Hidden Killers Live! Daily True Crime News & Breakdowns

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Hidden Killers Live! Daily True Crime News & Breakdowns episodes

September 03, 2024 Alleged Gilgo Beach Serial Killer Rex Heuermann Kept Victims Alive to Inflict Pain, Say Investigators
Rex Heuermann, the alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer, reportedly kept his victims alive to inflict pain and torture them, according to crime experts and investigators. Heuermann, 60, faces murder charges in connection with the deaths of six women spanning from the early 1990s to 2011. Initially, he was charged for the killings of the "Gilgo Four"—Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Lynn Costello—whose bodies were discovered near Gilgo Beach on Long Island in 2010.

In June, Heuermann was charged with additional counts for the murders of Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla. A recently discovered planning document, described by prosecutors as a "blueprint," outlines details about torture, captivity, noise control, and "play time." Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney commented on the significance of the document, saying, "That speaks for itself," during a press conference in June.

Tierney further explained the disturbing implications of "play time," telling reporters, "We allege that the more rest the participants [have], the more you get done. The more rested the participants are, the more you can get done." This document, which was deleted in 2002 but later recovered from a device found in Heuermann's Massapequa Park home, is central to the case against him.

According to Tierney, the remains of Taylor and Costilla showed evidence of severe torture. Taylor's body was dismembered, while Costilla's showed signs of mutilation. Prosecutors have also suggested a possible four-day period during which Taylor may have been held captive, based on the last known contact with her family and surveillance of a pickup truck near the location where her body was eventually discovered.

The planning document's content also includes references to using "push pins to hang drop cloths from the ceiling not tape" and mentions a "hard point," which prosecutors interpret as a reference to a fixed attachment on a ceiling for suspension bondage. Joseph Giacalone, a retired NYPD detective sergeant and professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, described the document as "frightening" in a report by Newsday. "Just from reading the [manifesto] document, this is the most sadistic thing around, keeping people alive to torture them. The torture these victims had to go through just compounds things for their families," Giacalone said.

Former FBI profiler Gregg McCrary echoed these sentiments, noting, "The more interaction they can have is the payoff for them. They want to keep them alive as long as they can, reasonably. Killing is what they have to do at the end to not be discovered."

However, Heuermann's attorney, Michael J. Brown, downplayed the significance of the document at a press conference in July. "It all goes into the narrative," Brown said. "It's any piece of the puzzle that they can take and they can fit and they can argue that it's Rex Heuermann, they've done it. The things that don't work for them, you don't hear about."

The planning document also mentions the book "Mindhunter," written by FBI profiler John Douglas, a detail that Brown dismissed as irrelevant. "There are probably hundreds of thousands of people across our country, if not millions, who have read that book and downloaded portions of that book," he said.

Despite the defense's efforts to minimize the evidence, Tierney pointed out that Heuermann's interest in "Mindhunter" appeared to focus on parts discussing mutilation and "sexual substitution," where a perpetrator penetrates a victim's body with an object as a substitute for a sexual act. "That is when the perpetrator penetrates the victim's body with an object as a means to substitute the sexual act," Tierney explained, adding that it seems this was performed on Costilla.

The remains of Taylor and Costilla, discovered shortly after their deaths, provided more physical evidence compared to the "Gilgo Four," whose remains were skeletonized. "With regard to the Gilgo Four, they were skeletonized, so we're left to surmise a lot of things, or we just don't know, because we don't have the same amount of evidence that you would on a person who has been deceased for a period of days, as opposed to a period of years," Tierney noted. "With Costilla and Jessica Taylor ... we know more about what, unfortunately, what happened to them, because there's more evidence there."

Despite the disturbing allegations and evidence presented, Brown argued against the portrayal of his client as a "horrific, prolific mass murderer." He referenced surveillance footage obtained by prosecutors, stating, "I have seen the video from the beginning to the end. What you see is a guy walking his dog, a guy going to work in the morning with his briefcase and his sports jacket and coming home."

Rex Heuermann remains held at the Suffolk County Jail in Riverhead as he awaits his next court appearance. The trial date has not yet been scheduled.

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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
16 min
September 02, 2024 Transcripts Reveal Prosecutors Knew About Epstein’s Crimes Years Before Controversial Plea Deal
Recently released transcripts have revealed that Florida prosecutors were aware of Jeffrey Epstein's sexual assaults on teenage girls two years before negotiating his controversial 2008 plea deal. This deal has faced long-standing criticism for being too lenient and a missed opportunity to imprison the millionaire financier much earlier.

The 2006 grand jury investigation was the first of many probes into Epstein’s rape and sex trafficking activities over the past two decades. These investigations uncovered Epstein’s connections to influential figures such as former President Bill Clinton, Britain’s Prince Andrew, and former President Donald Trump, all of whom have denied any wrongdoing and have not been charged.

Circuit Judge Luis Delgado’s unexpected release of approximately 150 pages of transcripts on Monday preempted a scheduled hearing next week. This release was made possible by a bill signed in February by Gov. Ron DeSantis, creating an exemption for cases like Epstein’s, as Florida grand jury transcripts are usually kept secret indefinitely.

The grand jury heard testimonies that Epstein, then in his 40s, raped teenage girls as young as 14 at his Palm Beach mansion, often paying them to commit statutory rape or assault. The teenagers testified that they were also paid cash or rented cars if they found more girls for Epstein. "The details in the record will be outrageous to decent people," Delgado wrote in his order. "The testimony taken by the Grand Jury concerns activity ranging from grossly unacceptable to rape — all of the conduct at issue is sexually deviant, disgusting, and criminal."

In 2008, Epstein struck a deal with South Florida federal prosecutors, pleading guilty to state charges of procuring a minor for prostitution and solicitation of prostitution. This allowed him to avoid severe federal charges, resulting in a 1.5-year sentence in the Palm Beach County jail system, during which he was allowed daily work release, followed by a year of house arrest. Epstein was also required to register as a sex offender.

The lenient deal drew widespread criticism and led to the 2019 resignation of Trump’s labor secretary, Alex Acosta, who had been the U.S. attorney for South Florida in 2008. A subsequent 2020 Justice Department investigation concluded that Acosta exhibited "poor judgment" but did not commit professional misconduct.

Barry Krischer, the chief prosecutor during the Epstein case, has not commented on the transcripts’ release. Current Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg, who was not involved in the original investigation, expressed relief that the records are now public. "I have not yet read the transcripts, so I cannot comment on whether Krischer should have pursued a tougher prosecution of Epstein," Aronberg stated.

Brad Edwards, an attorney representing many of Epstein's victims, criticized the handling of the case. "The transcripts show that Krischer’s office took the case to the Grand Jury with an agenda — to return minimal, if any, criminal charges against Jeffrey Epstein," Edwards asserted. "A fraction of the evidence was presented, in a misleading way, and the Office portrayed the victims as criminals."

The released transcripts detail how Palm Beach Police Detective Joe Recarey testified in July 2006 about the investigation’s origins. It began in March 2005 when a woman reported that her stepdaughter had received $300 in exchange for “sexual activity with a man in Palm Beach.” Further investigation revealed multiple teenagers, some as young as 14, were approached and paid to engage in illicit activities at Epstein’s mansion.

One victim, who visited Epstein’s house hundreds of times starting at age 16, testified that she was paid $200 each time she gave him a massage while naked, received a rented car, and was given $1,000 after being raped. A 2005 police search of Epstein's mansion corroborated the girls’ testimonies, and Epstein's houseman confirmed the young ages of the visitors.

The transcripts provide a disturbing glimpse into a system that allowed Epstein’s crimes to persist.
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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
14 min
September 02, 2024 Arizona Father Arrested After Son’s Decomposing Body Found on Couch
An Arizona man has been arrested after authorities allegedly found his 9-year-old son's decomposing body on a couch in their home, according to multiple reports.

Joseph Gregory Antonsen, 38, was taken into custody following the grim discovery at the family’s residence in the Picture Rocks area on Sunday, July 14. The Arizona Republic, AZ Family, and KVOA reported on the arrest, citing a police news release.

Online jail records indicate that Antonsen is being held on a bond of $500,000 and faces charges of child abuse and negligent homicide. It is not immediately clear if he has entered pleas to the charges or retained an attorney.

The investigation began when authorities conducted a welfare check at the property and found Antonsen’s son lifeless on a couch. According to the news release, the boy's body was already in the process of decomposition. The Arizona Republic reported, citing the news release, that the home was in a state of severe neglect.

The Arizona Republic, referencing unspecified court documents, reported that Antonsen allegedly told officers his son had been unwell two days prior. He claimed he intended to take the child to the doctor, but the boy started “shuttering and going limp,” according to the documents. When Antonsen returned after turning on his car, he realized the boy was not breathing and did not have a pulse.

Instead of calling for help, Antonsen allegedly left the home for a period, leaving his son inside. The documents further allege that Antonsen knew he should have sought immediate assistance but failed to do so.

The police news release also described the deplorable conditions inside the home, which was filled with garbage such as “empty beer cans, large piles of soiled diapers, rotten food, bottles full of what appears to be urine, lots of insect activity, and spiders (black widow and brown recluse),” according to KOLD.

Neighbors expressed shock and sadness over the incident. One neighbor, whose daughter used to play with the boy, told KOLD, “His son was really cute. He was a really friendly kid. He was very polite. He was a lot friendlier than his dad.” She added that she had not seen the boy in around a month and had noticed seeing the family less frequently in recent months.

Another neighbor told the outlet that she thought the house had been abandoned.

This tragic incident has raised serious questions about the circumstances leading to the boy’s death and the living conditions in the home. As the investigation continues, authorities and the community are left grappling with the devastating loss of a young life.
#JosephGregoryAntonsen #ChildAbuse #NegligentHomicide #WelfareCheck #ArizonaCrime #DecomposingBody #ParentingNeglect

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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
17 min
August 30, 2024 Former Massachusetts Police Officer Indicted for Killing Pregnant Woman
A former Massachusetts police officer has been indicted for the murder of a pregnant 23-year-old woman he allegedly began sexually exploiting when she was a teenager. The federal indictment, unsealed in Boston on Wednesday, accuses former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell of strangling Sandra Birchmore to death in February 2021 and staging her death to look like a suicide.

According to the indictment, Farwell, 38, killed Birchmore after she informed him she was pregnant with his child. He then allegedly staged her apartment to make it appear as if she had committed suicide. Farwell was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of killing a witness or victim.

“We allege that Sandra Birchmore survived years of grooming, statutory rape, and then sexual violence all at the hands of Matthew Farwell, who was employed throughout their relationship as an officer and then detective with the Stoughton Police Department. And when it became clear to Mr. Farwell that he could no longer control Ms. Birchmore, he silenced her permanently,” acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy said during a press briefing on Wednesday.

Farwell was arrested Wednesday morning at a shopping center and is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston on Wednesday afternoon. ABC News has reached out to Farwell’s attorney for comment.

Prosecutors allege Farwell befriended Birchmore after she joined a Stoughton Police Department youth program he was an instructor for and “essentially groomed her.” The indictment states the two began a sexual relationship when Farwell was 27 and Birchmore was 15. Farwell allegedly engaged in sex acts with Birchmore while on duty as a police officer and “falsely represented that he had worked certain hours” to conceal the activity, according to the Department of Justice.

Their affair continued up until her death on February 1, 2021, while Farwell was married with children, prosecutors said. Birchmore was found dead in her Canton apartment on February 4, 2021.

Prosecutors allege that after Birchmore told Farwell in October 2020 that she wanted a child of her own, the two “reached an agreement”: He would try to impregnate her “in exchange for her silence about his criminal conduct (i.e., child sexual abuse) and years-long extramarital affair,” according to a motion in support of pretrial detention.

When Birchmore informed Farwell in December 2020 that she was pregnant and wanted him to be more involved in planning the birth, he allegedly became angry and “was losing control.”

“The information she possessed about his illegal conduct was in danger of slipping out,” Levy said. “In fact, word started to get out about their relationship.”

Less than two weeks before Birchmore was found dead, a friend called the Stoughton Police Department and disclosed the sexual relationship between Birchmore and Farwell, according to the DOJ. Farwell allegedly became “visibly angry” upon learning about that call and “started to lose his patience.” Birchmore had also disclosed to friends that he had become physically violent with her, Levy said.

In one instance, Farwell allegedly held a pregnant Birchmore in a headlock and told her that he wished she were dead, prosecutors said.

“Then it all came to a head on February 1, 2021,” Levy said.

Prosecutors allege that Farwell went to Birchmore’s apartment that evening wearing a mask “despite being well known as a resistant to COVID-19 mask mandates” and strangled her using a duffle bag strap. He then "used his knowledge and experience as a law enforcement officer" to stage her death as a suicide, Levy said.

Farwell allegedly lied multiple times to Massachusetts State Police detectives investigating her death about the nature of their relationship, according to FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Steve Kelleher. He told detectives their sexual relationship began in 2020, while text messages with Birchmore indicated it started in 2013, prosecutors claimed. He also allegedly stated they last had sex in October 2020, attempting to avoid suspicion about whether he was the father of Birchmore's unborn child. However, text messages indicate that Farwell met Birchmore for sex after that date.

Before Birchmore's death, Farwell allegedly directed her to delete evidence of their sexual relationship, according to court filings.

"He attempted to cover his tracks to literally get away with murder, and he almost did, until today," Levy said.

Initially, state officials ruled Birchmore's death a suicide, but Levy stated that over the past year, federal investigators uncovered "critical new information" that led to the indictment.

Kelleher said investigators reviewed tens of thousands of text messages, emails, financial records, conducted dozens of interviews, and analyzed the crime scene as part of their investigation.

The investigation "uncovered evidence inconsistent with someone dying by suicide," including that Birchmore had contacted a photographer to book a newborn photo shoot and asked a friend about obtaining baby clothes shortly before her death, Kelleher explained. Birchmore was also in the middle of doing laundry when she died, he added, calling the alleged murder "depraved."

If convicted, Farwell faces a minimum sentence of life in prison. The charge is also eligible for the death penalty, though the Department of Justice has not yet decided whether to seek it.

Farwell served as a police officer and then detective for the Stoughton Police Department from March 2012 to April 2022.

Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara stated that the department supported the FBI in its investigation leading to the indictment. "The alleged murder of Sandra is a horrific injustice," McNamara said in a statement. "The allegations against the suspect, a former Stoughton Police Officer, represent the single worst act of not just professional misconduct but indeed human indecency that I have observed in a nearly three-decade career in law enforcement."

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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
18 min
August 30, 2024 Former Nevada Politician Robert Telles Sentenced to Life for Murder of Investigative Journalist Jeff German
Robert Telles, a former Nevada politician, was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of murdering Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative journalist Jeff German. Telles, 47, was convicted of first-degree murder after a 12-member jury deliberated for two days. He will be eligible for parole after serving at least 20 years.

Jeff German, 69, was discovered stabbed to death outside his home in Las Vegas on September 3, 2022. German had published a series of articles criticizing Telles' conduct as Clark County's public administrator. These stories exposed allegations of bullying, favoritism, and an affair between Telles and a female employee, which Telles confirmed in court.

“Robert Telles decided to be judge, jury and literally the executioner of a man who was simply trying to do his job — to report the news. He executed him,” Clark County Deputy District Attorney Christopher Hamner stated, urging the jury to impose a life sentence on Telles.

Telles was arrested four days after the murder and has been held without bail since then. He was charged with open murder with a deadly weapon. Prosecutors argued that Telles' motive was revenge for German's reporting, which contributed to Telles' defeat in the June 2022 primary for re-election as public administrator.

Despite the compelling evidence, Telles proclaimed his innocence, claiming he was framed by colleagues, real estate agents, and business owners in retaliation for his efforts to combat corruption while serving as public administrator. "You know, the idea that Mr. German’s throat was slashed and his heart was stabbed... I am not the kind of person who would stab someone. I didn’t kill Mr. German," Telles said in his testimony. "And that’s my testimony."

However, Telles was unable to provide a plausible explanation for how those he accused of framing him managed to place incriminating evidence in his home.

The jury convicted Telles of first-degree murder with additional sentencing enhancements for using a deadly weapon and committing a crime against an elderly person. His attorney, Robert Draskovich, appealed for leniency, arguing, "In order for justice to be justice, there has to be an element of mercy."
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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
24 min
August 29, 2024 Sean "Diddy" Combs Moves to Dismiss RICO and Sex Trafficking Lawsuit as Baseless "Media Hype"
Sean "Diddy" Combs is vigorously fighting allegations made in a lawsuit by his former employee, Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones, claiming that the suit's "true purpose" is to "generate media hype and exploit it to extract a settlement." In a motion filed Monday in Manhattan federal court, Diddy’s legal team sought to dismiss the case, arguing that the claims are filled with "legally meaningless allegations and blatant falsehoods."

Jones, a music producer who worked on Diddy's recent album, first filed the lawsuit in February, alleging that Diddy and several others were part of a "RICO enterprise" involved in the distribution of drugs, firearms, and sex workers, including minors. The complaint also accused Diddy of sex trafficking and sexual assault, with Jones alleging he was subjected to "constant unsolicited" groping and that Diddy attempted to groom him into participating in sexual acts with others, including actor Cuba Gooding Jr.

The suit, which seeks $30 million in damages, was amended in March, coinciding with federal raids on two of Diddy’s homes, reportedly connected to a sex trafficking investigation. At that time, it was the fifth lawsuit alleging sexual misconduct following a high-profile case in November when Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie accused him of rape and physical abuse—a case that was settled soon after.

Diddy’s legal team argued against each of Jones' claims in their motion to dismiss, labeling the lawsuit as Jones' "third attempt to dress up a run-of-the-mill commercial disagreement as a salacious RICO conspiracy." The motion criticized the nearly 100-page complaint for being filled with "countless tall tales, shameless celebrity namedrops, and irrelevant images" while failing to substantiate a single viable claim against Diddy or his associates.

“Jones’ second amended complaint is his third attempt to dress up a run-of-the-mill commercial disagreement as a salacious RICO conspiracy,” the motion states. “Running to nearly 100 pages, it includes countless tall tales, shameless celebrity namedrops, and irrelevant images. Yet, despite all its hyperbole and lurid theatrics, the SAC fails to state a single viable claim against any of the Combs defendants.”

The lawsuit's credibility is further questioned by Diddy’s attorneys, who allege that Jones is exploiting the legal process for his own gain. The motion to dismiss highlights a video Jones posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where he appears to mock the lawsuit, despite claiming “severe emotional distress.” In the video, Jones demands, "Pay me that money by Monday," and warns, "I'm from Chicago, we don’t play about our business."

Diddy’s attorneys also pointed out that Jones’ lawyer, Tyrone Blackburn, has a history of filing cases in federal court to generate media attention and pressure defendants into settling. They noted that Blackburn was recently referred to a court grievance committee for this behavior.

“Mr. Jones is nothing more than a con man, shamelessly looking for an easy and wholly undeserved payday,” said Diddy’s attorney, Shawn Holley, in a statement. “We have indisputable, incontrovertible proof that his claims are complete fabrications. Our attempts to share this proof with Mr. Jones’ attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, have been ignored, as Mr. Blackburn has refused to return our calls. We look forward to addressing these ridiculous claims in court, and intend to take all appropriate action against all who are attempting to peddle them.”

In response, Blackburn described the motion to dismiss as "nothing more than a billing exercise by Sean Combs’ latest set of lawyers." He dismissed Diddy’s legal maneuvers as an attempt to delay the inevitable, saying, "It is a weak attempt to fill their pockets before he is indicted, and they decide to haul ass, just like his five previous lawyers did. If their client does not engage in salacious behavior, I would not have anything salacious to file. I pick my clients; I do not pick their facts."

Diddy’s legal team has moved to dismiss all claims, arguing that Jones' lawsuit does not provide sufficient evidence of a RICO enterprise, fails to specify where and when any alleged sexual assault occurred, and lacks proof of threats or coercion. They also contest the breach of oral contract and emotional distress claims Jones included in his suit.

The high-profile case has garnered significant media attention due to the severe allegations and the involvement of major celebrities. As the legal proceedings continue, all eyes are on the court to see whether the judge will dismiss the case or allow it to move forward.

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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
13 min
August 29, 2024 Robert Telles Found Guilty in Murder of Las Vegas Journalist
A former Nevada politician, Robert Telles, was found guilty on Wednesday of the murder of Las Vegas investigative reporter Jeff German, a case that has sparked renewed concerns about the safety of journalists in the United States. The trial, which concluded in Clark County, revolved around Telles’ anger over German’s critical reporting on his office and fears of further exposure.

Robert Telles, 47, who served as the Clark County Public Administrator, was convicted of fatally stabbing Jeff German, a veteran journalist with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, in September 2022. The murder followed a series of articles by German that exposed turmoil and alleged misconduct within Telles’ office. According to prosecutors, Telles, worried about an upcoming article, disguised himself in a large sun hat and waited outside German's home before attacking him.

Prosecutor Christopher Hamner explained the motive behind the murder: "He murdered him because Jeff’s writing destroyed his career, it destroyed his reputation, it threatened probably his marriage and exposed things that even he admitted he did not want the public to know. He did it because Jeff wasn’t done writing."

The prosecution presented a strong case, bringing in about two dozen witnesses and leveraging a combination of video footage and physical evidence to link Telles to the crime. Key evidence included images of a man in a sun hat, matching Telles' description, near the scene, a maroon vehicle connected to Telles, and DNA found under German’s fingernails. This evidence was critical in piecing together the timeline and actions leading up to the murder.

In a twist, Telles chose to testify in his own defense, vehemently denying any involvement in the crime. “I want to say, unequivocally, I am innocent. I didn’t kill Mr. German,” Telles asserted in court. He presented a theory that he had been framed by a real estate company allegedly upset by changes he was making in his office. Telles claimed the company hired an assassin to kill German and make it appear as though he was the culprit.

Despite Telles' claims, the jury was not convinced by the conspiracy theory defense. They found him guilty of murder, marking the end of a two-week trial that has captured national attention.

The murder of Jeff German, a journalist known for his fearless reporting on the darker sides of "Sin City," including mobsters, corrupt officials, and government agencies, has underscored the dangers faced by journalists worldwide, even in the United States. The Committee to Protect Journalists notes that German’s death is part of a troubling trend, with 14 journalists killed in the U.S. since 1992.

German, 69, spent decades uncovering the secrets of Las Vegas, a city notorious for its underbelly of crime and corruption. His death has prompted conversations about the safety of journalists and the increasing threats they face in the line of duty.

As the case draws to a close, the conviction of Robert Telles serves as a stark reminder of the perils of investigative journalism. The trial has not only highlighted the personal risks faced by reporters but also the broader implications for press freedom and the importance of protecting those who work to uncover the truth.

#RobertTelles #JeffGerman #JournalistSafety #LasVegasCrime #PressFreedom #InvestigativeJournalism #MurderTrial

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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
20 min
August 28, 2024 Mike Lynch's Tragic Death Reveals His Interest in Lucy Letby Case
Tech billionaire Mike Lynch, who recently died in a yacht accident off the coast of Sicily, had reportedly been considering funding an "Innocence Project" to investigate the conviction of Lucy Letby, a former nurse found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to kill six others at the Countess of Chester Hospital. This revelation comes as medical and legal experts continue to question the evidence used to convict Letby, describing it as "unsafe."

Lynch, known for his expertise in probability theory and his involvement in high-profile legal battles, was one of seven people who lost their lives when his yacht, the Bayesian, sank during a storm. The incident claimed the lives of Lynch, his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, and five others, including Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judith, as well as Clifford Chance lawyer Christopher Morvillo and his wife Neda. Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, was among the 15 survivors who managed to escape on a lifeboat.

Former Brexit secretary David Davis revealed Lynch's interest in Letby's case, noting that Lynch had questioned the statistical evidence that played a crucial role in her conviction. “Mike was a world-class expert on probability theory and saw straight through the statistical weaknesses that underpinned the Letby prosecution,” Davis wrote. Lynch’s experience with the justice system, particularly his own decade-long battle against fraud charges in the US, may have influenced his interest in investigating possible miscarriages of justice like Letby's.

Letby was sentenced to 15 whole-life orders, making her only the fourth woman in UK history to be told she will never be released from prison. The trial, which lasted 10 months, was marked by complex medical evidence and statistical arguments that took time to explain to the jury. Some of the evidence included notes written by Letby that read, "I AM EVIL I DID THIS" and "I killed them on purpose because I am not good enough," which the prosecution presented as confessions. However, other notes suggested a different state of mind, with Letby writing, "Kill myself right now … hate my life, fear, panic, despair, WHY ME? I haven’t done anything wrong."

Several experts have criticized the conviction, arguing that the reliance on statistical evidence and expert opinion on complex medical issues created an "unsafe" basis for the guilty verdicts. Peter Green, a mathematics professor at Bristol University, told The Economist that the conviction is "unsafe," while Philip Dawid, a statistics professor at Cambridge University, said it "leaves a bad taste in the mouth." Green and other experts argued in their booklet, "Healthcare Serial Killer or Coincidence?" that using statistical correlations to establish guilt was flawed, comparing it to "painting the target around the arrow."

Further complicating matters, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) admitted errors in the evidence initially presented about staff entries and exits at the neonatal unit, although they claimed these mistakes were corrected during the retrial. This has not quelled concerns among some experts who believe the conviction should be re-examined.

Channel 4 is set to produce a two-part documentary, "The Trial of Lucy Letby," directed by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Daniel Bogado. The series aims to explore the details of Letby's trial and the ongoing debates about her conviction. Meanwhile, a public inquiry into how Letby was able to commit her crimes on the neonatal unit will begin at Liverpool Town Hall.

As the public and legal community await the inquiry and documentary, Lynch's interest in Letby's case adds a poignant layer to his legacy. Known for challenging injustices, Lynch's tragic death has reignited discussions about fairness in high-profile cases.

The Lynch family, grieving the loss of both Mike and Hannah, expressed their gratitude to those involved in the rescue efforts. "The Lynch family is devastated, in shock, and is being comforted and supported by family and friends. Their thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragedy," a family spokesperson stated, asking for privacy during this time of grief.

Hannah Lynch, who had just completed her A-levels and was preparing to study English at Oxford University, was remembered for her kindness and academic excellence. “She was endlessly caring, passionately mad, unintentionally hilarious, and the most amazing, supportive, and joyful sister and best friend to me,” her sister Esme said. Her teachers also praised her as “one of the best English students in the country.”

As the investigation into Letby's case continues and the public inquiry looms, Lynch's untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding justice and the importance of thorough examination in high-profile cases.

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16 min
August 28, 2024 Jury Begins Deliberations in Robert Telles Murder Trial
A panel of jurors began deliberations on Monday in the high-profile murder trial of Robert Telles, the former Clark County public administrator accused of killing Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German in September 2022. Telles has been on trial since August 12, 2024, with the jury receiving all evidence by the end of last week.

State prosecutors argue there is overwhelming evidence connecting Telles to the murder, including DNA evidence discovered under German's fingernails. The prosecution contends that this evidence, alongside other testimony presented during the trial, proves Telles' guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Judge Michelle Leavitt provided the jurors with instructions to guide their deliberations. Channel 13 obtained a copy of these instructions, which consist of 32 specific directives outlining the legal parameters the jury must consider in reaching a verdict.

Following the judge's instructions, state prosecutor Pamela Weckerly delivered the closing arguments for the prosecution. Weckerly methodically reviewed all the evidence presented during witness testimony, highlighting the connections between Telles and the crime scene. She challenged Telles' claims of being part of a conspiracy, stating, "At the end of his testimony, he explained that he's a victim. Or maybe, it's not he was wronged. Maybe he's the one in the wrong."

Telles' attorney, Robert Draskovich, then presented his closing arguments, emphasizing the lack of definitive proof tying his client to the murder. Draskovich pointed to a screen grab from a surveillance video showing a Yukon Denali, suggesting that the person captured in the footage had hair, while Telles is clearly bald. "It's the state's burden, and the state's burden alone, to prove this case beyond a reasonable doubt," Draskovich argued, reinforcing the defense's position that there is reasonable doubt regarding Telles' involvement.

Prosecutor Christopher Hamner delivered a rebuttal, countering the defense's arguments and dismissing Telles' claims of a conspiracy involving the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and a real estate group, Compass Realty & Management. Hamner questioned the plausibility of such a wide-ranging conspiracy, asking the jurors, "Why would all these entities, government workers, and small business owners be willing to sacrifice everything to murder Jeff German?"
Hamner also addressed Telles' claim that the police were framing him, highlighting an incident where Detective Derek Jappe saved Telles' life while he was attempting to commit suicide during his arrest. "If Metro was in on a conspiracy to get Telles, why didn’t they let him die in a tub?" Hamner asked, challenging the logic of Telles' narrative. Throughout the rebuttal, Telles was visibly agitated, often putting his hand on his face, making facial expressions, and shaking his head.

Detective Jappe, who was investigating claims of bribery involving Telles and Compass Realty & Management at the time of German's murder, was present in the courtroom during the closing arguments, along with Detectives Taylor Tolliver and Justine Gatus. District Attorney Steve Wolfson and members of Jeff German's family also attended, as they have throughout the trial.

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21 min
August 27, 2024 Bryan Kohberger’s Defense Cites Juror Bias in Request to Move Trial
Bryan Kohberger, charged with the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students, faces a new legal battle as his defense team seeks to move his trial out of Latah County. Kohberger, who was arrested six weeks after the murders of Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Kaylee Goncalves, is set to go on trial in June 2025. However, his defense team argues that a fair trial is impossible in Latah County due to extensive pretrial publicity and potential juror bias.

In a recent filing, Kohberger’s defense team warned of the potential for violence if the alleged killer is acquitted. The defense conducted a phone survey of hundreds of potential jurors in Latah County, asking about their knowledge of the case and their reactions to a possible acquittal. The responses, the defense argues, reveal a significant bias against Kohberger.

The defense filing highlighted several alarming responses from Latah County residents when asked what they thought might happen if Kohberger was found not guilty. “They’d burn the courthouse down. Outrage would be a mild description,” one potential juror reportedly said. Another predicted, “They would probably find him and kill him.” Additional comments included fears of riots and so-called "good ole' boy justice" being meted out by vigilantes. "Riots, parents would take care of him," another resident responded.

These responses contrast sharply with those from Ada County, where the defense suggests the trial should be moved. When asked the same question, potential jurors in Ada County offered much more subdued predictions. “They would go on with life as always,” one said, while another remarked, “I think they would take it well.” A third simply stated, “I don’t know if there would be super strong feelings.”

The defense argues that these starkly different responses highlight the need to move the trial to ensure an impartial jury. They also point to the recent cases of Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow Daybell, who were tried for their roles in a series of high-profile deaths. Their trials were moved from Fremont County to Ada County due to concerns over pretrial publicity. The defense contends that the same rationale applies to Kohberger’s case, given the extensive media coverage and the strong emotions surrounding the murders of the four students.

Prosecutors, however, are resisting the request to move the trial. They argue that the murders were so high-profile and the media coverage so “pervasive and wide-ranging” that relocating the trial would not likely yield jurors who are unfamiliar with the case. According to the prosecution, finding a truly impartial jury would be challenging regardless of the trial's location, given the national attention the case has received.

The defense filing also underscores concerns about the potential for a biased jury pool in Latah County. “During its survey, Latah County residents acknowledged their own bias,” the filing states, referencing the heated responses gathered from local residents. In contrast, Ada County is presented as a more neutral venue where potential jurors seem less predisposed to expect violence or extrajudicial actions if Kohberger is acquitted.

The motion to move the trial will be argued at a hearing scheduled for August 29. As the legal teams prepare for this next step, the community and the nation continue to watch closely. The decision could significantly impact how Kohberger’s trial unfolds and whether the defense's concerns about bias and fairness are addressed.

Kohberger's trial, already marked by its high stakes and intense public scrutiny, now faces additional complications with this debate over its venue. The upcoming hearing will be a crucial moment in determining the trial's future and ensuring that justice is served in a manner that upholds the integrity of the legal process.

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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
9 min

About Hidden Killers Live! Daily True Crime News & Breakdowns

From the publisher's feed

Hidden Killers Live! is your daily true crime podcast delivering two hours of nonstop coverage every weekday. Hosted by Tony Brueski & Robin Dreeke this show dives into the most compelling stories in the true crime world — from murder trials and cold cases to criminal psychology, investigations, and the dark motives behind real-life crimes.