True Crime with Rachel Shannon

40 Episodes
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Join Rachel Shannon in her quest to advocate for victims of violent crimes through the empathetic retelling of true crime cases. "True Crime with Rachel Shannon" is an expansion of her YouTube Channel where she discusses solved and unsolved cases with a special focus on the victim in each episode.

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Mom Called 3 Year Old "Stupid" & "Ugly" Before Doing Something Horrific to Her
Yesterday at 9:02 PM

In late November 2014, 3-year-old Brielle Gage was rushed to an ambulance. Her mother initially told first responders Brielle had been roughhousing with siblings and suffered a seizure, but investigators later uncovered a much darker family history. This episode examines the disturbing details of the true crime case of Brielle Gage. If you suspect child abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453; if a child is in immediate danger, call 911. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved

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"I Wanted us to go to God Together": Mother Accused of Gruesome Crime Against 2 Young Children
Last Tuesday at 9:02 PM

In April 2026, two children — Kai and Ella MacAusland, ages 6 and 7 — were found dead inside their family home in Wellesley, Massachusetts, hours after their mother arrived at a relative’s house hundreds of miles away, bleeding and hysterical. Her account to police that night, and what she’s accused of doing to her children, shocked investigators; some called it the worst case they had ever seen. Viewer discretion advised. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved

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Parents Lied About Autistic 5 Year Old's Disappearance. Then she was Found in a River
10/03/2026

When John Hayes called 911 on August 30, 2026, he told the dispatcher, "I don't see her anywhere. She must have just escaped." He says it happened in a split second; the girl couldn't speak, so she couldn't call out, ask for help, or identify herself. For the next 22 hours, hundreds of searchers combed the South Carolina coastline for 5-year-old Saylor Hayes. Once she was found, investigators say everything they thought they knew about her disappearance began to fall apart. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved

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3 "Co-parents" Did Untinkable to 7 year old Boy for Weeks. His Grandparents were 1 Day too Late
10/01/2026

On August 6, 2026, Cincinnati police found 7-year-old William Evans‑Ellis bound with duct tape inside a closet. For the nine months prior, three adults who called themselves his co-parents isolated him and exchanged texts about plans to harm him. His grandparents noticed concerning behavior, were denied access, consulted an attorney, and hired a private investigator—arriving one day too late. This video examines the case of William Evans‑Ellis. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved

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School Teacher Made Pregnant by 11 Year Old Student During Horrifying Assaults
09/29/2026

Laura Caron was a fifth-grade teacher and her 11-year-old student was the father of her child. She was deeply embedded in the student's life, and the relationship and paternity were exposed after a Facebook post — for years, nobody knew the child's father was a boy. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved

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Dad Does Sickening Things to His Baby Daughter. Yet Cops Let him Walk free?!
09/26/2026

In December of 2012, 13 month old Poppi Worthington died after being taken into her father's bed in Barrow-in-Furness, England. Within hours, a consultant pediatrician had flagged her injuries as suspicious and contacted children's services. Within days, a senior pathologist told police she believed Poppi had been horrifically assaulted. But then, for almost a year, nothing happened. Evidence was lost, thrown away, or sold. Investigators ignored evidence. Hearing after hearing was held, yet to this day, the man thought to be responsible for Poppi's disturbing death, walks free.

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A Baby was Found in the Back of a U-haul. Then, Autopsy Revealed Sickening Items in His Stomach.
09/24/2026

This episode examines the case of six-week-old Grayson Luncsford. State officials, family, and friends were reportedly concerned about the mother’s behavior; grandparents searched for her and tried to locate her in person. Neighbors noticed a U-Haul truck parked all day and felt something was off. Grayson’s grandfather sent a text hours before the incident that has been described as a haunting foreshadowing. Despite multiple warnings, the infant died.

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Where is Irene Gakwa?
09/22/2026

If you have any information regarding Irene Gakwa’s whereabouts, contact the Gillette Police Department: 307-682-5155. This episode examines the disappearance of Irene Gakwa, a Kenyan immigrant who moved to the United States and went missing in early 2021 after meeting a man online. It reviews the timeline, reporting, and available public information from local and national outlets.

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Where is Jesse Galganov?
09/21/2026

What are your thoughts on Jesse's case? Let's discuss your thoughts and theories down below. Anyone with information regarding Jesse's whereabouts are asked to contact helpusfindjesse@gmail.com

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She Revealed Her Husband's Secrets. Days Later, She was Murdered.
09/18/2026

On the evening of June 9, 2026, Sara Gilson received a call from the Owasso Police Department: a youth basketball coach had been caught with one of his students, another coach intervened, and the coach was on the run. That coach was Sara's husband. Sara publicly accused him of being a pedophile in a TikTok video that was viewed over 17 million times. Days later, Sara Gilson was found dead in her home; her son ran to a neighbor's house to call 911. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233...


Trina Hunt’s Mysterious Murder
09/15/2026

Human remains found in Hope were identified as missing Port Moody woman Trina Hunt. Her family has expressed anger and frustration as the murder remains unsolved. Investigators say they continue to explore every possible avenue three months after confirming the homicide. This video covers the identification, the family’s reaction, and the status of the ongoing investigation. UPDATE: Trina Hunt's murder remains unsolved — no one has been charged with killing her. Her husband faces only the lesser charge of indignity to human remains, with a trial not expected until late 2027. The national security angle has added a baffling new layer to a...


She Woke up From a 2 Year Coma to Reveal Her Own Killer
09/12/2026

When Wanda Palmer was viciously attacked with an axe in her own home, investigators quickly hit a dead end. They suspected who was responsible but lacked the evidence to prove it, and the small community resigned itself to never seeing justice. Years later, one morning the truth that had been locked inside Wanda’s head suddenly wasn’t, setting off a roller-coaster investigation that those involved will never forget. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved

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Gabriel Davies Went from Missing to Murderer
09/10/2026

On August 31, 2022, 16-year-old Gabriel Davies disappeared after a weekend camping trip with a friend named Justin. Following a police investigation, Gabriel later reappeared but was in poor condition. Around the same time, a 51-year-old man was reported missing and was subsequently found dead in his home. This episode examines the timeline, available evidence, and whether the two cases may be connected, drawing on charging documents and multiple news reports. UPDATE: Both Davies and Yoon, now 17, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder as part of a plea agreement. Prosecutors dropped additional charges of first-degree burglary and unlawful gun possession. Both teenagers are...


Obsessed Stalker Drove Across The Country To Murder Podcast Host
09/09/2026

This episode examines the case of Zohreh and Mohammed, compiling reporting and public records from Inside Edition, KOMO News, NBC News, the City of Redmond, BuzzFeed News, Fox26 Houston, The Independent, the Daily Mail, and the New York Post. The video presents the known facts and local reporting, outlines the investigative timeline and developments, and highlights key details reported by multiple outlets. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved

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She Warned Them About Her Dangerous Ex. Then, a Mother and Daughter were Killed
09/05/2026

She survived a shooting and gave sworn statements to police, but it still wasn't enough. In December 2022, Meshay Melendez was assaulted and shot at by her boyfriend, Kirkland Warren — a man already facing numerous other charges, including an unresolved murder charge. Investigators ran a danger assessment that scored so high it broke the scale. In the weeks that followed, Warren was repeatedly released from jail; the second release came four days before Meshay and her 7-year-old daughter, Layla Stewart, disappeared without a trace. The episode examines whether more could have been done to prevent their deaths. If you or someone yo...


She Hired A Hitman to Take Out her "Friend's" Wife
09/03/2026

Coverage of the indictment of a Knoxville woman accused of attempting to hire a hitman in a murder-for-hire plot. UPDATE: Sasser pleaded guilty to using interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire. On September 18, 2024 U.S. District Judge Thomas A. Varlan sentenced her to 100 months (8 years, 4 months) in federal prison, plus 3 years of supervised release and $5,389.31 in restitution. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved

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Russian Fugitive Poisons Doppleganger to Steal her Identity and Hide from her Violent Past
09/01/2026

On Saturday, August 28, 2016, Olga Tsyvk invited Viktoria Nasyrova to her home for a "lash emergency." Viktoria brought a slice of cheesecake; immediately after eating it, Olga lost consciousness and spent three days in the hospital. After her release she discovered she had been robbed, and a police investigation revealed that Viktoria led a secret life marked by lies, deception, and criminal activity. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved

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5 Year Old's Trip to Disneyland ends in Horror
08/29/2026

On the night of April 21, 2017, a father took his 5-year-old son to Disneyland. Security cameras recorded them leaving hours later, but by the next morning the boy was missing. The ensuing search across Southern California lasted more than two months and was accompanied by public records revealing bitter disputes and disturbing allegations. As investigators uncovered more, the case grew darker and more sinister. This episode examines the true crime case of Aramazd Andressian Jr., known to family and friends as "Piqui." #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved

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The Hidden Photos From The Dating Game Killer / Rodney Alcala, Part 2
08/27/2026

A further examination of the Rodney Alcala case, focusing on photos released by the Huntington Beach Police Department and the investigation into possible additional victims. Sources referenced include The Killing Game: The True Story of Rodney Alcala (Alan R. Warren) and reporting from the Los Angeles Times, The Mercury News, Orange County Register, and Patch. #RodneyAlcala #TrueCrime #HuntingtonBeach

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The Dating Game Killer / Rodney Alcala's Story Part 1
08/25/2026

I explore today the disturbing history of Rodney Alcala, a serial offender who infamously appeared on the reality show The Dating Game. This first part of a two-part series details early crimes, subsequent legal proceedings, and the systemic failures that allowed a dangerous individual to evade accountability for years. #TrueCrime #RodneyAlcala #KillingGame

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She Tried Blaming a 2 Year old for her Baby Girl's Violent Murder... But Cops Knew the Truth
08/22/2026

A tiny baby girl is rushed to the hospital with severe head and body injuries. Doctors suspect foul play due to the extent of her injuries. Her mother claimed the injuries occurred when she put her baby down for a nap and later found her on the floor, suggesting her 2-year-old child was responsible. Investigators uncovered inconsistencies in the mother’s account and behavior, leading to a darker turn in the case. Join the discussion on the true crime case of Thea Wilson. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved

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Man Found After 10 Years Of Faking His Identity
08/20/2026

This bizarre true crime mystery examines the disappearance of Robert Hoagland, who vanished from his Connecticut home in July 2013 without a trace. For nearly a decade, his family had no idea what happened to him. Then, in December 2022, police discovered his body in Rock Hill, New York—and uncovered a shocking secret. Hoagland had been living there under the name Richard King, even keeping his real identity hidden from his roommate. Investigators found no signs of foul play, but the mystery remains: why did Robert abandon his old life and disappear under an assumed name? #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved

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Mom Blames Vaccines for Twin Babies' Death... But Cops Uncovered the Truth
08/19/2026

For months, Andrea and Nate Shaw were at the center of a tragic story as grieving parents whose 18-month-old twins, Dallas and Tyson, died shortly after receiving routine vaccinations. Their narrative resonated within the anti-vax community, used to argue that vaccines can harm children. However, investigations revealed inconsistencies in the timeline, symptoms, and circumstances surrounding the twins' deaths, ultimately leading to a shocking revelation about the truth. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved

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Catfish Killer Tricks Date Then Savagely Murders & Dismembers Her
08/15/2026

The Tragic Case of Ingrid Lyne. On April 8th, 2016, Ingrid informed friends she was going on a date with a man named John. When she did not return home to her children, her family grew concerned. This tragic case culminated in the discovery of her decapitated head in a recycling bin. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved

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Monster Parents Charged With Murder Of 255 Pound 7 Year Old
08/13/2026

On November 4th, 2025, first responders were called to assist 7-year-old Casper O'Brien, who had suddenly become unresponsive. Upon arrival, they encountered a home in horrific condition, leading to the discovery that Casper had been hidden from the outside world. This true crime case delves into the shocking events surrounding Casper's situation and the evidence that resulted in his parents being charged with severe crimes. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved

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Was This A Murder For Hire Plot?
08/10/2026

In this video, we explore the murder case of Jared Bridegan, examining the circumstances surrounding the crime, potential suspects, and the latest developments in the investigation. UPDATE: This case is about to reach its climax. Fernandez’s trial begins this month, and Gardner’s follows immediately after. Both face first-degree murder charges and potential life sentences. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved

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She Threw her Baby off the Balcony to "Get Rid of Her Demons"?!
08/08/2026

On an October morning in Galveston, Texas, a passerby discovered a 17-month-old baby girl unresponsive on the sidewalk outside a beachfront hotel. First responders found her alone, with no parent present. Investigators uncovered troubling details, including surveillance footage, physical evidence, and witness statements, all leading to one suspect: the person meant to protect her. This video explores the true crime case of Hannah Yonko. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved

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Fatal Camping Trip Ends in Gunfire
08/05/2026

This true crime case examines the controversial shooting death of Peter Spencer, a Jamaican immigrant who was killed during a camping trip in rural Pennsylvania. Investigators concluded the shooter acted in self-defense after an armed confrontation, and no criminal charges were filed. However, Spencer's family strongly disputes that conclusion, arguing the evidence tells a different story and continuing to seek justice. In this episode, we break down the timeline, the witness statements, the forensic evidence, and the unanswered questions at the center of one of Pennsylvania's most debated homicide cases.

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Two Wrongful Convictions. Who Really Killed Kent Heitholt?
08/05/2026

In this video, we explore the case of Kent Heitholt's murder and the accusations against Ryan and Charles. UPDATE: Both men convicted of this murder were almost certainly innocent — one exonerated and awarded nearly $49 million, the other paroled after 18 years. But Kent Heitholt's murder remains unsolved 25 years later, with his family still waiting for real justice. #TrueCrime #KentHeitholt #Podcast

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Did Lewis Bennett Murder His Wife, or is She Lost at Sea?! The Case of Isabella Hellman
08/01/2026

On May 14, 2017, Lewis Bennett, 42, a dual citizen of Australia and the UK, and his wife Isabella Hellman, 41, a Delray Beach real estate agent, departed Cuba on their catamaran Surf Into Summer during a belated honeymoon. At around 8 p.m., Bennett had Hellman take over the helm for a night watch without requiring her to wear a life jacket, harness, or personal locator beacon. He claims he woke up to a loud noise and found the helm unmanned and his wife gone.

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Evil Mom Throws Her Baby in the Trash, Leaves him to Die
07/30/2026

In a seemingly ordinary parking lot, a car pulls in and leaves within seconds. Hours later, a faint sound from a nearby dumpster leads to a shocking discovery of an abandoned baby. This video delves into the subsequent investigation and the unsettling truths that emerged through intense questioning. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved

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Police Ignored 10 Calls to Report a Stalker Inside Her Home
07/28/2026

Connie Dadkhah tried to warn the police about her stalker. And then he murdered her. Was this all preventable? UPDATE: On April 28, 2026, Chambers was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for second-degree murder, plus an additional two years for false imprisonment, to be served consecutively. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved

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Mom Hated her Baby's "Ugly Face". So She Killed Him
07/25/2026

Maddox Williams, born 11 weeks premature, tragically did not survive the very people meant to protect him. His life was mired in instability and chaos, with numerous warnings about his safety. Despite concerns, he was returned to his mother's care, who had previously expressed disdain for him. In June 2021, after suffering severe injuries, Maddox was admitted to the hospital under suspicious circumstances. Medical experts determined that his injuries could not have been inflicted by a dog or a child. This true crime video explores the heartbreaking case of Maddox Williams, the evidence presented at trial, and the tragic chain of failures...


Boyfriend Kills Her Roommate While She Stands By
07/22/2026

In this video, we discuss the tragic case of Alexis Crawford, a Clark Atlanta student who filed a sexual assault report shortly before her disappearance. UPDATE: a case stuck in legal limbo. Both defendants remain charged but untried after six years of pretrial legal battles. National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 #AlexisCrawford #TrueCrime #JusticeForAlexis #SexualAssaultAwareness

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She Poisoned Her Friend Because she was Jealous of Her?!
07/19/2026

In this video, I talk about the devastating murder of Mirna Salihin. The fact that she poisoned her in public and could just sit there and watch. Something about that just makes my stomach churn. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved

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He Told Her That She Should Be in the Kitchen Baking. So She Set Him on Fire...
07/18/2026

A night meant for reunion among lifelong friends turned into a horrifying act of violence on January 7th. After heavy drinking, tensions escalated when one friend told the only woman in the group she should be in the kitchen baking scones. This led Corbie Walpole to threaten to set her friend Jake Loader on fire, a threat that tragically became reality, leaving him in agony. In this true crime case, we explore the events leading to this act, the aftermath investigations, and Corbie's response to her actions. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved

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How a Rolex Solved The Murder of Ronald Platt and Uncovered a Life of Lies
07/16/2026

In today's video, we explore Ronald's case, drawing on insights from a range of credible sources including Crime and Investigation, various newspapers, historical articles, Globe and Mail, Boss Hunting, Macleans, History Daily, Medium Crimebeat, and local press articles about notorious killers. #RonaldCase #TrueCrime #NotoriousKillers

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These DEADLY Mistakes Lead to the HEINOUS Murder of Tech CEO Pava Lapere
07/15/2026

The case inspired legislation in Maryland to eliminate diminution credits (The Pava Marie LaPere Act) for first-degree sex offenders. Billingsley pleaded guilty to first-degree murder of LaPere, as well as the attack on Hurley and Gilmore. He was sentenced to three life sentences.

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Ex-Boyfriend Couldn't Stand That She Decided To Leave Him
07/12/2026

Kathleen Moore, known as "Kit Kat," was 34, working as a bartender/waitress, and pursuing a phlebotomy degree to become a nurse. She was last seen spending time with her best friend Nikki and her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Colin Knapp... UPDATE: The case is fully resolved. Collin Knapp is serving life in prison for the first-degree murder of Kathleen. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 #truecrime #casesolved #kathleenmoore

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OnlyFans Model Admits to Killing Man in Twisted Fetish Encounter
07/11/2026

A middle-aged man paid over $11,000 for an extreme fetish encounter, leading to his death shortly after. This case has ignited a debate about consent, personal responsibility, and the legal boundaries surrounding dangerous sexual activities that end in tragedy. We explore the case of Michaela Rylaarsdam, an OnlyFans creator and escort, who became the center of a homicide investigation following the incident during a BDSM session. The complexities of this case reveal much more than what initially meets the eye. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimesolved #solved #unsolved

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