Crime Junkie Podcast

This episode investigates the 1983 cold case of Dorothy 'Toby' Tate, a free-spirited traveler found murdered in her van near a California beach. Early investigations into the ambush-style robbery focused on physical evidence like a mysterious campsite registration and a suspect vehicle, but the case eventually went cold for decades. Through the modern use of genetic genealogy and fingerprint analysis, detectives identified Stephen Hardy and Charlie Sneed as persons of interest. While investigators have linked the men to the crime scene through DNA and biological evidence, the identity of the person who pulled the trigger remains an unresolved mystery.

This episode investigates the 1989 murder of an unidentified woman found in the Arizona desert. Initially a cold case marked by significant physical evidence but no identity, modern DNA and database work eventually identified the victim as Marina Ramos. The investigation follows Detective Lori's efforts to uncover the truth behind Marina's death and the disappearance of her two daughters, who were later found abandoned in an Oxnard park. While investigators explore leads involving suspects like Joseph Michael Nisenson and a man known as 'Fernando,' the search for biological connections faces significant obstacles, including suspicious dead ends from potential relatives.

This episode investigates the death of Lakeisha Thompson, which was initially ruled a suicide by investigators despite significant inconsistencies noted by her daughter, Andrea. The narrative follows the struggle for answers as law enforcement dismissed concerns and forensic evidence—such as bullet trajectory, gunshot residue testing, and crime scene photography—remained unaccounted for or contradictory. As the investigation deepens, the hosts analyze body cam footage and missing records that suggest a more complex story involving Lakeisha's fiancé, Nathan. Despite the GBI eventually changing the manner of death from suicide to undetermined after reviewing new evidence, authorities have refused to reopen the case or provide transparency regarding available surveillance footage.

This episode investigates the 1945 disappearance of five Sodder children during a house fire in West Virginia, featuring new research from descendant Miranda Weeks. The investigation explores suspicious circumstances, including the lack of human remains found in the ashes and potential evidence of foul play involving local figures. The narrative delves into theories of a local conspiracy, examining the ties between powerful community members and the jury. It explores how personal grudges and local influence may have driven the kidnapping, highlighting the ongoing search for truth and the profound emotional impact on the Sodder family.

The hosts explore two primary theories regarding the death of Alyssa Romine Olson, investigating potential connections to 'The Last Reformation' religious movement and a suspicious encounter with a man in a green Toyota 4Runner. The investigation also examines several leads, including information provided by individuals named James and Sammy, as well as the role of Luis Bueno. The episode details the investigation into Luis, focusing on evidence found in a backpack and his criminal history, while highlighting the failure of authorities to follow up on potential leads due to destroyed evidence. Finally, the hosts discuss the lack of progress and transparency in the case, addressing issues with redacted police files, unverified FBI involvement, and the family's frustration with the Gilbert Police Department.

The hosts analyze a Netflix documentary regarding the death of Micah Miller, exploring the disturbing dynamics of abuse and manipulation within her husband's evangelical ministry. The discussion covers themes of psychological control, medical coercion, and the use of religious authority to maintain power and isolate victims. The episode further delves into allegations of infidelity, sexual misconduct involving minors, and financial fraud within the church structure. The hosts also examine significant inconsistencies in the investigation surrounding Micah's death, including unexplained gaps in her timeline and forensic discrepancies regarding evidence at the scene.

This episode examines the 2016 death of Alyssa Romine Olson, whose body was discovered in a Gilbert, Arizona, nature preserve. While authorities initially framed the death as a suicide due to depression, investigators and family members point to significant discrepancies, including missing personal belongings and suspicious redactions within the autopsy and DNA evidence files. The investigation also focuses on the behavior of Alyssa's husband, Brayden, following her disappearance. The hosts explore his erratic religious-based claims regarding supernatural involvement in the death, his deletion of digital footprints, and his unsettlingly detached reaction to the news, leaving the case in an undetermined state.

This episode introduces 'The Truth About Natalie,' a limited series investigating the mysterious disappearance and death of 27-year-old Natalie Jones. After leaving a party in Alabama in July 2020, Natalie vanished, sparking an intensive search involving community efforts, social media speculation, and disturbing ransom threats. The investigation eventually uncovered a startling claim from an inmate regarding Natalie's ex-boyfriend, Jonathan. The search reached a tragic conclusion when Natalie's body was discovered inside her pink car in a rural Georgia field, leaving investigators with unexplained evidence that fuels suspicions of murder.

The hosts examine the brutal, ritualistic murder of Bill and Peggy Stevenson in Boone County, Kentucky. Investigators initially grappled with a staged crime scene, examining forensic evidence and pursuing leads involving a mysterious trucker and the victims' nephew, Stevie. A major breakthrough occurred when a lab technician identified a partial fingerprint match linked to a man from a western state. However, the investigation faced a significant complication when DNA evidence found at the scene failed to match the individual identified by the fingerprint.

This episode investigates the 1989 disappearance of Carrie O'Brien Kruger in Wisconsin, focusing on the suspicious behavior and inconsistent accounts provided by her husband, Tracy. Investigators uncovered a pattern of deception, including forged signatures and false claims of medical issues, alongside significant failures by the Burlington Police Department, such as the mishandling and destruction of physical evidence. The investigation further explores new leads, including the potential involvement of a neighboring serial killer, Philip Andrew Fox, and mysterious clues involving a contractor's observations of basement repairs. As investigators struggle to decipher outdated phone records, the episode concludes with a call for information to help solve this long-standing mystery.

The hosts investigate the disappearance of Joyce LePage, examining theories involving a meditation group known as SIMS and potential suspects like Mark Wadley. The investigation delves into cryptic warnings from Joyce's friend Kay regarding chemistry and threats, alongside suspicious behavior from her roommate, Bruce Beerbomb, whose inconsistent timelines and letters raise significant questions. The episode further explores leads involving a former student named Steve, a suspicious campus police officer, and an unidentified long-distance call. The discussion concludes by highlighting the $100,000 reward offered by Joyce's brother to help solve this decades-old cold case.

Ashley Flowers introduces Brianna Whitney, a new breaking news reporter for Crime Junkie, to discuss her firsthand experience reporting on the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case. The episode explores the early days of the investigation in Tucson, including the discovery of blood at the scene and the arrival of ransom notes demanding Bitcoin. The discussion details the chilling specifics of the ransom notes, the release of surveillance video featuring 'Porch Guy,' and the complexities of the investigation, such as crime scene contamination and tensions between authorities. The hosts also examine the theory of an 'evolved wrench attack' targeting digital assets and the lack of recent updates on key evidence.

This episode investigates the 1971 disappearance of Joyce LePage, a 21-year-old Washington State University student. The investigation follows her final known activities, the discovery of human remains in a canyon, and the bizarre clue of a piece of carpet missing from a hiding spot. The hosts analyze several persons of interest, including Mike Finch, whose inconsistent alibi and travel timeline raised significant suspicion, as well as the potential involvement of Ted Bundy. The episode also explores new theories involving a contract worker with proximity to the scene and a mysterious meditation group.

This episode investigates the case of Roger Huber, a correctional officer accused of grooming and sexually abusing multiple young girls. The investigation gained momentum after Cheryl Rucci provided a detailed confession that helped build a case against him, but the momentum stalled when Cheryl mysteriously disappeared just as she was set to testify via subpoena. The discussion explores suspicious circumstances surrounding Cheryl's disappearance, including potential police negligence, witness intimidation, and unverified leads involving a mysterious encounter on Route 71. Despite Huber's criminal history, the episode examines the legal proceedings that led to his indictment and the controversial leniency of his sentencing.

This episode details the tragic murder of 19-year-old Carmen Van Huss in Indianapolis, an investigation that spanned over three decades. Initially complicated by a lack of forced entry and a devastating laboratory error that misidentified the killer's profile, the case remained cold for years despite the dedicated efforts of Sergeant Bill Carter. Through the use of genetic genealogy and support from Season of Justice, investigators eventually identified Dana Shepard as the suspect, leading to his arrest in 2024. The episode concludes with the resolution of the case via a plea deal and the passage of 'Carmen's Law' in Indiana, which expands access to advanced DNA testing for cold cases.

This episode investigates a violent incident in Fairfax County where federal agent Brendan Banfield shot an intruder who had stabbed his wife, Christine. What initially appeared to be a tragic home invasion was revealed through digital forensics and blood pattern analysis to be a meticulously planned 'catfishing' scheme orchestrated by Brendan and the family's au pair, Juliana. The investigation uncovered evidence that the pair used a BDSM persona to lure Joseph Ryan to the house, intending to frame him for the murders. The narrative follows the legal proceedings, including the prosecution of the Banfields, the defense's attempts to rewrite the victims' legacies, and the eventual life sentence handed to Brendan.

This episode investigates the 2018 disappearance of 23-year-old Brittany Wallace Shank, who vanished after appearing at a stranger's home following a minor car accident. The hosts explore conflicting accounts regarding her companion, investigating whether she was with her boyfriend or an unidentified 'mystery man,' and examine theories that she may have been fleeing an altercation. The investigation delves into suspicious connections involving Ashley Hooley and Brittany's ex-husband, Eric Shank, including the discovery of a phone backplate and a gas receipt. Through analysis of prison call recordings, polygraph discrepancies, and volatile family dynamics, the hosts piece together a web of uncertainty surrounding the unsolved case.