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Killer Genes

Author: Killer Genes

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Host Melissa McCarty is an Emmy nominated investigative journalist with more than 20 years of true crime experience. Covering both solved and unsolved cases, She traveled the country confronting accused and convicted killers while also shedding light on the heartache violent acts cause. What sets her apart is the compelling storytelling and unique access to the people involved in each case which gives a 360-degree view of the crimes told directly from the source: the victim, their loved ones, experts, law enforcement, and the killers themselves. Melissa had two friends murdered at a young age and lost her brother suddenly and recently, giving her space to personally understand grief and violence. 


58 Episodes
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A young French au pair came to London chasing language lessons and adventure—then vanished into the twisted paranoia of the couple who employed her. When neighbors saw black smoke rising from a garden, firefighters uncovered a horror so bizarre it defied belief. This episode unravels how a shared delusion, jealousy, and control turned a home into a torture chamber, exposing the dark psychology behind folie à deux and the cracks in the system that failed Sophie Lionnet. 
Did a teen gamer plot to kill the girl he was stalking? In the quiet town of Cranford, New Jersey, a Monday evening turns tragic when a speeding SUV slams into two 17-year-old best friends on E-bikes— Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas — killing them both. The driver, 17-year-old Vincent Battiloro, wasn’t just any teen. He was a gamer with a large online following — and in his own livestreams, he’d ranted about Maria, mocked her family, and hinted at revenge.  This episode features transcripts from those live-streams, now key evidence in a case that’s stunned a community and raised a haunting question: Was this an accident — or a premeditated double murder? #truecrime #truecrimestories 
In 2016, a six-year-old’s 911 call led police to a grisly triple homicide in Fullerton, California. Jennifer and Christopher Yost, along with a family friend, were gunned down in their own home. The killers weren’t strangers — they were tied to the Yosts’ teenage daughter through the “furry” community, and what began as a forbidden romance spiraled into an unthinkable plot. Plus an update in the fitness model death case out of Harlem, New York: a model and influencer has been indicted after a series of domestic violence calls turned deadly.  #truecrime #truecrimestories 
When 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found in the trunk of a Tesla registered to rising star David “d4vd” Burke, a death investigation began that’s shaken LA and the internet alike. In this episode, we break down what’s confirmed, what’s still rumor, and what the science of decomposition says about whether a recent concert video could really show Celeste alive. We dive into the timeline, the legal options prosecutors have, for who ever is responsible, even without a cause of death, and why, instead of sinking D4vd's career, the headlines have only fueled Burke’s streaming numbers. Where does the case go from here? A family searches for answers, an artist is innocent until proven otherwise, and will his artistry depictions interfere with facts? #truecrime 
In this episode, we dive into the chilling true story of Edward Theodore Gein—the quiet Wisconsin farmer whose crimes shocked 1950s America and reshaped the horror genre forever. Known as the “Butcher of Plainfield,” Gein robbed graves, fashioned macabre trophies from human remains, and murdered two women who reminded him of his domineering mother. We’ll trace his childhood under Augusta Gein’s iron rule, explore his descent into isolation and obsession, and walk step by step through the murders of Mary Hogan and Bernice Worden. Along the way, we’ll reveal why historians view Gein not as a “typical” serial killer, but as a deeply disturbed figure whose compulsions blurred the line between grief and monstrosity. Finally, we’ll examine his legacy—from the courtroom to the silver screen—where his real-life horrors inspired some of cinema’s most iconic villains, including Norman Bates, Leatherface, and Buffalo Bill. This is not folklore. Not rumor. This is The REAL Ed Gein. #truecrime #Edgein #realstory #truestory
Two women—both charged with murder after their boyfriends are fatally stabbed. One says suicide; the other says self-defense. We track two high-profile cases and what jurors are asked to believe. Appleton, Wisconsin: the “kill-and-kiss” case of Samantha Krebs and Joseph “Joey” Carnot. The medical examiner couldn’t call it homicide or self-inflicted. Hear both sides and the verdict.  New drama unfolding In Miami, Florida: OnlyFans model Courtney Clenney (aka “Courtney Tailor”) awaits trial in the 2022 stabbing death of Christian “Toby” Obumseli. She says she threw a knife out of fear; prosecutors point to an elevator fight video, secret audio recordings, and forensics they say tell a different story—plus courtroom behind the scenes antics over privilege breaches and a motion to disqualify the prosecutor and the DA's office. Are both sides playing fair? We break down the evidence, the timelines, and the stakes. #Krebs #Clenney #Onlyfans #truecrimestories #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimepodcast #killergenes #law #trials #murdernews
Former prosecutor and author Matt Murphy maps the legal pathway from homicide to becoming a death penalty case. If the evidence is proven in court - Why Charlie Kirk's alleged shooter qualifies, the aggravating factors and how mitigation is weighed. Plus how “social influence” or online encouragement is treated at law. We also discuss potential liability for people who knew of plans in advance—conspiracy, solicitation, and aiding-and-abetting—versus protected speech. Educational discussion only; all individuals are presumed innocent. #charliekirk #tylerrobinson 
Just in: The Haro family secrets laid bare. Prosecutors say a father with a prior child-abuse conviction—who got probation in 2018 after an infant was left permanently injured—should never have been free, a “system failure” they argue set the stage for tragedy. On the mother’s side sits a 2017 Palm Springs bathtub murder tied to her brother’s conviction; on the father’s side, a 2021 coroner-confirmed overdose. Now, with murder and false-report charges filed, deputies keep searching for 7-month-old Emmanuel’s remains as reports of a jailhouse confession emerge. This episode maps the full lineage of dark secrets—and how investigators say it all converges on a potential no-body case. #truecrime #Emmanuel #EmmanuelHaro #truecrimepodcasts
Operating in the shadows—and in plain sight—organized cartels are turning human beings into a supply chain: children sold for sex, bodies targeted for organ harvesting, families shattered at the border. Investigators warn the demand is driven in large part by the U.S., and past border politics have only intensified the danger. In this episode, Ali Hopper, co-founder of GUARD Against Trafficking, pulls back the curtain on how these networks really work, who profits, and whether lawmakers are finally moving beyond speeches to action. She also shares what parents and communities can do now to spot grooming, disrupt recruitment, and protect kids.   #truecrime #humantrafficking #Border #immigrants #Organharvesting #crimestories #truecrimepodcasts
When Navy JAG officer Nicholas Kassotis went on trial for the brutal murder and dismemberment of his wife, the courtroom expected a defense grounded in law. Instead, jurors were told a story that belonged in a screenplay. Kassotis claimed an FBI agent—one who never existed—had been investigating mysterious vandals and secret threats against the couple. Kassotis even took the stand insisting this phantom agent shaped his life and career. Prosecutors countered with chilling evidence of premeditation, including a shovel, knives, and cleaning supplies bought before his wife’s murder. In the end, jurors had to decide: was this the desperate delusion of a guilty man, or the truth of a husband facing forces no one else could see? #KillerGenes #Kassotis #FakeFBIAgent #murder #wifemurdered #MindiKassotis #truecrime #truecrimecommunities #truecrimedocumentary #truecrimepodcast 
A respected California doctor. A burning mansion. A husband’s alibi that didn’t hold up. Six months later, murder charges—and a story of marriage, money, and fear that ends in tragedy. Plus, a second case where a man kills his ex-wife because she “deserved it” after allegedly murdering his current wife. Two shocking stories of domestic abuse turned deadly, from California to New York, both racing toward trial. #truecrime #domesticabuse #Shedeservedit #killerconfessions #California #newyork #northcarolina #horror #horrorstories #truecrimecommunities 
Was it an occult sacrifice? A thrill kill? Or something even darker? In this chilling episode, Melissa unpacks the brutal murder and dismemberment of 22-year-old Jaren Lockhart — a young mother lured off Bourbon Street by a twisted couple obsessed with death and control. What happened next is almost beyond comprehension: from body parts washing ashore to a possible satanic motive tied to a rare celestial event. Melissa shares exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from covering what she calls the most disturbing case of her career, and explores the common undercurrent of predatory behavior in tourism-fueled cities like New Orleans and Las Vegas — places that blur lines between pleasure, power, and danger. Content Warning: Graphic descriptions of violence, ritualistic elements, and personal stories of trauma. #neworleans #Louisiana #Mississippi #occult #ritual #blackmagic #scarystory #scarymysterystories #Horror #horrorstories #foryoupage #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #sincity #lasvegas #scarytruestories #criminalcases #scaryspookystories #crimetok #truecrimetok #killergenes #terryspeaks #margarestsanchez #Jarenlockhart #Bourbonstreet #Melissamccarty 
He was a respected dentist. A father of six. A man of faith. But behind closed doors, Dr. James Craig of Colorado was living a double life—plagued by financial ruin, secret addictions, and a mistress waiting in the wings. In this gripping episode, we unravel the shocking murder of Angela Craig—a devoted mother slowly poisoned to death by her husband’s own hand. Prosecutors say he laced her smoothies all while pretending to care for her at her hospital bedside. You’ll hear courtroom testimony, heartbreaking victim impact statements from Angela’s children and siblings.  #Poison #Husbandkillswife #truecrime #crime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimestories #truecrimepodcasts #realstories #podcasts #dentist 
Two teens in New York spent over 30 years in prison for a murder they didn’t commit — and yet, they confessed. In this episode, we dive into the psychology behind false confessions, the interrogation tactics that lead to them, and how the truth finally came to light. Then, we shift to a no-body murder conviction: Jerry Meek was sentenced to life for the presumed murder of his wife, Hope Meek — despite no body, no confession, and no witnesses. We dissect the court documents and explore whether justice was served or if a wrongful conviction is still unfolding in a case that has a small Oklahoma City perplexed.  #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #hopemeek #Brianboles #Newyork #Oklahoma #Killergenes 
What really defines a serial killer—and are we getting it all wrong? Former Orange County Deputy District attorney and author of The Book of Murder, Matt Murphy, joins us to dismantle the outdated myths and shed light on today’s most chilling predators. From prosecuting Rodney Alcala—aka “The Dating Game Killer”—to unpacking eerie parallels between Alcala, Ted Bundy, and Bryan Kohberger, this episode dives deep into the modern face of evil. Murphy delivers sharp insights on what truly makes a psychopath, and doesn’t hold back on hot takes—from the Maurene Comey firing to the P. Diddy trial and where it went wrong? And the legal circus surrounding Luigi Mangione.  A gripping and enlightening listen, you’ll walk away with a whole new framework for understanding criminal minds—prosecution and the evolving definition of darkness. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #crime  Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.
Murder by Fire: A Fatal Fire Forensic Expert Breaks Down Two Explosive Cases exclusively.  What really happened in the Ozarks when Ted Throneberry was murdered and his wife vanished without a trace? And what secrets were engulfed in flames in the California desert when 18-year-old Becky Friedli, her mother Vicki, and boyfriend Jon Hayward were killed in a house fire—with Becky’s body found burning in a wheelbarrow? In this gripping episode, fatal fire forensic expert Dr. Elayne Pope—known for her groundbreaking cadaver research and work with law enforcement—joins us to dissect two headline-making cases: 🔥 Case One: The rural Arkansas mystery of Ted Throneberry, a beloved husband whose death unraveled a shocking trail of deception and betrayal. 🔥 Case Two: The 2006 Pinyon Pines triple homicide, where two men were ultimately convicted—one a decorated war hero—but questions of guilt still haunt both sides. It’s an inferno of secrets, told through the lens of forensic science, psychology, and truth. Dr. Pope shares insights into how fire reveals the final moments of the victims—and whether those moments were staged or real. Two cases she helped crack.  #truecrime #scarystories # truecrimecommunity #truecrimepodcasts  Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.
The breaking conviction in the Crystal Rogers case may have brought headlines—but not closure. Her remains are still missing, and a chilling trail of bloodshed continues to haunt her family. In this episode, we explore the lingering questions: Why was Crystal targeted, what was the motive and who murdered her father, Tommy Ballard? Plus, two breaking stories: – A shocking murder-suicide in Wisconsin where a beloved couple was gunned down in their home by their adult son. – The re-arrest of Barry Morphew in the high-profile disappearance of his wife Suzanne—with disturbing new evidence pointing to animal tranquilizers. This is true crime through the eyes of a veteran journalist who has covered the darkest corners of real-life tragedies. Subscribe for breaking stories and in-depth cases from those involved.  #truecrime #crystalrogers #tommyballard #barrymorphew #suzannemorphew #murdermystery #unsolvedcases #crimepodcast #murderpodcast #breakingnews #truecrimenews #crimejunkie #investigation #journalism #truecrimecommunity #familymurder #murderinsmalltown #hauntingcases #truecrimestorytelling #coldcase #scarystories Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.
Can You Spot a Lie—or Get a Killer to Confess? In this gripping episode, we sit down with legendary former homicide detective Fil Waters, known nationwide for extracting confessions in the most unthinkable cases. With decades of experience behind the badge, Waters reveals what it really takes to read a suspect, spot deception, and guide a killer toward the truth. 🔎 Learn how to identify the physical and verbal cues of a lie 🧠 Go inside the proven interrogation tactics used to crack the toughest criminals 🗣️ Hear chilling real-life stories of murderers who confessed—sometimes when you least expect it This is more than true crime—it’s a psychological journey into human behavior, motive, and manipulation. Subscribe now for firsthand stories from those who lived it, solved it, and survived it. Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.
From the U.S.–Mexico border to the southern coast of Australia, two disturbing headlines have captured international attention. In this episode, we break down the horrifying discovery of 400 bodies found in a Mexican border town—raising questions about cartel violence, missing migrants, and mass graves. Then, we shift to Port Lincoln, Australia, where a former Beauty and the Geek reality star has been charged with the brutal murder and dismemberment of her boyfriend—just one day after his birthday. Two different worlds. One chilling theme: the darkness people are capable of. #truecrime #breakingnews #mexico #australia #murdermystery #crimestories #dismemberment #realitytvcrime #killergenes #truecrimepodcast #truecrimedocumentaries #foryoupage #storyteller  Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.
An exclusive interview with a convicted killer, which I've done many in the past throughout my career, but this one lead to an unexpected confession and details of the "Why" and "How" he did the act, plus how he intentionally sent detectives on a wild hunt for a made-up serial killer to buy himself two years of freedom. He was convicted without a confession. David Hoshaw killed his fiancee Angelique, 35 and her mom Vonda Goyena 74, minutes apart in the middle of the night because he wanted to be with another woman. Mom and daughter had a special bond, "Angel" was the youngest of 4 siblings, she was her mom's caretaker and that's why they lived together. Angel was planning to marry Hoshaw when he decided to end her life and her mom's instead of simply breaking up with her.   Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.
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Comments (5)

Andraelle Snyder

I think he should look at Jenn Carpenter from Michigan for CrimeCon. She is a true crime author, host of true crime podcast True Dead and owner of true crime book store in Lansing, MI Dead Time Stories among many other things she does!!!

Mar 18th
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Lisa Smith

what she is saying is so true my aunt and uncle moves to Florida and they God dementia they have company there that even church's and take guardianship of these elders don't allow family to visit or call. we had no idea this even happened it's so they do that so they then can take all there assets. to think people are like this in the world

Jan 1st
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le

Based on the comments by the lie detector analyst, and the language they look out for, it sounds to me like lie detector tests are extremely racist, and do not take into account any difference in language or speech. Just another reason why they're absolute junk I guess

Sep 13th
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dachiggaman

hope he stressed abstinence to his nieces and nephews. and was he going to be a sex educator?

Jun 22nd
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Jennifer S

He is disgusting. I have no words.

Mar 6th
Reply