The Best New True Crime Podcast Right Now – March 2026
Dive into the darkest corners of true crime with us! This blog brings you gripping summaries of 10 compelling podcast episodes, from unsolved disappearances and chilling serial killer hunts to intricate murder-for-hire plots and wrongful conviction battles. We'll explore cases like the mysterious Joan Webster and Marie Iannuzzi, the elusive "Mr. Cruel," and the poisoning of Mary Yoder. Plus, get insights into the complex legal battles surrounding Susan Embert and the latest updates on the Gilgo Beach killer. Tune in to uncover the details and join the conversation on justice.
The 10 Best True Crime episodes
MURDERED: Joan Webster & Marie Iannuzzi
This episode investigates the linked disappearances of Joan Webster and Marie Iannuzzi, questioning the conviction of Lenny Paradiso and highlighting potential flaws in the investigations.
This episode delves into the mysterious disappearances of Joan Webster, a Harvard student, and Marie Iannuzzi, exploring the initial investigations and eventual connections made between their cases. Joan vanished in 1981 after arriving at Logan Airport, with her belongings found in a marshy area. Marie's body was later discovered in the same marshy location. Lenny Paradiso was convicted of Marie's murder based on jailhouse informant testimony and circumstantial evidence, and was also implicated in Joan's disappearance. However, the discovery of Joan's remains in a shallow grave, contradicting the confession of her being dumped at sea, raises significant doubts about Lenny's guilt and the thoroughness of the investigations. The episode also scrutinizes potential prosecutorial misconduct, tunnel vision in the investigation, and lingering questions about other individuals, suggesting the truth may still be elusive.
INFAMOUS: Mr. Cruel
This episode details the chilling crimes of "Mr. Cruel," an unidentified serial offender who terrorized young girls in Melbourne, Australia, from the late 1980s to early 1990s.
This episode of Crime Junkie, in conjunction with Park Predators, delves into the disturbing case of "Mr. Cruel," an unidentified serial offender who targeted young girls in Melbourne, Australia, between the late 1980s and early 1990s. The podcast recounts the harrowing experiences of victims Eliza, Sharon Wills, Nikki Linus, and Carmen Chen, detailing their abductions, assaults, and the brutal murder of Carmen. Law enforcement launched "Operation Spectrum," a large-scale investigation aided by an FBI profile, but "Mr. Cruel" remained elusive due to meticulous planning and a lack of definitive forensic evidence. Theories surrounding the case include the possibility of multiple offenders, connections to child pornography rings, and specific obsessions of the perpetrator. Despite extensive efforts and the emergence of potential suspects and genetic evidence, the identity of "Mr. Cruel" remains a mystery, leaving lingering questions and a call for information.
MURDERED: Mary Yoder Part 1
Investigative journalist Kylie Lowe explores the mysterious death of Mary Yoder, initially ruled an infection, but later revealed as colchicine poisoning, leading to suspicion falling on her husband and son.
This podcast episode of "Dark Down East" investigates the suspicious death of Mary Yoder, a healthy 60-year-old who died shortly after falling ill. Initially presumed to be from an infection, the case turned into a murder investigation when an autopsy revealed signs of toxic attack, later identified as a colchicine overdose. Investigators explored accidental causes but found none, leading them to suspect intentional poisoning. Suspicion initially fell on Mary's husband, Bill Yoder, due to his proximity and marital issues, and later her son, Adam Yoder, after an anonymous letter implicated him. The investigation also scrutinized Bill's behavior after Mary's death and his new relationship, while Adam claimed he was framed and evidence was planted. The testimony of Adam's ex-girlfriend, Caitlin Conley, mirrored the anonymous letter, raising further questions about her involvement and Adam's potential innocence.
MURDERED: Mary Yoder Part 2
A podcast investigates Mary Yoder's poisoning death, focusing on the complex legal battle and overturned conviction of Caitlin Conley.
This podcast episode delves into the mysterious death of Mary Yoder, who was found to have died from Colchicine poisoning. Initial suspicions targeted her husband and son, Adam, but an anonymous letter and digital evidence increasingly pointed towards Adam's ex-girlfriend, Caitlin Conley. Investigators traced the purchase of Colchicine to Adam's email, accessed from Katie's IP, and Katie later admitted to writing anonymous letters, which were believed to be an attempt to frame Adam. Despite initial suspicions on Bill and Adam, the digital trail, including searches for poisons on an office computer used by Katie and the use of Mary's credit card with Katie's number, solidified Katie as a prime suspect. Her arrest followed, and during her second trial, new evidence from a phone backup detailed her research into poisons and the purchase of Colchicine. The defense attempted to shift blame to Adam, suggesting he manipulated evidence or accidentally poisoned Mary. Ultimately, Katie was found guilty of first-degree manslaughter, but her conviction was later overturned due to illegal phone data searches. Despite prosecutors' intent to retry her, sealed case records have effectively stalled the case, leaving Mary Yoder's death officially unsolved.
Take Two
A Dateline investigation uncovers a complex murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by Kelly Gribble and her lover, Dr. Ira Bernstein, leading to their arrests, plea deals, and ongoing legal battles.
This podcast episode features an interview with Joel McHale and then delves into a "Dateline" investigation concerning a murder-for-hire plot. The case initially involves a car salesman approached by Kelly Gribble to kill her lover's wife. Detectives Fitzgerald and Luzan investigate, uncovering a second murder-for-hire plot by Gribble. A sting operation using undercover informant Mark Kenzie is initiated. The motive is revealed to be an affair between Gribble and Dr. Ira Bernstein, who wants his wife, Susan, dead. The investigation escalates with a staged assault on insurance investigators to implicate Ira further. Both Gribble and Bernstein are arrested. Gribble accepts a plea deal and testifies against Bernstein. Bernstein also accepts a plea deal, pleading guilty to conspiracy and grand larceny. Post-prison, their relationship sours when Kelly learns Bernstein blamed her. Bernstein faces further legal troubles, including a new solicitation charge for attempting to have Susan killed again, leading to a plea deal and a restraining order. The divorce between Ira and Susan remains unresolved, with ongoing legal battles and financial disputes.
The Professor & The Poet
A professor's murder investigation uncovers a complex web of financial manipulation and a dangerous relationship, leading to a fugitive's eventual capture and conviction.
This Dateline episode, "The Professor and the Poet," details the murder of Sue Markham, a beloved accounting professor. Initially suspected of a burglary, the investigation soon pointed to a more personal motive. Evidence, including DNA, eventually implicated Jorge Rueda Landeros, Sue's Spanish teacher and yoga instructor, who had a complex financial and romantic relationship with her. Landeros manipulated Sue out of a significant amount of money and was the beneficiary of her life insurance policy. After being charged, Landeros fled, living under a new identity in Mexico and repeating his pattern of manipulation and financial exploitation with a new partner, Rocio. Years later, an anonymous tip led to his arrest and extradition. During his trial, the defense argued for his innocence, but the jury found him guilty of second-degree murder, sentencing him to 25 years. The story serves as a cautionary tale about manipulation and the importance of recognizing red flags in relationships.
Malice
A family's fight for justice reveals a suspicious death, a staged crime scene, and a complex legal battle for Susan Embert, accused of murdering her husband Jake.
This Dateline episode chronicles the suspicious death of Jake Embert, initially ruled a suicide but vehemently contested by his family. The narrative follows the family's persistent doubts, the hiring of a private investigator, and the subsequent legal battles surrounding Susan Embert, Jake's wife. Key elements include the alleged staging of the crime scene, inconsistencies in Susan's accounts, the discovery of poisoning evidence in Jake's hairbrush, and multiple trials. Despite initial convictions and a life sentence, Susan Embert's case was marked by overturned verdicts due to juror misconduct and speedy trial violations, ultimately leading to the dismissal of all charges. The story highlights the family's struggle for accountability and the complexities of the justice system.
Kouri Richins' ex-lover gets emotional. Twist in Microsoft employee's murder case. Plus, Josh Mankiewicz.
Dateline True Crime Weekly covers trials of a Utah widow, a Florida murder-for-hire, the Gilgo Beach killer, and a sex trafficking case, plus Josh Mankiewicz's new podcast.
This episode of Dateline True Crime Weekly delves into several compelling cases. It features the ongoing trial of Corey Richards, a Utah widow accused of poisoning her husband for insurance money, with testimony from her lover, Robert Josh Grossman, highlighting their affair and future plans. The podcast also reports on the Florida murder-for-hire case involving Jared Brightigan, where the alleged gunman, Henry Tenon, has withdrawn his guilty plea, complicating the prosecution's case against Mario Fernandez Saldana. Updates are provided on the Gilgo Beach serial killer, Rex Heurman, with new filings detailing his contact with sex workers. Additionally, the episode covers the conviction of Michigan farmer Dale Warner for his wife's murder and the guilty verdict against celebrity real estate brokers Orrin, Tal, and Alon Alexander for rape and sex trafficking. Finally, Josh Mankiewicz discusses his new podcast, "Trace of Suspicion," which examines the controversial case of a marine's death and his widow's alleged involvement, questioning the nature of justice.
Housekeeper testifies at Utah mom murder trial. Sister seeks answers in shootout. Plus, photo lineups.
This podcast covers true crime cases, including the Corey Richens murder trial, the Scott Spivey shooting, and updates on other trials, alongside expert insights on photo lineups.
This episode of "Dateline True Crime Weekly" delves into several compelling cases. The Corey Richens murder trial is a central focus, detailing testimony from her former housekeeper, Carmen Lobber, regarding the purchase of fentanyl, and the defense's attempts to discredit her. Robert Crozier's testimony and subsequent recantation add complexity to the prosecution's case. The podcast also explores the Scott Spivey roadside shooting, including a civil hearing on the "Stand Your Ground" law and a judge's ruling that allows a wrongful death suit. Updates are provided on the Rashan Jones murder trial in Miami, the Dale Warner trial in Michigan, and the sentencing of Dan Seraphini in California. Finally, retired Police Chief Ken Wallentine offers expert analysis on the procedures and best practices for photo line-ups to prevent mistaken eyewitness identification.
MISSING: Darrel “Bubba” Johnson Sr.
The disappearance of Daryl "Bubba" Johnson Sr. from a campsite remains a mystery, with conflicting accounts and a lack of evidence fueling speculation of foul play or him simply walking away.
This episode delves into the perplexing disappearance of Daryl "Bubba" Johnson Sr. from Conjus Lake State Park in the summer of 2024. Despite extensive searches and witness statements, no trace of Bubba has been found over a year later. Initial police reports suggested he may have wandered off, but conflicting accounts from his son, Daryl Jr., and his alleged girlfriend, Ali, introduce complexities. Daryl Jr. disputes Ali's claims of their relationship and finds the campsite deserted. Phone ping data places Bubba's phone near the campsite hours after his disappearance, adding to the mystery, with some suggesting it pinged in the lake. Further complicating matters are allegations of a love triangle involving Bubba, Ali, and her long-term boyfriend, Ernie, with evidence of underlying tensions. A neighbor's statement about the phone's recovery contradicts official reports, and a sighting on Highway 104 suggests possible foul play by strangers. The New Mexico State Police maintain there's no evidence of foul play, believing Bubba left voluntarily, but the family remains without answers, urging for information.
The Best New True Crime Podcast Right Now – January 2026
The Best New True Crime Podcast Right Now – February 2026
The Best New True Crime Podcast Right Now – June 2025