Debate The News: True Crime

Jaksot

• 
  True Crimes in the Troubled Teen Industry: Part 2 (with Heather Ford & Jessica) 26.08.2026 34min

  In Part 2 of this investigation into the troubled teen industry, the hosts and guest hosts Heather Ford and Jessica engage in a wider discussion about money, celebrity influence, family trust and the systems that can make it difficult to hold abusive youth residential programs accountable.Following Part 1’s examination of Lakeside Academy, Circle of Hope Girls Ranch and Provo Canyon School, the conversation begins with the staggering cost of youth residential placement. Jessica describes receiving an $11,000 bill for a single month of her daughter’s stay, while the panel discusses families taking out second mortgages, placements that may not be covered by medical insurance and whether some facilities are more interested in a parent’s ability to pay than in determining whether a child truly belongs there.The episode also examines Paris Hilton’s courageous advocacy against institutional abuse and whether Provo Canyon School would have faced the same level of scrutiny without her celebrity platform. The panel recognizes the survivors who had been speaking for years before Hilton publicly shared her own experiences, while exploring how social media can now help less-visible survivors challenge powerful institutions and find others with similar stories.A major portion of the conversation focuses on what parents should do when a child reports abuse inside a residential program. The guest hosts and speakers discuss why every report should be taken seriously, how monitored calls and restricted communication can prevent children from asking for help and how dismissing a child as dishonest or manipulative can permanently damage the relationship between that child and their family.The discussion then turns to television, marketing and the troubled teen industry’s carefully constructed public image. The panel examines Teen Torture Inc., Danielle Bregoli - also known as Bhad Bhabie - and her allegations about Turn-About Ranch, as well as the criticism directed at Dr. Phil and his television show for recommending youth residential programs. The speakers debate where responsibility belongs among parents, television producers, public figures and the facilities themselves - and when entertainment crosses the line into exploitation.What you’ll hear:→ Jessica’s firsthand account of receiving an $11,000 bill for one month of her daughter’s residential placement→ Why some families take out second mortgages or assume overwhelming financial obligations to pay for troubled teen programs→ The panel’s debate over whether facilities adequately evaluate the parents, the child and the family situation before accepting a placement→ Whether Provo Canyon School would have faced the same level of accountability without Paris Hilton’s public advocacy→ How Paris Hilton used her celebrity platform to amplify survivors who had already been fighting to expose the troubled teen industry→ Jessica’s warning that facilities with substantial financial resources may use legal pressure to discourage survivors, families, podcasters and other critics from speaking publicly→ Why the panel believes parents should take every report of abuse seriously—even when facility employees claim that a child is lying or being manipulative→ How monitored phone calls, restricted communication and institutional control can prevent children from safely reporting what is happening to them→ The lasting guilt, anger, betrayal and estrangement that can affect families after a child says a parent failed to listen or protect them→ How selective photographs, staged activities and carefully controlled marketing can give parents a misleading impression of daily life inside a residential program→ The allegations made by Danielle Bregoli, also known as Bhad Bhabie, about her experience at Turn-About Ranch→ The criticism surrounding the Dr. Phil show’s role in recommending residential programs to families appearing on television→ The debate over whether parents should bear ultimate responsibility for researching a facility - or whether a trusted television personality and production team have an independent duty to properly vet every program they promote→ The panel’s discussion of earlier lawsuits and violent incidents connected to Turn-About Ranch and whether those warning signs should have affected later recommendations→ How reality television and other entertainment programs can turn the suffering of children, families and vulnerable adults into content→ The Alabama Youth Residential Facility Abuse Prevention Act and the continued push for stronger disclosure requirements, oversight, video surveillance and civil penalties→ Why survivors should not need fame, wealth or millions of social-media followers before adults take their reports seriouslyThe hosts, guest hosts and live audience examine whether families can truly make informed decisions when residential programs and television productions control much of the information they receive. They also confront the larger question at the center of the troubled teen industry: why is the institution so often treated as more credible than the child asking to come home?Subscribe to Debate The News: True Crime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere else you listen to podcasts. Rating, reviewing and sharing the show helps more listeners discover these cases and become part of the conversation.Download the Chatter Social app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and join the next live recording Thursday, August 27th at 7PM EST / 4PM PST.Have a case suggestion? Email the hosts at [email protected].⚖️ Disclaimer:This episode includes discussions of child abuse, alleged sexual assault, physical abuse, institutional neglect, coercive control and the death of a minor. Some details may be deeply disturbing. Listener discretion is advised. If someone is in need of support, help may be available by calling or texting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.The hosts and guest hosts are not attorneys, law-enforcement officials, physicians, psychologists or mental-health professionals. The show is recorded live with minimal editing, and any factual errors are unintentional.Any individual, business or organization that has not been convicted of a crime is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Civil allegations, lawsuits and administrative findings are not criminal convictions. The opinions expressed by guest hosts and audience members are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or Debate The News: True Crime.Speakers:→ Adrienne Barker - Co-Host→ Heather Ford - Guest Host→ Jessica - Guest Host→ Angiesworld - Speaker→ XG - Speaker→ Yamila - SpeakerCredits:Debate The News: True Crime"True Crimes in the Troubled Teen Industry: Part 2 (with Heather Ford & Jessica)"Special Thanks: Nelson, Lea, Nawzil, and the entire Chatter Social teamTheme Song: Alaina Cross — “Karma” [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: ncs.io/karmaWatch: ncs.lnk.to/karmaAT/youtube🎧 A Debate the News: True Crime ProductionDownload the Chatter Social app: (for iOS / for Android).This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
• 
  True Crimes in the Troubled Teen Industry: Part 1 (with Heather Ford & Jessica) 20.08.2026 36min

  What happens when institutions that promise to protect vulnerable teenagers are given the power to isolate them, control their communication and dismiss their reports of abuse?In Part 1 of this investigation into the troubled teen industry, the hosts are joined by guest hosts Heather Ford and Jessica to examine criminal convictions, survivor allegations and regulatory failures connected to Lakeside Academy, Circle of Hope Girls Ranch and Provo Canyon School. The episode also explores how limited oversight, monitored communication and the label “troubled teen” can make it dangerously difficult for young people to be heard.The episode begins with the death of 16-year-old Cornelius Fredericks, who lost consciousness after employees at Lakeside Academy restrained him on the floor for approximately 12 minutes. The hosts then examine the allegations exposed by former residents of Circle of Hope Girls Ranch, the criminal cases against Boyd and Stephanie Householder and the guilty plea that established crimes had been committed against children at the facility.The investigation concludes at Provo Canyon School, where Paris Hilton transformed her own allegations of abuse into a courageous national campaign for accountability. Her advocacy reached the Utah State Capitol and Congress, helped advance the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act and gave other survivors a powerful public ally as Utah regulators moved to revoke the licenses of both Provo Canyon School campuses.What you’ll hear:→ How the fatal restraint of Cornelius Fredericks led to the closure of Lakeside Academy and the convictions of three employees→ Why none of the employees convicted in connection with Cornelius’s death served an active prison sentence→ How former residents publicly exposed allegations of physical abuse, forced labor, food deprivation and other mistreatment at Circle of Hope Girls Ranch→ The criminal charges against Boyd and Stephanie Householder, Boyd’s death before trial and Stephanie’s guilty plea to child-abuse, neglect and endangerment charges→ Paris Hilton’s allegations about Provo Canyon School and her courageous fight to bring the troubled teen industry before lawmakers→ The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act and the continued push for greater transparency in youth residential programs→ The criminal conviction of a Provo Canyon School employee who punched a 15-year-old resident→ The injuries, medical-care allegations and regulatory findings that preceded Utah’s 2026 license revocations→ Jessica’s firsthand experience with her daughter’s court-ordered placement in an out-of-state residential program→ How guardianship arrangements, monitored calls and restricted communication can prevent families from knowing what is happening to a child inside a facility→ Heather Ford’s perspective on teenagers being sent away after attempting to report or expose abuse→ The live discussion about weak oversight, institutional power, profit incentives and why children labeled “troubled” are not always believedThe hosts, guest hosts and live audience examine whether the crimes connected to these facilities should be viewed as isolated acts by individual employees and owners—or as foreseeable consequences of a system that gives residential institutions extraordinary control while offering children too little independent protection.Subscribe to Debate The News: True Crime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere else you listen to podcasts. Rating, reviewing and sharing the show helps more listeners discover these cases and become part of the conversation.Download the Chatter Social app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and join the next live recording Thursday, August 27th at 7PM EST / 4PM PST.Have a case suggestion? Email [email protected].⚖️ Disclaimer:This episode includes discussions of child abuse, alleged sexual assault, physical restraint, medical neglect and the death of a minor. Some details may be deeply disturbing. Listener discretion is advised. Anyone who needs immediate emotional support can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.The hosts and guest hosts are not attorneys, law-enforcement officials, physicians, psychologists or mental-health professionals. The show is recorded live with minimal editing, and any factual errors are unintentional.Any individual, business or organization that has not been convicted of a crime is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Civil allegations and administrative findings are not criminal convictions. The opinions expressed by guest hosts and audience members are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or Debate The News: True Crime.Speakers:→ Heather Ford — Guest Host→ Jessica — Guest Host→ Angiesworld - Guest Contributor→ Benjamin - Guest ContributorCredits:Debate The News: True Crime"True Crimes in the Troubled Teen Industry: Part 1 (with Heather Ford & Jessica)"Special Thanks: Nelson, Lea, Nawzil, and the entire Chatter Social teamTheme Song: Alaina Cross — “Karma” [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: ncs.io/karmaWatch: ncs.lnk.to/karmaAT/youtube🎧 A Debate the News: True Crime ProductionDownload the Chatter Social app: (for iOS / for Android).This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
• 
  The Crash: Mackenzie Shirilla 13.08.2026 40min

  Just before sunrise on July 31, 2022, 17-year-old Mackenzie Shirilla was behind the wheel of a Toyota Camry when it accelerated to approximately 97 miles per hour and slammed into a brick building in Strongsville, Ohio. Shirilla survived, but her boyfriend, 20-year-old Dominic Russo, and their 19-year-old friend, Davion Flanagan, were killed.What first appeared to be a horrific crash became a double-murder case after investigators examined the car's data recorder, Shirilla's turbulent relationship with Russo, and evidence prosecutors argued showed the crash was intentional.In this episode, we break down the crash, the murder trial, the controversial medical-emergency defense, Shirilla's 15-years-to-life sentence, the Netflix documentary The Crash, and her latest federal court challenge.What you'll hear:→ The turbulent four-year relationship between Mackenzie Shirilla and Dominic Russo, including an earlier incident in which a witness testified that Shirilla threatened to wreck the car during an argument.→ The final night Dominic Russo and Davion Flanagan were alive and what witnesses said about the hours leading up to the crash.→ How the Toyota Camry accelerated down Progress Drive at full throttle, reached approximately 97 miles per hour, crossed a T-intersection and struck the PLIDCO manufacturing building.→ What investigators discovered in the Camry's event data recorder, including full acceleration, no braking, movement of the gearshift and a major steering input during the final seconds before impact.→ Shirilla's claim that her vision faded to black and the defense theory that POTS, a seizure or another medical emergency may have contributed to the crash.→ Why investigators ultimately treated the deaths as homicides and why prosecutors argued the Camry had been used as a weapon.→ Shirilla's transfer from juvenile court, her 12-count adult indictment, the 2023 bench trial and Judge Nancy Margaret Russo's guilty verdicts.→ The sentence of 15 years to life for each murder, ordered to run concurrently, and Shirilla's first parole eligibility in 2037.→ The appeals that have upheld her convictions, including a post-conviction petition dismissed after it was filed one day beyond Ohio's deadline during a leap year.→ The renewed attention surrounding Netflix's The Crash, the release of thousands of text messages and recorded jail calls, the proposed Dom and Davion's Law, and Shirilla's July 2026 federal habeas corpus petition.Disclaimer:This episode includes discussion of a fatal motor-vehicle crash, catastrophic injuries, murder, substance use and the deaths of two young people. Listener discretion is advised. Debate The News: True Crime is presented for informational and discussion purposes only. Joseph Lobosco and Adrienne Barker are not attorneys, law-enforcement officials, medical professionals or forensic experts. We research each case carefully, but the show is recorded live with minimal editing and any factual errors are unintentional. Any individual discussed who has not been convicted of a crime is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The opinions of guests and audience members are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or or Debate The News.Guest Contributors:→ Porsha Belle→ Mariana Thomas→ Danielle Paci→ Too Bee→ Shannon→ Denise→ Mama K→ Benjamin→ LorenzoCredits:Debate The News: True Crime"The Crash: Mackenzie Shirilla"Special Thanks: Nelson, Lea, Nawzil, and the entire Chatter Social teamTheme Song: Alaina Cross — “Karma” [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: ncs.io/karmaWatch: ncs.lnk.to/karmaAT/youtube🎧 A Debate the News: True Crime ProductionDownload the Chatter Social app: (for iOS / for Android).This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
• 
  The Death of Nolan Wells: Part 2 30.07.2026 38min

  In Part 2, we continue examining the unexplained death of the Ocean Springs, Mississippi, college football player Nolan Wells, whose body was found near Horn Island on July 6, 2026 - two days after the boat that brought him to the island returned without him. This episode focuses on the evidence and conflicting accounts at the center of the investigation.At the time of the July 23, 2026 recording, the official Mississippi autopsy and toxicology findings had not been publicly released. The family’s independent autopsy classified Nolan’s cause and manner of death as undetermined pending further investigation. No one had been arrested or charged in connection with his death, and the completed investigation was expected to be reviewed by a grand jury.⚖️ Disclaimer:This episode includes discussion of a possible drowning, possible physical trauma, and an active death investigation. Some details may be disturbing. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, help may be available in the United States by dialing or texting 988. Debate The News: True Crime is presented for informational and discussion purposes only. The hosts are not attorneys, law-enforcement officials, medical professionals, forensic pathologists, or investigators. The show researches each case carefully but is recorded live with little to no editing, and any factual errors are unintentional.At the time of the July 23, 2026 recording, no one had been arrested or charged in connection with Nolan Wells’s death. The official Mississippi autopsy and toxicology findings had not been publicly released, and the family’s independent autopsy was preliminary and inconclusive. It did not establish homicide, accidental death, or drowning.All individuals discussed are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Witness statements, family concerns, attorney representations, online theories, and social-media accusations should not be treated as proven facts. The opinions expressed by guests and audience members are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or Debate The News: True Crime.Guest Contributors:→ DJ Rell→ Leslie→ Lorenzo→ Sir Jude→ Angiesworld→ Benjamin→ Debbie Dowling-WahbaCredits:Debate The News: True Crime"The Death of Nolan Wells: PART 2"Special Thanks: Nelson, Lea, Nawzil, and the entire Chatter Social teamTheme Song: Alaina Cross — “Karma” [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: ncs.io/karmaWatch: ncs.lnk.to/karmaAT/youtube🎧 A Debate the News: True Crime ProductionDownload the Chatter Social app: (for iOS / for Android).This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
• 
  The Death of Nolan Wells: Part 1 28.07.2026 1t 7min

  On July 4, 2026, 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells, a college football player from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, traveled by boat with three friends to Horn Island for a crowded Independence Day celebration. By that evening, the boat and Nolan’s friends had returned to the mainland - but Nolan had not. Two mornings later, a National Park Service ranger found his body in the water near the island’s northwestern tip.What happened between Nolan’s last confirmed sighting and the discovery of his body remains unknown. In Part 1, we reconstruct the known timeline, examine the conflicting accounts of why Nolan allegedly remained on Horn Island, and break down the boat, phone, search, recovery, and preliminary autopsy evidence. They also discuss the involvement of attorney Ben Crump, the family’s independent investigation, and the theories surrounding Nolan’s death - from an accidental drowning to possible foul play or a concealed accident. At the time of the recording, none of those possibilities had been conclusively established.⚖️ Disclaimer:This episode includes discussion of a possible drowning, possible physical trauma, and an active death investigation. Some details may be disturbing. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, help may be available in the United States by dialing or texting 988. Debate The News: True Crime is presented for informational and discussion purposes only. The hosts are not attorneys, law-enforcement officials, medical professionals, forensic pathologists, or investigators. The show researches each case carefully but is recorded live with little to no editing, and any factual errors are unintentional.At the time of the July 23, 2026 recording, no one had been arrested or charged in connection with Nolan Wells’s death. The official Mississippi autopsy and toxicology findings had not been publicly released, and the family’s independent autopsy was preliminary and inconclusive. It did not establish homicide, accidental death, or drowning.All individuals discussed are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Witness statements, family concerns, attorney representations, online theories, and social-media accusations should not be treated as proven facts. The opinions expressed by guests and audience members are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or Debate The News: True Crime.Guest Contributors:→ Debbie Dowling-Wahba→ DJ Rell→ Angiesworld→ Sauvage→ Niki Hammer→ TonyCredits:Debate The News: True Crime"The Death of Nolan Wells: PART 1"Special Thanks: Nelson, Lea, Nawzil, and the entire Chatter Social teamTheme Song: Alaina Cross — “Karma” [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: ncs.io/karmaWatch: ncs.lnk.to/karmaAT/youtube🎧 A Debate the News: True Crime ProductionDownload the Chatter Social app: (for iOS / for Android).This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
• 
  The Trials of Alex Murdaugh 23.07.2026 43min

  In this episode, we examine the rise and fall of Alex Murdaugh, the once-prominent South Carolina attorney whose wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and 22-year-old son, Paul Murdaugh, were shot and killed on June 7, 2021. Their bodies were found near the dog kennels at the Murdaugh family’s rural Colleton County property, known as Moselle.What followed became one of the most closely watched true crime cases in America: two missing murder weapons, no eyewitness, no confession, a video recorded on Paul’s phone that placed Alex near Maggie and Paul shortly before their deaths, and years of financial crimes that were beginning to close in around him.This episode traces the Murdaugh family’s generations of legal influence in South Carolina, Alex’s theft of millions of dollars from clients and settlement funds, the death of longtime housekeeper Gloria Satterfield, and the fatal boat crash that killed 19-year-old Mallory Beach. It also follows the staged roadside shooting that Alex allegedly arranged, the financial prosecutions that destroyed his legal career, and the six-week murder trial that ended with his conviction in March 2023.Then the case took another extraordinary turn. In May 2026, the South Carolina Supreme Court ordered a new murder trial after finding that former Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca “Becky” Hill improperly interfered with the jury and denied Alex a fair trial. The decision did not declare him innocent or erase the evidence presented against him. It returned the murder charges to the trial court for a new jury to decide. South Carolina prosecutors announced that they would try him again, and jury selection is currently scheduled to begin on April 5, 2027. Alex remains incarcerated for his separate state and federal financial-crime convictions.⚖️ Disclaimer:Debate The News: True Crime is for informational and discussion purposes only. The hosts are not attorneys, law enforcement officials, medical professionals, or forensic experts. This episode includes discussion of murder, violence, substance abuse, and other disturbing subject matter. Listener discretion is advised. Any factual errors are unintentional. Any individual, business, or organization mentioned that has not been convicted of a crime is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Guest and audience opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or Debate The News: True Crime.Guest Contributors:→ Angiesworld→ Debbie Dowling-Wahba→ Mariana Thomas→ Danielle Paci→ LeslieCredits:Debate The News: True Crime"The Trials of Alex Murdaugh"Special Thanks: Nelson, Lea, Nawzil, and the entire Chatter Social teamTheme Song: Alaina Cross — “Karma” [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: ncs.io/karmaWatch: ncs.lnk.to/karmaAT/youtube🎧 A Debate the News: True Crime ProductionDownload the Chatter Social app: (for iOS / for Android).This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
• 
  The New Jersey Serial Killer: Robert Zarinsky 18.06.2026 35min

  In this episode of Debate The News: True Crime, we examine the chilling case of Robert Zarinsky, a convicted New Jersey murderer whose name became tied to some of the Garden State’s most disturbing cold cases. From the disappearance of 17-year-old Rosemary Calandriello, to the murders of Mary Agnes Klinsky and Jane Durrua, to the long-unsolved killing of Rahway police officer Charles Bernoskie, this case raises haunting questions about missed warnings, family secrecy, forensic limitations, and how many victims may never have received full justice.What you’ll hear:→ How 18-year-old Mary Agnes Klinsky was found murdered near the Garden State Parkway in 1965 — and how DNA testing decades later linked her case to Robert Zarinsky.→ The 1968 murder of 13-year-old Jane Durrua, a Monmouth County cold case that would later lead to a new indictment before Zarinsky died in prison.→ The 1969 disappearance of Rosemary Calandriello from Atlantic Highlands after she left home to buy milk and ice pops and never returned.→ The disturbing evidence investigators found inside the Zarinsky family car, including hair clips, women’s underwear, tools, blood evidence, and removed passenger-side handles.→ How Zarinsky was convicted of Rosemary Calandriello’s murder even though her body was never found, making the case a landmark no-body homicide prosecution in New Jersey.→ Why Zarinsky’s name later resurfaced in the 1958 murder of Rahway police officer Charles Bernoskie — and how that case ended in an acquittal.→ The live discussion about whether Zarinsky should be called a serial killer, even though he was only convicted of one murder during his lifetime.→ The debate over family secrecy, Zarinsky’s mother Veronica, and whether the people around him helped shield him from consequences.→ Why older cold cases were so difficult to prosecute before modern DNA testing, digital fingerprint databases, and better communication between jurisdictions.→ Why this case still haunts New Jersey true crime history decades after Zarinsky’s death.In the discussion portion of the episode, the hosts and the live audience debate how someone like Zarinsky could remain connected to so many disturbing cases without ever being fully held accountable for all of them. The conversation explores his alleged pattern of targeting vulnerable young girls, the role of his family, the limits of law enforcement in the 1960s and 1970s, and the difficult question of how to discuss crimes linked to a suspect who died before a jury could hear every case.This episode also looks at the cruelty of time. For Mary Agnes Klinsky’s family, answers came more than 50 years too late. For Jane Durrua’s family, the prosecution ended before trial. And for Rosemary Calandriello’s loved ones, Zarinsky died without ever revealing where her body was.⚖️ Disclaimer:Debate The News: True Crime is for informational and discussion purposes only. The hosts are not attorneys, law enforcement officials, medical professionals, forensic experts, or mental health professionals. This episode includes discussion of sexual assault, murder, violence against minors, and other disturbing subject matter. Listener discretion is advised. Any factual errors are unintentional. Any individual, business, or organization not convicted of a crime is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Guest and audience opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Debate The News: True Crime.Guest Contributors:→ Anne→ Debbie Dowling-Wahba→ Jessica→ MomoCredits:Debate The News: True Crime"The New Jersey Serial Killer: Robert Zarinsky"Special Thanks: Nelson, Lea, Nawzil, and the entire Chatter Social teamTheme Song: Alaina Cross — “Karma” [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: ncs.io/karmaWatch: ncs.lnk.to/karmaAT/youtube🎧 A Debate the News: True Crime ProductionDownload the Chatter Social app: (for iOS / for Android).This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
• 
  The Long Island Serial Killer & The Gilgo Beach Murders 11.06.2026 33min

  In this episode, we revisit the Gilgo Beach murders after one of the biggest developments in the Long Island Serial Killer case. Rex Heuermann, the Massapequa Park architect accused in multiple killings, recently pleaded guilty to seven charged murders and admitted responsibility for an eighth killing.This episode traces the case from the 1993 murder of Sandra Costilla through the discovery of the Gilgo Four along Ocean Parkway, the long years of stalled investigation, and the renewed Suffolk County task force that eventually focused on Heuermann. The hosts, guest contributors, and the live audience also debate whether the motive behind Heuermann's guilty plea was rooted in true accountability, legal strategy, or his own form of twisted control.At the center of this episode are the women whose lives were stolen: Sandra Costilla, Karen Vergata, Valerie Mack, Jessica Taylor, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Lynn Costello. The conversation also recognizes the broader Gilgo Beach investigation, including Shannan Gilbert, Tanya Denise Jackson, Tatiana Marie Dykes, and other victims whose cases remain part of the wider Long Island mystery.Trigger Warning & Disclaimer:This episode involves discussions about murder, sexual violence, dismemberment, and violence against women, including woman involved in sex work. Listener discretion is advised.If you or someone you know needs support, help may be available in the United States by dialing or texting 988.The hosts are not attorneys, law enforcement officials, forensic experts, or mental health professionals. The show researches each case carefully, but episodes are recorded live with minimal editing, and any factual errors are unintentional. The opinions of guests, audience members, and live commenters are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or Debate The News.Guest Contributors:→ Sha→ Anne→ Angiesworld→ AR→ MarkeithCredits:Debate The News: True Crime"The Long Island Serial Killer & The Gilgo Beach Murders"Special Thanks: Nelson, Lea, Nawzil, and the entire Chatter Social teamTheme Song: Alaina Cross — “Karma” [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: ncs.io/karmaWatch: ncs.lnk.to/karmaAT/youtube🎧 A Debate the News: True Crime ProductionDownload the Chatter Social app: (for iOS / for Android).This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
• 
  D4vd & The Death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez: Part 2 04.06.2026 31min

  In this episode of Debate The News: True Crime, we return to the disturbing case of Celeste Rivas Hernandez and singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke.In Part 1, we covered Celeste’s disappearance, her alleged connection to Burke, the discovery of her remains inside a Tesla registered to him, and the search of his Los Angeles rental home. In Part 2, the case has moved from a suspicious death investigation into an arrest and criminal charges.Burke has been charged with murder, sexual abuse, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. The criminal complaint also includes special circumstance allegations of lying in wait, murder for financial gain, and murder of a witness. Burke has pleaded not guilty, and his defense denies that he killed Celeste or caused her death.This episode walks through the new timeline, the prosecution’s theory, the alleged Tesla evidence, the DNA and digital evidence claims, and the questions that still do not make sense to the panel — especially why Celeste’s remains would allegedly be left for months in a car tied directly to D4vd.Trigger Warning & Disclaimer:This episode involves discussions about the death of a minor, alleged child sexual abuse, homicide, mutilation of human remains, decomposition, dismemberment, and graphic criminal allegations. Listener discretion is advised.If you or someone you know needs support, help may be available in the United States by dialing or texting 988.The hosts are not attorneys, law enforcement officials, forensic experts, or mental health professionals. The show researches each case carefully, but episodes are recorded live with minimal editing, and any factual errors are unintentional. The opinions of guests, audience members, and live commenters are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or Debate The News. David Anthony Burke is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.Guest Contributors:→ Angiesworld→ Lauren LaPointe→ Debbie Dowling-Wahba→ Anne→ Jessica→ BillieCredits:Debate The News: True Crime"D4vd & The Death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez: Part 2"Special Thanks: Nelson, Lea, Nawzil, and the entire Chatter Social teamTheme Song: Alaina Cross — “Karma” [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: ncs.io/karmaWatch: ncs.lnk.to/karmaAT/youtube🎧 A Debate the News: True Crime ProductionDownload the Chatter Social app: (for iOS / for Android).This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
• 
  Kaitlin Armstrong & The Murder of Moriah Wilson (with Angiesworld) 22.04.2026 39min

  In this episode, the hosts are joined by guest host Angiesworld to break down Kaitlin Armstrong & The Murder of Moriah Wilson — the shocking 2022 Austin, Texas murder case that ended the life of elite cyclist Anna Moriah “Mo” Wilson. What begins as a story about jealousy and a complicated love triangle quickly turns into a digital-age true crime case filled with hidden text threads, deleted messages, shared passwords, GPS data, surveillance footage, a black Jeep near the scene, a fake passport, a flight to Costa Rica, cosmetic surgery, and a fugitive manhunt that gripped the country.At the center of the case is Mo Wilson, a gifted young cyclist with enormous promise, and Kaitlin Armstrong, the yoga teacher and former partner of cyclist Colin Strickland, who prosecutors said became consumed by jealousy. This episode follows the timeline from the early cracks in Armstrong and Strickland’s relationship, to Wilson’s final night in Austin, to the investigation, trial, conviction, 90-year sentence, and the legal fallout that continued long after the verdict.Tune in to hear:The relationship timeline — Colin Strickland and Kaitlin Armstrong begin an on-again, off-again relationship in 2019, eventually becoming financially intertwined, while Strickland later forms a brief romantic connection with rising cycling star Mo Wilson.The jealousy builds — Witnesses later describe Armstrong as deeply upset over Wilson, with testimony that she made alarming statements about wanting to kill her if Strickland seriously moved on.May 11, 2022 — Wilson travels to Austin for the Gravel Locos race and reconnects with Strickland. To avoid conflict, he saves her contact under a fake name and deletes their text thread before the two meet up that night.The final evening — After spending time together, Strickland drops Mo Wilson off at her friend Kaitlyn Cash’s residence. Not long after, a nearby camera captures a scream followed by gunshots. Wilson is later found shot to death inside the home.The investigation turns fast — Police interview both Strickland and Armstrong, but within days the case takes a dramatic turn when Armstrong sells her Jeep, flies to New York, uses her sister’s passport, and flees to Costa Rica.The fugitive chapter — Authorities say Armstrong tried to disappear under the name Allison Page, underwent cosmetic procedures, and even worked as a yoga instructor before U.S. Marshals arrested her after a 43-day manhunt.The prosecution’s case — Investigators point to GPS and vehicle data, deleted iCloud evidence, surveillance video, phone records, and DNA on Wilson’s discarded bike as key pieces of the murder case.The trial and verdict — In November 2023, a jury convicts Armstrong of murder. She is sentenced to 90 years in prison and fined $10,000.The aftermath — This episode also covers Armstrong’s pretrial escape attempt, the later dismissal of that related charge, the January 2026 appellate ruling that upheld her conviction and sentence, and the $15 million wrongful death judgment awarded to Wilson’s family.Joseph, Adrienne, and Angie also debate the bigger questions at the center of this case: Was Colin Strickland himself living inside a coercive, emotionally abusive relationship? Did Armstrong intend only to kill Mo Wilson, or could things have ended even worse? Did Armstrong’s jealousy come from fear of losing Colin, resentment of Wilson’s talent and future, or both? And how do cases like this expose the dangerous line between obsession, control, stalking, and deadly violence?⚠️ Listener discretion: This episode includes discussion of murder, stalking, domestic abuse dynamics, gun violence, and disturbing criminal allegations. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs support, help may be available via the Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.⚖️ Disclaimer: Debate the News: True Crime Edition is for informational and discussion purposes only. We are not attorneys, law enforcement officers, or forensic experts. While we research each case, the show is recorded live with little to no editing; any factual errors are unintentional. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Guest and audience views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts.Speakers:→ Adrienne Barker — Host→ Joseph Lobosco — Host→ Angiesworld — Guest Host→ Debbie Dowling-Wahba — Guest ContributorCredits:Debate The News: True Crime"Kaitlin Armstrong & The Murder of Moriah Wilson"Created by: Jonathan Bing, Adrienne Barker and Joseph R. LoboscoProducers: Adrienne Barker, Joseph R. Lobosco, Danielle Paci, and Jonathan BingWriters: Joseph R. Lobosco and Adrienne BarkerEditor: Joseph R. LoboscoCover Art: Joseph R. LoboscoSpecial Thanks: Nelson, Lea, Nawzil, and the entire Chatter Social teamTheme Song: Alaina Cross — “Karma” [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: ncs.io/karmaWatch: ncs.lnk.to/karmaAT/youtube🎧 A Debate the News: True Crime ProductionDownload the Chatter Social app: (for iOS / for Android).This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
• 
  Into the Deep: The Submarine Murder of Kim Wall 16.04.2026 35min

  In this episode, we dive into the 2017 murder of Swedish freelance journalist Kim Wall, who boarded Danish inventor Peter Madsen’s homemade submarine, the UC3 Nautilus, near Copenhagen, Denmark, for what should have been a routine interview and never came back. What followed was an international missing-person case, gruesome forensic evidence, shifting lies, and one of the most disturbing murder trials in modern true crime.The hosts and their panel of guest contributors also debate the bigger questions surrounding this case: Would you ever board a homemade submarine? What do Peter Madsen’s constantly changing explanations reveal about guilt, control, and motive? Was this murder planned in advance? How did Madsen’s image as an eccentric inventor help hide something far darker?⚠️ Listener discretion: This episode includes discussion of murder, dismemberment, sexual violence, and graphic postmortem abuse. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs support, help may be available via the Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.⚖️ Disclaimer: Debate The News: True Crime Edition is for informational and discussion purposes only. We are not attorneys, law enforcement officers, or forensic experts. While we research each case, the show is recorded live with minimal editing; any factual errors are unintentional. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Guest and audience views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts.Speakers:→ Adrienne Barker — Host→ Joseph R. Lobosco — Host→ Lauren LaPointe — Guest Contributor→ Anne — Guest Contributor→ Debbie Dowling-Wahba — Guest Contributor→ Steven Martin — Guest Contributor→ Danielle Paci — Guest Contributor→ Mariana Thomas — Guest ContributorCredits:Debate The News: True Crime"Into the Deep: The Submarine Murder of Kim Wall"Created by: Jonathan Bing, Adrienne Barker and Joseph R. LoboscoProducers: Adrienne Barker, Joseph R. Lobosco, Danielle Paci, and Jonathan BingWriters: Joseph R. Lobosco and Adrienne BarkerEditor: Joseph R. LoboscoCover Art: Joseph R. LoboscoSpecial Thanks: Nelson, Lea, Nawzil, and the entire Chatter Social teamTheme Song: Alaina Cross — “Karma” [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: ncs.io/karmaWatch: ncs.lnk.to/karmaAT/youtube🎧 A Debate the News: True Crime ProductionDownload the Chatter Social app: (for iOS / for Android).This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
• 
  The Murder of Tara Baker (with Too Bee & Jonathan Bing) 09.04.2026 49min

  Tara Baker was a 23-year-old first-year law student at the University of Georgia whose life was cut short in a brutal murder that shocked Athens and remained unsolved for more than two decades.In this episode of Debate The News: True Crime, we break down Tara Baker’s final known movements, the crime scene, the long road to justice, the DNA evidence that revived the case, and the arguments raised by both prosecutors and the defense during trial. We also examine why the verdict still sparks discussion in the community years after the murder itself.What we cover in this episode:Tara Baker’s final known movements before her deathThe discovery of the crime scene inside her Athens apartmentWhy the case went unsolved for more than 20 yearsHow renewed DNA testing changed the direction of the investigationThe arrest and prosecution of Edrick FossThe defense theory and controversy surrounding the verdictWhy the case still divides opinion todayJoin the DebateJoin the conversation live on Chatter Social and be part of the next Debate The News: True Crime recording. Debate The News: True Crime records live on Thursdays at 7:00 PM ET on the Chatter Social App. Download Chatter Social: (for iOS / for Android).DisclaimerThe hosts are not attorneys, law enforcement officials, or medical professionals. This show is recorded live with minimal editing, and any factual errors are unintentional. Any individuals, businesses, or organizations discussed who were never convicted of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The opinions of guests and audience members are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Adrienne Barker, Joseph Lobosco, or Debate The News: True Crime.Speakers→ Adrienne Barker — Host→ Joseph Lobosco — Host→ Too Bee — Guest Host→ Jonathan Bing — Guest Host→ Mariana Thomas — Guest Contributor→ Lisa — Guest Contributor→ Sha — Guest Contributor→ Jessaka — Guest ContributorCredits:Debate The News: True Crime"The Murder of Tara Baker (with Too Bee & Jonathan Bing)"Created by: Jonathan Bing, Adrienne Barker and Joseph R. LoboscoProducers: Adrienne Barker, Joseph R. Lobosco, Danielle Paci, and Jonathan BingWriters: Joseph R. Lobosco and Adrienne BarkerEditor: Joseph R. LoboscoCover Art: Joseph R. LoboscoSpecial Thanks: Nelson, Lea, Nawzil, and the entire Chatter Social teamTheme Song: Alaina Cross — “Karma” [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: ncs.io/karmaWatch: ncs.lnk.to/karmaAT/youtube🎧 A Debate the News: True Crime ProductionDownload the Chatter Social app: (for iOS / for Android).This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
• 
  Murder, Fentanyl and a Moscow Mule: The Trial of Kouri Richins 02.04.2026 34min

  In this episode of Debate The News: True Crime, we break down the Kouri Richins case, the high-profile Utah murder case centered on the death of Eric Richins. Prosecutors argued that Richins poisoned her husband with fentanyl after a marriage marked by financial strain, secret life insurance policies, estate planning disputes, and a failed earlier attempt involving a Valentine’s Day sandwich.The episode follows the prosecution’s theory from motive to verdict: the alleged fentanyl sourcing, the fatal Moscow mule, the autopsy findings, the phone data, and the behavior after Eric’s death that prosecutors said showed consciousness of guilt. Adrienne and Joseph also dig into the twist that made this case explode in the public imagination: roughly one year after Eric died, Richins self-published a children’s grief book, Are You With Me?, built around helping kids cope with the loss of a father.The conversation also covers the defense strategy, the decision not to call witnesses, the March 2026 guilty verdict, and the separate financial case still hanging over Richins. As always, the live audience weighs in on motive, manipulation, image management, and whether this was a straightforward murder case or a heavily layered circumstantial prosecution.Join the DebateDo you think the prosecution proved motive, method, and intent beyond a reasonable doubt? Did the children’s book change the way you viewed the case? Join the conversation live on Chatter Social and be part of the next Debate The News: True Crime recording. Debate The News: True Crime records live on Thursdays at 7:00 PM ET on the Chatter Social App. Download Chatter Social: (for iOS / for Android).DisclaimerThe hosts are not attorneys, law enforcement officials, or medical professionals. This show is recorded live with minimal editing, and any factual errors are unintentional. Any individuals, businesses, or organizations discussed who were never convicted of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The opinions of guests and audience members are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Adrienne Barker, Joseph Lobosco, or Debate The News: True Crime.Speakers→ Adrienne Barker — Host→ Joseph Lobosco — Host→ Leslie — Guest Contributor→ Mariana Thomas — Guest Contributor→ Debbie Dowling-Wahba — Guest Contributor→ Jessaka — Guest Contributor→ Nikki — Guest ContributorCredits:Debate The News: True Crime"Murder, Fentanyl and a Moscow Mule: The Trial of Kouri Richins"Created by: Jonathan Bing, Adrienne Barker and Joseph R. LoboscoProducers: Adrienne Barker, Joseph R. Lobosco, Danielle Paci, and Jonathan BingWriters: Joseph R. Lobosco and Adrienne BarkerEditor: Joseph R. LoboscoCover Art: Joseph R. LoboscoSpecial Thanks: Nelson, Lea, Nawzil, and the entire Chatter Social teamTheme Song: Alaina Cross — “Karma” [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: ncs.io/karmaWatch: ncs.lnk.to/karmaAT/youtube🎧 A Debate the News: True Crime ProductionDownload the Chatter Social app: (for iOS / for Android).This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
• 
  The Toy Box Killer: David Parker Ray 25.03.2026 25min

  In this episode of Debate The News: True Crime, hosts Adrienne Barker & Joseph Lobosco break down the chilling case of David Parker Ray, the man infamously known as “The Toy Box Killer.” This true crime podcast episode explores the 1999 escape of Cynthia Vigil, the hidden trailer near Elephant Butte, New Mexico, and the survivor accounts that exposed one of the most disturbing criminal investigations in modern true crime history.Adrienne & Joseph trace the disappearances of Jill Suzanne Troya and Marie Parker, the stories of survivors Cynthia Vigil, Angelica Montano, and Kelli Garrett, and the roles played by Cindy Hendy, Jesse Ray, and Dennis Roy Yancy. The episode also examines the unanswered questions that still surround David Parker Ray’s suspected victim count, the lack of recovered bodies, and why this case continues to haunt investigators and the public decades later.Trigger Warning: This episode contains mentions of kidnapping, SA, torture, and murder. Listener discretion is strongly advised.⚖️ Disclaimer: Debate The News: True Crime is for informational, commentary, and discussion purposes only. We are not attorneys, law enforcement officials, or medical professionals. Any factual errors are unintentional. Any individual, business, or organization is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Guest and audience views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts or Debate The News.🔗"FBI official gallery: Items and Artifacts in the David Parker Ray case" — a public collection of 401 recovered items that investigators have asked families and friends of missing people to review: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/albuquerque/items-david-parker-raySpeakers→ Adrienne Barker — Host→ Joseph Lobosco — Host→ Anne — Guest Contributor→ Lauren — Guest Contributor→ Lea — Guest Contributor→ Amanda — Guest ContributorCredits:Debate The News: True Crime"The Toy Box Killer: David Parker Ray"Created by: Jonathan Bing, Adrienne Barker and Joseph R. LoboscoProducers: Adrienne Barker, Joseph R. Lobosco, Danielle Paci, and Jonathan BingWriters: Adrienne Barker and Joseph R. LoboscoEditor: Joseph R. LoboscoCover Art: Joseph R. LoboscoSpecial Thanks: Nelson, Lea, Nawzil, and the entire Chatter Social teamTheme Song: Alaina Cross — “Karma” [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: ncs.io/karmaWatch: ncs.lnk.to/karmaAT/youtube🎧 A Debate the News: True Crime ProductionDownload the Chatter Social app: (for iOS / for Android).This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
• 
  Abducted: Where is Nancy Guthrie? 19.03.2026 57min

  Where is Nancy Guthrie? How does an 84-year-old woman with limited mobility vanish overnight from her Catalina Foothills home outside Tucson, Arizona, leaving behind blood evidence, a disconnected front door camera, a pacemaker app that suddenly went dark, and chilling footage of a masked intruder at her front door?In this episode of Debate The News: True Crime, hosts Adrienne Barker and Joseph Lobosco break down the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie — the mother of Today host Savannah Guthrie — and the FBI/Pima County investigation into what authorities say was a likely abduction in the early morning hours of February 1, 2026.From Nancy’s last confirmed movements after a family dinner, to the recovered suspect footage, fake ransom communications, abandoned evidence leads, and the unanswered question of motive, this episode follows the known timeline step by step. As of March 12, 2026, Nancy Guthrie had been missing for 40 days, and no suspect had been publicly identified.This episode is for listeners following the Nancy Guthrie missing-person case, Savannah Guthrie mother missing coverage, Tucson abduction headlines, FBI suspect footage, and the wider true crime debate over evidence, misinformation, and motive. Debate The News: True Crime approaches this story with care and respect for Nancy Guthrie and the people who love her.Anyone with information regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie should contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip online. The FBI is offering up to $100,000, and the family has separately offered up to $1 million for information leading to Nancy’s recovery.⚖️ Disclaimer: Debate The News: True Crime is for informational, commentary, and discussion purposes only. We are not attorneys, law enforcement officials, or psychologists. While we research each case carefully, the show is recorded live with minimal editing, and any factual errors are unintentional. Anyone discussed who has not been charged or convicted of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Guest and audience views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts or Debate The News.Speakers→ Adrienne Barker — Host→ Joseph Lobosco — Host→ Jonathan Bing — Guest Contributor→ Debbie Dowling-Wahba — Guest Contributor→ Danielle Paci — Guest Contributor→ Mariana Thomas — Guest Contributor→ Jonathan Howard — Guest Contributor→ Anne — Guest Contributor→ Shauna — Guest Contributor→ Lisa — Guest Contributor→ Lea — Guest Contributor→ Hammed — Guest Contributor→ Gail — Guest ContributorCredits:Debate The News: True Crime"Abducted: Where is Nancy Guthrie?"Created by: Jonathan Bing, Adrienne Barker and Joseph R. LoboscoProducers: Adrienne Barker, Joseph R. Lobosco, Danielle Paci, and Jonathan BingWriters: Joseph R. Lobosco & Adrienne BarkerEditor: Joseph R. LoboscoCover Art: Joseph R. LoboscoSpecial Thanks: Nelson, Lea, Nawzil, and the entire Chatter Social teamTheme Song: Alaina Cross — “Karma” [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: ncs.io/karmaWatch: ncs.lnk.to/karmaAT/youtube🎧 A Debate the News: True Crime ProductionDownload the Chatter Social app: (for iOS / for Android).This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
• 
  The Perfect Neighbor: Susan Lorincz & The Death of Ajike "A.J." Owens (with AngiesWorld) 12.03.2026 46min

  In this episode of Debate The News: True Crime, Joseph Lobosco and Adrienne Barker are joined by guest host Angie of the Angiesworld Podcast to break down the Susan Lorincz case, the killing of Ajike “A.J.” Owens, and the renewed attention surrounding Netflix’s "The Perfect Neighbor" documentary. The conversation traces the years of tension in an Ocala, Florida apartment community, the deadly neighbor dispute that culminated in the June 2, 2023 shooting, and the legal fallout that followed.As the Oscar-nominated documentary brings the case back into national focus, the panel debates whether Lorincz ever had a viable self-defense claim, why Florida’s Stand Your Ground law became central to the public conversation, and how race, rage, fear, and repeated neighborhood conflict shaped the deadly outcome. This episode is for listeners following the Susan Lorincz trial, the Ajike Owens case, The Perfect Neighbor documentary, and the wider debate over self-defense laws in true crime and criminal justice.Debate The News: True Crime approaches this story with respect for Ajike “A.J.” Owens, her children, and everyone affected by this case.🎧 Tune In to Hear- the fatal timeline behind the Susan Lorincz case- why the Stand Your Ground defense failed- fear vs. rage vs. premeditation- race, escalation, and neighbor conflict🗓️ Case Timeline- January 16, 2021 – First documented law-enforcement contact. Incident logs show an early call for service tied to the homes, marking the beginning of a long-running pattern of conflict in the neighborhood.- February 25, 2022 – A property dispute turns into a police report. Lorincz calls 911 claiming Ajike Owens threw a no-trespassing sign at her during an argument. Deputies note conflicting statements and no visible injuries.- Late 2022 to spring 2023 – Complaints continue to stack up. Additional calls and reports underscore how normalized police involvement had become between Susan Lorincz and the Owens household.- June 2, 2023, around 8:40 p.m. – The confrontation begins. Owens’ children are outside playing in the common area when an argument breaks out over a tablet. Witness accounts later describe Lorincz throwing the tablet, swinging an umbrella, and throwing roller skates toward the children.- June 2, 2023, 8:54 p.m. – Lorincz calls 911. She reports trespassing and says children are outside her door.- Minutes later – Ajike “A.J.” Owens goes to the door. After learning what happened with her children, Owens walks to Lorincz’s apartment with one of her sons to confront her.- June 2, 2023 – The fatal shot is fired through a closed door. From inside the locked apartment, Lorincz fires a single round through the door, striking Owens in the upper chest. Deputies were already en route from the earlier call.- June 6, 2023 – Susan Lorincz is arrested. Investigators reject her self-defense claim and arrest her four days after the shooting.- June 2023 – Formal charges follow. Prosecutors move forward with manslaughter-related charges and explain why they did not pursue a second-degree murder case.- August 2024 – The case goes to trial. Jurors hear 911 audio, witness testimony, and evidence centered on the shooting through the closed door.- November 25, 2024 – Lorincz is sentenced to 25 years. After being found guilty of manslaughter, she is sentenced to 25 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.- 2025 – The case stays in court and in the headlines. Lorincz files an appeal, the Owens family pursues a wrongful-death lawsuit, and the case remains part of a wider national conversation about accountability and self-defense claims.- October 17, 2025 to January 22, 2026 – The documentary brings renewed attention. Netflix releases The Perfect Neighbor, and the film is later nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, putting the Ajike Owens case back in the national spotlight.⚖️ Debate & Analysis- Was the shooting justified under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law? The panel overwhelmingly says no. A locked door, police already on the way, and a shot fired without opening the door all undercut the self-defense narrative.- Was this fear, rage, or premeditation? The discussion wrestles with whether Lorincz acted in panic, anger, or with a plan to later frame the shooting as self-defense.- What role did race play? The episode examines reported slurs, Lorincz’s admitted language toward Black children, and why many people see the case as more than a simple neighbor dispute.- How did the conflict escalate for so long? Repeated 911 calls, unresolved property disputes, neighborhood tension, and lack of intervention all become part of the story.- Could this tragedy have been prevented? The panel explores how apartment management, law enforcement, and de-escalation failures may have allowed a simmering dispute to become fatal.- Why does The Perfect Neighbor resonate? Because the documentary forces viewers to confront how everyday conflicts, gun access, and self-defense laws can collide in deadly ways.⚠️ DisclaimerThis episode is presented for commentary and informational purposes only. Joseph Lobosco, Adrienne Barker, Angie, and the guest contributors are not acting as attorneys or law-enforcement officials in this episode. The show is recorded live with minimal editing, and any factual errors are unintentional. Opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, and audience contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Debate The News. Any person, business, or organization mentioned who has not been convicted of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.🎙️ Speakers→ Adrienne Barker — Host→ Joseph Lobosco — Host→ Angiesworld — Guest Host→ Shauna — Guest Contributor→ Mekey — Guest ContributorCredits:Debate The News: True CrimeThe Perfect Neighbor: Susan Lorincz & The Death of Ajike "A.J." Owens (with Angiesworld)Created by: Jonathan Bing, Adrienne Barker and Joseph R. LoboscoProducers: Adrienne Barker, Joseph R. Lobosco, Danielle Paci, Angiesworld and Jonathan BingWriters: Joseph R. Lobosco & Adrienne BarkerEditor: Joseph R. LoboscoCover Art: Joseph R. LoboscoSpecial Thanks: Nelson, Lea, Nawzil, and the entire Chatter Social teamTheme Song: Alaina Cross — “Karma” [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: ncs.io/karmaWatch: ncs.lnk.to/karmaAT/youtube🎧 A Debate the News: True Crime ProductionDownload the Chatter Social app: (for iOS / for Android).This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
• 
  A Body and a Blizzard: The Trials of Karen Read - PART 2 05.03.2026 22min

  What happens when a murder case becomes less about one night and more about conspiracy, bias, planted evidence, and public trust?Was Karen Read framed in the death of John O’Keefe, or did a chaotic investigation and a fierce defense strategy turn a tragedy into a true crime debate that hardened people into camps? In this standalone episode, hosts Adrienne Barker and Joseph Lobosco dig into the most explosive unresolved questions surrounding the Karen Read case — the alleged cover-up, the dog-bite theory, the taillight fragments, witness phone calls, conflicts of interest, and the fallout from Michael Proctor’s offensive messages. Rather than retelling the full timeline, this Karen Read trial deep dive zeroes in on the arguments, contradictions, and credibility problems that kept the John O’Keefe case burning long after the courtroom battles ended.Tune in to hear:Conspiracy vs. coincidence – Adrienne asks the panel point-blank whether there was a conspiracy against Karen Read, and Joseph, Angiesworld, Debbie, and Shea largely land in the same place: they believe she was framed and say the people around the case never expected national scrutiny or the strength of Karen’s defense. Dog-bite theory – The panel debates whether wounds on John O’Keefe’s arm, the missing or rehomed dog, and the absence of a clean bite-mark comparison create reasonable doubt. Pork DNA and unanswered questions – Joseph revisits trial discussion that swabs from O’Keefe’s wounds did not reveal dog DNA but did reveal pork DNA, prompting speculation about dog treats and whether the canine theory can really be ruled out. Taillight fragments and planted-evidence claims – Joseph walks through the defense position that Karen’s taillight was damaged elsewhere, while panelists question why red plastic fragments appeared later at the scene after police had access to both the SUV and the location. Scratches, knuckles, and injury analysis – Amanda raises reported marks on a son’s knuckles, while Joseph cites defense reconstruction testimony that O’Keefe’s arm injuries were not consistent with a broken taillight. “Did I hit him?” – Shea breaks down how panic, grief, and shock can be twisted into incriminating statements when investigators are already locked onto a suspect. Butt dials, flirtatious texts, and Brian Higgins – The panel questions whether witness phone calls were really accidental, and whether flirtatious messages plus overlapping personal and law-enforcement relationships created obvious conflicts of interest that demanded an outside investigation.Debate & analysis:This episode is about more than whether Karen Read is innocent or guilty; it’s about what happens when public faith in an investigation collapses. Our panel debates whether bias by investigators and personal entanglements poisoned this case from the start, whether the dog theory and taillight theory amount to real reasonable doubt or overreaching defense arguments, and whether Michael Proctor’s vulgar texts merely exposed unprofessional behavior or fundamentally discredited the investigation. We also confront the larger question that keeps this Karen Read true crime saga alive: once the public believes evidence may have been mishandled, witnesses may be too intertwined, and law enforcement may be protecting its own, can the system ever recover credibility? As Adrienne says at the close, the human cost remains brutal: John O’Keefe is gone, the public has hardened into camps, and the story continues in civil court, disciplinary boards, and the unresolved fight over what really happened.⚖️ Disclaimer: Debate the News: True Crime Edition is for informational and discussion purposes only. We are not attorneys, law enforcement officers, or forensic experts. While we research each case, the show is recorded live with little to no editing; any factual errors are unintentional. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Listener discretion is advised. Guest and audience views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts.Speakers:→ Adrienne Barker — Host→ Joseph Lobosco — Host→ Debbie Dowling-Wahba — Guest Contributor→ Amanda Yoa — Guest Contributor→ Shea — Guest Contributor→ Angiesworld — Guest ContributorCredits:“Debate The News: True Crime”"A Body and a Blizzard: The Trials of Karen Read - PART 2"Created by: Jonathan Bing, Adrienne Barker and Joseph R. LoboscoProducers: Adrienne Barker, Joseph R. Lobosco, Danielle Paci and Jonathan BingWriters: Joseph R. Lobosco & Adrienne BarkerEditor: Joseph R. LoboscoCover Art: Joseph R. LoboscoSpecial Thanks: Nelson, Lea, Nawzil, and the entire Chatter Social teamTheme Song: Alaina Cross — “Karma” [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: ncs.io/karmaWatch: ncs.lnk.to/karmaAT/youtube🎧 A Debate the News: True Crime ProductionDownload the Chatter Social app: (for iOS / for Android).This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
• 
  A Body and a Blizzard: The Trials of Karen Read - PART 1 26.02.2026 25min

  Did Karen Read back her Lexus SUV into her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, and leave him to die in the snow during a Canton, Massachusetts blizzard? Or did something happen inside 34 Fairview Road, followed by a rushed investigation, compromised evidence, and an alleged cover-up that turned the courtroom into a public battleground?In the episode, hosts Adrienne Barker and Joseph Lobosco break down the John O’Keefe death case, the explosive Karen Read murder charges, and the two-trial saga that became a referendum on policing, prosecution, and public trust in the justice system. From the late-night bar crawl at CF McCarthy’s and The Waterfall Bar & Grill, to taillight fragments, voicemails, ‘butt dials,’ and the infamous ‘hos long to die in the cold’ Google search, this episode lays out the evidence and discusses the various theories surrounding the case.As of the release date of this podcast episode, to our knowledge, no individuals (including Karen Read) have been convicted of any crimes directly related to the tragic death of Boston police officer John O'Keefe. Debate The News: True Crime extends our sincere condolences to his loved ones and everyone affected by this horrible tragedy.Disclaimer:Debate the News: True Crime Edition is for informational, commentary and discussion purposes only. We are not attorneys or law enforcement officers. While we research each case, the show is recorded live with minimal editing. Any factual errors are unintentional. Any individuals, businesses, or organizations mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs support, help may be available via the Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.Speakers:→ Adrienne Barker — Host→ Joseph Lobosco — Host→ AngiesWorld — Guest Contributor→ Shea — Guest Contributor→ Mariana Thomas — Guest Contributor→ Amanda Yoa — Guest Contributor→ Debbie Dowling-Wahba — Guest Contributor→ Mama K — Guest ContributorCredits:“Debate The News: True Crime”"A Body and a Blizzard: The Trials of Karen Read - PART 1"Created by: Jonathan Bing, Adrienne Barker and Joseph R. LoboscoProducers: Adrienne Barker, Joseph R. Lobosco, Danielle Paci and Jonathan BingWriters: Joseph R. Lobosco & Adrienne BarkerEditor: Joseph R. LoboscoCover Art: Joseph R. LoboscoSpecial Thanks: Nelson, Lea, Nawzil, and the entire Chatter Social teamTheme Song: Alaina Cross — “Karma” [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: ncs.io/karmaWatch: ncs.lnk.to/karmaAT/youtube🎧 A Debate the News: True Crime ProductionDownload the Chatter Social app: (for iOS / for Android).This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
• 
  The Kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart 19.02.2026 58min

  Why did the 2002 Salt Lake City kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart become one of the most unforgettable abduction cases in modern true crime history? How did a crime that began in the upscale Federal Heights neighborhood turn into a national manhunt, a controversial early focus on the wrong suspect, and a years-long fight for justice after Elizabeth was finally found alive?In this episode, hosts Adrienne Barker and Joseph Lobosco revisit The Kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart — the abduction of 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart from her family’s home in Salt Lake City, Utah, her nine months of captivity under Brian David Mitchell (who called himself “Emmanuel”) and Wanda Barzee, and the legal road that followed, shaped by delayed proceedings, competency battles, and public outrage over sentencing and release decisions.🔗THE ELIZABETH SMART FOUNDATION: https://www.elizabethsmartfoundation.org⚠️ Content warning: This episode includes discussions of child abduction, sexual assault, and psychological coercion. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs support, help may be available via the Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.Tune in to hear:June 5, 2002 – Elizabeth Smart abducted from her Salt Lake City bedroom: An intruder enters the Smart home through a window after cutting a screen, and Elizabeth’s 9-year-old sister Mary Catherine becomes the only eyewitness — too terrified to immediately raise the alarm.June 2002 – National manhunt and a massive community search: Police, the FBI, and volunteers scour neighborhoods, foothills, and canyons as the reward reportedly surges to $250,000 within days; when burned remains are found nearby, the family endures a terrifying moment before learning it is not Elizabeth.Summer 2002 – Early tunnel vision on handyman Richard Ricci: Investigators focus heavily on Richard Ricci, a handyman who worked in the Smart home; he is jailed on unrelated matters, denies involvement, and later dies in custody on August 30, 2002 — with later reporting indicating he was not responsible, raising hard questions about investigative tunnel vision.2002–2003 – Captivity under Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee: While the public searches, Elizabeth is held by Mitchell (a drifter and self-styled religious prophet) and Barzee; she is allegedly isolated through threats, abuse, and religious control, and kept disguised in layered clothing with robes and a veil while being moved in public — including travel beyond Utah and time in the San Diego area.Breakthrough lead – Mary Catherine recognizes “Emmanuel”: Months after the abduction, Mary Catherine tells her parents she believes the voice she heard belonged to “Emmanuel,” a man who previously worked at their home; frustrated with the pace, the family goes public with a sketch, tips pour in, and “Emmanuel” is identified as Brian David Mitchell.March 12, 2003 – Rescue after nine months: Multiple people report seeing a man, a woman, and a girl in disguise in a Salt Lake City suburb; police detain the group, Elizabeth initially denies her identity, but officers separate her from the adults and she is ultimately identified and reunited with her family. Mitchell and Barzee are arrested.2003–2010 – The long, controversial road to court: The legal process drags for years amid battles over mental competency, repeatedly postponing Elizabeth’s day in court and fueling public anger.November 17, 2009 – Wanda Barzee pleads guilty: Barzee pleads guilty in federal court to charges including kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor, with authorities framing the plea as a way to reduce the burden on Elizabeth by avoiding testimony against Barzee.March 1, 2010 – Mitchell ruled competent:A federal judge rules Brian David Mitchell competent to stand trial, clearing the way after years of stalled proceedings.May 2010 – Barzee sentencing and an additional state case detail: Barzee is sentenced to 15 years in federal court; the episode also discusses the related state case involving an alleged attempted kidnapping of Elizabeth’s cousin in the weeks after the abduction.Late 2010–May 25, 2011 – Mitchell convicted and sentenced to life: Mitchell goes to trial in federal court, is convicted of interstate kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor, and on May 25, 2011 receives a life sentence intended to ensure he is never released.September 2018 – Barzee released; backlash follows: After the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole determines she must receive credit for time served in federal custody, Barzee is released; Elizabeth publicly condemns the release and argues Barzee was an active participant, not a passive bystander.May 2025 – New controversy: alleged sex-offender restriction violations: The episode discusses Barzee’s alleged arrest in Salt Lake City for violating protected-area restrictions tied to her sex offender status (including entering a public park), and the frustration over how violations are handled.Today – Where the case stands now: Mitchell remains in federal prison serving a life sentence; Barzee is out under supervised release as a registered sex offender as debates continue about accountability, public safety, and how the justice system handles accomplices.Debate & analysis – Tunnel vision, survival psychology, and the limits of “what you think you’d do”: Our panel debates the most controversial questions that still shape the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping case today: Did early investigative focus on Richard Ricci delay real progress? When should families go public — and when can that compromise an investigation? We also confront one of the most misunderstood parts of this case: why Elizabeth, even when seen in public, didn’t disclose her identity at first — and how fear, threats, coercion, and survival strategy can look like “compliance” from the outside. The discussion also tackles sentencing and accountability — particularly the debate over Wanda Barzee’s plea deal, her release, and how society should treat an accomplice in prolonged child captivity and abuse. Finally, we ask the modern true crime question: if this Salt Lake City child abduction happened today — with cameras, drones, social media, and online misinformation — would Elizabeth be found sooner… or would “noise” slow the truth down?⚖️ Disclaimer: Debate the News: True Crime Edition is for informational and discussion purposes only. We are not attorneys, law enforcement officers, or mental health professionals. While we research each case, the show is recorded live with little to no editing; any factual errors are unintentional. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Listener discretion is advised. Guest and audience views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts.Speakers:→ Adrienne Barker — Host→ Joseph Lobosco — Host→ Lea — Guest Contributor→ Mama K — Guest Contributor→ Mariana Thomas — Guest Contributor→ Debbie Dowling-Wahba — Guest Contributor→ Shauna — Guest Contributor→ Sir Jude — Guest Contributor→ Mekey Gabriel — Guest Contributor→ Jonathan Howard — Guest Contributor→ Angiesworld — Guest Contributor→ Anne P — Guest ContributorCredits:“Debate The News: True Crime”"The Kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart"Created by: Jonathan Bing, Adrienne Barker and Joseph R. LoboscoProducers: Adrienne Barker, Joseph R. Lobosco, Danielle Paci and Jonathan BingWriters: Joseph R. Lobosco & Adrienne BarkerEditor: Joseph R. LoboscoCover Art: Joseph R. LoboscoSpecial Thanks: Nelson, Lea, Nawzil, and the entire Chatter Social teamTheme Song: Alaina Cross — “Karma” [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: ncs.io/karmaWatch: ncs.lnk.to/karmaAT/youtube🎧 A Debate the News: True Crime ProductionDownload the Chatter Social app: (for iOS / for Android).This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
• 
  The Case of Anne Boleyn (with Vashon) 12.02.2026 1t 11min

  In this episode, host Joseph Lobosco is joined by guest host Vashon to unpack The Case of Anne Boleyn — the rise, fall, and execution of England’s most infamous queen, and the chilling questions at the heart of this Tudor-era true crime story.Along the way, we explore how Henry’s obsession with a male heir helped fuel the English Reformation, expand treason law, and weaponize the courts — and why Anne’s story still resonates in today’s conversations about coerced confessions, propaganda, and capital punishment.⚠️ Listener discretion: This episode includes discussions of execution, graphic violence, and allegations of sexual misconduct. If you or someone you know needs support, help may be available via the Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Alt Anne Boleyn⚖️ Disclaimer: Debate the News: True Crime Edition is for informational and discussion purposes only. We are not attorneys, law enforcement officers, medical professionals, or professional historians. While we research each case, the show is recorded live with little to no editing; any factual errors are unintentional. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Listener discretion is advised. Guest and audience views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts or Debate The News. Alt Anne BoleynSpeakers:→ Joseph Lobosco — Host→ Vashon — Guest Host→ Lauren LaPointe — Guest ContributorCredits:“Debate The News: True Crime”"The Case of Anne Boleyn"Created by: Jonathan Bing, Adrienne Barker and Joseph R. LoboscoProducers: Adrienne Barker, Joseph R. Lobosco, Danielle Paci and Jonathan BingWriters: Vashon & Joseph R. LoboscoEditor: Joseph R. LoboscoCover Art: Joseph R. LoboscoSpecial Thanks: Nelson, Lea, Nawzil, and the entire Chatter Social teamTheme Song: Alaina Cross — “Karma” [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: ncs.io/karmaWatch: ncs.lnk.to/karmaAT/youtube🎧 A Debate the News: True Crime ProductionDownload the Chatter Social app: (for iOS / for Android).This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp