Murder in Illinois - podcast cover

Murder in Illinois

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In 2007, Chris Vaughn was arrested during a funeral for his wife and three children. He would be tried and convicted of their murders. To this day he maintains no memory of what occurred that tragic day 20 years ago. Murder in Illinois follows the complicated circumstances that led to Vaughn’s conviction, as well as the forensic evidence his supporters believe proves his innocence- in attempt to answer one question: Who killed the Vaughn family?

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Episodes

11. Closing Arguments

The final episode, subject to future updates, of Murder on Songbird Road invites listeners and former interviewees to reflect on their thoughts and opinions regarding the case against Julia Bevely. Additionally, Bevely's legal team provides an update on the current status of her appeal process. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com . CONTACTS: The Illinois Attorney General’s Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) Office of the Illinois Attorney General Kwame...

Mar 06, 202543 minSeason 4Ep. 11

10. Suspect

Bob and Lauren return to Marion, knocking on doors once again. This time, however, they uncover crucial footage that reveals significant flaws in the investigation’s hasty rush to judgment. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 27, 202542 minSeason 4Ep. 10

9. Judgement

The infamous Huck’s footage exposes critical flaws in the prosecution’s theory, reinforced by a criminologist’s analysis of stabbing murders—setting the stage for Innocence activist Jason Flom to intervene and alter the course of Bevely’s legal battle. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Feb 20, 202546 minSeason 4Ep. 9

8. The Evidence

The access to the interrogation video and the collection of Bevely’s DNA raise concerns about official protocol and the broader objectives of the investigation. Additionally, the prosecution’s influence on the case comes under scrutiny. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 13, 202545 minSeason 4Ep. 8

7. Close Calls

The State’s Attorney claimed Bevely’s account of encountering an armed assailant was proven false within days of the murder but a closer look into call records raises questions about other possible suspects. Wrongful Conviction Podcast Episodes: Julie Rae Michelle Murphy Melissa Lucio Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Feb 06, 202543 minSeason 4Ep. 7

6. Observations

The family of Jade’s father share their remembrances of a life tragically ended and thoughts on the woman they believe took it. Speculation as to what could have motivated the murder takes an unlikely turn, leading to Salem, Massachusetts. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 30, 202545 minSeason 4Ep. 6

5. The Delivery

Weeks after she was arrested for the murder of her step-daughter, Julia Bevely realized she was expecting her fourth child. Her subsequent treatment during pregnancy, birth and postpartum as a pre-trial detainee remain, next to the murder, the most disturbing aspects of the case. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Jan 23, 202542 minSeason 4Ep. 5

4. The Sentencing

The day of the sentencing, Bob and Lauren retrace the route Julia Bevely claims to have taken the morning of the murder with surprising results. Her increasingly polarizing fate is then decided in a packed Marion courtroom filled with contrasting emotions. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 16, 202541 minSeason 4Ep. 4

3. The Timeline

Bob and Lauren connect in Marion, Illinois for Julia Bevely’s sentencing. Through a jailhouse visit with Bevely- and interviews with her family- a narrative emerges that is at odds with key elements of the prosecution theory in terms of the murder and the woman convicted of having committed it. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Jan 09, 202538 minSeason 4Ep. 3

2. The Arrest

Just days after the murder, the Williamson County State’s Attorney announced the death of Jade Beasley- and the arrest of Julia Bevely- in the same press conference. He claimed a thorough investigation had already been conducted, but glaring questions remain to this day. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 02, 202537 minSeason 4Ep. 2

1. The Case

On December 5th of 2020, a blended family was ripped apart when police responded to a 911 call placed from a rural area in Marion, Illinois. At the scene, they would find an 11-year-old girl, brutally murdered and her hysterical 32-year old stepmother. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 02, 202539 minSeason 4Ep. 1

UPDATE: Chris Vaughn talks to Jason Flom and Lauren Bright Pacheco

For the first time, Chris Vaughn is breaking his silence - hear him tell his harrowing story in his own words to Jason Flom and Lauren Bright Pacheco on Episode #470 of Wrongful Conviction. Listen here: https://link.chtbl.com/5CpQO-g9 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 24, 20242 minSeason 2Ep. 12

A Reassessment of Prostate Cancer Treatment (Live from the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting)

About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Join Lauren Bright Pacheco at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago, as she investigates the advancements in prostate cancer care. Dr. Mohammad Atiq shares ways innovative treatments are paving the way for better outcomes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 06, 202442 min

Case #18: Every Cure Pt.2 (Gary)

Gary Gravina, a skilled carpenter and Marine, was rushed to the ER in 2016 due to severe flu-like symptoms which morphed into a brutal battle with a mysterious disease. Discover how Gary's dire condition would lead him to Dr. David Fajgenbaum and Dr. Grant Mitchell, who had become experts on his rare disease. See how their collaboration not only saved Gary’s life but also significantly impacted the field of medicine. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** If you’re looking for information...

Jul 30, 202439 min

Case #17: Every Cure Pt.1 (Dr. David Fajgenbaum)

Dr. David Fajgenbaum, once a college quarterback and competitive weightlifter, turned medical researcher, was the picture of health until he became critically ill at the age of 25. After all available treatments failed to keep him out of the ICU, David, with his friend Grant’s help, races to save his own life, repurposing existing drugs to find a cure. * * * * * * ****** SPOILER ALERT BELOW ****** If you’re looking for information on Castleman disease or if would like to find out more about the ...

Jul 23, 202441 min

#456 Lauren Bright Pacheco with Frank Benitez

On April 28th, 1989, 18-year-old Francisco Benitez was having a normal day. He picked up his paycheck, got a haircut, then went to his friend’s house to watch Beetlejuice on HBO. That same night two teenage boys were shot and killed. An eyewitness said as the shooter ran from the scene, she noticed that he had a fresh haircut. Despite no other similarities between Frank and her description of the shooter, not to mention no physical evidence, Frank was ultimately convicted of the crimes and sente...

Jun 17, 202442 minEp. 456

#454 Lauren Bright Pacheco with James Soto

When he was just 20 years old, an act of violence changed James “Jimmy” Soto’s life forever. Despite no physical evidence and numerous alibi witnesses, Jimmy and his cousin David were convicted of a 1981 double homicide in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago, IL. They would end up serving 42 years in prison, the longest served wrongful conviction sentences in Illinois history. While incarcerated, Jimmy earned a bachelor’s degree and became a regular in the law library. He helped dozens of...

Jun 10, 202448 minEp. 454

#452 Lauren Bright Pacheco with Miguel Solorio

In December 1998, 81-year old Mary Bramlett was killed in a drive-by shooting near Whittier, CA. That same night, Miguel Solorio went to the movies with his new girlfriend Silvia Torres then to a party hosted by Miguel’s sister. Despite many alibi witnesses and no physical evidence to tie him to the murder, Miguel was ultimately convicted of the crime. But Miguel’s wrongful conviction didn’t stop Silvia from loving him — or from pouring everything she had into proving his innocence. When the sys...

Jun 03, 202443 minEp. 452

#450 Lauren Bright Pacheco with Michelle Morrison

In 2009, Michelle Morrison was convicted on a felony murder charge along with aggravated assault, criminal attempt to commit armed robbery, and conspiracy over a 2007 shooting that left a man dead. Not only did Michelle not fire the weapon that took the man’s life, but she never even set foot in the house where the shooting occurred. In fact, she didn’t even get out of the car. And yet, Michelle Morrison, at the age of 26, was sentenced to life in prison plus five years. She is joined by her mot...

May 27, 202450 minEp. 450

Introducing: Wrongful Conviction with Lauren Bright Pacheco - Trailer

Wrongful Conviction with Lauren Bright Pacheco . Ten new, inspiring episodes of Wrongful Conviction , hosted by Lauren Bright Pacheco, that celebrate the potential of human connection to empower ordinary people to overcome extraordinary odds and injustices. Real individuals who unexpectedly became one another’s personal heroes by turning tragedy into triumph. Click here to follow Wrongful Conviction with Lauren Bright Pacheco: https://link.chtbl.com/v6pEKYf2 Wrongful Conviction with Lauren Brigh...

May 20, 20242 min

Introducing: Wrongful Conviction with Lauren Bright Pacheco

Jason welcomes Lauren to the team and they chat about the upcoming season launching on May 27th. Click here to follow Wrongful Conviction with Lauren Bright Pacheco: https://link.chtbl.com/v6pEKYf2 Wrongful Conviction with Lauren Bright Pacheco is a production of Lava for Good™ Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

May 13, 202421 min

#367 Guest Host Lauren Bright Pacheco with Sidney Holmes

On June 19, 1988, 20-year-old Vincent Wright and 17-year-old Anissia Johnson were robbed at gunpoint by two men outside of a convenience store in Fort Lauderdale, FL. A third perpetrator also drove up to the scene in a brown car and instructed the gunmen to steal Wright’s car, which they did. 22-year-old Sidney Holmes came under police suspicion when they discovered that he drove a similar car to that of the third perpetrator – which happened to be one of the most popular cars at the time. Sidne...

Jun 15, 202340 minEp. 367

#350 Guest Host Lauren Bright Pacheco with Lamar Johnson

On the evening of October 30, 1994, Marcus Boyd and Greg Elking were sitting on Marcus’s front porch in St. Louis, MO when two men, wearing ski masks and armed with guns, ambushed them and shot Marcus several times leading to his death. Police gathered that 20 year old Lamar Johnson may have had a conflict with Marcus, so Lamar became a prime suspect. Based on fabricated identifications and the word of a jailhouse snitch, Lamar was convicted and sentenced to life without parole. Lauren Bright Pa...

Apr 20, 202344 minEp. 350

Introducing: "Murder in Miami"

In the 1980s crime journalist Phil Stanford dove into the decadent and dangerous world of Miami just as the city was becoming the cocaine- and murder- capital of the United States. His path would place him in the crosshairs of a federal investigation focusing on a mysterious and controversial drug smuggling pilot who claimed to be an operative of the American government- all while flaunting his extensive illicit activity. Murder in Miami traces the connection between the murder of a missing Miam...

Jan 19, 20233 min

12. Resolve

The final episode of Murder in Illinois summarizes the case against Christopher Vaughn, the new evidence uncovered in the podcast, updates his legal status and revisits those involved for their final thoughts. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 23, 202139 minSeason 2Ep. 12

11. Reconstruction

Lauren Bright Pacheco finally meets Chris Vaughn in person before Bill Clutter mounts an ambitious crime scene reconstruction. Crime Scene Technician Katie Hartman strenuously tests the scenarios put forth by both the prosecution and defense before weighing in with her thoughts on what took place June 14th, 2007. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Sep 16, 202149 minSeason 2Ep. 11

10. Re-evaluation

Chris Vaughn possibly lands significant support when social justice activist and host of the Wrongful Convictions podcast, Jason Flom, agrees to look into his case. Bill Clutter also uncovers a troubling aspect to the timeline and testimony that secured Vaughn’s indictment in 2007. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Sep 09, 202146 minSeason 2Ep. 10

9. Writings

Written words have played a variety of roles throughout the history of this tragedy. They’ve been used to insinuate, accuse and incriminate but they also offer insight and revelations potentially resulting in new evidence. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 02, 202141 minSeason 2Ep. 9

8. Reexamination

Fourteen years after Christopher Vaughn was sentenced to four consecutive life terms for the murders of his wife and three children we revisit the evidence that led to his conviction. In this episode we’ll break down the circumstantial and forensic evidence that possibly led to a conviction based on what could be emotional and confirmation bias. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Aug 26, 202147 minSeason 2Ep. 8
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