A 16-year-old boy from a well-to-do Fort Worth family commits a quadruple vehicular homicide. His attorneys will argue that his overprivileged upbringing resulted in him not knowing how to discern right from wrong. The term "affluenza" was coined to describe defendants like Ethan Couch - wealthy, spoiled and held unaccountable for their bad behavior. I'll also describe how this same defense was used in 1924 to defend the wealthy teenaged murderers Leopold and Loeb. #LeopoldandLoeb #CrimeoftheCen...
Mar 26, 2018•46 min•Ep. 83
Supervisor Dan White murders San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk in 1978. His defense would claim "diminished capacity" to keep him from being sentenced to death. The media dubbed this "The Twinkie Defense". But, what really caused Dan White to become a double murderer? Resources John Geluardi, SF Weekly , "Dan White's motive more about betrayal than homophobia," Jan 30, 2008. Carol Pogash, SFGate.com , "Myth of the 'Twinkie Defense', Nov 23, 2003. See Privacy Policy at...
Mar 12, 2018•34 min•Ep. 82
Three cases are outlined where a person commits murder and then blames the crime on sleepwalking. First up, Albert Tirrell murders his mistress in 1846 claiming he was in a trance-like state at the time. Kenneth Parks travels 23 km to commit a murder - all while asleep, he claimed. Finally, another man tries to use the sleepwalking defense after killing his wife in Phoenix, Arizona in 1997. Resources: Karen Abbott, Smithsonian.com , "The Case of the Sleepwalking Killer," April 30, 2012. Paul Rub...
Mar 06, 2018•39 min•Ep. 81
In this final chapter of our series, we uncover the sinister side of Hollywood’s biggest night. From missing and stolen Oscars to the shocking murder tied to an Academy Award-winning songwriter, the glamour of the Oscars hides a darker reality. Plus, we revisit the bizarre and tragic tale of the Oscar Night Streaker—one of the ceremony’s most infamous moments. Join us as we pull back the curtain on these chilling true crime stories connected to the Academy Awards. 🔍 Featured Cases: 🏆 The myste...
Feb 27, 2018•45 min•Ep. 80
From the horrors of Cambodia’s Killing Fields to the bright lights of Hollywood, Haing S. Ngor’s journey is one of survival, resilience, and tragic injustice. After escaping the Cambodian genocide, he defied the odds and won an Academy Award for his powerful performance in The Killing Fields . But his story didn’t end with cinematic triumph—it took a heartbreaking turn that remains shrouded in mystery. In this episode, we explore Ngor’s remarkable life, his haunting past, and the crime that cut ...
Feb 20, 2018•30 min•Ep. 79
Roman Polanski’s life reads like a Hollywood script—marked by unimaginable tragedy, artistic triumph, and shocking scandal. Surviving the Holocaust and enduring personal heartbreak, he rose to fame as an acclaimed director. But his legacy was forever tainted when he became a fugitive from justice, charged with the rape of a 13-year-old girl. In this episode, I’m joined by special guest AJ Benza, host of Fame is a Bitch , to discuss the dark side of Hollywood, the power of celebrity, and his pers...
Feb 13, 2018•53 min•Ep. 78
The Academy Awards celebrate Hollywood’s finest, but some Oscar-winning films are rooted in real-life crime. One of the most unforgettable is Dog Day Afternoon —a gripping portrayal of a chaotic New York bank robbery that stunned the nation. But what really happened? In this episode, we uncover the true story of John Wojtowicz, the man behind the infamous Chase Manhattan Bank heist that inspired the film. From his motives to the shocking aftermath, we separate fact from fiction in this stranger-...
Feb 06, 2018•41 min•Ep. 77
In 1978, a teenage hitchhiker accepted a ride in Northern California—only to be brutally attacked by a violent predator. The assault on Mary Vincent was so horrifying it sent shockwaves through the public, and her attacker, Lawrence Singleton, became a chilling warning about the dangers of accepting rides from strangers. But against all odds, Mary survived—and her story of resilience is one that will stay with you long after the episode ends. 🎵 Music Featured: 🎼 By St. Patrick – Available for ...
Jan 30, 2018•40 min•Ep. 76
In 1983, a woman desperately sought protection from her abusive husband, repeatedly turning to law enforcement for help—only to be ignored. What followed was one of the most brutal cases of domestic violence ever recorded. Tracy Thurman survived a vicious attack that left her with 13 stab wounds and a broken neck. But she didn’t stop there—she took on the system that failed her, filing a groundbreaking lawsuit that would forever change the way police handle domestic violence cases in the U.S. 📚...
Jan 23, 2018•27 min•Ep. 75
In 1974, a young woman in Salt Lake City accepted a ride from a seemingly nice man. By the end of the day, she would come face-to-face with one of the most notorious serial killers of all time—Ted Bundy. Against all odds, Rhonda Stapley survived his brutal attack and lived to tell her harrowing story. My special guest, Rhonda Stapley, is the author of I Survived Ted Bundy: The Attack, Escape, and PTSD That Changed My Life . She shares her firsthand experience, the lasting impact of trauma, and h...
Jan 16, 2018•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 74
In 2006, 14-year-old Elizabeth Shoaf was walking home from school in Lugoff, South Carolina, when she was approached by a man posing as law enforcement. What followed was a terrifying 10-day ordeal—trapped in an underground bunker, subjected to unimaginable abuse, and forced to fight for survival. But Elizabeth did something extraordinary: she outsmarted her captor and helped lead authorities right to his doorstep. This is the harrowing true story of how a young girl’s resilience turned the tabl...
Jan 09, 2018•42 min•Ep. 73
I continue my discussion of the Laci Peterson case with my guest co-host, Yolanda from Not Perfect or Functional . Together, we take a deep dive into the background and psychology of Scott Peterson and examine the factors that may have contributed to his crime. Plus, enjoy special holiday greetings from some of our favorite true crime and paranormal podcasts: 🎄 The True Crime Guys 🎄 The Fall Line 🎄 Hillbilly Horror Stories 🎄 Not Perfect or Functional Wishing all our listeners a safe and happ...
Dec 19, 2017•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 72
On Christmas Eve day, 2002, an 8-month pregnant woman went missing from her home. A large-scale search was started right away, but suspicion immediately fell upon her husband, Scott Peterson. This episode will be a little different for OUAC. I have a special co-host, Yolanda Norris from the Not Perfect or Functional Podcast who will be discussing the case with me. Yolanda is my sister so this is a real holiday treat for me - and I hope it will be for you too! Also, while you may think you know t...
Dec 19, 2017•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 71
Get into the holiday spirit—true crime style! In this special holiday edition episode, we’re talking Black Friday madness, Grinchy burglars, and other wild holiday crime stories. Plus, enjoy holiday greetings from some of our favorite true crime podcasts: 🎄 Canadian True Crime 🎄 True Crime Garage 🎄 Southern Fried True Crime 🎄 Insight Podcast 🎄 True Crime Island 🎄 Murder Road Trip 🎄 The Cleaning of John Doe 🎄 Killifornia Dreaming 🎄 Done Disappeared Wishing all our listeners a happy and s...
Dec 12, 2017•22 min•Ep. 70
We’re kicking off the true crime holiday season with shocking tales of Santas who strayed far from the nice list. From heists to historical crimes, these bad Santas prove that not everyone in a red suit spreads holiday cheer. 🎅🔪 #ChristmasCrime #BadSantas #HistoricalCrime Stay tuned for more festive felonies, and don’t forget to subscribe for future episodes! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Dec 05, 2017•25 min•Ep. 69
Family bonds can be unbreakable—but in this case, they were deadly. Fritz Klenner and Susie Lynch, cousins from a wealthy and prominent family, turned against their own relatives in a shocking tale of revenge, paranoia, and murder. Stay tuned for more true crime cases, and don’t forget to subscribe for future episodes! Resources: Books: Bitter Blood: A True Story of Southern Family Pride, Madness and Multiple Murder by Jerry Bledsoe Movies/Television: In the Best of Families: Marriage, Pride and...
Nov 28, 2017•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 68
A mother’s influence can shape a child’s future—but in the case of Sante and Kenny Kimes, it led to a dark path of deception, fraud, and murder. This mother-son duo was more than just a team of seasoned con artists; their elaborate financial schemes eventually escalated into cold-blooded killings. Together, they manipulated, stole, and killed to protect their web of lies. How did a life of scams and cons spiral into murder? And what finally brought them down? Tune in as we uncover the shocking t...
Nov 21, 2017•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 67
In 1964, a shocking discovery in Jalisco, Mexico, revealed one of the most prolific serial killer families in history. The González Sisters ran a sinister operation under the guise of a boarding house, luring in vulnerable women with promises of work—only to exploit, imprison, and ultimately murder them. Fueled by greed and cruelty, these sisters built a deadly empire, leaving a trail of victims in their wake. How did they evade capture for so long? And what finally led to their downfall? Join u...
Nov 14, 2017•35 min•Ep. 66
Some families share an unbreakable bond—but for the Briley Brothers, that bond was built on violence. In the late 1970s, Linwood, James, and Anthony Briley unleashed a reign of terror in Richmond, Virginia, committing a series of brutal murders during an eight-month crime spree. Driven by a thirst for power and bloodshed, the brothers targeted strangers and acquaintances alike, leaving a community paralyzed with fear. Their crimes were so ruthless that even hardened criminals were shocked by the...
Nov 07, 2017•44 min•Ep. 65
Urban legends are meant to thrill and terrify—but what if some of them were true? In this special episode, we unravel eerie tales that have haunted communities for decades, revealing the real-life crimes that inspired them. From the sinister letters of The Watcher to the terror spread by Son of Sam and The Zodiac Killer , these infamous cases prove that sometimes, reality is even more chilling than fiction. Which legends are based on fact? And what really happened behind the myths? Tune in for a...
Oct 23, 2017•37 min•Ep. 64
When a pregnant mother tragically dies in a car accident, thousands of Facebook friends come together to grieve. But what if everything they believed—her life, her family, her heartbreaking story—was a lie? In this episode, we unravel the shocking Warrior Eli Hoax , a case of Munchausen by Internet that fooled an entire online community. How was the deception uncovered? And what drives someone to fabricate an entire existence online? Join us as we dive into one of the most elaborate internet hoa...
Oct 16, 2017•29 min•Ep. 63
She preached wellness. She promised hope. She built an empire on a lie. Belle Gibson was an Australian wellness influencer who captivated millions with her story—claiming she had terminal brain cancer and had miraculously cured herself through natural remedies. She sold books, launched an app, and gained a devoted following, all while profiting from her supposed survival story. But when journalists began asking questions, her carefully crafted world came crumbling down. How did she deceive so ma...
Oct 09, 2017•36 min•Ep. 62
In the summer of 2003, four young friends were brutally gunned down in Clear Lake City, Texas. The crime scene was shocking, and the motive seemed unimaginable. At the center of the mystery was Christine Paolilla—a girl who had once been bullied until these very friends took her under their wing. Had their kindness unknowingly sealed their fate? What led to this horrifying betrayal? Join us as we uncover the chilling true story of Christine Paolilla—a case of friendship, insecurity, and a tragic...
Oct 02, 2017•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 61
In a quiet Tennessee town, a woman vanishes without a trace. Soon after, a kidnapper makes contact, demanding a ransom. But as the investigation unfolds, his messages grow increasingly bizarre, leaving more questions than answers. Was this the work of a stranger, or was the culprit someone from within the community? As suspicion spreads, neighbors begin to fear that the person responsible might be closer than they ever imagined. Join us as we unravel the eerie case of Doe Roberts—a small-town my...
Sep 25, 2017•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 60
In 1993, a group of teenagers in Hollywood, Florida, made a chilling pact—to kill one of their own. Bobby Kent was just 20 years old when his so-called friends turned against him in a shocking act of betrayal, violence, and revenge. But what led to this brutal crime? And why did his best friend help orchestrate his murder? This case explores the dark side of toxic friendships, peer pressure, and a deadly conspiracy that would haunt everyone involved. 🔪💔 #TrueCrime #BobbyKent #WithFriendsLikeTh...
Sep 11, 2017•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 59
Friendship can be complicated—but for Kirsten Costas, it turned deadly. In the quiet town of Orinda, California, high school jealousy spiraled into a shocking act of violence when a classmate brutally attacked her. What led to this tragic betrayal? And could it have been prevented? Join us as we unravel the disturbing case of Kirsten Costas—the first story in our series With Friends Like These , where friendships take a dark and deadly turn. 🔪💔 #TrueCrime #KirstenCostas #WithFriendsLikeThese #...
Sep 04, 2017•41 min•Ep. 58
Marie Hilley seemed like an ordinary wife and mother, but behind closed doors, she was hiding a deadly secret. After poisoning her husband and attempting to kill her own daughter, her crimes were finally exposed. But instead of facing justice, Marie did the unthinkable—she vanished. What followed was one of the most bizarre fugitive stories in U.S. history, filled with deception, reinvention, and an audacious plan that no one saw coming. How far did Marie go to escape the law? And what finally l...
Aug 28, 2017•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 57
Marie Hilley’s story is one of the strangest true crime cases ever recorded—filled with deception, betrayal, and shocking twists at every turn. What seemed like a typical Southern life masked a dark secret: a woman willing to poison those closest to her for personal gain. With so many unbelievable moments in this case, we’ve split it into two parts. In this episode, we explore the early crimes of Marie Hilley and the deadly path that led to her downfall. 🔎☠️ #TrueCrime #MarieHilley #SickAndMurd...
Aug 21, 2017•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 56
In this chilling case of Munchausen by Proxy, the perpetrator wasn’t a parent, but a trusted healthcare worker preying on the most vulnerable patients. Beverley Allitt, a British nurse, was given the nickname The Angel of Death —but was she suffering from a psychological disorder, or was she simply evil? Under the guise of care, Allitt carried out a horrifying series of attacks on young and helpless children. What drove her to commit these unthinkable crimes? And how did she evade suspicion for ...
Aug 14, 2017•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 55
A mother’s love is supposed to protect—but for Laurie Williamson’s children, it became a source of unimaginable suffering. In this shocking case of Munchausen by Proxy, a rare and disturbing disorder drove a mother to make her own children sick, all for attention and personal gain. How was her deception uncovered? And what lasting effects did her actions have on those she was supposed to care for? Join us for Chapter 1 of Sick and Murdered as we dive into one of the most unsettling forms of abus...
Aug 07, 2017•51 min•Ep. 54
