The Best New True Crime Podcast Right Now – January 2026
Dive into the darkest corners of human nature with our True Crime podcast. Each episode unravels gripping mysteries, from unsolved disappearances and brutal attacks to complex murder trials and shocking betrayals. Join us as we explore the cases of Amanda Winkowski, Linda, Bonnie Lee Schultz, Joe Hartzfield, Marilyn McCown, Patricia Lee, and more. Tune in to uncover the truth and seek justice.
The 10 Best True Crime episodes
MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF: Amanda Wienckowski
A mother fights for justice after her daughter's death is initially ruled accidental, leading to new autopsies and legislative advocacy.
This episode details the mysterious disappearance and death of Amanda Winkowski. Initially ruled an accidental overdose, her mother, Leslie, suspected foul play. A second autopsy revealed homicide by strangulation and blunt force trauma. The investigation involved suspects Adam Patterson and Antoine Gardner, with conflicting evidence and confessions. Leslie tirelessly advocates for legislative changes to ensure justice for Amanda, focusing on extending the statute of limitations for challenging medical examiner rulings.
SURVIVING: Ernest Pine
A violent neighbor's brutal attack on Linda and his potential connection to an unsolved murder highlight the lasting trauma and unresolved fears of survivors.
This episode details the horrific attack on Linda by her neighbor, Earnest Pine, in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Despite being sexually assaulted and having her throat cut, Linda survived by playing dead and scrawling Pine's name in her blood. Pine was arrested and, faced with overwhelming evidence, confessed. The investigation revealed disturbing similarities between Linda's attack and the unsolved 1992 murder of Elena Sanchez Hawkins, suggesting Pine may be responsible for both. Despite the brutality of his crimes, Pine was granted parole after serving 17 years, leaving Elena's family without closure and survivors with lingering fear and financial burdens. The episode emphasizes the devastating impact of violent crime and the ongoing quest for justice and information.
Cases to watch in 2026: Pam Hupp and Kouri Richins. Plus, home burglars going high-tech
Dateline previews 2026 trials like Pam Hupp and Cori Richens, discusses high-tech crime, and explores legal strategies and evidence in complex murder cases.
Dateline True Crime Weekly looks ahead to significant trials in 2026, including Cori Richens and Rex Heuermann. The podcast delves into the intricate Pam Hupp case, detailing the murders of Betsy Faria and Louis Gumpenberger, Hupp's alleged motives of financial gain, and the evidence against her. It also previews the Cori Richens trial, focusing on allegations of fentanyl poisoning for financial benefit and legal challenges regarding witness testimony. Updates are provided on other major 2026 trials, such as the Paul Canale quadruple murder, Brendan Banfield's alleged plot, Matthew Farwell's grooming accusations, and the Rex Heuermann serial killer case, highlighting the use of new DNA technology. Finally, the segment addresses the rise of high-tech thieves and offers advice on home security.
MISSING: Bonnie Lee Schultz Part 1
The disappearance of Bonnie Lee Schultz in 1997 is explored, focusing on her marital struggles, affair, and the subsequent investigation that raised suspicions about her husband, Rick.
This podcast delves into the 1997 disappearance of Bonnie Lee Schultz, a case marked by marital discord, Bonnie's growing independence, and an affair. After 26 years of marriage, Bonnie felt distant from her husband, Rick, and her decision to work outside the home increased marital tension. Her mother's death exacerbated her unhappiness, leading to a public argument with Rick and a plan to divorce him. Bonnie confided in a friend about an affair with coworker John Guyb and began planning her departure. On July 3, 1997, she informed Rick of her decision to divorce and left for a party. She was last seen by John Guyb in the early morning of July 4th, after which she vanished. The initial investigation was slow, and Rick's behavior, including a delayed report and a failed polygraph test, raised suspicions. Despite searches by family and friends, Bonnie remained missing. Detectives interviewed John Guyb, who provided an account of their last moments together, and Rick Schultz, whose statements and knowledge of Bonnie's route home were deemed suspicious. Discrepancies between Rick's and other witnesses' accounts, coupled with Rick's polygraph failure and denial of Bonnie's affair, solidified police suspicions. The discovery of Bonnie's "Number One Mom" necklace in an unusual place and Rick's cryptic comment to a detective further fueled family doubts. The podcast concludes by highlighting unanswered questions and teasing a Part Two with new theories.
Deadly Exchange
A German exchange student's fatal mistake of entering a neighbor's garage for alcohol leads to a controversial trial over self-defense and justifiable homicide.
This podcast recounts the tragic story of Deere and Day Day, a German exchange student in Montana, who was shot and killed by homeowner Marcus Karma after entering his garage. The incident, initially perceived as a home invasion, was later revealed to involve Deere and and his friend Robbie engaging in "garage hopping" to steal alcohol. The narrative explores the escalating fear of the Karma family due to previous burglaries, leading to the installation of a security system. Marcus Karma claims self-defense, stating he feared for his life when confronting Deere and in the garage. However, the prosecution argued for deliberate homicide, presenting evidence such as Deere and being shot in the back and a recording of Janelle Karma hearing Deere and plead for his life. The trial became a battle between the "Castle Doctrine" and premeditation, with the defense highlighting Deere and's intent to steal and the prosecution emphasizing Karma's alleged premeditation and vengeful actions. Ultimately, Marcus Karma was found guilty of deliberate homicide and sentenced to 70 years in prison, sparking national debate on self-defense laws and gun culture. The story concludes with reflections on Deere and's life, the impact of his death, and the fading trend of garage hopping.
MISSING: Bonnie Lee Schultz Part 2
The disappearance of Bonnie Schultz in 1997 remains an unsolved mystery, with lingering suspicions on her husband, investigative gaps, and new theories emerging from a psychic medium.
This episode delves into the 1997 disappearance of Bonnie Schultz, focusing on the initial suspicions surrounding her husband, Rick. Despite police focusing on Rick, the investigation was marked by significant gaps, including a failure to thoroughly search key areas and obtain crucial phone records. Financial motives were explored but deemed unlikely. Rick moved with his children, but suspicion persisted. A 2007 interview with Rick revealed his account of Bonnie leaving for a work outing and never returning, along with details of marital problems and Bonnie's grief. The disappearance of Bonnie's car remains a central mystery, with extensive searches yielding no results. The investigation also faced challenges with obtaining Bonnie's cell phone records. Rick expressed frustration with law enforcement's handling of the case. Theories ranged from accidents to foul play. A potentially significant detail about a garage search was noted. Rick discussed Bonnie's desire for divorce and attributed some of her unhappiness to her mother's death. A psychic medium, Allison DuBois, provided insights suggesting Bonnie is deceased and was targeted by a stranger, potentially in a wooded area. This led to speculation about the Eagle Creek area. A theory of an attack in the driveway was also proposed. DuBois also asserted Rick was not violent. The episode highlights the ongoing search by Bonnie's son, Josh, and concludes with a call for information. The case also draws parallels to the Brenda Heist case, where a person reappeared after years. A critical investigative error involved the car not being entered into the system as missing for two years, fueling theories about its disposal. John, who claimed an affair with Bonnie, provided conflicting information through his daughter, Kim, before his death. The credibility of unverified accounts and perceived double standards in the investigation are discussed. Anita, a friend of Bonnie's, refused to cooperate, citing a desire to protect Bonnie's trust.
The Trouble with Sarah
Sarah Hartzfield, a manipulative woman, is convicted of murdering her husband Joe, with a history of abuse and suspicious deaths surrounding her.
This podcast chronicles the investigation into the suspicious death of Joe Hartzfield, who was found unresponsive and later died. His wife, Sarah Hartzfield, is introduced as a manipulative individual with a complex past. Detective Skyler Rocks takes on the case, uncovering inconsistencies in Sarah's story and her controlling behavior towards Joe and his family. The investigation delves into Sarah's history, revealing multiple aliases, previous troubled marriages, and allegations of abuse towards her children. Suspicion also falls on Sarah in the death of her lover, David Bragg, though her account is questioned. Further revelations expose Sarah's plot to have her husband Chris's new wife killed, which leads to an FBI investigation that ultimately collapses. Detective Rocks revisits Joe's case, finding evidence of Sarah's manipulation. Sarah is eventually arrested and tried for Joe's murder. Despite the defense's attempts to discredit the prosecution's evidence by focusing on Sarah's past, the jury finds her guilty. The case highlights the impact of an all-female investigative team and leads to the reopening of other suspicious cases linked to Sarah.
MISSING: Marilyn “Niqui” McCown
This episode revisits the 2001 disappearance of Marilyn "Nickey" McCown, exploring suspects, new evidence, and lingering questions.
This episode revisits the 2001 disappearance of Marilyn "Nickey" McCown, a case first covered by Crime Junkie in 2017. It details Nickey's last known movements, the initial suspicions surrounding her fiancé, Bobby Webster, and his questionable alibi and polygraph results. The discovery of Nickey's car, tampered with and found near an ex-boyfriend's former residence, shifted focus to coworker Tommy Swint, who later faced indictment for another murder before his suicide. The investigation re-examines Bobby Webster's behavior and statements, introduces a witness who claims Bobby confessed, and explores the complex relationships involving Nickey, Tommy Swint, and his mistress, Darlene Williams. Despite extensive searches and analysis of timelines and financial records, Nickey's remains have not been found, leaving the case unsolved. The episode also briefly recommends the podcast "Park Predators" and introduces "13th Juror."
Secrets in the Ashes
This Dateline episode investigates the suspicious death of Patricia Lee, exploring accusations against her husband Delbert and later, his second wife Allison, revealing a complex web of manipulation and alleged murder plots.
This Dateline episode chronicles the suspicious death of Patricia Lee, initially ruled an accident due to smoke inhalation. As the investigation unfolds, suspicions arise about her husband, Delbert Mills, particularly after his swift remarriage and the family's doubts about the fire's cause. The narrative then shifts to Delbert's second wife, Allison, who eventually implicates Delbert in Patricia's murder. Years later, Allison herself becomes the focus when recordings reveal her allegedly soliciting the murder of her third husband. The episode delves into Allison's history of alleged scams and manipulation, contrasting her claims of innocence with damning evidence and witness testimonies. Delbert Mills is convicted of Patricia's murder, while Allison faces charges for solicitation of murder. The story highlights the complexities of truth, deception, and the pursuit of justice across multiple alleged crimes.
Texas realtor murder case. Arson and fratricide trial in New Jersey. Plus, Martha Moxley podcast.
Dateline True Crime Weekly covers complex cases like the Suzanne Simpson and Paul Canaro murders, Brendan Banfield's plot, Susan Embert's conviction, and the Luigi Mangione case, revisiting the Martha Moxley murder.
Dateline True Crime Weekly presents a series of compelling true crime cases. The episode details the disappearance and suspected murder of Texas realtor Suzanne Simpson, focusing on her husband Brad Simpson's arrest. It also covers the Paul Canaro murder trial, where he is accused of killing his family due to financial desperation. Updates are provided on the Brendan Banfield trial for a murder plot and the guilty verdict in Susan Embert's case. The Luigi Mangione case, involving the murder of a CEO, is discussed, alongside a deep dive into the Martha Moxley murder, including a new podcast and the legal history of Michael Skakel's conviction.
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