The First Degree

This week the girls and the ginger return for another fact-filled frenzy edition of Killing Time! Jac has about one million things to say before we get into the good stuff: Today I Learned! This week: Dolphin name tags, Hangover origins, Narlugas? Then back-to-back listener submitted TIL’s about KFC and eyedrops!! Let’s get it on! 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com

In the early morning hours of October 6, 2009, a 19-year-old woman is shot in her bed as she sleeps in her family’s Milwaukee, Wisconsin home. Immediately after the gunshot, the woman’s mother awakens to the sound of footsteps outside her door. Upon opening it, she comes face to face with an intruder holding a shotgun in his hand. The intruder flees, and the family rushes to the woman’s room, only to find her tragically deceased. Police immediately determine the murder was targeted, yet they struggle to figure out a motive and the case quickly goes cold. In our 300th episode,  Jac and Alexis break down the murder of Ashleigh Love, and her family’s relentless pursuit of truth and justice. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com

Welp, here we go again. The girls and the ginger return, and in the most Killing Time fashion ever, proceed to go on about 100 tangents before we get to our favorite new segment, Today I Learned! Our listener submission today is a fun fact about strawberries! Then! Angler fish reproduction, Five Guys fries, and bird flu! What a time to be alive! 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com

On December 11th, 1978, a 15-year-old boy disappeared after finishing work at a drugstore in Des Plaines, Illinois. Law enforcement was soon on the case and two days later, a search warrant was executed at a family home in the suburbs. But what investigators uncover in the coming weeks and months is beyond their wildest and most grotesque nightmares, as the public is left aghast when one of the country’s most infamous and prolific serial killers is exposed. Someone who killed not just Robert Jerome Piest, but at least 32 other boys and young men. Including 18-year-old Matthew Bowman, the uncle of Megan, one of two First Degree sources interviewed for these episodes. In part 2, a new voice joins the conversation in the form of attorney and author Karen Conti, who represented Gacy in his final death penalty appeal and wrote a book about her experience. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com

Here we go again! The girls and the ginger return for another week of who honestly knows anymore. This tangent-filled episode takes so many twists and turns it’s hard to remember where we started. But one thing remains: this week, you will LEARN! With us! Today I Learned is back, and we’re taking another listener submission about snails! Then! The rejection hotline, horseshoe crabs, and Bill Nye! Let’s go! 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com

In the spring of 1977, 18-year-old Matthew Bowman mysteriously disappeared from a suburban Chicago neighborhood. Matthew’s family immediately knew something horrible had happened, yet he was dismissed as a runaway by local police. Soon the arrest of serial killer John Wayne Gacy and the horrors found in the crawlspace under his house made the news. It was only then that Matthew’s family learned what happened to him. In speaking with members of Matthew’s family, this episode demonstrates how the loss of Matthew at the hands of John Wayne Gacy still reverberates today. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com

Welcome back for another thrilling episode of Killing Time! This week the girls and the ginger are opening up the phone lines for another installment of Today I Learned! Our caller brings another Roald Dahl fact that will definitely surprise you. Then! Nostrils, doorstoppers, and IOS flight tracking. Lots to learn! Plus! Another update on the LISK investigation from who else but our very own Alexis Linkletter! 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com

On February 10, 2002, authorities announce that they have finally determined the manner of Andrew Wieman’s death, and it comes as a surprise to everyone. Instead of bringing much needed answers, the determination only raises more questions for Andrew’s family and friends. Even after 20 plus years, these questions linger without answers, and the concerns continue to weigh heavily on their hearts. In episode 297, Jac and Alexis detail how authorities arrived at their determination, as well as the emotional impact it had on the family. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com

Welcome back for another episode of Killing Time! This week the girls and the ginger are reaching into some current topics including an update on the LISK case, Gypsy Rose, and more! Today on Today I Learned: A bizarre autopsy, schizophrenia in blind people, the origin of the Guinness Book of World Records, and a listener submitted famous last words! 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com

On January 4, 2001, a 20-year-old college student is found dead in his fraternity dorm room on the UC Davis campus. He has suffered 29 stab wounds, two of which are fatal. When authorities look around the room, they find evidence of a possible struggle. But there’s also a piece of paper that appears to be a suicide note. Right away, the campus police rule his death as a suicide. However, the coroner’s office finds the circumstances suspicious and orders a full investigation. Over the following months, authorities struggle to reach a consensus on the circumstances surrounding the student's death. In episode 296, Jac and Alexis break down the investigation into the death of Andrew Wieman, and his family’s fight for answers along the way. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com

This week the girls and the ginger are back for another half-fact-filled episode of Killing Time! In what might be our most intelligent sounding episode, we’re talking about deep ocean aliens, Einstein, space, and so much more that we know nothing about! Then! Today I Learned! We’re talking OJ, Tongues, Eclipses, and a Firstie calls in with another Roald Dahl fact! 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com

On November 2, 2001, a 40-year-old woman is viciously bludgeoned and strangled to death inside her apartment in San Diego, California. Family, friends, and neighbors of the mother of one and passionate advocate for those living with Alagille Syndrome, are stunned and heartbroken, especially her teen daughter. While the killer is quickly apprehended, this doesn’t lessen the pain when his identity is revealed. If anything, it highlights the tragedy of the victim’s loss and only leads to more questions about the disturbing details of her death, with those left behind mourning the passing of someone who still had so much to give. In episode 295, Jac and Alexis detail the sickening murder of Julie Kelin at the hands of Gabriel John Bradway, the dangers of obsession, and why the safest place for perpetrators of such crimes who fail to respect other’s boundaries in such a malicious way is behind bars. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com

This week the girls and the ginger return and we’re killing time in epic fashion! Jac has some spelling struggles, Lex has safety tips, and Jer has frog facts! Today I learned returns! Then! We’re revisiting our new favorite segment “Chat in the Hat” for some topical tangents! Join us! 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com

On April 19, 1973, a 7-year-old girl in Hillsdale, New Jersey, goes out selling Girl Scout cookies in her neighborhood. She knows she’s not allowed far, so when she doesn’t come home her family is instantly on high alert, as are the authorities. A widely publicized search for the youngster swings into action. But three days later, a grisly find brings the hunt to a sudden and devastating end. When the identity of the perpetrator emerges and it’s revealed how he assaulted and murdered his helpless victim, it becomes clear that the little girl didn’t even make it to the end of her street. In episode 294, Jac and Alexis detail the heartbreaking murder of Joan D’Alessandro and her family’s fight not just for justice, but for swift and meaningful legislative reform to prevent the horror they lived through from becoming a painful reality for any other family.Please visit   http://joansjoy.org/ to learn more about Joan's story and  Rosemarie's work.  🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com

Well well well, look who it is! The girls and the ginger return yet again for another episode of Killing Time! This week we’re bringing you more fun facts with Today I Learned, including a very special listener submission! Famous last words, a pringles coffin, extinct bananas, and… eating mummies? Join us! 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com

On June 26, 2009, a 26-year-old college graduate is attacked and stabbed multiple times inside her apartment complex in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The young woman calls 911, and law enforcement arrives on the scene while the assault is in progress. They do their best to gain access and incapacitate the assailant but tragically are unable to save the victim’s life. Her friends and family are shattered when they learn not only how she died, but the identity of the perpetrator. In a twist to the investigation, the attacker attempts to place responsibility for the death with the actions of the officers who responded. In episode 293, Jac and Alexis detail the tragic murder of a young woman by her ex-boyfriend , and discuss how the emotional fallout from fatalities resulting from domestic violence ripples throughout the community in ways that forever change the lives of those whose sole mission is to protect and serve. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com

This week the girls and the ginger return with another half-fact-filled episode of Killing Time! Join us for a special revival of “On the Stand” featuring animal bonding, street meat, and migraines! Then, we’re jumping into some current events since we procrastinated and recorded this episode yesterday! Yeehaw! 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com

In the early hours of January 3, 2009, a 29-year-old man is found shot in his truck outside a bar in College Station, Texas. He’s still alive at this point, so first responders rush him to the hospital, where he sadly passes away. Detectives get to work and quickly identify a suspect - a 36-year-old car salesman with a history of violence. However, detectives struggle to figure out a motive behind the shooting. In fact, the victim and the murderer never even exchanged words. In episode 292, Jac and Alexis delve into the tragic murder of William Rufus Stephens Jr., and his killer’s history of “psycho” behavior. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com

This week the girls and the ginger return for a Killing Time of epic proportions! Today I Learned returns for another fact-filled feature including info about the platypus, Robert Pattinson, and more! Then it’s time for chat in a hat! Strap in! 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com

On the morning of November 29, 2005, a fire breaks out at a Morgantown, West Virginia home, engulfing the quiet neighborhood in chaos. Amidst the smoke and flames, responders discover the badly burned body of a 33-year-old man, lying in his bed. As investigators sift through the evidence, they quickly realize this is no ordinary house fire - it's arson, and the man had been dead before the blaze began. As the investigation continues, the evidence keeps leading investigators back to one person in particular. Someone very close to the victim who had multiple motives to want him gone. In episode 291, Jac and Alexis unravel the harrowing tale of James “Jimmy” Michael's murder, and his family’s journey to justice, and for some, forgiveness. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889🤝 Advice: hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com