Stab in the Back

This week's episode is all about weird and random items that turn the tide of a case! First, Anna goes over some of the ways forensic science has changed to encourage the examination of more and ever smaller items for evidentiary value, and Benton tells of the murder of Jasmine Fiore by her reality star husband, Ryan Jenkins. Then, Anna relays the sordid tale of Lucille Johnson, a grandmother murdered by a complete stranger. Finally, the two watch a classic episode of Forensic Files, profiling the murder of Christina Sanoubane, who's murder was solved in a most unlikely way.

Our TV doc this week is Season 14: Episode 1 of Forensic Files, "Purebread Murder".

Going to college? You better watch your back! This week's episode is all about murders on college campuses! First, Anna shares some statistics and information about crimes that occur on college campuses, and Benton relays the story of Xin Yang, a graduate student murdered at Virginia Tech. Then, Anna recounts the murder of Lola Martinez at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. Finally, the two settle in for a classic episode of Cold Case Files, profiling the murder of law student Jane Mixer.

Our TV doc this week is Part 1 of Season 5: Episode 8 of Cold Case Files (Classic), "Killer on Campus".

Do you like your murders with a side of political intrigue? Well so do we, and this week's episode is all about high profile candidates and the people who gravitate toward them. First, Anna shares some info on the additional scrutiny that befalls a politician, and Benton recounts the murder of former Arkansas state senator Linda Collins-Smith. Then, Anna goes over the mysterious death of Chandra Levy and her connection to former congressman Gary Condit. Finally, the two settle in for a classic episode of Forensic Files, profiling the murder of Nevada State Controller Kathy Augustine.

Our TV doc this week is Season 13: Episode 20 of Forensic Files, "Political Thriller".

Do you ever feel threatened by old people? Maybe you should! This week's episode is all about murderous senior citizens! First, Anna gives a rundown on why old people might choose to kill, and Benton tells the sordid tale of Tamara Samsonova, the cannibalistic, real life Baba Yaga of Russia. Then, Anna lays out the gory details of murderous couple Ray and Faye Copeland. Finally, the two watch a documentary about the classic case of the killer landlady, Dorothea Puente.

Our TV doc this week is Episode 1 of Worst Roommate Ever on Netflix, "Call Me Grandma".

Have you ever wondered how the media shapes our perception of events? Sometimes it can be pretty influential, and this week's episode is all about its impact on true crime!  First, Anna gives a rundown on the current social media climate and our current relationship with trials and ongoing investigations, and Benton tells the sordid tale of Robert Chambers, who murdered Jennifer Levin in Central Park in 1986. Then, Anna discusses the media circus surrounding serial killer Aileen Wuornos. Finally, the two sit back with a classic episode of Forensic Files, profiling the murders of Damon and Devin Routier by their mother, Darlie Routier.

Our TV doc this week is Season 4: Episode 1 of Forensic Files, "Invisible Intruder".

If you've ever been suspicious of a religious service, this episode is for you! Join Benton & Anna as they explore the darker side of spiritual fulfillment. First, Anna gives some insight into how a conman might defraud a gullible congregation, and Benton relays the gory details of Maire Rankin's murder at the hands of her neighbor(with a crucifix!). Then, Anna lays out the sordid saga of Jim & Tammy Faye Bakker. Finally, the two explore the Discovery+ documentary, Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed, profiling the downfall of Brian Houston and his family's dark legacy of abuse.

Our TV doc this week is Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed.

Do you worry about being convicted of a crime you didn't commit? You might after this week's episode! First, Anna goes over the various ways you can be implicated in a crime you didn't commit, and Benton tells the tale of the murder of Riley Fox, whose murder would only by solved by the intervention of defense attorney, Kathleen Zellner. Then, Anna relays the case of Ryan Ferguson, who was convicted on no more than the details of a dream. Finally, the two settle in for a classic case of Cold Case Files, profiling the exoneration of Ronnie Bullock.

Our TV doc this week is the pilot episode of Cold Case Files Classic: Story 4, the exoneration of Ronnie Bullock.

Psychics! Visions! Questionable methods of investigation! Join Benton and Anna as they explore the more esoteric ways of solving a case. First, Anna gives a rundown on the ways a police department may enlist the help of a psychic, and how good the results typically are, and Benton relays the murder of Andre Daigle, solved with the help of a psychic. Then, Anna goes over the murders of John DeMars and Susan Jacobson, solved with the help of the psychic, Dorothy Allison. Finally, a classic episode of Forensic Files is in order, profiling the murder of Cindy Allinger.

Our TV doc this week is Season 13: Episode 19 of Forensic Files, "Seedy Intentions".

Kidnappings can happen right under your nose! For the 50th episode of Stab In the Back, join Benton and Anna this week for some of the nation's most notorious kidnappings that occurred in plain sight! First, Anna gives a rundown on how these types of crimes can happen out in the open without anyone taking notice, and Benton takes a look at the mysterious disappearance of 11 month old Lisa Irwin in 2011. Then, Anna shares the details of the kidnapping and brainwashing of Jan Broberg by Robert Berchtold. Finally, the two settle in with a classic episode of Cold Case Files, profiling the kidnappings of women in Syracuse, NY by John Jamelske.

Our TV doc this week is the second half of Season 4, Episode 6 of Cold Case Files (Classic): "The Dungeon".

Do you hate social media? You will after this week's episode, which is all about the the way the internet has paved the way for more deceit and manipulation...or maybe more ways we can catch criminals, it's up to us! First, Anna shares some information on how the internet can assist in apprehending the bad guys, and Benton tells the classic story of "talhotblond", a catfishing tragedy resulting in the murder of Brian Barrett. Then, Anna relays the incredible story of Jenelle Potter, who used a digital web of lies to murder an innocent couple.  Finally, the two settle in for an episode of the newest series of Cold Case Files, profiling the murder of Sherry Leighty.

Our TV doc this week is Season 2, Episode 3 of Cold Case Files (New), "Missing in Altoona".