be a suicide, the scene raised red flags—shallow water, blood in the tub, and a small bruise on her body. Investigators soon uncovered a chilling truth: Gail's death wasn’t self-inflicted but the result of a deadly conspiracy.     Our friend, Retired JPD Detective Charlie Smith, joins us to discuss this case that was featured Sunday on Oxygen's "Snapped," and to give us the story behind the story.   This podcast is produced by Daniel Anderson and Audio Alchemy Productions.

In this episode of Investigation: Homicide, Nicole and Amanda sit down with Captain Christian Vance of the Jackson Police Department, a dedicated law enforcement leader passionate about reducing crime and strengthening ties between officers and the community they serve.   Captain Vance shares his insight on the challenges facing Jackson, Mississippi, including rising crime rates, youth involvement in criminal activity, and the importance of early intervention. He discusses innovative youth outreach initiatives, community-driven policing strategies, and the vital role of trust between citizens and law enforcement in solving crimes and preventing violence.   From personal stories in the field to practical solutions aimed at steering young people away from dangerous paths, this conversation offers a unique look at how collaboration, empathy, and proactive policing can help make our communities safer.   This podcast is produced by Daniel Anderson of Audio Alchemy Productions.

This week, join the ladies of Investigation: Homicide as they sit down with Walthall County Detective Justin Dyar to dig into the chilling case of Yerby Hughes, the man who murdered Chad Bryant and then vanished into the woods of rural Mississippi. How did Hughes slip through law enforcement’s fingers after leaving the scene in his victim’s truck? And what led to his dramatic capture in an abandoned shed—just 48 hours after the crime? Investigator Dyar recounts the twists, the tracking, and the team effort that brought a killer to justice. This podcast is produced by Daniel Anderson and Audio Alchemy Productions.

Oxford is a college town full of all kinds of people from all over the state. Sometimes that can make certain crimes harder to investigate in the cross-section of Mississippi humanity. Tonight, Therese Apel and Nicole Kral look into the investigation led by Oxford Police Department’s Lt. Mark Hodges, who found himself unraveling a case of attacks, burglaries, and other odd occurrences in Oxford and neighboring Union County. Wayne “Kysten” Fiddis of Holly Springs appeared to be just an average guy, fairly unassuming, and mostly off the radar. But when police realized the connections between several burglaries and assaults in 2020, one victim’s razor-sharp memory and the work of a gifted police sketch artist set the case into motion. As Lt. Hodges and his team followed the trail, DNA evidence and a pattern of similarities across cases began to emerge. Join us as we explore how persistence, intuition, and a few key breakthroughs led authorities to uncover the truth behind the man who could easily disappear into the background. This podcast is produced by Daniel Anderson and Audio Alchemy Productions.

Jackson, Mississippi — a city long marked by both triumph and turbulence — has seen its share of highs and lows. At the heart of its evolving story stands the Jackson Police Department, an institution as tested as the city itself. After years of strain under a troubled administration that many within law enforcement say pushed the department to the brink, a new chapter is underway at City Hall.   With the retention of Chief Joseph Wade at JPD, optimism is cautiously building Chief Wade has been tasked with — and is succeeding at — restoring stability to the department, rebuilding morale, and addressing a growing need for accountability and public trust.   Tonight, on Investigation: Homicide, Chief Wade sits down with us to talk about his plans to recruit new and veteran officers, strengthen partnerships with neighboring agencies, and reestablish confidence in Jackson’s police force.   As the city looks to the future, the question remains: can one strong leader bring lasting change to a department — and a community — in need of both? This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In this true story from Rankin County, Mississippi, Chief Medical Examiner David Ruth tells us how a decades-old mystery was finally solved through groundbreaking forensic genetic genealogy. Follow the harrowing 1990 case of a young waitress known as “Jane,” whose courage helped crack open a serial rapist’s identity after years of silence. Discover how science, perseverance, and a fight for justice converged to bring resolution to a survivor and accountability to a predator. Also, we find out how it's connected to the infamous Shondra May case. Justice may be delayed, but it isn’t denied.   This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In 2018, a peaceful afternoon inside a Starkville, Mississippi Walmart turned into a nightmare. Dr. Shauna Witt, a beloved optometrist, was gunned down while seeing a patient in her clinic just shortly after ending her relationship with William “Tommy” Chisholm.   In this episode, we sit down with Sergeant John Michael Lay, the lead investigator who supervised the scene and directed the collection of key evidence that helped secure a capital murder conviction. He walks us through the critical first moments after the shooting, how the crime scene was processed, and the chilling timeline that unfolded inside those Walmart walls.   It took jurors just 26 minutes to return a guilty verdict. But behind that swift justice was a meticulous investigation and a story of heartbreak, obsession, and a woman who tried to move on.   This case is as public as it is personal. And it’s one Mississippi won’t forget.   #InvestigationHomicide #TrueCrimePodcast #ShaunaWitt #JusticeForShauna #StarkvilleMS #DomesticViolenceAwareness #HomicideInvestigation #WalmartShooting #CapitalMurder #MississippiCrime This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Every day, hundreds of thousands of vehicles travel Mississippi’s interstates. Most of them are occupied by honest, well-meaning citizens, but a small percentage contain cartel drugs, kidnapped minors, and wanted suspects. The members of the Madison Rankin County Criminal Interdiction team encounter them all. Well, what they do is largely misunderstood; it is vital. Today Therese Apel and Amanda Johansson talk with members of the team about what a normal day looks like. This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In 2007, a chilling discovery shook Jackson, Mississippi. The body of Mary Heather Spencer was found inside a home on Trawick Drive, a property tied to her boyfriend’s family. What began as a tragic crime scene quickly unfolded into a high-profile homicide investigation that would become a landmark case in the conversation around domestic violence. In this episode, we sit down with former JPD Homicide Investigator Derrick Jordan, the man who helped bring the truth to light and put Heather’s killer behind bars. He takes us through the intense investigation, the key moments that broke the case, and the legacy Heather left behind through the work of “Heather’s TREE,” a group that continues to raise awareness about domestic violence today. This story is gripping, heartbreaking, and deeply important. #InvestigationHomicide #TrueCrimePodcast #HeatherSpencer #DomesticViolenceAwareness #JusticeServed #JacksonMississippi #HomicideFiles #ColdCaseCracked #HeathersTREE This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

The situation is chilling: A suspect has barricaded himself in a building and he has hostages. Law enforcement need to resolve the problem quickly and without any injuries, but it seems a daunting task. Today, Therese Apel talks to co-host Amanda Johansson and Sgt. Terri’s Thomas about the work they do on the Crisis Intervention Team — the job more commonly known as “The Negotiator.”   This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In this riveting episode of Investigation: Homicide, District Attorney Brendon Adams joins us to discuss a case that rocked Lincoln County to its core. Corey Godbolt went on a killing spree during the memorial Day weekend of 2017, and by the time he was done, 8 people were dead, including Lincoln County Deputy William Durr. But before the day was over, he confessed to Durr’s murder on Therese Apel‘s camera. Godbolt got what was coming to him at trial in 2020, ending up being sentenced to four life sentences and four death sentences. Adams walks us through that harrowing weekend and the impact of those events on the community.   https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/local/2017/06/06/see-uncut-footage-arrest-alleged-spree-killer-cory-godbolt/375399001/   https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/local/2017/05/28/man-sought-death-lincoln-deputy-multiple-others-allegedly-has-16-year-old-hostage/352133001/   https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ms-supreme-court/115910331.html   https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/05/30/mississippi-shooting-hero/353528001/   https://www.wlbt.com/2020/02/25/closing-arguments-happening-today-godbolt-trial/?outputType=amp This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions

May 15 marks National Peace Officers Memorial Day—a time set aside to honor those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. In this special episode, retired Jackson Police Department Detective Charlie Smith sits down with hosts Therese Apel and Nicole Kral to reflect on what it truly means to serve and protect. From high-stakes investigations to the personal toll that comes with wearing the badge, Detective Smith shares powerful stories from his decorated career and the deeper cost of standing in the gap between right and wrong. This episode is a tribute not just to the fallen, but to every officer who answers the call with courage and commitment. #InvestigationHomicidePodcast #PeaceOfficersMemorialDay #LawEnforcementLife #TrueCrimePodcast #BehindTheBadge #JacksonMS #DetectiveCharlieSmith #PoliceStories #ThinBlueLine   This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In this gripping episode, Therese Apel and Amanda Johansson sit down with Madison/Rankin County DA Bubba Bramlett and Assistant DA Scott Rogillio to unravel the chilling case against Walter Simpson. Driven by rejection and resentment, Simpson’s carefully crafted alibi couldn’t withstand the relentless detective work that exposed his involvement in the 2018 murders of Falonda Jobe-Simpson and her daughter Davonda Washington. Join us as we delve into how justice was served through dedication and skilled investigation.   Click HERE for all podcast and social media links! https://linktr.ee/investigationhomicide   #InvestigationHomicide #TrueCrime #WalterSimpson #FamilyTragedy #Justice #CrimePodcast #MurderCase #DetectiveWork #LegalJustice #TrueCrimeCommunity This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions. 

For nearly four decades, the murder of Shondra May has haunted central Mississippi—until now. In this powerful new episode of Investigation: Homicide, Sheriff Mike Lee and Chief Deputy Brad Ellis return to the studio to sit down with Therese Apel and walk us through the shocking arrest of Rubin Weeks, a former suspect who had vanished into the shadows… until justice came knocking. Weeks, found living in Madison, was previously imprisoned in Missouri for a crime eerily similar to Shondra’s case.   From early suspicions to groundbreaking developments, discover the behind-the-scenes strategies, gut instincts, and relentless pursuit that finally brought a suspect into custody.   Join us live at 5 and bring your questions—this is one case you don’t want to miss.   #ColdCaseSolved #ShondraMay #RubinWeeks #ScottCountySheriff #InvestigationHomicide #TrueCrimePodcast #JusticeForShondra #ColdCaseBreakthrough #ThereseApel #MississippiCrime #HomicideInvestigation This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.  

The testimony was salacious and the details read like a movie in the case of former local social media personality William ‘Polo’ Edwards. He was found guilty in 2024 of the first-degree murder of 45-year-old Robert Davis in a love triangle that turned deadly. Polo was well-known to Detective Greg Jones and the men and women of Clinton Police Department, given his incendiary and often paid opinions that were splashed all over social media on a daily basis. Join Therese Apel and Nicole Kral as they talk to Detective Jones about the case that captivated Clinton. This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In Episode 19 of Investigation: Homicide, hosts Nicole Kral and Therese Apel sit down with Clinton Detective Amanda Johansson—an investigator whose caseload includes some of society’s most disturbing crimes: those committed against children. From her deep involvement in human trafficking cases to her surprising platform as a national beauty queen, Detective Johansson brings a rare mix of grit, compassion, and courage to the front lines of justice. In this chilling and powerful conversation, we explore what it takes to confront child predators, the psychological toll of the work, and why she tells her story. This is an episode you won’t forget. #InvestigationHomicide #TrueCrimePodcast #CrimesAgainstChildren #HumanTraffickingAwareness #DetectiveJohansson #ChildProtection #JusticeForChildren #ThereseApel #NicoleKral #PodcastEpisode #LawEnforcementStories This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

In Episode 18 of the Investigation Homicide Podcast, we explore the unexpected rise in crime across small towns in Mississippi. Join hosts Therese Apel and Nicole Kral as they sit down with Police Chief Robert Thomas to discuss the unique challenges of policing a small town grappling with big-city crime. Learn how consistent, community-focused law enforcement is making a difference in this once-sleepy town. Tune in for insights into crime trends, local policing strategies, and the realities of small-town law enforcement. #InvestigationHomicide #TrueCrime #SmallTownCrime #Policing #CrimePodcast #MississippiCrime #CrystalSprings #LawEnforcement #TrueCrimeCommunity #PodcastEpisode This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Domestic violence is a crime trend that never goes away, and even in a world that’s educated on the signs and symptoms, it is still a deadly epidemic that kills families and Law Enforcement alike, as we saw recently in the line of duty death of Hinds County Deputy Martin Shields.   In today’s episode, Therese Apel and Nicole Kral talk with former Byram Police Chief Luke Thompson about how domestic violence affects the family unit, crime statistics, and society, and how technology is turning its wheels to come up with solutions for this deadly problem.   #DomesticViolence #EndDomesticViolence #StopTheViolence #DomesticAbuseAwareness #CrimePrevention #FamilySafety #LawEnforcement #SupportSurvivors #CommunityAwareness #ProtectOurFamilies #ViolencePrevention #JusticeForVictims #MentalHealthAwareness #TechnologyForGood #HindsCounty #PodcastEpisode #SocialIssues #SafetyInSociety #Empowerment #SpeakOut This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Fifteen years to the day after his first day at the police academy, Bobby Joe Biggert made the ultimate sacrifice—dying while protecting his community, even on his off time. Retired Crime Scene Analyst Charlie Smith knew Biggert personally and was also tasked with investigating the crime scene, an emotionally heavy burden for any officer seeking justice for a fallen friend. But when Biggert’s killer died in prison, was it truly justice? You decide. In this gripping episode, investigative journalists Therese Apel and Nicole Kral sit down with Smith to uncover the harrowing details of a case that shook Jackson Police Department (JPD) to its core in 1989. They explore the complexities of law enforcement, the weight of duty, and the lasting impact of a brother in blue’s sacrifice. 🎧 Listen now for a deep dive into crime scene investigation, justice, and the price of heroism. #TrueCrimePodcast #LawEnforcement #CrimeSceneInvestigation #Justice #PoliceStories #ThereseApel #NicoleKral #BobbyJoeBiggert #MississippiCrime #JPD #OfficerDown #TrueCrimeCommunity #Heroism #Sacrifice #ColdCases This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones has been a veteran officer, investigator, public affairs officer during his career in law enforcement. Through years at Jackson Police Department and the Hinds County Sheriff's Department, he's seen some of the metro area's most notorious crimes. Therese Apel and Nicole Kral talk with him about one of the most cold-blooded killers he's tracked: Dexter Lipsey, who gunned down three people and kidnapped a woman over $25.  We will also pay tribute to fallen hero Deputy Martin Shields, who died in the line of duty Sunday nighthelping a woman gather her things from the home she shared with an abusive husband she was trying to leave.     This episode was produced by Riley Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions