48 Hours

This episode revisits the 1995 disappearance of news anchor Jody Huestad in Mason City, Iowa. It details the immediate aftermath of her abduction, including evidence of a struggle and the investigation into potential suspects like John Van Syce, whose perceived obsession with Jody drew scrutiny. The investigation further explores the emergence of serial rapist Tony Jackson, whose presence in the area raises chilling possibilities regarding the crime. The episode also examines the investigative efforts by journalists and family members through initiatives like FindJody.com, while highlighting criticisms regarding crime scene preservation and the ongoing search for answers.

This episode explores the 1996 murder of 14-year-old Crystal Champagne and the wrongful conviction of Damon Thibodeau, who confessed to the crime under intense police interrogation despite significant forensic discrepancies. The narrative follows the legal battle led by attorneys Denny LaBeouf and Steve Kaplan to prove his innocence through new evidence regarding timelines, physical inconsistencies, and DNA testing that found no connection between him and the crime. The story concludes with Thibodeau's eventual exoneration and release from Angola prison, noting that even the original prosecutor admitted the reliance on a false confession was an error. Following his emotional reunion with family, the episode touches upon Thibodeau's journey to start a new life and the ongoing investigation into Crystal Champagne's murder.

In this episode of Postmortem, Natalie Morales and Anne-Marie Greene examine the 48 Hours report on Sean Doyle. The discussion details Doyle's escalating pattern of domestic violence against survivors Cece Opinowski and Sarah Vollmer prior to the murder of Lori Leonard, highlighting the failure of law enforcement to address early reports of abuse. The conversation also explores the profound emotional devastation inflicted upon Lori's family, including her young sons and nephew Dustin. The episode concludes by examining the legal nuances behind Doyle's second-degree murder conviction and the significance of CeCe's testimony at trial.

This episode explores the violent history of Sean Doyle, beginning with his 1996 attack on Cece Opinowski and tracing the investigation into the 2003 disappearance of Lori Leonard. The narrative follows the discovery of Leonard's body in a toolbox and the forensic evidence that ultimately linked Doyle to the crime. The episode details the trial and conviction of Doyle, highlighting how physical evidence and testimony from previous victims established his pattern of behavior. It concludes with reflections on the lasting impact of domestic violence and the enduring grief experienced by the victims' families.

This episode examines the ongoing trial of Lindsay Clancy, focusing on courtroom testimonies from medical professionals and a former nanny. The discussion explores conflicting interpretations of her mental state through journal entries and eyewitness accounts of her parenting. The coverage also details observations of the defendant's emotional state in court and the defense attorney's cross-examination regarding forensic evidence. Additionally, the episode covers the recent jury view of the crime scene and reflects on the importance of mental health awareness following this tragedy.

This episode explores the unraveling of Kathy Spires' marriage to Steve Markham, a man who used elaborate lies about being a CIA hitman to charm her. As Kathy discovers his true identity as Eric Wright and uncovers evidence of bigamy and a criminal past, her investigation leads to a life of fear and isolation. The narrative follows the subsequent investigation into Wright for the 24-year-old murder of Lester Marks, focusing on the connection between unrefined gold bars found with Wright and the victim's known possessions. The case concludes with Wright's guilty plea for voluntary manslaughter following a preliminary hearing that found probable cause for trial.

This episode investigates the 1892 double homicide of Andrew and Abby Borden in Fall River, Massachusetts. We explore the brutal nature of the crimes, the lack of forensic evidence available at the time, and the intense suspicion cast upon Lizzie Borden due to potential motives involving family resentment and inheritance. The narrative follows the historic 1893 trial, detailing the evidence presented regarding a possible hatchet murder and an attempted purchase of poison. We also examine a modern-day experiment where a new jury reviews the same evidence, ultimately tracing Lizzie's life after the trial through her eventual death as a recluse in 1927.

Host Anne-Marie Greene and correspondent Erin Moriarty examine the 1979 murder of Katina Rose Salerno by her boyfriend, Stephen Burns. The episode explores the long-term impact of the crime on witnesses and family members, detailing the emotional toll of seeking justice through thirteen parole hearings. The discussion highlights the resilience of the Salerno family, noting how they have channeled their tragedy into service-oriented professions. It also reflects on the complexities of the parole system and the profound sense of betrayal felt by those who once welcomed the perpetrator into their lives.

This episode recounts the tragic 1979 murder of Katina Salarno by her boyfriend, Stephen Burns, and the decades-long struggle of her family to keep him imprisoned. It details the events leading up to the crime, the investigation, and the enduring grief felt by the Salarno family as they face his parole hearings. The episode explores the long-term impact of the murder on the family, highlighting their transformation into advocates for victims' rights. It examines the conflicting perspectives between the family's fear of recidivism and arguments regarding Burns' rehabilitation and eligibility for elderly parole, concluding with the parole board's decision to deny his release due to a lack of demonstrated change.

Legal analyst Caroline Polisi and correspondent Chanel Call examine the trial of Lindsay Clancy, who is accused of murdering her three children. The discussion explores the legal complexities surrounding a postpartum psychosis defense, the prosecution's argument for premeditation, and the challenges of jury selection in such a high-profile case. The episode also details the emotional testimony of Patrick Clancy, focusing on his perspective on Lindsay's mental health, medication, and diagnosis. The conversation covers the intense courtroom atmosphere, including the profound impact of playing the 911 call from the night of the killings, and the defense strategy aimed at portraying the defendant as a mother struggling with severe mental illness.

This episode recounts the harrowing kidnapping and survival story of Jackie Maris and Tamara Brooks, who were abducted at gunpoint by fugitive Roy Dean Ratliff. After enduring hours of terror and sexual assault while held captive in a car, the girls managed to overpower their attacker using a knife and a whiskey bottle. The ordeal reached a violent climax in the Mojave Desert during a tense standoff involving a high-speed pursuit and a deadly gunbattle with Kern County deputies. Following the fatal shooting of Ratliff, the girls were rescued unharmed. The episode explores the aftermath of the event, including the psychological impact on the survivors and the profound support they received from their community.

This episode explores the 1989 disappearance of Tiffany Sessions and the massive, organized search effort led by her father, Pat Sessions. The investigation faced numerous false leads, including fake confessions and extortion attempts, while navigating a complex landscape of local serial murders. As investigators focused on Paul Rolls, a potential link found in an address book led to a significant excavation attempt. Although the dig failed to recover remains due to the challenges of detecting older skeletal remains, Sheriff Darnell's identification of Rolls as a suspect provided a sense of justice. The episode concludes with Pat Sessions' dedication to advocating for other families of missing children to honor Tiffany's memory.

This episode explores the 2003 disappearance and murder of Justine Vandershoot, focusing on the investigation into her boyfriend Danny Bessemer and his roommate Brandon Fernandez. The hosts detail the discovery of the burial site by an equestrian guide and examine the suspects' disturbing fascination with violence. The discussion also covers the legal complexities surrounding Brandon's attempt to seek resentencing under a changed California law and the profound emotional toll on Justine's family. In response to their tragedy, the Vandershoots have turned to advocacy, working to raise awareness for teen dating violence and educate others on recognizing red flags in relationships.

This episode explores the 2003 disappearance and murder of 17-year-old Justine Vandershoot in Auburn, California. The investigation reveals a toxic and possessive relationship between Justine and her boyfriend, Danny Bessemer, and uncovers how a confession from his friend, Brandon Fernandez, led to the discovery of her body. The narrative follows the shifting roles and conflicting statements between Bessemer and Fernandez, detailing the legal battles regarding sentencing under changing California laws. It also covers the prosecution's efforts to prove direct involvement, the impact of the trial on the Vandershoot family, and the legacy of 'Justine's Law' in the fight against dating violence.

This episode examines the preliminary hearing of singer-songwriter D4VD, who faces murder charges for the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Investigative reporter Richard Winton details gruesome evidence presented in court, including the discovery of remains in a Tesla and a kiddie pool, as well as allegations of a cover-up involving aliases and the purchase of body bags and chainsaws. The discussion explores the defendant's digital footprint, examining how his musical work and social media presence are being scrutinized alongside evidence of an alleged sexual relationship with the victim. Amidst intense media scrutiny, Celeste's family has chosen to remain private.

This episode explores the profound impact of unreliable expert testimony on the justice system, focusing on the wrongful convictions of Jim Richardson and Terry Henson. It details how fraudulent evidence from discredited experts like Fred Zane led to years of unjust incarceration before DNA findings and new investigations provided exoneration. Through a mock trial experiment, the program demonstrates how even highly credible-seeming experts can mislead jurors. The investigation highlights the systemic vulnerabilities created when expert witnesses manipulate data or provide flawed analysis, ultimately influencing jury verdicts in high-stakes criminal cases.

This episode examines the dramatic trial and verdict of the Casey Anthony murder case, exploring the intense tension between the prosecution's forensic evidence and the defense's theory of a tragic accident. The narrative details the legal proceedings, including debates over chloroform and duct tape, as well as the scrutiny placed on the Anthony family's behavior following the disappearance of Kaylee Anthony. The episode also covers the aftermath of the shocking acquittal for first-degree murder, documenting the polarized public reaction and the intense media frenzy that turned the trial into a national spectacle. It concludes with the legal aftermath regarding subsequent misdemeanor sentencing.

This episode explores the cold case of Jeannie Childs, whose 1993 murder was solved decades later through advances in genetic genealogy and DNA technology. The investigation progressed from identifying a suspect via family trees to the strategic collection of DNA from a discarded napkin at a hockey game. The discussion also details the trial of Jerry Westrom, including other persons of interest and the Minnesota Supreme Court's reversal of Westrom's second-degree murder conviction due to legal rulings on included offenses. The episode concludes with reflections on the lack of motive in the case and the impact of the verdict on the victim's family.

This episode recounts the 1993 murder of Jeannie Childs in a Minneapolis high-rise and the decades-long investigation that followed. After years of dead ends, investigators utilized investigative genetic genealogy to link unidentified DNA from the scene to Jerry Westrom, using evidence such as a discarded napkin and bloody footprints. The narrative follows Westrom's trial, where the prosecution presented DNA and footprint analysis against defense arguments regarding alternative suspects and the limitations of forensic timing. Following an eight-day trial, Westrom was convicted of first and second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison, leaving a legacy of enduring grief for Jeannie's family.