Unheard: True Crime in Their Own Words

Epizódy

• He Killed His Abuser and Went to Prison | David Garlock 15.06.2026 51min

  At 17 years old, David Garlock and his brother killed the man they say subjected them to years of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse.The crime led to murder convictions and decades-long prison sentences. David ultimately spent more than 13 years behind bars before being released on parole.Today, he is a criminal justice reform advocate, speaker, and survivor who openly discusses what he calls the "trauma-to-prison pipeline"—the connection between childhood trauma, violence, incarceration, and rehabilitation.His story has drawn comparisons to the Menendez brothers, raising many of the same questions that continue to divide the public:Can someone be both a victim and an offender?How should courts evaluate years of abuse when a victim eventually becomes a perpetrator?What does accountability look like after taking a life?And can redemption exist after prison?In this episode of Unheard: True Crime In Their Own Words, David walks through the abuse he says he endured, the events that led to the killing, his years inside prison, and how he rebuilt his life after release.Whether you see his story as one of justice, tragedy, survival, or all three, it challenges many of the assumptions people hold about crime, punishment, and trauma.Listen now and decide for yourself.🎙️ Subscribe to Unheard: True Crime In Their Own Words on your favorite podcast platform. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• The Missing Person Case That Makes No Sense: Bryan Vladek Hasel 08.06.2026 40min

  On November 6, 2021, 22-year-old Vladek Hasel walked away from a coffee shop near the University of Central Florida and seemingly vanished.More than four years later, his family is still searching for answers.In this episode, I sit down with Vladek's sister, Bethany Hasel, to discuss the day her brother disappeared, the investigation that followed, the theories surrounding his case, and why she refuses to give up hope.This is not just the story of a missing person. It's the story of a family living through every unanswered question imaginable.If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Vladek Hasel, please contact law enforcement immediately.Make sure to follow and subscribe so you don't miss an episode.Follow Find Vladek Hasel on IG, FB and TikTok#VladekHasel #MissingPerson #TrueCrime #UnsolvedMystery #Missing #BryanHasel #ColdCase #Justice #CrimePodcast #JustInTheNickOfCrime See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• Mark Geragos on Diddy, the Menendez Brothers & Defending America's Most Controversial Clients 01.06.2026 38min

  Mark Geragos has spent more than three decades at the center of some of the most high-profile and controversial legal battles in America.From Michael Jackson, Chris Brown, Winona Ryder, and Scott Peterson to Erik and Lyle Menendez, Geragos has represented clients whose names dominated headlines around the world. Most recently, he served as an advisor to Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense team during one of the most closely watched federal trials in recent memory.In this episode of Unheard: True Crime In Their Own Words, Justin sits down with one of America's most recognizable defense attorneys for a candid conversation about the justice system, celebrity defendants, media narratives, public perception, wrongful convictions, the Menendez brothers' fight for freedom, and the challenges of defending clients in the age of social media.Whether you agree with him or not, Mark Geragos has had a front-row seat to some of the biggest legal stories of our generation.Topics include:Sean "Diddy" CombsErik & Lyle MenendezMichael JacksonScott PetersonCelebrity trialsMedia influence on juriesThe court of public opinionHigh-profile criminal defenseAmerica's justice system🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with the people closest to the stories that captivated the world. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• George Floyd’s Uncle on Justice, Rage, and What Changed America 25.05.2026 1h 32min

  On May 25, 2020, the world watched as George Floyd’s final moments sparked one of the largest social justice movements in modern history. Six years later, on the anniversary of his death, Unheard sits down with the man who has spent years carrying both the grief and the responsibility of keeping George’s name alive: his uncle, Selwyn Jones.In this deeply personal and emotional conversation, Selwyn speaks openly about the pain of losing George, the weight of becoming a public voice for his family, and the reality of fighting for justice in America long after the headlines fade away.But this episode goes far beyond one case.Selwyn and Justin Shepherd discuss systemic racism, police brutality, sentencing disparities, and the larger history that connects George Floyd to generations of injustice stretching back through the civil rights era and the murder of Emmett Till. Selwyn reflects on the courage of Mamie Till, the outrage that followed George Floyd’s death, and why accountability still remains elusive for so many families.The conversation also explores the emotional toll of activism, the failures within the justice system, the importance of speaking out, and why silence only allows injustice to continue. Throughout the episode, Selwyn shares raw personal reflections, difficult truths, and a message centered on courage, awareness, and action.This is not a political debate.It is a conversation about humanity, loss, accountability, and what happens when ordinary people decide they can no longer stay quiet.Follow and subscribe to Unheard: True Crime In Their Own Words on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• What If Everything You Know About Charles Manson Is Wrong? 18.05.2026 1h 44min

  This isn't just another Charles Manson episode....For decades, the name Charles Manson has been synonymous with evil. The media painted him as a master manipulator, a cult leader capable of controlling minds, and the face of one of the most infamous murder cases in American history.But what if the story the public was told was never the full story?In this episode of Unheard: True Crime In Their Own Words, Justin Shepherd sits down with John Michael Jones — a man who developed a deeply personal relationship with Charles Manson over years of correspondence and conversations — alongside filmmaker Billie Mintz, director of the documentary Making Manson. Together, they explore the man behind the myth through unheard prison recordings, firsthand experiences, and years of research into one of the most controversial criminal cases in American history.The conversation challenges long-held beliefs surrounding the so-called “Manson Family,” the idea of mind control, and whether Manson became a scapegoat for a chaotic era America was desperate to make sense of. It also examines the role media narratives played in transforming Manson into something larger than life, often overshadowing the deeper complexities of the case itself.John Michael Jones shares what it was like communicating directly with Manson and witnessing sides of him the public never saw, while Billie Mintz discusses the process of creating Making Manson and the questions that emerged while digging through archival material, recordings, and decades of public mythology.The episode also dives into prison brutality, manipulation, redemption, societal fear, and the emotional burden carried by those connected to the case. At the center of it all is an important reminder: while history often turns killers into legends, the victims and the lives stolen should never be forgotten.This is not a glorification of Charles Manson. It is an attempt to understand how one man became a symbol, how narratives are shaped, and what happens when media mythology overtakes reality.Follow Unheard: True Crime In Their Own Words on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for more long-form conversations with survivors, investigators, journalists, insiders, and voices rarely heard in mainstream coverage. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• The Legal Analyst Millions Watch: Jesse Weber on True Crime, Trials, and Media 11.05.2026 1h 10min

  This week on Unheard: True Crime In Their Own Words, I sit down with Jesse Weber, attorney, legal analyst, host, and one of the most recognized voices in true crime and courtroom coverage today.Known for his work with Law&Crime, CourtTV, NewsNation, national television appearances, and extensive coverage of high profile criminal trials, Jesse joins me for an in depth conversation about some of the biggest cases dominating headlines, the evolution of true crime media, courtroom strategy, and what really happens behind the scenes when the cameras are rolling.From livestreamed trials and internet sleuthing to the ethical line between reporting and entertainment, this is a raw and honest discussion between two people who spend their lives immersed in some of the darkest and most talked about stories in the country.We also discuss the pressure of live television, the responsibility that comes with covering victims and defendants in real time, and why certain cases explode into national obsessions while others disappear from public attention.If you follow criminal trials, breaking news, legal analysis, or the modern true crime landscape, this is an episode you do not want to miss.Follow and subscribe to Unheard on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere podcasts are available. Be sure to leave a review and turn notifications on so you never miss an episode.#JesseWeber #LawAndCrime #TrueCrime #Podcast #UnheardPodcast #CourtTV #NewsNation #LegalAnalysis #CriminalJustice #TrialCoverage #BreakingNews #TrueCrimeCommunity #JustinShepherd #CrimeNews #HighProfileCases See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• The DNA Solving “Unsolvable” Cases (Including Kohberger) | Othram Labs 04.05.2026 1h 5min

  There are cases that sit for years, sometimes decades, with no answers. No suspect, no clear direction, and no path forward.But that’s starting to change.In this episode, Justin sits down with Dr. Kristen Mittelman, Chief Development Officer at Othram Labs, to break down how advanced DNA technology is being used to solve cases that were once considered unsolvable.Othram specializes in working with extremely limited or degraded DNA, evidence that, until recently, would have gone nowhere. Their work has helped identify unknown victims, generate new leads in cold cases, and push investigations forward when traditional methods failed.That includes playing an instrumental role in the process that helped connect DNA evidence to Bryan Kohberger in the Idaho four case, using an incredibly small amount of touch DNA.In this conversation, Dr. Mittelman explains how this technology works, what people often misunderstand about DNA evidence, and how forensic science is rapidly evolving.More importantly, this episode looks at what all of this means for the future, where cases that once had no path forward may now have one. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• The Cases We Get Wrong | Allison Weiner on True Crime, Media, and Missteps 27.04.2026 47min

  There’s the version of a case you see… and then there’s what’s actually happening while it’s unfolding.In this episode, I’m joined by Allison Weiner, an investigative journalist who’s spent years covering high-profile cases in real time, not after the fact, not cleaned up for a documentary, but as they’re happening.We get into cases like Holly Bobo case and Amy Harwick case, but this isn’t about retelling what happened. It’s about everything that happens around it.How quickly narratives form. How pressure, whether it’s media, law enforcement, or public opinion, can shape the direction of a case. And how hard it is to undo that once it starts.We also talk about the impact on victims’ families, what people misunderstand about investigative reporting, and where the line is in true crime, and what happens when it gets crossed.This is one of those conversations that makes you step back and question how these stories are told… and what you think you know. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• Columbine: Rachel Scott’s Father Speaks — The Truth About What Happened After 18.04.2026 1h

  The Columbine High School shooting changed everything, but what came after is a story most people don’t fully understand.In this episode of Unheard: True Crime In Their Own Words, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, the first victim of the Columbine High School shooting, shares what happened after that day, how his family coped with unimaginable loss, and how Rachel’s story became a movement that has impacted millions.This is not only a conversation about Columbine. It’s about what came next.Darrell walks through the creation of Rachel’s Challenge, a program focused on kindness, compassion, and preventing violence in schools, which has now reached more than 30 million students and parents. Alongside Kristi Krings, we talk about bullying, mental health, forgiveness, and what schools, parents, and communities can actually do to change the culture for the next generation.We also get into what people still misunderstand about Columbine, the long-term impact on families, and why Rachel Scott’s message continues to resonate decades later.If you think you understand Columbine, this conversation will challenge that.Make sure you subscribe as we continue bringing you real conversations with the people directly connected to the stories you think you know.SUPPORT RACHEL'S CHALLENGEhttps://rachelschallenge.org/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• All Bark, No Bite? The Reality Behind Dog the Bounty Hunter 13.04.2026 1h 14min

  What does it actually look like to chase fugitives for a living… and then have your life turned into a television show?In this episode, I sit down with Justin Bihag, someone who didn’t just appear on Dog the Bounty Hunter… he lived it.We get into what most people never saw. Not the edited version. Not the dramatized version. The reality of what it took to track people down, what those apprehensions actually felt like in the moment, and how quickly everything changed once cameras showed up.We break down the case that put everything on the map, the capture of Andrew Luster, and why that moment became bigger than just one fugitive. It shifted public perception of bounty hunting entirely and turned a dangerous, unpredictable job into something the world suddenly couldn’t stop watching.But the part that stuck with me most isn’t the fame. It’s what came after it. Because when the cameras stop, life doesn’t.Justin talks openly about the pressure, the personal struggles, the hits his life took behind the scenes, and what it’s like trying to rebuild when people think they already know your story. Addiction, scrutiny, relationships, identity, none of it wrapped up neatly when the show ended.And then there’s the comeback.We get into how he found his way back through music, why that outlet matters, and what it takes mentally to keep moving forward when you’ve already lived multiple versions of your life in the public eye.There’s also something else in this conversation that I think people will connect with, the idea of resilience that isn’t polished or performative. It’s messy. It’s imperfect. And it’s real.This isn’t just about reality TV. It’s about what reality actually looks like when the cameras aren’t rolling.Follow and subscribe for more stories that deserve to be heard. These stories don’t get told unless people are willing to listen.New episodes drop every Monday at 2:00pm Central See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• She Was Trafficked as a Baby… and Lived 50 Years Without Knowing Her Name | E. Monique Smith 06.04.2026 1h 4min

  In this episode of Unheard, I sit down with E. Monique Smith, a woman whose story almost defies belief.As a baby, she was taken from her biological family and raised by people who were not who they claimed to be. She grew up without knowing her real name, her real identity, or where she came from. For decades, she lived without documentation, without answers, and while enduring severe abuse behind closed doors.At 28 years old, everything began to unravel. What followed was a decades-long search for the truth that would take her through law enforcement agencies, national databases, and eventually DNA genealogy.She became known as the longest living Jane Doe.After more than 50 years, she finally uncovered her true identity and was reunited with the family she had been taken from as a child.This is her story, in her own words.Follow and subscribe for more stories that deserve to be heard. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• Diddy, Power, and Silence: What Relentless Aaron Says He Witnessed 30.03.2026 1h 30min

  In this episode, our guest isn’t just telling stories about the music industry, he lived through some of its darkest moments.Dewitt Gilmore, who is better known as Relentless Aaron, joins Unheard for a raw, unfiltered conversation about his personal experiences inside the world surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs, and what he says really went on behind the scenes.From his early days trying to break into the industry to crossing paths with some of its most powerful figures, Aaron walks through moments that shaped his life, including violence, high-stakes confrontations, and the aftermath of events like the CCNY stampede that left lasting controversy.This episode digs into the power dynamics that define the music business, the culture of silence that can protect it, and the personal cost of speaking out. Dewitt also opens up about his legal battles, the decisions that forced him to stand his ground, and how he turned those experiences into music, books, and a new chapter of his life.This isn’t just about one person or one story, it’s about influence, accountability, and what happens when someone decides they’re no longer going to stay quiet.Follow for more conversations like this, and if this episode hits you, share it. These stories don’t get told unless people are willing to listen. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• Alissa Turney: They Called Her a Runaway. Her Sister Changed Everything 23.03.2026 1h 22min

  In 2001, Alissa Turney went missing from her home in Phoenix, Arizona. Her disappearance was quickly labeled a runaway case, and for years, it received little attention from law enforcement.But her sister, Sarah Turney, refused to let Alissa’s case disappear.In this episode, Sarah Turney shares the full story behind the disappearance of Alissa Turney, including the early failures in the investigation, the disturbing allegations of abuse and control inside their home, and the role their father, Michael Turney, played in the case. She explains how she began questioning the narrative she had been told and ultimately used social media and true crime platforms to bring national attention back to Alissa’s disappearance.That renewed attention led to the arrest of Michael Turney in connection with Alissa Turney’s case. However, the trial ended without a conviction, leaving critical questions unanswered and Alissa Turney still missing.Sarah Turney also discusses the emotional impact of the case, the challenges of navigating the criminal justice system, and the broader issues surrounding missing persons cases, child abuse, and investigative failures. Through her podcast Voices for Justice, she continues to advocate for Alissa Turney and other families seeking answers.This episode covers the Alissa Turney case, Sarah Turney’s fight for justice, the investigation into Michael Turney, and the ongoing search for answers in one of the most well-known missing persons cases in true crime.If you follow true crime, missing persons cases, or stories involving family advocacy and justice system failures, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• They Left Him Alone to Die: The Fraternity Hazing Death of Adam Oakes 16.03.2026 1h 32min

  This episode tells the heartbreaking story of Adam Oakes, a 19-year-old Virginia Commonwealth University student who died during a fraternity hazing ritual.Adam was excited about college. He was outgoing, compassionate, and the kind of person people naturally gravitated toward. But like so many freshmen, he also wanted to belong. That desire to fit in led him to accept an invitation to attend what he believed was part of a fraternity pledging process.That night, Adam was taken to an off-campus house where pledges were pressured to drink extreme amounts of alcohol as part of a hazing ritual. At some point, Adam consumed a fatal amount. Instead of getting him immediate help, members of the fraternity left him alone in a bedroom. By the time anyone checked on him the next morning, Adam was dead.His death shocked the community and exposed a hazing culture that often operates in secrecy, protected by silence and loyalty to the organization over the safety of the students involved.In this powerful conversation, Adam’s father, Eric Oakes, walks through who Adam was, what happened that night, and the devastating moment his family learned their son was gone. But Eric also talks about what came next. Rather than retreating into grief, he chose to fight for change.Eric founded the Love Like Adam Foundation, which works to educate students and families about hazing and push for stronger laws to hold organizations accountable. His advocacy helped lead to Adam’s Law in Virginia, legislation designed to strengthen hazing penalties and increase transparency around fraternity misconduct.This is not just a story about one tragedy. It’s a story about a culture that still exists on many campuses, and a warning that every parent sending a child to college needs to hear.Adam’s story is devastating. But Eric’s mission is simple: make sure no other family has to live through it.To learn more about Eric’s work, visit the Love Like Adam Foundation. (https://lovelikeadam.com) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• Joe Exotic Speaks From Prison About Tiger King and His Conviction 09.03.2026 34min

  In this episode, Justin sits down with Joe Exotic to talk about life before and after the Tiger King phenomenon, the legal battles that landed him in prison, and why he continues to insist he was wrongly convicted. Joe discusses the conspiracy-to-commit-murder case that put him behind bars, the role he believes perjury and unreliable testimony played in the trial, and why he argues the justice system failed to fully investigate key details.The conversation also explores the broader impact of the case. Joe reflects on how incarceration has affected his life, his health, and the people around him, while Justin examines how media coverage and public perception shaped the narrative that millions of viewers came to believe. They discuss the difference between entertainment and reality, and how documentaries and news coverage can influence how the public views guilt, innocence, and accountability.The episode also touches on the world of big cats and private zoos, including debates over animal care, euthanasia decisions, and the ethical questions surrounding exotic animal ownership. Natasha joins the conversation to share her own background growing up around animals and to challenge some of the claims and assumptions made in the Tiger King series.Throughout the discussion, the focus remains on larger questions about justice, media influence, and the legal system. Joe talks about his ongoing efforts to appeal his conviction and his hopes for clemency, while Justin presses on what accountability should look like in controversial cases like this one.The result is a candid conversation about fame, prison, the power of storytelling, and the complicated intersection of law, media, and public opinion. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• Jennifer Wix and Adriana Robinson: A Disappearance Without Answers 02.03.2026 2h 3min

  In 2004, Jennifer Wix and her 2-year-old daughter Adriana Robinson disappeared from Tennessee. They were never seen again. The last person to see them alive was Jennifer’s boyfriend, who told police that she left voluntarily. That explanation shaped the investigation from the very beginning and influenced how the case was handled for years.Over time, serious questions began to emerge. Jennifer had told her family she was afraid. Her relationship had become volatile, and in the days before she vanished, there were signs that something was wrong. The story about what happened that day never fully made sense, and years later, he admitted that he had lied about key details.The case was eventually reclassified as a homicide, but more than two decades later, no one has been arrested. Jennifer’s sister Casey Robinson has spent years fighting for answers, pushing law enforcement to keep the case alive, and refusing to let her sister and niece be forgotten.In this episode, Casey shares the full story of Jennifer and Adriana, the failures that defined the investigation, and what it is like to live for more than twenty years without closure. This conversation is about persistence, accountability, and a family that is still searching for the truth. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• He Prosecuted a Serial Killer—What He Says the System Hides 23.02.2026 1h 38min

  Most people will never come face-to-face with a serial killer.Jarrett Ferentino has.Before becoming a nationally recognized legal analyst, Jarrett was a homicide prosecutor who helped build cases against some of the most dangerous criminals in America, including serial killer Hugo Selenski, who hid bodies on his own property while living in plain sight.In this episode of Unheard, Jarrett takes us inside the justice system from the perspective few ever experience.We discuss:• What it’s actually like to prosecute a serial killer• The Brittanee Drexel case and how forensic science finally solved it• How modern DNA technology is rewriting cold cases• Corruption, influence, and the role of powerful families• And how those same dynamics help explain how Jeffrey Epstein operated for so longThis conversation goes beyond individual crimes.It explores the intersection of justice, science, power, and accountability — and what happens when the system finally catches up.Jarrett Ferentino is a former homicide prosecutor, legal expert, and victims’ advocate who has spent his career pursuing justice for families who thought they might never get answers.Order Jarrett's New Book Here: https://a.co/d/0hcKf4hJThis is Unheard.—Follow Justin:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@justinthenickofcrimeInstagram: https://instagram.com/justinthenickofcrimeSubstack: https://justinthenickofcrime.substack.com—#truecrime #jeffreyepstein #serialkiller #unheard #hugoselenski #brittaneedrexel #truecrimepodcast #justice See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
• They Lost Sonya Massey—Now They’re Demanding Answers 16.02.2026 1h 54min

  In this episode, Justin Shepherd speaks with Sontae Massey, cousin of Sonya Massey, the 36-year-old Illinois mother who was shot and killed inside her own home by a sheriff’s deputy after calling 911 for help on July 6, 2024. Sontae shares personal insight into who Sonya was beyond the headlines, the devastating moment their family learned of her death, and the emotional and legal aftermath that followed. She discusses the investigation, courtroom developments, and the creation of the Massey Commission, an initiative formed in Sonya’s name to advocate for accountability and systemic change. This conversation offers a firsthand perspective on grief, justice, and the lasting impact Sonya’s death has had on her family and community.
• Ashleigh Banfield on What Really Happens Behind True Crime Coverage 09.02.2026 1h 17min

  A rare, honest conversation with legendary journalist Ashleigh Banfield about truth, trauma, and the responsibility of telling the stories that shape a nation.
• A Former Cop Turned Criminal—The Story Behind a Real Bank Heist 03.02.2026 1h 1min

  A former police officer explains how his life unraveled, what led him to commit a bank heist, and what it’s really like to live with the consequences of becoming the very thing he was trained to stop.