Hidden Killers Live! Daily True Crime News & Breakdowns

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Hidden Killers Live! Daily True Crime News & Breakdowns episodes

July 17, 2024 Supporters of Ashley Benefield March in Bradenton Ahead of Ex-Ballerina Murder Trial
More than two dozen protesters gathered outside the Manatee County Courthouse in downtown Bradenton on Wednesday morning to support Ashley Benefield, a former ballerina accused of murdering her estranged husband. Benefield, 32, faces charges of second-degree murder for the death of her husband, Doug Benefield, a case set to go to trial on July 22.

The case has garnered significant media attention, inspiring podcasts, true-crime TV shows like CBS’s “48 Hours,” and drawing Court TV coverage. Ashley Benefield’s supporters argue that she acted in self-defense and that there should not be a murder trial.

Supporters, holding signs that read “We stand with Ashley,” “There is nothing illegal about defending your life,” and “Believe victims of domestic violence,” gathered to voice their disapproval of the charges. Barbara Russell, a social worker and mental health professional among the demonstrators, stated, “Ashley Benefield was doing what every American has a right to do, and that is defend her life in her own home.” She described the charges as a “miscarriage of justice,” adding, “That’s why people are out today demanding justice.”

On September 27, 2020, Ashley Benefield ran to a neighbor’s house in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, claiming she had shot her husband in self-defense. Doug Benefield, who was 58 at the time, had gunshot wounds to his right leg, right arm, and chest. He died later that night in the hospital. Four .45 caliber casings were found on the floor of Ashley's bedroom, along with a bullet on the floor and two more embedded in the walls.

Court documents reveal the Benefields had a history of domestic issues, including a contentious custody battle over their child. Ashley Benefield and her lawyer have argued she was a victim of Doug's repeated abuse, including stalking, physical violence, and an incident where Doug allegedly shot a gun into the ceiling.

However, Judge Whyte, following a Stand Your Ground hearing, ruled that Ashley was not entitled to immunity from prosecution. Prosecutors Suzanne O’Donnell and Rebecca Freel argued that Doug’s death was not a singular act of self-defense but the result of a "lengthy, concerted effort."

Catherine Dolan, who marched alongside her 13-year-old daughter, Carolina, expressed concern that prosecuting Ashley could discourage other domestic violence survivors from defending themselves. “This outcome is disheartening for survivors of domestic violence and victims’ advocates,” Dolan said. “I hope this case can lead to some positive change.”

Ashley Benefield’s lawyer, Neil Taylor, stated, “Our law firm supports and stands behind Ashley Benefield 100%,” emphasizing that “domestic violence is an epidemic in America and bias against women permeates all our institutions.”

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office previously stated that detectives found “no evidence that” Ashley Benefield “was acting in self-defense when she fired multiple shots at her husband” and that there were “no signs that she had been physically abused.”

Ashley Benefield appeared in court for a hearing this week, with her trial scheduled for July 22 at 8:30 a.m. If convicted, she faces up to life in prison for second-degree murder with a firearm, according to Florida Statutes.

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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 16, 2024 Guilty From The Grave: 1974 Murder Solved
Guilty From The Grave: 1974 Murder Solved
The decades-old mystery surrounding the death of a woman found nearly decapitated in Provincetown has finally been solved. Investigators have officially closed the case of the woman, known for nearly 50 years as the "Lady of the Dunes," after identifying her as Ruth Marie Terry and naming her husband, Guy Muldavin, as the suspect in her murder.

In a significant breakthrough made in October 2022, the FBI positively identified the "Lady of the Dunes" as Ruth Marie Terry. Her body was discovered in a sand dune on July 26, 1974, with her hands cut off and her head nearly severed from her body. The investigators used investigative genealogy to identify Terry, a resident of Tennessee. The FBI revealed that Terry had suffered a blow to the head and was most likely killed several weeks before her body was discovered.

The Massachusetts State Police took over the investigation from Provincetown Police in 1982. Terry's skull, which was kept in police custody and not buried with her other remains, was sent to labs for testing. In 2021, Othram was able to create a DNA profile that eventually led to a positive identification. The Chief Medical Examiner's Office issued Terry's death certificate on April 5.

The investigation then turned to Terry's husband, Guy Muldavin. The couple got married in Reno, Nevada, in either 1973 or 1974, and traveled to Tennessee to visit Terry's family. Muldavin and Terry traveled together in the summer of 1974, but Muldavin returned alone. He indicated to witnesses that Terry had passed away but told her brother that they had a fight during their honeymoon and he had not heard from her again.

The District Attorney's Office revealed that Muldavin was also believed to be the prime suspect in the disappearance of his ex-wife and stepdaughter in Seattle in 1960. Investigators determined that Muldavin was responsible for Terry's death in 1974.

Muldavin, who also went by the names Raoul Guy Rockwell and Guy Muldavin Rockwell, died in 2002. In November 2022, Massachusetts State Police announced they were seeking information about him. Detectives investigated the 1960 disappearance of his wife and stepdaughter and later found human remains in the septic tank of their home. Although Muldavin was arrested for unlawful flight and convicted of grand larceny, he was never charged in relation to the Seattle killings.

A news article dated December 1, 1960, reported that Muldavin was arrested in New York City after the mutilated bodies of Manzanina Mearns and her 18-year-old daughter, Dolores Ann Mearns, were found in the septic tank. The article noted that detectives found dismembered remains and other parts of human tissue. Dolores and Manzanita disappeared on April 1, 1960.

Muldavin was 78 years old when he died.

The resolution of this case brings a measure of closure to a mystery that has perplexed investigators for decades. Although Muldavin was never brought to justice for his crimes, the identification of Ruth Marie Terry and the determination of her killer have finally shed light on the dark events of the past.

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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
8 min
July 16, 2024 Alec Baldwin's Involuntary Manslaughter Case Dismissed: Judge Rules Evidence Was Hidden in Fatal 'Rust' Shooting
In a stunning turn of events, the judge in Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial dismissed the case Friday, agreeing with the actor's lawyers that prosecutors hid evidence that may have been linked to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western movie “Rust” in 2021.

"There is no way for the court to right this wrong," said First Judicial District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer. "The sanction of dismissal is the only warranted remedy." The dismissal was with prejudice, meaning the involuntary manslaughter case against the actor cannot be filed again.

Baldwin could have been sentenced to up to 18 months in prison if the jurors had unanimously agreed he committed the felony. The actor was rehearsing a scene at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe County on Oct. 21, 2021, when the prop revolver he was holding went off, killing Hutchins, 42, and wounding director Joel Souza.

The actor had pleaded not guilty. He claims that he was not aware the revolver contained a live round and that it discharged accidentally after he followed instructions to point it toward Hutchins.

Baldwin’s lawyers asserted that the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office took possession of live rounds of ammunition as evidence but did not record them in the official case file or reveal their existence to the actor’s defense team.

Kari Morrissey, the special prosecutor in the case, said the disputed ammunition was not linked to the case or hidden from Baldwin’s lawyers. She argued the bullets were not the same size or composition as the live rounds retrieved from the “Rust” set — including the one that killed Hutchins, 42 — and described the dispute as a “wild goose chase that has no evidentiary value whatsoever.”

Morrissey said after the ruling that she was disappointed by the court's dismissal and disagreed, but respects the decision.

"I believe the importance of the evidence was misconstrued by the defense attorneys," Morrissey told reporters outside court.

Asked if she believed she let the Hutchins family down, Morrissey said: "No, we didn't. We did everything humanly possible to bring justice to Halyna and to her family, and we're proud of the work that we did."

Alec Baldwin ‘Rust’ trial: Judge dismisses his involuntary manslaughter trial
Marissa Poppell, a sheriff’s office crime scene technician who testified this week, claimed the rounds were not hidden from Baldwin’s lawyers and pushed back on Baldwin lawyer Alex Spiro’s contention that the Colt .45 ammunition matched the round that killed Hutchins.

The Colt .45 rounds were delivered to the sheriff’s office in March by former police officer Troy Teske, a friend of Thell Reed, the stepfather of “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the same day she was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Hutchins’ death. The prosecution described Teske as a “good Samaritan.”

Gutierrez-Reed was sentenced to 18 months behind bars, but the dismissal of Baldwin’s case could lead to her conviction being overturned.

The actor and his team had already won a major legal victory this week when First Judicial District Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer ruled at a pretrial hearing Monday that his role as a co-producer on “Rust” was not relevant to the trial. The move prevented prosecutors from arguing that he bore a special responsibility on the set.

Baldwin was originally charged with involuntary manslaughter and a firearm enhancement charge, but the latter charge was eventually dropped. The charges were dismissed altogether in April 2023 as prosecutors cited “new facts in the case.” Then, in January, a grand jury indicted him on an involuntary manslaughter charge once again.

Baldwin’s lawyers asked the judge last month to toss the case, arguing that the firearm was badly damaged during forensic testing at an FBI lab. But that motion was denied.
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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
15 min
July 15, 2024 Former CBI DNA Analyst Admits to Data Tampering, Affecting Hundreds of Cases, Admits WHY She Did It
Yvonne "Missy" Woods, a former DNA analyst at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), admitted to tampering with data in hundreds of criminal cases to avoid taking additional steps in her analysis, according to a two-hour interview obtained by 9NEWS Investigates. This interview sheds light on the actions of Woods, who was once a celebrated figure in DNA testing.

In late 2023, an intern discovered discrepancies in Woods' work during a research project, leading to a deeper investigation. As a result, Woods, a veteran of 29 years at CBI, retired in lieu of termination. This interview marks the first time Woods has publicly explained her actions, which have had far-reaching consequences for families across Colorado.

CBI Assistant Director Kellon Hassenstab led the interview, aiming to uncover the extent of the problem. "We're really trying to determine how bad this problem is for us and what this may impact," Hassenstab said.

Woods often responded with "I don't remember" to many of the questions posed. When pressed about the gravity of her actions, Hassenstab remarked, "You literally can be the person whose work brings down CBI Forensic Services and I'm not even exaggerating that, and you've done a lot of good stuff, but the data indicates you've also done a lot of bad stuff too, and we don't have a time machine."

The investigation has revealed that Woods' actions impacted more than 650 cases, with a thorough review of her work from 1994 to 2008 still ongoing. The CBI report indicates that Woods cut corners and deviated from standard testing protocols, raising serious concerns about the reliability of her DNA testing. She tampered with evidence by altering or omitting test results from case files.

When asked why she manipulated the data, Woods candidly replied, "I think I'm burned out." She confessed to deleting data to avoid additional analytical steps and admitted that she concealed her activities from the technical review process.

"The implications were not even a thought, and I think that for that stuff it was like click done, move on, click done, move on," Woods explained. "I don't know any of these people. I don't have any reason to pick this one and not the next one that I took forward all the way through whatever."

Hassenstab inquired if she felt remorse for her actions. Woods responded, "I didn't even think about it. I didn't even think about it until five weeks ago." Her acknowledgment came after anomalies in her work were reported.

Currently, Woods is under criminal investigation to determine if she violated any laws. She stated that she accepted some responsibility because of "the thought of going down as a completely rogue analyst, as opposed to bucking up and owning [her] actions."

Woods' attorney, Ryan Brackley, has emphasized that Woods has never created or falsely reported a DNA match. The internal review supports this, as it did not find evidence of Woods falsifying DNA matches or fabricating DNA profiles.
This ongoing investigation aims to ensure that justice is served and that the integrity of the CBI's forensic services is restored.
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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
12 min
July 15, 2024 Former Assistant of Accused Long Island Serial Killer Speaks Out, 'It's Traumatizing'
In an exclusive interview with Eyewitness News, Donna Sturman, the former executive assistant of accused Long Island serial killer Rex Heuermann, has broken her silence, expressing her shock and disbelief at the accusations made against her former boss.

Sturman, who worked for Heuermann from 2017 to 2018 at his architectural office in Midtown, revealed her deep-seated trauma over the revelations, stating, "It's traumatizing. It's so unbelievable."

Recalling her tenure with Heuermann, Sturman highlighted the irony of DNA evidence linking him to the Gilgo Beach murders, citing a discarded piece of pizza crust she used to buy him. "It always kind of bothered me that he didn't eat the crust," she remarked.

Despite her years of working closely with Heuermann, Sturman admitted she never imagined him being accused of such heinous crimes. "To me, he was always so respectful," she stated, reflecting on her perception of her former employer.

Sturman vividly recounted the moment she learned of Heuermann's arrest last summer, describing the shock and surreal experience of seeing his name associated with the allegations. "Honestly, it was like moving in slow motion," she recalled.

Even witnessing the surveillance footage of Heuermann's arrest, his subsequent mugshot, and court appearances left Sturman overwhelmed. "It's seriously traumatizing," she emphasized.

Reflecting on her decision to work for Heuermann despite initial misgivings, Sturman revealed financial difficulties led her to accept the position. However, she never imagined the magnitude of the situation she would find herself in years later.

Sturman also shed light on her labor dispute with Heuermann, stating he never paid her overtime or vacation time. Despite filing a complaint with the New York State Department of Labor and winning a judgment of $20,000 in lost wages, Heuermann has failed to pay her to this day.

While Eyewitness News reached out to Heuermann's attorney regarding the unpaid wages, they declined to comment on the matter, leaving Sturman still grappling with the aftermath of her association with the accused serial killer.

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The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, 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
July 12, 2024 Sean "Diddy" Combs Under Federal Investigation for Sex-Trafficking Allegations
Sean "Diddy" Combs has engaged high-profile attorney Marc Agnifilo as a federal grand jury in Manhattan intensifies its months-long investigation into sex-trafficking allegations involving multiple accusers, as reported by Business Insider.

Agnifilo, a seasoned criminal attorney known for representing notorious clients such as Martin Shkreli and NXIVM cult leader Keith Raniere, confirmed that the investigation was initially triggered by allegations from R&B singer Cassie Ventura, Combs' former girlfriend. Ventura's lawsuit, which alleged that Combs coerced her into a "drug-fueled lifestyle" and forced her to engage in sex acts with male prostitutes, settled just one day after it was filed last November.

Agnifilo explained, "When Ventura's bombshell lawsuit settled so quickly, additional accusers came out of the woodwork," resulting in a sprawling investigation by prosecutors for the Southern District of New York.

Federal authorities have executed searches of Combs' residences in Los Angeles and Miami, seizing phones and computers in March as part of the ongoing probe. Despite the intensifying investigation, Agnifilo remains optimistic about the outcome. "We are firmly convinced that he did not violate any federal laws, and we hope we can work with prosecutors in reaching that conclusion," he stated.

The legal troubles for Combs have been mounting, with the Manhattan grand jury probe being the latest in a series of serious allegations. In May, CNN released a 2016 video showing Combs shoving, dragging, and kicking Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel. The video supported the claims of violence in Ventura's lawsuit, which Combs described as "inexcusable."

"I'm disgusted," Combs said in an apology following the video's release.

In addition to Ventura's claims, Combs is battling nine sex-assault lawsuits since November, the most recent filed by porn star Adria English in federal court in New York. English accuses Combs of sexual assault and harassment, alleging that he demanded she engage in sex with guests at his high-profile "white parties" from 2004 to 2009, charges which Combs denies.

Agnifilo emphasized the Southern District's careful approach, noting, "I think that the Southern District is appropriately taking its time and considering many different factors." He also highlighted that Combs has not yet spoken with prosecutors and that his legal team is in regular communication with them.

The high stakes of the investigation are evident as Combs' public appearances, including boarding his private jet and white-water rafting in Wyoming, have drawn criticism. Mitchell-Kidd, Ventura's attorney, commented, "It feels like Diddy is checking off some bucket list items because he knows the walls are closing in and the indictment is waiting in the wings."

Combs' legal history in New York dates back more than 20 years when he faced a high-profile trial for gun and bribery charges after a nightclub shootout. Represented then by Benjamin Brafman, Combs was acquitted after a six-week trial.

Brafman, who also represented Combs in the lead-up to Ventura's lawsuit, declined to comment on Combs' switch to Agnifilo, who was senior trial counsel at Brafman & Associates before the two parted ways in March.

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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

13 min
July 12, 2024 Special Prosecutor Asserts Alec Baldwin's Recklessness on 'Rust' Set In Opening Statement
Special Prosecutor Erlinda Ocampo Johnson began her opening statements by presenting her case against Alec Baldwin, alleging recklessness on the set of the film "Rust." Johnson's argument centered on Baldwin's failure to adhere to basic firearm safety protocols and his mishandling of the weapon that led to the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
"The evidence will show that someone who played make-believe with a real gun and violated the cardinal rules of firearm safety is the defendant, Alexander Baldwin," Johnson stated. She informed the jury that Baldwin had requested the "biggest gun" available for the movie and that the firearm was sold to the "Rust" set in "perfect" working order. Johnson emphasized Baldwin's repeated failure to conduct safety checks with the on-set armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, even citing footage of Baldwin during safety training "running around, shooting his gun."
Johnson described the critical day Hutchins was shot, highlighting Baldwin's failure to perform a safety check. "You will learn that one of the rounds in that revolver was a real round, and the evidence will show that Ms. Gutierrez then handed the gun to the defendant," Johnson said. "And what you will learn is that, once again, the defendant failed to do a gun safety check with this armorer."

Despite Baldwin's emphatic claim that he did not pull the trigger, the prosecution insisted this was not true. Johnson asserted that video footage would show Baldwin using the firearm on set multiple times without any mechanical issues. Additionally, forensic experts from the FBI confirmed the gun's functionality through multiple tests.

In contrast, Baldwin's defense, led by attorney Alex Spiro, argued that Baldwin committed no crime. Spiro shifted the focus to how a live bullet ended up on the "Rust" set, stating there was no evidence Baldwin was involved in this mishap or violated gun safety rules. "He was an actor, acting, playing the role of Harland Rust," Spiro said. He explained that the rules of gun safety are different on a movie set, where actors can act in ways that are otherwise dangerous in real life.
The defense played the scene from the church where Hutchins was shot, showing Baldwin as Harland Rust being approached by two men pointing guns at him. Spiro described the "Rust" set as relaxed and reassured the jury that Baldwin's gun was deemed "cold" multiple times. "No one had any idea that this venomous, toxic element had been inserted into this magic they were creating," Spiro stated. He placed the blame on the armorer and David Hall, the first assistant director, who was ultimately responsible for on-set safety.

Spiro highlighted the division of responsibility on a movie set, arguing that Baldwin's role was to act, not to ensure gun safety. He stressed that Baldwin had no knowledge of the live bullet in the gun. "On a movie set, you're allowed to pull the trigger, so even if he intentionally pulled the trigger, that doesn't make him guilty of homicide," Spiro told the jury.
The first witness, Santa Fe Police officer Nicholas LeFleur, testified about the chaotic aftermath of the shooting. LeFleur, the first law enforcement officer on the scene, expressed concerns about witnesses speaking to each other, potentially tainting their statements. He described setting up a crime scene perimeter and instructing Baldwin not to speak to others. However, footage showed Baldwin speaking about the incident, raising questions about whether he defied police orders.
Spiro's cross-examination of LeFleur focused on procedural mistakes, with the officer admitting that "hindsight is 20/20." Baldwin's defense continued to challenge the state's narrative, emphasizing the absence of clear evidence that Baldwin was responsible for the live bullet's presence on set.

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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

22 min
July 11, 2024 Tragedy Strikes BBC Commentator's Family: Suspect Apprehended After Triple Homicide
In a shocking incident, three women were killed by a man with a crossbow in a home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, England. The victims, identified as Carol Hunt, wife of BBC Racing radio commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Hannah and Louise, were found dead on the evening of July 9.

Hertfordshire Police revealed at a press conference on July 10 that the victims were 61, 28, and 25 years old. The police launched a manhunt for 26-year-old Kyle Clifford immediately after the tragic incident. Clifford was apprehended the following day, bringing a brief respite to the shaken community.

According to authorities, the horrific attack took place at the family's residence. "Officers attended alongside colleagues from the East of England Ambulance Service and on arrival, found three women with serious injuries. Sadly, despite their best efforts, the women, who are believed to be related, died a short time later at the scene," police said in a press release.

The BBC, where John Hunt is a prominent radio commentator, expressed deep sorrow. Heidi Dawson, controller of BBC Radio 5 Live, described the news as "utterly devastating." She added, "Our thoughts are with John and his family at this incredibly difficult time and we will provide him with all the support we can."

John Hunt's elder daughter, Hannah, 28, owned a beauty business called Hannah Grace Cosmetics, while 25-year-old Louise launched a dog grooming business called Groom & Glow during the Covid-19 pandemic. Their entrepreneurial spirit and contribution to the community are fondly remembered by those who knew them.

Chief Superintendent John Simpson addressed the media, stating that the police believe the attack was a "targeted incident." He mentioned that along with the crossbow, other weapons might have been used. "The manhunt also involves armed police officers and specialist search teams responding at pace in the wake of what has been a horrific incident," Simpson said.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that Clifford had briefly served in the armed forces, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation.

A neighbor recounted the chaos of the night, describing the heavy police and ambulance presence. "There was a lot of activity from the police and ambulance last night — there were over a dozen cars. There was an air ambulance. The road was closed way past midnight. There is no access into the road," said the 50-year-old resident. "It is a decent neighborhood. It is mostly retired people and professionals living here."

The incident has left the community in shock and mourning. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the motive behind this brutal act and bringing justice to the victims.

The tragic loss of Carol, Hannah, and Louise Hunt has not only devastated their family but also left a void in the lives of those who knew them. As the community grapples with this senseless act of violence, support and solidarity pour in for John Hunt and his surviving daughter.
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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 11, 2024 Queens Pizzeria Sparks Controversy with 'Gilgo Beach Serial Killer' T-Shirts
A Queens pizzeria is causing quite a stir with its new line of T-shirts featuring the accused Gilgo Beach serial killer, Rex Heuermann. The shirts, created by Pizza on the Point in Breezy Point, playfully reference the method of Heuermann's capture, which involved DNA found on a pizza crust.

"The Pizza is Amazing," the shirts read. "But make sure you finish the crust — Rex Heuermann, Gilgo Pizza Connoisseur."

While the pizza joint’s owners defend the shirts as a slice of Big Apple humor, some customers find the joke to be in poor taste. "That’s dark!" commented Breezy Point retiree Paul Fallon. "That’s beyond dark. That’s tasteless, and tasteless is not a good thing for a pizza parlor."

Customer Samantha K also expressed her disapproval. "Oh my God, take the picture off," she said. "It might be funny for some people but it’s really inappropriate. They should definitely take his picture off! That is some dark, dark humor."

The idea for the shirts came from the pizza shop’s owner, local restaurateur Tom McGoorty. Chef Stefano Ballato, who spoke on behalf of the shop, explained, "He has a very good sense of humor. He had them printed by his friends. He was born and raised here in Breezy Point."

Pizza on the Point is a popular eatery in Breezy Point and is known for its laid-back atmosphere. "Most of the people here are relaxed," Ballato said. "If you go to Manhattan, you can’t make nobody happy. Always someone finds a problem, a way not to be happy. They don’t appreciate nothing funny. Not here, no worry in the world. They’re all good here."

Ballato mentioned that the pizzeria has been giving the shirts away to regular customers and might start selling them due to their growing popularity. "This is America," he said. "The tragedy becomes comedy after time, like Saturday Night Live."

Despite the controversy, many customers find humor in the situation. "I think it’s hilarious," said customer Alyssa Kotzman. "I really like the way the shirt was laid out. Now that I know I’m definitely going to eat the crust!"

Another local, a municipal worker who only identified himself as Brian, also appreciated the humor. "It’s funny," he said. "It’s a little dark. Dark humor, but definitely New York humor."

Breezy Point local Chris Reed agreed, adding, "It doesn’t bother me. You gotta make fun of things. You can’t always be a tight ass."

Rex Heuermann, a married Massapequa Park architect, is charged with killing six sex workers who went missing as early as 2000. Their bodies were discovered along a desolate stretch of waterfront along Ocean Parkway. The cases went unsolved for over a decade until Heuermann’s arrest last year, which was partly due to DNA evidence found on a pizza crust.

As the debate continues, Pizza on the Point remains at the center of a discussion about the limits of humor and the appropriateness of making light of a serious criminal case.

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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

8 min
July 10, 2024 Karen Read’s Defense Claims Jury Agreed to Acquit on Two Charges Before Mistrial
In a bombshell development, Karen Read’s defense team has filed a motion asserting that the jury unanimously agreed to acquit her of two of the most serious charges before a mistrial was declared. Read, who was accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend by striking him with her SUV and leaving him in a snowstorm, was charged with second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter while driving under the influence, and leaving the scene of a collision causing injury or death.

After a month-long trial, the jury deliberated for more than 24 hours over five days before Judge Beverly Cannone declared a mistrial on July 1. Yesterday, Read’s attorneys, Alan Jackson and David Yannetti, filed a motion to dismiss two of the three charges.

The motion, reviewed by Court TV, claims that the jury had unanimously voted to acquit Read on two charges, including second-degree murder, before telling the judge they were deadlocked. According to the motion, the defense attorneys “began receiving unsolicited communications from three of the twelve deliberating jurors indicating in no uncertain terms that the jury had a firm 12-0 agreement that Ms. Read was not guilty of two of the three charges against her, including the charge of murder in the second degree.” The jury also allegedly agreed to find Read not guilty of leaving the scene of a fatal crash.

Despite this, when Judge Cannone declared the mistrial, there was no public polling of the jury, so no court record exists to confirm whether the jury had unanimously agreed on any charges. One of the issues raised in the motion is that after receiving a note from the jury on July 1 stating they were unable to reach a verdict, the court declared a mistrial “without providing any opportunity for defense counsel to be heard.” The judge also failed to ask the jury whether it was deadlocked on one, two, or all three of the charges in the indictment.

The defense motion argues that Read cannot face retrial for the two charges on which the jury would have found her innocent, saying she is protected by the Double Jeopardy clause in the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits anyone from being prosecuted twice for the same crime after a verdict is reached.

“If the judge is unwilling to dismiss the two charges against Ms. Read, the motion alternatively requests that the court conduct a voir dire of the jury and/or an evidentiary hearing to substantiate the existence of an acquittal,” the motion states.

This motion adds another layer of complexity to an already high-profile case, as the defense seeks to ensure that Read is not retried for charges the jury allegedly acquitted her of in their private deliberations. The court’s response to this motion will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for the case and the application of the Double Jeopardy clause in future trials.

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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
9 min

About Hidden Killers Live! Daily True Crime News & Breakdowns

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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.