Malevolent Mormon Mommys | The Case Against Ruby Franke & Jodi Hildebrandt

Is there a line between therapeutic practices and outright torture? Recent revelations about therapist Jodie Hildebrandt suggest that sometimes, that line can be terrifyingly blurred.
 
 In a recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers," host Tony Brueski and former FBI Special Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer delved deep into the shocking allegations surrounding Jodie Hildebrandt, a therapist embroiled in what's now being termed the "mommy blogger scandal."
 Jesse Hildebrandt, Jodi's niece, made a startling revelation on Nightline, recounting traumatic experiences from her past. She claimed that Jodie would lock her in a room, forcing her to write out her sins. Even more disturbingly, Jesse alleged that she was made to sleep outside in the snow and was subjected to being duct-taped, preventing her from speaking to anyone.
 
 Brueski posed a critical question: "Did this extreme behavior start to escalate when [Jodi] and Ruby [another individual connected to the scandal] hooked up together? Or has this been an ongoing torture therapy practice that she's been running forever?" Coffindaffer responded with a chilling certainty, "I was not surprised... It doesn't make any sense that such extreme torture would just have a sudden onset."
 
 The conversation took a turn towards the normalization of such behavior, especially when it's practiced within a close-knit community. Coffindaffer explained, "I think it becomes a situation where all the parents that are involved sort of justify it to one another and reinforce this behavior amongst one another." The fact that Jodi Hildebrandt had amassed a following of 2 million people further solidified her methods in her mind, making her feel justified in her actions.
 
 A significant point of discussion was Hildebrandt's connection with the LDS church. The church had, for a time, recommended Jodi as one of their top therapists. Brueski questioned whether this religious affiliation provided a cover for Hildebrandt, allowing her to continue her questionable practices under the guise of religious beliefs. Coffindaffer didn't mince words, stating, "There is no doubt that the LDS connection has to be considered, at least in terms of how this was able to continue and to go on."
 
 The conversation highlighted a concerning trend: religious organizations sometimes becoming a haven for those wishing to perpetrate harmful actions, especially towards children. Coffindaffer, drawing from her experiences in Utah, pointed out that the majority of the community there follows LDS teachings. This includes law enforcement, court officials, and prosecutors. Such a homogeneous environment can sometimes make it challenging to bring to light and address extreme behaviors that cross the line.
 
 In closing, Coffindaffer emphasized, "Not all LDS are that extreme, but some are." It's a reminder that while many may follow a faith or belief system, it's the extreme interpretations and actions of a few that can cast a shadow over the many.
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Welcome to the "Week In Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.
    
 This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.
    
 Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.

 Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Welcome to the "Week In Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.
    
 This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.
    
 Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.

 Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.
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 Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Welcome to the "Week In Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.
    
 This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.
    
 Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.

 Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.
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 Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Welcome to the "Week In Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.
    
 This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.
    
 Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.

 Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.
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 Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

The famed YouTube family known as "8 Passengers", led by Ruby and Kevin Franke, are facing allegations of child abuse, leading to a dramatic unfolding of events that have left their 2.5 million subscribers and the world in shock.
 
 Ruby and Kevin Franke built their online reputation by sharing their lives with their six children in Utah, giving a candid glimpse into their strict parenting style. However, the facade began to crack in May 2020, when their son Chad revealed in a video that as a consequence of a prank on his younger brother, Russell, he had been relegated to sleep on a beanbag for seven months. This revelation led to a significant backlash against the couple.
 
 Many of their YouTube subscribers were horrified. To express their concerns over what they perceived as mistreatment of the Franke children, a petition was initiated. Garnering 17,000 signatures, the petition pushed for a Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation into the allegations of maltreatment. The Franke family was scrutinized in June 2020, when Ruby and her daughter Eve were visited by social workers. Despite the public outcry, the case was closed without the allegations being substantiated.
 
 Nevertheless, the situation intensified, as irate followers sent angry text messages, spam emails, and even made late-night threats. The incident that really pushed things to a boiling point was when an unidentified individual with a concealed face showed up at their doorstep with a sinister message. Concerned for their family's safety, Kevin sought the help of David Corrington, a private investigator and a former special agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
 
 In a recent PEOPLE magazine issue, Corrington stated, "I think what really threw it over the edge was this person showing up in the middle of the night ringing the doorbell. That starts getting a little more personal and scary with the children being in the house." Despite Corrington's belief that several individuals were targeting the family, frustrations grew as they felt local law enforcement was not doing enough.
 
 Allegations and concerns surrounding the Franke children's well-being did not dissipate. Over the subsequent months, calls to both the police and CPS poured in, alleging potential mistreatment of the children. The family's situation took a severe turn when their youngest son, Russell, was found with physical signs of maltreatment. Escaping from family therapist Jodi Hildebrandt's home in Ivins, Utah, where he was staying with his mother and sister, Eve, Russell reached out for help.
 
 With grave injuries, malnourishment, and tales of abuse, Russell's revelations led to an immediate response from the Santa Clara-Ivins Police Department. As a result, both Ruby and Jodi were arrested on charges of aggravated felony child abuse. Held at the Washington County Purgatory Correctional Facility, both await their plea. Meanwhile, Kevin Franke, who had left the family home a year earlier, remains uncharged.
 
 Corrington voiced his concerns over the systemic failings, stating, "It's unfortunate that it takes some of these extreme situations for the government to intervene. You certainly have to ask the question, why did this fall through the cracks in our system?"
 
 As the case unfolds, many are left questioning how such a well-known family, with millions of viewers, could be at the center of such an alarming scandal. For many, Shari, the couple's estranged eldest daughter, summed up the collective feeling with a simple Instagram Story showing officers outside their family home with the caption: "Finally."
 
 This scandal serves as a crucial reminder of the potential discrepancies between the polished facade of online personalities and the realities of their offline lives. In the digital age, where influencers and vloggers dominate social spaces, the need for discernment and vigilance becomes even more paramount.
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Is it possible that in seeking help, one could inadvertently be led into a cult-like grip? A recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers" with host Tony Brueski and psychotherapist Shavaun Scott delves deep into such a case surrounding Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt. The revelations that emerge from their discussion underscore the crucial need for vigilance in the therapeutic community.
 
 According to the dialogue, it appears Hildebrandt might have been practicing what some referred to as a cult-like form of therapy. The burning question: "Does anybody realize they're starting a cult when they're starting a cult?" is one that Shavaun Scott tackled head-on. "I do think it's the person... that is the focus or the genesis of something like that... a person who always is seeking power," Scott explains, identifying profound narcissism and sociopathic tendencies as key indicators.
 
 Hildebrandt, whose practices are under scrutiny, reportedly made untraditional and potentially damaging diagnoses. Tony Brueski recounted how couples who approached her for marriage counseling got something entirely different. "A lot of separating people, a lot of diagnosing men with porn addictions when there wasn't one," he said, emphasizing the lack of recognition of such a diagnosis in the DSM 5, a standard classification of mental disorders.
 
 Scott expressed her dismay at the revelation. "That is really what makes this a cult because she was making up her belief system as she went," Scott said. Her concern is palpable, as she mentions the "toxic craziness" that many might have been exposed to under Hildebrandt’s guidance. The horrifying truth, according to Scott, is the legitimacy that came with Hildebrandt's clinical license, which led people to trust her expertise, only to be led astray.
 
 A pressing concern arises: how did Hildebrandt's practices go unnoticed for so long? Scott elaborates on the licensing procedures, which differ from state to state. "Usually, once a person is licensed, there's probably not a lot, if any oversight going on, unless there are complaints," she detailed. The primary role of licensing boards is to protect consumers, and they are obligated to investigate any complaints about licensed professionals rigorously. In Hildebrandt’s case, however, Scott questions the oversight and wonders whether the investigations were as thorough as they ought to have been.
 
 Given the gravity of the charges against Hildebrandt and the harm caused to countless individuals seeking help, the need for more rigorous checks and greater transparency becomes clear. Trust is a foundational pillar in the therapeutic relationship. It's crucial for patients to know that when they reach out for assistance, they are in safe hands, guided by genuine expertise.
 
 As the story unfolds and more people come forward with their experiences, there is hope for change. Scott passionately articulates this hope: "Lessons learned by the licensing board here." Yet, one can't help but wonder how many have been deeply affected by the dubious practices, and what it will take to ensure such situations are detected and addressed promptly in the future.
 
 In a world where the lines between genuine care and manipulation can sometimes blur, how do we ensure that those seeking help aren't led astray?
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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

The line between cultic behavior and genuine therapeutic practices seems to blur when you dive deep into the controversial methods of Jodi Hildebrandt. A recent episode of "Hidden Killers" featuring Tony Brueski and former FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke raises the question: When does unchecked power and influence steer away from genuine care and into the dangerous realm of manipulation?
 
 Jodi Hildebrandt, before her arrest, served as a licensed counselor. Disturbingly, she was recommended by the Mormon Church for her counseling services up until 2012. The church's withdrawal of endorsement came on the heels of Hildebrandt violating HIPAA rules, unveiling confidential information about a patient.
 
 Emerging stories from former clients reveal a troubling pattern in Hildebrandt's practice. Accusations range from methodically separating spouses, pathologizing normal behavior as addiction, and persuading patients to distance themselves from anyone who opposed her advice.
 
 Dreeke made a stark observation: "Welcome to another world of someone trying to form a cult." He further elaborated, pointing out classic cult behaviors manifested in Hildebrandt's methods – controlling information, isolating individuals, and exploiting them. And most disturbingly, Dreeke notes how she seemed to have created her own unique labels for addictions, ones not recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
 
 A troubling revelation Brueski emphasized was how many of these cases, including Hildebrandt's, had ties to the Church of Latter-Day Saints (LDS). It's essential to note that Dreeke clarified his stance, saying, "Religion has been, it doesn’t matter what religion, it's always been the backbone of many cults that have done harm." He expressed concern over the disproportionate number of cases arising from current or former LDS members.
 
 However, both hosts recognized the global contributions of the LDS church, praising its teachings of love, compassion, and non-discrimination. Dreeke offered a theory on why certain individuals may exploit such teachings, "What cults do is to suck you in as they love bomb you." This 'love bombing' technique, he elaborated, is about overwhelming a person with attention and affection. It's a potent strategy that often targets those feeling isolated or disenfranchised in their lives.
 
 Such tactics lead to the significant question posed during their discussion: Do people who start cults even recognize they're doing so? Many, including Hildebrandt, may have deep convictions, but without proper checks and balances, these beliefs can spiral into something far more sinister, especially if spearheaded by a charismatic leader.
 
 Dreeke pointed out that the term 'cult' has garnered a negative connotation over the years, yet many benign groups may have started in similar manners – with a small group of followers led by a charismatic leader. However, the distinction between a harmless group and a cult lies in the tactics employed: isolation, control of information, and harm (physical, psychological, or shaming).
 
 The episode shed light on a grim reality: cult-like groups might not always be large, visible entities. They might be lurking in everyday settings, masked under the guise of therapy sessions or small group gatherings.
 
 Thus, as the hosts of "Hidden Killers" continue their explorations into the shadowy corners of society, the ending question lingers: How many more undetected cults might be silently operating in plain sight?

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Kevin Franke faced an agonizing revelation this past August. He found his wife, Ruby Franke, and their family therapist, Jodi Hildebrandt, detained, with his two youngest children in a healthcare facility for critical malnourishment treatments.
 
 In the year leading up to this grim discovery, Kevin had only received infrequent communication from his now-estranged wife. This drastic shift in family dynamics traces back to the involvement of marriage counselor, Jodi Hildebrandt, in their lives. In a candid conversation with PEOPLE, Kevin's attorney, Randy Kester, expressed, “Kevin was taken aback. The allegations against Ruby and Jodi left him stunned. It dawned upon him the magnitude of deception he had been subjected to."
 
 The couple, who once reveled in the limelight due to their "8 Passengers vlog" on YouTube, had amassed a dedicated following of approximately 2.5 million subscribers. Their content chiefly revolved around the daily adventures and life lessons of their six children. However, even this digital haven suffered a setback when the couple decided to part ways, a year before Ruby's dramatic arrest.
 
 Eyewitness accounts and police allegations shed light on the distressing environment the Franke children were exposed to, particularly in Kevin’s absence. With Ruby and the two youngest residing at Jodi's residence, there are serious accusations concerning the treatment of 12-year-old Russell Franke. Claims have emerged about him being physically restrained with ropes, and even more distressingly, of cayenne pepper and honey being deliberately applied to his injuries by Ruby and Jodi.
 
 Diving deeper into Jodi Hildebrandt’s background reveals a checkered professional history. She commenced her association with the Frankes in 2021. Prominently specializing in sex addiction, Jodi faced reprimands from state authorities back in 2012, owing to an improper relationship with a client. That very year, following her personal battles of a divorce and strained ties with her children, Jodi launched 'ConneXions'. Her venture, as advertised on her website, pledges to "empower individuals to thrive in their relationships," with an emphasis on liberating individuals from "distortions" to embrace "Truth, connection, and freedom."
 
 This counselor-client relationship between the Frankes and Jodi intensified, culminating in a pivotal trip involving Ruby, Kevin, and another therapist. Post this journey, Ruby's perspective on her marriage had radically shifted. Recollecting this phase, Kester quoted Ruby's exact words to Kevin: "Your attitude is infesting the family." She firmly believed that their only recourse was separation. Kevin, despite these developments, continued attending several sessions a week with Jodi. In a turn of events, when their son Chad decided to reside with Kevin, Jodi intervened, advising separation. According to Kester, Jodi’s influence permeated so deeply that Kevin became increasingly isolated, with Ruby being granted limited access to contact him.
 
 However, red flags had been raised about the family earlier. In June 2020, social workers began probing into the Franke family dynamics, spurred by unsettling content on their YouTube channel. This included incidents like Ruby openly denying lunch to 6-year-old Eve and then 15-year-old Chad confessing to sleeping on a beanbag for a staggering seven months following a harmless prank on his sibling. Yet, these inquiries hit a dead-end as Utah's Division of Child and Family Services couldn't validate the abuse claims.
 
 Recent times saw Ruby frequently shuttle between her residence in Springville and Jodi's home in Ivins, Utah. During one of these transitions, they were apprehended, following consistent efforts by an alert neighbor and the couple’s estranged daughter, Shari, 20, to alert authorities. Voicing his concerns, the neighbor stated, “Child protective services conveyed that their hands were tied until a calamity occurred."
 
 Currently, both Ruby and Jodi are incarcerated at Washington County Purgatory Correctional Facility, awaiting legal proceedings, while their counseling licenses remain suspended. Kevin, although interrogated, has not faced any charges. However, the debate on his role rages on. A concerned neighbor remarked, "Is Kevin culpable? Absolutely. His decision to vacate the home was critical."
 
 In a landscape rife with digital celebrities, this distressing tale underscores the reality that not all that glitters online is gold. The Franke family's unraveling story serves as a reminder to always look beyond the screen.

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In a recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers" with Tony Brueski, the shocking practices of former counselor Jodi Hildebrandt were brought to the limelight. Just how influential were Hildebrandt's methods in the destruction of countless marriages?
 
 Before her arrest, Jodi Hildebrandt was a practicing therapist known for her unique and highly controversial counseling methods. As described by the podcast hosts, many of her former clients now claim that her techniques and teachings either directly caused or played a significant role in their divorces. Hildebrandt was known to separate spouses, pathologize patients' behaviors using non-DSM-5 recognized addictions, and encouraged individuals to isolate from those not adhering to her teachings.
 
 Psychologist John Delatorre, a guest on the podcast, expressed his concerns. "It sounds like she was never on a path to begin with," Delatorre said, suggesting that Hildebrandt might be fitting into the stereotype of the "wounded healer" – individuals who join the mental health field to address their traumas but instead inflict harm due to unresolved personal issues.
 
 Tony Brueski brought to attention that despite brief suspension in 2012, Hildebrandt regained her license shortly afterward and continued her practices. The Mormon church even stopped recommending her due to her disclosing sensitive HIPAA information. The question of how Hildebrandt managed to evade significant consequences for such a long time is perplexing.
 
 Delatorre explained that every licensed provider has a licensing board aimed at protecting the general public. He highlighted, “The licensing board isn't going to know what's going on unless you tell them." The issue might stem from the hesitation of clients or institutions to raise a complaint against their therapists. And while Hildebrandt might appear as an outlier, Delatorre was quick to note she's not unique. Many counselors face charges by their licensing boards for various unethical practices.
 
 Addressing the question of how much freedom therapists have in choosing their counseling methods, Delatorre said, “Some individuals have integrated, right? So they take pieces of all different kinds of theories and mold it into one." He went on to discuss the danger of therapists becoming too rigid in their ideologies, leading them to dismiss alternative viewpoints and therapies. This isolation can cause them to become even more entrenched in their beliefs.
 
 From Brueski's description, it appears Hildebrandt took an extreme stance, with some former clients even suggesting she had a vendetta against men. Delatorre responded, “She's the only one that knows if she had an agenda… or if this was just a secondary aspect of being so regimented in her own ideals.”
 
 The narrative of Jodi Hildebrandt's counseling methods, as laid out in the podcast, paints a worrying picture of unchecked practices that might have harmed more than they helped. It serves as a grim reminder of the significant role and responsibility that mental health professionals hold in their clients' lives.
 
 As the episode concluded, one question lingered: How many more "Jodi Hildebrandts" are out there, and what safeguards are in place to prevent further harm?
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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