Hidden Killers Live! Daily True Crime News & Breakdowns

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Hidden Killers Live! Daily True Crime News & Breakdowns episodes

October 30, 2023 Former Incel's Threats of Mass Shooting at University of Arizona Foiled by FBI
A potential tragedy was averted when authorities arrested Michael Lee, a self-proclaimed "former incel," for making terroristic threats of a mass shooting at the University of Arizona. The FBI intervened after Lee's disturbing plans surfaced in a Snapchat group chat, leading to his arrest on charges related to interstate threats.*

Michael Lee, 27, attracted the attention of law enforcement when he discussed his intention to carry out a mass shooting at the University of Arizona in a group chat on Snapchat. In response to questions about his methods, Lee allegedly mentioned using an AR-15, noting, "It is Arizona; you can just buy one."

Disturbingly, when asked about the timing of the attack, Lee replied, "Damn, I haven't decided yet," and mentioned "the day of Retribution," a reference linked to the 2014 misogynistic mass murder carried out by Elliot Rodger.

In his posts, Lee also used the terms "chads" and "stacies," commonly associated with incel culture, which often expresses extreme misogyny and resentment towards individuals perceived as more socially successful.

Alarmed by Lee's threats, some group chat members took screenshots, prompting Lee's hostile response: "f— you stacies I was gonna give u a warning but now im not," he said.

Authorities traced Lee's vehicle near the University of Arizona multiple times, raising further concerns about his intentions.

Upon apprehension, Lee admitted to writing the threatening messages, explaining that he used the chat to vent his frustrations. He disclosed his past affiliation with the incel community and admitted considering purchasing a firearm two months earlier.

In a statement to the school community, Steve Patterson, the interim vice president and chief safety officer of the University of Arizona's Office of Public Safety, reassured that Lee had no affiliation with the university.

This arrest serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to prevent potential acts of violence and highlights the importance of reporting suspicious behavior. Authorities acted swiftly to neutralize the threat posed by Lee, averting a potentially catastrophic event on the University of Arizona campus.
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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
5 min
October 30, 2023 Judge Denies Motion to Dismiss Charges in Bryan Kohberger Murder Case, Allows Cameras in Courtroom
In a significant legal development, Judge John Judge has denied the motion to dismiss murder charges against Bryan Kohberger, a 28-year-old criminology PhD student accused of murdering four University of Idaho students. The defense had argued for dismissal, citing grand jury bias, inadmissible evidence, and prosecutorial misconduct, but the judge deemed these arguments unconvincing.

Kohberger is facing four counts of murder and one count of felony burglary in connection with the tragic stabbing deaths of four young students. The case has drawn widespread attention and public interest.

Adding to the controversy, Judge Judge made a surprising decision to allow cameras in the courtroom, despite opposition from both the defense and the prosecution. This ruling has sparked debate among legal teams and the victims' families, with some advocating for transparency and others expressing concerns about the potential impact of cameras on the trial.

The decision to proceed with the trial and allow cameras in the courtroom sets the stage for a high-profile legal battle that will continue to capture the nation's attention. The case highlights the delicate balance between transparency and the potential influence of media coverage on legal proceedings. As the trial moves forward, all eyes will be on the courtroom drama that unfolds in this closely watched case.

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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
12 min
October 27, 2023 Alaska Woman Accused of Covering Up Fatal Hit-and-Run with Moose Fur, Faces Serious Charges
A Delta Junction woman finds herself in a precarious legal situation after Alaska State Troopers accused her of attempting to disguise a fatal hit-and-run incident as a collision with a moose. Chelsie Erickson, 32, was arrested on October 17, facing charges of negligent homicide, failure to render aid, and two counts of tampering with evidence. Her mother, Janell Erickson, 60, was also arrested and charged with tampering with evidence.

The incident dates back to the night of August 28 when Chelsie Erickson allegedly struck and killed 47-year-old John Emerick, who was walking along the side of the highway in Delta Junction near milepost 1421. Instead of reporting the accident, Erickson is accused of fleeing the scene.

The arrest followed an investigation triggered by a tip received by troopers about the hit-and-run. Authorities obtained a search warrant for Erickson’s home, leading to the discovery of potential evidence related to the incident.

According to reports, one of Erickson’s friends informed the police that Chelsie had mentioned hitting a moose on the same night that John Emerick was fatally injured. Investigators attempted to locate the moose in question, as Erickson claimed it had run into the woods following the collision. However, they were unable to locate any such animal.

Intriguingly, Erickson never reported the alleged moose collision to the authorities. Police, however, did locate a vehicle matching the description provided by witnesses on the night of Emerick's tragic death. Inside a locked detached garage on Erickson’s property, they found a 2014 Chevy Silverado pickup truck. The vehicle had several pieces of its front-end grill removed, and moose hairs were discovered scattered on top of the engine. Notably, there was no fur present on the front of the truck.

The investigation also revealed that a moose head hanging in the Erickson’s garage appeared to have bald spots, raising suspicions that moose hair had been deliberately collected from the mount and then spread over the truck's engine compartment. This discovery led authorities to conclude that an attempt had been made to create a false narrative of a moose collision.

Chelsie Erickson and her mother, Janell Erickson, have both been arrested and incarcerated at the Fairbanks Correctional Center.

The case highlights the serious nature of the charges facing Chelsie Erickson, including negligent homicide, failure to render aid, and tampering with evidence, all related to the tragic hit-and-run incident. Tampering with evidence charges were also filed against Janell Erickson, possibly for her alleged involvement in attempting to disguise the true circumstances of the incident.

The legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming months, shedding further light on the events of that fateful night and the actions taken by the Erickson family in its aftermath.

This case underscores the importance of reporting accidents promptly and accurately to authorities, as well as the potential consequences of attempting to conceal the truth. The accused individuals will have their day in court, where the legal system will determine their culpability in this unfortunate incident.
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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
7 min
October 27, 2023 Were Mental Health Signs Ignored in the Mass Shooting?
*These statistics were current at the time of this recording.*
Maine Governor Janet Mills has confirmed a devastating shooting incident that left at least 18 people dead and 13 injured in Lewiston. The suspect, identified as Robert Card, is currently at large, and state police have issued a murder warrant for his arrest.

The tragedy unfolded at a bowling alley and restaurant in Lewiston, where Card opened fire, causing chaos and fear among patrons. The shooting occurred around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, prompting a massive response from law enforcement agencies and a shelter-in-place advisory for residents.

Governor Mills expressed her deep condolences to the affected community, stating, "This city did not deserve this terrible assault on its citizens, on its peace of mind, on its sense of security."

Robert Card, a 40-year-old firearms instructor believed to be in the U.S. Army Reserve, has been identified as the primary suspect. Maine State Police Col. William Ross announced that a warrant for Card's arrest has been issued on eight counts of murder, with the possibility of additional charges as the remaining victims are identified.

The suspect's history reveals that Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks in the summer of 2023, although details of his treatment remain undisclosed. Authorities received reports of Card expressing threats to "shoot up" a military base, further emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

The tragedy unfolded across two locations, with an active shooter reported at Schemengees Bar and Grille and Sparetime Recreation, a nearby bowling alley. Witnesses recounted their terrifying experiences, with one individual describing hearing about 10 shots, initially mistaking them for balloons popping.

Schools across the region took precautions, with some closing as far away as Kennebunk, more than 50 miles from Lewiston. Additionally, Bates and Bowdoin colleges canceled classes, along with the Gorham and Portland campuses of the University of Southern Maine.

The incident has raised concerns about gun laws in Maine, which does not require permits to carry guns and has a strong gun ownership culture tied to hunting and sport shooting traditions. Recent attempts to tighten gun laws, such as background checks for private sales and a 72-hour waiting period for purchases, have faced resistance.

Notable author Stephen King, who lives near the affected area, expressed his sentiments on the issue, saying, "It's the rapid-fire killing machines, people. This is madness in the name of freedom. Stop electing apologists for murder."

The shooting in Lewiston marks the 36th mass killing in the United States this year, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University. It has left the community reeling and ignited a nationwide conversation about the urgent need for gun control measures.

As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement agencies are working diligently to locate and apprehend Robert Card, while the residents of Lewiston come to terms with the devastating loss they've suffered.
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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
11 min
October 26, 2023 Arkansas Authorities Close Decades-Old Case, Naming Deceased Father as the Sole Suspect.
In a groundbreaking development, authorities in Texarkana, Arkansas, have finally cracked a chilling cold case that has remained unsolved for over four decades. DNA evidence has led them to identify Weldon Alexander, the father of the victims, as the prime suspect in the 1981 murder of his own children, Karen and Gordon Alexander.

At a press conference held on October 19, Texarkana Police Chief Michael Kramm announced the major breakthrough. He revealed that Weldon Alexander is believed to have fatally stabbed his 14-year-old daughter Karen and 13-year-old son Gordon in a horrifying incident that shook the community. Tragically, the suspect, Weldon Alexander, passed away in 2014, leaving unanswered questions surrounding the brutal crime.
The tragic events unfolded on April 8, 1981, when local authorities discovered the siblings in their Texarkana home. Gordon was found lifeless in the kitchen, while Karen, though grievously injured, was still clinging to life in the living room. Shockingly, the murder weapon was identified as a common butter knife retrieved from the crime scene.
Karen was rushed to a local hospital, where she fought for her life in a coma for three agonizing days before succumbing to her injuries, as documented in a 1981 United Press International news report. Gordon, at the time of the brutal attack, was confined to a wheelchair, making the crime even more heart-wrenching.
Initial investigations unveiled a horrifying truth; Karen had suffered sexual assault in the 48 to 72 hours leading up to her death and had likely endured this horrific abuse for around six months prior. Authorities disclosed these disturbing details during the recent press conference.

One of the perplexing aspects of the case was the absence of signs of forced entry into the Alexander family's home. At the time of the murders, Karen and Gordon's mother, Vera Alexander, was hospitalized for mental health issues, while their father, Weldon, was working an overnight shift at Copper Tire and Rubber.
Weldon's account of the events added to the mystery. He claimed to have arrived home from work shortly after 7 a.m. that fateful morning, finding both the screen door and the wooden front door slightly ajar. Inside, he discovered his son deceased in the kitchen and believed his daughter might still be alive in the living room area. Shockingly, he reportedly removed a kitchen knife from Karen's body and placed it on a nearby bookshelf before the arrival of law enforcement.
Over the years, detectives tirelessly pursued leads and interviewed numerous individuals associated with the case. In 1983, Henry Lee Lucas, a notorious serial killer known as the "Confession Killer," falsely confessed to the murders. However, lack of concrete evidence prevented any charges against him, and the case eventually went cold.
In February 2022, the case received new life when retired Capt. Calvin Seward, who had been a patrol officer at the time of the murders, reopened the investigation. Over the next 18 months, he meticulously identified, interviewed, and re-interviewed individuals connected to the original case. Crucially, he submitted DNA profiles into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) from individuals associated with the initial inquiry.

In a pivotal turn of events, DNA extracted from the victims' fingernail tissue in 2022 yielded results indicating a familial relationship with Weldon Alexander. Furthermore, Weldon's semen was discovered on Karen's bedding. Investigators also uncovered evidence suggesting that Gordon had died hours earlier than initially believed, as his body was cold to the touch when officers arrived at the scene.

Capt. Seward, speaking to reporters, suggested a horrifying sequence of events, stating that he believes Weldon attempted to assault his daughter, prompting his son to intervene, resulting in a brutal attack on both siblings.

In a press release, Texarkana police stated, "It is our hope that the friends and remaining family of Gordon and Karen Alexander may find some peace in knowing that scientific and circumstantial evidence has been revealed sufficient to resolve this 42-year-old case."
Miller County Prosecuting Attorney Connie Mitchell expressed confidence that Weldon Alexander is the sole suspect in the murders. She stated that if he were alive today, she would be seeking an arrest warrant for two counts of capital murder.
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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
9 min
October 26, 2023 Minnesota Poison Scientist Charged with Murder in Wife's Death Due to Toxic Substance
A Minnesota man with expertise in poison science, Connor Bowman, aged 30, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of his 32-year-old wife, Betty Bowman. Authorities allege that Connor administered a lethal dose of liquid colchicine, a substance used for treating gout, leading to Betty's untimely demise.

Betty Bowman's health took a dire turn in August when she was hospitalized with symptoms resembling food poisoning. Tragically, just four days later, on August 20, she succumbed to what an online obituary described as a "sudden onset autoimmune and infectious illness."

Authorities began investigating Betty's death, leading to the arrest of her husband, Connor Bowman, two months later. The criminal complaint alleges that Connor administered the toxic substance colchicine to Betty, which can be fatal when given at a high dosage, exceeding 0.5mg/kg, according to the National Library of Medicine.

The complaint further reveals that Connor had conducted online searches to determine Betty's weight in milligrams and multiplied it by 0.8mg, a dosage far surpassing the safe limits. Additionally, his online search history reportedly showed queries related to purchasing colchicine five days before Betty's death, as well as questions about the legal implications of internet searches and deleting Amazon data.

Betty's tragic passing has left a void in the lives of her loved ones. A GoFundMe page organized by Sarah Leeser aims to raise funds to assist Betty's mother, Nancy Sponsel, with memorial costs, legal expenses, and other bills related to this heartbreaking incident. Betty, who worked as a pharmacist, was remembered as "a light to so many people."

Connor, who was a medical student and worked as a poison specialist fielding phone calls for the University of Kansas, is a former resident of the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. In a statement shared with PEOPLE, the Mayo Clinic clarified that Connor's employment at the facility ended earlier this month, unrelated to the charges he now faces.

"We are aware of the recent arrest of a former Mayo Clinic resident on charges unrelated to his Mayo Clinic responsibilities," the statement read. It remains unclear whether Connor has entered a plea or retained legal representation at this time.

Betty's vibrant and outgoing personality left a lasting impact on those who knew her. An online obituary dedicated to her memory stated, "Betty inspired and encouraged others to be their truest selves." She lived life to the fullest, embracing opportunities to travel and experience new places.

In line with Betty's passion for helping others, the obituary directed well-wishers to a donation page for The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization supporting the LGBTQ community. As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains shocked by this tragic turn of events, and Betty's memory lives on as a testament to her kindness and vivacity.

This incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of responsible use of substances and the consequences of actions that can lead to the loss of a loved one. Legal proceedings will shed further light on the circumstances surrounding Betty Bowman's tragic death.
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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
12 min
October 25, 2023 A 44-Year-Old Off-Duty Pilot Arrested on 160+ Charges for Attempting to Disrupt Plane's Engines Midflight
A 44-year-old off-duty pilot was apprehended on more than 160 charges following his alleged attempt to disrupt the plane's engines midflight, raising genuine security concerns.

The incident unfolded on Sunday, October 22, aboard a Horizon Airlines flight operated by Alaska Airlines, en route from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco. Authorities received reports of a credible security threat involving an off-duty pilot occupying a flight deck jump seat.

Identified as Joseph Emerson by KOIN-TV, the off-duty pilot purportedly made an unsuccessful attempt to interfere with the engine's operation. The aircraft's captain and first officer successfully thwarted Emerson's efforts, and Alaska Airlines confirmed that the plane never lost engine power, with the crew securing the aircraft without any further incident.

To address the situation, air traffic control redirected the flight, leading to an emergency landing at Portland International Airport, where Emerson was apprehended. Multnomah County Jail records indicate that Emerson faces a total of 83 counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment, and one count of endangering an aircraft.

Alaska Airlines reassured passengers that they were accommodated on a subsequent flight without any disruptions.
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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

12 min
October 25, 2023 Judge Orders Return of Joshua "J.J" Vallow's Remains to Family Amid Ongoing Legal Saga
A judge has ruled in favor of returning the remains of Joshua "J.J" Vallow to his family members. Despite Chad Daybell awaiting his trial in April 2024, both Lori Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell's legal representatives had previously agreed to consumptive DNA testing in 2022, which exhaustively uses all remaining DNA and can only be performed once.

The remains of J.J. and his sister, Tylee Ryan, have been held at Madison Memorial Hospital in Rexburg since authorities discovered their remains buried in Chad Daybell's Fremont County property on June 9, 2020. On October 12, 2023, Chad Daybell's attorney, John Prior, filed a Stipulation to Release, which Judge Steven Boyce signed on Monday, October 16, 2023. J.J.'s body has been in state custody since the discovery, while Tylee Ryan's remains will remain in state custody, with no known release date.

Lori Vallow Daybell, the children's mother, has been convicted of murdering her two children and conspiring to murder Tammy Daybell. She is serving life sentences without the possibility of parole and faces additional charges in Arizona.

Extradition papers from Arizona to Idaho were sent in August 2023, pending Idaho Governor Brad Little's approval to transfer Lori to Arizona. Currently, she is housed in the Women's Correctional Facility in Pocatello, Idaho.

J.J. Vallow's grandparents issued a statement to KMVT:
"These past few years have been filled with pain and grief as we've journeyed down this long and difficult path. We have waited and prayed for this day for so long and are immensely relieved that JJ will finally be laid to rest.

In recent days, we have immersed ourselves in the memories of the love and happiness that JJ brought to our lives, and he continues to shine his light upon us. As we reflect on the joy that JJ filled our lives with, our hearts ache for all those who loved JJ and share in the profound grief and loss of this beautiful young boy.

We are grateful for the love and support of all those who have come to love JJ, Tylee, and Charles. As we persist in our pursuit of justice, the dedication and strength we've received have helped carry us through this ordeal.

We anxiously await news of when Tylee can also be laid to rest. Our greatest wish is for JJ and Tylee to be celebrated for the joy and love they brought into this world and for them to finally find peace in their rest. Only then will our hearts begin to heal.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date."
-Larry and Kay Woodcock

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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
9 min
October 24, 2023 South Carolina Man Pleads Guilty, Faces Life Sentence After Wife's Charred Remains Found in Makeshift Grave
A South Carolina man faces life in federal prison after his wife's burned body was discovered in a 'makeshift' grave in 2020," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Lawrence Joseph Florentine, 56, has "pleaded guilty to interstate domestic violence resulting in death, use of a firearm during a crime of violence to cause death, obstruction of justice, and use of fire during the commission of a felony" over three years after his wife Nicole Zahnd Florentine's body was found "charred" with a ".22 caliber bullet wound to the head" determined to be her cause of death, per a release.

The U.S. Attorney's Office noted that the two had a "volatile" relationship after marrying in 2018, citing recordings and observations from family. Since December 2019, authorities in York County responded to multiple calls from Nicole, who accused Lawrence of physically abusing her and having "threatened to kill her, burn her, and bury her." Lawrence was previously arrested twice on domestic violence charges, one of which was at least partially dismissed at Nicole's request.

Then, on May 23, 2020, the couple’s home in Rock Hill was "destroyed by fire," the release from the U.S. Attorney's Office noted.

"Text messages and photographs Florentine sent to Nicole during the fire show that he intentionally burned her belongings and intentionally set the property on fire," the release read. "Florentine is charged with arson in state court in connection with the fire."

Between June 2 and June 11 of that year, the two then traveled together by car and were last known to be in Piedmont, South Carolina, according to an FBI investigation. Nicole's grandmother reportedly filed a missing person report when she stopped hearing from her during the trip. A body that was later identified as Nicole's was found by a groundskeeper for Hill Cemetery in Fredonia, Kentucky, on June 13, 2020. "A gas can was recovered from behind a tree near the burial site," the release notes. "No identification, cell phone, or other personal belongings were found."

After eyewitnesses reported seeing a car identical to Florentine's and a hardware store clerk identified a transaction for a shovel and gas can to someone who matched Florentine’s description, surveillance footage later featured Florentine filling the can at a nearby station, per the office.

"No firearm was found; however, police recovered a lighter and .22 caliber cartridges in the center console and located Nicole’s blood on the rear exterior of Florentine’s abandoned car," the release noted. "Sometime after June 11, 2020, Florentine fled Kentucky and arrived in Denver, Colorado. On June 23, 2020, he surrendered to the Denver Police." Florentine, who faces life in prison, also faces eight years of supervision after his sentence, and a fine of up to $250,000 restitution. A date for sentencing has not yet been announced, and Florentine will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald C. Coggins.
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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
9 min
October 24, 2023 Police Chief's Estranged Son Suspected in Shooting of Officers: A Shocking Revelation
In an unsettling development, Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake disclosed that his "estranged son" is believed to have shot two police officers at a Dollar General store in La Vergne on Saturday afternoon. Chief Drake released the following statement regarding the incident:

"I am both shocked and deeply saddened to learn that my estranged son, with whom I have had very limited contact over many years, is the suspected perpetrator in the shooting of two La Vergne police officers this afternoon. My thoughts and prayers are with the two officers, who I understand are in stable condition at Vanderbilt.

"Despite my best efforts and guidance during his early and teenage years, my son, John Drake Jr., who is now 38 years old, unfortunately, turned to a life of criminal activity and has a prior felony conviction. He has been absent from my life for an extended period. Now, he must be located and held responsible for his actions today. I urge anyone who sees him or possesses information about his whereabouts to promptly contact law enforcement."

According to records from the Criminal Court Clerk of Davidson County, Drake Jr. has an extensive history of criminal offenses dating back to 2005. These records indicate that he has faced criminal charges on 59 occasions in Davidson County since 2005.

His initial charge was for theft of $500 or less, resulting in an arrest on October 31, 2005. This case was dismissed on August 3, 2006, as documented by court records.

On January 29, 2009, he was found guilty of a lesser charge related to aggravated rape, as indicated in court records.

Subsequently, CCC records show that he has been found guilty of three separate sex offender violations on the following dates:

1. October 29, 2015

2. May 9, 2019

3. May 22, 2020

Additionally, he has been convicted of the following charges on the specified dates, as reflected in the records:

1. Driving without a driver's license - November 20, 2006

2. Domestic bodily injury - February 22, 2007

3. Aggravated burglary, resisting arrest, and evading arrest - July 25, 2007

4. Assault involving domestic bodily injury and criminal impersonation - October 16, 2007

5. Possession or casual exchange of controlled substances - August 6, 2015

Chief John Drake assumed his role as Nashville's eighth chief of police on November 30, 2020.
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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
11 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.