Hidden Killers Live! Daily True Crime News & Breakdowns

By Hidden Killers PodcastNews True Crime News Commentary

Favorites
60
Followers
Typical duration
25 min
per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

Hidden Killers Live! Daily True Crime News & Breakdowns episodes

August 06, 2024 Arkansas Mortuary Worker Pleads Guilty to Selling Stolen Body Parts
In a disturbing breach of trust and legal boundaries, Candace Chapman Scott, a 37-year-old former mortuary worker from Arkansas, has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the theft and sale of human body parts. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas made the announcement on Thursday, marking a significant development in a case that has shocked the medical and legal communities.

Scott was implicated in a scheme involving the transportation of body parts across state lines and conspiring to commit mail fraud. According to federal authorities, she was employed by a service provider contracted to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). This institution receives cadavers donated for medical research through its Anatomical Gift Program, which Scott exploited for her illicit activities.

The case unfolded when Scott, using a Facebook group for enthusiasts of "oddities," contacted a man from Pennsylvania on October 28, 2021. She introduced herself as a mortician associated with UAMS, revealing that her responsibilities included the cremation of medical cadavers. During their correspondence, Scott inquired if the man knew anyone interested in purchasing an embalmed human brain, setting the stage for a series of illegal transactions.

From October 31, 2021, to July 15, 2022, Scott sent 24 boxes filled with stolen body parts, including a human brain, heart, skullcap, kidneys, livers, hands, and a female pelvis with femurs, all of which she pilfered from UAMS. These parcels were transported via the U.S. Postal Service to her contact in Pennsylvania. In exchange, Scott received $10,625, transferred to her through PayPal.

The FBI intervened on July 13, 2022, with a search warrant executed at Scott's residence in Little Rock. Agents discovered numerous stolen body parts stored inappropriately in boxes and trash bags. Upon being questioned, Scott admitted her role in the transactions and her method of receiving payments.

As Scott awaits sentencing, the legal ramifications and the breach of ethical standards she perpetrated have ignited a discourse on the oversight of mortuary services and the protection of donated cadavers intended for scientific research. The trust placed in medical institutions by donors and their families has been severely undermined by this case, prompting calls for stricter regulations and oversight in the handling of anatomical gifts.

The implications of this case extend beyond the immediate legal consequences for Scott. It highlights critical vulnerabilities in the systems intended to honor and utilize the altruistic donations of bodies for medical science. As the community and the families affected by this breach seek justice, the case serves as a somber reminder of the need for vigilance and integrity in medical and mortuary practices.

Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Karen Read Trial, 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

10 min
August 05, 2024 Suspected Serial Killer Arrested in Mexico City Amid Shocking Discovery
A man suspected of multiple murders has been arrested in Mexico City, triggering a full-scale investigation after alarming evidence suggested he could be a serial killer. The suspect, known only as Miguel due to local privacy laws, is facing charges of murder and attempted murder following a gruesome attack earlier this week.

In a shocking revelation late Friday, Mexico City police detailed the sequence of events leading to Miguel's capture. The suspect allegedly attacked a 17-year-old girl in her apartment, sexually abusing and strangling her after her mother stepped out briefly. Upon her return, the mother encountered Miguel, who slashed her neck before fleeing the scene. Tragically, the teenager did not survive, though her mother remains in recovery.

Prompt action by the police, fueled by Miguel's proximity to the crime scene, led to his swift identification and arrest. A subsequent search of an apartment rented by Miguel uncovered a horrifying scene: investigators found bones, blood stains, a saw, cell phones, and the ID cards of multiple missing women. Most disturbingly, notebooks were retrieved, potentially containing detailed accounts of the acts Miguel perpetrated against his victims, city prosecutor Ulises Lara disclosed.

While the exact number of victims remains uncertain, local media suggest the evidence could link Miguel to anywhere from seven to 20 cases of missing women, pointing to a much larger and grimmer pattern of behavior. The discovery has reignited intense scrutiny of Mexico City's handling of cases involving missing women, with critics arguing that systemic failures often delay investigations until overwhelming evidence surfaces.

This is not the first time the city has dealt with serial killers targeting women. In 2021, another serial killer in a Mexico City suburb was captured only after the remains of 19 victims were found at his residence. The case was notably cracked following the disappearance of a police commander’s wife. Similarly, in 2018, a serial killer was apprehended while transporting a dismembered body in a baby carriage, having dumped most of his victims in vacant lots.

These chilling precedents highlight ongoing challenges in the region's criminal justice system, marked by a lack of funding, inadequate training, and insufficient professionalism among prosecutors. As the city grapples with the grim reality of another potential serial killer, questions mount over the need for systemic reforms to prevent such delayed responses to violent crimes, particularly against women.

The community and authorities hope that the arrest of Miguel will not only bring justice to the victims and their families but also serve as a catalyst for much-needed improvements in how missing persons cases are handled in Mexico City. The investigation continues as police work to identify all potential victims linked to this disturbing case.

Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
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
8 min
August 05, 2024 Documents and Videos Reveal Disturbing Details in Ruby Franke Child Abuse Case
The Washington County Attorney’s Office has unveiled a trove of videos and documents shedding light on the harrowing child abuse case involving popular parent blogger Ruby Franke. From diaries to disturbing videos, the evidence paints a grim picture of the abuse inflicted upon Franke's children and the religious fervor that allegedly fueled it.

Franke, alongside her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, faced charges related to the aggravated abuse of Franke's children, a case that unfolded with shocking revelations and subsequent legal action.

In the newly released documents, prosecutors underscore the role of "religious extremism" as a driving force behind the abuse perpetrated by Franke and Hildebrandt. Franke's handwritten diary entries chronicle months of torment inflicted upon her children, detailing tactics such as withholding food and oxygen, forcing outdoor confinement, and inflicting physical harm.

One particularly distressing video, released by the attorney’s office, captures Franke's 12-year-old son, malnourished and wounded, seeking help from a neighbor after escaping confinement. The footage offers a stark glimpse into the dire circumstances endured by the children.

Additionally, jailhouse calls between Franke and her estranged husband, Kevin Franke, reveal the emotional turmoil and denial that characterized the aftermath of her arrest. In a poignant exchange, Ruby attributes her predicament to the influence of evil forces, lamenting the loss of everything she holds dear.

"Satan has taken everything away from me that I love," Ruby expressed in one call, reflecting on her plight from behind bars. Her husband, Kevin, responded with reassurance, vowing to uphold truth within their family amidst the turmoil.

The case culminated in sentencing for Franke and Hildebrandt, with each facing prison terms for their roles in the abuse. Despite Franke's pleas and denials, evidence presented by prosecutors painted a grim portrait of the suffering endured by her children, underscoring the gravity of the charges.

As the details of the case continue to emerge, the community grapples with the implications of such egregious abuse and the pursuit of justice for the victims. The Washington County Attorney’s Office remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency and accountability, providing a sobering glimpse into the dark realities of child abuse and the quest for closure in its aftermath.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on 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 02, 2024 Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Fatal Stabbing on Apple River
The man convicted in the fatal stabbing of a teen during a violent encounter on the Apple River was sentenced on Wednesday to 20 years for that crime, along with lesser sentences for injuring four other victims that will be served at the same time.

Nicolae Miu was convicted by a St. Croix County jury for the murder of 17-year-old Isaac Schuman and the stabbings of four additional victims during the incident, which took place on the river in July 2022. At the time of the verdict, St. Croix County District Attorney Karl Anderson said Wisconsin state statutes call for a recommended sentence of up to 60 years for first-degree reckless homicide, while each of the four first-degree reckless endangerment convictions carries a recommended sentence of 7.5 years in prison plus another five of supervision.

On Wednesday, Judge R. Michael Waterman said a 45-year sentence was at the upper end of his options. After explaining the factors that went into his decision, the judge handed down a sentence of 20 years for the count of first-degree reckless homicide, along with 6 years of supervised release. Miu was credited for two years already served, meaning he will be 72 years old when eligible for release. Wisconsin no longer allows consideration for parole after a person has served two-thirds of a sentence.

Sentences for the stabbing of four others ranged from 5 to 6 years and will be served concurrently (at the same time) as the homicide sentence.

Waterman said his decision was made to balance the "series of very poor decisions" Miu made that day with the otherwise productive life he has lived and the positive impact he has made on friends and his community. The downward departure represents "punishment for what he did, but that also recognizes who he is and the circumstances of his crimes," Judge Waterman told the courtroom.

Miu was led into a packed St. Croix County courtroom Wednesday morning where family and friends of those stabbed in the river attack are making victim impact statements. First up was Schuman's mother, Alina Hernandez, who described Isaac as "a mother's dream," a kind, sensitive and talented human being who stepped in when he saw others in danger.

"He stole Isaac’s life and he stole my life," Hernandez told the courtroom. “I think about him constantly and the way his life was taken. Isaac didn’t die in an accident. He was murdered by a monster.”

"I hope that monster suffers as much as I do every day until he gets to hell,” she added.

Schuman's sister, Alexis Hernandez Lang, had both District Attorney Karl Anderson and the defendant tearing up during her statement, describing Isaac's lost promise. "He had brains and dreams and looks and it seemed like nothing could stop him, except for the defendant,” she said. “To continue going forward in my healing… I need to know the defendant and I will not share the same air beyond today. I ask for the highest sentence.”

Stabbing victim AJ Martin described embarking on a day with family members and friends he hadn't seen in years, and ending up with lifelong trauma and scars that won't heal after the near-fatal encounter with Miu.

“I was gutted and died for over 9 minutes that day over two separate times,” Martin recalled. “We went over there to help (the teens) and almost died for it.”

“This was without a doubt the worst day of my life,” he concluded.

Ryhley Mattison, who was also stabbed in the violent meeting with Miu, told the court via Zoom that she is unable to go out in public without having severe panic attacks. She described a growing sense of isolation and low energy that impacts her every day.

"In summary, being stabbed by Nic Miu has turned my life upside down," Mattison concluded.

After listening to the statements of his victims, Miu stood and addressed the court while choking back sobs, calling the death of Isaac "tragic and unimaginable."

"I never meant for this tragedy to occur," the defendant said. "My world is broken, my heart is very heavy. And I will never be the same carrying such a heavy burden inside."

"I am hoping that you appreciate how much I am sorry for the outcome of these events," Miu concluded, looking directly at the Schuman family. "I am very sorry."

Miu was on the Apple River with his wife and a group of friends when they encountered a group of younger tubers that included Schuman.

During the trial, both prosecutors and defense attorneys described the incident as alcohol-fueled. Miu claimed he was looking for a friend's lost phone when he walked up to the group of younger tubers. Video from the river captured the teens yelling, accusing Miu of "looking for little girls," and the conflict quickly escalated. A third group became involved in the escalating altercation. Madison Coen and Ryhley Mattison stood close to Miu in the video, and Miu said he "pushed [Coen] away from my face."

Others who were there say Miu actually punched Coen in the face. Several witnesses testified to seeing this interaction or hearing shouts of "he hit a girl," and then additional people gathered around the group, including stabbing victims Tony and Dante Carlson.

Immediately after the initial conflict, the defense says the groups of teens converged, pushing Miu backward into the water and taunting him with names such as "raper" and "pedophile." Once Miu stood up from the water, he took out his knife as seen in the video, though several witnesses said they didn't realize he had a weapon until after he started swinging.

While Miu's defense team said he feared for his life during the encounter and swung his knife in self-defense, the state insisted he had multiple opportunities to walk away and de-escalate the situation.

District Attorney Anderson said the video was important in gaining the convictions, but as crucial was what Miu did - washing and discarding the knife on the riverbank, walking (and not running) back to his group, and not saying a word to them about what just happened. The DA said Miu's lie about the boys pulling knives on him showed he understood the consequences of his actions and knew they weren't committed in self-defense.

"He wasn't afraid, he was angry," Anderson said.

Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
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
23 min
August 02, 2024 Family of Mica Miller Reaches Confidential Settlement with Estranged Husband Family of Mica Miller Reaches Confidential Settlement with Estranged Husband
The family of Mica Miller has reached a settlement with her estranged husband, South Carolina pastor John-Paul “J.P.” Miller, three months after her death. This resolution has been confirmed by multiple sources, including PEOPLE magazine.

“Today John Paul Miller, Solid Rock Church, Inc. and The Estate of Mica Francis Miller, along with the individual members of the Francis family, have reached a full and final Settlement Agreement,” stated Russell B. Long, attorney for Pastor Miller. The terms of the settlement remain sealed under a confidentiality agreement, ensuring that all related matters are considered settled, waived, or released.

“Mica’s family, Pastor Miller, and the Church have set their differences aside to allow Mica’s memory to live on,” Long explained. “All parties now consider this matter ‘closed.’”

Reflecting on the tragic circumstances, Long added, “Unfortunately, we do not know every piece of information leading up to the death of Mica. We do know that her life served a purpose. Those that have spent every Sunday morning protesting outside of Solid Rock Church, chanting ‘justice for Mica,’ should recognize this time of healing and move on with their lives. We only ask that you remember Mica as the wonderful, beautiful soul that she was.”

Regina Ward, the attorney representing Mica's family, expressed similar sentiments in statements to local media outlets The Post and Courier, The Sun News, and CBS affiliate WBTW-TV. “We do not want the Francis family or anyone to be dragged through litigation for years,” Ward said. “We want to put this behind us and move on to the next chapter that matters. When we say that we’ve gotten justice for Mica as a result of this settlement, it is true.”

Mica Miller's body was found at Lumber River State Park in North Carolina on April 27. Her death, ruled a suicide by the medical examiner, sparked widespread debate and online conspiracy theories. The Robeson County Sheriff’s Department had to address these theories, reaffirming the cause of death as suicide.

In a recent interview on Banfield Tonight on NewsNation, John-Paul Miller addressed the speculation surrounding his relationship with Mica. “It feels like people don’t care to hear the truth,” he said. He also denied allegations of tracking his late wife, slashing her tires, and posting a topless photo of her, despite a previous letter in which he appeared to apologize for such actions.

At the time of her death, Mica and John-Paul were in the process of divorcing, as reported by ABC 30. The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the couple was separated and estranged.

In the weeks leading up to her death, Mica had posted a video on Facebook discussing abuse and offering advice to those in abusive relationships. This video added another layer to the public's interest in her case and the subsequent settlement.

With this settlement, both families hope to move forward and remember Mica for the positive impact she had during her life.

Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
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
11 min
August 01, 2024 Pennsylvania Supreme Court to Hear Case on Contested Ruling of Ellen Greenberg’s Death
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court will hear arguments from the family of Ellen Greenberg, a beloved Philadelphia educator whose death in 2011 was officially ruled a suicide. Greenberg, a 27-year-old teacher at Juniata Park Academy, was found dead in her Manayunk apartment with over 20 stab wounds. Her parents have long contended that her death was not a suicide and have sought to overturn the official ruling, arguing that the investigation was mishandled.

"We don't believe our daughter committed suicide," Ellen's father, Joshua Greenberg, stated in an interview with Joe Holden last year.

After years of legal battles, the case has now reached Pennsylvania’s highest court. "The Pennsylvania Supreme Court only takes cases which it decides are significant enough from a social standpoint for it to consider," attorney Joe Podraza said in an interview with WHP-TV, a CBS-affiliated station in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The case was pending for about six or seven months before the attorneys were notified it was taking the case.

The court will hear arguments on a critical question posed by Podraza: "Whether coroners and medical examiners have absolute power, or can they be challenged when the evidence shows they are not only mistaken but grossly mistaken."

A neuropathologist hired by the city of Philadelphia testified that Greenberg was likely not alive when at least one of the stab wounds was inflicted. This finding suggests that the wound was inflicted posthumously. The neuropathologist noted there was no evidence of hemorrhage in her spinal tissue, which Podraza argues warrants changing the cause of death on Greenberg's death certificate from suicide to homicide or "cannot be determined," thus requiring further investigation. Podraza emphasized the broader implications of the case, stating, "How authorities rule on someone's death has a major impact."

"Compensation as a victim of a crime, you are compensated if it's a homicide rather than a suicide. For every citizen in this commonwealth, this case could potentially have a bearing at some point in their life or the lives of their family members, that's how important it is," he added.

The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office reviewed the case in 2019 and ruled the death a suicide. In 2022, the office under then-Attorney General Josh Shapiro reaffirmed that ruling after reviewing the case again between December 2021 and January 2022.

The case has garnered significant public attention, with more than 160,000 people signing a petition on Change.org asking for Greenberg's death certificate to be changed.

The news that the case would be heard by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court brought immense relief to Greenberg's parents. Podraza recounted, "The parents' lives have been turned upside down and frankly, they've been tortured over these 13 years in which the authorities have stonewalled them and done everything possible not to listen to what the parents are saying as to why their daughter did not commit suicide."

"It has worn both of them down," he added. With the case now on a briefing schedule, attorneys will start filing documents and making their arguments to the court. Podraza mentioned that the process could take over a year to play out.

"There are cases where issues arise which are strange, and they should not be pushed or brushed under the rug. And they should be looked at closely because everybody deserves justice under our system," Podraza said.

Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Karen Read Trial, 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

28 min
August 01, 2024 Ashley Benefield Found Guilty of Manslaughter in "Black Swan Murder Trial"
Ashley Benefield, the 32-year-old former ballerina accused of murdering her husband, was found guilty of manslaughter. The verdict was announced in a Manatee County, Florida courtroom. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

Benefield was originally charged with second-degree murder but was convicted of the lesser crime. The judge remanded her to the custody of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and revoked her $100,000 bond, per NBC News.

The case was dubbed the "Black Swan Murder Trial" based on the 2010 film Black Swan starring Natalie Portman as a ballerina in the midst of a psychological unraveling. Benefield was accused of fatally shooting her husband, 58-year-old Doug Benefield, in her mother’s Lakewood Ranch home in September 2020.

Prosecutors said that Ashley killed her estranged husband because she wanted sole custody of their young daughter and didn’t want him in their lives anymore.

“This case is about a woman who very early on in her pregnancy decided she wanted to be a single mother,” Assistant State Attorney Suzanne O’Donnell told the jury in her opening statement, according to The Post and Courier. “And she did not want the father of this child to have any visitation [and] … she would stop at nothing to obtain that goal.”

Her defense attorney argued that Ashley killed the former Navy veteran in self-defense. A jury has found Ashley Benefield guilty of manslaughter.

Ashley was on trial for the murder of her estranged husband Doug Benefield in 2020.

The prosecution argued that this was a planned murder so Ashley could have full custody of their daughter, while the defense claimed Ashley shot her husband in self-defense.

Ashley is facing 30 years in prison.

Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Karen Read Trial, 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

26 min
July 31, 2024 Scott Peterson to Break Silence in New Documentary "Face to Face with Scott Peterson" on Peacock
Scott Peterson, 51, is set to feature in an upcoming documentary that will mark his first interview in over 20 years. The documentary, titled "Face to Face with Scott Peterson," is scheduled to premiere on August 20 on NBC's streaming platform, Peacock. The trailer for the show was unveiled on YouTube on Monday, sparking renewed interest in Peterson's controversial case.

“The world’s media hung on every moment of the trial, and Scott was convicted and sentenced to death,” reads the show’s synopsis. “Case closed. Or is it?” This statement encapsulates the premise of the series, which aims to reexamine the case that captivated the nation when Laci Peterson went missing in 2002.

Peterson was convicted in 2004 for the murder of his pregnant wife, Laci, and their unborn son, Conner. He was initially sentenced to death, but his sentence was changed to life in prison in 2020. Despite the conviction, theories of Peterson’s innocence have persisted, and this documentary aims to explore these in depth.

The series will feature on-camera interviews with Peterson himself, as well as detectives from the Modesto Police Department and Janey Peterson, Scott Peterson’s sister-in-law.
The documentary will also highlight the efforts of Peterson’s new defense team, the Los Angeles Innocence Project, which has been actively seeking a new trial for him.

“Most think justice was served, but some don’t,” a title card in the trailer states, cutting to a shot of Janey Peterson, who has been a vocal advocate for Peterson's innocence. The documentary will delve into various theories purported by Janey Peterson and the LA Innocence Project, including the controversial "orange van theory."

The "orange van theory" posits that Laci was abducted by being pushed into a van at La Loma Park while walking her dog. A van with a bloodstained mattress inside was found, but DNA testing during the initial investigation did not link the evidence to Laci. A response from the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office stated that a male profile was developed and that “there is no legitimate DNA test that will turn the male profile into a match for Laci.”

Peterson's defense team has recently filed a motion requesting prosecutors to release over 600 items of material, extending his long-running bid for a new trial. This motion followed a decision by San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Hill, who rejected DNA testing for 13 items requested by Peterson's defense, allowing only one item to be tested.

Prosecutors have consistently argued that the evidence and aspects the LA Innocence Project aims to reexamine were thoroughly scrutinized during Peterson’s 2004 trial, subsequent appeals, and when his sentence was reduced. Given the extensive timeline and prominence of the case, along with Peterson’s multiple appeals and court appearances, there are thousands of pages of discovery items available for examination.

The documentary's exploration of these new theories and the legal maneuvers of Peterson’s defense team promises to provide a comprehensive look at one of the most infamous cases in recent history. "Face to Face with Scott Peterson" is expected to reignite debates about Peterson's guilt and the justice system's handling of his case.

"Face to Face with Scott Peterson" premieres on August 20 on Peacock.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Karen Read Trial, 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
July 31, 2024 Defense Witnesses Testify in Ashley Benefield Murder Trial
Defense witnesses took the stand Monday in the trial of Ashley Benefield, a 32-year-old former professional ballerina accused of murdering her husband, Doug, in 2020. Benefield’s defense, led by attorney Neil Taylor, aims to portray her as a frightened wife who acted in self-defense against an abusive husband.

Benefield herself testified last Friday, admitting to killing Doug but claiming it was in self-defense after he allegedly became physically abusive. On Monday, Taylor called several witnesses to support this defense.

The first to testify was Bruce Ferris, a mental health professional specializing in domestic and family issues. Taylor asked Ferris to determine whether Ashley's alleged behaviors fit the definition of a domestic abuse victim. Ferris affirmed that they did, citing actions such as “acting deferential and subservient during joint therapy sessions, but decisively different in individual sessions... being exposed to threats, intimidation, holding down, humiliating, cursing.”

“These are again techniques of compliance, not wanting to poke the bear,” Ferris explained. “They don't want anyone to know, and they don't want their abuser to be angry by disclosing.”

Next on the stand was Vincent Vizzaccaro, a Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch-based realtor. Doug had previously contacted Vizzaccaro about purchasing a home in Lakewood Ranch, near where Ashley lived. Judge Matt Whyte initially ruled Vizzaccaro's evidence, emails between him and Doug, as hearsay and temporarily dismissed him. However, after deliberation, Whyte overturned this decision, allowing Vizzaccaro to testify.

Vizzaccaro revealed that Doug wanted to buy a house directly behind Ashley’s while they were separated, suggesting a potential motive for control.

Dr. Jason Quintal, a counselor who worked with both Doug and Ashley, followed Vizzaccaro. Quintal shared his professional conclusions about Doug, stating that Ashley expressed fear towards him and that Doug maintained an “alpha-male” persona.

“Doug occurred as somebody who was domineering... super-controlling,” Quintal testified.

The testimony later shifted focus to the shooting incident itself. Michael Haag, a forensic shooting reconstruction expert, discussed the bullet trajectories. According to Haag, two bullets struck Doug from different angles, and other objects in the room were also hit by bullets, indicating that Ashley moved during the shooting.

“There’s not a physical possibility for the firearm to have been stationary between just those two shots,” Haag said.

Closing arguments from both sides are scheduled for Tuesday. Ashley Benefield faces charges of second-degree murder and could be sentenced to 25 years to life in prison if convicted.

Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Karen Read Trial, 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
July 30, 2024 Diddy Is Accused Of Paying $1M To Have Tupac Killed As His Name Appears 77 Times In Murder Docs
Embattled music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs' name has surfaced multiple times in court documents concerning the murder of the late rapper Tupac Shakur. The documents stem from a case against Duane "Keffe D" Davis, 61, who is accused of planning the 1996 drive-by shooting that took the life of Shakur in Las Vegas.

Davis had previously claimed that Diddy offered an individual $1 million to kill Shakur. However, Diddy remains not a suspect in the rapper's murder.

Back in 2009, Davis, who was accused of masterminding the drive-by shooting of Shakur, had an interview with the Las Vegas police. During the interview, he suggested that Diddy paid a high-level drug dealer, Eric Von Martin, a million dollars to assassinate Shakur. Those comments were recently cited in a filing to stop him from getting bail after his arrest last September on a charge of first-degree murder.

Shockingly, according to the Daily Mail, the documents that were filed named Diddy 77 times, most likely from Davis' continued claims that Diddy also had something to do with the murder of the late rapper. Despite the serious allegations, the record label owner is still not considered a suspect, and it is unclear if that status quo will change.

However, from all indications, Davis mentioning Diddy's name appears to be the major stumbling block to getting bail, as the prosecutors argued in their filing that he should be kept in jail because he previously implicated Diddy.

A transcript, which was part of the nearly 180-page-long documents, revealed the alleged reason why Diddy might have wanted Shakur murdered. In the transcript, Davis had told the authorities that Diddy offered to pay for the shooting to get back at then-record executive turned convict Marion "Suge" Knight. Knight was the co-founder and CEO of Death Row Records, the label to which Shakur was signed during the latter part of his career. He was also in the car with Shakur when the drive-by occurred.

"Puffy Combs…Does he play a role in this thing?…" The police had asked Davis during his 2009 interview, per the News Chronicle. At the time, Davis had replied, "Yeah, I think he did." Davis also claimed that the embattled rapper said he "would give anything" for Suge Knight's "head" because he was "scared" of him.

While Diddy might not be directly involved in Shakur's case at the moment, he is knee-deep in his own troubles. Several women have accused him of sexual harassment since his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura filed a sexual assault suit against the music mogul and quickly settled it. In addition to these legal cases, Diddy might also be facing federal charges of sexual trafficking, money laundering, and illegal activities in the near future.

Already, federal agents have videos taken from Combs' residences across the country, which were raided. Some individuals seen in the videos are being contacted and may testify before a grand jury to indict the rapper. Although it has been months since the raid, charges have yet to be brought because federal prosecutors want to ensure their case is bulletproof to prevent Diddy's lawyers from finding a way to get him off, per CNN.

#SeanDiddyCombs #TupacShakur #KeffeDavis #MarionSugeKnight #EricVonMartin #DeathRowRecords #CassieVentura

Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Karen Read Trial, 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

7 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.