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Killer Psyche

Author: Wondery | Treefort Media

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When a shocking crime occurs, people ask “Why?” Was it about power, ego, or revenge? On Killer Psyche, retired FBI agent Candice DeLong draws on her decades of experience to reveal why these murderers and criminals committed these heinous acts. She will reveal fascinating new details about what drove these people, including cases she was close to. Candice will share specific psychological methods and profiling techniques that experts use to understand the deepest part of the most complex, fascinating, and twisted minds, from the Unabomber to Alex Murdaugh to Mary Bell.


You can listen to Killer Psyche one week early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery+ in Apple Podcasts or the Wondery app. Killer Psyche season 3 will be available September 19th on Wondery+ and September 26th wherever you get your podcasts.

177 Episodes
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During the 1980s, women in South Florida were terrorized by a prolific serial rapist. Victims reported a man sneaking into their homes at night and assaulting them while covering their faces with a pillowcase. They called him “The Pillowcase Rapist,” and after over 40 assaults, he vanished, until over 30 years later, when a stroke of luck led police to the culprit: Robert Koehler. In today’s Headlines, Candice talks to David Schutz, a journalist at the South Florida Sun Sentinel and host of the Felonious Florida podcast, whose newest season focuses on Koehler and his crimes. Candice and David discuss Koehler’s paranoid delusions and if he was mentally the same person committing the rapes as he is more than 30 years later.Listen to Felonious Florida at: https://wondery.com/shows/felonious-florida/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong breaks down the seminal case of John Wayne Gacy. Known as the "Killer Clown," Gacy murdered thirty-three boys and young men, burying the majority of them under his house. Candice digs into Gacy's abusive childhood, a domineering father and internalized homophobia to understand how he became one of the most famous serial killers of all time.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
For over a year, Kendra Licari’s 14-year-old daughter received threatening and harmful messages from a person she believed to be another teenager. She told her mom and together, they reported the harassment to the police. Cyberbullying at its worst, the hateful messages devastated Kendra’s daughter as she didn’t know the culprit behind the messages, nor could she make them stop. After months of investigating, police found that the sender was Kendra herself. The case inspired the new Lifetime movie, "Mommy Meanest.”In today’s Headlines, Candice talks to family and marriage therapist Dr. Karyl McBride about Kendra’s possible motivations and the pathology of narcissistic family members.To read Dr. McBride’s newest book Will the Drama Ever End? visit: https://www.amazon.com/Will-Drama-Ever-End-Untangling/dp/1982198737/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong delves into the case of Paul Michael Stephani, also known as the “Weepy-Voiced Killer.” A serial murderer who terrorized women around St-Paul in the early 80s, Stephani got his moniker because he would place anonymous calls to the police and report his own crimes in a whiny, high-pitched, weepy voice. Was he looking to be found? Was his remorse real? Candice explores why this killer would confess in 911 calls, and how his strict religious upbringing influenced his penchant for murder.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The trial of "Doomsday Prophet" Chad Daybell is well underway, expected to last at least two months, with more than sixty witnesses having taken the stand so far. Daybell stands accused of murder in the deaths of his first wife, Tammy Daybell, and the two children of his second wife, Lori Vallow. Daybell is facing the death penalty. Though his first wife’s death was originally thought to be a result of natural causes, officials later ruled it suspicious. The bodies of the children, Tylee and JJ, were found in Daybell’s backyard.In today's Headlines, Candice is joined by journalist Lauren Matthias, who has been attending the trial and covering the case extensively on her podcast Hidden True Crime. Together, they will discuss the evidence presented against Daybell so far, the shocking revelations from this week's testimony, and what we can expect from the trial in the weeks to come.To listen to Hidden True Crime, visit https://redcircle.com/shows/7b88c407-520a-4279-8325-416d02cd8602. To watch on YouTube, visit https://www.youtube.com/hiddentruecrime.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong examines the case of Nathan Matthews. With the help of his girlfriend Shauna Hoare, Nathan brutally murdered his sixteen year old step-sister Becky Watts in a sexually motivated attack. Candice walks us through how Nathan's history of resentment and dangerous sexual fantasies tore his family apart, and culminated in the murder of Becky, who later became known as "The Angel of Bristol." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In January 2023, California radiologist Dharmesh Patel intentionally drove his Tesla off a cliff with his wife and two children inside after suffering a “psychotic break” and extreme delusions. Miraculously, the entire family survived. When Patel recovered from his injuries, he was charged with three counts of attempted murder. Now, with the support of psychologists and Patel’s own wife, he is being considered for a mental health diversion program rather than a criminal trial and prison time. In today’s Headlines, Candice is joined by legal analyst Josh Ritter to take a closer look at what diversion programs are, and how the program could positively or negatively impact Patel’s case. Candice and Josh weigh the pros and cons of using the judicial system to solve mental health problems.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong dives into the case of Pamela Smart, whose twisted story became a media sensation in the 90s when her husband was found dead. Pamela was accused of orchestrating his murder with the help of four teenage boys, one of whom she alledgedly seduced. Candice explores how Pamela skillfully manipulated those around her to execute her sinister plan, and examines the unraveling of her murder plot.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
After nearly two years of pretrial hearings and preparations, Karen Read’s second-degree murder trial is now underway. She is accused of hitting her boyfriend, Boston Police officer John O’Keefe with her SUV in 2022 and leaving him to die in a bitter snowstorm. She contends that John’s death was caused by a brutal beating by his own law enforcement friends, and that she is the victim of an elaborate cover-up. With two completely different theories of what happened that night being presented in court, many wonder which side will convince the jury – and how. In today’s Headlines, Candice is joined by criminal defense attorney Rachel Fiset to discuss the defense’s “third party culprit” argument, how a muddied investigation could hurt the prosecution’s chance at conviction, and what shocking evidence we can expect to see throughout the trial.For more about Rachel, visit https://zfzlaw.com/team-members/rachel-fiset/.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong explores the case of Belle Gunness, a Norwegian immigrant who arrived in America in the late 1800s. Known as “The Black Widow,” Belle found financial stability through multiple marriages...but the men she entrapped met gruesome ends, with their remains discovered buried on her property. The true extent of Belle Gunness’ crimes remains unknown, but it is believed that she killed at least fourteen people, including her own children and several suitors. After her crimes were discovered, Gunness disappeared without a trace. Many suspect she faked her own death and lived off her victims’ money.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jamell Demons, known by his stage name YNW Melly, rose to fame when his song “Murder on My Mind” hit the mainstream rap charts. But not long after hitting a high point in his career, Melly was charged with killing his two childhood friends and staging the crime scene to mislead police. After his first trial was declared a mistrial, many are wondering what comes next for Melly – who is facing the death penalty. In today’s Headlines, Candice is joined by Law & Crime correspondent Angenette Levy, who conducted interviews with those closest to the case for the podcast Murder on My Mind. Together, they discuss the evidence against Melly, why his first trial ended the way it did, and the ongoing battle between Melly’s team and the prosecution.Listen to Murder on My Mind: YNW Melly Double Murder Trial, exclusively on Wondery+: https://wondery.com/shows/murder-on-my-mind-ynw-melly-double-murder-trial/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong dives into the case of Charles Whitman, also known as the Texas Tower Shooter. In 1966, he wreaked havoc on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin in one of the first mass school shootings in American history. Candice explores how Whitman went from a promising young man to a deadly gunman, who killed more than a dozen people and instilled fear into generations to come.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ethan Crumbley was just 15 years old when he was arrested for killing four students and injuring several others in a shooting at Oxford High School in 2021. When investigators learned that his parents, Jennifer and James Crumbley, failed to prevent the deadly actions of their son, they were charged and eventually convicted of involuntary manslaughter – becoming the first parents in U.S. history to be held criminally responsible for their child’s mass school shooting plot. A landmark ruling last week sentenced them both to 10 years in prison. In today’s Headlines, Candice is joined by legal analyst Josh Ritter to discuss how Jennifer and James’ negligence led to their sentences, and the impact this case could have on parents in the future.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong digs into a tragic family betrayal: the antifreeze murders. Diane Staudte, a seemingly ordinary wife and mother from Missouri, shocked her community when it was revealed she was responsible for a series of poisonings that led to the deaths of her husband, her son and the hospitalization of her daughter. In a twisted bid for control and financial gain, Staudte poisoned her family with antifreeze–and acted with the help of her middle daughter and favorite child, RachelSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In February, former “mommy vlogger” Ruby Franke and therapist Jodi Hildebrandt were sent to prison after their abuse of Ruby’s children came to light. But even with the duo behind bars, new information has made its way into the headlines – including Ruby’s own diary, in which she meticulously documented the abuse of her children whom she deemed “manipulative” and possessed. In today’s Headlines, Candice is joined by Jessica Lowther, executive producer, and Cooper Moll, writer and producer of the Law & Crime podcast The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke. They discuss how Ruby and Jodi’s relationship only intensified their extreme beliefs and behavior, and the revelations from Ruby’s diary.  Listen to The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke, exclusively on Wondery+: https://wondery.com/links/the-rise-and-fall-of-ruby-franke/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong explores the case of Jennifer Pan, a Canadian woman of Vietnamese descent who gained infamy for orchestrating a complex deception that culminated in the murder of her mother and the attempted murder of her father in 2010. Unable to meet her controlling parents high expectations, Jennifer fabricated a double life of academic achievement while secretly leading a rebellious lifestyle. Fueled by a desire to escape her parents' control and inherit her family's wealth, Pan devised a plan to have them killed by hiring hitmen. Candice digs into the myths surrounding "tiger parenting" and explores how Jennifer's upbringing may have pushed her over the edge. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
When longtime Sherman Oaks resident Charles Wilding stopped leaving his house in 2020, his neighbors became concerned. But what troubled them the most was the arrival of Caroline Herrling, a stranger claiming to be Charles’ trustee, responsible for restoring and selling his home. Eventually, neighbors and authorities would learn that Caroline was the mastermind behind a multi million dollar fraud scheme – and getting rid of Charles was simply the first step.In today’s Headlines, Candice is joined by LA Times staff writer Brittny Mejia, who has covered the case in-depth. They discuss how Caroline’s scheme was exposed, how she targeted other victims, and where the investigation stands now.For more of Brittny's reporting, visit https://www.latimes.com/people/brittny-mejia. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong walks us through the sordid case of Israel Keyes, one of the most prolific serial killers in American history. Though Keyes was only formally charged with one murder, he is suspected of the sexual assault and killing of eleven other victims. His ability to evade detection for years left behind a trail of unsolved murders scattered across the country. Raised in a strict religious household, Candice explores how his early fascination with violence and his strict fundamentalist beliefs shaped him into the murderer he became. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Retired FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong delves into the case of Yolanda Saldivar, who became famous after she murdered the Queen of Tejano music, Selena Quintanilla. Claiming to be Selena’s biggest fan, Yolanda was given permission to form the young singer’s fan club and became an integral part of Selena’s other business ventures. But when it was discovered that she had stolen money from Selena and their “friendship” was over, Yolanda’s response turned deadly. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In 2020, Chad Daybell was arrested alongside his wife, Lori Vallow, in the deaths of Lori’s two children and his first wife Tammy. The murders have been tied to Chad and Lori’s belief of an impending apocalypse. Lori has been convicted and sentenced for her role in the crimes – and with Chad’s trial just around the corner, many are wondering how his case will play out in court. In today’s Headlines, Candice is joined by journalist Lauren Matthias, who has been covering the case extensively on her podcast Hidden True Crime. They discuss how Chad’s history and belief system played a role in his alleged crimes, and what we can expect from his defense at trial.To listen to Hidden True Crime, visit https://redcircle.com/shows/7b88c407-520a-4279-8325-416d02cd8602. To watch on YouTube, visit https://www.youtube.com/hiddentruecrime.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Comments (617)

꧁WupperElfe꧂

Candice can understand how someone stabs his brother in the heart over the last piece of meat on a plate?! 😶 Huh...

May 15th
Reply

Sean Rosenau

Hoingy Boingy Oofta Oofta. HAIL NIMROD!

Apr 30th
Reply

Sayda Pervin Nipa

⭕𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗠𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗘 𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛➤➤👉https://www.justhd.online

Apr 19th
Reply

Cobra 7

Not suicide at all. He was going to bomb another place. The bomb had a mercury switch, and as he was pulling from his car he tipped it the wrong way, and it detonated. Candace is correct.

Apr 17th
Reply

Sean Rosenau

Possessed? Was the mother religious? Religious people are dangerous.

Apr 13th
Reply

Lenora Thorium

What kind of burglar steals a marriage license?? That should have been the most enormous red flag of a clue

Mar 30th
Reply (24)

Maja Matusinović

as an ex Catholic, I WISH sex was impossible in churches...

Mar 12th
Reply

Melissa

OMG.

Feb 20th
Reply

RACHAEL BYCE

this medical abuse is not as rare as we think ... it's just rarely caught or reported!

Jan 20th
Reply (1)

Sean Rosenau

2:35

Jan 20th
Reply

Sean Rosenau

Glad the poor girl is out. Her and her guy friend should never have been imprisoned in the first place. What happened to the mother was self-defense goddammit.

Jan 20th
Reply (1)

Sharmin Sultana

🔴💚Really Amazing ️You Can Try This💚WATCH💚ᗪOᗯᑎᒪOᗩᗪ LINK >👉https://co.fastmovies.org

Jan 18th
Reply

Lo K

The host has such a bad take on this. Poor Aileen.

Jan 8th
Reply

Rebecca Butcher

This is the only podcast I've found about Winnie Ruth Judd. Such a fascinating case!

Jan 7th
Reply

John Doe 36 "likes them young"

How can anyone be called an "insurrectionist" when they've literally never been charged with, hence never been convicted of insurrection?

Jan 3rd
Reply (2)

Art 34

Got to get the woke ideology in there. So sick of this.

Jan 1st
Reply (2)

Zsazsa

Please turn down the dramatic background music. It's annoying AF and drowns out Candaces voice.

Dec 31st
Reply

Lenora Thorium

LSD does not *cause* mental illness. It can aggravate pre-existing mental illness, however (just like any other drug). And, contrary to what is said in this episode, negative life consequences due to "bad trips" are actually quite UNcommon. Much of the bad press concerning LSD stems from either government propaganda or urban legend. And "LSD addiction" is practically unheard of, so much so that you might say it does not exist! (See above about government propaganda.)

Dec 7th
Reply (2)

Gaploon

Too many episodes that sound like bad armchair psychologist who got info from detective shows, books, pop culture and other true crime pods. Oh and just fast Google search without looking more deeply. Show just don't sound like someone that did work on mental health field. Shame as this would have been new and interesting way to see crime.

Nov 1st
Reply

kristen chatten

if I wanted to listen to red-handed I would have

Oct 30th
Reply
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