The FOX True Crime Podcast w/ Emily Compagno

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More than a decade after stabbing her friend and leaving her to die, 22-year-old Morgan Geyser has been granted early release from a mental health facility. In 2014, Geyser and her friend, Anissa Weir, lured their friend, Payton Leutner into a park where they stabbed her 19 times to appease the fictional horror character, 'Slender Man.' Geyser was charged with first-degree attempted homicide, but was ultimately found "not guilty by reason of mental disease." FOX News Contributor and former NYPD Inspector Paul Mauro weighs in on the controversial update within this shocking case and discusses the role of internet lore in crimes. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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From 1970 to 1973, young boys began going missing in Houston Heights, Texas. Police dismissed them as runaways, unaware that the man responsible for their disappearances was one of America's most prolific and horrific serial killers: Dean Corll. It wasn't until August 8th, 1973, that the public would know the true scope of Corll's crimes, and his two unknown accomplices. Author and Professor of Forensic Psychology at DeSales University Dr. Katherine Ramsland details how Corll was able to groom two teenagers into luring in victims for him, as detailed in her new book, The Serial Killer's Apprentice. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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On Tuesday, a pre-trial hearing took place in Dedham, Massachusetts, for the retrial of Karen Read. Dog bite expert Dr. Marie Russell returned to the stand to undergo questioning by the prosecution, who is trying to exclude her testimony from Read's second trial. FOX 25 Boston Reporter Ted Daniel provides the latest updates in his reporting on the case and shares how the second trial will differ from the first. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shannon Agofsky and Len Davis, both convicted murderers, have refused to sign paperwork that would reduce their sentences to life without parole saying it puts them at a legal disadvantage as they appeal their cases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Christmas Eve, 2002, Laci Peterson, who was 8 months pregnant with her firstborn son, disappeared from her home in Modesto, California. Four months later, the bodies of Laci and her unborn baby were discovered along the San Francisco Bay, leading to the arrest and conviction of her husband, Scott Peterson. Retired Detective with the Modesto Police Department Jon Buehler worked on the Peterson investigation and details his experience being part of such a high-profile case. Later, he reacts to the developments in Scott's pursuit of freedom. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Emily looks back at her conversation with renowned courtroom artist Bill Robles to discuss the many famous trials he's been tasked to illustrate. Bill was responsible for sketching some of the most high-profile trials that have occurred throughout United States history, including those of the Menendez brothers, O.J. Simpson, and Michael Jackson. He shares his love for his craft and sheds light on the memorable moments of his career. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yolanda Saldívar, now 64, who is serving a life sentence for the 1995 murder of Tejano icon Selena, has filed paperwork to try to get released next year. Saldívar fatally shot 23-year-old superstar Selena Quintanilla-Perez on March 31, 1995, in a hotel room in Corpus Christi, Texas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2024, new life was brought to some of the country's most shocking, controversial, and infamous true crime stories. Emily revisits her conversations with the people closest to these cases. Episodes featured in this podcast: Disappearance Before Daybreak: The Case Of Jodi Huisentruit - Guest: Find Jodi team member and podcaster Scott Fuller A Murderous Mother: The Case Of Susan Smith - Guest: State Representative Tommy Pope The Crimes Of OJ Simpson: The Witness - Guest: Host of the One Degree of Scandalous podcast Kato Kaelin Nightmare On Campus: Taking Down The Gainesville Ripper - Guest: Attorney Rod Smith The Trial Of The Menendez Brothers - Guest: Award-winning trial attorney and host of the Courtroom Confidential Podcast Joshua Ritter Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

JonBenet Ramsey's father, John Ramsey, says he plans to meet with the Boulder Police Department chief in Colorado next month, as he pushes police to retest certain evidence for traces of DNA, including external male DNA that federal officials disclosed in 1997, and test other items for the first time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Officials are now saying Bryan Kohberger, the suspect charged in the quadruple homicide of four Moscow, Idaho, students, was investigated in connection with a home invasion that took place before the murders in a neighboring city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2011, 27-year-old teacher Ellen Greenberg was found dead with 20 stab wounds inside her Philadelphia apartment. Investigators later ruled her death a suicide. In the 13 years since her death, Ellen's parents have fought to have their daughter's manner of death changed to 'homicide' or 'undetermined.' And for the first time, Ellen's fiancé at the time of her death has spoken out about the tragedy. Criminal defense and family law attorney Lexie Rigden dives into the facts of the case and provides her analysis of the legal battles that have sparked since Ellen's death. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Richard Allen, who was recently convicted for the February 2017 killings of two teen girls who had been walking on a hiking trail in Delphi, known as the Delphi murders, has been sentenced to a maximum of 130 years behind bars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1998, JJ Velazquez was wrongfully convicted for the murder of a retired police officer. Eyewitnesses of the crime described the suspect as a black male with braids. JJ, a Latino man whose hair didn't match the description, was nonetheless made a suspect in the crime. JJ was eventually found guilty and sentenced to 25 years to life at Sing Sing. He spent 23 years, 8 months, and 11 days wrongly imprisoned. Activist and actor JJ Velazquez discusses the decades-long fight for freedom and what it meant for him to finally be exonerated this year. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old former Ivy Leaguer who allegedly murdered UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is facing increasing legal troubles as state and federal prosecutors continue to up the charges against him as new evidence comes to light. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a case that shocked the world, a Frenchman accused of drugging his wife of 50 years and inviting strangers over to rape her, while he filmed the assaults, has been found guilty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Suspected Long Island serial killer Rex Heuermann was charged with the death of a seventh victim. On Tuesday, December 17th, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney announced that Heuermann was indicted in the 2000 killing of 24-year-old Valerie Mack. FOX News Digital Reporter Michael Ruiz provides updates in his reporting on the case. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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On Christmas night, 1843, the bodies of Emeline Houseman and her baby, Ann Eliza, were found burned and bludgeoned to death inside their scorched Staten Island home. Suspicion soon fell upon Emeline's sister-in-law, the scandalous Polly Bodine, and the story of "the Christmas murders" would give birth to tabloid justice. Constitutional lawyer and author Alex Hortis details the life and trials of the infamous Polly Bodine, as detailed in his book, The Witch of New York. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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On Monday December 9th, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione was arrested for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione was detained at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pennsylvania, 276 miles away from the site of the crime in Midtown, Manhattan. FOX News National Correspondent Alexis McAdams provides the latest news on Mangione's arrest and the emerging details of the murder. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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On December 26th, 1996, 6-year-old JonBenét Ramsey was found murdered inside her home in Boulder, Colorado. Nearly 28 years later, the suspected killer remains unknown, and her family continues to fight for answers in her tragic case. Former Federal Prosecutor and Host of the Trey Gowdy Podcast, Trey Gowdy reviews the facts of the case and shares why it continues to haunt him as a former prosecutor all these years later. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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On the morning of Wednesday, December 4th, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot outside of a hotel in Midtown Manhattan. Surveillance photos show the perpetrator wearing a backpack and a black face mask leaving the scene of the crime on an e-bike. According to investigators, the murder was the result of a targeted attack, though the motive for the killing is still unknown. Retired NYPD Inspector and FOX News Contributor Paul Mauro reviews the details of this shocking case and provides his analysis of the suspect's actions. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Florida woman, Sarah Boone, 46 who suffocated her boyfriend Jorge Torres while he was trapped in a suitcase has been sentenced to life in prison. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the early 1930s, a group of Europeans set out for the Galápagos Islands, hoping to start a new life on the island of Floreana and take advantage of all the riches it had to offer. Though life at first was seemingly peaceful, tensions soon boiled. After the strange disappearances of some of the island's settlers, the illusion of paradise was soon shattered as Floreana became shrouded in conflict, suspicion, and mystery. Author Midge Raymond has studied the bizarre history of the island and shares the fascinating story of the settlers as reimagined in her new novel, Floreana. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

California investigators linked a man’s DNA to a 1979 cold case murder of a teenage girl, years after the same man passed a lie detector test about the crime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Texas Influencer Ashley Grayson sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for murder-for-hire plot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While crime and incarceration can negatively impact families, communities, and relationships all across the country, it's important that we as citizens don't turn our backs on those who've been imprisoned. President and CEO of Prison Fellowship Heather Rice-Minus reflects on the important history of the nonprofit organization and details its incredible advocacy work within the criminal justice system. Later, she shares how listeners can make a difference in the lives of those impacted by incarceration. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A California judge has pushed back the resentencing hearing for Lyle and Erik Menendez, to allow the incoming Los Angeles District Attorney time to review evidence from the case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At her lowest point, Lara Love Hardin was called a "neighbor from hell." After being arrested and charged with 32 counts of identity theft, Lara spent 10 months in a county jail. It was during her time behind bars that Lara was exposed to the harsh realities of incarceration - but it was also there that she was able to find her voice. While her life turned upside down, her story was just beginning. Author and co-founder of The Gemma Project Lara Love Hardin shares her story of overcoming her criminal record and rebuilding a new life, as detailed in her memoir, The Many Lives of Mama Love. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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When you think of a cult, you may picture one of the infamous ones. But in actuality, cults are able to hide themselves and operate in a much more insidious manner. Education and communication are two key components for keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe from the harmful influences of cults, so what do we need to watch out for? Executive Director of the Cult Education Institute Rick Alan Ross explains how cults are defined, why they can be destructive, and how people involved can be deprogrammed. Later, he looks back at some of the more memorable cases on which he's been involved. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cult leader Jim Jones promised the congregation of the Peoples Temple 'Heaven on Earth' in the form of the Jonestown commune in Guyana. However, the cult would come to a deadly end on November 18th, 1978, with the forced suicide of over 900 men, women, and children. Retired San Francisco Police Captain Yulanda Williams was only 12 years old when her family joined The Peoples Temple. She shares how she was able to escape Jonestown before the infamous massacre, and how her survival shaped the rest of her life. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While most of us know Erik and Lyle Menendez from newspapers, magazines, and television screens, not many of us can say we actually know them. Author, speaker, and former Colombo Caporegime Michael Franzese spent 11 months in solitary confinement with Lyle Menendez and knows what it means to have a second chance. He joins to discuss his unique relationship with Lyle and shares his reaction to the potential resentencing of the Menendez Brothers. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1122 King Road, Moscow, Idaho was supposed to be the backdrop of a memorable school year for Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves. But in the early hours of November 13th, 2022, the four college students were viciously murdered in the off-campus home. For weeks, the campus was paralyzed with fear until a suspect was finally arrested: Bryan Kohberger. FOX News Digital Investigative Reporter Michael Ruiz and former NYPD Inspector Paul Mauro were on the ground in Moscow, Idaho covering the case. Together, they look back at the gruesome crime, the investigation, and what's next for the accused killer. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Emily revisits her conversation with Vice President at Bevel, Gardner & Associates Ross Gardner for a deep dive into what bloodstain pattern analysis can tell investigators about a crime. Ross lays out the methodology of his profession and discusses the unique perspective that he can provide law enforcement with his line of work. Later, he discusses specific crime scenes he's been involved with throughout his career. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In May of 2002, the remains of 24-year-old intern Chandra Levy were discovered in D.C.'s Rock Creek Park. The news rocked the D.C. area, as well as Chandra's hometown of Modesto, California. The case sparked a frenzy of rumors and allegations, exposing a scandalous side of politics. However, despite an arrest and conviction, the murder of Chandra Levy remains unsolved. FOX News San Francisco-based Senior Correspondent Claudia Cowan covered the case at the time and looks back at the infamous case. Later, former NYPD Inspector Paul Mauro provides his expert analysis of the investigation into Chandra's disappearance. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the 1980s, conspiracy theories that children were becoming victims of satanic rituals began to spread like wildfire, and mistrust fueled anxieties in schools and neighborhoods across the country. This would later become known as the 'satanic panic.' Professor emeritus of sociology at Grand Valley State University Mary DeYoung explains how moral panics work, the factors that contribute to them, and the role that the fears played in prominent cases at the time. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is there such a thing as a "perfect crime"? 100 years ago, two teenagers wanted to find out for themselves. 19-year-old Nathan Leopold and 18-year-old Richard Loeb abducted and murdered 14-year-old Bobby Franks within his affluent Chicago neighborhood. The crime of the century became the trial of the century, and the country watched a jury decide the fate of the two murderous teenagers. Author, historian, and Professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice Simon Baatz looks back at the historic murders, and the unprecedented trial that followed, as detailed in his book, For The Thrill Of It. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During a life-changing interrogation, Detective Kim Mager exposed the crimes of a serial killer living among them. Thanks to her skillful methodology, the bravery of a surviving victim, and the dedication of all agencies involved in the investigation, Shawn Grate was found guilty of his crimes and is awaiting execution. Retired Detective with the Ashland Police Department Kim Mager discusses the impact this case left on her, and what led her to write the book, A Hunger To Kill. Donate to the Mager Impact Fund HERE. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a city like Ashland, OH, dubbed "The World Headquarters of Nice People," it's difficult to imagine anything bad happening. But in 2016, Detective Kim Mager was assigned to the case of Shawn Grate, a man who had just been arrested for kidnapping, raping, and torturing a young woman. During the interrogation, it was discovered Grate wasn't just a sex offender. He was a serial killer. Retired Detective with the Ashland Police Department Kim Mager reflects on her involvement in the case and unpacks her 33-hour-long interrogation of Grate, as detailed in her new book, A Hunger To Kill. Donate to the Mager Impact Fund HERE. Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices