Coffee & Crime Stories
Coffee & Crime StoriesGrab your favorite mug and settle in for a conversation about the cases that captivate us all.Welcome to Coffee & Crime Stories, where we break down true crime cases in the same way you'd discuss them with a friend over coffee. No dramatic music, no sensationalism – just clear, thoughtful conversations that help you understand what really happened.Hosted by a practicing attorney, Coffee & Crime Stories offers a unique legal perspective on the cases that make headlines. Each episode, we dive deep into a different case, walking through the timeline, examining the evidence, and exploring the psychology behind the cr...
A Tennessee Tragedy: The Murder of Emma Walker
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The Episode details the tragic story of Emma Walker, a high school cheerleader whose life was cut short. It recounts her tumultuous relationship with former boyfriend, Riley Gaul, highlighting his increasingly possessive and controlling behavior. The narrative builds to the fateful night when Emma was fatally shot in her sleep, with evidence pointing overwhelmingly to Gaul. The Episode then follows the investigation, Gaul's elaborate attempts to conceal his involvement, and ultimately, his conviction for first-degree murder, stemming from his desperate desire to reconcile with Emma...
The Murder of Sasha Samsudean
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The episode describes the tragic case of Sasha Samsudean, a 27-year-old Orlando woman found murdered in her apartment. The episode meticulously outlines the discovery of her body, the initial police investigation, and the eventual identification and arrest of Stephen Duxbury, a security guard at her apartment complex. It details the evidence that led to Duxbury's conviction, including forensic findings and surveillance footage, as well as the subsequent trial proceedings and Duxbury's sentencing to life in prison. Finally, the episode...
The Honeymoon Murder Mystery Anni's Unanswered Questions
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The Honeymoon Murder Mystery: Anni's Unanswered Questions
The episode details the tragic murder of Anni Dewani during her honeymoon in South Africa in 2010, focusing on the conflicting accounts and legal battles that followed. It presents the initial carjacking and subsequent death of Anni, then explores the arrests and testimonies of several men involved, including taxi driver Zola Tongo, who ultimately accused Anni's husband, Shrien Dewani, of orchestrating the murder. The narrative highlights the media frenzy, Shrien's extradition fight...
The Horrors of Room 308: The Case of Grace Millane
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The episode recounts the tragic disappearance and murder of Grace Millane, a young British backpacker traveling in New Zealand. It details her last known movements, meeting Jesse Kempson through Tinder, and the subsequent police investigation that led to his arrest. The episode highlights Kempson's manipulative nature and history of compulsive lying, contrasting it with Grace's vibrant and compassionate personality. Furthermore, the episode explores the emotional impact on Grace's family and the nation, the grueling court trial, and Kempson's eventual conviction f...
The Disappearance of Pepita Redhair
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This episode focuses on the disappearance of Pepita Redhair, a 27-year-old Navajo woman who went missing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, in March 2020. It details the concerns of her family, who suspect human trafficking and domestic violence involving her boyfriend, Nick. The episode also highlights the challenges her family faced in getting law enforcement to investigate her disappearance due to the COVID-19 pandemic and jurisdictional issues. Beyond Pepita's story, the episode includes a list of other missing person cases and true crime topics featured on the...
Stacy Hill: Unanswered Questions on Red Lake Tribal Land
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The episode discusses the unresolved 2009 death of Stacy Hill, a 17-year-old Red Lake Nation girl found deceased on tribal land in northwestern Minnesota. They highlight how few answers exist over a decade later regarding what happened to her. The episode also emphasizes the disproportionately high rates of violence, abduction, and murder against Indigenous women, particularly those on reservations, citing significant statistics from the National Institute of Justice and the CDC. The episode includes a call to action for anyone with information about m...
The Unresolved Death of Olivia Lone Bear
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The episode recounts the disappearance and death of Olivia Lone Bear, an Indigenous mother of five, whose body was discovered in a submerged truck in Lake Sakakawea in 2018, nearly a year after she vanished. The episode highlights the challenges in the investigation, including initial jurisdictional issues and a lack of communication from authorities. A significant focus is placed on Lissa Yellowbird-Chase, an Indigenous advocate and founder of the Sahnish Scouts, who played a crucial role in locating Olivia's body using sonar technology. The episode emphasizes...
The tragic disappearance and murder of 17-year-old Pheobe Bishop
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The source recounts the tragic disappearance and murder of 17-year-old Pheobe Bishop, highlighting the discovery of her remains in a national park after she vanished on her way to the airport. It details the suspicious actions of her housemates, James Wood and Tanika Bromley, who were the last to see her and gave an implausible account of her disappearance. The narrative emphasizes the appalling conditions of their shared home and their amateurish attempts to disguise their vehicle after it was linked to Pheobe's...
The Murder of Pheobe Bishop
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The source recounts the tragic disappearance and murder of 17-year-old Pheobe Bishop, highlighting the discovery of her remains in a national park after she vanished on her way to the airport. It details the suspicious actions of her housemates, James Wood and Tanika Bromley, who were the last to see her and gave an implausible account of her disappearance. The narrative emphasizes the appalling conditions of their shared home and their amateurish attempts to disguise their vehicle after it was linked to Pheobe's...
The Pizza That Caught a Serial Killer
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The Pizza That Caught a Serial Killer
The episode details the Gilgo Beach Murders, a series of homicides primarily involving women discovered in a remote New York beach town. It chronicles the disappearances of the "Gilgo Four"—Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello—and the eventual discovery of their remains, along with those of several other victims, between 2010 and 2011. The investigation, a joint effort by local police and the FBI, ultimately led to the identification and arrest of Rex Heuermann...
Kacie Woody: A Predator's Online Deception
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The episode details the abduction and murder of Kacie Woody, a young girl who was groomed online by David Fuller, a 47-year-old predator posing as a teenager named "Dave Fagen." It outlines Kacie's personal life, including a family tragedy, and her use of Yahoo Messenger, where she formed relationships with both the deceptive "Dave" and another boy named Scott. The narrative describes the circumstances surrounding her disappearance from her home, the subsequent police investigation that identified Fuller as the perpetrator, and the horrifying discovery of both Kacie's...
The Murder of Reagan Tokes and the Act It Inspired
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This true crime documentary chronicles the tragic murder of Reagan Tokes, an Ohio State University student, just months before her graduation. The episode details her life, her disappearance after a work shift, and the discovery of her body in a park. It then follows the investigation, which ultimately leads to the arrest and conviction of Brian Golsby, a paroled sex offender with a history of violent crimes, whose GPS monitoring was negligently unmanaged. The source concludes by h...
The Fitness App Solves April Millsap's Murder
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The episode describes the tragic murder of April Millsap, a teenage girl from the small town of Armada, Michigan, in 2014. It details how April's fitness app on her phone became a crucial piece of evidence, tracking her movements and revealing the struggle she endured before her death. The narrative follows the investigation, highlighting the challenges faced by the local police and how witness accounts, particularly regarding a man with a blue and white motorcycle, led them to the perpetrator, James VanCallis Jr. Ultimately, the evidence...
The Valeria Márquez Femicide: A Livestreamed Tragedy
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The episode discusses the murder of Valeria Márquez, a 23-year-old beauty influencer, who was fatally shot in her salon in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico, while livestreaming on TikTok. Authorities are investigating the case as a femicide, a gender-motivated killing. Several sources mention a newly surfaced audio recording that allegedly reveals Márquez suffered mental abuse from an ex-boyfriend, who is now identified as Ricardo Ruiz Velasco, a high-ranking member of the CJNG cartel. Prosecutors also suspect hitmen may have be...
The Weight of Lies: Elizabeth Arellano's Murder
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This true crime documentary details the murder of Elizabeth Arellano in April 2016. It recounts how Elizabeth's mother discovered her missing, leading to a police investigation that uncovered her body in Lake Worth, weighed down by a concrete boulder. The narrative then shifts to the investigation of her estranged husband, Rudy Arellano, who displayed a lack of concern and had inconsistencies in his alibi. Through cell phone records, physical evidence from his home, and surveillance footage, police meticulously pieced together the events, revealing Rudy's...
The Tragic Obsession Rebecca Schaeffer's Fateful Stalker
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This episode details the tragic murder of actress Rebecca Schaeffer by an obsessed fan, Robert John Bardo, in 1989. It traces Rebecca's rise to fame and Bardo's disturbing history, including his abusive childhood and prior fixation on another young celebrity, Samantha Smith. The text highlights how Bardo's obsession with Rebecca escalated after seeing her in a film, leading him to hire a private investigator to find her address. The narrative recounts the fatal encounter and the subsequent trial where Bardo was found guilty. Furthermore, t...
The Pastor's Facade and a Wife's Tragic End
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The provided source details the tragic case of Lauren Phelps, who was murdered by her husband, Matthew Phelps, a seemingly devout Baptist minister. The account explains how their marriage quickly deteriorated due to Matthew's severe financial irresponsibility and his secret fascination with the dark themes of the movie "American Psycho," going so far as to express curiosity about taking a life. The narrative describes the night of the murder, where Matthew initially claimed to have killed Lauren in a cough syrup-induced dream...
Storm of Suspicion: The Disappearance of Crystal McDowell
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The source details the disappearance and murder of Crystal McDowell amidst the chaos of Hurricane Harvey. Investigators initially consider her ex-husband Steve McDowell, new boyfriend Paul Hargrave, and uncle Jeff Walters as persons of interest. The narrative highlights Steve McDowell's manipulative tendencies, his unwillingness to accept the divorce, and a history of threats and emotional blackmail against Crystal. Despite initial challenges due to flooding and conflicting opinions among investigators, evidence such as security footage placing...
The Enduring Case of Mandy Stavik
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The episode details the decades-long investigation into the 1989 murder of Mandy Stavik in Acme, Washington, a case that shattered the community's sense of safety. It recounts how Mandy's body was discovered three days after her disappearance, the initial lack of viable suspects for 25 years, and the persistent efforts of detectives. The breakthrough came from a casual conversation between two women who shared suspicions about Tim Bass, a man from Mandy's neighborhood with a history of disturbing behavior towards women...
The MOST Sickening Serial Killer In America
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This episode discusses the infamous Green River Killer, Gary Ridgway. The speaker provides a biographical overview of Ridgway's life, from his troubled childhood and early violent tendencies to his military service and multiple marriages, while highlighting the disturbing origins of his sexual and violent fantasies. The episode details the timeline and locations of his many murders, primarily targeting vulnerable women and sex workers, and explains how advancements in DNA technology<...
Amanda Knox: An Innocent Abroad
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The provided text offers a comprehensive overview of Amanda Knox's highly publicized legal ordeal, focusing on her wrongful conviction and eventual acquittal for the murder of her roommate, Meredith Kercher. It highlights the prosecution's controversial theories, including a satanic orgy, and the manipulation of evidence and testimony. The source also emphasizes the psychological toll of imprisonment and interrogation on Knox, the steadfast support from her family and friends, and the ultimate discrediting of key forensic evidence...
Missing Bride and The Camo Killer
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Missing Bride and The Camo Killer
The episode explores two distinct criminal cases. The first narrative focuses on the perplexing disappearance of Nikki Macauen, a bride-to-be, just weeks before her wedding, leading to initial suspicion of her fiancé, Bobby, before the discovery of her car shifts the focus to her ex-boyfriend Steven, and ultimately to an obsessive co-worker named Tommy Swint, who is later linked to an unsolved murder and commits suicide before his arrest. The second account details a "stand your ground" case involving Billy Woodward, an Army veteran who a...
The Minion Blanket Murder Plot
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This Episode recounts the tragic murder of 13-year-old Nicole Levelle in 2016, highlighting the dangers of online interactions and anonymous messaging apps like Kik. It explains how Nicole, a survivor of significant health challenges and a victim of bullying, was lured from her home by 18-year-old David Eisenhower, whom she met online. The narrative details the police investigation that uncovered Eisenhower's premeditated plans, aided by his confessions to friends and incriminating evidence found, including a missing Minion blanket and a shovel. Furthermore, it reveals the involvement of ...
Did A TikToker Solve The Zodiac Killer Case
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The episode examines the enduring mystery of the Zodiac Killer, a serial murderer who terrorized California in the late 1960s with cryptic letters and unsolved crimes. It details four confirmed attacks, including the murders of Betty Lou Jensen and David Faraday, Darlene Ferrin and Michael Mageau, Cecilia Shepard, and Paul Stine, highlighting the brutal nature of the crimes and the taunting methods used against law enforcement. The episode also explores prominent suspects like Arthur Leigh Allen and Richard Gaikowski, citing circumstantial evidence that linked them to the...
Jonestown Massacre: A Cult's Tragic End
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This episode offers a comprehensive overview of the Jonestown Massacre and the life of its leader, Jim Jones. It traces Jones's early life, including his complex family dynamics and influences from diverse ideologies, highlighting his initial efforts in establishing the People's Temple as a seemingly progressive and racially inclusive organization. The narrative then shifts to the group's relocation to Guyana, where the commune known as Jonestown became a site of increasing control, abuse, and paranoia under Jones's leadership. Finally, the episode details the...
The Premonition of Murder: John Yelanick's Last Will
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The episode recounts the chilling true story of John Yelanick, a dentist from Blairesville, Pennsylvania, who mysteriously predicted his own murder and even paid his lawyer $10,000 to investigate it should it occur. The narrative details his life, his marriage to Michelle Cameler, their contentious separation and impending divorce, and the eventual gruesome discovery of John's body. Suspicion initially falls on a neighbor and a cousin due to financial dealings, but the investigation ultimately uncovers compelling evidence against Michelle's new boyfriend, Kevin Foley, a...
The Idaho Student Murders: Bryan Kohberger's Dark Obsession
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The Episode offers a comprehensive overview of the University of Idaho student murders, focusing on the events of November 13th, 2022, and the subsequent investigation. It details the discovery of the victims (Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin), the survivors' accounts (Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke), and the initial confusion and speculation that surrounded the case. The narrative then shifts to the identification and arrest of Bryan Kohberger, highlighting the critical role of the knife sheath DNA and cell phone...
The Vanishing of John and Shelley Markley
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The episode details the puzzling disappearance of John and Shelley Markley from Bristol, Ohio, on December 15th, 1995, and the subsequent investigation. Ruth, their eldest child, discovered their unexplained absence and several odd details at home, leading to a missing persons report. The investigation initially focused on a ransom attempt by a former employee, Steven Durst, who was convicted of extortion but never directly linked to their disappearance. Over time, various theories emerged, including Shelley's possible desire to leave John and an elaborate plot related to an old...
Lizzie Borden Axe Murderess or Innocent
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The episode explores the infamous Lizzie Borden murder case from 1892, where wealthy Andrew and Abby Borden were brutally killed. It details the family's strained dynamics, including Lizzie and her sister Emma's resentment towards their stepmother and father's frugality. The account then provides a minute-by-minute timeline of the murder day, highlighting inconsistencies in Lizzie's statements and suspicious events such as a burned dress and a "handless hatchet." Finally, the episode presents the prosecution's case, the defense's strategy, the "not guilty" verdict, and various alternative theories regarding...
The Hall-Mills Murders: An Unsolved American Mystery
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The episode details the unsolved Hall-Mills murders of 1922, an infamous American mystery. It recounts how Reverend Edward Hall and Mrs. Eleanor Mills, both married individuals and choir members, were found shot to death in a secluded lane, with their bodies deliberately arranged. The investigation quickly uncovered their illicit affair, leading to initial suspicion of James Mills, Eleanor's husband, and later focusing on Francis Stevens Hall, Edward's wife, and her brothers, Henry and William Stevens. A sensational trial in 1926, heavily...
The Tinder Date Murder of Grace Millane
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This Episode details the tragic murder of Grace Millane, a young British woman traveling abroad, who was killed by Jesse Kempson, a man she met on a dating app in New Zealand. The narrative chronicles the extensive and undeniable evidence gathered from abundant CCTV footage, which meticulously documented Kempson's actions before and after the crime, leading to his swift arrest and conviction. The source also highlights Kempson's history of manipulative behavior and deceit, revealing a pattern of pathological lying. Finally, it touches on the b...
Hans Eisele: Butcher of Buchenwald
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This Episode provides an overview of Hans Eisele, a Nazi doctor who committed atrocious medical experiments and other crimes against humanity in several concentration camps, most notably Buchenwald and Dachau. It traces his transformation from a seemingly compassionate doctor to the "Butcher of Buchenwald," detailing his involvement in murderous experiments and abuse of prisoners. The Episode also covers his post-war trials, initial death sentences that were later commuted, and his escape to...
The Blagg Family: A Landfill Discovery
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The episode details the disappearance and murder of Jennifer Blagg and her six-year-old daughter, Abby, in Grand Junction, Colorado, in 2001. Initially, police investigate Michael Blagg, Jennifer's husband and Abby's father, who reported them missing. Although he maintains his innocence and initially appears distraught, investigators uncover inconsistencies in his story and learn about marital problems exacerbated by Michael's pornography addiction and controlling behavior. The discovery of Jennifer's body at a landfill, specifically in trash originating from Michael's workplace, along with a tip about his...
The Enduring Enigma of the Zodiac Killer
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This Episode thoroughly examines the Zodiac Killer, an enigmatic serial killer who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area from 1968 to 1970, detailing their modus operandi, including targeting couples and using firearms and knives, and their distinctive communication with authorities and the press through letters and complex ciphers. The text chronicles several confirmed and suspected attacks, such as the Lake Herman Road and Blue Rock Springs shootings, the Lake Berryessa stabbing, and the murder of taxi driver Paul Stine, while also exploring potential earlier crimes like the...
Manila Jigsaw: The Unsolved Chop Chop Lady Murder
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The Episode recounts the grisly "Manila Jigsaw Murder" of Lucila Lalu in 1967, where her dismembered body parts were found across Manila, leading to a complex and ultimately unsolved mystery. It details the discovery of the remains, Lalu's background as a successful businesswoman, and the subsequent police investigation. The Episode explores various suspects, including her employee, common-law husband, and another lover, highlighting the contradictory testimonies and lack of conclusive evidence. Finally, it mentions a later theory linking the murder to George Hodel, a suspect in t...
The Black Dahlia Mystery
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This Episode provides a comprehensive overview of the infamous Black Dahlia murder case, focusing on the brutal 1947 slaying of Elizabeth Short in Los Angeles. They detail the discovery of her mutilated body, the initial police investigation marred by sensationalist media coverage, and the various unsubstantiated theories and numerous false confessions that plagued the case. The episode also explores Short's personal life, her aspirations, and the questionable tactics employed by the press to generate public interest. Finally, they highlight the enduring...
The Killer OnlyFans Model: Courtney Clenney Case
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This episode presents a narrative focusing on Courtney Clenney, an OnlyFans model, and her relationship with Christian Obumseli. It describes Clenney's rise to fame and wealth through social media and fitness, contrasting her public persona with a reportedly turbulent and abusive private life with Obumseli. The episode highlights numerous instances of Clenney's erratic and violent behavior towards Obumseli, including documented altercations and text messages from Obumseli detailing his distress. It culminates in the tragic event of Obumseli's death by stabbing and the subsequent legal proceedings against Clenney...
The Tatsuya Ichihashi Case and Lindsay Hawker Murder
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This episode recounts the case of Tatsuya Ichihashi, a Japanese man who murdered a British woman named Lindsay Hawker in 2007. After the crime, Ichihashi became Japan's most wanted fugitive, and he evaded capture for over two years by altering his appearance, even through self-mutilation and plastic surgery. The episode details Hawker's background, her move to Japan to teach English, and her fatal encounter with Ichihashi, leading to the discovery of her body. It also describes the extensive manhunt, the difficulties faced by police...
JonBenét Ramsey
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This episode is about JonBenét Ramsey. We analyze various aspects of the investigation, including the initial 911 call, the discovery of the ransom note, the crime scene's contamination, and the autopsy findings, particularly highlighting blunt force trauma and the presence of unknown male DNA. We examine the Ramsay family's behavior and interactions with law enforcement, as well as the challenges and conflicts between the police department and the district attorney's office, and explore various t...
The Story of Fallon Farinacci
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This episode recounts the tragic story of Fallon Farinacci, who, along with her siblings, survived a violent home invasion in 1993 that resulted in the deaths of their parents at the hands of a stalker. Fallon details the systemic failures leading up to the event, highlighting numerous missed opportunities by law enforcement and the justice system to protect her family despite their repeated warnings and the stalker's criminal history. The narrative follows the traumatic events of the home invasion, the subsequent deaths of Fallon's brothers due to the lasting impact...
