The True Crime Report with Jim Rathmann

The Cornell 7 case is drawing national attention as allegations of sexual assault at Cornell University raise major questions about consent, campus safety, Title IX investigations, law enforcement, and what happens when an alleged crime is reported weeks after it occurs.

In this episode of True Crime Report, former law enforcement investigator Jim Rathmann breaks down the Cornell University case from an investigative perspective.

According to the allegations discussed in the episode, a female Cornell student, identified publicly as Jane Doe, reported an alleged sexual assault involving multiple male students following a night involving alcohol and ketamine...

Eric Naposki Case Update: Why Has Court-Ordered DNA Still Not Been Tested?

Jim Rathman returns to the Eric Naposki and Nanette Packard-Johnston murder case, one of the most controversial cases previously examined on True Crime Report.

In December 1994, wealthy medical-device entrepreneur Bill McLaughlin was shot and killed inside his Newport Beach, California home. Years later, former NFL linebacker Eric Naposki and Nanette Packard-Johnston were convicted in connection with McLaughlin's murder. But Jim argues there are significant unanswered questions surrounding the prosecution, including a missing phone record that he says originally supported Naposki's alibi, questions about the...

Why did the Lindsay Clancy trial end in a mistrial, and what happens next?

In Part 2 of the True Crime Report Lindsay Clancy case breakdown, former Secret Service agent and investigator Jim Rathmann joins Carlos Flores to answer viewer questions about Patrick Clancy’s testimony, the controversial 11–1 jury split, the holdout juror, double jeopardy, a possible retrial, and the unanswered questions surrounding one of the most closely followed true crime cases in America.

Jim examines what Patrick Clancy’s testimony contributed to the prosecution’s case beyond medical records and expert testimony, including details about the Clancy f...

Lindsay Clancy Mistrial Explained: What Happens Next in the Retrial?

Following the mistrial in the Lindsay Clancy case, former investigator Jim Rathmann is taking a deeper look at the questions surrounding the trial, the reported jury split, postpartum psychosis, criminal responsibility, and what could happen when the case returns to court.

In this listener Q&A episode of The True Crime Report, Jim is joined by producer Carlos Flores to answer some of the biggest questions submitted after their initial Lindsay Clancy case breakdown.

Why couldn't the jury reach a unanimous verdict? What does...

The Lindsay Clancy case is one of the most tragic and complicated true crime cases in recent years. In this episode of The True Crime Report, former investigator Jim Rathmann breaks down the Lindsay Clancy case from an investigative perspective and examines the unanswered questions he believes remain surrounding the deaths of her three children.

Jim explores the reported timeline surrounding the deaths, Lindsay Clancy’s mental health treatment, postpartum psychosis, medications she had been prescribed, her suicide attempt, digital evidence, reported internet searches, Patrick Clancy’s movements that evening, and other details Jim believes investigators should examine clos...

Eric Naposki Case: Missing Evidence, Witness Testimony & DNA Questions Did key evidence in the Bill McLaughlin murder investigation disappear? And why is DNA testing still being delayed decades after the crime? In this episode of The True Crime Report, Jim Rathmann examines the controversial case involving former NFL player Eric Naposki and Nanette Packard Johnston, who were convicted in connection with the 1994 murder of wealthy Newport Beach businessman Bill McLaughlin. ----------------------------------------------------- Follow Jim on Instagram: @therealjimrathmann ----------------------------------------------------- Special thanks to our partners: Podgo and Hi Hello Labs in Orlando, Florida, for powering and producing this show. Sponsored by: Podgo Services...

Eric Naposki DNA Testing Delayed? New Questions in Bill McLaughlin Murder Case Could modern DNA technology change everything we know about the murder of Bill McLaughlin? In this episode of The True Crime Report, host Jim Rathmann examines new developments in the case involving Eric Naposki and Nanette Packard, who were convicted years after the 1994 murder of wealthy medical device entrepreneur Bill McLaughlin in Newport Beach, California. This episode explores: • The significance of touch DNA testing in cold cases • Evidence collected from the original crime scene • Questions surrounding a key allegedly linked to the case • The disputed Denny's phone call alibi •...

In this episode of The True Crime Report, Jim Rathmann revisits the 1994 Newport Beach murder of businessman Bill McLaughlin and the controversial convictions of Eric Naposki and Nanette Packard-Johnston. Fifteen years after McLaughlin was killed, prosecutors secured convictions based entirely on circumstantial evidence. But what happened to the phone record that allegedly provided Naposki with an alibi? Why did key witness testimony emerge more than a decade later? And could modern DNA testing finally reveal the truth? Follow Jim on Instagram: @therealjimrathmann ----------------------------------------------------- Special thanks to our partners: Podgo and Hi Hello Labs in Orlando, Florida, for powering and producing...

In the third installment of the Eric Naposki and Nanette Johnston Packard series, former homicide investigator Jim Rathmann conducts a rigorous examination of the evidence, timelines, witness statements, and lingering questions surrounding one of Southern California's most controversial murder convictions. The case traces back to December 1994, when William McLaughlin was murdered in Newport Beach, California. More than a decade later, Naposki and Packard were convicted of the crime, despite a prosecution strategy that relied heavily on circumstantial evidence rather than definitive physical proof. Throughout this episode, Rathmann systematically breaks down the critical components of the state's case, shedding light on...

The 1994 murder of wealthy entrepreneur Bill McLaughlin shocked Newport Beach, California and became one of the most controversial true crime cases in modern California history. In this episode of True Crime Report, Jim Rathmann walks through the murder case of Bill McLaughlin, Nanette Packard, and former NFL linebacker Eric Naposki — a case that has been featured on Dateline NBC, 20/20, and multiple true crime television specials for years. Jim takes a fresh look at the timeline, the alleged affair, the prosecution’s theory, and the evidence used to convict Nanette and Eric nearly 15 years after the murder. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsW...

The 1994 murder of Bill McLaughlin sent shockwaves through the affluent community of Newport Beach, but decades later, the high-profile case involving Nanette Packard and former NFL player Eric Naposki continues to raise serious questions. In this compelling episode of The True Crime Report, host Jim Rathmann launches a deep investigative breakdown into what remains one of the most controversial cold case prosecutions in California true crime history. By revisiting the complex web of relationships, Rathmann explores the dynamic between McLaughlin and Packard, her alleged affair with Naposki, and the million-dollar life insurance policy that quickly became the central focus for...

In this episode of the True Crime Report, Jim Rathmann reflects on the abduction and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand that shocked the nation. The killer, FedEx contract driver Tanner Horner, kidnapped and murdered Athena Strand after delivering a package to her home in Paradise, Texas. Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode contains descriptions of child exploitation. Listener discretion is strongly advised. Follow Jim on Instagram: @therealjimrathmann Join the discussion on Patreon: patreon.com/cw/TrueCrimeReportShow ----------------------------------------------------- Special thanks to our partners: Podgo and Hi Hello Labs in Orlando, Florida, for powering and producing this show. Sponsored by: Podgo...

The Kouri Richins case is one of the most disturbing true crime stories in recent years—a wife, mother, and author convicted of killing her husband, Eric Richins, using fentanyl in a calculated plan driven by money, debt, and deception. In this episode of True Crime Report, Jim Rathmann breaks down the full timeline of events, from the attempted poisoning on Valentine’s Day to the fatal overdose just weeks later. We dive into the key evidence, including deleted text messages, secret life insurance policies, and the shocking role of a housekeeper in obtaining drugs. This case goes beyond murder—it’s a...

What REALLY happened at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner security incident? In this episode of The True Crime Report, former United States Secret Service agent Jim Rathmann delivers an expert breakdown of the attempted attack at the White House Correspondents' Dinner held at the Washington Hilton. With firsthand experience protecting high-profile events and working inside the Washington Hilton, Jim explains: How Secret Service security layers actually work Why the hotel setting changes security strategy What the public is getting wrong about this incident How the suspect breached initial access points Why the response was faster and more effective than it ap...

The Gilgo Beach Serial Killer investigation stands as one of the most chilling and controversial true crime sagas in recent history. In this episode, Jim Rathmann deconstructs the arrest of Rex Heuermann—a successful Manhattan architect, married father, and suburban neighbor who allegedly led a dark, predatory double life for decades. While Heuermann maintained a facade of normalcy in Massapequa Park, he is accused of orchestrating a secret reign of terror. We expose the shocking institutional failures and overlooked leads that allowed a suspected serial killer to hide in plain sight. With Rex Heuermann now admitting to multiple murders, the in...

A shocking new development in the case of infamous serial killer Ted Bundy has surfaced—thanks to modern DNA technology, investigators have officially linked him to another murder over 50 years later. In this episode of The True Crime Report, Jim Rathmann is joined by Tricia Griffith to break down the case of 17-year-old old Laura Ann Aime who disappeared from a Halloween party in 1974. Her case remained unsolved for decades until advancements in next-generation DNA sequencing finally confirmed Bundy as her killer. But this episode takes a chilling turn when Tricia reveals that she was personally approached by Ted Bundy in...

In this landmark episode of The True Crime Report, investigator Jim Rathmann—former Secret Service agent and homicide detective—sits down for an exclusive, sit-down interview with Melanie Curtin. After serving years of a mandatory life sentence for aggravated rape, Melanie’s conviction was overturned in a stunning legal reversal. For the first time, she speaks out about the reality of her situation, her recent acquittal on the most serious charges, and what truly happened behind closed doors. Jim brings his sharp investigative lens to the table, revealing the evidence the jury was never allowed to see and exploring the deep-r...

A 40-year-old cold case finally solved. How did investigators crack the case of Sarah Geer after decades of silence? In this episode of The Jim Rathman Show, Jim breaks down the brutal 1982 murder of 13-year-old Sarah Geer in Cloverdale, California—a case that went cold for decades before modern DNA technology and genetic genealogy led to a breakthrough conviction in 2026. Jim Rathmann walks through the full timeline of the investigation, including: The original crime and evidence collection in 1982 The development of a DNA profile in 2003 The role of genetic genealogy and databases The involvement of a private investigator and the FB...

In this revealing episode of The Jim Rathman Show, Jim Rathman speaks with Ricky Short, the jury foreman from the highly publicized trial that resulted in a not guilty verdict for Melanie Curtin. For the first time, Ricky walks listeners through the jury’s experience inside the courtroom and explains how jurors evaluated the evidence presented during the trial. During the conversation, Ricky details the jury selection process, the controversial 18-minute video presented by prosecutors, and the testimony that raised serious doubts among jurors. He also discusses key pieces of evidence including text messages, witness testimony, investigative inconsistencies, and courtroom ob...

"In this episode of The Jim Rathmann Show, Jim dives into one of the most controversial criminal cases in modern pop culture: the trial of Joseph Maldonado-Passage, better known as Joe Exotic from Tiger King. While many people know the story through Netflix documentaries and viral headlines, Jim takes a closer look at the actual court transcripts and legal details behind the case. Drawing from his own experience reviewing the trial records and working alongside Joe Exotic’s legal team, Jim breaks down the key issues that shaped the outcome of the trial. From the Endangered Species Act and Lacey Ac...

In this episode of The Jim Rathmann Show, Jim provides a detailed update on the Melanie Curtin case ahead of her retrial set for March 9th. After her original conviction for aggravated rape was overturned on appeal, major questions remain about prosecutorial conduct, withheld exculpatory evidence, jury instructions, and the credibility of key testimony. Jim breaks down the legal history of the case, why charges were reduced from aggravated rape to simple rape, and what could happen when new evidence is allowed in court. With the Louisiana Appeals Court and Louisiana Supreme Court ordering that previously excluded evidence be admitted...

"In this episode of The Jim Rathmann Podcast, Jim sits down with longtime friend Tricia Griffith, founder and host of Websleuths (the true crime community that’s been digging into major cases for over two decades). Together, they unpack the disturbing (and oddly viral) phenomenon surrounding Wade Wilson, the Florida man convicted of the 2019 Cape Coral murders who later became a fixation for an “army” of admirers online. Jim and Tricia break down what’s known about the case, what happened after his arrest, and the bigger question: Why do some people feel drawn to violent criminals, even after the facts ar...

In this episode of The Jim Rathmann Podcast, Jim Rathmann sits down with Sheriff Jason Ard of the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office for a candid conversation on modern law enforcement, protecting communities, and what it takes to lead through high-pressure moments. Sheriff Ard shares real-world insight from 33 years in law enforcement, including how his agency responds quickly to violent crime, the realities of large-scale drug interdiction on the I-12 corridor, and what proactive policing looks like in one of the fastest-growing parishes in Louisiana. Jim and Sheriff Ard also address the difficult leadership challenges that come with betrayal inside th...

In this powerful episode of The Jim Rathmann Show, Jim sits down with Dr. Jack Porter—a sociologist, criminologist, Holocaust survivor, and longtime Harvard researcher—to discuss the devastating breach of trust surrounding the Harvard Medical School morgue scandal. After losing his wife, Raya, to cancer and honoring her selfless wish to donate her body to science, Dr. Porter was met with the harrowing news that her remains may have been among those trafficked by former morgue manager Cedric Lodge. This sobering conversation explores Dr. Porter’s personal grief alongside a broader investigation into the underground network of "oddity dealers," exposi...

In this hard-hitting episode, Jim sits down with Dr. James McGibney, the founder of Bullyville and the investigator featured in the Netflix documentary The Most Hated Man on the Internet.Dr. McGibney breaks down the real-world dangers happening online right now, from revenge porn and cyberstalking to extremist grooming networks targeting kids. In a powerful segment of the show, Jim and James discuss 764, exposing the disturbing reality of these online predatory networks and what parents must know to keep their children safe.You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes story of the takedown of IsAnyoneUp.com and how Hunter Moore became one of...

Harvard morgue scandal exposed. In this episode of The Jim Rathmann Podcast, Jim breaks down one of the most disturbing criminal cases in recent history: the Harvard Medical School morgue scandal involving stolen human remains, fake ashes, and a nationwide black-market network.What began as a trusted donation to science turned into a years-long nightmare for hundreds of families.
From 2018–2023, Harvard Medical School morgue manager Cedric Lodge allegedly orchestrated the theft and sale of human body parts, allowing buyers to hand-select remains and shipping them across the country. Families were given fake ashes while their loved ones were trafficked as...

In this episode of The Jim Rathmann Show, Jim dives into one of the most depraved criminal cases of his career—one that blurs the line between a criminal investigation and a real-life horror movie. When historic graves began to be desecrated at the Civil War–era Mount Moriah Cemetery near Philadelphia, investigators expected a case of simple vandalism; instead, they uncovered a gruesome, multi-state enterprise run by 34-year-old Jonathan Gerlach. Jim breaks down the investigation that led to the discovery of over 100 sets of human remains hidden in Gerlach’s home and storage units, ranging from centuries-old skeletons to recent...

In this gripping episode of The Jim Rathmann Show, Jim dives deep into the disturbing rise of 764—a decentralized, predatory network that has moved far beyond the traditional boundaries of online crime. With a major new case surfacing in California, the threat is no longer theoretical; it is on our doorstep.
To pull back the curtain on this digital underworld, Jim is joined by acclaimed investigative journalist Ali Winston. Winston, known for his relentless reporting on extremist groups and surveillance, breaks down the dark origins of 764. Together, they trace how this group evolved from fringe chat rooms into a so...

In this powerful and deeply unsettling episode, Jim Rathmann exposes the dark reality of the 764 network, a nihilistic violent extremist movement targeting children through online gaming platforms like Roblox, Discord, and other digital spaces.Jim breaks down a real case out of Vernon, Connecticut, involving a 17-year-old honor roll student who was groomed, exploited, and ultimately manipulated into becoming an active participant in online bomb threats, swatting incidents, and digital extortion. What began as victimization escalated into coordinated threats against schools, religious institutions, public libraries, and government buildings, triggering a massive law enforcement response across state and federal agencies.
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Welcome back to The Jim Rathmann Podcast. Today’s episode covers one of the most disturbing and urgent threats facing children online today — the rise of a digital extremist network known as 764, a group the FBI has identified as a form of modern-day terrorism.Jim breaks down how 764 operates across platforms like Discord, Telegram, Roblox, and Minecraft, how they specifically target vulnerable kids ages 9–17, and the terrifying grooming tactics they use — from emotional manipulation to coercion, self-harm, animal cruelty, and even suicide.
This episode also explores the heartbreaking case of 13-year-old Jay Taylor, whose death exposed the global scale of this...

Welcome back to The Jim Rathmann Podcast. In this Part 4 deep dive into the Melanie Curtin case, Jim walks you through exactly why the First Circuit Court of Appeal threw out her conviction and what the Louisiana Supreme Court decided next. From excluded evidence to prejudicial testimony, he breaks down the legal moves that led to Melanie’s case being overturned and what it really means for her future in court.
Jim unpacks the seven key issues the appellate court identified, including the internet search history that was kept from the jury, the role-playing and fetish evidence that was bl...

In this episode of The Jim Rathmann Podcast, former homicide investigator and U.S. Secret Service agent Jim Rathmann returns for Part 3 of the Melanie Curtin case and breaks down the exculpatory evidence a jury never heard.
Jim walks through the internet search history and alleged fetish patterns of disgraced deputy Danny Perkins, the role-playing dynamics with his then-wife, and why that context matters for understanding the 17-minute video at the center of Melanie’s mandatory life sentence. He explains what the appeals court ruled, why the original conviction was tossed, and what evidence will finally be allowed into Me...

In this episode of The Jim Rathmann Show, Jim returns with Part Two of the Melanie Curtin case and takes you inside the trial that led to her life sentence without parole – and why higher courts later called that conviction into question.
Jim breaks down:
How a 17-minute video from November 8, 2014 (the night LSU played Alabama) became the centerpiece of the prosecution’s case
What really happened in that video according to Juror #3, including key details the jury wasn’t allowed to fully understand
The expert witness controversy, including a toxicology expert testifying about impairment from a stil...

Welcome to The Jim Rathmann Podcast — where former Secret Service agent, homicide investigator, and LSU athlete Jim Rathmann takes a deep dive into some of the most complex and controversial cases in America. In this new multi-part series, Jim breaks down the Melanie Curtin case — one of the most shocking, misunderstood, and mishandled cases to come out of Louisiana. Before you continue, trigger warning: this episode contains sensitive and disturbing subject matter involving crimes against children and graphic criminal behavior. In this episode, Jim covers:
His background in law enforcement at the local, state, and federal levels How the arre...