True Crime Arizona

The Art of Interrogation May 10, 2022

How do you get a suspect to crack? Is "good cop/bad cop" a real thing? We get those answers and many more in a fascinating conversation with retired homicide detective Roger Geisler.

THE SEDONA SWEAT LODGE DEATHS Episode 6: The Guru is Back Apr 26, 2022

After serving time in prison, James Ray re-emerged in the self-help world again, selling his practices and teachings. He describes in his own words what happened in Sedona and how he feels he’s learned from the tragedy. This doesn’t sit well with the families of the victims.

THE SEDONA SWEAT LODGE DEATHS Episode 5: Angel Valley Apr 12, 2022

After our first episode release this season, the owner of Angel Valley invited us to the grounds to show us where the sweat lodge tragedy happened. For the first time in a decade, she sat down to answer questions about how James Arthur Ray's defense team tried to blame her and her husband for the deaths during the trial.

THE SEDONA SWEAT LODGE DEATHS Episode 4: The Trial Mar 29, 2022

James Arthur Ray was on trial for manslaughter for the deaths of three participants. The testimony in the courtroom was fierce, powerful, and tense. It was the first time participants shared harrowing details while taking the stand to describe what happened to them. The 50-day trial led to an outcome nobody expected.

"Little Miss Nobody" Identified After 62 Years Mar 22, 2022

It's been a heartbreaking mystery for more than 60 years, but thanks to a scientific DNA breakthrough, the identity of a murdered four-year-old girl known as "Little Miss Nobody" is finally known. Briana Whitney examines how authorities made the discovery and what questions remain unanswered, including who killed her.

THE SEDONA SWEAT LODGE DEATHS Episode 3: “Call 911!” Mar 15, 2022

The sweat lodge activity turned into a full emergency, as participants were passing out, vomiting, and foaming from the mouth. This was supposed to be the final event to find enlightenment, but instead it led to death. Participants were looking for comfort from James Ray as the tragedy unfolded in the dark of night, but he was seemingly nowhere to be found.

THE SEDONA SWEAT LODGE DEATHS Episode 2: Spiritual Warrior Mar 01, 2022

It was the pinnacle of all James Ray events: the 5-day “Spiritual Warrior” retreat. Participants would pay thousands of dollars to head to Sedona, Arizona and participate in eccentric activities to help with personal growth. But concerns about all of it emerged years before the tragedy, especially about the final event of the retreat: the sweat lodge.

THE SEDONA SWEAT LODGE DEATHS Episode 1: The Guru Feb 15, 2022

In the 2000s, James Arthur Ray rose to fame as a key figure in a self-help movement that mixed elements of spirituality, "harmonic wealth," and eccentric activities. Powered by appearances in "The Secret" and on TV with Oprah Winfrey and Larry King, he amassed a fortune and built an empire off of his thousands of followers. Ray was on top of the world until some of his followers felt things weren't quite what they seemed...

The Arrest of "Mr. Rape Torture Kill" Feb 05, 2022

A convicted sex offender who calls himself "Mr. RTK" (short for Rape Torture Kill)—who also claims to have killed three boys and molested over 200 others—was arrested in Arizona after being free for over a year. An attempt to reach out to the mother of one of his victim's on social media triggered the arrest. We hear from the victim's mother and Mr. RTK as we go in-depth on this disturbing case.

Safari, Sex, Money, and Murder? Feb 01, 2022

An African hunting safari. A decades-long affair. Mail fraud. A mysterious death.

Years after a woman's death during a hunting trip in Africa was ruled accidental, new sordid details led the FBI to charge her husband, a prominent dentist, with her murder.

THE ZOMBIE HUNTER Episode 10: Insane? Or Destined for Death Row? Jan 25, 2022

Bryan Patrick Miller is suspected in more attacks than he's been charged with. Will we ever really know if he is responsible for those? Briana and Morgan look into how the prosecutor's decision to pursue the death penalty could leave victims and their families with questions that are never answered. We also examine how an insanity defense could eventually set him free.

New details in the murder of Irene Luevano Jan 22, 2022

Following up on our episode detailing the discovery of Irene Luevano's body, we've learned new information about how she died, how police found her body, and who led them there.

BREAKING UPDATE: Irene Luevano's Body Found Jan 21, 2022

After a tense several days, the search for Irene Luevano came to a tragic end when her body was found in the desert west of Phoenix. Police believe they have the murderer in custody.

Be sure to listen to our previous episode outlining the details of her disappearance, case ties to a drug cartel, and the effort made to find her after a chilling early-morning call.

The Disappearance of Irene Luevano Jan 20, 2022

It began with a frantic early-morning phone call. What followed was a case involving multiple stabbings, ties to a drug cartel, and the ongoing search for missing mother of six Irene Luevano.

THE ZOMBIE HUNTER Episode 9: Inside His Home Jan 18, 2022

Much of the Zombie Hunter’s court documents are sealed and the official police investigation was never released. But Briana Whitney and Morgan Loew glean new details and new insight about the case from those who covered Bryan Patrick Miller’s arrest and those who knew him.

THE ZOMBIE HUNTER Episode 8: The Cold Case Detective Speaks Jan 11, 2022

To catch the Canal Murders killer, Phoenix Police detective Troy Hillman assembled a team and tried unheard of—and widely doubted—tactics. His team’s innovation was the only way an arrest was made.

For years, Hillman was not allowed to speak about the case. But just days after retiring, he sat down with us to discuss it for the very first time.

THE ZOMBIE HUNTER: A Breaking Update Jan 07, 2022

As Bryan Patrick Miller remains in jail facing charges in the deaths of Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas, a judge just made a significant ruling that will shape how this case will play out...

The Strange & Grisly Death of Benjamin Anderson Jan 05, 2022

On December 31, 2021, friends and family of Benjamin Anderson were unable to get ahold of him. A wild series of events, including a dangerous chase on Phoenix streets, ends with the discovery of a burned car, Benjamin's body, and a host of unanswered questions.

THE ZOMBIE HUNTER: The Story So Far... Jan 04, 2022

As we return from a holiday break, get caught up on the story of "The Zombie Hunter" Bryan Patrick Miller so far. Episode No. 8 of this season will hit your feeds on January 10!

THE ZOMBIE HUNTER Episode 7: New State, New Victims Dec 14, 2021

In the early 2000s, Bryan Patrick Miller moved to the Pacific Northwest. Three brutal and bloody assaults against three women coincided with Miller’s time in the city of Everett, Washington. Investigative reporter Morgan Loew traveled to Everett to retrace Miller’s steps in an effort to answer the question: are there more victims?

THE ZOMBIE HUNTER Episode 6: Up Close and Personal Dec 07, 2021

As this season continues, more people are coming forward to share their first-hand experiences with Bryan Patrick Miller. From his neighborhood, to a church, to the time of Miller's arrest, hear the details of these chilling face-to-face encounters.

THE ZOMBIE HUNTER Episode 5: An Alarming Encounter Nov 30, 2021

After listening to our initial episodes, a woman contacted us and shared a terrifying encounter she claims she had on the canal trail the night Angela Brosso went missing. She details a man on a bike stalking several people, including herself, and says she passed Brosso biking that night. The next morning, Brosso was found decapitated.

THE ZOMBIE HUNTER Episode 4: Where is Brandy Myers? Nov 23, 2021

In May of 1992, 13-year-old Brandy Myers vanished in her Phoenix neighborhood while collecting money for a school project. Her case went cold for years, until Bryan Patrick Miller was arrested for the Canal Murders. That’s when police received new information that Miller may have confessed that he killed Brandy.

THE ZOMBIE HUNTER Episode 3: The Arrest Nov 16, 2021

Decades after the Canal Murders investigation went cold, a forensic genealogist cracks the case using DNA. In doing so, the case made history.

THE ZOMBIE HUNTER Episode 2: The Man Behind the Mask Nov 09, 2021

In 2014, people knew Bryan Patrick Miller as "The Zombie Hunter," a character who frequented local fantasy and sci-fi festivals. While the "Zombie Hunter" was portrayed as a fictional crime fighter, we discovered that under the mask lurked a very real dark and violent past.

THE ZOMBIE HUNTER Episode 1: The Canal Murders Nov 02, 2021

Five young women go missing in Phoenix in the early 1990s along and near the Arizona Canal. Two of them were found brutally murdered—along with a DNA link—but the killer was nowhere to be found.

THE ZOMBIE HUNTER, Trailer 2: His Violent, Fantasy World Oct 26, 2021

Bryan Patrick Miller had established his "Zombie Hunter" character as a fixture in the local fantasy & sci-fi scene, appearing at conventions and events in Arizona. But a bombshell arrest would expose a violent and deadly string of attacks.

Season two of True Crime Arizona: THE ZOMBIE HUNTER is coming November 2.

THE ZOMBIE HUNTER, Trailer 1: Five Girls & A Deadly Link Oct 19, 2021

In the early 1990s, five girls went missing near the Arizona Canal in Phoenix. Four of them were found dead and one remains missing. It left residents living in fear until a breakthrough decades later. But what police found was more bizarre—and possibly more deadly—than they had ever realized.

The first episode of season two of True Crime Arizona: THE ZOMBIE HUNTER is coming November 2.

MISSING: 14-year-old Jesse Florez Oct 05, 2021

Three days after the 9/11 terror attacks, 14-year-old Jesse Florez left his Phoenix home to walk to a friend’s birthday party and seemingly vanished. Detectives don’t know if he ever made it to the party, but they do believe witnesses know what happened to him that evening and suspect foul play is involved. Phoenix Police need people to come forward with new information.

Watch Briana's story on Jesse on azfamily.com: https://bit.ly/3uDDcKt

MISSING: 30-year-old Monica Chavez Oct 01, 2021

On January 3, 2019 Monica Chavez was last seen leaving a Phoenix motel on foot. According to her family, a man from Tucson was coming up to meet her, but she stopped responding to his calls and texts suddenly. They never met up. Monica’s family and five young children haven’t seen or heard from her since. Phoenix police suspect foul play is involved in her disappearance.

See Briana's story on Monica for 3TV here: https://bit.ly/2YjcfQi

MISSING: The Search for Daniel Robinson Sep 24, 2021

24-year-old geologist Daniel Robinson has been missing from Buckeye, Arizona since June 23, 2021. Host Briana Whitney takes us through the brand new details released in the latest police report, and sits down one-on-one with Daniel's dad, David Robinson, to talk about the bizarre details in his son's disappearance.

UNSOLVED: 5 High-Profile Missing Persons Cases in Arizona Sep 22, 2021

In the wake of how Gabby Petito's disappearance shined a light on missing persons cases, we examine five notable disappearances in Arizona: Daniel Robinson, Alicia Navarro, Christine Mustafa, Jesse Conger, and Cookie Jacobson.

How a company is solving DNA cases with just 15 human cells Aug 31, 2021

As DNA becomes a focus of solving decades-old cases with new technology, host Briana Whitney interviews the case director at Othram, a company making human identification possible with trace amounts of DNA, when other ways have failed. What they’ve developed is unique and groundbreaking in forensics.

Case Q&A: The Murders on Bumble Bee Road Aug 11, 2021

In this bonus episode, host Briana Whitney and producer Serjio Hernandez are interviewed by Kris Pickel about their major takeaways from the investigation into the grisly murders of a young couple on Bumble Bee Road.

Case Q&A: The Bomb that Killed Tucson Businessman Gary Triano Jul 28, 2021

In this bonus episode, host Briana Whitney and producer Serjio Hernandez are interviewed by Kris Pickel about their major takeaways from the investigation into the Gary Triano case.

The Agency Always Searching for Missing Children Jul 15, 2021

A one-on-one interview with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about the three high-profile cases we investigated: Mikelle Biggs, Jhessye Shockley, and Baby Gabriel. The agency tells us the challenges of working on these cases and others, and what has changed the game in terms of solving cases today.

The Woman Who Once Tried to Adopt Baby Gabriel Jun 30, 2021

A key player in the missing Baby Gabriel Johnson case is Tammi Smith, who at one point tried to adopt the baby from his maternal mother, Elizabeth Johnson. Throughout the investigation, Tammi and her husband Jack Smith maintained they didn’t know the couple Elizabeth claimed to have given the baby away to, but Elizabeth said the black market adoption was all coordinated through Tammi. Host Briana Whitney has a one-on-one phone conversation about the case with Tammi, the suspicions about her involvement in Gabriel’s disappearance, and what she has to say about her once friend Elizabeth Johnson now.

VANISHED: Baby Gabriel Johnson Jun 23, 2021

On Christmas of 2009, father Logan McQueary thought he’d be spending the holiday with his baby boy Gabriel. Instead, his ex-girlfriend Elizabeth Johnson disappeared to San Antonio with their son, and soon he was nowhere to be found. First, she told authorities she killed the baby, then said she gave him away in a black market adoption, and the web of lies and deceit began. For the first time you’ll hear jailhouse recordings, phone calls, and new information, as we investigate new leads in this case.

VANISHED: 5-year-old Jhessye Shockley Jun 16, 2021

In October 2011, Jhessye Shockley’s mom reported her 5-year-old daughter had gone missing from their Glendale, Arizona home and claimed she was abducted. But as police followed a trail of odd behavior, past arrests, and horrific claims of abuse from Jhessye’s siblings, it became clear her mom was a major problem in the investigation. Now, both her family and investigators reveal they agree on what they think happened and where they believe little Jhessye is right now.

VANISHED: 11-year-old Mikelle Biggs Jun 09, 2021

January 1999. She was gone in 90 seconds. Eleven-year-old Mikelle Biggs disappeared while riding her sister's bike on their Mesa, Arizona street and waiting for the ice cream truck. Her sister Kimber went inside for less than two minutes, and when she came back out, Mikelle was gone. Authorities believe Mikelle was abducted, but no arrests have ever been made. We investigate the timeline of events, and the story is told through her sister, who at 9 years old was the last person to see Mikelle alive. Now in her 30s, she hasn't given up, and both she and detectives believe Mikelle may be nearby.

COMING THIS MONTH: Vanished Children Jun 02, 2021

The next several episodes of the True Crime Arizona podcast will focus on three high-profile missing children cases in AZ: Mikelle Biggs, "Baby Gabriel," and Jhessye Shockley. Our investigations have brought to light new leads, new information, and new theories, that we hope will generate tips to help solve these cases.

Introducing "True Crime Arizona: Lori Vallow's Deadly Delusions" May 20, 2021

NEW SHOW COMING MAY 26: She was the perfect wife and mother for decades, until something changed. Lori Vallow is now connected in some way to six violent or mysterious deaths. A former husband, an estranged husband, two of her children, her brother and her new husband’s then-wife – all dead.

True Crime Arizona: Lori Vallow's Deadly Delusions explores the events and issues that motivated Lori Vallow, throughout her life, and during the tumultuous and tragic year of 2019. We will speak to family members, friends, investigators and forensic experts in an effort to create the most complete picture of who Vallow is, and what turned her from perfect mother to criminal defendant.

The Scottsdale Murder Spree May 18, 2021

In 2018, a Scottsdale man went on a serial murder spree killing people one-by-one, and he always remained a step ahead of police. His motive wouldn’t be found and he wouldn’t be stopped until an attorney pieced together clues by who he was killing and what set him off.

Case Q&A: The Bizarre Death of Phoenix Police Officer Sean Drenth May 11, 2021

In this bonus episode, host Briana Whitney and producer Serjio Hernandez are interviewed by Kris Pickel about their major takeaways from the unsolved Sean Drenth case, what they found most troubling about the investigation, and whether they believe he died by homicide or suicide.

The Bomb that Killed Tucson Businessman Gary Triano Apr 27, 2021

In 1996, well-known businessman Gary Triano was assassinated by a bomb in a country club parking lot. The search for the masterminds behind the plot would take years to find, but solving the case ultimately came down to love gone wrong.

Case Q&A - Robert Fisher: Dead or Alive? Apr 13, 2021

In this bonus episode, our host Briana Whitney and producer Serjio Hernandez are interviewed by Kris Pickel about how extensive their investigation was into the infamous Robert Fisher murder and disappearance case. They discuss brand new tips and information, and answer the question they always get...if they believe Robert Fisher is dead or alive.

20 Years Later: The Hunt for Robert Fisher Apr 08, 2021

April 10 marks the 20-year anniversary of the brutal murder of Robert Fisher's wife and children in Scottsdale. Fisher has never been found, and to this day, officials disagree over whether he is alive or dead.

In a special re-release, Briana Whitney retraces Fisher's steps and examines the details of this infamous case.

PLUS: Look for a special Case Q&A episode dropping next week taking a deep dive into the case with brand new info and discussion.

Case Q&A: The Cold Storage Killer Apr 06, 2021

In this bonus episode, host Briana Whitney and producer Serjio Hernandez are joined by Kris Pickel to discuss the behind-the-scenes work of their investigation into the disturbing Cold Storage Killer case.

The Bizarre Death of Phoenix Police Officer Sean Drenth Mar 24, 2021

In 2010, Phoenix PD officer Sean Drenth was found shot dead while on duty. The scene was strange, and soon the conversation turned from homicide to suicide, though nobody truly knows what happened. Journalist Briana Whitney explores the theories and learns a bombshell accusation from his family.

Case Q&A: The Murder of Christy Ann Fornoff Mar 10, 2021

In this bonus episode, host Briana Whitney and producer Serjio Hernandez are joined by Kris Pickel to discuss the behind-the-scenes work of their investigation into the murder of teenage paper girl Christy Ann Fornoff, and why this case was particularly emotional for them compared to most.

Case Q&A: Identifying "Valentine Sally" Mar 04, 2021

In this bonus episode, host Briana Whitney and producer Serjio Hernandez are joined by Kris Pickel to discuss the behind the scenes process of putting the "Valentine Sally" investigation together, including the recent break in the case.

Identifying “Valentine Sally” & the 40-Year Search for Answers Feb 25, 2021

In February 1982, a girl's body was found off a rural highway in Northern Arizona. For nearly 40 years, nobody knew who "Valentine Sally" was. The last person to see her alive speaks out about what she saw, and two weeks after journalist Briana Whitney's first story aired about the case, officials identified the girl through DNA.

Case Q&A: The Sleepwalker Murderer Feb 09, 2021

In this bonus episode, host Briana Whitney and producer Serjio Hernandez are interviewed by Kris Pickel about the behind the scenes of their investigation into The Sleepwalker Murderer. They’ll share how they found all the old footage tapes from his trial, how the judge really felt about what he saw in the courtroom, and give their theories on if Scott Falater was asleep or awake when he killed his wife.

Case Q&A: The Trunk Murderess Jan 28, 2021

In this bonus episode, host Briana Whitney and producer Serjio Hernandez are interviewed by Kris Pickel about the behind the scenes process of putting the 1931 "Trunk Murderess" investigation together, what they found shocking and bizarre, and what they believe happened to the trunk murdered and her victims.

The 1931 “Trunk Murderess” Jan 12, 2021

In 1931, Winnie Ruth Judd was accused of killing her two best friends in Phoenix, chopping up one of the bodies, then taking the dead bodies in trunks on a train to LA. Deemed the "Trunk Murderess," she was caught and charged with murder, but ended up in an insane asylum where she would escape 6 times. But did Winnie Ruth commit the murders on her own? Journalist Briana Whitney investigates.

The Sleepwalker Murderer Dec 15, 2020

In 1997, Scott Falater stabbed his wife 44 times at their Phoenix home, before dragging her into their pool then stashing the bloody knife and clothes in his car. But he claimed he remembered none of it because he was sleepwalking. Journalist Briana Whitney investigates if it was truly possible Falater was asleep when he murdered his wife.

The Murder of Christy Ann Fornoff Dec 02, 2020

In 1984, 13-year-old Christy Ann Fornoff disappeared while on her paper route in Tempe, Arizona. Her body was found near a dumpster. Her killer would end up assisting police with the investigation and attending her funeral, before being arrested and eventually executed. Journalist Briana Whitney sits down with Christy's parents 36 years later.

Cold Storage Killer Nov 13, 2020

In 1994, a body is discovered in a man’s large freezer near Prescott, Arizona three years after a Southern California woman disappears after a concert. Authorities believe she isn’t the only victim. Journalist Briana Whitney tracks down evidence never before revealed to the public.

The Murders on Bumble Bee Road Nov 13, 2020

In 2003, a young couple goes camping overnight on Bumble Bee Road, Arizona to celebrate their one year anniversary. Both were found shot dead in their truck the next day. Their killer still hasn’t been found. Journalist Briana Whitney uncovers new theories from family and police.

Sabotage of the Sunset Limited train Nov 13, 2020

In 1995, the Sunset Limited Amtrak train derailed overnight in the middle of the Arizona desert. One person died, another 75 were injured. Mysterious notes were left at the scene by the perpetrators, claiming they purposefully sabotaged the train. The case remains unsolved. Journalist Briana Whitney questions the FBI and those on the train that night.

Robert Fisher - Dead or Alive? Nov 13, 2020

In 2001, police believe Robert Fisher brutally killed his wife and kids in Scottsdale, Arizona, then cut a gas line so the house exploded into flames. He was never found, and officials disagree on whether he’s dead or alive. He’s still on the FBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted. Journalist Briana Whitney retraces Fisher's steps.

True Crime Arizona: The Podcast trailer Nov 10, 2020

True Crime Arizona: The Podcast is a series that takes a deep dive into both unsolved and solved cases around Arizona.

Journalist and host Briana Whitney travels across the state to uncover new evidence and theories, and interview those involved in the most captivating cases. Some notable investigations include the disappearance of Robert Fisher, the 1995 Sunset Limited train derailment, and the Cold Storage Killer. This podcast has something for every true crime junkie to enjoy.

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