Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns

Episoade

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  Mayhem in the Morgue | He’s Alive 22.07.2026 21min

  In this episode of Mayhem in the Morgue, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns examines the rare phenomenon known as the Lazarus effect, or autoresuscitation, where signs of life return after a person has been declared dead. He starts with the case that’s been making headlines: 18-month-old Vincent Lorenzo Fiordilino, pronounced dead after a drowning, then found alive hours later in a hospital morgue. Dr. Crowns explains how death is actually determined, what might cause circulation to kick back in after resuscitation has already stopped, and the safeguards hospitals use to prevent a person from being declared dead prematurely. He also shares other reported cases of people showing signs of life at funeral homes and explains how he knows the person on his autopsy table is, in fact, actually dead. Highlights (0:00) Welcome to Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns (00:30) The case of 18-month-old Vincent Lorenzo Fiordilino, who was found alive in a hospital morgue (1:15) Childhood drowning risks and why crowded gatherings around swimming pools can become dangerous (2:45) What happens to the body during drowning and the five stages that can lead to death (6:15) Vincent’s resuscitation, declaration of death, and the signs of life reportedly noticed by his family and first responders (7:15) What agonal breathing looks like and why it can be mistaken for signs of recovery (8:30) A medical examiner transporter discovers Vincent alive more than five hours after he was pronounced dead (9:45) The Lazarus effect, or autoresuscitation, and where the term comes from (10:45) Other reported cases of people showing signs of life after being declared dead (12:45) How medical professionals determine death and the additional criteria used to establish brain death (15:15) What the Lazarus effect looks like when it occurs (16:00) The theories behind why circulation can sometimes return after CPR has stopped (17:15) Why patients should be monitored after CPR ends before death is declared (18:00) How Dr. Crowns knows someone is dead before beginning an autopsy (19:15) Dr. Crowns’ grandmother, a family fear of being buried alive, and a needle that may have been involved in confirming a death About the Host Dr. Kendall Crowns is the chief medical examiner for Travis County, Texas, and a nationally recognized forensic pathologist. He has led death investigations in Travis County, Fort Worth, Chicago, and Kansas. Over his career, he has performed thousands of autopsies and testified in court hundreds of times as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Dr. Crowns brings sharp medical insight and dark humor to the often-misunderstood realities of forensic pathology. About the Show Mayhem in the Morgue takes listeners inside the bloody, bizarre, and often unbelievable world of forensic pathology. Hosted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns, each episode delivers real-life cases from the morgue, the crime scene, and the courtroom. Expect gallows humor, hard truths, and unforgettable investigations. Connect and Learn More Learn more about Dr. Kendall Crowns on LinkedIn and follow Mayhem in the Morgue on TikTok at @mayheminthemorgue. Catch him regularly on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and be sure to follow Mayhem in the Morgue wherever you get your podcasts. If you like this episode, don’t keep it to yourself; follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mayhem in the Morgue | Got Milk? Part Two 15.07.2026 23min

  In this episode of Mayhem in the Morgue, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns concludes his two-part series on prescription drug misuse by examining the death of Michael Jackson, whose fatal overdose centered on the anesthetic propofol. He explains why the drug is not a sleep aid, how fast it can turn fatal without proper monitoring, and what makes it dangerous when administered outside an appropriately equipped medical setting. Using Jackson’s autopsy report, Dr. Crowns discusses what investigators found in the bedroom, what toxicology revealed, and why the medical examiner ruled his death a homicide instead of an accidental overdose. Missed Part One? Mayhem in the Morgue | Got Milk? Part One Highlights (0:00) Welcome to Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns (0:15) Continuing the prescription drug misuse series with Michael Jackson’s case (2:45) What propofol is, why it is called “milk of amnesia,” and how it differs from common sedatives (4:15) Dr. Crowns’ first encounter with propofol during an autopsy (5:00) Why propofol requires constant monitoring and has little margin for error (7:30) Why propofol abuse is rare outside healthcare but more common among anesthesiology professionals (9:00) Michael Jackson’s repeated use of propofol and the medications administered before his death (12:30) Jackson’s bedroom scene and the medications, supplies, and other details investigators documented (16:15) The autopsy findings that pointed to fatal respiratory depression (18:30) Toxicology results, cause of death, and why propofol combined with benzodiazepines proved fatal (20:00) Why Jackson’s death was ruled a homicide instead of an accident (21:45) Dr. Murray’s conviction, sentence, and his return to medicine overseas (22:00) Physician responsibility, standards of care, and the lesson behind Michael Jackson’s death About the Host:  Dr. Kendall Crowns is the chief medical examiner for Travis County, Texas, and a nationally recognized forensic pathologist. He has led death investigations in Travis County, Fort Worth, Chicago, and Kansas. Over his career, he has performed thousands of autopsies and testified in court hundreds of times as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Dr. Crowns brings sharp medical insight and dark humor to the often-misunderstood realities of forensic pathology. About the Show Mayhem in the Morgue takes listeners inside the bloody, bizarre, and often unbelievable world of forensic pathology. Hosted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns, each episode delivers real-life cases from the morgue, the crime scene, and the courtroom. Expect gallows humor, hard truths, and unforgettable investigations. Connect and Learn More Learn more about Dr. Kendall Crowns on LinkedIn and follow Mayhem in the Morgue on TikTok at @mayheminthemorgue. Catch him regularly on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and be sure to follow Mayhem in the Morgue wherever you get your podcasts. If you like this episode, don’t keep it to yourself; follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mayhem in the Morgue | Got Milk? Part One 08.07.2026 19min

  In this episode of Mayhem in the Morgue, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns begins a two-part series on prescription drug misuse and the ordinary ways pills can end up in the wrong hands. He shares a childhood story about missing medication from his mother’s cancer treatment, a residency assignment that blurred an ethical line, and a hospital encounter that highlights the difficult position doctors can face when patients demand controlled substances. He also discusses doctor shopping, what pill bottles can reveal at a death scene, and why fame can make access to prescription drugs even easier. Highlights (0:00) Welcome to Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns (0:15) Prescription drug misuse and why legal medications are often overlooked as drugs of abuse (1:15) How certain prescription drugs become tied to medical professionals instead of street dealers (1:30) Dr. Crowns recalls his mother’s hydrocodone prescription and her missing pills (3:45) Stealing medication from friends, family members, and deceased relatives as a common route to prescription drug misuse (4:15) What pill bottles can reveal at a death scene, including labels, prescribing doctors, pill counts, and mixed contents (5:30) Doctor shopping, emergency room visits, claimed allergies, and other red flags (6:45) The risk of doctors prescribing to relatives and friends, and a case of a secretary’s husband who died unexpectedly (10:45) Why Dr. Crowns never obtained a DEA number (12:45) Patient pressure, medical school rotations, and a hospital encounter with an inmate asking for morphine or hydrocodone (17:15) Dr. Crowns introduces Michael Jackson’s death as the focus of Got Milk? Part Two About the Host: Dr. Kendall Crowns is the chief medical examiner for Travis County, Texas, and a nationally recognized forensic pathologist. He has led death investigations in Travis County, Fort Worth, Chicago, andKansas. Over his career, he has performed thousands of autopsies and testified in court hundreds of times as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Dr. Crowns brings sharp medical insight and dark humor to the often-misunderstood realities of forensic pathology. About the Show Mayhem in the Morgue takes listeners inside the bloody, bizarre, and often unbelievable world of forensic pathology. Hosted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns, each episode delivers real-life cases from the morgue, the crime scene, and the courtroom. Expect gallows humor, hard truths, and unforgettable investigations. Connect and Learn More Learn more about Dr. Kendall Crowns on LinkedIn and follow Mayhem in the Morgue on TikTok at @mayheminthemorgue. Catch him regularly on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and be sure to follow Mayhem in the Morgue wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mayhem in the Morgue | Courtroom Limbo 01.07.2026 24min

  In this episode of Mayhem in the Morgue, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns discusses a part of courtroom testimony most listeners never hear about: what happens while a medical examiner waits to be called to the stand. Before smartphones existed, those delays could mean hours alone with nothing but a case file, an empty courtroom, a hard wooden pew, and on one occasion, a poorly timed nap. Dr. Crowns shares stories from his years in Chicago courtrooms, waking up groggy right before testifying and briefly blanking on his own educational background, hearing a retired officer’s account of the 1968 Democratic National Convention, and navigating the particular awkwardness of waiting-room small talk with civilian witnesses and gang members. Mentioned Episode: Mayhem in the Morgue | Outburst Highlights: (0:00) Welcome to Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns (0:15) Today’s topic: what Dr. Crowns does while waiting to testify (1:00) The George N. Leighton Criminal Court Building and a multiple gunshot wound case (3:00) Left alone in an empty courtroom with nothing but a case file, Dr. Crowns rolls up his trench coat and takes a nap (4:15) Waking up groggy, entering the courtroom, and briefly forgetting his own educational background (7:15) The reality of waiting rooms, court delays, and being trapped with nothing to do (8:30) Passing the time with Chicago police officers, courtroom stories, and conversations about the job (10:45) A retired officer’s account of policing during the 1968 Democratic National Convention (13:15) Waiting with civilian witnesses, awkward silence, and the question that usually broke the ice (14:30) Conversations with Chicago gang members, gang tattoos, nicknames, and forensic curiosity (18:00) How Dr. Crowns became “The Tooth,” also known as “El Diente” (21:00) A courthouse conversation with a young gang member and the autopsy that followed a month later About the Host: Dr. Kendall Crowns is the chief medical examiner for Travis County, Texas, and a nationally recognized forensic pathologist. He has led death investigations in Travis County, Fort Worth, Chicago, and Kansas. Over his career, he has performed thousands of autopsies and testified in court hundreds of times as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Dr. Crowns brings sharp medical insight and dark humor to the often-misunderstood realities of forensic pathology. About the Show Mayhem in the Morgue takes listeners inside the bloody, bizarre, and often unbelievable world of forensic pathology. Hosted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns, each episode delivers real-life cases from the morgue, the crime scene, and the courtroom. Expect gallows humor, hard truths, and unforgettable investigations. Connect and Learn More Learn more about Dr. Kendall Crowns on LinkedIn and follow Mayhem in the Morgue on TikTok at @mayheminthemorgue. Catch him regularly on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and be sure to follow Mayhem in the Morgue wherever you get your podcasts. If you like this episode, don’t keep it to yourself; follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mayhem in the Morgue | Overkill: Part Two 24.06.2026 17min

  In this episode of Mayhem in the Morgue, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns continues his discussion of overkill, explaining the five categories recognized in forensic literature: expressive, instrumental, sexual, psychotic, and culturally motivated overkill. He shares two of his own cases, including a Chicago stabbing case that later sent him to the crime scene of a homicide he had already autopsied and a Texas case involving sexual overkill, necrophilia, and schizophrenia. Dr. Crowns closes by considering how the University of Idaho murders may fit within the overkill framework and what Bryan Kohberger’s reported behavior may suggest about his possible motive. Missed Part One? Mayhem in the Morgue |Overkill: Part One Highlights (0:00) Welcome to Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns (0:15) Dr. Crowns recaps Overkill: Part One and introduces the five categories of overkill (1:00) Expressive overkill: impulsive, emotionally charged attacks and their key characteristics (1:45) Instrumental overkill: calculated violence driven by financial gain, revenge, or escalation (2:30) Sexual overkill: sadistic or paraphilic arousal, ritualistic elements, and targeted wounds (3:00) Psychotic overkill: disorganized attacks, delusional ideation, and cognitive fragmentation (3:30) Culturally motivated overkill: honor murders, dominance, punishment, and purification (4:00) The link between overkill and mental illness and why no single disorder prevails (5:00) Dr. Crowns’ Chicago case: a 175-stab-wound homicide and the crime scene he visited a week later (11:45) Dr. Crown’s Texas case: sexual overkill, necrophilia, and a roommate with schizophrenia (14:45) Dr. Crowns considers Bryan Kohberger’s reported behavior and the unanswered question of motive About the Host:  Dr. Kendall Crowns is the Chief Medical Examiner for Travis County, Texas, and a nationally recognized forensic pathologist. He has led death investigations in Travis County, Fort Worth, Chicago, and Kansas. Over his career, he has performed thousands of autopsies and testified in court hundreds of times as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Dr. Crowns brings sharp medical insight and dark humor to the often-misunderstood realities of forensic pathology. About the Show Mayhem in the Morgue takes listeners inside the bloody, bizarre, and often unbelievable world of forensic pathology. Hosted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns, each episode delivers real-life cases from the morgue, the crime scene, and the courtroom. Expect gallows humor, hard truths, and unforgettable investigations. Connect and Learn More Learn more about Dr. Kendall Crowns on LinkedIn and follow Mayhem in the Morgue on TikTok at @mayheminthemorgue. Catch him regularly on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and be sure to follow Mayhem in the Morgue wherever you get your podcasts. If you like this episode, don’t keep it to yourself; follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mayhem in the Morgue | Overkill: Part One 17.06.2026 23min

  In this episode of Mayhem in the Morgue, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns examines the concept of overkill through the autopsy reports of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, four University of Idaho students murdered in Moscow, Idaho. He reviews the timeline of the attack, the alleged weapon used, and the sharp force, blunt force, and defensive injuries documented in their autopsies. Dr. Crowns explains how forensic pathologists evaluate wound number, distribution, hemorrhage, toxicology, and injury patterns to better understand what happened in those final moments. This episode offers a forensic look at overkill, including how it differs from ritualistic homicide, mission-oriented homicide, torture, and body mutilation. Mentioned in this Episode: Chatzinikolaou, F., Vavoulidis, E., Tsiapla, T., Margioula-Siarkou, C., Dinas, K., & Petousis, S. (2025). Overkill in forensic medicine: A systematic review. Acta Psychologica, 259, 105388. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105388 Highlights (0:00) Welcome to Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns (0:15) Dr. Crowns introduces Overkill: Part One and the recently released University of Idaho autopsy reports (0:45) The murders of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin in Moscow, Idaho (3:30) The alleged KA-BAR knife, its military history, and why it can cause devastating sharp force injuries (5:00) Madison Mogen’s autopsy findings, defensive wounds, toxicology, and why her death was not immediate (9:15) Kaylee Goncalves’ injuries, including sharp force trauma, blunt force trauma, and evidence of strangulation (14:30) Xana Kernodle’s extensive injuries, defensive wounds, toxicology, and evidence that she fought back (17:45) Ethan Chapin’s injuries, defensive wounds, toxicology, and the evidence that suggests he was asleep when attacked (19:15) Dr. Crowns explains why he believes one person could have caused all of these injuries (20:00) What overkill means in forensic pathology and why it can suggest more than wound count alone (21:15) How medical examiners, forensic psychiatrists, criminologists, and law enforcement may interpret overkill differently (22:15) Differentiating overkill from ritualistic homicide, mission-oriented homicide, torture, and body mutilation About the Host Dr. Kendall Crowns is the Chief Medical Examiner for Travis County, Texas, and a nationally recognized forensic pathologist. He has led death investigations in Travis County, Fort Worth, Chicago, and Kansas. Over his career, he has performed thousands of autopsies and testified in court hundreds of times as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Dr. Crowns brings sharp medical insight and dark humor to the often misunderstood realities of forensic pathology. About the Show Mayhem in the Morgue takes listeners into the bloody, bizarre, and often unbelievable world of forensic pathology. Hosted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns, each episode delivers real-life cases from the morgue, the crime scene, and the courtroom. Expect gallows humor, hard truths, and unforgettable investigations. Connect and Learn More You can learn more about Dr. Kendall Crowns on LinkedIn and follow Mayhem in the Morgue on TikTok at @mayheminthemorgue. Catch him regularly on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, and be sure to follow Mayhem in the Morgue wherever you get your podcasts. If you liked this episode, don’t keep it to yourself. Follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mayhem in the Morgue | H.R. Huffing Stuff 10.06.2026 31min

  In this episode of Mayhem in the Morgue, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns discusses inhalant abuse and the everyday household products people use to get high. He explains how substances like spray paint, canned air, Freon, and other chemicals affect the nervous system, limit oxygen, and sometimes trigger fatal heart rhythms. Through cases involving whipped cream canisters, dental nitrous oxide, hairspray, and jenkem, Dr. Crowns shows why these deaths can be difficult to diagnose, often leaving few obvious autopsy findings and relying heavily on scene investigation and toxicology. Episodes Mentioned: Mayhem in the Morgue | Foraging Misadventures  Mayhem in the Morgue | Minty Fresh   Highlights: (0:00) Welcome to Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns (0:15) Huffing, bored teenagers, and the pre-internet search for ways to get high (4:30) What huffing means and why inhaling chemical vapors can be deadly (5:15) The household products commonly abused as inhalants and how these chemicals affect the brain (7:15) Spray paint, “chromers, ” and the autopsy clues that can point to toluene exposure (9:00) Canned air cases and the unusual scene findings investigators often encounter (10:15) Nitrous oxide abuse, a dentist found dead in his chair, whipped cream cans, and whip-its (15:30) How plastic bags increase the risk of asphyxiation and the lasting damage caused by chronic nitrous oxide abuse (17:15) Freon, frostbite injuries, and sudden sniffing death syndrome (20:30) A hairspray huffing death with misleading alcohol levels in the vitreous fluid (23:00) A 17-year-old found dead in a bathtub, a bottle found at the scene, and Dr. Crowns’ firsthand jenkem case (29:00) Hydrogen sulfide toxicity, drowning, and Dr. Crowns’ closing advice About the Host Dr. Kendall Crowns is the Chief Medical Examiner for Travis County, Texas, and a nationally recognized forensic pathologist. He has led death investigations in Travis County, Fort Worth, Chicago, and Kansas. Over his career, he has performed thousands of autopsies and testified in court hundreds of times as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Dr. Crowns brings sharp medical insight and dark humor to the often misunderstood realities of forensic pathology. About the Show Mayhem in the Morgue takes listeners into the bloody, bizarre, and often unbelievable world of forensic pathology. Hosted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns, each episode delivers real-life cases from the morgue, the crime scene, and the courtroom. Expect gallows humor, hard truths, and unforgettable investigations. Connect and Learn More You can learn more about Dr. Kendall Crowns on LinkedIn and follow Mayhem in the Morgue on TikTok at @mayheminthemorgue. Catch him regularly on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, and be sure to follow Mayhem in the Morgue wherever you get your podcasts. If you liked this episode, don’t keep it to yourself. Follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mayhem in the Morgue | Coffin Birth 03.06.2026 29min

  In this episode of Mayhem in the Morgue, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns discusses coffin birth, the rare postmortem phenomenon formally known as postmortem fetal extrusion. He explains how human decomposition creates gases, bloating skin, skin slippage, purge fluid, maggot activity, and other artifacts that can change the body after death and sometimes mimic trauma, sexual assault, or other evidence. He also discusses the Shanann Watts and Laci Peterson cases to explain how coffin birth is evaluated and why it must be distinguished from live birth or other possibilities. Highlights (0:00) Welcome to Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns (0:15) Coffin birth, decomposition gases, and the autopsy artifacts that can complicate a death investigation (0:45) What happens after death: autolysis, putrefaction, and the bacteria already waiting inside the body (2:30) Why decomposition smells so distinct, from rotten eggs and stale urine to rotting fish and foul garlic (4:00) Dr. Crowns remembers his first decomposed body during medical school in Wichita, Kansas (8:15) Inside the morgue with flies, maggots, maggot masses, and the daily reality of decomposition cases (11:45) The Cook County decomposition morgue, the air-handling problem, and one doctor’s very questionable workaround (18:00) Bloating, skin slippage, brighter tattoos, and the forensic details that can help or hinder identification (19:30) When decomposition mimics trauma: ruptured scars, gaping wounds, and the risk of misreading the body (21:15) Purge fluid, mistaken sexual assault concerns, and the importance of separating artifact from evidence (24:00) Dr. Crowns explains postmortem fetal extrusion, also known as coffin birth, through the Shannan Watts case (25:00) Laci Peterson, fetal separation, and why coffin birth must be carefully distinguished from live birth or other possibilities About the Host: Dr. Kendall Crowns is the Chief Medical Examiner for Travis County, Texas, and a nationally recognized forensic pathologist. He has led death investigations in Travis County, Fort Worth, Chicago, and Kansas. Over his career, he has performed thousands of autopsies and testified in court hundreds of times as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Dr. Crowns brings sharp medical insight and dark humor to the often-misunderstood realities of forensic pathology. About the Show Mayhem in the Morgue takes listeners inside the bloody, bizarre, and often unbelievable world of forensic pathology. Hosted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns, each episode delivers real-life cases from the morgue, the crime scene, and the courtroom. Expect gallows humor, hard truths, and unforgettable investigations. Connect and Learn More Learn more about Dr. Kendall Crowns on LinkedIn and follow Mayhem in the Morgue on TikTok at @mayheminthemorgue. Catch him regularly on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and be sure to follow Mayhem in the Morgue wherever you get your podcasts. If you like this episode, don’t keep it to yourself; follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mayhem in the Morgue | Doggy Death Penalty: Part Two 27.05.2026 15min

  In this episode of Mayhem in the Morgue, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns continues Doggy Death Penalty with an unusual thank-you note, a Texas process server killed by a pack of dogs, and the long civil trial that followed. He explains how bite patterns, wound severity, pack behavior, and autopsy documentation helped the jury weigh the central question in court: did all six dogs participate in the attack? The case becomes a lesson in forensic evidence, public safety, and the difficult truth that animals can be deeply loved and still become dangerous. Missed the First Episode? Mayhem in the Morgue | Doggy Death Penalty: Part One Highlights: (0:00) Welcome to Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns (0:30) Dr. Crowns picks up where Part One left off with an unusual thank-you card (2:00) The final fate of the bulldogs and why Dr. Crowns’ “pardon” did not hold (2:15) A Texas process server arrives at a rural property and is attacked by six dogs (4:00) Law enforcement, animal control, neighborhood complaints, and warning signs before the fatal mauling (5:00) Autopsy findings, 455 wounds, and injury patterns pointing to a multiple-dog attack (6:45) A judge orders the dogs euthanized, and the owner begins a lengthy appeal (7:15) The “doggy death penalty” trial and the debate over which dogs participated in the attack (9:30) A dog behavior expert challenges the maternal instinct theory and testifies about pack involvement (10:45) Dr. Crowns takes the stand and explains why the autopsy supported a pack attack (14:00) The jury’s decision, the denied appeal, and the lasting lessons for forensic documentation About the Host: Dr. Kendall Crowns is the Chief Medical Examiner for Travis County, Texas, and a nationally recognized forensic pathologist. He has led death investigations in Travis County, Fort Worth, Chicago, and Kansas. Over his career, he has performed thousands of autopsies and testified in courthundreds of times as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Dr. Crowns brings sharp medical insight and dark humor to the often-misunderstood realities of forensic pathology. About the Show Mayhem in the Morgue takes listeners inside the bloody, bizarre, and often unbelievable world of forensic pathology. Hosted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns, each episode delivers real-life cases from the morgue, the crime scene, and the courtroom. Expect gallows humor, hard truths, and unforgettable investigations. Connect and Learn More Learn more about Dr. Kendall Crowns on LinkedIn. Catch him regularly on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and follow Mayhem in the Morgue where you get your podcasts. If you like this episode, don’t keep it to yourself; follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mayhem in the Morgue | Doggy Death Penalty: Part One 20.05.2026 20min

  In this episode of Mayhem in the Morgue, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns discusses the rare but devastating reality of fatal dog attacks. He challenges common breed myths, explains the specific triggers behind predatory instincts, and shares a personal childhood memory of surviving a dog attack at age three. Dr. Crowns also examines a fatal case involving an elderly man mauled by his family's beloved dogs and recounts the strange turn that came afterward when the victim’s grieving family made an unexpected plea regarding the dogs’ fate. Highlights (0:00) Welcome to Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns (1:00) Fatal dog attack data, breed myths, and why aggression is not determined by breed alone (3:00) Factors and predatory instincts that can trigger an attack (5:15) Why children can trigger a prey response and Dr. Crowns’ childhood dog attack at age three (9:45) How dangerous dog investigations work and why euthanasia after an attack is not automatic (11:00) Bite wounds, claw injuries, and the Dunbar Bite Scale used to classify bite severity (13:15) Dangerous dog hearings, owner responsibility, and legal requirements for keeping a dangerous dog (14:30) A 77-year-old man is found dead after being mauled by his family’s two English bulldogs (17:15) Autopsy findings, femoral vessel injuries, and the cause and manner of death (19:30) The family’s plea to spare the dogs and Dr. Crowns’ limited role in their fate About the Host: Dr. Kendall Crowns is the Chief Medical Examiner for Travis County, Texas, and a nationally recognized forensic pathologist. He has led death investigations in Travis County, Fort Worth, Chicago, and Kansas. Over his career, he has performed thousands of autopsies and testified in court hundreds of times as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Dr. Crowns brings sharp medical insight and dark humor to the often-misunderstood realities of forensic pathology. About the Show: Mayhem in the Morgue takes listeners inside the bloody, bizarre, and often unbelievable world of forensic pathology. Hosted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns, each episode delivers real-life cases from the morgue, the crime scene, and the courtroom. Expect gallows humor, hard truths, and unforgettable investigations. Connect and Learn More Learn more about Dr. Kendall Crowns on LinkedIn. Catch him regularly on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and follow Mayhem in the Morgue where you get your podcasts. If you like this episode, don’t keep it to yourself; follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mayhem in the Morgue | Death and Dismemberment: Part 2 13.05.2026 18min

  In this episode of Mayhem in the Morgue, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns picks up where Part One left off, returning to the Traci Todd case, where dental work found in a damaged skull helped identify the victim and a confession later clarified her cause of death was strangulation. He then continues through the four categories of dismemberment, from defensive and offensive mutilation to aggressive and necromantic cases. Dr. Crowns wraps up the episode by returning to the Celeste Rivas Hernandez case, pointing out the nearly two-week gap between her death and her eventual dismemberment and the lingering questions about what happened during that time. Mentioned in the Episode: Mayhem in the Morgue | Death and Dismemberment: Part 1 Mayhem in the Morgue | Ghost Stories Mayhem in the Morgue | Mom Stuff Mayhem in the Morgue | The Bully Highlights: (0:00) Welcome to Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns (0:30) Recap of the D4VD case, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, and the four categories of dismemberment (1:00) Returning to the Traci Todd case after a human skull is discovered in Beaubien Woods (4:30) Identifying Traci Todd through previous dental work and what the recovered remains reveal (5:30) Why Traci’s cause of death was difficult to determine and how Kevin Williams’ mistakes helped connect the case (6:15) Defensive dismemberment, the Traci Todd case, and how cutting a body apart can conceal cause of death (6:45) Offensive mutilation, mental illness and Dr. Crowns’ related case from “Ghost Stories” (7:30) Aggressive mutilation, decapitation, and Dr. Crowns’ related case from “Mom Stuff" (8:30) Necromantic mutilation, body-part retention, and the disturbing forensic conference presentation Dr. Crowns still remembers (17:00) Returning to the Celeste Rivas Hernandez case and the timeline between death, dismemberment, and disposal About the Host: Dr. Kendall Crowns is the Chief Medical Examiner for Travis County, Texas, and a nationally recognized forensic pathologist. He has led death investigations in Travis County, Fort Worth, Chicago, and Kansas. Over his career, he has performed thousands of autopsies and testified in court hundreds of times as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Dr. Crowns brings sharp medical insight and dark humor to the often-misunderstood realities of forensic pathology. About the Show: Mayhem in the Morgue takes listeners inside the bloody, bizarre, and often unbelievable world of forensic pathology. Hosted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns, each episode delivers real-life cases from the morgue, the crime scene, and the courtroom. Expect gallows humor, hard truths, and unforgettable investigations. Connect and Learn More Learn more about Dr. Kendall Crowns on LinkedIn. Catch him regularly on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and follow Mayhem in the Morgue where you get your podcasts. If you liked this episode, don’t keep it to yourself; follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mayhem in the Morgue | Death and Dismemberment: Part 1 06.05.2026 30min

  In this episode of Mayhem in the Morgue, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns analyzes the autopsy of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered and decomposing remains were discovered inside the “frunk” of a Tesla belonging to the artist D4VD. Dr. Crowns explains how medical examiners read decomposition, insect activity, saw marks, and trace evidence to determine what happened before and after death. He also introduces the four major types of dismemberment, using a gang-related homicide and the Traci Todd case to show how these crimes are categorized and what postmortem injuries can reveal. Highlights (0:00) Welcome to Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns (0:30) Dr. Crowns opens Death and Dismemberment, Part One with the Celeste Rivas Hernandez case (3:00) Alleged purchases, disposal materials, and the timeline leading up to the discovery of Hernandez’s remains (5:00) How decomposition changes the body and what insect activity can reveal during autopsy (7:15) What the autopsy report says about Hernandez’s dismembered remains (8:00) How chainsaws mark bone and leave behind significant DNA evidence (10:00) Interpreting injuries from the report: blue plastic fragments, penetrating wounds, and signs of postmortem damage (13:00) Toxicology findings and the official cause and manner of death (14:00) The four categories of dismemberment and why defensive mutilation is the most common (18:15) A gang-related homicide shows how postmortem dismemberment was used for transport (22:00) The Traci Todd case, Kevin Williams, and the missing-person investigation that led to Beaubien Woods About the Host: Dr. Kendall Crowns is the Chief Medical Examiner for Travis County, Texas, and a nationally recognized forensic pathologist. He has led death investigations in Travis County, Fort Worth, Chicago, and Kansas. Over his career, he has performed thousands of autopsies and testified in court hundreds of times as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to Crime Stories with NancyGrace, Dr. Crowns brings sharp medical insight and dark humor to the often-misunderstood realities of forensic pathology. About the Show Mayhem in the Morgue takes listeners inside the bloody, bizarre, and often unbelievable world of forensic pathology. Hosted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns, each episode delivers real-life cases from the morgue, the crime scene, and the courtroom. Expect gallows humor, hard truths, and unforgettable investigations. Connect and Learn More Learn more about Dr. Kendall Crowns on LinkedIn. Catch him regularly on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and follow Mayhem in the Morgue where you get your podcasts. If you liked this episode, don’t keep it to yourself; follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mayhem in the Morgue | Cold Cases, Lover’s Lane Murder, and the Brown’s Chicken Massacre 29.04.2026 32min

  In this episode of Mayhem in the Morgue, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns examines how forensic pathology, DNA evidence, and meticulous evidence preservation can revive years-long cold cases, specifically focusing on the 1990 Lover’s Lane murder and the 1993 Brown’s Chicken massacre. Dr. Crowns details the physiological realities of neck trauma and the four stages of hemorrhagic shock, and explains how tools like the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) allow investigators to match decades old DNA to identify potential suspects. The episode closes with Dr. Crowns sharing lessons learned from testifying in court and the importance of using precise language. Highlights (0:00) Welcome to Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns (0:15) The Lover’s Lane murders, cold case questions, and Dr. Crowns’ follow-up to a recent Crime Stories with Nancy Grace discussion (1:15) Cheryl Henry and Andy Atkinson are reported missing before searchers discover their bodies in the woods (2:15) What incised wounds reveal about sharp force trauma to the neck (3:00) Why injuries to the carotid arteries and jugular veins can lead to hemorrhagic shock and rapid death (9:00) What Henry and Atkinson likely endured before losing consciousness (10:15) A 2026 tip, CODIS, and the DNA match that may move the Lover’s Lane case toward trial (12:00) How DNA and trace evidence are collected during autopsy and preserved for future testing (14:45) The Brown’s Chicken massacre and how discarded food evidence led to preserved DNA samples (21:30) Breakthrough in the case and the identification of the suspects (22:45) Why substitute medical examiners sometimes testify in older cases and the importance of using precise language in court (29:30) Smith v. Arizona, the confrontation clause, and legal changes affecting substitute testimony (31:15) Closing thoughts on how modern forensic science continues to solve cold cases About the Host:  Dr. Kendall Crowns is the Chief Medical Examiner for Travis County, Texas, and a nationally recognized forensic pathologist. He has led death investigations in Travis County, Fort Worth, Chicago, andKansas. Over his career, he has performed thousands of autopsies and testified in court hundreds of times as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Dr. Crowns brings sharp medical insight and dark humor to the often misunderstood realities of forensic pathology. About the Show Mayhem in the Morgue takes listeners inside the bloody, bizarre, and often unbelievable world of forensic pathology. Hosted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns, each episode delivers real-life cases from the morgue, the crime scene, and the courtroom. Expect gallows humor, hard truths, and unforgettable investigations. Connect and Learn More Learn more about Dr. Kendall Crowns on Linkedin. Catch him regularly on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and follow Mayhem in the Morgue where you get your podcasts. If you liked this episode, don’t keep it to yourself; follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mayhem in the Morgue | Lightning 22.04.2026 20min

  In this episode of Mayhem in the Morgue, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns examines one of the rarest and most violent natural causes of death: lightning. Using a case involving two teenagers killed in a park, along with the only lightning-related autopsy he has personally performed, Dr. Crowns explains how lightning forms, the different ways it damages the body, and the statistics that show who is most at risk and when lightning strikes are most likely to occur. Highlights: (0:00) Welcome to Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns (0:45) Two teenagers are killed by lightning in a park, and Dr. Crowns reflects on growing up weather-aware in Kansas (2:45) A substitute teacher replaces the fired teacher, and a lightning strike on his family’s house deepens Dr. Crowns’ fascination with lightning (4:00) The aftermath of the fatal strike in the park and the severe injuries it caused (5:45) How lightning forms and why lightning deaths are so rare (8:45) Lightning strike statistics, who is most at risk, and when strikes are most likely to occur (10:45) Activities most commonly linked to lightning fatalities (12:00) Dr. Crowns’ only lightning-related autopsy (14:00) The different ways lightning can injure or kill (16:15) How lightning affects the nervous system, heart, lungs, eyes, and skin (17:45) The autopsy findings that can help confirm a lightning death, including Lichtenberg figures About the Host:  Dr. Kendall Crowns is the Chief Medical Examiner for Travis County, Texas, and a nationally recognized forensic pathologist. He has led death investigations in Travis County, Fort Worth, Chicago, and Kansas. Over his career, he has performed thousands of autopsies and testified in court hundreds of times as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Dr. Crowns brings sharp medical insight and dark humor into the strange, grisly, and sometimes absurd realities of forensic pathology. About the Show Mayhem in the Morgue takes listeners inside the bloody, bizarre, and often unbelievable world of forensic pathology. Hosted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns, each episode delivers real-life cases from the morgue, the crime scene, and the courtroom. Expect gallows humor, hard truths, and unforgettable investigations. Connect and Learn More Learn more about Dr. Kendall Crowns on Linkedin. Catch him regularly on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and follow Mayhem in the Morgue where you get your podcasts. If you liked this episode, don’t keep it to yourself; follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mayhem in the Morgue | Buzzkill 15.04.2026 26min

  In this episode of Mayhem in the Morgue, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns examines how an ordinary day outdoors can turn deadly after an encounter with bees, wasps, hornets, or fire ants. Using real forensic cases, he explains the four stages of anaphylaxis, the aggressive nature of killer bees, and how forensic pathologists determine whether an insect attack caused, contributed to, or merely complicated a person’s death. Highlights: (0:00) Welcome to Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns (0:15) Why stinging insects can turn an ordinary summer day into a fatal emergency (1:30) Dr. Crowns’ childhood story involving yellow jackets, his brother, and a very bad idea (5:30) How stinging insects are classified and the anatomy of stingers (6:15) The Schmidt sting pain index and the varying pain of insect stings (9:00) Sting frequency, allergic reactions, and seasonal danger patterns (11:00) Case one: a fatal bee swarm after a lawn mower disturbs a nest (13:30) The difference between bees, wasps, hornets, and the threat of killer bees (19:15) The four stages of anaphylaxis and autopsy findings that help confirm a fatal reaction (24:00) Case two: a woman found covered in fire ants, and what really caused her death About the Host: Dr. Kendall Crowns is the Chief Medical Examiner for Travis County, Texas, and a nationally recognized forensic pathologist. He has led death investigations in Travis County, Fort Worth, Chicago, and Kansas. Over his career, he has performed thousands of autopsies and testified in court hundreds of times as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Dr. Crowns brings sharp medical insight and dark humor into the strange, grisly, and sometimes absurd realities of forensic pathology. About the Show: Mayhem in the Morgue takes listeners inside the bloody, bizarre, and often unbelievable world of forensic pathology. Hosted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns, each episode delivers real-life cases from the morgue, the crime scene, and the courtroom. Expect gallows humor, hard truths, and unforgettable investigations. Connect and Learn More Learn more about Dr. Kendall Crowns on Linkedin. Catch him regularly on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and follow Mayhem in the Morgue where you get your podcasts. If you liked this episode, don’t keep it to yourself; follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mayhem in the Morgue | Epstein 08.04.2026 28min

  In this episode of Mayhem in the Morgue, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns departs from the show’s usual format to take a forensic look at the Jeffrey Epstein case through the lens of a medical examiner. While Epstein’s death was officially ruled a suicide by hanging, Dr. Crowns re-examines the autopsy findings and scene evidence to address the persistent debate: did Jeffrey Epstein die by suicide or by ligature strangulation? Highlights: (0:00) Welcome to Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns (1:45) Epstein’s arrest, time in custody, reported prior incident, and removal from suicide watch (2:30) How Epstein was reportedly found in his cell on August 10, 2019 (3:45) Why the condition of his cell and the scene raised questions for Dr. Crowns (6:15) The ligature evidence, the photographed noose, and why its condition is difficult to reconcile with the scene (7:30) Hanging vs. ligature strangulation: the basic forensic distinction (11:15) Epstein’s ligature furrow, knot position, and why the neck markings are central to the debate (16:45) Petechial hemorrhages, facial congestion, and the difficulty of interpreting signs of struggle (19:30) Epstein’s hyoid and thyroid cartilage fractures and why Dr. Crowns find them unusual (23:30) A forensic comparison of hanging versus ligature strangulation and Dr. Crowns’ final conclusion About the Host: Dr. Kendall Crowns is the Chief Medical Examiner for Travis County, Texas, and a nationally recognized forensic pathologist. He has led death investigations in Travis County, Fort Worth, Chicago, and Kansas. Over his career, he has performed thousands of autopsies and testified in court hundreds of times as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Dr. Crowns brings unparalleled insight into the strange, grisly, and sometimes absurd realities of forensic pathology. About the Show Mayhem in the Morgue takes listeners inside the bloody, bizarre, and often unbelievable world of forensic pathology. Hosted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns, each episode delivers real-life cases from the morgue, the crime scene, and the courtroom. Expect gallows humor, hard truths, and unforgettable investigations. Connect and Learn More Learn more about Dr. Kendall Crowns on Linkedin. Catch him regularly on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and follow Mayhem in the Morgue where you get your podcasts. If you liked this episode, don’t keep it to yourself—follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mayhem in the Morgue | Look Out! 01.04.2026 21min

  In this episode of Mayhem in the Morgue, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns looks at the often catastrophic and unexpected ways an ordinary drive can turn deadly when a vehicle encounters a hazard on the roadway. Through memories of his old 1979 Mustang and fatal cases involving wildlife strikes, blown tires, and flying road debris, he shows how quickly an everyday trip can turn into a forensic case. Highlights (0:00) Welcome to Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns (0:30) Why fatal crashes are a near-daily part of work in the morgue (2:00) Dr. Crowns’ 1979 Mustang and Beth’s nighttime deer collision in Kansas (4:45) Case one: a deer crashes through a pickup windshield, killing the driver instantly (6:45) Why deer-related crashes happen in the fall, and why time of day and headlights make them even more dangerous (10:00) A tire-blowout beside the ‘79 Mustang on the Memphis beltway (11:45) Case two: a woman is killed after a semi-truck tire smashes through her windshield and roof (15:15) Causes of wheel-off accidents (16:30) Case three: a passenger is killed when a piece of steel falls from a flatbed truck (18:45) Road debris, evasive driving, and the everyday hazards drivers never see coming About the Host: Dr. Kendall Crowns is the Chief Medical Examiner for Travis County, Texas, and a nationally recognized forensic pathologist. He has led death investigations in Travis County, Fort Worth, Chicago, and Kansas. Over his career, he has performed thousands of autopsies and testified in court hundreds of times as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Dr. Crowns brings unparalleled insight into the strange, grisly, and sometimes absurd realities of forensic pathology. About the Show: Mayhem in the Morgue takes listeners inside the bloody, bizarre, and often unbelievable world of forensic pathology. Hosted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns, each episode delivers real-life cases from the morgue, the crime scene, and the courtroom. Expect gallows humor, hard truths, and unforgettable investigations. Connect and Learn More: Learn more about Dr. Kendall Crowns on Linkedin. Catch him regularly on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and follow Mayhem in the Morgue where you get your podcasts. If you liked this episode, don’t keep it to yourself—follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mayhem in the Morgue | Mom Stuff 25.03.2026 21min

  Content warning: This episode contains graphic discussion of homicide, dismemberment, and postmortem injury. If these topics are upsetting to you, this episode may not be for you. Understanding violent cases sometimes takes creativity and, in one case, a trip to the local craft store. In this episode of Mayhem in the Morgue, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns tells the story of a horrific double homicide that led him to think beyond the usual tools of forensic pathology, including using a Styrofoam mannequin head to reconstruct one victim's crushed skull. As he describes the injuries, the autopsies, and the challenge of separating damage done before death from damage done after, the episode opens into a disturbing look at synthetic marijuana and the extreme paranoia, psychosis, and violence it can trigger. Highlights: (0:00) Welcome to Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns (0:30) Dr. Crowns recounts a double homicide involving dumpster recovery, mutilation, and a second victim in the roadway (1:15) Why bodies recovered from dumpsters create major forensic and evidentiary challenges (3:15) How forensic pathologists distinguish antemortem trauma from postmortem damage (4:15) Case one: a woman is found decapitated, with extensive chop wounds and mutilation (5:15) The challenge of separating machete wounds from injuries caused by a tile scraper (6:15) Case two: a second victim is found in the roadway after being run over multiple times (7:15) Why the second autopsy became even harder once the victims’ head is found to be severely crushed (8:00) The idea that led Dr. Crowns to stop at the local craft store and the impromptu line that explained the mannequin head purchase (10:00) How the mannequin head helped reconstruct the skull and clarify the wound patterns (11:00) What police say happened during the killings and how the suspect moved from one victim to the next (13:45) What synthetic marijuana is, how compounds like spice entered the illicit drug market, and why K2 can be significantly more dangerous than marijuana (19:15) The effects linked to synthetic cannabinoids: hallucinations, paranoia, violence, and psychosis About the Host: Dr. Kendall Crowns is the Chief Medical Examiner for Travis County, Texas, and a nationally recognized forensic pathologist. He has led death investigations in Travis County, Fort Worth, Chicago, and Kansas. Over his career, he has performed thousands of autopsies and testified in court hundreds of times as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Dr. Crowns brings unparalleled insight into the strange, grisly, and sometimes absurd realities of forensic pathology. About the Show: Mayhem in the Morgue takes listeners inside the bloody, bizarre, and often unbelievable world of forensic pathology. Hosted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns, each episode delivers real-life cases from the morgue, the crime scene, and the courtroom. Expect gallows humor, hard truths, and unforgettable investigations.   Connect and Learn More: Learn more about Dr. Kendall Crowns on Linkedin. Catch him regularly on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and follow Mayhem in the Morgue where you get your podcasts. If you liked this episode, don’t keep it to yourself—follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mayhem in the Morgue | In the Water, No One Can Hear You Sweat 18.03.2026 25min

  Some drowning cases only begin to make sense after forensic pathology reveals what was happening inside the body before death. In this episode of Mayhem in the Morgue, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns explains how forensic pathologists use vitreous fluid from the eye to detect dangerous electrolyte imbalances like hyponatremia after death, then he shares two memorable cases that show how something as ordinary and necessary as water can become deadly under the wrong circumstances. It is a sobering look at how heat, exertion, overhydration, and underlying mental and physical illness can intersect in ways most people never expect. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, help is available. For support, education, and treatment referrals, contact the National Alliance for Eating Disorders at 1-866-663-1235. Highlights (0:00) Welcome to Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns (0:15) Why vitreous fluid from the eye is useful for postmortem toxicology and electrolyte testing (2:30) Sodium basics: how the body regulates hydration, blood pressure, and cellular function (5:15) Case one: a 24-year-old competitive swimmer is found floating face down in a lake (7:30) A mother’s challenge prompts a closer look (8:45) Vitreous electrolyte testing results: critically low sodium and severe hyponatremia (9:45) How heat, exertion, sweating, and drinking only water can trigger exercise-associated hyponatremia (13:45) Why open-water swimming carries a high risk for exercise-associated hyponatremia and neurological collapse (15:15) Final ruling: drowning with hyponatremia as a significant contributing factor (15:45) The Fran Crippen case and the safety rule created to prevent similar deaths in open-water racing (18:00) Case two: a malnourished 21-year-old grad student is found dead after compulsive water consumption (20:45) Psychogenic polydipsia, anorexia, and OCD: how excessive water intake led to fatal dilutional hyponatremia About the Host: Dr. Kendall Crowns is the Chief Medical Examiner for Travis County, Texas, and a nationally recognized forensic pathologist. He has led death investigations in Travis County, Fort Worth, Chicago, and Kansas. Over his career, he has performed thousands of autopsies and testified in court hundreds of times as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Dr. Crowns brings unparalleled insight into the strange, grisly, and sometimes absurd realities of forensic pathology. About the Show: Mayhem in the Morgue takes listeners inside the bloody, bizarre, and often unbelievable world of forensic pathology. Hosted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns, each episode delivers real-life cases from the morgue, the crime scene, and the courtroom. Expect gallows humor, hard truths, and unforgettable investigations. Connect and Learn More Learn more about Dr. Kendall Crowns on Linkedin. Catch him regularly on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and follow Mayhem in the Morgue where you get your podcasts. If you liked this episode, don’t keep it to yourself—follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mayhem in the Morgue | Gallstones 11.03.2026 15min

  The gallbladder is one of those organs most people don't think about until it suddenly demands attention. In this episode of Mayhem in the Morgue, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns looks back on one of his less glamorous jobs as an autopsy technician in 1988: spending Friday afternoons in the morgue disposing of the week’s surgical specimens and, in one memorable case, clearing marble-sized gallstones from a clogged surgical disposal. He explains gallbladder basics, how gallstones form, and how bile, blocked ducts and acute cholecystitis can turn the often-overlooked gallbladder into the source of a serious medical emergency. Highlights (0:00) Welcome to Mayhem in the Morgue with Dr. Kendall Crowns (0:15) Dr. Crowns’ Friday afternoon job disposing of the week's surgical specimens in the morgue (1:30) The industrial disposal system, the mess, and the risks of the job (4:00) Dr. Crown's discovery of marble-sized gallstones clogging the disposal (5:30) Gallbladder basics: how gallstones form and why many people don't know they have them (8:45) How blocked ducts and acute cholecystitis can turn into a serious medical emergency (10:00) The judge's case: sudden abdominal pain and an unexpected in-chambers medical consultation About the Host: Dr. Kendall Crowns is the Chief Medical Examiner for Travis County, Texas, and a nationally recognized forensic pathologist. He has led death investigations in Travis County, Fort Worth, Chicago, and Kansas. Over his career, he has performed thousands of autopsies and testified in court hundreds of times as an expert witness. A frequent contributor to Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, Dr. Crowns brings unparalleled insight into the strange, grisly, and sometimes absurd realities of forensic pathology. About the Show: Mayhem in the Morgue takes listeners inside the bloody, bizarre, and often unbelievable world of forensic pathology. Hosted by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kendall Crowns, each episode delivers real-life cases from the morgue, the crime scene, and the courtroom. Expect gallows humor, hard truths, and unforgettable investigations. Connect and Learn More: Learn more about Dr. Kendall Crowns on Linkedin. Catch him regularly on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and follow Mayhem in the Morgue where you get your podcasts. If you liked this episode, don’t keep it to yourself—follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.