Killer Psyche

After nearly two years of pretrial hearings and preparations, Karen Read’s second-degree murder trial is now underway. She is accused of hitting her boyfriend, Boston Police officer John O’Keefe with her SUV in 2022 and leaving him to die in a bitter snowstorm. She contends that John’s death was caused by a brutal beating by his own law enforcement friends, and that she is the victim of an elaborate cover-up. With two completely different theories of what happened that night being presented in court, many wonder which side will convince the jury – and how. In today’s Headlines, Candice is joined by criminal defense attorney Rachel Fiset to discuss the defense’s “third party culprit” argument, how a muddied investigation could hurt the prosecution’s chance at conviction, and what shocking evidence we can expect to see throughout the trial. For more about Rachel, visit https://zfzlaw.com/team-members/rachel-fiset/. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong explores the case of Belle Gunness, a Norwegian immigrant who arrived in America in the late 1800s. Known as “The Black Widow,” Belle found financial stability through multiple marriages...but the men she entrapped met gruesome ends, with their remains discovered buried on her property. The true extent of Belle Gunness’ crimes remains unknown, but it is believed that she killed at least fourteen people, including her own children and several suitors. After her crimes were discovered, Gunness disappeared without a trace. Many suspect she faked her own death and lived off her victims’ money. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jamell Demons, known by his stage name YNW Melly, rose to fame when his song “Murder on My Mind” hit the mainstream rap charts. But not long after hitting a high point in his career, Melly was charged with killing his two childhood friends and staging the crime scene to mislead police. After his first trial was declared a mistrial, many are wondering what comes next for Melly – who is facing the death penalty. In today’s Headlines, Candice is joined by Law & Crime correspondent Angenette Levy, who conducted interviews with those closest to the case for the podcast Murder on My Mind. Together, they discuss the evidence against Melly, why his first trial ended the way it did, and the ongoing battle between Melly’s team and the prosecution. Listen to Murder on My Mind: YNW Melly Double Murder Trial, exclusively on Wondery+: https://wondery.com/shows/murder-on-my-mind-ynw-melly-double-murder-trial/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong dives into the case of Charles Whitman, also known as the Texas Tower Shooter. In 1966, he wreaked havoc on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin in one of the first mass school shootings in American history. Candice explores how Whitman went from a promising young man to a deadly gunman, who killed more than a dozen people and instilled fear into generations to come. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When ex-Bunny girl Jayne Gaskin spots the desert island of her dreams for sale online, she decides to risk it all. Trading in their English village home, Jayne and her family relocate to their own private paradise, just off the coast of Nicaragua. And a reality TV crew follows them to film a new show, No Going Back. But soon they all discover that paradise has its secrets. The locals claim the island belongs to them, and it’s been sold illegally. Jayne’s not leaving without a fight. A fight that will soon turn deadly. Hosted by Alice Levine. Listen to The Price of Paradise on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial by visiting https://wondery.com/links/the-price-of-paradise/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ethan Crumbley was just 15 years old when he was arrested for killing four students and injuring several others in a shooting at Oxford High School in 2021. When investigators learned that his parents, Jennifer and James Crumbley, failed to prevent the deadly actions of their son, they were charged and eventually convicted of involuntary manslaughter – becoming the first parents in U.S. history to be held criminally responsible for their child’s mass school shooting plot. A landmark ruling last week sentenced them both to 10 years in prison. In today’s Headlines, Candice is joined by legal analyst Josh Ritter to discuss how Jennifer and James’ negligence led to their sentences, and the impact this case could have on parents in the future. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong digs into a tragic family betrayal: the antifreeze murders. Diane Staudte, a seemingly ordinary wife and mother from Missouri, shocked her community when it was revealed she was responsible for a series of poisonings that led to the deaths of her husband, her son and the hospitalization of her daughter. In a twisted bid for control and financial gain, Staudte poisoned her family with antifreeze–and acted with the help of her middle daughter and favorite child, Rachel See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In February, former “mommy vlogger” Ruby Franke and therapist Jodi Hildebrandt were sent to prison after their abuse of Ruby’s children came to light. But even with the duo behind bars, new information has made its way into the headlines – including Ruby’s own diary, in which she meticulously documented the abuse of her children whom she deemed “manipulative” and possessed. In today’s Headlines, Candice is joined by Jessica Lowther, executive producer, and Cooper Moll, writer and producer of the Law & Crime podcast The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke. They discuss how Ruby and Jodi’s relationship only intensified their extreme beliefs and behavior, and the revelations from Ruby’s diary. Listen to The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke, exclusively on Wondery+: https://wondery.com/links/the-rise-and-fall-of-ruby-franke/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong explores the case of Jennifer Pan, a Canadian woman of Vietnamese descent who gained infamy for orchestrating a complex deception that culminated in the murder of her mother and the attempted murder of her father in 2010. Unable to meet her controlling parents high expectations, Jennifer fabricated a double life of academic achievement while secretly leading a rebellious lifestyle. Fueled by a desire to escape her parents' control and inherit her family's wealth, Pan devised a plan to have them killed by hiring hitmen. Candice digs into the myths surrounding "tiger parenting" and explores how Jennifer's upbringing may have pushed her over the edge. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When longtime Sherman Oaks resident Charles Wilding stopped leaving his house in 2020, his neighbors became concerned. But what troubled them the most was the arrival of Caroline Herrling, a stranger claiming to be Charles’ trustee, responsible for restoring and selling his home. Eventually, neighbors and authorities would learn that Caroline was the mastermind behind a multi million dollar fraud scheme – and getting rid of Charles was simply the first step. In today’s Headlines, Candice is joined by LA Times staff writer Brittny Mejia, who has covered the case in-depth. They discuss how Caroline’s scheme was exposed, how she targeted other victims, and where the investigation stands now. For more of Brittny's reporting, visit https://www.latimes.com/people/brittny-mejia. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong walks us through the sordid case of Israel Keyes, one of the most prolific serial killers in American history. Though Keyes was only formally charged with one murder, he is suspected of the sexual assault and killing of eleven other victims. His ability to evade detection for years left behind a trail of unsolved murders scattered across the country. Raised in a strict religious household, Candice explores how his early fascination with violence and his strict fundamentalist beliefs shaped him into the murderer he became. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong delves into the case of Yolanda Saldivar, who became famous after she murdered the Queen of Tejano music, Selena Quintanilla. Claiming to be Selena’s biggest fan, Yolanda was given permission to form the young singer’s fan club and became an integral part of Selena’s other business ventures. But when it was discovered that she had stolen money from Selena and their “friendship” was over, Yolanda’s response turned deadly. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 2020, Chad Daybell was arrested alongside his wife, Lori Vallow, in the deaths of Lori’s two children and his first wife Tammy. The murders have been tied to Chad and Lori’s belief of an impending apocalypse. Lori has been convicted and sentenced for her role in the crimes – and with Chad’s trial just around the corner, many are wondering how his case will play out in court. In today’s Headlines, Candice is joined by journalist Lauren Matthias, who has been covering the case extensively on her podcast Hidden True Crime. They discuss how Chad’s history and belief system played a role in his alleged crimes, and what we can expect from his defense at trial. To listen to Hidden True Crime, visit https://redcircle.com/shows/7b88c407-520a-4279-8325-416d02cd8602. To watch on YouTube, visit https://www.youtube.com/hiddentruecrime. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong examines the famous case of Jim Jones and the massacre in Jonestown, Guyana. Jones was the dynamic leader of The People's Temple cult, who moved his followers to a compound in Guyana to escape scrutiny. When California Congressman Leo Ryan took a group of journalists to investigate the claims the cult members were held against their will, he was assassinated by Jones' followers. This spurred Jones to mass murder and suicide within the compound, leaving over 900 people dead. While many people know about the Jonestown tragedy, Candice illuminates Jim Jones' journey from student pastor in the Methodist church to cult leader. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When 13-year-old Madeline Soto did not show up to middle school on February 26th, her mother’s boyfriend, Stephan Sterns, claimed he dropped the teenager off that morning safe and sound. Since then, investigators have found evidence suggesting that Stephan sexually abused Madeline for years. When her body was found just days later, their missing persons report quickly turned into a homicide investigation. In today’s Headlines, Candice is joined by WFTV 9 reporter Shannon Butler to discuss how Stephan became the “prime suspect” in Madeline’s death, how Shannon learned of inconsistencies in statements made by Madeline’s mother, and where the investigation stands now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong unearths the case of Randall Woodfield, also known as the "I-5 Killer." A former football player turned serial killer who terrorized the West Coast in the 1970s, he preyed on victims along the Interstate 5 corridor, committing a string of murders, rapes, and robberies. Despite his charming facade, Woodfield's heinous crimes shocked the nation. Candice explores his seemingly normal upbringing and when he began to show signs of psychopathy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Karen Read was charged with second-degree murder for the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police officer John O’Keefe. According to prosecutors, Karen deliberately hit John with her car while dropping him off at a friend’s house, leaving him to die in the snow. But her defense team claims that she is the victim of a cover up, perpetrated by the police. Karen was supposed to go to trial this month, but now, it is delayed due to new evidence. In today’s Headlines, Candice is joined by legal analyst Josh Ritter to discuss why the trial date was pushed, and what we can expect to see from both sides when they finally face a jury. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong digs into the death of Sherry Rasmussen, who was murdered by her boyfriend's jilted ex-lover, a former Los Angeles Police Department detective. Candice unravels the layers of deception, betrayal, and obsession that culminated in murder. The episode explores the devastating consequences of Stephanie Lazarus' unchecked obsession. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ruby Franke’s popular YouTube channel, 8 Passengers, amassed millions of followers in just a few years. Viewers were drawn to vlogs about her life as a mother of six children. But her online facade fell apart when it was revealed that she, with the help of her counselor and business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, horrifically abused her children behind the camera. In today’s Headlines, Candice is joined by clinical and forensic psychologist Dr. John Matthias to discuss what influence Jodi had on Ruby, and how their partnership only intensified their nightmarish approach to parenting. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong walks us through the many crimes of Joseph Paul Franklin. Desperate to start a "race war," Franklin's antisemitic and racist beliefs led him to murder over twenty-two people, from interracial couples to magazine publishers who stood against white supremacy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.