The Best New True Crime Podcast Right Now – September 2025
Dive into the darkest corners of human nature with our True Crime podcast series. This collection of episodes unravels chilling mysteries, from brutal murders and unsolved disappearances to complex family conspiracies and international trafficking rings. We explore the harrowing cases of Oki Al-Kite, the decades-long search for abducted children in China, the mysterious death of conservationist Esmond Bradley Martin, and the intricate web of deceit in the Michael Bullinger and George TFA cases. Join us as we delve into the investigations of Jane Doe 59 and Marina Habba, the shocking Sandra Birchmore case, and the ongoing legal battles surrounding the Gilgo Beach murders and the Donna Adelson trial. Tune in to uncover the truth and gain a deeper understanding of these compelling true crime stories.
The 10 Best True Crime episodes
MURDERED: Oakey "Al" Kite
A brutal murder case involving Oki Al-Kite, a predator at large, with Robert Cooper as the prime suspect.
This episode details the horrific murder of Oki Al-Kite, a predator who was found deceased in his basement with extensive signs of torture and violence. The investigation points to Robert Cooper, a man who responded to Al's rental ad and provided fake information, as the primary suspect. Evidence found at the scene, including bleach-soaked knives, rope, and hair strands in Al's truck, suggests a prolonged and brutal attack. Despite numerous leads and forensic analysis, identifying and apprehending Cooper remains a challenge due to his fabricated identity.
INFAMOUS: The Mulholland Drive Murders
Detectives investigate two brutal 1960s murders, Jane Doe 59 (Riet Jervitsyn) and Marina Habba, seeking public help to identify suspects.
This podcast delves into two unsolved murders from the late 1960s: Jane Doe 59, later identified as Riet Jervitsyn, and Marina Habba. Detective Cliff Shepard initially investigated Jane Doe 59, found stabbed over 150 times, and explored potential links to the Manson family. Marina Habba, murdered ten months later and two miles away, presented similar victimology, raising suspicions of a serial killer. Despite extensive investigation, including DNA technology for Jane Doe 59 and exploring leads like Marina's boyfriend John and a dealer named Spanky, definitive answers remain elusive. Detective Rivera later took over Jane Doe 59's case, believing it separate from Marina's, but both investigations highlight the challenges of cold cases with lost evidence and deceased witnesses. The podcast appeals to the public for any information that could help solve these decades-old crimes.
The Hidden Victims of China's One-Child Policy
A mother's 32-year search for her abducted son highlights China's child trafficking crisis, exacerbated by the One Child policy, leading to reunions and ongoing challenges.
This episode chronicles Li Jingzhe's 32-year search for her son, Jia Jia, abducted in Xi'an in 1988. The narrative is interwoven with the broader context of child trafficking in China, significantly influenced by the One Child policy and a cultural preference for boys. The policy's impact on gender imbalance and the resulting demand for male children fueled abduction and trafficking. The episode also explores the foreign adoption industry, where many abducted children found their way into orphanages before being adopted internationally, often for profit. Nikfi's story as a foreign adoptee illustrates the complexities of identity and reunion. Technological advancements like facial recognition and DNA databases, coupled with policy changes, have facilitated reunions, including Jia Jia's with his mother in 2020. Despite these successes, child trafficking persists, with parents continuing their searches and traffickers adapting their methods.
WANTED: Michael Bullinger
A pilot accused of a triple murder leads authorities on a manhunt, with theories ranging from escape to suicide.
This podcast episode details the case of Michael Bullinger, a pilot accused of murdering his wife, his mistress, and her daughter. The investigation reveals Bullinger's double life and the victims' backgrounds. Following the discovery of the bodies, Bullinger became a fugitive, with his abandoned car containing crucial evidence. A manhunt ensued, focusing on areas where he might have used his wilderness survival skills. Forensic psychology offers insights into his potential motives. Despite extensive searches and the discovery of a suspicious firearm, Bullinger's whereabouts remain unknown, with theories including escape, suicide, or death in the wilderness. The case is ongoing, with authorities seeking information.
Under a Full Moon
Dateline investigates the murder of Shawna TFA, a Vegas cocktail waitress, leading to the conviction of her husband, George TFA, and the confession of Noel Stevens.
This Dateline episode details the murder of Shawna TFA, a Las Vegas cocktail waitress, and the subsequent investigation. Shawna was found murdered in her home by her husband, firefighter George TFA. Initial investigations considered George as a suspect, alongside the theory of a sexual predator due to a previous burglary at the home. A tip led police to Noel Stevens, a homeless handyman known as "Greyhound," who confessed to the murder and implicated George. Shawna's sister raised doubts about George's character. During the trial, detectives provoked George, leading to a car crash, and Noel Stevens testified. George TFA was ultimately convicted of first-degree murder. Later, George confessed to his role, attributing his actions to prescription drug hallucinations.
Kenya’s Wildlife Murder Mystery
Esmond Bradley Martin, a conservationist fighting illegal wildlife trade, was murdered in Nairobi; his unsolved case questions initial burglary theories.
This podcast explores the life and unsolved murder of Esmond Bradley Martin, a dedicated conservationist who spent his life combating the illegal ivory and rhino horn trade. Martin, an eccentric but meticulous geographer, meticulously researched and infiltrated global wildlife markets, providing crucial data that influenced policy changes, including China's 1993 rhino horn ban. Despite his significant contributions, he was found murdered in his Nairobi home in 2018. The initial theory of a burglary gone wrong was quickly dismissed due to lack of evidence, leading to investigations into various possibilities, including his work, property disputes, or personal conflicts. His murder remains a mystery, leaving his legacy in conservation overshadowed by unanswered questions.
Arson and alleged fratricide in New Jersey. New 911 calls in Microsoft employee murder. And sentencing murderers.
This podcast covers true crime cases, NFL insights, and celebrity interviews, including the Canaro murders and the Jared Bridegan case.
This podcast features a variety of segments, including Jenna Bush Hager's interview with Zach Brown on her podcast "Open Book," an inside look at the NFL on the Today Show, and Dateline's True Crime Weekly. The true crime focus includes the complex Canaro family murders and arson case, exploring motives and trial delays, as well as updates on the Jared Bridegan murder, the Brian Walsh case, the Crystal Rogers murder trial, and Chad Daybell's statements. The podcast also touches on sentencing complexities and legal defenses.
The Betrayal of Sandra Birchmore
Dateline investigates the suspicious death of Sandra Birchmore, revealing a police detective's alleged abuse and murder.
This Dateline episode details the suspicious death of Sandra Birchmore, initially ruled a suicide. Her family's suspicions led to an investigation into her boyfriend, police detective Matthew Farwell. Evidence uncovered by the FBI and internal affairs revealed a pattern of grooming, statutory rape, and abuse by Farwell, culminating in his indictment for Sandra's murder. The case highlights systemic failures and the family's fight for justice.
The family matriarch’s defense. A landmark decision in the Gilgo Beach murders case. And a mom hits the road seeking justice.
Dateline covers true crime updates, including the Donna Adelson trial, Gilgo Beach DNA evidence, and the Burning Man homicide.
This Dateline episode covers a range of true crime cases and updates. It begins with an announcement for Dateline Live in Nashville. The team discusses breaking news, including a defendant's court appearance, a mother's confession to aiding her husband in murders, and a judge's ruling in the Gilgo Beach serial killer case. Andrea Canning hosts a weekly docket featuring updates on the Rex Heurman case, a homicide at Burning Man, Barry Morphew's court appearance, and a mother's cross-country advocacy for her daughter's cold case. The Donna Adelson murder trial is detailed, focusing on the defense's opening statements, witness testimonies about her character, and her decision not to testify. The prosecution's evidence, including wiretapped calls and an alleged jail confession, is presented. The defense argues that one-way tickets to Vietnam were to avoid media attention. The episode also covers the Gilgo Beach murders, with a judge ruling to allow whole genome sequencing DNA evidence linking Rex Heurman to the crimes. The defense files a motion to dismiss evidence based on lab licensing, and a trial date is set. Updates are provided on the Barry Morphew case, the University of Idaho murders, and a mother's advocacy for her daughter's cold case. A homicide investigation at the Burning Man festival is highlighted, noting the challenges posed by the event's unique environment. Barry Morphew's bond hearing and the University of Idaho murders crime scene photos hearing are discussed. The episode concludes with a preview of an upcoming Dateline episode and a reminder about the Dateline Live event.
What's next for the Adelsons? A family murder plot in Utah. Plus, should defendants testify?
Dateline covers murder plots, family conspiracies, and faked deaths, with updates on Burning Man and Wisconsin cases, plus legal insights.
This Dateline episode covers multiple true crime cases, including the murder-for-hire plot by Florida's Donna Adelson, who was convicted along with her family. It also details a Utah family murder conspiracy involving Catherine Rustelli and her relatives, and updates on the Burning Man homicide and a Wisconsin kayaker who faked his death. Legal discussions include victim impact statements, limited immunity, and the decision for defendants to testify. The episode also promotes Dateline's live event and upcoming podcast series.
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