Criminology Chats

When Americans hear the words school shooting, most of us think about relatively recent tragedies—breaking-news coverage, frightened students evacuating classrooms, and communities struggling to understand acts of unimaginable violence.

But school shootings and violence on school grounds are not exclusively modern phenomena. Their history in America stretches back much further than many people realize.

In this episode of Criminology Chats, JR and Miranda take listeners on a journey through American history, from the 1700s through 1966, examining several incidents of violence associated with schools long before television, social media, and around-the-clock news coverage.

Together, they explore the circumstances surrounding these tragedies, the individuals responsible, the victims whose lives were forever changed, and the historical context in which these events occurred.

Some of these cases involve children who never returned home, teachers murdered in front of their students, domestic violence, suicide, and acts of mass murder.

Through historical research and thoughtful discussion, JR and Miranda examine a troubling reality: violence in American schools has a much longer and more complicated history than many of us recognize.

⚠️ LISTENER DISCRETION ADVISED: This episode contains discussions of violence against children, homicide, suicide, domestic violence, and mass murder. Some material may be disturbing or emotionally difficult for listeners.

Source(s)

http://behindthetower.org/a-brief-history-of-mass-shootings

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1940_South_Pasadena_shootings

https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/03/24/first-us-school-shooting-gun-debate-217704/

Cort, Cyrus. “The Massacre of Schoolmaster Enoch Brown and Ten Scholars.” Response to the Blue Juniata and Other Poems. Cleveland: Central Publishing House, 1902

Pennsylvania Center for the Book https://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/.

https://www.newspapers.com/

In this episode of Criminology Chats JR and Miranda chat with Juliana Bastain. They will discuss Juliana’s research study about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) and what role they play in adulthood criminal activity.

Juliana Bastien is a graduate student at George Mason University pursuing an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in School Psychology, expected in May 2027. She earned her Master of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in School Psychology in August 2025 and she graduated from the University of Louisville in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minors in Criminal Justice and Spanish.

Juliana interned with the U.S. Department of Justice and will complete her School Psychology internship with Loudoun County Public Schools. Her professional interests include the prevention of criminality through evidence-based interventions in schools, with a focus on supporting positive developmental and educational outcomes for students.

On this episode J.R. and Taylor talk about Dennis Rader the BTK killer. They provide a glimpse into his crimes, childhood and correspondence he sent to them this year.

This episode discusses murder, violence against children, stalking, sexual sadism, and the lasting trauma experienced by survivors and victims’ families. We will avoid unnecessary graphic detail, but some facts are disturbing. Listener discretion is advised!

Source(s)

Editorial note: The descriptions of Rader’s inner life rely partly on statements he made after capture and should not be treated as independent psychological proof. Alleged links to additional unsolved cases are identified as allegations or active investigative theories, not established crimes.

In this episode of Criminology Chats, hosts JR Rainbolt, Miranda Lucore, and Grace Ferrell explore the tragic case of the "Parking Lot Murder at Bingo World." The discussion focuses on the events surrounding April 17, 2024, when Dorothy “Janie” King was fatally attacked in the parking lot of Bingo World on South Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The hosts examine the timeline of the incident, beginning with the 911 call, and provide context regarding the city of Colorado Springs. Please be advised that this episode contains a content warning, as it discusses a fatal stabbing and a vehicular assault. The account is based on official police records obtained through a FOIA request and a recorded interview with one of the victim's daughters.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or psychological advice. The views and perspectives shared in these recordings are intended solely for informational purposes and do not reflect the official stance or policies of the speakers or The Chicago School. Any commercial products and manufacturers mentioned are included for informational reasons only and do not imply endorsement or approval by the speakers or The Chicago School.

Links and Resources

The Chicago School: thechicagoschool.edu

Criminology Chats: criminologychats.podbean.com/

Email: [email protected]

Executive Produced by: AMPeters www.dinomonster.com

Post-Production Services by: Audio Photo Synthesis www.audiophotosynthesis.com

Source(s)

Colorado Springs Police Department records released through a FOIA request.

Recorded interview with one daughter of the victim.

In this gripping episode of Criminology Chats, we sit down with high school educator Alex Campbell to discuss the incredible real-world impact of his classroom projects. We dive deep into the origins of the viral Murder 101 podcast and how a group of high school students in rural Tennessee sparked a nationwide conversation about cold cases and serial killers. The primary focus of their investigation—and the subject of this episode—is the haunting cold case of the Redhead Murders, a series of unsolved crimes involving young women with red hair found along Tennessee highways in the 1980s. You will hear how these students, whom Campbell calls his "six sisters" advocates, applied forensic science and victimology to create profiles that even the FBI admired, eventually dubbing their primary suspect the "Bible Belt Strangler."

The students' work on the Redhead Murders became the basis for the chart-topping Murder 101 podcast, and their research into the 1980s Tennessee serial killer epidemic has been featured in a major documentary streaming on platforms like Netflix. We also discuss their profound book, Driven by Rage, Fueled by Diesel: The Forgotten Victims of the Tennessee Highway Hunters, which investigates the "Tennessee Highway Hunters" and serial killers like the prolific Samuel Little. Campbell details the fascinating process of his students digging through FOIA requests and old police files, leading them to re-examine potential cases, such as the wrongful death ruling of Sedley Alley’s first wife, which is now being revisited thanks to their investigative efforts.

This project is a powerful testament to what students can achieve when they are trusted with authentic, meaningful work. Whether they are uncovering the history of the Tennessee Highway Hunters or helping law enforcement identify victims decades later, these students have proven that age is no barrier to seeking justice. Join your host JR Rainbolt and co-host Grace Farrell as we explore this coming-of-age true crime story that has captivated audiences from the Sundance Film Festival to the top of the podcast charts. Listen now to discover the full scope of the Murder 101 project and how these students are finally giving names and voices back to the forgotten victims of the Redhead Murders.

Links and Resources

In this episode of Criminology Chats, hosts JR Rainbolt and Miranda LaCour delve into a case that shook a community and gained national attention: the tragic and senseless death of 64-year-old Andreas "Andy" Probst. A retired former police chief, husband, and father, Andy was doing something he loved—riding his bicycle on a quiet August morning in Las Vegas—when his life was stolen in a targeted act of violence. What initially appeared to be a hit-and-run accident was revealed through chilling social media footage to be a deliberate, premeditated homicide committed by two teenagers who were treating the roads like a game.

We examine the disturbing evidence that investigators uncovered, including cell phone footage recorded by the suspects themselves, which captured their dangerous behavior and lack of remorse. The investigation highlights the devastating impact of this crime on Andy’s family, particularly his wife, Crystal, and daughter, Taylor, who have become powerful advocates for his legacy, ensuring Andy is remembered for how he lived—as a man of service and integrity—rather than the way he died.

Join us as we explore the complexities of this case, from the investigation and the court proceedings that followed to the difficult questions it raises about accountability, the influence of social media, and the irreversible consequences of impulsive, violent decisions. We honor Andy’s memory by discussing the man behind the headlines and the profound loss felt by those who loved him.

Links and Resources

Post-Production Services by: Audio Photo Synthesis www.audiophotosynthesis.com

Today’s Criminology Chats episode talks about the death of Sierra Mininger. It’s December 8th, 2024. It’s just after 6:30 in the morning in Greeley, Colorado. A father calls 911 and says words no parent should ever have to say. His daughter has been shot.

When officers get to the house, they find 24-year-old Sierra barely alive near the front door. Single gunshot wound to the head. And inside the home? Only two other people. Her father. And her ex-boyfriend, who immediately tells police: this was suicide.

Listen as JR and Grace delve into the case of Sierra Mininger.

Today’s Criminology Chats case is a horrific one—an ex-boyfriend kills his ex-girlfriend’s family and a friend living on the property. What drives someone to commit something like this? What warning signs were missed? And how did a protective order—meant to keep someone safe—fail so completely?

Listen as JR and Grace delve into the case of Joseph Casterena.

In this engaging episode of Criminology Chats, JR and Miranda converse with retired Youth Corrections Officer, Shane Foster, and his daughter Cory. Cory will provide her perspective of being the daughter of a youth correctional officer.  You don’t want to miss this episode.

In this engaging episode of Criminology Chats, JR, Miranda, and Grace converse with retired Texas Ranger and Sheriff Lane Akin. He dedicated 50 years to law enforcement in Texas. Lane will share insights about his experiences as a Texas Ranger and Sheriff. He will delve into the murder of Heather Rich, a high school cheerleader who was tragically killed by three boys one night in October 1996. Lane was among the numerous law enforcement officials who investigated the case, providing him with a distinctive viewpoint for our audience.