Claim OwnershipTrue Crime Arizona
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Arizona’s Family journalists Briana Whitney and Serjio Hernandez take a deep dive into both unsolved and solved cases around Arizona — retracing steps, uncovering new evidence, and revealing new theories from those involved in the investigations.
168 Episodes
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It’s June 2008. While Jodi Arias showed up late on a road trip to a work conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, Travis Alexander never showed up for his trip to Cancun, Mexico. Friends were concerned what happened to both of them, but Jodi eventually made it to Utah. When no one could get ahold of Travis, friends went to his Arizona home to check on him, and made a horrific discovery. The investigation begins, all while Jodi pens erratic and emotional entries in her journal before an arrest is made.
In 2006, a young entrepreneur Travis Alexander was living in Mesa, Arizona and met a girl he was interested in at a work conference: Jodi Arias. The two would begin an on-and-off relationship for years riddled with sex and guilty pleasures, something they kept a secret due to Travis’ Mormon faith. Their toxic chemistry led to strained friendships, odd behaviors, and concern from their loved ones. When friends thought Jodi and Travis were done and both had moved on, a missed call changes everything.
This is the first episode in a six-episode season of "Obsessed: Unraveling Jodi Arias"
In a special Halloween-themed episode, host Briana Whitney interviews a paranormal investigator about some of the most haunted places in Arizona and the spirits they’ve had encounters with, interviews a longtime researcher about the famous 1997 Phoenix Lights phenomenon, and explores the odd tale of an unsolved Flagstaff murder with a possible skinwalker to blame.
The State of Arizona executed mass murderer Richard Djerf on October 17, 2025. Djerf killed four members of the Luna family inside their Phoenix home in 1993 to get back at a coworker. The murders were particularly gruesome. True Crime Arizona host Briana Whitney was chosen to be a media witness to the execution, and details the process from start to finish of what happened, Djerf’s correspondence with her in the days leading up and his final words, to the emotions she and other witnesses felt after the execution was over.
In late May 2025, Phoenix teenagers Pandora Kjolsrud and Evan Clark were innocently camping at Mount Ord, an area of the Tonto National Forest in Arizona. When nobody could get ahold of the teens after they were supposed to be home, deputies found the two shot multiple times and dragged behind a trail. For months, the investigation into their murders went cold, until DNA revealed a prime suspect. Turns out, that man had already inserted himself in the investigation to help detectives. We unravel who suspect Thomas Brown is, what deputies and the victims’ families are saying about the seemingly random killing, and where the case stands now.
The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has shaken the American political landscape. In this special crossover episode between True Crime Arizona and Politics Unplugged, Morgan Loew is joined by political editor Dennis Welch and true crime correspondent Briana Whitney for an in-depth discussion on the investigation into the killing and the political and social ramifications now and moving forward.
On New Year's Eve 2021, Ben Anderson abruptly cancelled brunch with a friend then disappeared. His friends found his car in a Phoenix hotel parking garage with strangers driving it but couldn’t find Ben. Hours later, not only is Ben’s car found torched and abandoned, but his body is found on fire in the Arizona desert 30 miles north. For years, there have been no developments in the case, until now. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has identified the father and son duo they say was involved in Ben’s murder but many questions still remain. We dig deeper about who these suspects are, what criminal history they have, and Ben’s best friend gives an interview about what he remembers from that fateful night now that some things are answered. But the motive or connection between the suspects and Ben remains unknown…
In highly-anticipated parole hearings, infamous brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez were both up for parole last week after being resentenced for the 1989 murders of their parents Jose and Kitty Menendez. After two of the longest parole hearings in Californai history, both brothers were denied. But…there was a lot more that went into the denial and why the board says they can try again in 3 years. For the first time in decades, we hear Erik Menendez describe the murders himself, and learn what California governor Gavin Newsom has been thinking, who holds all the power in this case.
A group of 5th graders in Surprise, AZ hatched a detailed plan to murder their fellow classmate and cover their tracks. Thankfully, they were caught before they could carry it out. True Crime Correspondent Briana Whitney sits down with reporter Micaela Marshall, who interviewed the victim’s parents for the first time. Marshall details her investigation, what happened to the child suspects, and where the case stands now.
Bullying prevention resources:
https://www.azed.gov/wellness/bullying-prevention
https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/get-help-now
https://www.speakstandsave.com/resources-general
https://asatonline.org/for-parents/education/lifespan/resources-bullying/
Lori Vallow Daybell is sentenced for her Arizona crimes after the death of her husband and attempted shooting of her niece’s ex-husband. But before sentencing day, Lori gives her final interview to true crime correspondent Briana Whitney, revealing information she hasn’t before. On sentencing day, family members who have survived this carnage for six years share their heart, anger, and grief with the court ahead of her sentence. Lori is given one last opportunity to make a statement to the judge, and she does. The judge then finally gets to share his thoughts and feelings with everyone after months of dealing with the Lori Vallow Daybell circus.
In June 2025, former domestic violence detective John Byrd finally learned how long he will spend behind bars in Arizona for the murder of his wife, Elizabeth Byrd. He killed her while their three young kids were home sleeping, then disappeared until he was caught later that day. But before he would learn his fate, drama unfolded in unexpected ways during the sentencing hearing, Elizabeth’s family pleaded with incredibly emotional words to the judge for the maximum sentence, and John Byrd stood up and addressed the court too - the first time he’s spoken since taking his wife’s life.
In a chilling jailhouse interview, suspect Adam Sheafe details how and why he killed and crucified beloved New River, AZ pastor Bill Schonemann. Sheafe had a master plan to kill and crucify 14 pastors around the country. His motive? Belief in the Old Testament, and that anyone who teaches about Jesus deserves to die. True Crime Correspondent Briana Whitney sits face to face with the confessed killer, and learns the depth of his disturbing criminal mindset and calculated plan.
He’s notorious for causing one of the longest prison standoffs in U.S. history, and now Ricky Wassenaar is a confessed killer. In April 2025, three inmates were killed at a Tucson prison complex, and the sole suspect: Ricky Wassenaar. From prison, he calls True Crime Correspondent Briana Whitney and describes not only how he killed the other inmates, but why. He says it was justified and explains his reasoning. Meanwhile, Chief Investigative Reporter Morgan Loew investigates security concerns, and sits down with the director of the Dept. of Corrections to ask what went wrong that allowed this mass killing to happen, and if they department will be changing things moving forward.
It’s the number one true crime podcast in the world – Crime Junkie hosts Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat give True Crime Arizona’s Briana Whitney an exclusive interview ahead of their live tour stop in Phoenix. They touch on everything from how the podcast started with humble beginnings, which episode helped solve a case, the responsibility of creating content in this industry, and most importantly, had a big update in a high-profile unsolved Arizona case: the disappearance and murder of Alissa Turney. The girls are now on a Crime Junkie nationwide live tour, something they have dreamed of for years.
Lori Vallow Daybell was found guilty of conspiring to murder her 4th husband, Charles Vallow. What came in the moments and days after the verdict was the jury learning about all the other deaths and murders that surround her, Charles Vallow’s family sharing words of relief and after what they witnessed in the courtroom, and an exclusive sit down interview with Lori Vallow Daybell herself in jail after the verdict. No questions are off limits, and what she has to say is stunning.
Another wild week in court with an unexpected ending. True Crime correspondent Briana Whitney and True Crime Arizona photographer Shane Egan have been in the courtroom together and break down the big testimony from week 2. This is where we get into eye-opening text messages and emails, and locations of what and where everyone went while Charles Vallow was dead on the floor. Then…the unexpected: both sides rest at the same time. We bring you everything you need to know before closing arguments and verdict watch.
Spirits, zombies, text messages, and gunshots. True crime correspondent Briana Whitney and Arizona’s Family reporter Zach Prelutsky break down and analyze all the biggest testimony from the first week of Lori Vallow Daybell’s murder conspiracy trial for the death of her husband, Charles Vallow. Listen to memorable moments from witnesses on the stand so far as this unprecedented trial unfolds.
Just days before her high-profile trial is set to begin in Phoenix, so-called “Doomsday Mom” Lori Vallow Daybell sat down for an interview with True Crime Arizona. “I’m fighting for my life here,” she told True Crime Arizona correspondent Briana Whitney. She’s set to represent herself in a murder conspiracy trial in the 2019 death of her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, who was shot to death by her brother Alex Cox. He claimed self-defense at the time and died from natural causes months after the shooting. A jury has been seated, and opening statements are scheduled for Monday.
For the first time, the public has access to nearly all of the once classified files in the John F. Kennedy assassination, after President Trump order they all be released. With an expected nearly 80,000 pages, experts and researchers on the case have given insight into some of the biggest revelations they’ve learned as they sift through the new information. A case expert and member of the declassification task force take us through the new details: what the CIA knew about shooter Lee Harvey Oswald before the assassination, who lied under oath to the government, and what information appears to still be missing.
A mother's discovery on her son's phone launched an investigation that discovered a terror plot against the Pride Parade in Phoenix. Guest hosts Morgan Loew and Cody Lillich delve into the intricate details of this case, how 17-year-old Marvin Jalo's radicalization led him to plan an attack, and how investigators worked tirelessly to prevent a potential disaster. This episode explores the complexities of online radicalization, the legal proceedings, and the efforts of law enforcement agencies to protect public safety.
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I truly don’t like being critical, but earlier episodes I thought were much better. I could hear people talk more clearly because the music was not as loud and distracting. And Brianna seemed more relaxed in her interviewing and commentary but now seems like she’s reading off of something very slowly.
I’m obsessed with this podcast. I’ve listened to most episodes. I’ve just noticed in the last couple that the music is too loud and distracting.
I really enjoy True Crime Arizona podcast. I think Brianna is a excellent journalist. This episode, the music was a bit too loud. I’m glad the FBI is investigating Jon flowers. He is a narcissistic psychopath. He acts like he’s a spy, pretending to be somebody he’s not and enjoys the deception. He is extremely dangerous. He said himself, there are multiple bodies buried. If it was only the two young women, he would say a couple bodies. There are definitely more bodies out there. 
I’m just perplexed that there were any live bullets anywhere nearby . I don’t understand why that happened at all. There should have been no live bullets to get mixed in with the non-lethal bullets. I don’t get that 
I thoroughly enjoy this podcast in general, but I especially liked these series of episodes about MMIW. Thank you for speaking up for people that can’t speak for themselves as easily. 
James Ray should’ve gotten manslaughter! He left the scene instead of helping people, and instead went back to his room?!?!Absolutely unbelievable and shameful  !
Whenever somebody is described as charismatic, I think of Conmen . I am very cautious about people that are described as charismatic. It seems to be a major personality trait for conmen and cult leaders. 
One good point, the grandmother of Elizabeth should’ve been looked at closer
This woman talks with too much useless detail in my opinion. For example, her over explanation about her hamburger diet, etc. In order to explain how she ran into this pregnant woman at Jack-in-the-Box when she was going to have a hamburger binge before she goes to her doctor; WEIRD. i’m getting red flags from her. She’s not innocent in my opinion. There is something she is hiding with all of this abundant detail 
I suspect that she was having sex with this man willingly, maybe in exchange for a ride or food,who knows. He got tired of her and killed her. The man she was seen with at the truckstop, probably a psychopath and he’s the one who killed her. That’s what I think. 
I also find it hard to believe that if he was sleepwalking, that he conveniently had a knife with him?! 
This interview cleared up some questions I had. I really enjoy this podcast. 
Furthermore, I’m skeptical. I know I’d need to meet her for myself, but I sense she is a master manipulator and trickster; using her charm and feminine woes to con people. For example, She did it with the psychiatric facility.I believe she played a part in the murders willingly, at a bare minimum.
Maybe I missed it, but I didn’t hear a clear motive of why she would kill her best friends or why her lover would kill her best friends was it to keep the affair quiet? Because I don’t believe that. I feel there was something else going on .
It does seem rather odd that he would have a knife, conveniently located to stab his wife while he’s sleepwalking, was my first thought. It sounds to me like he had a lot of pent-up anger, and he directed it at his wife intentionally or unintentionally. 
I especially enjoyed the discussion about  how to manage inmates . There’s a good point to be made about preparing inmates to be released into society again.  it’s a lot more complex than I thought. Fascinating episode. 
How did patron(s) at the restaurant not see something amiss? Was there not a smell permeating out of the car?
I have a hard time understanding how the homeowner didn’t hear anything prior to the girl screaming.
What is the point of talking abt the baby at the burger joint?
Just curious. Could a fellow police officer obtained the rifle from the trunk?