True Crime Arizona

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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