Hot Justice Podcast

Heather and Ciara are back from CrimeCon 2026 in Las Vegas, and they’re sharing the full Hot Justice experience!

In this episode, the hosts recap their trip, talk about what it was like being surrounded by the true crime community, share their favorite moments from the event, and reflect on the cases, conversations, and people that made CrimeCon such a memorable weekend.

From the energy of Las Vegas to the powerful panels and unforgettable interactions, this was more than just a trip — it was a chance to connect with people who care deeply about victims, justice, and the stories that deserve to be heard.

Thank you for watching and supporting Hot Justice Podcast!

Time Stamps⏰
00:00:00 Courthouse Arrival
00:02:32 Media Access Debate
00:04:03 Judge And Courtroom Atmosphere
00:04:45 Seeing Precious In Court
00:07:08 Plea Strategy Questions
00:08:24 Potential Federal Charges
00:09:24 Appeal Rights Explained
00:10:31 Charges Read In Court
00:12:16 Family’s Emotional Restraint
00:13:17 Courthouse Security Presence
00:14:39 Children’s Involvement Revealed
00:15:49 Protecting Thomas
00:17:09 Other Defendants’ Next Steps
00:19:09 Supporting Sam’s Family
00:21:21 Sentencing And Future Coverage

#CrimeCon2026 #CrimeCon #CrimeConLasVegas #HotJusticePodcast #TrueCrimePodcast #TrueCrimeCommunity #LasVegas #TrueCrime #PodcastEpisode #WomenInPodcasting #JusticeForVictims #CrimeConRecap

Gary Heidnik’s crimes were so disturbing that his story is often connected to the fictional Buffalo Bill from The Silence of the Lambs. But when you compare Gary Heidnik to Buffalo Bill, sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction.

#GaryHeidnik #BuffaloBill #SilenceOfTheLambs #TrueCrime #TrueCrimeShorts #CrimeStory #SerialKillerCase #HotJusticePodcast #YouTubeShorts #TrueCrimeCommunity

A rainy high school track meet in Frisco, Texas ended with 17-year-old Austin Metcalf dead and another 17-year-old, Karmelo Anthony, charged with murder.

In this episode of Hot Justice, we break down the confrontation under the team tent, the stabbing, the self-defense argument, the murder conviction, the rejected sudden-passion claim, the 35-year sentence, and the appeal that may focus on jury selection. This case has sparked intense debate over race, self-defense, teen violence, and what justice should look like when two families are forever changed. 

Was this murder, manslaughter, or self-defense? Let’s talk facts, law, and the verdict.

Time Stamps⏰
00:00:00 Track Meet Tragedy Preview 
00:01:27 Show Catch-Up
00:02:33 Watch Recommendations
00:04:16 Justice For Sam Update
00:04:59 Case Overview
00:05:52 Who Was Austin Metcalf
00:06:44 Who Was Carmelo Anthony
00:07:27 The Tent Confrontation
00:09:31 Arrest And Murder Charge
00:10:02 Knife Law And School Policy
00:13:19 Race And Jury Controversy
00:16:17 Family Threats And Trial Setup
00:18:33 Teen Witness Testimony
00:20:05 Prosecution Versus Self-Defense
00:21:49 Defense Witnesses
00:23:38 A Surprisingly Fast Trial
00:25:25 Verdict And Punishment Phase
00:25:49 Sudden Passion Explained
00:27:44 Sentence And Appeal
00:28:56 No Winners Here
00:31:18 Sports, Emotions, And Weapons
00:32:19 Public Backlash And Racism
00:34:08 Share Thoughts Respectfully
00:35:00 Where To Follow Us
00:36:25 Appeals And Case Updates
00:37:31 Patty’s Lodge Closing
00:38:14 Next Episodes And Sign-Off

#KarmeloAnthony #AustinMetcalf #HotJusticePodcast #TrueCrimePodcast #TrueCrimeCommunity #TexasCrime #SelfDefense #MurderTrial #TrialUpdate #JusticeForAustin #KarmeloAnthonyTrial #AustinMetcalfCase #TrueCrimeYouTube #LegalCommentary #CrimePodcast

Stephen McCullagh tried to use a fake YouTube livestream as his alibi — but investigators uncovered the truth. In this Hot Justice Short, we break down the chilling case of Natalie McNally, who was 15 weeks pregnant when she was murdered in Lurgan, Northern Ireland. McCullagh was later convicted and sentenced to life with a minimum of 31 years.

#StephenMcCullagh #NatalieMcNally #TrueCrime #TrueCrimeShorts #HotJusticePodcast #JusticeForNatalieMcNally #CrimeCase #YouTubeShorts #DomesticViolenceAwareness #TrueCrimeCommunity

In Part 2 of our deep dive into the murder of Sam Nordquist, we focus on the crime itself, the disturbing allegations surrounding Patty’s Lodge, and the backgrounds of the seven people accused in connection with Sam’s death.

This episode looks closer at what investigators say happened, who the defendants are, and why this case has shocked so many people following it.

No one featured as accused in this case has been convicted unless stated otherwise. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Viewer discretion is strongly advised. The details of this case are extremely disturbing. All defendants discussed are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Thank you to Linda and Kayla Nordquist for sharing Sam’s story, memories, and love with us.

Link to purchase Justice for Sam merchandise:
https://www.bonfire.com/store/justice-for-sam-nordquist/

Gofundme:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/urgent-help-to-locate-sam-nordquist

Hashtags:
#SamNordquist #TrueCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #HotJustice #PattysLodge #CrimeCase #MurderCase #TrueCrimeCommunity #JusticeForSamNordquist #YouTubeTrueCrime #TrueCrimeStories #PodcastEpisode

In Part 2 of our Minute Files series, we continue breaking down the case involving David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, and Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

According to the People’s Brief, investigators allege that Celeste spent significant time with David throughout 2024, including trips and weekends at his Hollywood Hills home. The filing also claims that messages between the two became central to the investigation, especially in the days before Celeste’s death.

This episode focuses on the alleged events of April 22 and April 23, 2025 — the argument, the Uber ride, the messages sent afterward, and why prosecutors believe those details matter.

No one has been convicted in Celeste’s death. All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

#D4vd #DavidAnthonyBurke #CelesteRivasHernandez #CelesteRivas #TrueCrime #TrueCrimeShorts #CourtCase #CrimeUpdate #TheMinuteFiles #HotJustice

New court documents in the case against David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, lay out disturbing allegations about the death of 14-year-old Celeste R.

In this Minute Files update, we break down what prosecutors claim happened, why the Tesla is central to the investigation, and the evidence they say will be presented in court.

Burke is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

#D4vd #DavidAnthonyBurke #CelesteR #TrueCrime #TrueCrimeShorts #CourtUpdate #TheMinuteFiles #HotJustice #YouTubeShorts

Stephen Vincent Chavez of Moorpark has pleaded guilty to felony incest and providing alcohol to a minor in connection with his daughter, Makayla Renee Settles. He was immediately remanded into custody and now faces up to three years in state prison, along with a 20-year sex offender registration requirement.

But for many who loved Makayla and have followed this case, this outcome does not feel like justice. Three years is not enough time for the harm caused, the betrayal of trust, and the pain left behind.

This update follows the tragic death of Makayla in December 2025. Her family and supporters continue to push for accountability, awareness, and a justice system that treats crimes like this with the seriousness they deserve.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for immediate support.

#MakaylaSettles #JusticeForMakayla #TrueCrimeUpdate #VenturaCounty #Moorpark #HotJusticePodcast #TrueCrimeCommunity #JusticeForVictims #CourtUpdate #YouTubeShorts

Sam Nordquist was a sweet, sensitive 24-year-old trans man from Oakdale, Minnesota who traveled to Upstate New York in September 2024 to meet someone he believed could be the love of his life. Instead, Sam’s trip to the Canandaigua/Hopewell area became the beginning of a nightmare.

In Part 1 of Sweet Sam: The Sam Nordquist Story, we focus on who Sam was before the headlines: a beloved son, brother, uncle, friend, and deeply caring person. With insight from Sam’s mother Linda and sister Kayla, we walk through Sam’s life, his close bond with his family, his online relationship with Precious Arzuaga, his arrival at Patty’s Lodge, the warning signs his family noticed, and the desperate search that finally pushed authorities to take a closer look.

This episode covers the timeline leading up to Sam being reported missing, including welfare checks, troubling communication changes, social media activity, and his family’s fight to bring him home.

Part 2 will cover the alleged crime, the investigation, the discovery of Sam’s body, and the suspects charged in connection with his death.

Viewer discretion is strongly advised. The details of this case are extremely disturbing. All defendants discussed are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Thank you to Linda and Kayla Nordquist for sharing Sam’s story, memories, and love with us.

Link to purchase Justice for Sam merchandise: 
https://www.bonfire.com/store/justice-for-sam-nordquist/
 
Gofundme: 
https://www.gofundme.com/f/urgent-help-to-locate-sam-nordquist

⏰Timestamps-
00:00:00 Sam Nordquist Story Begins
00:01:45 Local Case Context
00:02:25 Star Cider Visit
00:04:12 Book Recommendation
00:06:37 Meeting Sam’s Family
00:08:40 Part One Disclaimer
00:09:40 Sam’s Childhood
00:12:01 Sam’s Kind Heart
00:14:04 Sam As Uncle
00:14:46 Emily And Heartbreak
00:15:55 Meeting Precious Online
00:16:37 Precious Arzuaga Background
00:17:03 Patty’s Lodge Concerns
00:20:53 Precious’s Abuse History
00:22:13 Precious’s Criminal Background
00:24:09 Sam Arrives In New York
00:24:36 Welfare Checks Explained
00:28:02 First Welfare Check
00:31:19 Communication Becomes Sparse
00:32:30 Timeline After Welfare Check
00:35:05 DSS Escape Plan
00:37:45 Christmas And New Year’s
00:39:14 Linda’s Last Call
00:40:10 Second Welfare Check
00:41:14 BOLO Concerns
00:41:59 Missing Persons Flyer
00:43:24 Family Travels To Search
00:44:26 Online Dating Safety
00:45:13 Safe Words And Emojis
00:46:53 Love Bombing Red Flags
00:48:48 Location Sharing Check-Ins
00:49:47 Supporting Sam’s Family
00:50:57 Memorial Tree Updates
00:51:36 Closing And Part Two

#SamNordquist #JusticeForSamNordquist #SweetSam #TrueCrime #HotJusticePodcast #CanandaiguaNY #HopewellNY #PattysLodge #MissingPersonCase #OnlineDatingSafety #TrueCrimePodcast

A toxic family affair inside a Minnesota mansion ended in murder. Jennifer Lieber began a relationship with her cousin, who was living in the pool house on the property — but when the relationship unraveled, the story took a deadly turn.

Watch this Hot Justice Minute File as we break down the shocking Jennifer Lieber case.
#JenniferLieber #TrueCrimeShorts #HotJusticePodcast #TrueCrime #CrimeStory #MurderCase #MinnesotaCrime #YouTubeShorts #MinuteFile