Hidden Killers Live! Daily True Crime News & Breakdowns

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Hidden Killers Live! Daily True Crime News & Breakdowns episodes

June 04, 2024 Canadian Serial Killer Robert Pickton Dies After Prison Assault
Robert Pickton, one of Canada's most notorious serial killers, has died following an assault in prison, authorities announced on Friday. Pickton, 74, was attacked on May 19 at the Port-Cartier Institution in Quebec and succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

The Correctional Service of Canada confirmed Pickton's death in a statement, noting, “We are mindful that this offender’s case has had a devastating impact on communities in British Columbia and across the country, including Indigenous peoples, victims, and their families. Our thoughts are with them.”

Pickton, also known as "Willie," was convicted in 2007 of six counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with the maximum parole ineligibility period of 25 years. His crimes involved luring female victims to his pig farm during a crime spree in the late 1990s and early 2000s near Vancouver. The case gained international attention due to the gruesome nature of his actions and the high number of victims.

The remains or DNA of 33 women were discovered on Pickton’s farm, and he once boasted to an undercover officer about killing a total of 49 women. During his trial, a witness testified that Pickton described how he strangled his victims and fed their remains to his pigs. Health officials even issued a tainted meat advisory, warning neighbors who might have bought pork from Pickton’s farm that it could contain human remains.

Cynthia Cardinal, whose sister Georgina Papin was among Pickton's victims, expressed relief at the news of his death. “This is gonna bring healing for, I won’t say all families, I’ll just say most of the families,” she said. “I’m like — wow, finally. I can actually move on and heal and I can put this behind me.”

The police investigation into the Pickton farm began more than 22 years ago in the Vancouver suburb of Port Coquitlam. It turned into a years-long probe into the disappearances of dozens of women, many of whom were sex workers or drug addicts marginalized by society. Vancouver police faced criticism for not taking the missing persons cases seriously due to the victims' backgrounds.

A 51-year-old inmate is currently in custody for the assault on Pickton, according to police spokesman Hugues Beaulieu. The Correctional Service of Canada has launched an investigation into the attack. “The investigation will examine all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the assault, including whether policies and protocols were followed,” the service stated.

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc also commented on the incident, stating, “Earlier today, I was made aware of the death of an inmate at Port-Cartier Institution. At this time, my thoughts are with the families of the victims of this individual’s heinous crimes.”

Pickton's confirmed victims included Sereena Abotsway, Mona Wilson, Andrea Joesbury, Brenda Ann Wolfe, Georgina Papin, and Marnie Frey. The tragic legacy of his crimes continues to impact the families and communities affected.

British Columbia Supreme Court Justice James Williams, during Pickton’s sentencing, described the case as one that “properly warrants the maximum period of parole ineligibility available to the court.” The conclusion of Pickton’s life in prison marks the end of a dark chapter in Canadian criminal history, but the pain and memories of his actions remain with those who lost loved ones.

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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
8 min
June 03, 2024 Judge Approves Limited DNA Retesting in Scott Peterson Murder Case, Denies New Evidence Review
Nearly two decades after Scott Peterson’s conviction for the murders of his wife, Laci, and their unborn son, Conner, a California judge has ruled to permit limited DNA retesting in the high-profile case. On Wednesday, San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Hill allowed the retesting of DNA on duct tape found on Laci Peterson’s pants but denied the testing of other new and prior evidence.

Peterson, who was convicted in 2004 and originally sentenced to death, has been fighting for a new trial with support from the Los Angeles Innocence Project, which took up his case in January. The hearing on Wednesday marked a significant moment in Peterson’s ongoing bid to prove his innocence, although it fell short of granting all the requests made by his defense team.

Judge Hill's decision to allow retesting of the duct tape, approximately 15 inches long, is a partial victory for Peterson's defense. The duct tape “was found adhering to Laci’s pants on her right thigh,” and a section of it had previously undergone DNA testing, revealing the presence of human DNA, though no profile could be obtained. This new testing could potentially provide crucial information regarding the actual perpetrator.

However, the judge made it clear that her ruling was strictly about the evidence and not about granting Peterson a new trial. "This determination is solely about the evidence in question," Hill stated, underscoring the limited scope of her decision.

The defense team's broader requests included DNA testing on stains found on a mattress discovered in a burned-out van and examining evidence from a burglary that occurred near the Peterson home around the time Laci disappeared. The defense suggested that Laci might have encountered the burglars and was murdered because she witnessed the crime. These requests were denied, leaving the duct tape as the sole piece of evidence permitted for retesting.

“We were right then and we are right now,” stated Dave Harris from the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s office. “It is inappropriate for the defense to continue to try and find things to drag this case out. The state of California has a powerful interest in the finality of its judgments.”

Scott Peterson reported his pregnant wife missing from their Modesto, California, home in December 2002. Less than four months later, the bodies of Laci and Conner were found washed up in the San Francisco Bay. Prosecutors alleged that Peterson's motive was to escape married life and impending fatherhood.

After a nearly six-month trial in 2004, Peterson was found guilty of first-degree murder for Laci's death and second-degree murder for Conner's death. The jury recommended the death penalty, which was initially upheld by Judge Alfred Delucchi. However, following Governor Newsom’s 2019 moratorium on executions, Peterson's death sentence was overturned by the California Supreme Court in 2020. He was resentenced to life without parole in 2021 after the court found that a juror failed to disclose her involvement in other legal proceedings.

In 2023, Peterson's attorneys filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus, alleging violations of his constitutional rights and claiming actual innocence supported by new evidence. The Los Angeles Innocence Project, which works to exonerate wrongfully convicted individuals, announced it was investigating Peterson’s claims.

“Scott Peterson deserves a thorough review of all the evidence, including those pieces that were previously ignored or overlooked,” said a representative from the Innocence Project.

While the judge's ruling on Wednesday limits the scope of new evidence testing, it keeps Peterson's case in the public eye and continues to stir debate about his guilt or innocence. As the duct tape undergoes retesting, both the defense and prosecution prepare for the next steps in this ongoing legal battle.

The outcome of this DNA retesting could provide new insights or reaffirm the original conviction, but for now, Scott Peterson remains behind bars, serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

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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

10 min
June 03, 2024 Illinois Man, A Former Assistant State Attorney, Faces Federal Charges for Threatening Social Media Posts
Samuel J. Cundari, a 30-year-old former assistant state’s attorney from DuPage County, Illinois, has been charged with transmitting threats of violence over social media, according to a May 24 press release from the U.S. attorney’s office for the Central District of Illinois.

Cundari is accused of posting threats on X, formerly known as Twitter, in March and May. These threats included graphic and violent language directed at state representatives involved in gun-control legislation and an implied bomb threat in response to an advertisement for Springfield’s PrideFest.

One of Cundari's posts, dated March, tagged two Illinois state representatives, the Illinois attorney general, three gun-control groups, and a volunteer with one of the groups. The post read, “Our patience grows short with you. The day we put your kids feet first into a woodchipper so we can enjoy their last few screams is coming.”

Democratic Illinois State Rep. Bob Morgan, a sponsor of the assault weapons ban, confirmed to the Chicago Sun-Times that he was among the targeted lawmakers. The threats were serious enough to prompt a federal investigation.

In May, Cundari made another alarming post, which appeared to be a response to an advertisement for Springfield’s PrideFest. It read, “I sure hope NOBODY leaves a pressure cooker filled with ball bearings, glass and nails, filled with diesel fuel and fertilizer, with the over pressure safety valve disabled, near a natural gas line. That would be VERY sad and VERY unfortunate.”

According to an affidavit by an FBI agent, Cundari admitted to making these posts, claiming they were jokes intended to “get the goat” of another user. Despite his intent, the nature of the threats led to significant legal consequences.

A spokesperson for the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office told Law360 that Cundari was fired upon the discovery of the allegations. He had been working in the office’s misdemeanor division for 16 months.

“These types of threats are taken very seriously, and we will not tolerate this kind of behavior from anyone, especially those in positions of public trust,” said a spokesperson from the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office.

The case has garnered significant attention from local media, including the Chicago Sun-Times and Law360, highlighting the gravity of the charges and the broader implications for public safety and trust in public officials.

Cundari now faces a federal charge of transmitting a threat to injure another person in interstate commerce. If convicted, he could face severe penalties under federal law.

#SamuelJCundari #DuPageCounty #GunControl #SocialMediaThreats #FederalCharges #BobMorgan #SpringfieldPrideFest
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
7 min
May 31, 2024 GUILTY- Jury Deliberates Fate of Chad Daybell in High-Profile Murder Trial
The jury in the Chad Daybell murder trial has begun deliberations after hearing closing arguments and receiving detailed instructions on the charges. Daybell faces accusations of conspiracy to commit murder and grand theft by deception in connection with the deaths of Tylee Ryan, JJ Vallow, and Tammy Daybell.

Prosecutors Lindsey Blake and Rob Wood presented a comprehensive rebuttal closing argument, emphasizing Daybell's pivotal role in a conspiracy that led to the tragic deaths. Blake highlighted text messages between Daybell and Lori Vallow, revealing their belief in "zombies" and "death percentages," concepts they allegedly used to justify the killings.
"Chad says who’s dark, Chad says death percentages, and three bodies are located on his property. Three obstacles that were in their way," Blake stated, referencing a clip of Daybell in the back seat of a police car saying, "I’m not coming back."

The prosecution played several recordings, including a patriarchal blessing Daybell gave to Alex Cox, Lori Vallow's brother. Blake emphasized the message, "Alex had already helped him in ways they could never repay." The prosecution also showed a text message exchange where Chad referred to relatives as "obstacles."

Defense attorney John Prior countered, arguing that Chad Daybell's actions and beliefs were taken out of context. Prior insisted that Daybell's religious beliefs did not equate to a criminal conspiracy.

"It can’t be an agreement that we have consistent religious beliefs," Prior said, stressing that there was no direct evidence linking Daybell to the physical act of murder.

Prior also focused on the lack of DNA evidence on the tools used to bury Tylee and JJ and questioned the credibility of key witnesses, including Melanie Gibb and Zulema Pastenes. He argued that the investigation was flawed and relied too heavily on speculative and circumstantial evidence.

Judge Steven Boyce provided the jury with 41 instructions, including definitions of conspiracy, aiding and abetting, and reasonable doubt. He reminded jurors that the state must prove every element of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. "The state has to prove that Chad Daybell, with Lori Vallow, Alex Cox, or other co-conspirators, entered into some sort of an agreement to kill the children and to kill Tammy Daybell," Boyce instructed.

The jury was sequestered for deliberations, ensuring they remain isolated from outside influences. Five alternates were also randomly selected and sworn in, ready to step in if needed. "If there is reasonable doubt, and there is reasonable doubt, you must return a verdict of not guilty," Prior concluded in his closing argument.

As the jury deliberates, the community awaits the outcome of this high-profile case that has captivated national attention. The fate of Chad Daybell now rests in the hands of the jurors, who must sift through weeks of testimony and evidence to reach their verdict.

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
18 min
May 30, 2024 Prosecution Concludes Rebuttal Witnesses in Chad Daybell Trial as Jury Instructions Near
The trial of Chad Daybell continued with significant developments as the prosecution presented its final rebuttal witnesses, bringing the high-profile case closer to conclusion. Key testimonies from medical experts and investigators provided crucial insights into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Tammy Daybell, JJ Vallow, and Tylee Ryan.

Judge Boyce opened the courtroom to the jury and addressed a pending issue about a proposed witness, Janice Olsen, who claimed to have heard Tammy Daybell discussing increasing her life insurance. After deliberation, Boyce decided to exclude Olsen’s testimony, citing concerns about its relevance and her potential bias after watching parts of the trial.

Dr. Erik Christensen, a retired medical examiner, resumed his testimony, reiterating that Tammy Daybell’s death was not accidental, natural, or a suicide. "There were bruises on her arms and chest, but her heart and other organs were normal," Christensen testified, dismissing the possibility of death due to toxicological issues, seizures, or cardiac arrhythmia. He concluded that Tammy's death was caused by asphyxia, labeling it a homicide.
Defense attorney John Prior cross-examined Christensen, questioning why certain details, such as minor lung inflammation, were not highlighted in his report. Christensen responded that the inflammation was insignificant and did not contribute to the cause of death.

Retired detective David Stubbs took the stand next, presenting evidence from Chad Daybell’s Google search history. Stubbs revealed that on January 3, 2019, someone using Chad Daybell's account searched for information on how to turn off location services on an iPhone. "A request was made on August 24, 2019, to delete all GPS history from the chad.daybell account," Stubbs testified, noting that such actions could be indicative of attempts to conceal illicit activities.

During cross-examination, Prior suggested that the searches could have been made by Tammy Daybell, who was more tech-savvy and used Apple devices. Stubbs acknowledged the possibility but reiterated that the searches were conducted through Chad’s account.

Lt. Ray Hermosillo from the Rexburg Police Department provided testimony about the investigation into the disappearance of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan. He detailed how the children were eventually found buried on Chad Daybell’s property. Hermosillo also mentioned that he drove by the Daybell residence frequently, partly because his dry cleaning business was nearby and partly due to the ongoing investigation.

Hermosillo recounted seeing Emma Murray, Daybell's daughter, at a gym but noted he did not interact with her. His testimony reinforced the prosecution’s narrative of Chad Daybell’s involvement in the children’s deaths.

The prosecution wrapped up its rebuttal witnesses, and Judge Boyce announced the next phase: jury instructions. "Closing arguments will be conducted tomorrow," Boyce stated, signaling the trial’s imminent conclusion. The jury was excused for the day, and the courtroom was cleared for administrative actions and further discussions on jury instructions.

With the rebuttal witnesses concluded, the Chad Daybell trial is poised for its closing arguments. The testimonies of Dr. Christensen, Detective Stubbs, and Lt. Hermosillo have bolstered the prosecution's case, setting the stage for the jury's deliberations. As the trial progresses, the legal community and public alike are keenly observing the proceedings, awaiting the final verdict in this complex and highly publicized 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
16 min
May 30, 2024 Brian Higgins Testifies About Phone Disposal Amid John O’Keefe Death Investigation
Brian Higgins, an agent with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), testified on Tuesday regarding the disposal of his cellphone during the investigation into John O’Keefe’s death. This testimony provided crucial insights into the defense’s case, which argues that Karen Read is not responsible for O’Keefe’s death.

Higgins admitted he disposed of his phone and possibly the SIM card in a dumpster at a military base without consulting anyone or receiving a written cancellation of the preservation order for his phone. "I didn’t know whether I removed the SIM card when I got rid of my phone, but if I did do so, I either cut the SIM card or broke it," Higgins stated.
Defense attorney David Yannetti questioned Higgins about the disposal process. "Then you drove to a military base and you threw both the destroyed SIM card and the phone into a dumpster, didn’t you?" Yannetti asked. Higgins confirmed he was driving through a military base on Cape Cod and believed he put the destroyed SIM card and phone into a dumpster there.
Higgins further testified that he didn’t transfer anything from his old phone to his new one, including photos, videos, and possible text messages with members of the Albert family, who owned 34 Fairview Road at the time.

On redirect, Higgins told Assistant District Attorney Adam Lally that he didn’t have much saved on his personal phone. “In the sense that I’m divorced, I don’t have kids, I didn’t have the typical memories that somebody would’ve had on their phone that they wanted to preserve,” Higgins explained.

Higgins revealed that a call from the target of an investigation in July 2022 made him reconsider keeping his old phone number. “I had a lot of concerns, so July of ’22 is when I probably started thinking about, ‘You know what, I’ve got to get rid of the telephone number itself,’” he said. Higgins confirmed he changed his personal phone number on Sept. 29, 2022 — one day before receiving a court order to preserve the phone, which Karen Read’s lawyers were seeking as evidence. He testified he got rid of his old phone "about two months after that," because it was "beaten" and he had already obtained a new one.

O’Keefe’s niece provided testimony, revealing that Read was frantic and screaming when she awoke around 4:30 a.m. on January 29, 2022. Prosecutors indicated Read directed the niece to call Jennifer McCabe, a friend, during which Read changed her story multiple times about what happened to O’Keefe. McCabe testified that Read was screaming during the call, saying, “John didn’t come home, they got into a fight, and that she left him at the Waterfall,” a bar where they’d been drinking the previous night.

Testimony from Minors
The testimonies of O’Keefe’s niece and nephew were not live streamed or recorded due to their minor status. In 2022, the children, then aged 14 and 10, told investigators that Read and O’Keefe argued frequently toward the end of their two-year relationship. O’Keefe’s niece recalled her uncle telling Read “that their relationship had run its course and that it isn’t healthy,” according to prosecutors.

Defense’s Position
Read’s defense team has suggested a conspiracy among witnesses and law enforcement, arguing that others, including Higgins, are responsible for O’Keefe’s death. Despite Higgins’s testimony, Read's lawyers remain focused on proving their theory that someone else is responsible for the crime.

Higgins’s testimony adds a complex layer to the ongoing trial, highlighting the defense’s strategy of implicating other individuals in O’Keefe’s death. As the trial continues, further witness testimonies and cross-examinations are expected to shed more light on the case.
KAREN READ TRIAL IS NOW OFF UNTIL TUESDAY JUNE 4TH 2024

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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
May 29, 2024 Sixth Accuser Brings Forward Assault Allegations Against Sean 'Diddy' Combs
In a new lawsuit filed in the Supreme Court of New York, April Lampos has come forward with accusations against Sean 'Diddy' Combs, alleging he drugged and sexually assaulted her in the 1990s. This marks the sixth woman to file assault claims against the hip-hop mogul.

Lampos, a former student at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), detailed in the lawsuit four “terrifying sexual encounters” with Combs. She claimed these incidents occurred after they met in 1994 while she was pursuing her studies in New York City.

Lampos accused Combs of forcing her to take ecstasy and engage in sexual acts with him and his then-girlfriend, Kim Porter. She also alleged retaliation from Porter, which led to Lampos losing her job.

According to the lawsuit, their first “horrific” encounter happened in 1995 when Combs “pressured” Lampos to drink at a bar in New York City before taking her to his hotel, where he allegedly raped her despite her attempts to resist.

Following this incident, Lampos claimed Combs sent her “gifts, cards, and flowers” and leveraged his power in the music industry to lure her back. She recounted another assault where Combs “yanked her down to her knees” and forced her to perform oral sex on him in front of a parking garage attendant.

Lampos described a relationship characterized by Combs’s manipulation and threats. She said he used his connections and influence in the music industry to ensure her compliance with his demands.

A particularly distressing encounter occurred in 1996 when Combs allegedly forced Lampos and Porter to take ecstasy at his Manhattan apartment. Despite her vocal opposition, Combs “demanded” that Porter engage in sexual acts with Lampos, eventually leading to another alleged rape by Combs.

The lawsuit also detailed Lampos’s final encounter with Combs around the end of 2000 or early 2001. After ending things with him in 1998, she ran into him at Rockefeller Center, where he expressed a desire to reconnect. Lampos eventually allowed him to visit her apartment, where he allegedly assaulted her again.

Lampos claimed that Combs’s behavior had not changed, and she asked him to leave her apartment, knowing he was in a relationship with Jennifer Lopez at the time.

Lampos is seeking unspecified damages for battery, sexual assault, negligent infliction of emotional distress, and violation of the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law. Representatives for Combs and Lampos’s attorneys did not immediately respond to requests for comment from PEOPLE.

These allegations come on the heels of similar claims by Combs’s ex, Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura, who released a statement following the publication of a video showing her being physically abused by Combs in 2016. “Domestic Violence is THE issue. It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become. With a lot of hard work, I am better today, but I will always be recovering from the past,” she wrote.

Combs is currently facing multiple sexual assault and harassment lawsuits from four other women and one man, adding to the growing legal challenges confronting the music and business mogul.

As the legal proceedings unfold, these allegations bring to light a troubling pattern of behavior alleged against Sean 'Diddy' Combs. The claims made by April Lampos contribute to the broader narrative of abuse and misconduct surrounding the high-profile figure, emphasizing the ongoing impact of these serious accusations on the victims involved.
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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
10 min
May 29, 2024 Explosive Testimony from Brian Higgins in John O’Keefe Death Investigation
Brian Higgins’s testimony reached a dramatic climax on Friday when defense attorney Alan Jackson accused him of discarding his phone and SIM card during the investigation into John O’Keefe’s death. “That is not correct,” Higgins firmly responded to Jackson’s allegation. Judge Beverly Cannone promptly ended the session without allowing further questions.

Higgins is one of three individuals Karen Read's lawyers have named in their theory that someone other than Read is responsible for O’Keefe's death. Earlier in the session, Higgins admitted to exchanging flirtatious texts and sharing a kiss with Read while she was dating O’Keefe. During cross-examination, Jackson scrutinized Higgins’s actions and phone records in the critical hours following O’Keefe’s death.

Higgins confirmed seeking advice about phone data extraction from a friend in the FBI’s regional computer forensics lab. “I asked him how I could pull text strings off my cellular telephone for the purpose of providing them to law enforcement,” Higgins testified, acknowledging that he could have handed over the entire device to the police.
Jackson pressed Higgins on whether he knew that federal regulations prohibit using one’s public office for personal gain. Higgins said he was unaware of this regulation. He also revealed that he no longer possessed the phone he had in 2022. “You’ve destroyed that phone, haven’t you?” Jackson asked. “No, I threw the phone away,” Higgins replied. “Well, that’s destroying the phone, isn’t it?” Jackson countered, to which Higgins responded, “I had every right to do that.”

Higgins stated that he likely cut or broke the SIM card before disposing of the phone but did not wipe any data from it. He confirmed receiving a notice on Sept. 30, 2022, preventing him from altering or destroying anything on his cellphone, although he switched phone carriers and numbers a day earlier.

In a pivotal moment, Jackson grilled Higgins about late-night phone calls with Brian Albert and then-Canton Police Chief Kenneth Berkowitz. Phone records indicated that Higgins and Albert exchanged calls at 2:22 a.m. on Jan. 29, 2022, when Higgins claimed he was asleep. Both men have testified that these calls were accidental “butt dials.” Jackson noted the suspicious timing, occurring just hours before O’Keefe’s body was discovered. Higgins insisted, “I have no recollection of any phone calls.”

Jackson also highlighted Higgins’s phone activity around the time Read’s SUV was brought to the Canton Police Department’s sally port. Video surveillance from this area at 5:36 a.m. was missing, and Higgins denied seeing any evidence in the garage.

As testimony concluded, Higgins remained firm in his denials, with more witness testimonies expected in the coming days. Read’s lawyers continue to assert that a conspiracy among witnesses and law enforcement is responsible for O’Keefe’s death, challenging the prosecution’s case against Read.

Higgins’s attorney, William Connolly, emphasized, “Brian Higgins has not participated in any kind of a cover up or conspiracy to cover up the criminal activity of others. Participating in a coverup is contrary to who he is as a human being and a professional.”

The trial will resume next Tuesday with a full day of witness testimonies. Jurors are set to hear from other key figures as the defense seeks to prove their case that Read is not responsible for O’Keefe’s death.

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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

18 min
May 28, 2024 Kouri Richins Breaks Silence from Jail, Criticizes Prosecutors and Proclaims Innocence
Kouri Richins, the Utah mother accused of spiking her husband’s cocktail with a fatal dose of fentanyl, has made her first public comments since her arrest last year. In a series of jailhouse statements provided exclusively to "Dateline" this week, Richins criticized prosecutors, asserted her innocence, and described recent upheaval in the case as “forced.”

Richins, 34, who has been held in the Summit County Jail since a judge denied her bail last year, expressed frustration over being separated from her family. “I’ve been silent for a year, locked away from my kids, my family, my life, living with the media telling the world who they think I am, what they think I’ve done or how they think I’ve lived,” she said. “And it’s time to start speaking up. You took an innocent mom away from her babies. And this means war.”

The comments come after a judge granted her lawyers' request to withdraw from her defense against charges of aggravated murder and other crimes in the death of her husband, Eric Richins, 39, on March 4, 2022. Richins’ lead attorney, Skye Lazaro, cited an “irreconcilable and nonwaivable situation” as the reason for the withdrawal.

In one statement, Richins said she was filled with “great devastation” over her defense team's withdrawal. “My defense team has been forced to withdraw from my case. Represented or not, we all know and should understand there’s only so much I can say. But what I will say is this withdrawal was not my choice. And it was not a personal choice of any counsel on my defense team.”

The withdrawal request was filed the same day Richins’ lawyers asked a judge to disqualify prosecutors due to “severe violations” that compromised their defense and violated Richins’ constitutional right to effective counsel. The filing alleges that from May to December last year, authorities recorded jail calls between Richins and her lawyers without their consent, some of which were listened to by prosecutors.

When defense lawyers discovered the practice and questioned prosecutors, Summit County's top elected prosecutor, Margaret Olson, initially denied awareness. However, lead prosecutor Brad Bloodworth later claimed that one of the defense lawyers had refused to use a phone app that shields attorney-client calls, resulting in the recordings. Bloodworth asserted that prosecutors had not listened to the calls and suggested that by not using the app, the lawyer had seemingly consented to the practice.

Richins accused prosecutors of doing "anything they can to prolong this process and hide their corruption. I will not play into the prosecution’s unconstitutional behavior anymore." She expressed a strong desire to clear her name, stating, “Although I am extremely disappointed where we’re at right now with this case, I’m anxious. I’m anxious to prove my innocence. I’m anxious to get to trial.”

Olson's office responded to the allegations, labeling the defense lawyer's motion to disqualify prosecutors as "materially inaccurate" and "filed in bad faith." The county attorney's office plans to address the motion formally by May 31.

Prosecutors allege that Richins, deeply in debt, fraudulently obtained a nearly $2 million life insurance policy on her husband before giving him a Moscow mule spiked with a lethal dose of fentanyl. They also charged Richins with attempted murder, forgery, and mortgage and insurance fraud.

One year after Eric Richins died, Kouri Richins published “Are You With Me?” a children’s book about grief, dedicated to her “amazing” husband. Despite the charges, Richins and her family have maintained her innocence.

#KouriRichins #EricRichins #FentanylPoisoning #TrueCrime #ProsecutorialMisconduct #JusticeSystem #Dateline

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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
10 min
May 28, 2024 Chad Daybell Trial: Court Dismissed Early as Key Witnesses Testify
In the ongoing trial of Chad Daybell, the courtroom was filled with dramatic testimonies from key witnesses as the defense continued its efforts to exonerate Daybell. The court proceedings were intense, with multiple witnesses called to the stand, including Chad Daybell's children and forensic experts.

The court session began with Fremont County Detective Sgt. Bruce Mattingly testifying about his involvement in Tammy Daybell’s death investigation, as well as the deaths of JJ and Tylee Ryan. Mattingly detailed his attempts to inform Emma Murray, one of Chad Daybell’s daughters, about the autopsy results of her mother. Despite numerous efforts, Emma expressed a desire to wait for the official release of the autopsy results and was reluctant to engage in discussions with law enforcement. "We’re just not interested in interviewing, answering any questions, we just want to see it," Emma stated.

The defense, led by attorney John Prior, cross-examined Mattingly, suggesting that his approach was more of a police tactic to elicit information rather than simply sharing results. Prior also questioned the timing and manner of informing the Daybell children about their mother's autopsy, emphasizing that the family had not been adequately contacted during the investigative process. VIDEO: Mattingly's approach was more of a police tactic to elicit information rather than simply sharing results

Later, the court heard from Jason MacKay Abegglen, who worked with Garth Daybell at a haunted house attraction. MacKay recounted a conversation where Garth mentioned finding his mother dead and his father not being home. MacKay's testimony aimed to support the defense’s narrative of Chad Daybell's innocence in Tammy Daybell's death. "He said he found her when he got home from work and he didn’t know where his father was," MacKay testified.

Dr. Eric Bartelink, a forensic anthropologist, provided insights into the condition of Tylee Ryan’s remains. Bartelink's testimony highlighted the extensive blunt force trauma and sharp force defects found on Tylee's bones, which he suggested could be consistent with perimortem injuries. He also noted the possibility of Tylee's body being burned as a whole, although he could not determine the exact location or time of the burning.
Throughout the proceedings, the defense continued to build its case by questioning the thoroughness and intentions of the investigation. Prior pointedly asked Mattingly about his interactions with the Daybell children and whether his motive was to gather incriminating reactions rather than provide information.

The session concluded with an unexpected announcement: the state had no further witnesses for the day, and the court would dismiss early, reconvening on Tuesday. The abrupt end to the day's testimony left many questions unanswered, particularly regarding the defense's strategy and the impact of the testimonies on the jury.

As the trial progresses, the defense's challenge remains to dismantle the prosecution’s narrative while addressing the rehearsed nature of the testimonies from Chad Daybell's children. The potential Freudian slip by defense attorney John Prior, where he referred to Tammy Daybell's death as a "murder," also added a layer of complexity to the case. Whether this slip will affect the jury's perception remains to be seen.

The trial is set to resume with more testimonies and cross-examinations, as both sides continue to present their arguments in this high-profile case.

#ChadDaybell #TammyDaybell #LoriVallow #JohnPryor #BruceMattingly #GarthDaybell #TyleeRyan

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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
23 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.