Truer Crime

Next on Truer Crime: After Helter Skelter—The Trial That Horrified A Nation Feb 20, 2025

Charles Manson's hold over his followers led to unimaginable violence, but what happened after the murders reveals an even more disturbing story.

Part two explores the manhunt, the sensational trial that transfixed the nation, and the uncomfortable questions it raised about influence, accountability, and American culture itself.

The episode drops Monday, but if you can't wait, you don't have to. You can listen to the full episode right now on Tenderfoot Plus. Subscribers get early access, ad-free listening, and exclusive content—not just for Truer Crime, but for over 30 shows and 500 episodes. If you're ready to hear the complete story now, head to tenderfootplus.com to sign up.

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Manson Murders Part 1 Feb 17, 2025

Charles Manson is a name synonymous with terror. But after decades of coverage, is there still something we’re missing about one of the most notorious figures in American crime? What forces shape the narratives we think we know? In the first chapter of a two-part deep dive, we’ll examine the Manson murders through a fresh lens, uncovering details that have long gone unnoticed. Sometimes, the most familiar stories require the closest look.

A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/Manson-pt-1

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Five Thousand Dollars for a Death Sentence: Inside the Toforest Johnson Investigation w/ Beth Shelburne Feb 13, 2025

If you heard our last episode, you already know the case against Toforest Johnson is riddled with problems—key witnesses recanted, no physical evidence tied him to the crime, and even the original prosecutor now says he deserves a new trial. But there’s even more to this story.

In this follow-up conversation, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne peels back the layers of the case and shares what she uncovered while making Earwitness. We go deep into the tangled web of unreliable witnesses, missed leads, and the political forces keeping Toforest behind bars. Beth also reveals disturbing new details—ones that never made it into the courtroom but could change everything.

What happens when the truth is clear, but the system refuses to listen? And how close is Toforest to finally seeing justice? Listen in—because this fight is far from over.

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Toforest Johnson Feb 10, 2025

In 1995, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy William Hardy was shot behind a Birmingham hotel. At that moment, over ten witnesses placed Toforest Johnson at a nightclub across town. Despite this, Toforest has spent more than 26 years on death row for a crime he swears he didn’t commit. Today, many—including one of the jurors who originally convicted him— think the courts got it wrong. But how? With the support of investigative reporter Beth Shelburne, we explore the horrifying twists behind Toforest’s controversial conviction.

A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/Toforest-Johnson

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alan Berg Feb 03, 2025

Alan Berg, a prolific talk radio personality, kept Denver listening. At a time when the airwaves still sounded mostly polite and apolitical, Alan was best known for his brash politics and fiery arguments with callers. All of this came to an end in the summer of 1984, when Alan was murdered outside of his home. Today’s episode is about the importance of speaking up, even against the forces that will do anything to keep us quiet.

A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/alan-berg

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alice Sebold / Anthony Broadwater Jan 27, 2025

You might know Alice Sebold from her bestselling novel “The Lovely Bones.” But before that, she became famous for her memoir “Lucky,” where she recounts the brutal assault she survived in a park near her college campus—and the trial that followed. The man convicted in that trial was Anthony Broadwater, who has maintained his innocence for more than 40 years. Today’s episode is about forgiveness, resilience, and the devastating consequences of getting it wrong.

Please be aware that today’s episode contains references to sexual assault and physical violence.

A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/andthony-alice

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jan 20, 2025

On April 4, 1968, a single bullet ended the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The official story pinned the murder on James Earl Ray—a fugitive desperate to evade capture—but for decades, the King family has fought to expose a darker truth. In this episode, we uncover the buried evidence, tangled conspiracies, and a stunning 1999 civil trial that found the U.S. government complicit in King’s assassination. What does justice look like for one of history’s most celebrated heroes—and why is so much of this story still left untold?

Please note that today's episode includes language some listeners might find offensive as well as references to gun violence. Please take care while listening.

A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/mlk-assassination

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lauren McCluskey Jan 20, 2025

A student at the University of Utah, Lauren McCluskey began receiving threatening messages from her ex-boyfriend in the fall of 2018. For nearly three weeks, concerned for her safety, she reported this harassment to campus police again and again. Today’s episode is about the deadly cost of warnings ignored—and what happens when the people we trust to protect us fail to take action.

Please be aware that today’s episode contains references to sexual assault and suicide.

A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/lauren-mccluskey

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 2 - Official Trailer Jan 07, 2025

Truer Crime is back for season 2 with 10 brand-new episodes you won't want to miss. From high-profile stories like the Manson Murders to lesser-known cases about everyday people — the victim of a modern lynching, a talk radio host gunned down in his driveway, a famous author and the man wrongfully convicted of her rape — each episode is a take on true crime you won't hear anywhere else. Be sure to catch new episodes available every Monday.

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tamla Horsford Dec 29, 2023

From 1920 to 1940, no Black people lived in Forsyth County, Georgia. None. But by the time Tamla Horsford moved there with her family, a lot had changed. Or so it seemed, until Tamla was found dead in the Fall of 2018. Suddenly, a century’s worth of trauma resurfaced in the once all-white Georgia county. Today’s episode reveals what happens when a woman and a county collide.

Please be aware that today’s episode references lynching and other racial violence. Please take care while listening.

Action Items Related to Today’s Episode:

Learn more about Tamla and follow any developments on her case at @justicefortam on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/justicefortam/).

Check out and support The Georgia Newspaper Project at www.libs.uga.edu/gnp and www.libs.uga.edu/development/support.

Explore the Atlanta History Center's online collect Forsyth 1912 project, which seeks to collect the histories of descendants of Forsyth County’s expelled Black residents: https://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/learning-research/projects-initiatives/originals/forsyth-1912/. You can also donate to support their work here: https://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/support.

A full list of sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/tamla-horsford.

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Mandez Dec 22, 2023

Sam Mandez was just 14 years old when his elderly neighbor, Frida Winter, was found murdered in her home, the same home Sam had painted with his grandfather just a few summers prior. It would be years before they set their eyes on Sam as their main suspect. And while he was just a kid when the crime took place, Sam was tried as an adult and eventually sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder. Despite maintaining his innocence, he now faced a future behind bars. But what would that future *actually* look like? Today, we’re starting where a lot of other true crime stories end – in prison.

Please be aware that today’s episode discusses incarceration, solitary confinement, severe mental illness, suicide, and self-harm. Please take care while listening.

Action Items Related to Today’s Episode:

If you’re in the United States and you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or visit their website at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.

To learn more about solitary confinement and the movement to end its practice, I highly recommend checking out Solitary Watch at https://solitarywatch.org/.

A full list of sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/sam-mandez.

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mindy Dodd Dec 15, 2023

If you consume a lot of true crime, you might have heard Mindy Dodd’s story before. Or at least one like it – the classic story of a housewife who, pushed too far, snaps and murders her husband. The scary music swells and the story ends neatly. The housewife is locked away. But what if that’s not the whole picture? Today’s episode is about the muddy middle that's so often left out.

Please be aware that today’s references sexual assault and domestic violence. Please take care while listening.

Action Items Related to Today’s Episode:

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence and looking for anonymous, confidential help, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Access additional resources at the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence at https://ncadv.org/.

Support domestic violence survivors by purchasing from Gifted by freefrom at https://giftedbyfreefrom.org/.

A full list of sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/mindy-dodd.

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Official Trailer Dec 08, 2023

Do you ever listen to a true crime podcast and think “that’s not quite right…?” Same. Crime stories are hard to ignore and even harder to forget. But the thing is... they’re stories. And getting a story right is all about how you tell it. Truer Crime talks about real people — murdered, missing, misled — with more nuance, more context, and more questions. Hosted by Celisia Stanton.

You can see more of Rachel Monroe's work and find links to buy your own copy of "Savage Appetites" at http://www.rachel-monroe.com/

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Relisha Rudd Remembrance Day (Republish) Jul 12, 2023

July 11th marks “Relisha Rudd Remembrance Day’' in Washington DC. The purpose of this event is to spread awareness and let the public know that the search for Relisha is not over. Today we republish Episode 5 covering Relisha’s disappearance to bring more attention to her story.

---

No one had seen 8-year-old Relisha Rudd for weeks before she was finally reported missing in March of 2014. So where was she? Why did it take so long for anyone to notice? And who was to blame? Today’s episode explores what can happen when the systems built to protect families just — *don’t*.

Please be aware that today’s story contains references to suicide, gun violence, child abuse, and housing insecurity.

A full list of sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/relisha-rudd/

If you like Truer Crime, leave us a review! It's a great way to support our work and helps other people find us! Keep up with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @truercrimepod.

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

*BONUS* The Real Impacts of True Crime Media w/ Sarah Turney Oct 11, 2022

In 2001, Sarah Turney’s sister, Alissa, went missing. Nearly two decades later and no arrests in the case, the police told her they could no longer help her and she needed to get media coverage for the case. So, in 2019, Sarah started The Voices for Justice Podcast as a way to tell Alissa’s story. In August 2020, an arrest was made in the case and Sarah’s efforts were recognized by the Maricopa County Attorney. Since the arrest, Sarah has shifted her focus to advocating for other cases in need of justice.

In today’s bonus interview, Sarah reflects on what she’s learned along the way, and answers critical questions from her own experience as both a victim’s family member and a true crime media creator herself. Why might a family member tell their story on a podcast with exploitative tendencies? How does Sarah create a safe space for victims and their family members to share their stories on Voices for Justice? What could ethical true crime content look like? And what can true crime media consumers do to push the genre into a more ethical direction?

I was so honored to learn from Sarah, and I hope you enjoy this bonus interview while we are on a break from regular season episodes.

You can find Sarah Turney on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter (@saraheturney). Make sure to also check out Sarah's podcasts Voices for Justice and Disappearances.

If you need a transcript of today's episode, please email hello@truercrimepodcast.com

If you like Truer Crime, leave us a review! It's a great way to support our work and helps other people find this show! Keep up with us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

*BONUS* Womanhood + True Crime w/ Olivia Gatwood Oct 12, 2021

In 2017, Olivia Gatwood picked up a new hobby: listening to true crime podcasts. Living in a first floor Boston apartment at the time, Olivia was quickly consumed by a new fear: a man breaking into her apartment and murdering her in her sleep. In order to work through this fear, Olivia wrote about it in what would eventually become her poetry collection “Life of the Party.”

A conversation between Olivia and Celisia, today’s episode explores how warranted fear can become harmful paranoia, why so many women are obsessed with true crime, and what ‘justice’ looks like in a society obsessed with punishment.

You can find Olivia on Instagram @oliviagatwood

Check out Olivia's books Life of the Party and New American Best Friend.

If you like Truer Crime, leave us a review! It's a great way to support our work and helps other people find us! Keep up with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joan Little Pt. 2 Jul 13, 2021

At just 21 years old, Joan Little finds herself on trial for murder and facing the death penalty. But still, thousands of people around the country insist that Joan’s actions were justified. When her case sparks nationwide protests and a wave of financial support, eyes around the world are suddenly all on Joan. Picking up where part 1 left off, today’s episode explores what happens when someone suddenly and unwittingly becomes the face of a movement.

A full list of sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/joan-little-pt-2/

If you like Truer Crime, leave us a review! It's a great way to support our work and helps other people find us! Keep up with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My Story Jul 06, 2021

Last week I sat in a courtroom, a government building not so different from the ones we often mention on Truer Crime. So this week I decided to do something different: In today’s episode, I’m both crime storyteller and crime victim. This is the story of how a man I trusted stole my entire life savings — and what I learned along the way.

A full list of sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/my-story/

If you like Truer Crime, leave us a review! It's a great way to support our work and helps other people find us! Keep up with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joan Little Pt. 1 Jun 29, 2021

In the early hours of August 27th, 1974, the security camera at North Carolina’s Beaufort County Jail was inexplicably not working. So when the night jailer, Clarence Alligood is found dead in 20-year-old Joan Little’s cell — everyone is left with a slew of unanswered questions. Why was Clarence Alligood in Joan Little’s cell? What had led to his murder? And where was Joan Little?

Today’s episode explores a case that was too big and important to fit into one episode. The story continues with part 2 next Tuesday (July 6th).

Today’s episode contains references to sexual assault. Please take care while listening.

A full list of sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/joan-little-pt-1/

If you like Truer Crime, leave us a review! It's a great way to support our work and helps other people find us! Keep up with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Johnson / Tiger Mandingo Jun 22, 2021

In the winter of 2013, Dylan King-Lemons went to the doctor with stomach pains. His diagnosis? HIV. A few months later, one of his former sexual partners, Michael Johnson, is arrested. But why? Today’s episode explores identity, crime, and our societal obsession with punishment.

Please be aware that today’s episode contains references to anti-Black racism, homophobia, and incarceration.

*Correction: In the episode we mentioned St. Charles, Missouri has a Black population of less than 2%. This was an error. The most recent U.S. Census data shows that St. Charles County, Missouri has Black or African American population of 5.3%.

A full list of sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/michael-johnson/

If you like Truer Crime, leave us a review! It's a great way to support our work and helps other people find us! Keep up with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @truercrimepod

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Tulsa Race Massacre Jun 15, 2021

In 1921, an act of terrorism would turn a once thriving Black community to ash and rubble overnight. It was an event so horrific that many historians now call it the single worst incident of racist violence in U.S. history. But what led up to that fateful day? And why were folks so intent to forget it ever happened? Today’s episode explores the importance of history and the ways violence can stretch — touching us all even a century later.

Please be aware that today’s episode discusses anti-Black racist violence, murder, and sexual assault.

A full list of sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/tulsa-race-massacre/

If you like Truer Crime, leave us a review! It's a great way to support our work and helps other people find us! Keep up with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Relisha Rudd Jun 08, 2021

No one had seen 8-year-old Relisha Rudd for weeks before she was finally reported missing in March of 2014. So where was she? Why did it take so long for anyone to notice? And who was to blame? Today’s episode explores what can happen when the systems built to protect families just — *don’t*.

Please be aware that today’s story contains references to suicide, gun violence, child abuse, and housing insecurity.

A full list of sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/relisha-rudd/

If you like Truer Crime, leave us a review! It's a great way to support our work and helps other people find us! Keep up with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @truercrimepod.

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josiah Sutton Jun 01, 2021

At just 16 years old, Josiah Sutton is accused and convicted of a heinous crime he swears he didn’t commit. Only problem? Investigators have DNA evidence which links him directly to the crime. Today’s episode explores forensic science, the effects of imprisonment, and the bond between a mother and her son. Today’s story contains references to sexual assault, incarceration, and very briefly, suicidal ideation.

Please take care while listening. A special thank you to Josiah’s mom, Carol Batie for talking with us for this episode.

A full list of sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/josiah-sutton/.

If you like Truer Crime, leave us a review! It's the best way to support our work and helps other people find us! Keep up with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jonestown May 25, 2021

In November of 1978, 918 Americans died in the middle of the Guyanese jungle. It would be “the largest single incident of civilian death in American history” until September 11th, 2001. But who were these people? How did they really die? And why were they in South America to begin with? It’s a story you may have heard before — but maybe never quite like this.

Today's story contains references to suicide and mass death. Please take care while listening.

A full list of sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the episode's show notes, https://truercrimepodcast.com/jonestown/.

If you liked today's episode, leave us a review! It's the best way to support our work and helps other people find Truer Crime.

Keep up with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Botched Investigation of Samuel Little May 18, 2021

Prior to his death in 2020, Samuel Little confessed to 93 different murders between the years of 1970 and 2005. And over 50 of them have been confirmed by investigators. It makes Little the most prolific serial killer in US history. So why then, have you never heard of him? Today’s episode explores who is looked for, who is seen, and who is forgotten.

Today's episode contains references to sexual assault, opioid addiction, and physical abuse. Please take care while listening.

A full list of sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the episode's show notes, https://truercrimepodcast.com/samuel-little/.

If you liked today's episode, leave us a review! It's the best way to support our work and help other people find Truer Crime.

Keep up with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Darlie Routier May 18, 2021

At 2:30am in June of 1996, Darlie Routier placed a frantic call to 911. A rough story starts to emerge: an intruder broke into the Routier home, attacked Darlie and her two sons Damon and Devon, and then fled into the night.. Almost immediately, cops have only one suspect. But the Routier family? They know that investigators have it all wrong. Today’s story is an episode that examines what it really means to be innocent until proven guilty.

Today's episode contains references to violence against children, depression, suicidal ideation, and incarceration. Please take care while listening.

A full list of sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the episode's show notes, https://truercrimepodcast.com/darlie-routier/.

If you liked today's episode, leave us a review! It's the best way to support our work and helps other people find Truer Crime.

Keep up with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices