The FOX True Crime Podcast w/ Emily Compagno

When you think of a cult, you may picture one of the infamous ones. But in actuality, cults are able to hide themselves and operate in a much more insidious manner. Education and communication are two key components for keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe from the harmful influences of cults, so what do we need to watch out for? Executive Director of the Cult Education Institute Rick Alan Ross explains how cults are defined, why they can be destructive, and how people involved can be deprogrammed. Later, he looks back at some of the more memorable cases on which he's been involved. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@fox.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cult leader Jim Jones promised the congregation of the Peoples Temple 'Heaven on Earth' in the form of the Jonestown commune in Guyana. However, the cult would come to a deadly end on November 18th, 1978, with the forced suicide of over 900 men, women, and children. Retired San Francisco Police Captain Yulanda Williams was only 12 years old when her family joined The Peoples Temple. She shares how she was able to escape Jonestown before the infamous massacre, and how her survival shaped the rest of her life. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@fox.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While most of us know Erik and Lyle Menendez from newspapers, magazines, and television screens, not many of us can say we actually know them. Author, speaker, and former Colombo Caporegime Michael Franzese spent 11 months in solitary confinement with Lyle Menendez and knows what it means to have a second chance. He joins to discuss his unique relationship with Lyle and shares his reaction to the potential resentencing of the Menendez Brothers. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@fox.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1122 King Road, Moscow, Idaho was supposed to be the backdrop of a memorable school year for Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves. But in the early hours of November 13th, 2022, the four college students were viciously murdered in the off-campus home. For weeks, the campus was paralyzed with fear until a suspect was finally arrested: Bryan Kohberger. FOX News Digital Investigative Reporter Michael Ruiz and former NYPD Inspector Paul Mauro were on the ground in Moscow, Idaho covering the case. Together, they look back at the gruesome crime, the investigation, and what's next for the accused killer. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@fox.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily revisits her conversation with Vice President at Bevel, Gardner & Associates Ross Gardner for a deep dive into what bloodstain pattern analysis can tell investigators about a crime. Ross lays out the methodology of his profession and discusses the unique perspective that he can provide law enforcement with his line of work. Later, he discusses specific crime scenes he's been involved with throughout his career. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@fox.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In May of 2002, the remains of 24-year-old intern Chandra Levy were discovered in D.C.'s Rock Creek Park. The news rocked the D.C. area, as well as Chandra's hometown of Modesto, California. The case sparked a frenzy of rumors and allegations, exposing a scandalous side of politics. However, despite an arrest and conviction, the murder of Chandra Levy remains unsolved. FOX News San Francisco-based Senior Correspondent Claudia Cowan covered the case at the time and looks back at the infamous case. Later, former NYPD Inspector Paul Mauro provides his expert analysis of the investigation into Chandra's disappearance. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@fox.com Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@fox.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 1980s, conspiracy theories that children were becoming victims of satanic rituals began to spread like wildfire, and mistrust fueled anxieties in schools and neighborhoods across the country. This would later become known as the 'satanic panic.' Professor emeritus of sociology at Grand Valley State University Mary DeYoung explains how moral panics work, the factors that contribute to them, and the role that the fears played in prominent cases at the time. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@fox.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there such a thing as a "perfect crime"? 100 years ago, two teenagers wanted to find out for themselves. 19-year-old Nathan Leopold and 18-year-old Richard Loeb abducted and murdered 14-year-old Bobby Franks within his affluent Chicago neighborhood. The crime of the century became the trial of the century, and the country watched a jury decide the fate of the two murderous teenagers. Author, historian, and Professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice Simon Baatz looks back at the historic murders, and the unprecedented trial that followed, as detailed in his book, For The Thrill Of It. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@fox.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During a life-changing interrogation, Detective Kim Mager exposed the crimes of a serial killer living among them. Thanks to her skillful methodology, the bravery of a surviving victim, and the dedication of all agencies involved in the investigation, Shawn Grate was found guilty of his crimes and is awaiting execution. Retired Detective with the Ashland Police Department Kim Mager discusses the impact this case left on her, and what led her to write the book, A Hunger To Kill. Donate to the Mager Impact Fund HERE. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@fox.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a city like Ashland, OH, dubbed "The World Headquarters of Nice People," it's difficult to imagine anything bad happening. But in 2016, Detective Kim Mager was assigned to the case of Shawn Grate, a man who had just been arrested for kidnapping, raping, and torturing a young woman. During the interrogation, it was discovered Grate wasn't just a sex offender. He was a serial killer. Retired Detective with the Ashland Police Department Kim Mager reflects on her involvement in the case and unpacks her 33-hour-long interrogation of Grate, as detailed in her new book, A Hunger To Kill. Donate to the Mager Impact Fund HERE. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@fox.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether or not you realize it, your body is always talking, even when you're not speaking. Body language can be influential in the courtroom, a time when the stakes couldn't be higher. So what role did body language and physical behaviors have in the televised trial of the Menendez brothers? Clinical and Forensic Psychologist Dr. John Paul Garrison provides his analysis of the body language of Erik and Lyle during their testimonies and explains what their behaviors reveal. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@fox.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On August 20th, 1989, José and Kitty Menendez were shot to death inside their Beverly Hills mansion. The following year, their sons, Erik and Lyle, would be arrested for the murders. The ensuing trial captured the attention of viewers across the country and exposed the hidden familial sexual abuse kept secret by the Menendez family. Award-winning Trial Attorney and Host of the Courtroom Confidential Podcast Joshua Ritter gives an overview of the gruesome murders and provides his legal analysis of the infamous trial. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@fox.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily revisits her conversation with former FBI Special Agent and Founding Partner at NAXO Chris Tarbell for a discussion about the ways we can protect ourselves from cyber crimes. Chris dives into the technological advancements that gave way to the development of 'deep fakes,' and explains how listeners can spot them, and prevent themselves from falling victim. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@fox.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On June 8th, 1989, an affair between an FBI Agent and his informant ended in a deadly rage. FBI Agent Mark Putnam murdered his pregnant lover, Susan Smith, in the coal mining town of Pikeville, Kentucky. It would be a year until his crimes were discovered, thanks to a confession skillfully elicited from within the Bureau. Retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent Jim Huggins joins with a look at the tragic and unprecedented case, the dangerous affair between Mark and Susan, and shares details from Mark Putnam's shocking confession. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@fox.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In America, laws exist that protect residents who use deadly force in circumstances of self-defense. But what do 'Stand Your Ground' laws look like in practical application? And how do these laws vary state-by-state? University of California, Berkeley Law Professor John Yoo provides a deep dive into what 'Stand Your Ground' laws are, their nuanced nature, and the legal protections Americans have in court. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@fox.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For three weeks, Washington, D.C. residents were paralyzed with fear as a series of sniper attacks in October of 2002. Civilians were shot at random, some injured, others killed, with no rhyme or reason behind the attacks. Emily looks back on her conversation with retired U.S. Marshal Bill Sorukas as they discuss his involvement with the case and the crucial role he played in tracking down the shooters. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@fox.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

America is in the middle of an ongoing crime crisis that's devastating families and communities across the country. But how have bad policies at the U.S. Southern border augmented this problem? Retired NYPD Inspector and FOX News Contributor Paul Mauro discusses the factors that have contributed to the country's crime epidemic, from gang violence to murders committed by illegal immigrants. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@fox.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On October 18th, 1931, Winnie Ruth Judd boarded a train to Los Angeles with a bandaged hand and foul-smelling luggage that leaked blood. Once she disembarked the train, she quickly departed, leaving behind her baggage. When police pried open the trunks to inspect the contents, they discovered the bodies of two murdered women, one of whom was dismembered. Author Laurie Notaro shares the life and crimes of the infamous Winnie Ruth Judd. She examines the historical context of the crimes to provide a different, more tragic version of the story as detailed in her upcoming book, The Murderess. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@fox.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What drives a person to commit mass murder? With such a heinous crime, it's difficult to understand the motivations and mental illnesses that exist within a person's mind which lead them to carry out violence on a devastating level. However, research can help explain the existing patterns to better understand the factors at hand and prevent these crimes from happening in the future. Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry and New York State Psychiatric Institute Dr. Ragy Girgis is the curator of the Columbia Mass Murder Database. He provides a glimpse into his research and discusses how we can prevent mass murders today. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@fox.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily revisits her conversation with retired New Haven Police Lieutenant Lisa Dadio to discuss the tragic murder of 24-year-old Annie Le. On September 8, 2009, Annie Le disappeared from a campus lab at Yale University. Five days later, her body was discovered on the day she was to be wed. Lisa shares the gripping details of the investigation, and how it led to the arrest of her killer, Raymond Clark III. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@fox.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices