Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski | True Crime News & Commentary

Howard Blum Thinks Bryan Kohberger Feared His Parents Would Be Implicated In Crime

In this gripping episode of Hidden Killers, journalist and New York Times bestselling author Howard Blum joins us to break down one of the most chilling theories surrounding Bryan Kohberger’s last-minute guilty plea: Was he trying to protect his own parents from being dragged into the case?

Blum shares exclusive insights into the behind-the-scenes tension that may have led Kohberger to fold just weeks before his scheduled trial. Did Kohberger fear his parents would be subpoenaed and forced to testify under oath? Was his sudden cooperation less about remorse and more about self-preservation — not for himself, but for his family?

We also discuss the emotional weight of the sentencing day, the psychology of silence, and the terrifying possibility that Kohberger got exactly what he wanted: control of the narrative, even from a prison cell. Retired FBI agent Robin Dreeke joins the conversation to analyze how pressure, ego, and family dynamics might have influenced the plea.

This episode goes deeper than courtroom coverage — it's about motive, manipulation, and how the fear of parental shame may have shaped the endgame in one of the most haunting mass murder cases in recent history.

#BryanKohberger #IdahoFour #HowardBlum #TrueCrimeToday #HiddenKillers #KohbergerPlea #MoscowMurders #BryanKohbergerParents #KohbergerSentencing #JusticeForTheFour #CrimePsychology

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/

Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod

X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod

Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Live Courtroom Audio: Stephan Sterns Pleads Guilty (No Contest) To Maddie Soto's Murder & Abuse

Stephan Sterns is officially going to die in prison. He pleaded no contest to the murder of 13-year-old Maddie Soto and guilty to a devastating series of sex crimes—eight counts of capital sexual battery, multiple counts of sexual abuse, and lewd molestation. It was a courtroom heavy with grief, rage, and unhealed wounds.

But one person was conspicuously silent.

In this episode, we take you inside the courtroom where Sterns faced the consequences of his horrific crimes—and where Jennifer Soto, Maddie’s own mother, neither spoke nor was mentioned as a participant. While family after family member delivered gut-wrenching victim impact statements, Jennifer stayed out of sight.

So now that Sterns has taken the plea deal, will Jennifer Soto finally be held accountable? Prosecutors no longer need her as a witness. There's no trial. No risk of her pleading the Fifth. Just a pile of deeply disturbing facts that paint a picture of a mother who ignored—or accepted—clear red flags.

We walk through:

The full breakdown of the plea agreement and sentencing

Maddie’s family confronting Sterns with heartbreak and fury

The legal implications of Sterns’ no contest plea

And the question: Does this now open the door for charges against Jennifer Soto?

We also highlight shocking court admissions—like the fact that Maddie’s mom allowed her to sleep in the same bed as Sterns, and her previous police statement claiming the “sex stuff wasn’t evil.” How does that not rise to criminal neglect?

This episode is not just about one man’s sentencing—it’s about what happens next in the pursuit of full justice for Maddie Soto.

🎧 Listen now to Hidden Killers with Tony Brueski.

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/

Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod

X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod

Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

James Craig: The Narcissist Dentist's Deadly Double Life

Dive deep into the chilling case of James Craig, the Colorado dentist accused of poisoning his wife, Angela. In this first episode of our "Unmasking the Mind of a Murderer" series, we explore the disturbing psychological persona James Craig presented to the world, contrasting it with the malevolent actions he allegedly committed. Licensed psychotherapist Shavaun Scott joins Host Tony Brueski of Hidden Killers to dissect the deceptive charm often used by individuals with severe personality disorders.

We examine whether Craig's behavior aligns with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, exploring how narcissists leverage charm to disarm suspicion and maintain a perfect facade. Learn about the unsettling ability to compartmentalize a double life, balancing a public image of devotion while allegedly plotting murder. What psychological mechanisms allow high-functioning individuals like Craig to split their lives with zero guilt?

This episode also probes the influence of religious environments, such as Craig's LDS/Mormon background, and how such communities might create pressure to maintain a moral mask, potentially fostering deeper repression. We discuss critical early warning signs that might have been missed by those closest to him and how families can inadvertently normalize sociopathic behavior over years of emotional manipulation. Discover the risks of overlooking charm, especially when it comes from respected figures. This isn't just about a murder case; it's an urgent exploration of the mind behind the monster and the hidden dangers of psychological deception.

#JamesCraig #TrueCrimePsychology #NarcissisticPersonality #HiddenKillers #PsychologicalProfile #MurderMystery #ForensicPsychology #TrueCrimeCommunity #Deception #Sociopath

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/

Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod

X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod

Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Was justice compromised by fear? In this eye-opening episode, defense attorney and former prosecutor Eric Faddis analyzes one of the most uncomfortable—but crucial—questions surrounding the Diddy case: Did jurors feel intimidated by Diddy’s power, wealth, or public persona?

When the accused is a global celebrity with vast resources and a long reach, jurors may feel an unspoken pressure to avoid a guilty vote—even if the evidence is convincing. Faddis dives deep into how psychological intimidation, social pressure, and media scrutiny can distort the very foundation of a fair trial.

This isn’t about tinfoil hats. It’s about the very real ways that fame warps courtroom dynamics. From jury selection to deliberation, Faddis walks us through the subtle—and not-so-subtle—ways influence creeps into the room.

If you're wondering why justice so often seems to fail when the rich and famous are in the defendant's chair, this conversation is the brutally honest wake-up call you need.

#DiddyTrial #JuryIntimidation #EricFaddis #CelebrityPower #TrueCrimePsychology #CourtroomFear #HiddenKillersPodcast #JuryBias #SeanCombs #JusticeOrInfluence

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/

Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod

X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod

Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Elliot Rodger: The Supreme Gentleman Who Sparked a Killing Ideology | Day of Retribution Exposed

Description:

Before school shooters were idolized online and mass murderers had fan clubs, there was Elliot Rodger. In Part 2 of our deep-dive series, we dissect the 2014 Isla Vista massacre and the chilling manifesto that launched a movement.

Rodger didn’t just murder six people and injure 14 others—he filmed his rage, wrote a 137-page incel bible, and turned himself into a martyr for angry, entitled men online. He called it the “Day of Retribution.” Incels call him “Saint Elliot.” We break down how Rodger’s hatred of women, social rejection, and deep narcissism made him the face of a new kind of domestic terrorism—one rooted not in religion or politics, but in misogyny and entitlement.

We explore the language of his video, the themes of his manifesto, and how his actions inspired a wave of copycat killers. We also examine the missed red flags, from YouTube rants to police visits, that might’ve prevented it all.

Elliot Rodger wanted the world to understand his pain. Unfortunately, thousands of men online still do—and some are ready to follow in his bloody footsteps. This is the true story of how one man’s warped worldview became a global threat.

#ElliotRodger #DayOfRetribution #IncelKillers #MisogynistTerrorism #TrueCrimeBreakdown #MassShooterProfile #IncelMartyr #BlackpillCulture #RedFlagMissed #SupremeGentleman

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/

Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod

X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod

Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Premeditated Evil: Unpacking Kohberger’s Stalking & Psychology

In this gripping episode of Hidden Killers with Tony Brueski, we delve into the chilling pre-crime psychology of Bryan Kohberger, the alleged Idaho quadruple murderer. Joined by FBI Special Agent (Ret.) Jennifer Coffindaffer, we dissect the behavioral blueprint that led to such a horrific act. With new evidence revealing Kohberger surveilled the victims' house over 20 times, meticulously studied criminology, and left behind almost no physical trace beyond the crucial knife sheath, we explore what these actions tell us about his mindset.

Jennifer Coffindaffer, drawing on her extensive experience tracking serial killers and interrogating violent offenders, helps us understand the depth of Kohberger’s obsession and planning. We examine his apparent risk tolerance and control, as evidenced by his near-flawless forensic restraint. How rare is it for an individual with no prior violent criminal record to escalate directly to a brutal four-person homicide? We also tackle the unsettling question of how someone might weaponize academic knowledge of criminology for real-world crimes, a pertinent point given Kohberger’s background.

The conversation also explores the behavioral implications of his alleged post-crime actions, such as the disassembly and deep-cleaning of his Elantra—was this driven by narcissism, fear of capture, or pure strategic thinking? We discuss the psychological red flags suggested by his cold, emotionless demeanor in court and the absence of a stated motive. Finally, we consider how traits like autism or social detachment, as hinted by the defense, might impact a behavioral profile, offering a nuanced view beyond legal implications. This episode peels back the layers of a complex and disturbing mind, seeking to understand the "why" behind the unfathomable.

#BryanKohberger #BehavioralAnalysis #TrueCrime #HiddenKillers #JenniferCoffindaffer #FBI #Criminology #Psychopathy #ForensicPsychology #IdahoMurders #Premeditation #Stalking #CrimeAnalysis #UnsolvedMysteriesEpisode 2: “Building the Case: FBI Tactics, Genealogy, and the Digital Dragnet”

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/

Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod

X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod

Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

In today’s episode, we take you inside the Osceola County courtroom where Stephan Sterns—the man who raped and murdered 13-year-old Maddie Soto—pleaded guilty to a laundry list of charges. Sterns accepted a life sentence without the possibility of parole in exchange for avoiding the death penalty. But while he faces justice behind bars, one haunting question remains:

We unpack every detail from the plea hearing: the heartbreaking victim impact statements, the devastating timeline, and the judge’s chilling words as Sterns was sentenced. But perhaps the most glaring moment? The silence from Jennifer Soto. No statement. No appearance. No visible grief in the courtroom for the daughter she failed to protect.

This episode goes beyond the courtroom. We break down:

We also examine the public outcry demanding accountability and the disturbing legal gray zone between neglect and criminality. Is it time for Florida prosecutors to revisit their stance on Soto now that Sterns’ case is closed? Or will she walk away, untouched by the justice system but stained in the court of public opinion?

You won’t want to miss this in-depth breakdown of the courtroom moment that left as many questions as answers—and the mother at the center of it all.

Listen now to "Hidden Killers with Tony Brueski."

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/

Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod

X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod

Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Inside Donna Adelson's 6 Latest Attempts To Delay Trial

As the long-awaited trial of Donna Adelson approaches, we’re peeling back the curtain on the six most aggressive—and sometimes baffling—attempts she’s made to pump the brakes on justice. From trying to boot the judge off the case to claiming Tallahassee is just too “informed” for a fair jury, Donna’s legal team has been throwing spaghetti at the courtroom wall to see what sticks. Spoiler alert: most of it hasn’t.

In this episode, we break down each delay tactic one by one, revealing the legal arguments, the courtroom reactions, and what these moves say about the defense strategy. Did her lawyers really try to claim a change of venue because of “emotional news coverage”? Yep. Did they file a motion suggesting Judge Stephen Everett might be biased because he signed off on warrants? Also yep. And don’t forget the last-minute requests to re-depose witnesses based on “new evidence” that’s not exactly new.

We also explore what these stalling tactics mean for the larger case—and how they’re being received by prosecutors, the court, and the public. Is this standard defense playbook behavior? Or are we watching the unraveling of a legal strategy with nowhere left to hide?

If you want the real story behind Donna Adelson’s courtroom maneuvers—not the fluff, not the spin—this episode delivers. Fasten your seatbelt. Justice is still on the clock, even if Donna’s trying to hit snooze.

#DonnaAdelson #DanMarkel #AdelsonTrial #TrueCrime2025 #MurderForHire #JusticeDelayed #CourtroomDrama #CharlieAdelson #LegalStrategy

 #HiddenKillersPodcast

Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? 

Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/

Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod

X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod

Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

He made the smoothies. He added the protein powder. And if prosecutors are right — he allegedly laced them with cyanide and Visine while texting his wife “I love you.” In this solo breakdown, we’re unpacking the latest from the James Craig trial — the Colorado dentist accused of methodically murdering his wife, Angela, under the guise of everyday normalcy.

This isn’t your average true crime case. This is a man who allegedly played the long game: ordering industrial poisons through fake email accounts, tracking delivery schedules to his dental office, and sitting calmly at Angela’s hospital bedside as she slowly slipped into a coma. All while juggling an affair, financial collapse, and a Google search history that reads like a how-to manual for murder.

In this episode, we’ll cover the biggest trial bombshells so far:

This case isn’t just about murder. It’s about manipulation. It’s about how someone can hide in plain sight — trusted, successful, admired — and allegedly use every ounce of that trust to commit the unthinkable. From the courtroom theatrics to the cold forensic detail, the James Craig trial is a haunting reminder: monsters don’t always show up in the dark. Sometimes, they wear white coats and hand you a smoothie.

If you’re following this trial, or just now catching up — this is everything you need to know.

#JamesCraig #CraigTrial #AngelaCraig #PoisonSmoothie #DentistMurderTrial #TrueCrimePodcast #CyanidePoisoning #ManipulationAndMurder #CraigTrialUpdate #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #VisinePoisoning #TrueCrimeBreakdown #JamesCraigTrial #CriminalPsychology

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/

Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod

X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod

Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Celeb Hairstylist Dead - How Fabio Sementilli’s Wife Plotted His Murder With Her Side Guy

Monica Sementilli lived a double life—suburban wife by day, murder conspirator by night. In this chilling true crime breakdown, we follow the brutal 2017 murder of celebrity hairstylist Fabio Sementilli, a man beloved in the beauty world but betrayed in the worst way by the woman he trusted most.

Fabio was ambushed outside his Woodland Hills home, stabbed repeatedly in the neck and torso by Robert Baker—Monica’s secret lover and a former porn actor. Monica had allegedly left the door unlocked, paving the way for the killers. The motive? A $1.6 million life insurance policy and the promise of freedom from divorce.

Baker testified he acted alone out of love. But a jury didn’t buy it. The prosecution called Monica the “prime mover” of the plot, arguing that Baker didn't have the brains for such a cleanly executed crime. They believed Monica orchestrated every detail—down to ensuring her daughter would be the one to find Fabio’s mutilated body.

She’s now serving life without parole. Baker is also doing life. The third accomplice, Christopher Austin, got 16 to life. And Monica’s family? They still insist she’s innocent.

This is a story of greed, lust, betrayal, and a horrifying end to what was once considered a fairy-tale life. Buckle in—this case gets dark.

#monicasementilli #fabiosementilli #lifeinsuranceplot #truecrime #backyardmurder #killerwife #woodlandhillscrime #robertbaker #betrayalmurder #celebritycrime

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/

Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod

X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod

Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872