True Crime Podcasts: Best Episodes & Shows of 2020
The Best True Crime Episodes for August 2020
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Missing in Alaska
The SearchBattling snow and waves, searchers hunt for the missing plane. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
Battling snow and waves, searchers hunt for the missing plane. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
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Missing in Alaska
The DisappearanceTwo congressmen vanish in Alaska in 1972. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
"This is good. A mysterious plane crash that left no trace of the plane, or the congressmen on board. The host of this show dives deep into debunking the conspiracy theories and trying to find out what really really happened back on this night in 1972."Two congressmen vanish in Alaska in 1972. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
"This is good. A mysterious plane crash that left no trace of the plane, or the congressmen on board. The host of this show dives deep into debunking the conspiracy theories and trying to find out what really really happened back on this night in 1972." - 33
Crime Junkie
MISSING: Rico HarrisIn 2014 Rico Harris left Los Angeles to drive north for a new life in Seattle, only to vanish somewhere along the way. Sources for this episode cannot be listed here due to character limitations. For a full list of sources please visit https://crimejunkiepodcast.com/?p=33735&preview=true Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"New format! Seems like Brit is taking the reigns as host and Ashley is transitioning on to different projects. We’ll see!!"In 2014 Rico Harris left Los Angeles to drive north for a new life in Seattle, only to vanish somewhere along the way. Sources for this episode cannot be listed here due to character limitations. For a full list of sources please visit https://crimejunkiepodcast.com/?p=33735&preview=true Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"New format! Seems like Brit is taking the reigns as host and Ashley is transitioning on to different projects. We’ll see!!" - 44
Somebody
Episode 7: ShapearlHaving taken her investigation as far as she can, Shapearl moves on to an even bigger fight: making sure this never happens to anyone else’s child. She travels to Brazil to speak at a summit of mothers of murdered children and works to honor Courtney’s legacy and advocate for police reform in new ways. A co-production of Topic Studios, The Intercept, the Invisible Institute, and iHeartRadio, in association with Tenderfoot TV. We want to hear from you, email us at info@somebodypodcast.com or leave us a voicemail at 773-270-0121. Host: Shapearl Wells Producers: Alison Flowers and Bill Healy Story Editor: Sarah Geis Associate Producer: Ellen Glover Executive Producer, Invisible Institute: Jamie Kalven Executive Producers, Topic Studios: Maria Zuckerman, Christy Gressman and Leital Molad with Special Thanks to Lizzie Jacobs Supervising Producer, The Intercept: Roger Hodge Sound Design: Carl Scott and Bart Warshaw Mix Engineer: Michael Raphael Theme Song: “Everybody’s Something,” Chance the Rapper Additional Reporting: Sam Stecklow, Annie Nguyen, Kahari Blackburn, Rajiv Sinclair, Henri Adams, Matilda Vojak, Dana Brozost-Kelleher, Frances McDonald, Diana Akmakjian, Andrew Fan, Erisa Apantaku and Maddie Anderson. Translation Support: Benny Hernandez Ocampo and Emma Perez Fact Checking: Nawal Arjini Original Music: Eric Butler and Nate Fox of the Social Experiment Special thanks to Chaclyn Hunt, Maira Khwaja, Andrew Fan, Anwuli Anigbo, Trina Reynolds-Tyler, Sukari Stone, Erisa Apantaku, Craig Futterman, Rick Rowley, Yanilda Gonzalez, Forrest Stuart, Mariah Garcia, Sarah Kinter, Shannon Heffernan, Aaron Moselle, Alan Mills, Vidura Jong-Bahadur, Jason Schumer, Justin Williams and the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation Media Center, Matt Topic, Chris Rasmussen, Bennett Epstein, David Bralow and Julie Wolf. Elizabeth Van Brocklin's original story, "Scoop and Run: Where Cops Cars Double as Ambulances" first appeared in The Trace. Theme song “Everybody’s Something” by Chancelor J. Bennett and DJ Ozone with compositions by Roger Karsher, Chuck Magione and James Yancey of Universal Music Publishing Group and Slum Village (R.L. Altman III, Titus Glover/Baatin, J Dilla); recording artist/performance by Chance the Rapper, appearing courtesy of himself and Chance the Rapper LLC. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
Having taken her investigation as far as she can, Shapearl moves on to an even bigger fight: making sure this never happens to anyone else’s child. She travels to Brazil to speak at a summit of mothers of murdered children and works to honor Courtney’s legacy and advocate for police reform in new ways. A co-production of Topic Studios, The Intercept, the Invisible Institute, and iHeartRadio, in association with Tenderfoot TV. We want to hear from you, email us at info@somebodypodcast.com or leave us a voicemail at 773-270-0121. Host: Shapearl Wells Producers: Alison Flowers and Bill Healy Story Editor: Sarah Geis Associate Producer: Ellen Glover Executive Producer, Invisible Institute: Jamie Kalven Executive Producers, Topic Studios: Maria Zuckerman, Christy Gressman and Leital Molad with Special Thanks to Lizzie Jacobs Supervising Producer, The Intercept: Roger Hodge Sound Design: Carl Scott and Bart Warshaw Mix Engineer: Michael Raphael Theme Song: “Everybody’s Something,” Chance the Rapper Additional Reporting: Sam Stecklow, Annie Nguyen, Kahari Blackburn, Rajiv Sinclair, Henri Adams, Matilda Vojak, Dana Brozost-Kelleher, Frances McDonald, Diana Akmakjian, Andrew Fan, Erisa Apantaku and Maddie Anderson. Translation Support: Benny Hernandez Ocampo and Emma Perez Fact Checking: Nawal Arjini Original Music: Eric Butler and Nate Fox of the Social Experiment Special thanks to Chaclyn Hunt, Maira Khwaja, Andrew Fan, Anwuli Anigbo, Trina Reynolds-Tyler, Sukari Stone, Erisa Apantaku, Craig Futterman, Rick Rowley, Yanilda Gonzalez, Forrest Stuart, Mariah Garcia, Sarah Kinter, Shannon Heffernan, Aaron Moselle, Alan Mills, Vidura Jong-Bahadur, Jason Schumer, Justin Williams and the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation Media Center, Matt Topic, Chris Rasmussen, Bennett Epstein, David Bralow and Julie Wolf. Elizabeth Van Brocklin's original story, "Scoop and Run: Where Cops Cars Double as Ambulances" first appeared in The Trace. Theme song “Everybody’s Something” by Chancelor J. Bennett and DJ Ozone with compositions by Roger Karsher, Chuck Magione and James Yancey of Universal Music Publishing Group and Slum Village (R.L. Altman III, Titus Glover/Baatin, J Dilla); recording artist/performance by Chance the Rapper, appearing courtesy of himself and Chance the Rapper LLC. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
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I Survived
A Two-Foot-Long MacheteWhen a deranged attacker arrives at her elementary school, principal Norina is the only thing standing between her kindergarten students and the man’s machete. She risks life and limb to protect her kids, and bring down the violent assailant. Got hair color needs? Use MADISON REED! Get 10% off plus FREE SHIPPING on your first Color Kit with code "SURVIVED" at www.Madison-Reed.com
When a deranged attacker arrives at her elementary school, principal Norina is the only thing standing between her kindergarten students and the man’s machete. She risks life and limb to protect her kids, and bring down the violent assailant. Got hair color needs? Use MADISON REED! Get 10% off plus FREE SHIPPING on your first Color Kit with code "SURVIVED" at www.Madison-Reed.com
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The Orange Tree
Episode 1: The Orange DoorSharon Cave knows something is wrong the second she gets a call from her daughter Jennifer’s boss saying Jennifer didn’t show up for her first day at work. When no one can give her an answer as to where Jennifer was the night before, Sharon and her family set out on their own investigation. They... The post Episode 1: The Orange Door appeared first on The Drag.
"A recommendation for true crime fans! The co-hosts are two journalism majors from the University of Texas who investigate the 2005 murder of a 21 year old student named Jennifer Cave."Sharon Cave knows something is wrong the second she gets a call from her daughter Jennifer’s boss saying Jennifer didn’t show up for her first day at work. When no one can give her an answer as to where Jennifer was the night before, Sharon and her family set out on their own investigation. They... The post Episode 1: The Orange Door appeared first on The Drag.
"A recommendation for true crime fans! The co-hosts are two journalism majors from the University of Texas who investigate the 2005 murder of a 21 year old student named Jennifer Cave." - 77
I Survived
I Just JumpedEight year old Midsi is on her way home from school, when a strange man abducts her on the street and holds her captive for days. Despite her attacker’s threats, Midsi makes a daring escape and saves herself from certain death. Got hair color needs? Use MADISON REED! Get 10% off plus FREE SHIPPING on your first Color Kit with code "SURVIVED" at www.Madison-Reed.com Find help and resources at www.RAINN.org
Eight year old Midsi is on her way home from school, when a strange man abducts her on the street and holds her captive for days. Despite her attacker’s threats, Midsi makes a daring escape and saves herself from certain death. Got hair color needs? Use MADISON REED! Get 10% off plus FREE SHIPPING on your first Color Kit with code "SURVIVED" at www.Madison-Reed.com Find help and resources at www.RAINN.org
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Wrongful Conviction Podcasts
Wrongful Conviction with Jason Flom - Julius Jones - with Kim Kardashian WestS11E1: Julius Jones In the fall of 1998, Julius Jones had the whole world ahead of him. He was a freshman who planned to study engineering and was attending the University of Oklahoma on an academic scholarship. The following summer, just three days after his 19th birthday, Julius was awakened and dragged out of bed, barefoot and shirtless, and taken into police custody as a murder suspect. In 2002, he was convicted of killing a prominent local businessman – this after eyewitness testimony that should have excluded the young man as a suspect, as well as overt racial bias both in the news media and in the jury box. Julius Jones is facing execution as early as the fall of 2020. Special guests Kim Kardashian West along with Julius’ current attorney, Dale Baich and his mother and sister, Madeline and Antoinette Jones, join Jason Flom to discuss Julius’ case and the race for the State of Oklahoma to grant him clemency before it’s too late. Learn more and get involved at: https://www.justiceforjuliusjones.com/ https://www.change.org/p/julius-jones-is-innocent-don-t-let-him-be-executed-by-the-state-of-oklahoma https://www.wrongfulconvictionpodcast.com Wrongful Conviction with Jason Flom is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co No1 and PRX.
"Love or hate the Kardashians, you have to give credit to Kim for her commitment to prison reform. Julius Jones’ story is one we need to pay attention to. In addition to this podcast episode featuring Kim Kardashian, check out the website: justiceforjuliusjones.com."S11E1: Julius Jones In the fall of 1998, Julius Jones had the whole world ahead of him. He was a freshman who planned to study engineering and was attending the University of Oklahoma on an academic scholarship. The following summer, just three days after his 19th birthday, Julius was awakened and dragged out of bed, barefoot and shirtless, and taken into police custody as a murder suspect. In 2002, he was convicted of killing a prominent local businessman – this after eyewitness testimony that should have excluded the young man as a suspect, as well as overt racial bias both in the news media and in the jury box. Julius Jones is facing execution as early as the fall of 2020. Special guests Kim Kardashian West along with Julius’ current attorney, Dale Baich and his mother and sister, Madeline and Antoinette Jones, join Jason Flom to discuss Julius’ case and the race for the State of Oklahoma to grant him clemency before it’s too late. Learn more and get involved at: https://www.justiceforjuliusjones.com/ https://www.change.org/p/julius-jones-is-innocent-don-t-let-him-be-executed-by-the-state-of-oklahoma https://www.wrongfulconvictionpodcast.com Wrongful Conviction with Jason Flom is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co No1 and PRX.
"Love or hate the Kardashians, you have to give credit to Kim for her commitment to prison reform. Julius Jones’ story is one we need to pay attention to. In addition to this podcast episode featuring Kim Kardashian, check out the website: justiceforjuliusjones.com." - 99
True Crime Daily The Podcast
Soldier Vanessa Guillen’s remains identified; TikTok users discover dead bodies while filmingHuman remains found in Texas have been identified as missing 20-year-old Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen. Plus, two teens on TikTok discovered dead bodies stuffed in a suitcase in Seattle. Dr. Judy Ho is our guest.
Human remains found in Texas have been identified as missing 20-year-old Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen. Plus, two teens on TikTok discovered dead bodies stuffed in a suitcase in Seattle. Dr. Judy Ho is our guest.
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True Crime Daily The Podcast
Ex-detective charged in ’99 murder case; mom accused of fatally shooting 5-year-old daughterA retired Jacksonville detective and his ex-wife have been arrested and charged for the 1999 murder of a business owner. Plus, a mom in Tennessee has been accused of fatally shooting her 5-year-old daughter and trying to blame it on her 2-year-old son. Eric Rosoff, a former police lieutenant and the head of Campus Safety Group, joins us.
A retired Jacksonville detective and his ex-wife have been arrested and charged for the 1999 murder of a business owner. Plus, a mom in Tennessee has been accused of fatally shooting her 5-year-old daughter and trying to blame it on her 2-year-old son. Eric Rosoff, a former police lieutenant and the head of Campus Safety Group, joins us.
Editors Choice: Top True Crime Shows In 2020
Bear BrookTwo barrels, four bodies, and an enigmatic killer. The cold case that changed the way murders will be investigated forever.
Two barrels, four bodies, and an enigmatic killer. The cold case that changed the way murders will be investigated forever.
ConvictionWhen John Quinney was ten years old, he took the stand to testify against his own father. He had come to believe that his dad Melvin was the murderous leader of a satanic cult. It would be decades before John would learn that his family was just one of many swept up in a panic that gripped America in the 1980s—one in which hundreds of people were accused of taking part in underground satanic cults that sacrificed infants and sexually abused children. By the time the panic had subsided, scores of people were in prison, convicted on little to no evidence—people like John's father. Conviction: American Panic takes you inside one of the darkest and most bizarre chapters of American history. This series contains descriptions of adult subject matter, including details of sexual abuse and trauma. It may not be suitable for everyone, discretion is advised.
When John Quinney was ten years old, he took the stand to testify against his own father. He had come to believe that his dad Melvin was the murderous leader of a satanic cult. It would be decades before John would learn that his family was just one of many swept up in a panic that gripped America in the 1980s—one in which hundreds of people were accused of taking part in underground satanic cults that sacrificed infants and sexually abused children. By the time the panic had subsided, scores of people were in prison, convicted on little to no evidence—people like John's father. Conviction: American Panic takes you inside one of the darkest and most bizarre chapters of American history. This series contains descriptions of adult subject matter, including details of sexual abuse and trauma. It may not be suitable for everyone, discretion is advised.
Dirty JohnDebra Newell is a successful interior designer. She meets John Meehan, a handsome man who seems to check all the boxes: attentive, available, just back from a year in Iraq with Doctors Without Borders. But her family doesn’t like John, and they get entangled in an increasingly complex web of love, deception, forgiveness, denial, and ultimately, survival. Reported and hosted by Christopher Goffard from the L.A. Times.
Debra Newell is a successful interior designer. She meets John Meehan, a handsome man who seems to check all the boxes: attentive, available, just back from a year in Iraq with Doctors Without Borders. But her family doesn’t like John, and they get entangled in an increasingly complex web of love, deception, forgiveness, denial, and ultimately, survival. Reported and hosted by Christopher Goffard from the L.A. Times.
Dr. DeathWe’re at our most vulnerable when we go to our doctors. We trust the person at the other end of that scalpel. We trust the hospital. We trust the system.Christopher Duntsch was a neurosurgeon who radiated confidence. He claimed he was the best in Dallas. If you had back pain, and had tried everything else, Dr. Duntsch could give you the spine surgery that would take your pain away.But soon his patients started to experience complications, and the system failed to protect them. Which begs the question: who - or what - is that system meant to protect?From Wondery, the network behind the hit podcast Dirty John, DR. DEATH is a story about a charming surgeon, 33 patients and a spineless system. Reported and hosted by Laura Beil.
We’re at our most vulnerable when we go to our doctors. We trust the person at the other end of that scalpel. We trust the hospital. We trust the system.Christopher Duntsch was a neurosurgeon who radiated confidence. He claimed he was the best in Dallas. If you had back pain, and had tried everything else, Dr. Duntsch could give you the spine surgery that would take your pain away.But soon his patients started to experience complications, and the system failed to protect them. Which begs the question: who - or what - is that system meant to protect?From Wondery, the network behind the hit podcast Dirty John, DR. DEATH is a story about a charming surgeon, 33 patients and a spineless system. Reported and hosted by Laura Beil.
Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football Inc.Football star Aaron Hernandez went from the bright lights of the Super Bowl to a convicted murderer in a few years. The Boston Globe’s Spotlight Team, best known for its investigation of the sexual abuse scandal inside the Catholic Church, takes a hard look at the crisis facing football through the lens of Aaron Hernandez’s life and terrible crimes.From Wondery, the podcast team that brought you Dr. Death, Spotlight asks: Did a brain badly damaged by football contribute to Hernandez’s violent behavior? Did he keep secrets about his sexuality that collided with a hyper-masculine football culture? Did elite coaches and teams look the other way as Hernandez was spiraling out of control?Spotlight uncovered new documents, audio, and interviews to go deep into the story of what happened to Aaron Hernandez, and what it means for those of us who cheer on a violent game.
Football star Aaron Hernandez went from the bright lights of the Super Bowl to a convicted murderer in a few years. The Boston Globe’s Spotlight Team, best known for its investigation of the sexual abuse scandal inside the Catholic Church, takes a hard look at the crisis facing football through the lens of Aaron Hernandez’s life and terrible crimes.From Wondery, the podcast team that brought you Dr. Death, Spotlight asks: Did a brain badly damaged by football contribute to Hernandez’s violent behavior? Did he keep secrets about his sexuality that collided with a hyper-masculine football culture? Did elite coaches and teams look the other way as Hernandez was spiraling out of control?Spotlight uncovered new documents, audio, and interviews to go deep into the story of what happened to Aaron Hernandez, and what it means for those of us who cheer on a violent game.
Happy FaceFor Melissa Moore, 1995 was a nightmare. That’s the year the teenager learned her father, Keith Hunter Jesperson, was a serial killer. It’s also the year Melissa Moore’s doubt spiral began: When you look like your father, and you share his intelligence and charisma, how do you know you’re not a psychopath, too? Happy Face is the story of Keith Hunter Jesperson, his brutal crimes, and the cat and mouse game he played with detectives and the media. But it’s also the story of the horrific legacy he gifted his children. Join Melissa Moore as she investigates her father’s crimes, reckons with the past, and wades through her darkest fears as she hunts for a better future.
For Melissa Moore, 1995 was a nightmare. That’s the year the teenager learned her father, Keith Hunter Jesperson, was a serial killer. It’s also the year Melissa Moore’s doubt spiral began: When you look like your father, and you share his intelligence and charisma, how do you know you’re not a psychopath, too? Happy Face is the story of Keith Hunter Jesperson, his brutal crimes, and the cat and mouse game he played with detectives and the media. But it’s also the story of the horrific legacy he gifted his children. Join Melissa Moore as she investigates her father’s crimes, reckons with the past, and wades through her darkest fears as she hunts for a better future.
Joe Exotic: Tiger KingJoe Exotic devoted his life to raising and breeding lions, tigers, and other exotic animals at his Oklahoma zoo. He croons ballads, shoots guns, and puts it all on YouTube. But he’s also made a lot of enemies. And the biggest of all is the owner of a big cat sanctuary in Florida named Carole Baskin. The feud between Joe Exotic and Carole gets messy, vicious, and outrageous -- until both of them are pushed far beyond their limits. From Wondery, comes: ‘Joe Exotic: Tiger King.’ Episodes come out Tuesdays.This series was previously released as the second season of "Over My Dead Body." But on this feed, we'll also be releasing never-before-aired, exclusive interviews and details with some of the most fascinating characters in this saga.
Joe Exotic devoted his life to raising and breeding lions, tigers, and other exotic animals at his Oklahoma zoo. He croons ballads, shoots guns, and puts it all on YouTube. But he’s also made a lot of enemies. And the biggest of all is the owner of a big cat sanctuary in Florida named Carole Baskin. The feud between Joe Exotic and Carole gets messy, vicious, and outrageous -- until both of them are pushed far beyond their limits. From Wondery, comes: ‘Joe Exotic: Tiger King.’ Episodes come out Tuesdays.This series was previously released as the second season of "Over My Dead Body." But on this feed, we'll also be releasing never-before-aired, exclusive interviews and details with some of the most fascinating characters in this saga.
Man In The Window: The Golden State KillerIn Man in the Window, Paige St. John, a Pulitzer Prize winning investigative reporter has uncovered never before revealed details about the man who would eventually become one of California's most deadly serial killers. From Wondery and the L.A. Times comes a new series that traces his path of devastation through his victims' eyes.
In Man in the Window, Paige St. John, a Pulitzer Prize winning investigative reporter has uncovered never before revealed details about the man who would eventually become one of California's most deadly serial killers. From Wondery and the L.A. Times comes a new series that traces his path of devastation through his victims' eyes.
Monster: DC SniperFrom iHeartRadio and TenderfootTV, ‘Monster: DC Sniper’ reinvestigates the beltway sniper attacks. This true crime podcast places the listener in Montgomery County, Maryland on October 2nd, 2002 when an unidentified sniper began randomly killing people going about their daily lives. Host Tony Harris traces what investigators, journalists and the public learned from the first shot until the last and ultimately asks the question: Does the person convicted of these crimes ever deserve a second chance?
From iHeartRadio and TenderfootTV, ‘Monster: DC Sniper’ reinvestigates the beltway sniper attacks. This true crime podcast places the listener in Montgomery County, Maryland on October 2nd, 2002 when an unidentified sniper began randomly killing people going about their daily lives. Host Tony Harris traces what investigators, journalists and the public learned from the first shot until the last and ultimately asks the question: Does the person convicted of these crimes ever deserve a second chance?
Murder in Pilot Mountain: A 40 Year MysteryOn August 26, 1980, 14-year-old Ronda Blaylock disappeared shortly after leaving her high school. In the days to follow, her family and friends searched for her in the area of her hometown in Rural Hall, North Carolina, hoping to bring her home alive. Shockingly, Ronda’s partially clothed body was found three days later in a town called Pilot Mountain, with deputies saying she’d been raped and brutally stabbed to death. As an appalled community wrapped their minds around the vicious crime, detectives released information on a suspect. The killer, however, remained at large. More than three decades later, a group of seasoned detectives took over the case. Together, they re-examined old evidence, submitted new evidence and reinvented how the case was investigated. Nearly 40 years after her death, all roads led to a 62-year-old man, who was living mere miles away from the sheriffs office. This is Murder in Pilot Mountain: A 40-year Mystery.
On August 26, 1980, 14-year-old Ronda Blaylock disappeared shortly after leaving her high school. In the days to follow, her family and friends searched for her in the area of her hometown in Rural Hall, North Carolina, hoping to bring her home alive. Shockingly, Ronda’s partially clothed body was found three days later in a town called Pilot Mountain, with deputies saying she’d been raped and brutally stabbed to death. As an appalled community wrapped their minds around the vicious crime, detectives released information on a suspect. The killer, however, remained at large. More than three decades later, a group of seasoned detectives took over the case. Together, they re-examined old evidence, submitted new evidence and reinvented how the case was investigated. Nearly 40 years after her death, all roads led to a 62-year-old man, who was living mere miles away from the sheriffs office. This is Murder in Pilot Mountain: A 40-year Mystery.
