True Crime Arizona

This week on True Crime AZ Live, Investigators Derek Staahl and Courtney Johns tackle the case of the mysterious "wandering man" of Idaho, and it's surprising connection to the Chicago Tylenol murders of 1982 wherein at least seven people died after consuming extra strength Tylenol laced with cyanide. Afterwards, Derek gives an update on the court cases playing out for Caleb Flynn, the accused in the American Idol contestant's murder trial-- and the grand jury's decision regarding the death of Nolan Wells, an 18 year old found dead after a boating trip with friends.

This week on True Crime Arizona, Investigator Morgan Loew covers a 34-year-old case out of Mesa of a mother losing her child after he was murdered-- then going on to befriend him years later. After an overview, we'll interview the mother herself, Debbi Edwards, as she recounts the events in her own words. Plus, in tonight's Cold Case Spotlight, True Crime AZ Live Reporter Courtney Johns dives deep into a decades-old case of a dead man found abandoned in a graveyard... wearing nothing but socks. We'll also speak to the director behind the documentary "The Coward", a tale of...

The jury in the Lindsay Clancy case has been sent home without reaching a verdict after the defense argued to have one juror removed, claiming they failed to follow instructions. Host Derek Staahl sits down live with Criminal Defense Attorney Josh Kolsrud to analyze what this means for the trial. Plus, updates directly from the family of a 92-year-old former Maryland State Trooper who has admitted to killing his wife in Goodyear. Then, the FBI has established a $25,000 minimum reward to help solve dozens of cold cases in Native American communities. Several Arizona cases are highlighted, including Emily Pike...

Nicole Crites breaks down this week's biggest cases, starting with the Lindsay Clancy triple-murder trial verdict and a live analysis of her postpartum psychosis defense with criminal attorney Josh Kolsrud. We also examine the chilling psychology behind the Montana family massacre and its Arizona connection with forensic psychologist John DeLaTorre. Followed by True Crime headlines on Bryan Kohberger’s bid for a new trial, Day 9 of the Tupac Shakur murder trial, a new $25,000 reward in the Rachel Hansen cold case. Finally, we cover the Netflix docuseries "The Death of the Pastor's Wife".

New details emerge in the Lindsay Clancy trial as closing arguments draw near. Plus, shocking true crime headlines: a local man faces severe charges after allegedly setting his ex-girlfriend on fire, and the search intensifies for Alisa Goods - a grandmother from New York who vanished during a trip to Las Vegas. Her family shares the disturbing, cryptic text messages sent from her phone. Then, it has been 12 years since the brutal unsolved murders of elderly couple William and Barbara Singer in North Phoenix - archival footage and new interviews with detectives and loved ones who refuse to let...

Morgan Loew breaks down breaking news in the West Valley where police discovered buried human remains in a Litchfield Park backyard, sparking a manhunt for the missing family's son. We also dive into the major update on the infamous 1996 Gary Triano resort car bombing following a judge's ruling that his ex-wife, Pamela Phillips, will remain behind bars for life. Plus, we analyze the tragic breakthrough in Coconino County, where remains found in Sycamore Canyon were identified as missing Sedona resident Yolan Miller. And true crime headlines, including the Lindsay Clancy trial and an Illinois clown-costume murder suspect.

On this episode of True Crime AZ Live, host Morgan Loew talks to local criminal defense attorney Brenna Fisher about the 2022 killing of Tempe ballerina Colleen Hoopes and why the trial involving her husband has been delayed until 2027. They analyze possible defense strategies and how “intruder” claims can be used in court. Plus, the preliminary hearing involving singer d4vd is underway – we’re joined by a local forensic psychologist to discuss the added “celebrity” dynamic in the case. Then, True Crime headlines: a Mesa woman accused of stabbing her 82-year-old husband, new details involving the mysterious death of Mississippi...

Nicole Crites breaks down the Charlie Kirk assassination case, recapping Day 4 of the rare, weeklong preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, the Utah man charged in Kirk’s killing. We’ll also bring you a case update on the shocking “Ohio House of Horrors” investigation involving 16 children found in extreme conditions, plus True Crime Headlines including updates on Nolan Wells and Lynette Hooker.

Nicole Crites is tracking the breaking case out of Glendale and Phoenix where police say a mother shot at a local sports bar before killing her two children and taking her own life. We’ll also discuss Netflix’s new documentary “The Crash”. Plus the latest true crime headlines, including a 30-year cold case arrest and updates from the Kouri Richins trial.

In the season finale, Jodi Arias sends true crime correspondent Briana Whitney a personal email, all while running an exclusive blog from prison keeping everyone up to date on her life. For the first time in many years, she addresses her case - where her appeal stands now and key players she claims wronged her. Travis’ friends grapple with the emotions they’ve felt since losing him, how they felt learning Jodi has a blog, and everyone we interviewed for this podcast season provide their theories and beliefs on Jodi’s motive. 

Now that the second ransom deadline passed from the alleged abductor(s), the FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Department are making a plea to the public as there has been no persons of interest or suspects identified. True crime correspondent Briana Whitney and chief investigative reporter Morgan Loew discuss the statement the FBI sent the True Crime Arizona team, what Savannah Guthrie and the family are saying on Day 9 of the search, and where investigative efforts stand with evidence and forensic testing. 

We’re live with the latest developments in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping investigation in Tucson, Arizona. The FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirm they are reviewing a second ransom note received Friday by our sister station, KOLD-TV. Join us as we break down what this means for the investigation and what authorities are saying tonight.

Briana Whitney was live from Tucson, Arizona with the latest information into the investigation surrounding the disappearance Nancy Guthrie, the mother of TODAY show host Savannah Guthrie, for the new episode of True Crime AZ Live.

Watch the episode here

After months in the courtroom in 2013, the jury must decide if Jodi Arias is guilty of murdering Travis Alexander in cold blood or self-defense. But that isn’t the only decision they have to make. The case takes a dramatic turn when Travis’ family and Jodi herself address the jury about the potential of a death sentence. Two jurors take us behind-the-scenes revealing what was said during the hours in the deliberation room.

In January 2013 the trial begins for Jodi Arias, drawing in unprecedented media and crowds outside the courthouse. But the drama outside was nothing compared to what was unfolding inside the courtroom: a fiery prosecutor and unusual defense makes for soap-opera exchanges every day. All hell breaks loose when Jodi herself takes the stand for the longest defendant testimony in US history, leaving the jurors with a lot to think about. 

Jodi Arias is arrested for the murder of Travis Alexander and interrogated by police, in what becomes an extremely odd and bizarre interview from her. She adamantly claims she was not there and would never hurt Travis, but evidence on the digital camera left at the crime scene says otherwise. Jodi begins doing media interviews from jail, where her story changes by the day. She befriends another inmate and confides in her, all before the bombshell trial was set to begin with a twist no one saw coming. 

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 ra...

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...

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.

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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 afte...

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 ki...

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 ye...

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...

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. 

In 1965, Charles Schmid became infamously known around the nation as “The Pied Piper of Tucson” after being arrested for the murders of three vanished girls. Their remains were found, and his trial skyrocketed into national news headlines, magazine, and even Playboy. But one young girl watched this unfold in front of her eyes as she slept next to the Pied Piper, her husband. Diane Schmid was married to Charles, and for the first time in 60 years, the widow reveals everything she saw during that time. Was he her one true love? Or does she see him as a monster?

All four of Gabby Petito’s parents—both biological and step—sat down with True Crime Arizona ahead of the Netflix docuseries release on the case. They share who last saw and talked to Gabby of the four of them, what was happening with Gabby right before the "Van Life" trip, and aspects they’re revealing in the new docuseries that nobody has known about the case before. They also share more about the advocacy work of the Gabby Petito Foundation, and why a specific missing persons cause brought them to Arizona.

It was an unexpected role reversal! Briana sits down with Mark McClune, the sports director and anchor at 3TV and CBS 5. Why? Because Mark was almost chosen to serve on the jury for a conspiracy to commit murder trial with the death penalty on the table. The case itself is wild: A secret lover, coded text messages, parents at the wrong place at the wrong time, and the targeted victim transitioning from a woman to a man. Mark reveals what the jury selection process was like and what extreme questions he had to answer that nearly got him a...

It’s a case that involves GPS tracking devices, cryptic messages, and a plan to flee the country. After the State of Arizona files their intent to seek the death penalty against a murder suspect, the True Crime Arizona team learns no media or news outlet has ever reported on this case. How? We take you behind the scenes of uncovering who the two victims are, the details of what happened in this case that led up to their deaths, and the dramatic capture of the man allegedly responsible for it all.

If you or anyone you kn...