Truer Crime

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Timothy Coggins Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

In October 1983, 23-year-old Timothy Coggins was brutally murdered in the small town of Sunny Side, Georgia. As his family grieved, they were met with menacing threats, warning them to back off from the investigation. Today’s episode covers a case that had stayed cold for more than three decades, spotlighting a family that never stopped hoping for justice.

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/timothy-coggins

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Deadly Small-Town Secrets: The Reporter Who Risked Everything for the Jeff Davis 8 Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

What happens when a journalist discovers a supposed "serial killer" case might actually be a web of police corruption, informant murders, and small-town cover-ups? In this riveting follow-up to our Jeff Davis 8 episode, I go one-on-one with investigative reporter Ethan Brown, who spent years untangling the deaths of eight women in rural Louisiana. Brown reveals shocking new details - from his strange friendship with the prime suspect to death threats he received while investigating. He explains why local law enforcement might have wanted these women silenced, the horrifying connection between all eight victims, and why the case remains unsolved nearly two decades later. This isn't just another cold case - it's a frightening glimpse into what happens when those meant to protect become the ones to fear. The truth behind the Jeff Davis 8 is darker and more disturbing than any serial killer theory.

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Jeff Davis 8 Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

Between 2005 and 2009, eight women were murdered in Louisiana’s Jefferson Davis Parish. To this day, all eight murders remain unsolved. It’s a story that drew the attention of New Orleans private investigator and author Ethan Brown, who uncovered a pattern of police misconduct, scandal, and investigative failures. In today’s episode, we explore the mysteries of this small town, where the pursuit of justice has been thwarted at every turn, leaving a trail of frustration and unanswered questions.

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/jeff-davis-8

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EXCLUSIVE ALERT: Truer Crime Merch Is Here (But Not For Long) Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

After countless requests, Truer Crime's first-ever merchandise has officially launched! In this special announcement, Celisia reveals the limited-edition t-shirt featuring an exclusive inside reference that only dedicated listeners will understand. This isn’t just a merch item—it’s a conversation starter, community badge, and direct support for the future of Truer Crime. But act fast—this isn't a permanent offer. When they're gone, they're gone for good. Visit https://shop.tenderfoot.tv/products/take-care to claim yours before they sell out.

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Sonya Ivanoff Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

Sonya Ivanoff was a rising star in Alaska’s small, tight-knit community. A talented basketball player with dreams of a college career, she had her whole future ahead of her—until she was found murdered at just 19 years old. In the isolated town of Nome, investigators were left with few clues and fewer answers, as the case spiraled into a labyrinth of conflicting leads. In today’s episode, we explore the haunting mystery behind Sonya’s death and the unsettling questions it raises about power and justice in America.

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/sonya-ivanoff

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Making Manson: Our Journey Through America's Most Infamous Murders Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

The Manson murders have been covered endlessly, turned into sensational headlines, Hollywood blockbusters, and pop culture mythology. But how do you tell this story differently—without glorifying the killers or repeating the same tired narrative?

In this special behind-the-scenes episode, I sit down with my co-producer Olivia Heusinkveld to unpack the making of our two-part series on the Manson murders. We reveal the creative choices we wrestled with, the moments that shocked us most, and the parts of the story that didn’t make it into the final episodes—but still haunt us.

This conversation pulls back the curtain on what you thought you knew about one of America's most infamous crimes.

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The Manson Murders Part 2 Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

In the summer of 1969, California police hunted for the killers behind seven brutal deaths over two vicious nights. As the investigation zeroed in on Charles Manson and his cult followers, a shocking story began to emerge. What followed was a criminal trial like no other, marked by a revolving defense team, dramatic protests, and violent threats to witnesses. In this second installment of a two-part breakdown, we go deeper—and darker—to unravel the grisly murders that have haunted Americans for more than six decades.

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-2

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The Manson Murders Part 1 Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

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

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

Show notes

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.

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Toforest Johnson Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

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

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