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Expect twists, turns and a fresh look at true crime on L.A. Crimes, the latest podcast from L.A. Times Studios. Host Madison McGhee (“Ice Cold Case”) brings you the stories behind the most compelling cases from the people who know them best. Join Madison as she sits down with the journalists behind The Times’ most jaw-dropping investigations, Hollywood crime experts and pop culture personalities for the inside scoop on the scams, celebrity stories, and criminal cases everyone’s talking about. New episodes every Wednesday.
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If you hadn’t heard of Labubus before this episode…we’re jealous. Whether you are on the Labubu train or not, today’s story about a heist involving $30,000 worth of Labubus will capture your attention. L.A. Times Fast Break Reporter Nathan Solis joins Madison with all the wild details.
Neighbors didn’t exactly notice when the reclusive Charles Wilding wasn’t seen coming or going from his home in Sherman Oaks, but when a fiery redhead with a strange story suddenly moved into the quiet man’s estate, alarm bells started ringing. Madison McGhee is joined by L.A. Times Reporter Brittny Mejia to comb through the details of how this woman, Caroline Herrling, was able to manipulate her way to millions, and the trail of bodies she left in her wake.
In the 1970s, Los Angeles was plagued by a series of gruesome murders that seemed to target vulnerable women around the area. Richard Winton joins Madison McGhee to rehash the happenings around these murders and how police were eventually able to track down the culprit behind this murder spree, as well as some recent updates to the case.
One of 2025’s biggest trials focused on the killing of John O’Keefe – a Boston police officer found unconscious in the snow outside a fellow officer’s home after a night of heavy drinking. Detectives zeroed in on O’Keefe’s girlfriend, Karen Read, with whom he had a fraught relationship. But did they prioritize her too quickly? Did they use her as a scapegoat to protect their fellow men in blue? According to Read’s defense team: Absolutely. Madison McGhee is joined by friend of the show Jami Rice to break down the details of the controversial case.
Pandora’s Box: The Fall of L.A.’s Sheriff is a six-part true crime investigation from the Los Angeles Times about one of the biggest law enforcement scandals in U.S. history.Follow Pulitzer Prize–winning reporter Christopher Goffard as he uncovers how Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, once hailed as a reformer, became entangled in a shocking cover-up inside the nation’s largest jail system. From FBI informants and jailhouse brutality to corruption at the highest levels, this series reveals how deputies hid an inmate, intimidated federal agents, and ultimately brought down one of California’s most powerful sheriffs.
When people think of cults they tend to think of a bunch of long haired people in matching tracksuits on a farm somewhere. But the future is now and even cults have gone online. Madison McGhee speaks with Los Angeles Times reporter Nathan Solis about one such group: the 7M TikTok Dance Cult. It’s exactly what you think it is, but also so much more.
On today’s episode, Madison McGhee is joined by Vicky Ward, investigative journalist and co-author of the book The Idaho Four, An American Tragedy. When researching the book, Vicky interviewed hundreds of witnesses and key players in the small town of Moscow, Idaho. This in-depth reporting led her to discover little known details regarding both the victims and the perpetrator, including facts about the night the crime was committed and theories regarding the murderer's motive.
Scott Peterson was convicted in 2002 of murdering his pregnant wife, Laci. Much of his conviction rested on a litany of circumstantial evidence that looked…really not good for him. Fast forward to today, and the L.A. Innocence Project – notoriously picky about what clients it takes on – has mysteriously taken up his case. L.A. Times reporter Harriet Ryan recaps the original murder and explains the new evidence that the Innocence Project is pushing forward.
In 2022, millions of dollars worth of jewelry was stolen out of a Brinks tractor-trailer as the driver slept soundly at an interstate truck stop. In June of this year, the FBI finally broke the case and arrested seven LA-area men. The men are being charged as co-conspirators in one of the largest jewelry heists in U.S. history. Madison Mcghee is joined by Daniel Miller and Richard Winton to break down details of the heist and how the FBI zeroed in on the alleged thieves.
On July 10, 2025, 911 received two calls. The first was from a person witnessing a man climbing over their neighbor’s fence. The second was from the criminal himself while inside the house he had broken into. Police somehow never made it to the front door. Four days later, the bodies of American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband Tom DeLuca were found murdered in the home. Many questions remain. Richard Winton joins the show to answer some of them.
In November 2023, Sam Haskell IV offered to pay day laborers to haul off some heavy bags from his Tarzana home that he said were filled with “rocks,” but when the men decided to open one, they discovered what looked like human body parts. Fast-forward to now, and Haskell – the son of a prominent Hollywood agent – is currently awaiting trial for the murder of his wife and her two parents. Madison McGhee is joined by L.A. Times Reporter Richard Winton break down the story.
In recent years, the L.A. County jail system has seen an uptick in inmate homicides that many have attributed to negligence within the system. Madison McGhee is joined by L.A. Times Breaking News Reporter Clara Harter to talk through the different incidents happening behind bars and what reforms need to be put in place in order to curb these deadly incidents.
In 2016 America was shocked by the apparent kidnapping of 34 year old Redding, California resident Sherri Papini. Papini was “returned” three weeks later, and the kidnapping was eventually revealed to have been a hoax coordinated by Papini herself. This week Madison is joined by podcast host Jami Rice to contemplate why a seemingly happy housewife would plot something so elaborate, and why the decade old story is back in the news.
Sean “Diddy” Combs had been a household name in the Rap and R&B community for years, but these days he’s in federal court fighting multiple charges including sex trafficking. If convicted of all charges, he could face up to life in prison. Madison is joined by L.A. Times Reporter Richard Winton to talk about the full scope of what Combs is accused of, and what the trial has looked like so far.Subscribe for bonus content on Apple Podcasts or by going to latimes.com/podcastbonus
Now that the media dust has somewhat settled, Madison McGhee and unsolved crime aficionado, Alexis Linkletter are here to determine the facts versus the fiction of the chaotic lawsuit between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. They’ll break down the accusations, share their personal takes, and talk about what this could mean for each actor’s career.Subscribe for bonus content on Apple Podcasts or by going to latimes.com/podcastbonus
On this episode, Madison McGhee is joined by the host of the show Love Murder, Andie Cassette, to delve into what happens when a love triangle between a hair stylist, his wife, and an ex-porn star turns murderous. Richard Winton is also back again to bring to light the nitty gritty affair details and what lies ahead for the homicidal hook-up.Subscribe for bonus content on Apple Podcasts or by going to latimes.com/podcastbonus
Jillian Lauren is an author, mother, wife of Weezer Bassist Scott Shriner, and now faces up to 19 years in state prison if convicted of shooting a police officer after a dramatic standoff in Eagle Rock…all while wearing her Weezer band shirt. In today’s episode, Madison is joined by Jake Deptula, host of true crime podcasts Strictly Stalking and LoveLustFear, to break down the events between the cops and Lauren. Later, they’re joined by L.A. Times reporter Clara Harter to dig deeper on Lauren’s undecided future.Subscribe for bonus content on Apple Podcasts or by going to latimes.com/podcastbonus
Tom Girardi was a legal legend—until he was found guilty of stealing millions from his own clients. Host Madison McGhee and pop culture commentator Kiki Monique unpack how his downfall became a Real Housewives scandal, and what Erika Jayne may or may not have known. Plus, L.A. Times reporter Harriet Ryan joins to share how she helped bring Girardi’s crimes to light.Subscribe for bonus content on Apple Podcasts or by going to latimes.com/podcastbonus
On our first episode of L.A. Crimes, Madison McGhee is joined by legendary Dateline host Josh Mankiewicz and esteemed L.A. Times Reporter Richard Winton as the three of them dive into all-things Menendez Brothers, the good, the bad, and the still unknown. New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe for Bonus Content on Apple Podcasts or by going to latimes.com/podcastbonus
From L.A. Times Studios comes its latest series “L.A. Crimes” Listen each week as host Madison McGhee debriefs you on the city's most gripping true crime cases. She’s joined by podcasters, cultural influencers, and our own L.A. Times journalists for the inside scoop on the who, the what, and most importantly, the why. From shocking celebrity lawsuits to Real Housewives fraudsters, “L.A. Crimes” is the place for the true crime news and hot takes you didn’t know you needed. New episodes drop every Wednesday.
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