True Crime Deep Dives

40 Episodes
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By: Ed O'Leahy

Welcome to True Crime Deep Dives! We're your hosts Joey Bonnard and Marley Di Castro, let's explore gripping true crime stories, featuring in-depth case analysis, unsolved mysteries, and real-murder investigations.SUBSCRIBE for daily true crime stories on the most intriguing criminal cases.

Mother's Milk: A Family Tragedy of Betrayal and Bloodshed
#62
Today at 12:00 PM

This true crime account details the tragic murder of celebrated Houston chef Mary Bell Russell in March 2021, initially appearing as a break-in but ultimately revealed to be committed by her terminally ill 16-year-old daughter, Sophia. The narrative explores the dysfunctional family dynamics that led to the event, including Mary Bell's refusal to fund Sophia's experimental cancer treatment, falsely claiming the money was for the family dog's medical care, while secretly transferring it to her sous chef and lover to cover his gambling debts. The source chronicles the police investigation, which initially considered the ex-husband and the sous chef as suspects...


Oregon Fire: Mother Murders Children for Freedom
#61
Last Monday at 12:00 PM

This podcast episode recounts the tragic deaths of Leela and Jackson Morgan, two children who perished in a house fire in Ultimate, Oregon, in September 2022. The narrative details how their mother, Calgary Morgan, and her boyfriend, Dennis Whley, were responsible for setting the fire, driven by a desire for life insurance money and a fresh start without the children. The investigation uncovered damning text messages and evidence of Calgary increasing the children's life insurance policies just before the incident. The episode follows the arrest, trial, and conviction of Calgary Morgan for aggravated murder and arson, and Dennis Whley's plea deal...


The Ballad of Hannah McGraw: Faith, Forbidden Love, and Family Fury
#60
Last Saturday at 12:00 PM

The podcast details the tragic murder of 18-year-old Hannah McGra in Beckley, West Virginia, who was found shot 17 times in her family's backyard. Initially appearing senseless, the investigation uncovered a secret affair Hannah had with a married youth pastor, Michael Daniels, and years of abuse within her strict, religious family at the hands of her father, Mark McGra. The narrative reveals that her parents, particularly her father, reacted with extreme rage upon discovering the relationship, leading to Hannah's death. Ultimately, her father, Mark McGra, was convicted of first-degree murder, highlighting a community grappling with secrets, control, and faith. The aftermath...


The Sins of Iowa Park
#59
Last Thursday at 12:05 PM

The source details the shocking murder of 16-year-old Kaye Ellis in Iowa Park, Texas, a case that initially appeared as a typical teenage mishap but quickly unraveled into a web of familial deceit and betrayal. It recounts the discovery of Kaye's body in her family's garage and the subsequent police investigation that led to the uncovering of secret relationships involving both Kaye and her mother, Rhonda, with their youth pastor, Chase Harmon. The text outlines the arrest and trial of Kaye's parents, Rhonda and Mark Ellis, who were ultimately convicted of first-degree murder for her brutal beating death, driven by...


The Children of The Summer Storm_ A Springfield Tragedy
#58
08/11/2025

This podcast details the tragic murder of Avery and Noah Maddox by their mother, Jenna Maddox, in Springfield, Missouri. It recounts the discovery of the children's bodies by a neighbor after a storm, the subsequent police investigation, and the unraveling of a complex web of secrets, including Jenna's struggle with alcoholism and bipolar disorder, and her affair with Daniel Boyd. The narrative highlights the children's vibrant personalities and dreams cut short, leading to Jenna's confession and conviction for first-degree murder, with Boyd also receiving a sentence for conspiracy due to his involvement. The source concludes by describing the aftermath for...


The Daughter's Diary: A Family Secret Unveiled
#57
08/09/2025

This audio podcast details the tragic murder of 15-year-old Emily Ross, initially presented as a well-liked teenager living in a seemingly normal small town in Tennessee. The source chronicles the investigation into her death, revealing her father, Rob Ross, as a controlling and abusive individual. His secret affair, discovered by Emily, is identified as the catalyst for the fatal beating. The transcript covers the police investigation, including the crucial discovery of Emily's diary, the interviews with her mother and Rob's mistress, and ultimately, Rob's arrest, trial, and conviction for first-degree murder, providing a comprehensive account of the crime and its...


Timberland High Tragedy: Teacher's Affair, Student's Murder
#56
08/07/2025

The source details the brutal murder of 18-year-old high school student Michael "Mikey" Bennett in Wentzville, Missouri, in April 2022. The investigation uncovered a secret sexual relationship between Mikey and his English teacher, Andrea Monroe, which ultimately led to her husband, Jeremy Monroe, committing the murder out of jealousy and rage. Jeremy tracked Mikey's location using a GPS app, confronted him in the woods behind the school, and fatally stabbed him. Andrea was later found guilty of unlawful sexual conduct and as an accessory to the murder, while Jeremy received a life sentence for first-degree murder. The community grappled with the aftermath...


The Tragic End of Mason and Leila Reed
#55
08/04/2025

This true crime case file details the tragic 2019 murders of Mason and Leila Reed in Shaunie, Oklahoma. It recounts how their mother, Brandy Reed, under the influence of drugs and desperation, injected her children with a paralyzing agent, believing it was a mercy after discovering her boyfriend, Dylan "Dilly" Parks, planned to sell them. The text outlines the discovery of the children's bodies in coolers, the investigation leading to Brandy's arrest, and the subsequent trial and conviction where she received two life sentences. It also touches upon the roles of Dilly Parks and Dr. Harvey Klein, a former veterinarian entangled in a black m...


The Unraveling: A Mother's Betrayal
#54
08/01/2025

The provided text recounts the tragic true crime story of Jessica Lynn Carter, a 14-year-old girl from Katy, Texas, who was strangled to death by her mother, Cheryl Anne Meadows. Jessica's body was discovered wrapped in a pink tarp near a drainage canal, a week after she went missing. The investigation uncovered Cheryl's elaborate deception, including a fabricated girlfriend named "Kendall" and the purchase of expensive Taylor Swift concert tickets, which deeply impacted her finances. Ultimately, Cheryl confessed to killing Jessica after her daughter discovered messages related to Cheryl's attempt to sell her for money. Cheryl Anne Meadows was convicted of f...


The Savannah Grace Morgan Murder: Purity, Betrayal, and Judgment
#53
07/23/2025

This true crime account details the brutal murder of 18-year-old Savannah Grace Morgan in Statesboro, Georgia, at the hands of her mother, Becky, and stepfather, Carlton. The narrative unfolds with the discovery of Savannah's burned body in the family's backyard fire pit, leading investigators to uncover a disturbing motive rooted in extreme religious beliefs and purity culture. The parents' violent outburst was triggered by a private video involving Savannah and her stepbrother, Travis, which was shared without her consent and reached her mother. The story concludes with the conviction of Becky and Carlton for first-degree murder, highlighting the tragic consequences of their tw...


Snyder's Shadow: The Jace Hollowell Murder
#52
07/21/2025

We detail the shocking murder of Jace Hollowell, a promising high school football player in Snyder, Texas. It chronicles the discovery of his body, the subsequent investigation by Detectives Serena Mlan and Ludovic Ames, and the uncovering of Jace's secret relationships with his assistant football coach, Derek Mansfield, and his best friend, Tanner Weekes. The text explains how Mansfield drugged and killed Jace to prevent their relationship from being exposed, leading to Mansfield's arrest, conviction, and life sentence. Finally, the source touches upon the aftermath of the tragedy on the lives of those involved and the Snyder community.


The Franklin Betrayal: A Teacher's Tragic End
#51
07/11/2025

We recount the tragic murder of Jessica Harper, a beloved elementary school teacher in Franklin, Tennessee, in August 2017. It details the discovery of her body and the initial police investigation, which quickly focused on her husband, Daniel Harper, a police sergeant, and his 19-year-old son, Tyler Greene. A shocking twist emerges with the discovery of a hidden camera recording the murder and explicit communications between Daniel and Tyler, revealing a secret sexual relationship and Tyler's manipulation of Daniel. The narrative culminates in Daniel's confession and arrest, his subsequent murder trial and conviction, and Tyler's trial and sentencing for his involvement...


Colby Kansas Murders: A Twisted Love Triangle
#50
07/09/2025

We provide a chilling true crime narrative from Colby, Kansas, focusing on the May 2015 murder of Wendy Maynard, a well-liked hotel manager. The investigation quickly uncovers a secret, illicit love triangle involving Wendy's son, Jay Keller, and her stepson, Luke Maynard, alongside a third individual, Raymond Pickens. As authorities piece together evidence like deleted digital communications and confessions, the motive for Wendy's murder, and two other related killings, appears to be the teenagers' fear of exposure regarding their hidden sexual relationships. The narrative follows the discovery of the crime, the police investigation, the arrests, and culminates in the trial and...


The Librarian, The Lover, and The Lies
#49
07/07/2025

This document tells the true crime story of Eunice “Nana” McRae, a 72-year-old librarian from Airdrie, Alberta, whose murder in August 2018 uncovered a shocking human trafficking ring. The narrative details how her disappearance led to the discovery of her body buried along a local trail, revealing a complex conspiracy involving her estranged son, her best friend, and a travel agent. Ultimately, the investigation exposed a scheme where elderly white women were sold into sexual slavery in Japan under the guise of "grey-only" tours, culminating in the arrest and conviction of Brenda Liu-Javorsky for Eunice’s murder and her role in the tr...


The Dana Point Horror: An Obsession Unearthed
#48
07/05/2025

We provide details on a true crime case from March 2021 where Sienna Klass and Marla Jensen, a lesbian couple, were found brutally murdered after what was supposed to be a romantic getaway in Dana Point, California. Their bodies, discovered in an abandoned avocado grove, showed signs of ritualistic violence, burning, and possible cannibalism. The investigation quickly uncovered a hidden bunker, shocking GoPro footage, and a series of unusual suspects before ultimately leading to the arrest and conviction of Roman Delacroix, a "post-human performance artist" with disturbing ideologies. The narrative also tracks the lives of other individuals involved in the case...


The Rose Petal Murder of Round Rock
#47
07/03/2025

We chronicle the disturbing true crime case of Kelsey Thomas, an 18-year-old found deceased in her grandfather's bathroom in September 2017. The narrative details Kelsey's life and her discovery of a shocking secret involving her grandfather and his fiancée, leading to her murder. It follows the police investigation, including the identification and questioning of multiple suspects, ultimately revealing a staged crime scene and a hidden video as crucial evidence. The text culminates with the perpetrator's arrest, a high-profile trial, and subsequent sentencing, concluding by describing the aftermath and lasting impact on those involved and the Round Rock community.


The Highway 3 Cooler Murders
#46
07/01/2025

This true crime account chronicles the tragic murders of Mason and Layla Reed in Shawnee, Oklahoma, in May 2019. The narrative details how the children, aged 17 and 14, were found deceased in coolers along a highway, having been injected with a paralyzing drug by their drug-addicted mother, Brandi Reed. It explores the complex motivations behind the crime, including Brandi's financial struggles, her volatile relationship with boyfriend Dillon "Dilly" Parks, and his sinister plan to sell the children alive, which seemingly prompted Brandi's desperate act. The text also touches upon a disgraced veterinarian, Harvey Klein, who was involved in an organ trafficking scheme...


The Sunset Secret: An Ocala Tragedy
#45
06/29/2025

This comprehensive account details the tragic murder of 18-year-old Caleb Rowen in Ocala, Florida, at the hands of his mother, Diane Rowen, in early 2016. The text meticulously unfolds the police investigation, from the discovery of Caleb's body in a koi pond to the identification of the murder weapon and the subsequent questioning of suspects, including Caleb's mother and his boyfriend, Marcus Ellison. It highlights the deeply troubling role of religious intolerance and homophobia in the family dynamics leading up to the crime, particularly Diane's disapproval of Caleb's sexuality and her interactions with a youth pastor. The narrative culminates in Diane...


The Viral Murder of Lily Moran
#44
06/27/2025

This true crime account details the tragic murder of Lily Moran, a young adopted girl whose death was intricately linked to her adoptive parents' family vlogging YouTube channel. It explores how the parents, Crystal and Teejay Moran, allegedly exploited their children for online fame and financial gain, ultimately leading to Lily's death by overdose from cold medicine. The narrative also highlights the crucial role of Lily's older sister, Jada, whose secretly recorded footage exposed the abuse and manipulative practices behind the seemingly wholesome family vlogs, leading to Crystal's conviction for first-degree murder and Teejay's plea deal for manslaughter. The text...


Poisoned Potluck: A Kentucky Family Betrayal
#43
06/25/2025

This true crime account details the 2016 murder of Trina Louise Dillard in Bowling Green, Kentucky, who was poisoned with cyanide in a dish of chicken and dumplings. The narrative describes Trina’s transient lifestyle and the discovery of her body, leading to a police investigation that uncovered familial tensions within the Dillard household. Ultimately, Trina's sister-in-law, Holly Jean Dillard, was convicted of the murder, with her husband, Travis Dillard, serving as an accessory, revealing a complex web of betrayal and jealousy exposed through digital evidence. The text follows the legal proceedings and the aftermath for those involved, highlighting how hidden fa...


The Florida Family Massacre
#42
06/23/2025

A podcast about the brutal family massacre that occurred in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in June 2017, focusing on the Reilly family murders. It describes the victims—Doug, Melissa, and their two sons, Tyler and Brandon—and the grisly discovery of their bodies. The narrative then follows the police investigation, which initially considers two suspects: Lance Rivers, a male entertainer with whom Melissa had a flirty text relationship, and Tanya Brewster, Melissa's best friend and next-door neighbor. A significant twist is revealed when a second phone belonging to Melissa exposes her secret romantic relationship with Tanya, and an anonymous message is sent to L...


The Son Who Loved Her to Death
#41
06/21/2025

This podcast details the tragic murder of Candace Leanne Morris in July 2019, focusing on the investigation and subsequent conviction of her 16-year-old son, Tanner Morris. The sources explain how Candace's death, initially staged to appear as an overdose, was revealed to be strangulation, leading police to suspect Tanner. The narrative explores the complex mother-son relationship, Tanner's jealousy over his mother's new boyfriend, and the potential influence of a religious neighbor, Leslie Brantley, who was initially suspected of aiding in the cover-up but never charged. Ultimately, Tanner's journal entries and confession secured his conviction for second-degree murder, resulting in a 30-year...


The Fantasy Girlfriend: A Mother's Deadly Betrayal
#40
06/19/2025

This podcast provides an overview of a disturbing true crime case that unfolded in Katy, Texas, in March 2023, resulting in the murder of 14-year-old Jessica Lynn Carter. The narrative chronicles Jessica's disappearance and the subsequent discovery of her body, detailing the initial investigation that considered her ex-boyfriend and her mother, Cheryl Anne Meadows, as suspects. A pivotal twist is revealed when investigators uncover Cheryl’s elaborate deception: her supposed girlfriend, Kendall Bishop, was entirely fabricated. The texts explain how Cheryl’s desperation over financial issues and the desire to attend a Taylor Swift concert with her fictional partner led her to a...


Sunset Palms Murder
#39
06/17/2025


Lake Isabella: Death of an Eagle Scout
#36
04/04/2025

The true crime podcast is an episode focusing on the 1979 death of Eagle Scout Timothy White at a summer camp in Lake Isabella, California. The narrative introduces Timothy, a promising teenager, and the discovery of his body at the base of an incline. The episode outlines the initial investigation by Detectives Hamby and Brixton, the questioning of fellow scout Joey Castiglleion, and the subsequent scrutiny of scout leader Vu Alberts due to alleged personal issues and a rumored relationship with Timothy's mother, Tammy White.


Cruise Ship Killer: Love Triangle Tragedy
#35
04/02/2025

The podcast details the shocking murder of Ray Trusca aboard a cruise ship during his 20th-anniversary celebration in 2001. The episode, titled "Secret Gay Love Triangle Turns Deadly on Cruise Ship," uncovers a complex web of clandestine relationships involving Trusca, his wife Dina, a colleague named Bob Hackles, and another man, Carl Bowhines. The narrative follows the investigation by the FBI, highlighting the discovery of crucial evidence and the interrogation of the suspects.


Winterset: Sheriff or Serial Killer?
#34
04/01/2025

This source presents a true crime podcast transcript detailing the unsettling events that transpired in Winteret, Iowa, in late 1998. The narrative centers on a series of brutal murders of teenage girls that shocked the small town. Initially, suspicion fell on a boyfriend, but the investigation soon took a dramatic turn when the local sheriff became the prime suspect.


Open Marriage, Bath Salts, and a Brutal Orlando Murder
#33
03/30/2025

The provided text from a true crime podcast transcript details the tragic murder of Danielle and Ian Shaughnessy, a couple known for their open marriage lifestyle and involvement in a documentary about polyamory. The episode recounts the discovery of their bodies by their daughter, the initial police investigation that considered family and friends as suspects, and the subsequent focus on Steve Bowwick, who was found to have met the couple at a swinger's club.


Santa Clarita House of Secrets: The Greta Hansen Murder
#32
03/28/2025

This episode recounts the disturbing 2011 murder of Greta Hansen, a 19-year-old Swedish housekeeper in Santa Clarita, California. The narrative details the discovery of her body in the Pratt family's attic and the subsequent investigation led by Detective Tina Borst. Initial suspicions of suicide were quickly dismissed, revealing a brutal homicide and a complex web of secret relationships involving Greta and all three members of the affluent Pratt family: Wendell, Jackie, and Brady. Evidence, including Greta's diary and a disturbing "scorecard," exposed their perverse and competitive sexual entanglements with her, ultimately revealing a motive for murder rooted in their desperate need...


Texas Sheriff's Basement of Secrets and Murder
#31
03/27/2025

The provided text details the disturbing true crime case of Caitlyn Driscoll, an 18-year-old in Archer City, Texas, who was tragically murdered. The narrative uncovers the involvement of Sheriff Joe Jack Whiskers, who had a hidden, abusive arrangement with several women, including Caitlyn. Caitlyn's stepmother, Judianne, is implicated in selling her to Whiskers for money. The investigation reveals shocking evidence, including hidden recordings of abuse, ultimately leading to the arrests and convictions of Whiskers, Judianne, and another woman involved, Erica Rston. The case exposed deep corruption and shattered the peaceful facade of the small town.


Wife Swap, Obsession, and Murder in Winter Park
#30
03/25/2025

The episode details the tragic unraveling of two couples in Winter Park, Florida, after they engaged in partner swapping. Initially bringing excitement, the arrangement fostered a dangerous obsession when Jason Devio became fixated on Liz Steinbawer. Liz's attempt to end the swapping led to Jason murdering her, a crime his wife Kylie helped cover up. The subsequent investigation uncovered their deceit, resulting in both Jason and Kylie being convicted for their roles in Liz's death.


Canonsburg Killer: The Dave Wheeler Murder
#29
03/23/2025

This source presents episodes from a true crime podcast, specifically focusing on the 1994 murder of Dave Wheeler in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. The narrative explores the initial mystery surrounding the crime, introducing potential suspects like his wife and a secret lover. The investigation progresses with the discovery of a bizarre letter, ultimately leading to the identification and arrest of Martha Souls, a stalker with a long-standing obsession with the victim.


Bridezilla Killed: A Calgary Wedding Tragedy
#28
03/22/2025

This True Crime episode recounts the tragic story of Tanya Dubenko, a bride murdered on her wedding night in Calgary in 1984. The narrative details the seemingly joyous occasion that turned deadly, highlighting Tanya's personality and the events leading up to her death in her honeymoon suite. Investigators initially focused on her new husband, Rick Dubenko, and then considered other potential suspects, including her father and a bridesmaid with whom Rick was having an affair.


Psychiatrist's Affair, Pregnancy, and a Redmond Murder
#27
03/20/2025

The provided text details the disturbing case of a psychiatrist's unethical relationship with an 18-year-old patient, Dixie Boone, which resulted in pregnancy and a subsequent brutal murder. The narrative explores Dixie's troubled past, her seeking help from Dr. Ivan Pang, and his exploitation of her vulnerability, culminating in her tragic death.


Winnetka Wife Murder-for-Hire Plot
#26
03/18/2025

The provided text details the shocking murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by Victoria "Vicki" Callaway in the affluent suburb of Winnetka, Illinois, resulting in the death of her husband, Dr. Richard Callaway. Driven by fear of financial ruin in a looming divorce, Vicki enlisted Darren Wallace, an individual with a criminal background, to carry out the killing.


Homestead Wife Murder: Betrayal and Deadly Secrets
#25
03/17/2025

The provided text details the tragic 2013 murder of Rachel Martins in Homestead, Florida, outlining the initial suspicion of a home invasion that soon shifted towards her husband, Eric. The narrative uncovers Eric's drug use and affair with a drug dealer, Carlos CJ Rivera, revealing Rachel's discovery of these secrets shortly before her death. Subsequent investigation exposed inconsistencies in Eric's alibi and his connections to Rivera, ultimately leading to the involvement of Rivera and Eric's girlfriend, Melissa Vega, in staging the crime scene.


Fairfield Wife Murder: Secret Life and Deadly Betrayal
#24
03/15/2025

The provided text details the murder of Rebecca "Becky" Lawson in Fairfield, Connecticut, and the subsequent investigation that revealed a hidden double life of her husband, Daniel Lawson. The narrative follows the discovery of the crime by their daughter, the initial suspicion falling on Daniel, and the unraveling of his involvement in an anonymous sex group which Becky had recently discovered.


Secrets and Silk: The Melissa Caldwell Murder
#23
03/13/2025

The provided audio transcript details the tragic murder of Melissa Caldwell, a beloved teacher in Hillsboro, Oregon. Initially appearing as a domestic dispute, the investigation uncovers a complex web of hidden secrets surrounding her husband, Greg. Greg's concealed crossdressing and Missy's discovery of this secret led to a fatal confrontation.


Stockton Betrayal: The Murder of Helena Bruce Chandler
#22
03/12/2025

The provided text is an episode transcript from a true crime podcast, detailing the murder of Helena Bruce Chandler in Stockton, California. It recounts the discovery of her body, the initial investigation that suggested a staged home invasion, and the subsequent focus on her husband, Danny Ray Bruce.


Sold to Murder: The Marcelina Walters Story
#21
03/10/2025

The provided audio transcript details the tragic murder of Marcelina Walters in Fairmont, West Virginia. It uncovers the disturbing circumstances leading to her death, including being sold into marriage to an elderly man by her father to settle debts. The narrative follows the police investigation, revealing a web of secrets, including Marcelina's pregnancy and potential motives involving her husband, father, and even her mother who profited from the forced marriage.