Murder is complex and inherently infused with strong emotions. This episode reviews the five common motives for murder, the profile of the person who most frequently kills and who is most likely to become a victim. Following that we will hear from recently released Marcel McDaniel who served 17 years for homicide and what he is doing to make a difference with other inmates now that he has regained his freedom.

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Forensic psychology is a specialty where psychology meets law. Our guest, Dr. Johnston, has an extensive resume in this field and will shed light on what her job entails. In addition, we discuss relevant current events such as prison reform, the ethics of true crime shows and much, much more.

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As a preschooler Ryan Kopyar's mom left for work before Christmas and never returned. Even worse, she was eight months pregnant with his little sister. It was a watershed moment in Ryan's young life and that of his father.

The immediate aftermath of her murder transformed Ryan's once-happy home into a quiet, dark place as he and his father awkwardly struggled to adjust to her absence while in the spotlight of their small town. Listen as Mr. Kopyar explains the circuitous route his life took in the years following her death and why the murderer made it impossible to forget him even after incarceration.

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Jessica Norman has the unwanted distinction of knowing incarceration for murder from two vantage points. She is a corrections officer in an institution where her job brings her in regular contact with murderers. And, a few years into her job, she learned her sister had been murdered. It changed the trajectory of her life in multiple ways - as is so often the case.

Listen as she recounts her loss, her adjustments and how she is doing today.

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At the tender age of six Charles Smith experienced his first loss. It was the death of his mother. In rapid succession, he lost his father, grandfather and uncle. More would follow. Listen to Charles describe being in freefall for the first half of his life but then rallying and defying the odds. Like the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi, he explains the art of being broken. Charles believes we can be repaired by realizing that our brokenness can be the foundation for a more durable, meaningful, purpose-driven life. Someone going through an ordeal can remember they have survived all of their worst experiences up until now … and are still standing.

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What are the parallels between violent death in the military and in civilian life? And, more importantly, what can we learn from this? Join me as I sit with Army Veteran and host of Drive On Podcast Scott DeLuzio to discuss intentional death on and off the battlefield.

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Adolescence is tough. Adolescence is even tougher as a biracial teen. And, if that isn't difficult enough imagine being told your mom has been murdered and that it was premeditated. How do you find your footing? Reestablish control? Interface with peers? Listen in as we hear Rebecca Benny describe these difficult hurdles and how she negotiated them.`

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When Kalvon Hawkins was informed his daughter had been murdered at a birthday party he couldn't imagine life getting worse, but this was a prelude to more suffering. The police brushed him off. Witnesses wouldn't come forward. Rumors circulated. His business suffered. Over the years, he succumbed to depression and isolation. Then, one drizzly, cold day he took matters into his own hands and opened his first Facebook Live post pleading for support outside the Michigan City, Indiana P.D. His call was answered and refueled him. He was stalked by the police. His family was collapsing and when the perpetrator was finally caught he was offered a sweet plea deal. Kalvon wasn't having it. Listen to the narrative of his tenacity to finally extract justice from the criminal justice system.

Kalvon's book is entitled: Justice for Nekeisha: A Father's Pain (written in conjunction with S.L. Jackson)

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Crime victims, homicide survivors included, find the court process to be confusing, foreign, and occasionally hostile. Former Denver Prosecutor Rachel Robinson of Colorado has made it her mission to give a voice to those who don't have one. She has dedicated her private practice to ensuring that crime victims' rights are honored. She has tailored her services to fill the gaps in the criminal justice system for those of us who have been sidelined and silenced.

You can see her posts on TikTok by going to: https://www.tiktok.com/@racheljd614

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The attempted murder of herself and her young son was not enough to deter Patricia Wenskunas from her life mission. She has excelled in her tireless effort to advocate for crime victims in a number of ways - not the least of which is her foundation "Crime Survivors Resource Center" in Irvine, California. Please tune in and feel uplifted by her passion, clarity, and hope. Patricia is more than a survivor - she is an inspiration.

https://crimesurvivors.org/

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