Ice Cold Case

I’m excited to share the first episode of my new weekly series, Frozen Files, a show dedicated to the unsolved, overlooked, and mishandled cases that never should’ve gone cold. Our first case is the story of 18-year-old CU Boulder freshman Megan Trussell, who disappeared on Super Bowl Sunday 2025 and was found days later in Boulder Canyon under circumstances her family still cannot reconcile. Her death was ruled a suicide — but the injuries, missing belongings, and investigative gaps have raised far more questions than answers. If you’ve connected with my work on Ice Cold Case, you’ll understand why I had to cover Megan’s story. And if you want more cases like this every week, you can follow Frozen Files anywhere you listen to podcasts. New episodes every Monday. If you have information, please call: 303-239-4201 (Colorado Bureau of Investigation) or 678-636-9771 (Vigilante PR) or email: [email protected] For a full list of sources, please visit: www.icecoldcase.com/frozenfiles/megantrussell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frozen Files is a weekly true crime podcast dedicated to the cases that time, media, and systems left behind. Some never became headlines. Some names you won’t recognize. All have frozen over. Hosted by investigative journalist and Ice Cold Case creator Madison McGhee, Frozen Files highlights the unsolved and overlooked cases while focusing on the victims and families who deserve justice.Subscribe now to help melt the frozen files. Your curiosity could crack the case. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frozen-files/id1873127459 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6XKADG8cCU0ObWtq8pPbqw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An unreleased medium reading with Kelsi Davies recorded before the Ice Cold Case investigation went public, shared now for reflection and context to consider what resonated, what aligned, and what does not. This episode contains intuitive and spiritual perspectives and is presented as a personal and exploratory moment in the process, not as evidence or confirmation of facts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the series finale of Ice Cold Case, Madison McGhee documents the current state of her father’s unsolved murder, reflects on the cost of the investigation, and explains why ending the podcast is not the same as ending the search for truth. 00:00 - Previously On 01:05 - Part 0: The Beginning 04:04 - Part 1: The Podcast 08:24 - Part 2: The Case 13:57 - Part 3: The System 19:20 - Part 4: The Cost 23:07 - Part 5: The Result 26:44 - Part 6: The Listeners 28:22 - Part 7: The End 30:33 - Credits To submit any tips or information, please email [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A live recording of Madison McGhee reading her victim impact statement at CrimeCon 2025, reflecting on the long-term consequences of her father’s unsolved murder, recorded live in Denver, Colorado (CrimeCon 2025) as part of a panel with the National Center for Victims of Crime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Someone with a very close connection to Omar comes forward with what he said privately about July 11, 2002. This new version of the story contradicts timelines and raises new questions about fear, power, and what never made it into the case files.00:00 - Previously On01:03 - Part 0: When the Phone Rings 04:23 - Part 1: Another Day, Another Twist11:25 - Part 2: Public vs. Private14:10 - Part 3: From the Outside20:37 - Part 4: July 11, 200227:37 - Part 5: Motive31:23 - Part 6: The End is Near35:11 - Next Time35:33 - Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a conversation with the key witness, Omar Foston, there's new claims and contradictions about the hours surrounding J.C. McGhee's murder. A revealing phone call shines light on the uncomfortable possibility that the truth, and the killer, might be closer than anyone wants to believe. 00:00 - Previously On 01:03 - Part 0: Don't Trust Anyone... 04:18 - Part 1: An Unlikely Alliance 08:21 - Part 2: Crooked Cops 13:26 - Part 3: Omar's Story 25:49 - Part 4: Did You Kill My Dad? 32:44 - Part 5: ... Not Even Family 38:24 - Part 6: Trust Your Gut 43:15 - Next Time 43:55 - Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh Mankiewicz (NBC's Dateline) is back on the pod! Josh joins Madison McGhee for a live conversation from Denver, Colorado (CrimeCon 2025) about the updates in the case of the murder of J.C. McGhee, how life has changed since she started this journey, and what listeners can expect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A breakdown of the DNA, ballistics, and forensic evidence that could finally solve J.C. McGhee's case. Questioning what evidence exists and why the Belmont County Sheriff’s Department won't test it. 00:00 - Previously On 01:06 - Part 0: From Guessing to Proving 02:37 - Part 1: DNA to Test 08:52 - Part 2: Bullet Casings 15:53 - Part 3: Sneakers and Shoe Strings 19:22 - Part 4: The Rubbing Alcohol 22:29 - Part 5: The Timeline 24:57 - Part 6: Obvious Choice 26:17 - Next Time 26:40 - Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An expose into the brutal reality behind the FBI nickname “misdemeanor homicides,” racial bias in policing, and the informant culture that shaped Belmont County. The picture now becomes clearer and a whole lot darker. Is accountability just a cover up?https://www.theroot.com/of-course-there-are-black-serial-killers-1790880259 0:00 - Previously On 1:06 - Part 0: A Town of Snitches 3:07 - Part 1: No Humans Involved 9:01 - Part 2: Your Bias is Showing 17:05 - Part 3: The County Filled with Confidential Informant 21:01 - Part 4: Broken System 25:51 - Part 5: Is Late Better Than Never? 30:09 - Next Time 30:33 - Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Belmont County Sheriff's Department has assigned a new detective to the case. New press articles question the integrity of this assignment and the motive for the renewed interest in J.C. McGhee's case. Additional Sources:https://ledenews.com/revisiting-cold-cases-in-belmont-county-part-1/ https://ledenews.com/revisiting-cold-cases-in-belmont-county-part-2/ 00:00 - Previously On1:03 - Part 0: Play Nice or Don't Play At All6:09 - Part 1: "I'll Do My Best"13:38 - Part 2: Talking Behind Bars18:01 - Part 3: Omar... Again23:37 - Part 4: Just Call Rico28:03 - Part 5: Open and Active35:24 - Part 6: Better Late Than Never37:45 - Next Time38:17 - Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new suspect is revealed through an anonymous tip that heats up the case, but his location could make any legal proceedings difficult.To submit any tips or information, please email: [email protected] Sources:https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/sep/01/christopher-dudus-coke-us-courthttps://www.justice.gov/usao-ndoh/pr/jamaican-man-charged-illegally-reentering-ushttps://www.wowktv.com/news/crime/jamaican-man-in-wv-to-be-deported-after-illegal-reentry-into-the-us/ 00:00 - Previously On 01:04 - Part 0: A New Name 03:27 - Part 1: Convenient Suspect 11:11- Part 2: Everyone's a Snitch 13:58 - Part 3: A 23-Year Secret 20:38 - Part 4: Where is Spoon? 24:18 - Part 5: Everyone Left Behind 30:08- Next Time 30:36 - Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A raw, unfiltered episode with updates about the podcast, J.C. McGhee's case, and Madison's personal life before Ice Cold Case jumps back into full episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Airbnb Boat featuring Ego Nwodim The rental listing said “please don’t unsnap.” Spoiler alert…she snapped. Follow Ego Nwodim on Instagram and listen to her podcast, Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It Started as a Love Story *Some names and details have been changed to conceal the identities of those who wish to remain anonymous. When Brittani Ard matches with Kanon on Hinge sparks fly. Their first date revealed an instant connection and chemistry. Kanon is devastatingly handsome with a charm that disarmed even the most guarded heart — plus he is surprisingly emotionally available for a man in his forties. It’s as if the universe has conspired to bring them together, two soulmates destined to find each other. The couple spends the next five months diving fast into a whirlwind romance. Their connection so intense and their bond so deep that it seems like Brittani’s fairytale has finally found its happy ending. Until one weekend that changed her life forever. Executive Producer Brittani Ard Follow Brittani @Brittani.Ard on all platforms This episode contains mentions of suicide. If you are having thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the resources below. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or Text 988 More info at https//www.988lifeline.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is part two of a two-part interview I did with Haley Gray, credentialed victim advocate, researcher, and writer for the series Crime Weekly released about the murder of J.C. McGhee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is part one of a two-part interview I did with Haley Gray, credentialed victim advocate, researcher, and writer for the series Crime Weekly released about the murder of J.C. McGhee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The police have not solved my dad's murder in nearly twenty-three years, but their negligence could be the symptom of a larger issue. Taking a deeper look at policing in America, and specifically within Belmont County, Ohio, it's clear that the systems in place to serve and protect constituents aren't working and could even be a catalyst for crime. To submit any tips or information, please email: [email protected] Additional Sources: The Intelligencer The Intelligencer Times Leader Online Ohio Attorney General BBC US News Mercury News PBS AP News ABC News Axios Dayton Daily News The Guardian Georgia State University Taylor and Francis Online 00:00 - Previously On 01:04 Friend or Foe 03:15 Can't Stay Here 06:42 Do It In Belmont County 12:58 A Killer on the Loose 20:31 No One Can Save You 24:50 Behind the Badge 28:27 Families vs. Investigators 31:23 Inconvenient at Best 33:45 Next Time 34:12 Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Season 11 of Dakota Spotlight. This season, we uncover the haunting 1999 murder of a young man in Bismarck, North Dakota—a tragic event that reverberated through the community and left a lasting impact on everyone involved. In Episode 1, we set the stage during a bustling winter weekend in Bismarck, when the city was filled with out-of-town visitors attending the state wrestling tournament. Through vivid storytelling, you’ll ride along as the night unfolds, culminating in a harrowing discovery that ignites a high-stakes investigation. This season features firsthand accounts from detectives, loved ones, and even the convicted killer, as we unravel the complexities of this crime and explore deeper questions about memory, justice, and the enduring ripple effects of violence. Trigger Warning: This episode includes content that may be disturbing, including a 911 call. Please listen with care. Welcome to Homicide at House of Bottles. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Homicide at House of Bottles is a production of Dakota Spotlight and Six Horse Media. This season was written, produced, and sound-edited by James Wolner, who also serves as the host. Research and interview assistance by Mari Zoerb Hansen. Special thanks to Bob Haas, Lloyd Halvorson, and the Bismarck Police Department for their contributions to this season. Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After hitting a lot of dead ends, it was finally time to talk to a crucial source in my dad's murder to try to decipher the new tips coming in. Perhaps there's darker reasons this case isn't solved. Now I'm forced to reevaluate my allegiance because the line between empathy and gullibility is becoming more blurred. Additional Sources: https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2024/12/retiring-belmont-county-sheriff-david-lucas-looks-back-on-nearly-a-half-century-in-law-enforcement/ To submit any tips or information, please email: [email protected] 00:00 Previously On 01:06 Sisyphus 03:43 A New Approach 09:20 Prepaid Call 16:48 Brothers in Crime 20:56 Who Killed My Dad 29:18 Humanity 36:39 Burden of Proof 39:06 Next Time 39:42 Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This cold case is about to be up in flames. New tips, new suspects, and new research are steering the ship of this investigation. Nothing is what it seems, and maybe everything I needed to know was right in front of me the whole time. It's time to take a look at the systemic hurdles holding me back from finding out what really happened to my dad, John Cornelius McGhee, on July 11, 2002. Ice Cold Case is a chronicle of self-discovery and exploration. Subscribe now to join the investigation and uncover the truth behind the coldest case in Belmont County. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Celisia Stanton joins Madison to talk about the second season of her true crime podcast, Truer Crime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steven Keogh (former investigator and current crime consultant) joins Madison McGhee for a live conversation at CrimeCon London 2024 about Madison's investigation into the unsolved murder of J.C. McGhee and the his advice for her as she continues this journey. Join me at CrimeCon UK 2025 (London or Manchester) - use code ICECOLDCASE10 for 10% off your ticket! https://crimeconuk.seetickets.com/tour/crimecon-uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As I start to build a case, new developments have forced me to reconsider my list of suspects and revisit my investigative methods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While exploring the Belmont County Sheriff's Department's reputation, I find a strange connection. The loose ends of this case are becoming cleaner and the path to justice feels closer than ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh Mankiewicz (NBC's Dateline) joins Madison McGhee for a live conversation from CrimeCon 2024 about the details of the murder of J.C. McGhee and the journey to investigating her father's murder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some new developments leave more questions than answers, but solving this case seems more possible than ever before. Now there are just a few people left to track down, and finding them could be really simple or incredibly difficult. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The police and my family are constantly tossing blame. Meanwhile important information is starting to surface that has me questioning everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sarah Turney (Voices for Justice) joins Madison McGhee for a conversation about the dynamics between families of victims and investigators. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New information stands out from the case files that didn't before. New characters are emerging with important pieces to the larger puzzle. The truth still seems hard to find, but maybe the devil's in the details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another look at the case files illuminates some discrepancies and new questions arise. Now I’m trying to find the truth that lies between the lines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daryl’s Smith reputation in Belmont County made him an obvious suspect. “Innocent until proven guilty” is the standard. Was he ever given a fair chance? If he didn’t do it, where do I go from here? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Belmont County. Years of investigating have led to this. I sat down across the table from the main suspect in my dad's murder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After six months of sifting through the new information flooding in about my dad’s case, it’s time to share some significant updates that have me questioning my own theory. Now I’m wondering: is it wrong to be wrong? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There's two sides to every story. With new information flooding in about my dad's case, my own suspicions are shifting. Is everything that I've been told one hundred percent true? Or have I've been thrown a few red herrings? It's time to take a look at the other side of the story to try to find out what really happened to my dad, John Cornelius McGhee, on July 11, 2002. Ice Cold Case is a chronicle of self-discovery and exploration. Subscribe now to join the investigation and uncover the truth behind the coldest case in Belmont County. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After years of investigating, I'm ready to put together all the pieces I currently have. Help me solve my dad's murder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As more details surface, people are getting defensive. In the fallout, I’m finding crucial clues that could help solve this case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After researching all the theories and motives possibly involved in this case, I find a suspect that links them together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As I narrow down the suspects, I take a look at this case from a new perspective to try to pinpoint who really killed my dad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Looking at the police’s handling of this investigation, it’s clear that corners were cut. Was my dad a casualty in their war on drugs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A suspect is charged with my dad's murder, but inconsistent witness testimony builds a web of lies and complicates the trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As I learn about my dad's closet relationships, two people stand out as particularly suspicious. With a custody battle in the mix, the police identified a motive for murder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every hero has an origin story and this is mine — the story of how I found out about my dad's murder and what pushed me to start asking questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the story of what happened to J.C. McGhee on July 11, 2002 according to police records — some of which may not be entirely accurate nor adequate. Twenty years later, the search for answers begins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join me as I delve into the deeply personal and haunting story of my dad's murder. In this gripping true crime podcast, I take you on a journey of discovery as I explore the case from every angle, and reveal the untold details that I have uncovered through my investigation. With each episode, you'll be drawn deeper into the investigation, as I look for new evidence, interview key players, and unravel the mystery of my dad's death. But this isn't just a quest for justice - it's a deeply personal journey that will take you inside the mind of a victim's daughter, and show you the strength and resilience it takes to keep fighting for the truth. Ice Cold Case is a chronicle of self-discovery and exploration. Subscribe now to join the investigation and uncover the truth behind this discarded cold case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices