Killer Genes

If every choice you’ve ever made was never yours what does that mean for guilt, justice, or redemption? From the moment of conception to prenatal stress, genes, and early environment, each begin shaping who we become. Neuroscientist Dr. Robert Sapolsky explains why we have no free will, why testosterone doesn’t cause aggression, how our biology and upbringing script our behaviors long before we act—and why the concept of free will may be nothing more than a comforting illusion. It will put into question everything we believe about punishment and morality. If no one truly chooses their actions, how should society deal with criminals? Is there room for compassion within accountability when biology writes the story of our lives? This conversation challenges the foundation of justice itself—and asks whether understanding could one day replace blame. Stanford neuroscientist and bestselling author Dr. Robert Sapolsky breaks down the science behind his book Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will.

Sheila von Wiese-Mack called the police eighty-six times before her daughter killed her. Each time, it was a cry from inside a house where love had turned into fear. Months later after the last call to police, Heather Mack, would fly with her mother to Bali for what was supposed to be a healing trip—and end it with a body in a suitcase, a pre-meditated plot with her boyfriend. The couple had a secret, one that would spare the teenager the death penalty. This episode unravels the years of control, violence, and silence that led to one of the most shocking mother–daughter murders in recent memory. From Oak Park, Illinois to a luxury hotel in Bali, “Before the Suitcase: 86 Calls for Help” exposes how a bond meant to protect became the one that destroyed them both, plus Heather Mack's video confessions from prison she posted to YouTube.

A young French au pair came to London chasing language lessons and adventure—then vanished into the twisted paranoia of the couple who employed her. When neighbors saw black smoke rising from a garden, firefighters uncovered a horror so bizarre it defied belief. This episode unravels how a shared delusion, jealousy, and control turned a home into a torture chamber, exposing the dark psychology behind folie à deux and the cracks in the system that failed Sophie Lionnet.

Did a teen gamer plot to kill the girl he was stalking? In the quiet town of Cranford, New Jersey, a Monday evening turns tragic when a speeding SUV slams into two 17-year-old best friends on E-bikes— Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas — killing them both. The driver, 17-year-old Vincent Battiloro, wasn’t just any teen. He was a gamer with a large online following — and in his own livestreams, he’d ranted about Maria, mocked her family, and hinted at revenge. This episode features transcripts from those live-streams, now key evidence in a case that’s stunned a community and raised a haunting question: Was this an accident — or a premeditated double murder? #truecrime #truecrimestories

In 2016, a six-year-old’s 911 call led police to a grisly triple homicide in Fullerton, California. Jennifer and Christopher Yost, along with a family friend, were gunned down in their own home. The killers weren’t strangers — they were tied to the Yosts’ teenage daughter through the “furry” community, and what began as a forbidden romance spiraled into an unthinkable plot. Plus an update in the fitness model death case out of Harlem, New York: a model and influencer has been indicted after a series of domestic violence calls turned deadly. #truecrime #truecrimestories

When 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found in the trunk of a Tesla registered to rising star David “d4vd” Burke, a death investigation began that’s shaken LA and the internet alike. In this episode, we break down what’s confirmed, what’s still rumor, and what the science of decomposition says about whether a recent concert video could really show Celeste alive. We dive into the timeline, the legal options prosecutors have, for who ever is responsible, even without a cause of death, and why, instead of sinking D4vd's career, the headlines have only fueled Burke’s streaming numbers. Where does the case go from here? A family searches for answers, an artist is innocent until proven otherwise, and will his artistry depictions interfere with facts? #truecrime

In this episode, we dive into the chilling true story of Edward Theodore Gein—the quiet Wisconsin farmer whose crimes shocked 1950s America and reshaped the horror genre forever. Known as the “Butcher of Plainfield,” Gein robbed graves, fashioned macabre trophies from human remains, and murdered two women who reminded him of his domineering mother. We’ll trace his childhood under Augusta Gein’s iron rule, explore his descent into isolation and obsession, and walk step by step through the murders of Mary Hogan and Bernice Worden. Along the way, we’ll reveal why historians view Gein not as a “typical” serial killer, but as a deeply disturbed figure whose compulsions blurred the line between grief and monstrosity. Finally, we’ll examine his legacy—from the courtroom to the silver screen—where his real-life horrors inspired some of cinema’s most iconic villains, including Norman Bates, Leatherface, and Buffalo Bill. This is not folklore. Not rumor. This is The REAL Ed Gein. #truecrime #Edgein #realstory #truestory

Two women—both charged with murder after their boyfriends are fatally stabbed. One says suicide; the other says self-defense. We track two high-profile cases and what jurors are asked to believe. Appleton, Wisconsin: the “kill-and-kiss” case of Samantha Krebs and Joseph “Joey” Carnot. The medical examiner couldn’t call it homicide or self-inflicted. Hear both sides and the verdict. New drama unfolding In Miami, Florida: OnlyFans model Courtney Clenney (aka “Courtney Tailor”) awaits trial in the 2022 stabbing death of Christian “Toby” Obumseli. She says she threw a knife out of fear; prosecutors point to an elevator fight video, secret audio recordings, and forensics they say tell a different story—plus courtroom behind the scenes antics over privilege breaches and a motion to disqualify the prosecutor and the DA's office. Are both sides playing fair? We break down the evidence, the timelines, and the stakes. #Krebs #Clenney #Onlyfans #truecrimestories #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimepodcast #killergenes #law #trials #murdernews

Former prosecutor and author Matt Murphy maps the legal pathway from homicide to becoming a death penalty case. If the evidence is proven in court - Why Charlie Kirk's alleged shooter qualifies, the aggravating factors and how mitigation is weighed. Plus how “social influence” or online encouragement is treated at law. We also discuss potential liability for people who knew of plans in advance—conspiracy, solicitation, and aiding-and-abetting—versus protected speech. Educational discussion only; all individuals are presumed innocent. #charliekirk #tylerrobinson

Just in: The Haro family secrets laid bare. Prosecutors say a father with a prior child-abuse conviction—who got probation in 2018 after an infant was left permanently injured—should never have been free, a “system failure” they argue set the stage for tragedy. On the mother’s side sits a 2017 Palm Springs bathtub murder tied to her brother’s conviction; on the father’s side, a 2021 coroner-confirmed overdose. Now, with murder and false-report charges filed, deputies keep searching for 7-month-old Emmanuel’s remains as reports of a jailhouse confession emerge. This episode maps the full lineage of dark secrets—and how investigators say it all converges on a potential no-body case. #truecrime #Emmanuel #EmmanuelHaro #truecrimepodcasts

Operating in the shadows—and in plain sight—organized cartels are turning human beings into a supply chain: children sold for sex, bodies targeted for organ harvesting, families shattered at the border. Investigators warn the demand is driven in large part by the U.S., and past border politics have only intensified the danger. In this episode, Ali Hopper, co-founder of GUARD Against Trafficking, pulls back the curtain on how these networks really work, who profits, and whether lawmakers are finally moving beyond speeches to action. She also shares what parents and communities can do now to spot grooming, disrupt recruitment, and protect kids. #truecrime #humantrafficking #Border #immigrants #Organharvesting #crimestories #truecrimepodcasts

When Navy JAG officer Nicholas Kassotis went on trial for the brutal murder and dismemberment of his wife, the courtroom expected a defense grounded in law. Instead, jurors were told a story that belonged in a screenplay. Kassotis claimed an FBI agent—one who never existed—had been investigating mysterious vandals and secret threats against the couple. Kassotis even took the stand insisting this phantom agent shaped his life and career. Prosecutors countered with chilling evidence of premeditation, including a shovel, knives, and cleaning supplies bought before his wife’s murder. In the end, jurors had to decide: was this the desperate delusion of a guilty man, or the truth of a husband facing forces no one else could see? #KillerGenes #Kassotis #FakeFBIAgent #murder #wifemurdered #MindiKassotis #truecrime #truecrimecommunities #truecrimedocumentary #truecrimepodcast

A respected California doctor. A burning mansion. A husband’s alibi that didn’t hold up. Six months later, murder charges—and a story of marriage, money, and fear that ends in tragedy. Plus, a second case where a man kills his ex-wife because she “deserved it” after allegedly murdering his current wife. Two shocking stories of domestic abuse turned deadly, from California to New York, both racing toward trial. #truecrime #domesticabuse #Shedeservedit #killerconfessions #California #newyork #northcarolina #horror #horrorstories #truecrimecommunities

Was it an occult sacrifice? A thrill kill? Or something even darker? In this chilling episode, Melissa unpacks the brutal murder and dismemberment of 22-year-old Jaren Lockhart — a young mother lured off Bourbon Street by a twisted couple obsessed with death and control. What happened next is almost beyond comprehension: from body parts washing ashore to a possible satanic motive tied to a rare celestial event. Melissa shares exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from covering what she calls the most disturbing case of her career, and explores the common undercurrent of predatory behavior in tourism-fueled cities like New Orleans and Las Vegas — places that blur lines between pleasure, power, and danger. Content Warning: Graphic descriptions of violence, ritualistic elements, and personal stories of trauma. #neworleans #Louisiana #Mississippi #occult #ritual #blackmagic #scarystory #scarymysterystories #Horror #horrorstories #foryoupage #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #sincity #lasvegas #scarytruestories #criminalcases #scaryspookystories #crimetok #truecrimetok #killergenes #terryspeaks #margarestsanchez #Jarenlockhart #Bourbonstreet #Melissamccarty

He was a respected dentist. A father of six. A man of faith. But behind closed doors, Dr. James Craig of Colorado was living a double life—plagued by financial ruin, secret addictions, and a mistress waiting in the wings. In this gripping episode, we unravel the shocking murder of Angela Craig—a devoted mother slowly poisoned to death by her husband’s own hand. Prosecutors say he laced her smoothies all while pretending to care for her at her hospital bedside. You’ll hear courtroom testimony, heartbreaking victim impact statements from Angela’s children and siblings. #Poison #Husbandkillswife #truecrime #crime #truecrimecommunity #truecrimestories #truecrimepodcasts #realstories #podcasts #dentist

Two teens in New York spent over 30 years in prison for a murder they didn’t commit — and yet, they confessed. In this episode, we dive into the psychology behind false confessions, the interrogation tactics that lead to them, and how the truth finally came to light. Then, we shift to a no-body murder conviction: Jerry Meek was sentenced to life for the presumed murder of his wife, Hope Meek — despite no body, no confession, and no witnesses. We dissect the court documents and explore whether justice was served or if a wrongful conviction is still unfolding in a case that has a small Oklahoma City perplexed. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #hopemeek #Brianboles #Newyork #Oklahoma #Killergenes

What really defines a serial killer—and are we getting it all wrong? Former Orange County Deputy District attorney and author of The Book of Murder, Matt Murphy, joins us to dismantle the outdated myths and shed light on today’s most chilling predators. From prosecuting Rodney Alcala—aka “The Dating Game Killer”—to unpacking eerie parallels between Alcala, Ted Bundy, and Bryan Kohberger, this episode dives deep into the modern face of evil. Murphy delivers sharp insights on what truly makes a psychopath, and doesn’t hold back on hot takes—from the Maurene Comey firing to the P. Diddy trial and where it went wrong? And the legal circus surrounding Luigi Mangione. A gripping and enlightening listen, you’ll walk away with a whole new framework for understanding criminal minds—prosecution and the evolving definition of darkness. #truecrime #truecrimecommunity #crime Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Murder by Fire: A Fatal Fire Forensic Expert Breaks Down Two Explosive Cases exclusively. What really happened in the Ozarks when Ted Throneberry was murdered and his wife vanished without a trace? And what secrets were engulfed in flames in the California desert when 18-year-old Becky Friedli, her mother Vicki, and boyfriend Jon Hayward were killed in a house fire—with Becky’s body found burning in a wheelbarrow? In this gripping episode, fatal fire forensic expert Dr. Elayne Pope—known for her groundbreaking cadaver research and work with law enforcement—joins us to dissect two headline-making cases: 🔥 Case One: The rural Arkansas mystery of Ted Throneberry, a beloved husband whose death unraveled a shocking trail of deception and betrayal. 🔥 Case Two: The 2006 Pinyon Pines triple homicide, where two men were ultimately convicted—one a decorated war hero—but questions of guilt still haunt both sides. It’s an inferno of secrets, told through the lens of forensic science, psychology, and truth. Dr. Pope shares insights into how fire reveals the final moments of the victims—and whether those moments were staged or real. Two cases she helped crack. #truecrime #scarystories # truecrimecommunity #truecrimepodcasts Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

The breaking conviction in the Crystal Rogers case may have brought headlines—but not closure. Her remains are still missing, and a chilling trail of bloodshed continues to haunt her family. In this episode, we explore the lingering questions: Why was Crystal targeted, what was the motive and who murdered her father, Tommy Ballard? Plus, two breaking stories: – A shocking murder-suicide in Wisconsin where a beloved couple was gunned down in their home by their adult son. – The re-arrest of Barry Morphew in the high-profile disappearance of his wife Suzanne—with disturbing new evidence pointing to animal tranquilizers. This is true crime through the eyes of a veteran journalist who has covered the darkest corners of real-life tragedies. Subscribe for breaking stories and in-depth cases from those involved. #truecrime #crystalrogers #tommyballard #barrymorphew #suzannemorphew #murdermystery #unsolvedcases #crimepodcast #murderpodcast #breakingnews #truecrimenews #crimejunkie #investigation #journalism #truecrimecommunity #familymurder #murderinsmalltown #hauntingcases #truecrimestorytelling #coldcase #scarystories Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Can You Spot a Lie—or Get a Killer to Confess? In this gripping episode, we sit down with legendary former homicide detective Fil Waters, known nationwide for extracting confessions in the most unthinkable cases. With decades of experience behind the badge, Waters reveals what it really takes to read a suspect, spot deception, and guide a killer toward the truth. 🔎 Learn how to identify the physical and verbal cues of a lie 🧠 Go inside the proven interrogation tactics used to crack the toughest criminals 🗣️ Hear chilling real-life stories of murderers who confessed—sometimes when you least expect it This is more than true crime—it’s a psychological journey into human behavior, motive, and manipulation. Subscribe now for firsthand stories from those who lived it, solved it, and survived it. Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

From the U.S.–Mexico border to the southern coast of Australia, two disturbing headlines have captured international attention. In this episode, we break down the horrifying discovery of 400 bodies found in a Mexican border town—raising questions about cartel violence, missing migrants, and mass graves. Then, we shift to Port Lincoln, Australia, where a former Beauty and the Geek reality star has been charged with the brutal murder and dismemberment of her boyfriend—just one day after his birthday. Two different worlds. One chilling theme: the darkness people are capable of. #truecrime #breakingnews #mexico #australia #murdermystery #crimestories #dismemberment #realitytvcrime #killergenes #truecrimepodcast #truecrimedocumentaries #foryoupage #storyteller Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

An exclusive interview with a convicted killer, which I've done many in the past throughout my career, but this one lead to an unexpected confession and details of the "Why" and "How" he did the act, plus how he intentionally sent detectives on a wild hunt for a made-up serial killer to buy himself two years of freedom. He was convicted without a confession. David Hoshaw killed his fiancee Angelique, 35 and her mom Vonda Goyena 74, minutes apart in the middle of the night because he wanted to be with another woman. Mom and daughter had a special bond, "Angel" was the youngest of 4 siblings, she was her mom's caretaker and that's why they lived together. Angel was planning to marry Hoshaw when he decided to end her life and her mom's instead of simply breaking up with her. Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Kelly and Melissa are joined by one of the world's leading psychic detectives and intuitive forensic sketch artists, Christopher Barbour. Learn about his process and work on unsolved murders, cold cases and missing persons cases, as well the cases that are emotionally close to his heart. It's a great episode you won't want to miss! Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Kelly & Melissa are joined by famed former California Deputy District Attorney, now in private practice, Matt Murphy. Hear about the cases he's worked throughout his career, like killer Daniel Wozniak, the murders of Thomas and Jackie Hawks and The Golden State Killer. Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Kelly and Melissa are joined by former Houston Police Department Detective, Fil Waters. Waters was the feature of Investigation Discovery's, The Interrogator, as he is legendary for being able to pull confessions out of suspects. Listen as he talks about interrogation tactics and relives some of his most memorable cases! Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Sarah Klein, an attorney and leading advocate for sexual assault victims, not only fights against predators each day legally, she was one of Olympic trainer Larry Nassar's first victims at only 8 years old. She recounts her brave tale and gives practical tips on how to teach your kids and spot a potential child predator.Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

McCarty and McLear are joined by their colleague and friend, veteran investigative journalist and legendary child-predator hunter, Chris Hansen. Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Famed advocate Kerri Kasem, daughter of iconic entertainment personality Casey Kasem, talks about legislation she helped regarding elder abuse predators and what justice means to her when it comes to the untimely death of her father. Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Former Dayton Ohio Police Department cold case detective Patty Tackett has been at the helm of some of Ohio's biggest cases. Hear how she was as one of the few women in the police department, starting with the cold case division and the struggles of getting a conviction. Tackett does not hold back in this interview and gives it to you straight! Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Doug Ellin, the creator of HBO's mega hit series "Entourage",joins us to talk about his one-degree of separation to some high profile murder cases, the fascination and societal affects of telling true crime stories, plus the role social media plays. Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

When Cary Owsley was found dead, it shocked a family and a community, but even more so when his death was ruled a suicide. In this special series of Killer Genes we reveal the botched investigation, missing potential evidence and explore family ties that bind.Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

When Cary Owsley was found dead, it shocked a family and a community, but even more so when his death was ruled a suicide. In this special series of Killer Genes we reveal the botched investigation, missing potential evidence and explore family ties that bind.Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

When Cary Owsley was found dead, it shocked a family and a community, but even more so when his death was ruled a suicide. In this special series of Killer Genes we reveal the botched investigation, missing potential evidence and explore family ties that bind. Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Melissa and Kelly go one-on-one with Deputy Chief Blake Chow of the Los Angeles Police Department Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

A killer is still out there, and law enforcement needs your help in solving who killed Rachel Galbreath. The investigation into her death seemed like it should be open and shut....but it would be anything but an easy who-done-it. Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

This is an episode you can't afford to miss! McCarty and McLear are joined by safety expert and author of The Safety Trap, Spencer Coursen. If you've ever worried about your personal safety and that of your loved ones, download and listen today!Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

On this conclusion of our special 4-part series of Killer Genes, you will be presented with the evidence, hear from witnesses and forensic experts and from Daniel Underwood's family on the events surrounding his untimely death. At the end, we want to know what you think...was it suicide or was it murder?Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

On this special 4-part series of Killer Genes, you will be presented with the evidence, hear from witnesses and forensic experts and from Daniel Underwood's family on the events surrounding his untimely death. At the end, we want to know what you think...was it suicide or was it murder?Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

On this special 4-part series of Killer Genes, you will be presented with the evidence, hear from witnesses and forensic experts and from Daniel Underwood's family on the events surround his untimely death. At the end, we want to know what you think...was it suicide or was it murder?Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

On this special 4-part series of Killer Genes, you will be presented with the evidence, hear from witnesses and forensic experts and from Daniel Underwood's family on the events surround his untimely death. At the end, we want to know what you think...was it suicide or was it murder?Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Kelly & Melissa go behind the scenes of true crime reporting with reporter, colleague and friend, Jason Mattera, the king of ambushes! Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

A real estate agent living in Hawaii, Adam Riojas took a birthday vacation to the mainland to visit family in Los Angeles. What ensued in the weeks and months following could have been ripped from the pages of a movie script. Riojas would be arrested, tried and convicted for the murder of a man he did not know. So what evidence put him away for life? Never wavering on his innocence, it would be a deathbed confession that would finally set him free. But you won’t believe just who confessed to the murder! Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Kelly & Melissa take a deep dive into the state of true crime and true crime programming with CrimeCon, CrowdSolve and CrimeHQ Executive Producer, Kevin Balfe. Here the behind-the-scenes of these revolutionary events and learn more about the popular, and even controversial, topics and session covered over the years. Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Ash Rowell’s murderer(s) left no DNA at the scene, but his mother was left with haunting suspicions of who was behind it and why. Ash and his mother Charlotte created one of the largest and most successful craft beer distribution companies in Texas, but when business dealings with Ash’s brother-in-law Brian Lam went south, Lam made it clear he was not happy and felt he was owed millions. The Lam family has had a criminal reputation in the past, so was Ash’s murder a Lam family retaliation for being cut out of the deals? And did Ash’s wife know more about her brother’s possible involvement in her husband’s murder than what she’s been letting on? The Lam family has had quite a few run in’s with the law, does the Lam family have a Killer Gene in them? Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Ash Rowell’s murderer(s) left no DNA at the scene, but his mother was left with haunting suspicions of who was behind it and why. Ash and his mother Charlotte created one of the largest and most successful craft beer distribution companies in Texas, but when business dealings with Ash’s brother-in-law Brian Lam went south, Lam made it clear he was not happy and felt he was owed millions. The Lam family has had a criminal reputation in the past, so was Ash’s murder a Lam family retaliation for being cut out of the deals? And did Ash’s wife know more about her brother’s possible involvement in her husband’s murder than what she’s been letting on? The Lam family has had quite a few run in’s with the law, does the Lam family have a Killer Gene in them? Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

On this special episode of Killer Genes: Stripped Down, Melissa and Kelly take a deep dive into teen and serial killers with expert and author Phil Chalmers. Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

A popular schoolteacher mysteriously leaves her home at 3am – her body would be discovered hours later in a nearby river. But rather than ruling her death a possible suicide, investigator dig deeper and find her death was not suicide or tragic accident, but a homicide. We reveal new information and details on Susan Ledyard’s puzzling death.Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

McCarty and McLear are joined by Aros Artimus of Adaptive Operations, an organization dedicated to finding missing persons and combating human trafficking. Aros recounts his hunt for a person of interest in the Wendy Hukakoc case, gives listeners an inside look into the world of private investigations, and how he's the dark knight in searching for the missing. Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Exclusive new details in the death of Canadian, Texas teen Thomas Brown as we go one-on-one with famed private investigator, Philip Klein. Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Killer Genes: Stripped Down are episodes with special guests, experts, breaking news in cases they've covered and a behind the scenes look at crime reporting. Kelly & Melissa wrap up D'Andre Lane's case with Investigative Journalist Jason Mattera. Plus new details in the arrest of Hailey Dunn's alleged killer with Private Investigator Erica Morse. Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.