On the morning of November 29, 2005, a fire breaks out at a Morgantown, West Virginia home, engulfing the quiet neighborhood in chaos. Amidst the smoke and flames, responders discover the badly burned body of a 33-year-old man, lying in his bed. As investigators sift through the evidence, they quickly realize this is no ordinary house fire - it's arson, and the man had been dead before the blaze began. As the investigation continues, the evidence keeps leading investigators back to one person in particular. Someone very close to the victim who had multiple motives to want him gone. In episode 291, Jac and Alexis unravel the harrowing tale of James “Jimmy” Michael's murder, and his family’s journey to justice, and for some, forgiveness.

Episode 291: James "Jimmy" Michael

Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be friends with a murderer?  Or escape a kidnapping? Or have a father who was a serial killer? Join Jac Vanek and Alexis Linkletter on a chilling ride into the darkest corners of your worst nightmares. Murders, cults, kidnappings, and conspiracies—all told through the eyes of a guest who is one degree of separation from the story itself.  From infamous serial killers to the unbelievable unknown murder in your own backyard, The First Degree delivers a new perspective to the already fascinating true crime landscape. And who knows... you may be our next guest. (Plus, join them every Thursday for Killing Time, the light-hearted, true crime-adjacent aftershow!)

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Welcome back for another thrilling episode of Killing Time! This week the girls and the ginger are opening up the phone lines for another installment of Today I Learned! Our caller brings another Roald Dahl fact that will definitely surprise you. Then! Nostrils, doorstoppers, and IOS flight tracking. Lots to learn! Plus! Another update on the LISK investigation from who else but our very own Alexis Linkletter!

BONUS: KILLING TIME: GREATEST FORNICATOR EVER

On February 10, 2002, authorities announce that they have finally determined the manner of Andrew Wieman’s death, and it comes as a surprise to everyone. Instead of bringing much needed answers, the determination only raises more questions for Andrew’s family and friends. Even after 20 plus years, these questions linger without answers, and the concerns continue to weigh heavily on their hearts. In episode 297, Jac and Alexis detail how authorities arrived at their determination, as well as the emotional impact it had on the family.

Episode 297: Andrew Wieman, Part 2

Welcome back for another episode of Killing Time! This week the girls and the ginger are reaching into some current topics including an update on the LISK case, Gypsy Rose, and more! Today on Today I Learned: A bizarre autopsy, schizophrenia in blind people, the origin of the Guinness Book of World Records, and a listener submitted famous last words!

BONUS: KILLING TIME: HAMSTER MAN

On January 4, 2001, a 20-year-old college student is found dead in his fraternity dorm room on the UC Davis campus. He has suffered 29 stab wounds, two of which are fatal. When authorities look around the room, they find evidence of a possible struggle. But there’s also a piece of paper that appears to be a suicide note. Right away, the campus police rule his death as a suicide. However, the coroner’s office finds the circumstances suspicious and orders a full investigation. Over the following months, authorities struggle to reach a consensus on the circumstances surrounding the student's death. In episode 296, Jac and Alexis break down the investigation into the death of Andrew Wieman, and his family’s fight for answers along the way.

Episode 296: Andrew Wieman, Part 1

This week the girls and the ginger are back for another half-fact-filled episode of Killing Time! In what might be our most intelligent sounding episode, we’re talking about deep ocean aliens, Einstein, space, and so much more that we know nothing about! Then! Today I Learned! We’re talking OJ, Tongues, Eclipses, and a Firstie calls in with another Roald Dahl fact!

Episode 291: James "Jimmy" Michael

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