Crimes of Passion

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cases of isolation. What kind of effect does living in isolation—with little contact with the outside world, friends, or family—have on the psyche? We’ll take a closer look using clips from shows across the Parcast Network. Clips featured: Hostage: Colleen Stan Pt. 1, Cults: Workers Institute Pt. 2, Unexplained Mysteries: Silent Twins Pt. 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In August of 1989, 21-year-old Lyle and 18-year-old Erik Menendez murdered their parents in Beverly Hills after years of abuse. Afterward, they attempted to cover it up, but their stories quickly unravelled. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing Satanism. What kind of influence has Satanism had on crime and society? We’ll explore this topic using clips from shows across the Parcast Network. Clips featured: Serial Killers: David Berkowitz (Son of Sam) Pt. 2, Unsolved Murders: Jeanette DePalma Pt. 1, Cults: Church of Satan Pt. 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jose Menendez pursued wealth at the expense of everything else in his life, including his relationship with his family. He abused his wife Kitty, and his sons, Lyle and Eric, until tension in the household finally boiled over in 1989. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we will take you chronologically through three crimes that inspired change in society, laws, or policies. Clips featured: Not Guilty: Ernesto Miranda Pt. 2, Serial Killers: Ottis Toole Pt. 2, Unsolved Murders: Tylenol Murders Pt. 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Kate Brennan broke up with her boyfriend, Paul, she hoped she'd never have to see him again. But Paul refused to accept the split and had no intention of letting Kate move on. He stalked her throughout the 1990s, making sure she’d never forget him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing political crimes. What types of political crimes are there, and what is their impact on society and governments as a whole? Clips featured: Political Scandals: Jack Abramoff, Espionage: The Rosenbergs Pt. 2, Assassinations: Pancho Villa Pt. 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 1990s, a 43-year-old writer in the Midwest who used the pseudonym “Kate Brennan” met a man she called “Paul.” Kate thought Paul was charming and worldly when they first met. But over the course of their relationship, she would discover how cruel he could be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cases in which a criminal tortured their victim. What would compel someone to torture another person, and what are the lasting effects on a victim who was tortured? Clips featured: Female Criminals: Gertrude Banisewski Pt. 1, Serial Killers: David Parker Ray Pt. 2, Hostage: Colleen Stan Pt. 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In November of 1985, Eric Windhurst took matters into his own hands to defend friend Melanie Paquette from her abusive father, Danny. The crime shocked the community of Hopkinton, and it would be years before the truth about that day finally emerged. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’ll focus on wealthy criminals. We’ll discuss what leads high-status individuals to commit crimes, as well as the consequences they face once captured. Clips featured: Kingpins: Pablo Escobar Pt. 1, Con Artists: Bernie Madoff Pt. 1, Female Criminals: Leona Helmsley Pt. 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Melanie Paquette endured years of sexual abuse at the hands of her adoptive father, Danny. Her family eventually escaped Danny's household, but he continued to haunt them for years. When her trauma finally came to a head in 1985, she confided her fears in her new friend, 17-year-old Eric Windhurst. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. What makes someone so vengeful, they’re willing to take a human life? Using clips from across the Parcast Network, we’ll search for clues by taking a closer look at some of history’s most infamous revenge killings. Clips featured: Crimes of Passion: Marty and Michelle Theer Pt. 1, Female Criminals: Valerie Solanas Pt. 2, Assassinations: Phoolan Devi Pt. 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Texas preacher Matt Baker preyed on young women for years while leading a double life as a mild-mannered husband and father. His wife, Kari Baker, ignored red flags for nearly 12 years until 2006, when she began to suspect that Matt was having an affair. The conflict prompted Matt to form a deadly plot to get her out of his life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing the deaths of American political figures. Whether their demise came at the hands of an assassin, or a political rival, the loss of each of these leaders left an indelible impact on U.S. history. Clips featured: Political Scandals: Election of 1800, Assassinations: Lincoln Pt. 2, Conspiracy Theories: JFK Assassination Pt. 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When they married in Texas in 1994, Kari Baker thought she had found the perfect Christian man to start a family with. What Kari didn’t know was that Matt was a predator with a decade-long history of sexually harassing and assaulting young women. When she started to suspect the truth, Matt searched for a way out of his marriage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing serial killers’ first murders. What did the murders look like and how does a killer’s modus operandi change after their first slaying? We'll hear clips from our shows across the Parcast Network, and dive deeper into their minds and methods. Clips featured: Today in True Crime: December 5, 2019: Boston Belfry’s First, Female Criminals: Mary Ann Cotton Pt. 1, Serial Killers: Elizabeth Wettlaufer Pt. 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In April of 2006, a horrific night of violence ended with Jeremy Steinke and J.R. fleeing from the Canadian police. The subsequent investigation, arrest, and trials made headlines across the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing the clues that criminals left behind and the ways in which the police used them to hunt down their suspect. These clues could be biological, such as DNA or fingerprints; or physical, such as a piece of clothing fiber left at the scene. Some were merely overlooked by the criminal—and some were intentionally left behind. Clips featured: Serial Killers: BTK Pt. 2, Unexplained Mysteries: Zodiac Killer Pt. 1, Espionage: Aldrich Ames Pt. 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are thrilled to bring you a brand new episode of Crimes of Passion today and for the foreseeable future. We thank you for your patience during this unprecedented time. In 2006, 23-year-old Jeremy Steinke met and carried on a pedophilic relationship with a rebellious 12-year-old Canadian girl. But when her parents forbade them from seeing each other, they began to plot a way to be together—no matter the consequences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we're discussing "M.O.s", or the "modus operandi" of murderers. We'll talk about the tactics killers use on their victims, and what those methods say about their psyches. Clips featured: Female Criminals: Marie Sukloff Pt. 2, Unsolved Murders/Kingpins: St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Pt. 1, Unexplained Mysteries: Jack the Ripper Pt. 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When she wouldn’t break off her friendship with Joel Tillis, Ivrin Bolden Jr. murdered Brenda Spicer and left her body in a dumpster in 1987. The incident sparked a major police investigation and sensational trial that led to the final, tragic end of Joel and Ivrin’s relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re exploring cases of indoctrination. We’ll discuss how cult leaders, secret societies, and kidnappers gain control of their victims and what makes individuals vulnerable to malicious manipulation. Clips featured: Cults: Alamo Christian Foundation Pt. 2, Secret Societies: The Triads Pt. 1, Hostage: Colleen Stand Pt. 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the late 1980s, college sweethearts Joel Tillis and Ivrin Bolden, Jr. seemed like a couple destined for success. However, when Joel started to push away, Ivrin searched for someone else to blame. He eventually found a target in Joel’s best friend, 18-year-old Brenda Spicer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today, we're looking at some of the most fascinating criminal trials in history. We'll see how certain tactics used by attorneys influenced juries, changed outcomes, and provided some of the most unexpected legal twists and turns in recent memory. Clips featured: Crimes of Passion: Lorena Bobbitt Pt. 2, Female Criminals: Salem Witches Pt. 2, Not Guilty: Central Park Five Pt. 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Due to the unfortunate spread of COVID-19, Parcast has decided to halt recording for the time-being. This is a precautionary measure taken to ensure the safety of our hosts and staff. In the meantime, we're excited to share one of our classic episodes that we know you'll enjoy! In 1991, a man from Northern Ireland found himself caught between two women: his wife and his mistress. As a religious man, Colin Howell was in an impossible situation—a situation that would end in deadly fashion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cases of abduction, and examining some of the most infamous kidnappings throughout true crime history. We'll hear clips from our shows across the Parcast Network, and look at the different reasons why a criminal would carry out such a heinous act. Clips featured: Serial Killers: Ted Bundy Pt. 1, Female Criminals: Phoolan Devi Pt. 1, Hostage: Frank Sinatra Jr. Pt. 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In August of 2018, the picture perfect marriage of Chris and Shanann Watts ended in violent tragedy. The trauma left a family broken and a Colorado community reeling, as the public struggled to understand the shocking crime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cannibals and vampires. We’ll examine strange cases of predators who drink blood and feast on flesh, and delve into their unique psychology. Clips featured: Unsolved Murders: Atlas Vampire, Female Criminals: Tracey Wigginton, Serial Killers: Albert Fish Pt. 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the moment they married in 2012, Colorado couple Chris and Shanann Watts seemed to have the picture-perfect life. In reality, an extramarital affair, financial struggles, and conflicts with extended family were tearing the couple apart, all leading to a shocking, brutal crime that would end their marriage for good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we're looking into the crimes that affect wealthy victims. While we may assume the wealthy are most often the victims of crimes like robbery, in reality, the wealthy are less likely to be victimized than the poor. Why is this the case, and why do we find it so fascinating when the wealthy become the victims of illegal activities? Clips featured: Gone: Michael Rockefeller, Hostage: John Paul Getty III Pt. 2, Unexplained Mysteries: Alfred Lowenstein Pt. 2, Con Artists: Jeanne de la Motte Pt. 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Although she initially seemed eager to help her boyfriend Conrad Roy move past his struggles with depression, in July of 2014 Michelle Carter’s reaction changed. After Conrad's death, text messages from his phone revealed she had actively been encouraging her boyfriend's suicidal ideation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. What motivates someone to assassinate a President, or their musical hero? Today we’re highlighting three notorious assassinations and the perpetrators behind them. Using clips from shows across the Parcast Network, we’ll see what motivated them to kill some of the most prominent figures in history, and explore the lasting impact of their crimes. Clips featured: Conspiracy Theories: Lincoln Assassination Pt. 1, Assassinations: John Lennon, Female Criminals: Phoolan Devi Pt. 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Conrad Roy and Michelle Carter began an online relationship in 2012. Over the course of the next two years, through thousands of texts and social media messages, Conrad confided in Michelle his struggles with depression and suicidal ideation. Their relationship would end in tragedy in 2014, and even become the subject of a police investigation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Stars—they’re just like us. So why are we so intrigued by celebrity death, and why is the intrigue amplified when the death is unexpected? Today we’re discussing those high-profile cases. We'll dive into clips from shows across the Parcast Network, including Conspiracy Theories, Unsolved Murders, and Not Guilty. Clips featured: Conspiracy Theories: Marilyn Monroe Pt. 2, Unsolved Murders: Natalie Wood Pt. 1, Not Guilty: Robert Blake Pt. 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throughout Larry Swartz’s childhood in the 1970s and 80s, problems with his adoptive family continued to intensify. This eventually erupted in a startling display of violence—and ultimately the murder of his parents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the last Sunday of every month, Parcast Rewind replays a classic episode of Crimes of Passion that you might have missed! For almost 20 years, Fred Jablin and Piper Rountree, shared their lives together in Virginia, welcoming three children and a menagerie of pets. But in 2001 their marriage crumbled; Fred saw dramatic changes in his wife and the way she treated their family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we're exploring cases of unhealthy relationships and examining some of true crime's most notorious couples. We'll dive into clips from shows across the Parcast Network, and look at how the twisted—often abusive—dynamic between two criminals shapes the crimes they commit. Clips featured: Crimes of Passion: Bonnie and Clyde Pt. 1, Female Criminals: Phoolan Devi Pt. 1, Con Artists: Jeanne de la Motte Pt. 1, Cults: Eastern Lightning Pt. 1, Serial Killers: Carol M. Bundy Pt. 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Robert and Katheryn Swartz married in 1970, they adopted three orphaned children, hoping to craft the perfect family. But the couple soon found that they were not equipped to handle their children’s special needs, leading to tragic results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we're taking a look at what some of the most infamous criminals in history have in common: a brutal childhood. As we dive into clips from shows across the Parcast Network, we'll explore how their early years of abuse, neglect, and trauma all shaped these individuals into notorious offenders. Clips featured: Female Criminals: La Mataviejitas Pt. 1, Cults: Charles Manson Pt. 1, Serial Killers: Andrei Chikatilo Pt. 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By early 1998, it seemed like the Hartman's marriage was on its last leg. Phil was spending less time at home, and Brynn's cocaine habit was forcing even more distance between the two. In the early hours of May 28th, 1998, everything would come to a devastating crescendo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we explore the unique and shocking cases when elders we expect to respect defy society and commit crimes in their old age. We'll dive into clips from shows across the Parcast Network, and discuss all the reasons a senior citizen may defy the norm and break the law. Clips featured: Con Artists: Bernie Madoff Pt. 2, Female Criminals & Serial Killers: Dorothea Puente Pt. 2, Kingpins: Griselda Blanco Pt. 3, Cults: The Brethren Pt. 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the late 1980s, Phil Hartman and Brynn Omdahl both had failed marriages under their belts. When they were set up on a blind date, it seemed like a perfect match. But as Phil's career on Saturday Night Live took off, their relationship showed its cracks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we're exploring those rare and hopeful instances where victims managed to break out of their captors' clutches and flee to freedom. We'll dive into clips from shows across the Parcast Network, and discuss all the ways in which a victim might escape and the psychological effects their traumatic experiences might have had on them. Clips featured: Female Criminals: Valerie Solanas Pt. 2, Crimes of Passion: Ming Sen Shiue Pt. 2, Cults: Worker’s Institute Pt. 2, Hostage: James Riley Pt. 2, Serial Killers: David Parker Ray Pt. 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After struggling through difficult marriages and mental health issues, Celeste Beard found a confidant in Tracey Tarlton in 1993. She told Tracey about her unhappy marriage with her husband Steve, and made her intentions clear—Steve had to go, no matter what it took. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the last Sunday of every month, Parcast Rewind replays a classic episode of Crimes of Passion that you might have missed! Travis Alexander and Jodi Arias met at a legal services conference in 2006. They were both tending to broken hearts, and found a panacea in each other. But as their relationship progressed, jealousy pushed the couple apart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we're taking a closer look at women who subverted their maternal expectations to lead a life of crime. We'll analyze these instances with clips from shows across the Parcast Network, and discuss the different ways these mothers misbehaved. Clips featured: The Dark Side Of: Stage Mother, Con Artists: Sante Kimes Pt. 2, Serial Killers: The Giggling Granny Pt. 1, Female Criminals: Torture Mother Pt. 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By the time Celeste Johnson celebrated her 30th birthday in 1993, she had already been married 3 times. After this string of failed marriages, Celeste met someone who offered stability and comfort at last—a Texas millionaire named Steve Beard. But her union with Beard was fraught from the beginning, and ended in violent tragedy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we explore the idea of Psychological Manipulation—the tactics criminals use to deceive, coerce, and exert control over their victims. We'll dive into clips from shows across the Parcast Network, and discuss how these methods work, and most importantly, their dangerous consequences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the wake of the Roaring 20s, flapper Ruth Snyder conspired with her lover to murder her husband Albert. Though they thought they'd gotten away with the perfect crime, their story soon fell apart and led to one of the biggest headlines of the decade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices