Legally Brunette

The 30th anniversary of Kristin Smart’s disappearance was last week, so Emily and Shane are breaking down all of the details, including a discovery that was made just last month. Kristin’s body has never been found… How did they convict her killer? Was his family allegedly in on the crime? What were the most crucial mistakes made throughout this investigation?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2026

Ted Bundy didn’t look like a monster. He looked like someone you’d trust. Charming, intelligent, and seemingly normal, Bundy fooled friends, girlfriends, neighbors, and even some of the people investigating him. Bonnie Bartlett joins Elisa Donovan to revisit The Deliberate Stranger and the true story behind one of America’s most notorious serial killers. Decades later, the case still raises unsettling questions about evil hiding in plain sight. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2026

Proceed with caution, as Emily and Shane are discussing the graphic murder of Miss Switzerland finalist, Kristina Joksimovic at the hands of her husband, Marc Rieben. Rieben was methodical when murdering and dismembering his wife, but Kristina’s father learned the truth when he discovered her severed head in a trash bag in their home.   How does Switzerland law differ from The United States? What was Marc Rieben’s defense? Did he receive the death penalty for his unfathomable crimes? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2026

What happened to Korey Wise after the Central Park Five convictions was almost unimaginable. Emmy-winning actor Jharrel Jerome opens up about filming the brutal prison scenes in Netflix’s When They See Us, portraying Korey Wise’s years inside Rikers, and the emotional toll of stepping into one of the most devastating wrongful conviction stories in America. He also shares the powerful moment the real Korey Wise finally watched the series, and why the story still hits so hard years later.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2026

Emily and Shane are back with NBC correspondent Andrea Canning to gain her perspective on some of our top cases... As mothers, how do Emily and Andrea view the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez? In what ways does it draw comparisons to the Gabby Petito case? What's some parenting advice from Andrea that Emily and Shane are definitely stealing?! Plus, Andrea has been investigating the Gilgo Beach murders for decades. What does she have to say about Rex Heuermann's guilty plea? What are some things that have surprised her most about this case?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2026

What's it like to step inside one of the most heartbreaking true crime stories ever dramatized on screen? Emmy-winning actor Jharrel Jerome joins Elisa Donovan to revisit the story behind Netflix’s When They See Us. He reveals the emotional toll of playing Korey Wise, one of the wrongly convicted Central Park Five. Jharrel opens up about meeting Korey in real life, filming inside active prisons, the brutality of the boys’ interrogations, and why the role has stayed with him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2026

Emily and Shane are giving you the latest updates on Kouri Richins, who was sentenced to life in prison on what would have been her husband’s 44th birthday. Her childrens’ victims impact statements may surprise you…   Plus, Alex Murdaugh’s double murder convictions have been overturned. What does that mean and how did it happen?! Will a new jury find him not guilty?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2026

Aspiring van life YouTuber, Gabby Petito, went missing after going on a trip with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie. The search for Gabby became a story that gripped the nation, with people wanting justice. Jen sits down with Gabby's mother, Nichole Schmidt, to talk about her magnificent daughter, the Netflix documentary American Murder: Gabby Petito, and how the loss of Gabby has led to creating a foundation to help educate people on the signs of domestic violence.  Plus, Nichole gives information on how you can see her and others on the Crime Unfiltered tour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2026

Just when it seemed like the Murdaugh saga might finally be slowing down, the case exploded again. Alex Murdaugh’s murder conviction has been overturned, but investigative journalist Mandy Matney says that does not change what she believes: Alex killed Maggie and Paul. Mandy joins Elisa Donovan to break down the shocking South Carolina Supreme Court ruling, the Becky Hill jury controversy, why she believes the kennel video and Alex’s lies still point straight to guilt, and why this retrial may force witnesses, victims, and South Carolina itself to relive the trauma all over again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2026

Hello, Legally Brunette Listeners! We want to share a new show you might enjoy, it’s “Hey Jonas” with the Jonas Brothers!!! About the show: Hey Jonas! The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before. Listen here and subscribe to Hey Jonas! on the iHeartRadio App or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2026

Emily and Shane are discussing the murder of Dominic Russo & Davion Flanagan at the hands of Mackenzie Shirilla. What did they think of the new Netflix documentary on this case? How did they perceive Mackenzie’s parents and their reaction to their daughter’s crimes? Do they believe Mackenzie will ever get out of prison?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2026

From alleged childhood abuse and hidden sexuality to football culture, fame, brain trauma, paranoia, and drugs, Dr. Toles breaks down the many factors that may have fueled Hernandez’s escalating violence. She also discusses the warning signs people allegedly ignored and the heartbreaking possibility that Aaron’s life had been unraveling long before the murders became public. You can learn more about Dr. Toles at https://drracheltoles.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 May 2026

Emily and Shane are taking a time machine back to 2007, when Linda Stermer lit her husband on fire and ran him over with their family van…   Linda’s adamant that the entire scene was an accident, but her two children beg to differ. What is their recount of that night? Was the relationship between Linda and her husband, Todd, tumultuous?    Why was Linda sentenced twice for Todd’s murder? What led to her release and eventual retrial seven years later?!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 May 2026

In this episode, we discuss the disturbing documentary My Killer Father: The Green Hollow Murders, which investigates allegations that a man may have been responsible for multiple suspicious deaths tied to his family over several decades, including claims that he murdered his wife and secretly buried her in a remote area known as Green Hollow. We’re joined by the film’s director, Aengus James, who shares the shocking discoveries uncovered during production, the personal money he invested into the case — including helping fund the exhumation of the victim’s body — and the difficult relationship he and his crew had with the family at the center of the story. This episode dives into the dark secrets, manipulation, and emotional toll behind one of the most unsettling true crime documentaries in recent years. And he reveals breaking news about the case that just might give viewers the ending they were hoping for!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2026

What really turned Aaron Hernandez from NFL superstar into convicted killer? As seen in American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez...alleged childhood abuse, hidden sexuality, severe brain trauma, paranoia, drugs, football culture, and the pressure of living a double life may all have contributed to an escalating pattern of violence. In this episode, forensic psychologist Dr. Rachel Toles unpacks the shocking layers behind the case, why so many warning signs were overlooked, and the chilling question at the center of the case: could this all have been prevented?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2026

Emily and Shane are joined by Terrill Swift, who was just 17 years old when he confessed to a crime he did not commit, and Dave Thompson, an expert in police interrogations and false confessions.   Together, Terrill and Dave are discussing the complexities surrounding false confessions and false imprisonment. Terrill was in prison for 14 years as an innocent man… What did he experience?    How can a jury decipher a false confession from a real confession? What happens psychologically for a false confession to occur? How are Dave, Terrill & The Innocence Center changing the system for the better?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2026

Regina Rowe-Hicks’ was discovered inside of her submerged car under suspicious circumstances back in 2001. But, with no DNA evidence and no witnesses, the case went cold for over 20 years… It was only when her husband, Paul, was charged with arson years later and a determined podcaster did more digging into Regina’s death that things started to line up. What made Paul’s arson charge the most bizarre thing Emily has ever witnessed?! How did police finally connect the dots to make an arrest for the murder? What does Paul and Regina’s son have to say about this crime? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 May 2026

Denise Huskins was abducted in the middle of the night from her boyfriend’s house. The police first believed her boyfriend murdered her then when they received a voice recording of Denise alive they were convinced she was copying the movie “Gone Girl”. In a bizarre twist Denise was released 48 hours later and upon her return she realized that the police and media didn’t believe she was actually abducted and were not actually looking for her captor.  Denise Huskins joins Jenn to talk about her horrifying experience and what she endured trying to convince the world that she was indeed kidnapped. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2026

Olympic dressage competitor Michael Barisone shot his student, Lauren Kanarek, in 2019 after a year of tension and alleged harassment. Though Lauren was the victim, do Emily and Shane believe she’s entirely innocent?  Was Michael’s “temporary insanity” case valid, considering he still looked mentally unstable two years after the shooting?!  Plus, what did they think about the Netflix documentary on this case? Do others agree that Lauren isn’t the most likable?!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2026

A quiet night. A locked door. And a stranger is already inside. She thought she was safe. She wasn’t. In this episode, Director Traci Hays and star Tyler Perez talk about Kidnapped in Her Own Home: The Martha Carelli Story, a chilling story where a quiet life is shattered when a stranger takes control from inside of a home. But what makes it even more disturbing? There’s no grand plan, no personal motive, just the terrifying randomness of how it all began.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 May 2026

Marsha Allen concocted a plan to poison her husband alongside her daughter, Ashley Jones, in 2022 using a root beer float and antifreeze… When the victim, Harold Allen, was pronounced dead, authorities didn’t suspect any foul play. It was only when Marsha’s home was burglarized 9 months later that the truth finally came out. Why did Marsha and Ashley do it? How many times did they try to poison him before they were successful? Was this Ashley’s first murder?!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 May 2026

A woman is stabbed to death. Her husband has an alibi, witnesses, and a time-stamped fast-food receipt. It doesn’t matter. He’s arrested, convicted, and sent to prison, even as a story full of wild contradictions and shifting claims takes hold. The case behind The Thing About Pam is as shocking as it is baffling. We break down the lies, the missed red flags, and how everything went so wrong with Glenn Fleshler, who plays the innocent husband.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2026

In Old Town Louisville, Joey Banis and Jeffrey Mundt killed their lover, Jamie Carroll, and stored his deceased body in their basement for six months.    Why did they do it? Which one of them pulled the trigger? How did they keep Jamie’s body hidden for months? Were both men convicted of murder?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2026

He had a family. A job. A role in his church. And for decades, no one suspected he could be the BTK killer.The story of The Hunt for the BTK Killer, is disturbing enough. But the psychology behind it is even more unsettling.Famed forensic psychologist Dr. Katherine Ramsland shares what she learned through her personal relationship with Dennis Rader: from the childhood patterns that shaped him, to the way he switched between personalities, to how he was able to live with what he’d done.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2026

Emily and Shane are giving updates on THREE cases that are making headlines right now… Starting with D4VD’s capital murder charge against 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Will prosecutors seek the death penalty? They’re also giving details on the murder of influencer Ashlee Jenae, who was found dead in Tanzania during a birthday/engagement trip with her new fiancé. Was this case inspired by Larry Rudolph? Plus, they’re diving into the disappearance of Lynette Hooker and the suspicion that her husband, Brian, is behind it all. How did she “fall off” a small boat, but leave no trace behind? What other evidence points to him?!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2026

A mother who once gave up her infant daughter in hopes of a better life is pulled into a nightmare years later when that daughter vanishes without a trace. Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter follows her relentless, years-long search for answers fueled by social media, dead ends, and a gut feeling that something was terribly wrong. As chilling details emerge, the story exposes ignored warnings, troubling dynamics inside the adoptive home, and a devastating trail of missed chances to intervene before it was too late. Executive Producer Nile Cappello joins Killer Thriller to dive deeper into this horrific crime. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2026

Before the verdict, before the jury, before the evidence…sometimes the world has already made up its mind. The Scott Peterson case became that kind of story, as seen in The Perfect Husband. Mark Geragos, Scott's defense attorney at the time, breaks down what gets lost when a case becomes a national obsession and what it’s like to be at the center of it. Mark also reveals when he thinks the Menendez Brothers could walk free.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2026

Elisa Donovan sits down with Killer Thriller Docu host Jenn Fessler to break down the true crime stories they can’t stop thinking about…the ones that hit hard and never really let go. They get into what makes certain cases unforgettable, the moments that stay with you, and how dramatizations and documentaries can sometimes tell completely different versions of the same story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2026

First, Emily and Shane are going over some new revelations in the Anna Kepner case. The step-brother was a suspect from the start… Should the parents share some of the blame?   Then, they’re diving into the FLDS man who inspired the new Netflix documentary, “Trust Me: The False Prophet”.  Sam Bateman was a fake leader, master manipulator and pedophile. How did he meet his end?   Plus, what led these other God-fearing men to follow a fake prophet? What happened to the victims in this story? Who were the true heroes?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2026

Robert Kissel was murdered by his wife, Nancy, in Hong Kong. The culprit? A strawberry milkshake that knocked him out before she bludgeoned him to death… Emily and Shane break down this complex murder and the differences between American law and Hong Kong law, where Nancy was tried. Plus, we dive into the murder of Robert’s brother, Andrew, which occurred in the middle of all of this. What happened to the children? Where is Nancy now?! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2026

In August 2018, Richard “Beebo” Russell, a ground service agent with no flying experience, stole a commercial plane from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport and took it on a wild solo flight. Director of the new Hulu Documentary #SkyKing, Patricia E. Gillespie, shares what actually happened, using real air traffic control recordings and interviews to piece it all together. In Sky King, she sits down with Beebo’s friends and family to paint a more personal picture of the man behind the headlines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2026

What happens when a child is taken…and told the people who love him gave him away? Steven Stayner was 7 years old when he was kidnapped and raised under a different name, suffering repeated sexual abuse and living a life built on lies until he was 14. I Know My First Name Is Steven brings that story to the screen. Corin Nemec talks about taking on that role as a teenager and the moment in the story that changes everything.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2026

Moriah Wilson was a 25-year-old professional cyclist with a promising future ahead of her. But, in 2022, she was shot and killed by a woman that let jealously overcome her. Kaitlin Armstrong was convicted of Moriah’s murder, but it wasn’t an easy feat. Kaitlin managed to flee the country and evade capture for 43 days before they found her in Costa Rica. To top it off, she attempted to run away a second time after this… Emily and Shane are diving into all of it, including the sentencing of Kaitlin Armstrong, the aftermath of Moriah’s death and the new Netflix documentary that came out about her this month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2026

Kato Kaelin was a key witness in the O.J. Simpson trial. He shares behind-the-scenes moments, where he thinks the prosecution made mistakes, and his private conversation with Barbara Walters as the verdict was read. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2026

John List meticulously murdered his entire family in 1971 before fleeing the state, creating an entirely new life for himself, and avoiding arrest for nearly 18 years. How did he manage to get away with his atrocious crimes? What was his motive for killing his wife, three children and his mother? When he later remarried under a different persona, did his new wife ever suspect him to be a killer?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2026

A child escapes a home emaciated with duct tape around his ankles and wrists, desperate for help. In this episode, therapist Natasha Helfer unpacks the disturbing case behind The Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story and how a trusted parenting influencer like Ruby Franke became involved. We explore how religious authority, unchecked influence, and social media power may have enabled the abuse and whether those responsible truly believed they were justified. This chilling conversation will leave you questioning how something so extreme could happen in plain sight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2026

Kato Kaelin recounts the night of Nicole Brown Simpson’s murder—from a strange McDonald’s run with O.J. to an unexplained noise behind the guest house that would later lead police to a chilling discovery. Decades later, he still questions whether his presence that night unknowingly helped shape the timeline. And just when it seems like the story is complete, Kato reveals one detail that changes everything.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2026

Emily and Shane are providing the latest updates on your favorite cases. Did you catch Blake Lively’s Instagram post regarding her case against Justin Baldoni? Did you watch Savannah Guthrie’s return to the TODAY Show? Plus, 19 Kids and Counting star, Joseph Duggar, was recently arrested for child molestation and his wife, Kendra, was arrested for child endangerment. Believe it or not, he is not the first Duggar to be arrested for charges surrounding minors.  What happened in the Duggar family for two of their children to have turned out this way?! Is there a point where you stop having kids just because you can, and focus on the ones you’re actually able to care for? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2026

Remember when a story feels too shocking to be real…and then it is? The Lifetime movie Rescued by Faith: The Connie and Larry Van Oosten Story brings their case to the screen, but behind it is a much darker reality. What seemed like a random attack quickly unraveled into something targeted. And then there’s the moment it all clicks, when the truth about who was behind it changes everything.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 April 2026

Gerhardt Konig is currently on trial for the attempted murder of his wife, Arielle, during a hike on the Pali Puka trail in Honolulu, Hawaii.  Arielle has survived to testify against her husband who allegedly tried to push her off a cliff, then attempted to inject her with a foreign substance, before finally hitting her repeatedly with a lava rock. The evidence appears to be stacking up against Gerhardt, who claims self defense. Emily and Shane are providing their thoughts on the trial thus far, and will continue to follow the case as it progresses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 April 2026

Golfing or fishing? That one slip might’ve been the first red flag in Scott Peterson’s story and the moment everything started to unravel. Skye Borgman breaks down the red flags, while Amber Frey’s unforgettable press conference and secret phone calls reveal how she helped expose the truth. Plus, why the debate over Scott’s innocence is far from over.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2026

Tori Spelling was known as Donna Martin, the ultimate good girl. So when Death of a Cheerleader came along, she jumped at the chance to play someone completely different. In this episode, Tori looks back on stepping into a story rooted in a real high school murder, where jealousy, popularity, and pressure to fit in spiraled into something unthinkable. Because what starts as typical teen drama ends in a crime that still feels hard to explain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2026

Emily and Shane are sitting down with former Bachelor star, Clayton Echard, to dissect his years-long battle against Laura Owens, who claimed to be carrying his child despite never having sex with him… How did the internet sleuths that used to despise Clayton actually help garner support to take his perpetrator down? In a surprising twist, how does Clayton view this experience? Will there be a trial in the near future?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2026

This week, Emily is joined by Elisa Donovan, the host of the Killer Thriller podcast, to talk about the latest breaking news in the true crime sphere… Savannah Guthrie’s interview on the TODAY show proves that they’re still holding out hope in the search for Nancy Guthrie. And, they’re getting into the Taylor Frankie Paul of it all. Plus, a quadruple amputee corn hole champion is being charged for murder. How did it all go down?! It’s a story that’s almost too crazy to believe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2026

From Gaslit by My Husband to I Am Elizabeth Smart to Joe vs. Carole, the pattern is the same. Control, manipulation, and people who can charm you while quietly rewriting your reality. Elisa Donovan sits down with Dr. Jaime Zuckerman to break down how gaslighting actually works, why narcissists target strong people, and why most people don’t realize what’s happening until they’re already deep in it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2026

Kouri Richins was found guilty of murdering her husband by lacing his drink with 5x the lethal dose of fentanyl. Shortly after, she wrote a children’s book about grief.   The prosecution called dozens of witnesses to the stand to testify against her, including her best friend and the man she was having an affair with…   What is the evidence that points towards her? Is a guilty verdict justifiable with the evidence they have against her? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2026

It's a story of three best friends who seemed inseparable until one of them goes missing and later is found murdered. In this episode, we dive into a documentary that slowly unravels the truth behind a friendship that wasn’t what it appeared to be, who murdered Skylar Neese and a shocking confession that blew up the whole investigation. Director Clair Titley, reflects on the power of seeing it all through a teenage lens, while we explore the chilling moments that will forever stick with us. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2026

Remember when Tiger King completely took over everyone’s life during COVID? Brian Van Holt was right in the middle of bringing that chaos to life in Joe vs. Carole, playing one of the only grounded people in a world full of extremes. He gets into what made Joe Exotic so unsettling, how someone could be charming one second and dangerous the next, and why people stayed even as things got darker. And then there’s the moment everything shifts, when the chaos becomes impossible to ignore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2026

Emily and Shane are diving into some of the biggest cases right now… Laken Snelling gave birth alone in her college bedroom and has been charged with killing her newborn. Did she know she was pregnant? How did they find her baby? Then, high school teacher Jason Hughes was killed after a student prank gone wrong. Though it’s obvious the teenagers didn’t intend to harm him, should they be let off the hook? Plus, Michele Hundley Smith was missing for 25 years until they finally found her. The plot twist: she disappeared on purpose. How did this woman manage to escape the FBI?! What does her family think?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2026

A 14-year-old girl is taken from her bedroom and held captive for nine months; a case that still feels impossible to process. Skeet Ulrich almost didn’t take the role of her captor, saying he couldn’t justify stepping into someone that dark until he understood the bigger story. What followed clearly stayed with him: from scenes so intense crew members walked off set, to the moment Elizabeth Smart walked onto the set while he was fully in character. He opens up about the toll it took, the nightmare that came out of it, and how his own past shaped the way he connected to her story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 March 2026