The Best New True Crime Podcast Right Now – August 2025
Dive into the darkest corners of human nature with our True Crime podcast series. Each episode unravels gripping cases, from the controversial Whitbull-Fugan murder and the chilling Yogurt Shop Murders to the shocking mushroom poisoning by Erin Patterson. We explore the meticulous investigations behind Wendy Jerome's cold case, Lonnie Cocontas's cruise ship murder, and Chris Smith's business partner's betrayal. Plus, uncover the truth in Greg Owens's domestic dispute, the latest updates on the Brian Walsh and Mercedes Vega cases, the Adelson murder-for-hire plot, and the Pitcairn Island sexual abuse scandal. Tune in for a deep dive into justice, mystery, and the resilience of the human spirit.
The 10 Best True Crime episodes
MURDERED: Anastasia WitbolsFeugen
The podcast investigates the 1997 murder of Anastasia Whitbull-Fugan, exploring conflicting accounts, investigative failures, and alternative suspects, ultimately highlighting the unresolved aspects of the case and Byron Case's contested conviction.
This podcast delves into the complex and controversial 1997 murder of Anastasia Whitbull-Fugan and the subsequent death of her boyfriend, Justin Bruton. The initial investigation was plagued by inconsistencies and missed leads, including a failure to thoroughly examine Justin's car and phone records. Key witness Kelly Moffitt's changing testimony and eventual confession implicating Byron Case led to his conviction. However, the podcast explores alternative theories, questioning the reliability of the evidence and suggesting other potential suspects, including Justin himself, Anastasia's godfather, Patrick Rock, and her father, Bob, who has a concerning criminal history. The podcast highlights the flaws in the original investigation, the years-long struggle for justice, and the lingering unanswered questions surrounding Anastasia's death, leaving the listener to question the validity of Byron Case's conviction.
INFAMOUS: The Yogurt Shop Murders
The Austin Yogurt Shop Murders podcast re-examines the 1991 quadruple homicide, detailing flawed investigations, coerced confessions, DNA evidence, and the ongoing search for justice.
This podcast delves into the complex and controversial Yogurt Shop Murders case from Austin, Texas, focusing on the unsolved 1991 murders of four teenage girls. It details the events of the night, the initial chaotic investigation hampered by lack of resources and experience, and the early focus on Maurice Pierce, Forrest Welburn, Michael Scott, and Robert Springsteen. The podcast highlights the coercive interrogation techniques used to obtain confessions from Scott and Springsteen, leading to their convictions. However, the narrative shifts as appeals, the discovery of unknown male DNA, and inconsistencies in the investigation lead to the eventual dismissal of charges against both men. The podcast emphasizes the numerous flaws in the original investigation, including inadequate crime scene preservation and the failure to collect crucial evidence. Ultimately, the podcast underscores the case's unsolved nature, the need for further investigation using modern DNA technology, and the importance of finding justice for the victims. It encourages listeners to help solve this enduring mystery by focusing on identifying unidentified men seen near the yogurt shop.
INFAMOUS: The Mushroom Cap Murders
Erin Patterson, a seemingly loving mother, poisoned her in-laws with death cap mushrooms, resulting in three deaths and one near-fatal case, her conviction stemming from circumstantial evidence, lies, and a complex web of deception.
This podcast details the shocking case of Erin Patterson, who poisoned her in-laws with death cap mushrooms, leading to three deaths and one near-fatal incident. The podcast unfolds the events, starting with the seemingly innocent lunch invitation where Patterson served beef wellingtons containing the deadly mushrooms. Her initial claims about the mushroom source proved false, and the investigation uncovered a pattern of lies and deception, including a fabricated cancer diagnosis and the disposal of a dehydrator used to dry the mushrooms. Digital evidence revealed her interest in mushroom foraging and visits to areas where death cap mushrooms grow. Patterson's trial highlighted inconsistencies in her testimony, ultimately leading to her conviction on three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. The motive appears to be rooted in a bitter dispute over finances and child support following her separation, fueled by resentment towards her in-laws. The case relies heavily on circumstantial evidence, but the cumulative weight of lies and inconsistencies sealed her fate.
MURDERED: Wendy Jerome
The podcast details the decades-long investigation into Wendy Jerome's murder, highlighting the crucial role of familial DNA testing in identifying and convicting Timothy Williams after initial leads and DNA analysis failed.
This podcast recounts the tragic murder of Wendy Jerome in 1984 and the subsequent lengthy investigation. The initial investigation, hampered by a lack of leads and frustrating dead ends, including harassing phone calls to the Jerome family, yielded little progress. Years later, advancements in DNA technology, specifically familial DNA testing, proved pivotal. While initial DNA analysis produced no matches, familial DNA testing identified relatives of the perpetrator, ultimately leading investigators to Timothy Williams, a suspect previously mentioned in a 1984 tip. A preserved sexual assault kit from an unrelated case provided the crucial DNA match. Williams was arrested in Florida, confessed to lying about his alibi, and was eventually convicted after a mistrial. The podcast emphasizes the emotional toll on Wendy's family and the unwavering dedication of Sergeant Venosa, whose persistence spanned decades. The case serves as a powerful example of how technological advancements and relentless investigative work can finally bring closure to long-unsolved crimes.
Open Water
Lonnie Cocontas was convicted of first-degree murder for his wife Mickey Kanasaki's death after a complex investigation involving a secret marriage, a polygraph test, and a jailhouse informant's testimony about a hitman plot.
This podcast details the investigation and trial of Lonnie Cocontas for the murder of his wife, Mickey Kanasaki. Mickey was found dead after falling overboard from a cruise ship. Initial suspicions fell on Lonnie due to inconsistencies in his story and his behavior following the incident. An autopsy revealed Mickey was murdered before entering the water, showing signs of strangulation and possible sexual assault. Investigators, friends of Lonnie, faced obstacles including obtaining the ship's manifest and navigating international jurisdiction. A polygraph test raised further doubts about Lonnie's innocence. The investigation uncovered Lonnie's secret marriage to Amy Nguyen, who eventually confessed to Lonnie's murder plan, though she initially lied to protect him. The case also involved a jailhouse informant who claimed Lonnie tried to hire a hitman to kill Amy. The trial, delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, featured key testimony from Amy and the autopsy report. Despite Lonnie's defense claiming he was framed, the jury delivered a guilty verdict of first-degree murder for financial gain, resulting in a life sentence. The podcast concludes with a discussion of the verdict, the relief of Mickey's family, and Lonnie's ongoing appeal.
In a Lonely Place
The disappearance of Chris Smith, a successful entrepreneur, is revealed to be a murder orchestrated by his business partner, Ed Shin, driven by greed and culminating in Shin's arrest and confession.
This podcast details the investigation into the disappearance and subsequent murder of Chris Smith, a successful entrepreneur. Initially reported as a missing person case, inconsistencies in emails purportedly from Chris led his family to suspect foul play. The investigation, involving both authorities and a private investigator, uncovered evidence pointing to Chris's business partner, Ed Shin. The discovery of blood in Chris's old office shifted the focus to a homicide investigation. The podcast explores the contrasting personalities of Chris and Ed, Chris's troubled personal life revealed through his emails, and Ed's history of embezzlement. The investigation ultimately led to Ed Shin's arrest and confession, though he refused to reveal the location of Chris's body. The trial, prosecution's case highlighting premeditation, and the guilty verdict are detailed, concluding with the Smith family's ongoing grief and a paddle-out ceremony in Chris's memory.
The Intruder
A Maine home invasion leaves Rachel Owens shot, leading investigators to uncover Greg Owens's manipulative behavior, affair, and ultimately, his guilty verdict based on circumstantial evidence including his DNA at the scene and tampered computer data.
This podcast details the investigation and trial of Greg Owens, who shot his wife, Rachel, during a home invasion in Maine. The initial investigation treated the incident as a possible robbery, but inconsistencies in Greg's alibi and suspicious behavior raised red flags. A crucial turning point came with a phone call to Betsy Wandke, Greg's mistress in Wisconsin. Betsy revealed Greg's lies about his separation from Rachel and his controlling nature, providing a motive and crucial testimony. Further investigation, including the discovery of Greg's DNA at the scene and tampered computer timestamps, solidified him as the prime suspect. Despite relying heavily on circumstantial evidence, the prosecution successfully built a case against Greg, leading to his arrest and eventual conviction. The case highlights the complexities of investigating domestic violence and the importance of seemingly insignificant details in solving crimes.
The Michael Proctor files. Parents of murdered daughter want answers. And behind the scenes with a CSI.
This Dateline episode covers the Brian Walsh murder trial, the Mercedes Vega murder case, updates on the Karen Reed, Brooks Hauke, and Sean Combs cases, and an expert's perspective on crime scene investigation.
This Dateline True Crime Weekly episode features several compelling cases. The episode begins with a preview of the Brian Walsh murder trial, focusing on evidence like incriminating Google searches and bloodstained items found in trash bags. The prosecution's case hinges on these findings and potential motives like infidelity and financial gain, while the defense counters with alternative explanations. Next, the tragic murder of Mercedes Vega is examined, highlighting the two-year fight for justice by her parents and the eventual charges against Kujo Young and two accomplices. The episode then provides updates on several other cases: the Karen Reed case, including ongoing civil suits; jailhouse calls from Brooks Hauke, revealing his emotional state and denial; and the legal proceedings against Sean Combs. Finally, a former crime lab director discusses the crucial role of crime scene investigators, emphasizing meticulous evidence collection and the challenges faced in court.
A grandmother's trial is set to start. An international fugitive faces a jury. And digital go bags.
This Dateline podcast covers the Donna Adelson murder-for-hire trial, Nicholas Rossi's fugitive status, updates on other cases, and crucial digital safety tips.
This Dateline True Crime Weekly podcast episode features several key true crime updates. The main focus is the upcoming trial of Donna Adelson, accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot against Dan Markell. The episode details the Adelson family dynamics, the evidence against Donna (including intercepted phone calls and attempts to flee), and the complexities of the case. Further updates are provided on the trial of Nicholas Rossi, a fugitive accused of rape and fraud, highlighting his elaborate efforts to conceal his identity. The podcast also summarizes the outcomes of other cases: the acquittal of Toni Hayes in a 30-year-old double murder case, a plea deal in the Ryan Cooper case, and the ongoing appeal of Alec Murdoch. Finally, the episode concludes with valuable advice on creating a digital go-bag for emergency preparedness, emphasizing the importance of backing up essential documents and securing personal information.
A Tiny Island's Big Secret
Pitcairn Island's history of sexual abuse, investigated through Operation Unique, reveals systemic issues, legal challenges, and lenient sentences, highlighting ongoing struggles for justice and child protection.
This podcast details the extensive sexual abuse scandal on Pitcairn Island, a remote British territory. The investigation, dubbed Operation Unique, began in 1996 with a single rape allegation but uncovered a decades-long pattern of abuse involving numerous perpetrators and victims. Challenges included the island's isolation, limited legal infrastructure, and the use of a "cultural defense" by the accused. The trial, fraught with jurisdictional complexities, resulted in convictions but sparked controversy due to the relatively lenient sentences, partly attributed to the island's small population. The podcast explores the aftermath, including ongoing efforts to improve child protection, the lingering impact on the community, and the continuing debate surrounding the adequacy of justice served.
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