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3 Things: Susan Smith

What drives a mother to murder her own children? The Susan Smith case continues to haunt us nearly three decades later, raising profound questions about evil, justice, and the darkest corners of human nature.

When Susan Smith reported that her two young sons had been kidnapped by a male black carjacker in October 1994, the nation watched in horror as the young mother made tearful television appeals for their safe return. But something about her story didn't add up. No witnesses, inconsistent statements, and behavior that struck many as performative rather than genuine. Nine days into the investigation, the truth emerged—there was no carjacker. Susan had driven her car to John D. Long Lake with three-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alexander strapped inside, then released the brake, letting the vehicle roll into the water while she escaped.

The devastating reality behind Smith's actions came into focus as investigators uncovered her relationship with a wealthy man who had recently ended their affair, making it clear he didn't want children. Rather than allowing her husband David to raise the boys, Smith chose to eliminate what she perceived as obstacles to her happiness in the most horrific way imaginable. The method of murder—drowning—inflicted terror and suffering on her children in their final moments, leaving first responders and family members with trauma that persists to this day.

This episode dives deep into Wendy and David's most striking aspects of this infamous case: the initial lie and its racial component, the heartless method of murder, and the ongoing questions about justice as Susan Smith faces regular parole hearings that force her victims' family to repeatedly relive their trauma. Should someone who deliberately murdered their children ever walk free? Join us as we examine the case that changed how America views maternal filicide and consider what true justice looks like for the most vulnerable victims.

David's book, True Crime and Consequences is FINALLY available!

This book explores the intricate and often controversial relationship between the true crime community and law enforcement. For  amateur sleuths, true crime fans, and social media detectives and cops everywhere.

http://truecrimeconsequences.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBQ4BT5Q

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The aching void of a missing loved one tears at the fabric of a family like nothing else. Rhonda Faye Day—compassionate soul, devoted grandmother-caretaker, avid reader, and animal lover—vanished from Kentucky on July 28, 2018, leaving her family in a nightmare that continues to this day.

We trace Rhonda's story through the eyes of those who knew her best. She was the woman who stopped to move turtles from busy roads, the one who painted rocks for children to discover in parks, who sat beside hospital beds caring for ailing relatives. Despite personal struggles with addiction, Rhonda maintained deep connections with her family, especially her grandmother with whom she shared a home.

The details surrounding her disappearance raise disturbing questions. After borrowing just $5 for gas to visit a childhood friend in Louisville, Rhonda called her grandmother promising to return home. She never did. Her car appeared days later, abandoned near the Ohio River, just over a mile from where she was last reportedly seen. Police told the family to retrieve the vehicle themselves instead of processing it for evidence—a critical error that may have compromised valuable forensic information. Meanwhile, the person Rhonda visited never participated in searches or reached out to check on her whereabouts.

What happened to Rhonda Day? Did she suffer an overdose that someone covered up? Did something more sinister occur? Or, as some suggest but her family firmly denies, did she choose to disappear? The absence of activity on her phone or financial accounts since that July day speaks volumes.

Someone knows what happened to Rhonda, and her family deserves answers. If you have information—no matter how small—please contact the Louisville Metro Police Department at 502-574-7111. Help bring Rhonda home and end this family's torment.

David's book, True Crime and Consequences is FINALLY available!

This book explores the intricate and often controversial relationship between the true crime community and law enforcement. For  amateur sleuths, true crime fans, and social media detectives and cops everywhere.

http://truecrimeconsequences.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBQ4BT5Q

Do you have your copy of David's book True Crime and Consequences? Get your copy today at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBQ4BT5Q.

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The suspicious death of John O'Keefe and the subsequent trials of Karen Reed have divided communities, sparked heated debates online, and left countless questions unanswered. Was this a tragic accident, or something far more sinister? Join Wendy and David as they each share "3 Things" that they take away from this case.

We dive deep into three key elements that raise serious doubts about what really happened that fateful night. First, the mysterious series of "butt dials" to O'Keefe's phone suggests someone was desperately searching for his device during critical hours. Second, the disturbing injuries on O'Keefe's arm – wounds containing pig DNA that resembled animal bites rather than car damage – coincided with the Alberts rehoming their German Shepherd shortly after the incident. Third, the suspicious Google searches asking "how long to die in the cold".

Beyond the evidence itself, this case highlights systemic issues that plague our justice system. The shocking misconduct by State Trooper Michael Proctor, who sent horrifically unprofessional text messages about Karen Reed, undermined the prosecution's credibility. Meanwhile, the exceptional work of Reed's defense team exploited these vulnerabilities to create reasonable doubt. The decision to elevate charges from reckless behavior to murder may have ultimately backfired, as the evidence struggled to support such serious allegations.

The Karen Reed case may well become this generation's OJ Simpson trial – legally resolved but forever questioned in the court of public opinion. Did the perfect storm of police misconduct, skilled defense work, and media attention prevent the truth from emerging? Or did the system work exactly as designed by preventing conviction when reasonable doubt existed? What do you think happened that night? Join the conversation and share your theories with us on YouTube or social media.

David's book, True Crime and Consequences is FINALLY available!

This book explores the intricate and often controversial relationship between the true crime community and law enforcement. For  amateur sleuths, true crime fans, and social media detectives and cops everywhere.

http://truecrimeconsequences.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBQ4BT5Q

Do you have your copy of David's book True Crime and Consequences? Get your copy today at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBQ4BT5Q.

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David delves into the complex relationship between true crime enthusiasts and law enforcement, revealing how these two passionate communities can collaborate effectively to solve cases and support victims' families.

The conversation explores the dangerous "landmines" amateur investigators must navigate - from constitutional issues to potential criminal charges. When true crime enthusiasts enter someone's property without permission or record conversations in two-party consent states, they risk not only compromising cases but facing legal jeopardy themselves. David shares wisdom gathered from decades in law enforcement, providing a crucial framework for ethical investigation.

What makes this discussion particularly valuable is its dual perspective. While acknowledging the incredible resource true crime communities offer - primarily time and fresh viewpoints that overworked detectives desperately need - the conversation doesn't shy away from addressing problematic behaviors like vigilante "pedo catchers" who may actually make predators harder to catch. The podcast introduces a powerful concept: that silence from investigators doesn't mean inaction, but rather careful, methodical work happening behind the scenes.

Most poignantly, David introduces the term "survivors" - the families and friends left behind after murders or disappearances - revealing how his book has already helped some navigate their frustration and grief by understanding investigation processes. This bridges the empathy gap between those who view cases as professional challenges and those who experience them as life-shattering events.

Ready to become a more effective advocate for justice? Join the movement to create productive partnerships between true crime communities and law enforcement. Check murderpolicepodcast.com for upcoming tour dates, or reach out if you'd like David to visit your local bookstore or true crime club to continue this crucial conversation.

David's book, True Crime and Consequences is FINALLY available!

This book explores the intricate and often controversial relationship between the true crime community and law enforcement. For  amateur sleuths, true crime fans, and social media detectives and cops everywhere.

http://truecrimeconsequences.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBQ4BT5Q

Do you have your copy of David's book True Crime and Consequences? Get your copy today at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBQ4BT5Q.

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What happens when the lines blur between true crime fascination and real murder investigations? Former homicide detective David Lyons tackles this pressing question in his groundbreaking book, "True Crime and Consequences: Does the True Crime Community Help Murder Investigations or Hurt Them?"

On this special "hostile takeover" episode of the Murder Police Podcast, communication expert Scott Harvey interviews David about the delicate relationship between amateur sleuths and professional investigators. The timing couldn't be more relevant—as the true crime genre explodes in popularity, questions about ethics and responsibility have never been more important.

David reveals how his book serves as an essential primer for multiple audiences. For true crime enthusiasts, it provides the "playground rules" to engage with cases responsibly. For content creators, it offers guidance on avoiding pitfalls that could jeopardize active investigations. And perhaps most surprisingly, it challenges law enforcement to recognize the value that dedicated civilians can bring to cold cases.

Drawing from decades of investigative experience, David shares compelling insights about the differences between "virtue justice" (public condemnation) and criminal justice (proper legal proceedings). He points to troubling examples where social media campaigns have derailed prosecutions and potentially re-victimized grieving families.

The conversation highlights a powerful paradox: while investigators are bound by legal constraints, members of the public can sometimes access information and perspectives that might otherwise remain hidden. When these two worlds collaborate effectively—with proper boundaries and mutual respect—justice becomes more attainable.

Whether you're a dedicated true crimer, a law enforcement professional, or simply someone who cares about how justice works in the modern media landscape, this episode offers invaluable perspective on a relationship that continues to evolve. The question isn't whether true crime communities will influence investigations—it's how we can ensure that influence leads to justice rather than undermines it.

David's book, True Crime and Consequences is FINALLY available!

This book explores the intricate and often controversial relationship between the true crime community and law enforcement. For  amateur sleuths, true crime fans, and social media detectives and cops everywhere.

http://truecrimeconsequences.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBQ4BT5Q

Do you have your copy of David's book True Crime and Consequences? Get your copy today at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBQ4BT5Q.

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Unlocking the secrets of deception through body language and strategic questioning—Eddie Pearson returns for the final installment of our riveting four-part series on reading what's not being said.

Your body betrays your words. Despite our best efforts to control our non-verbal communication, our physiological responses—from subtle changes in breathing to unconscious movements—reveal what we're trying to hide. Pearson breaks down how investigators identify and interpret these invaluable clues during high-stakes interviews.

"The feet are the most honest part of the body," Pearson explains, demonstrating how toe direction indicates true intentions and comfort levels. He shares a compelling real-case example where a suspect's inadvertent response to a hypothetical question about cell phone recording immediately exposed his deception. Pearson reveals how "barring"—the tension in jaw muscles resembling an animal's defensive posture—once helped a corrections officer avoid assault by recognizing this primal warning sign.

Beyond physical cues, Pearson dissects the art of strategic questioning. Learn why "what caused this to happen?" elicits more truthful responses than asking "why," how precise language prevents suspects from exploiting ambiguity, and why seemingly casual questions can crack even the most prepared liars. His insights on creating "windows" for confessions demonstrate how skilled investigators respond rather than react to shocking admissions.

Whether you're fascinated by criminal psychology, communication dynamics, or the science of truth-seeking, Pearson's decades of expertise offer valuable lessons that extend far beyond interrogation rooms. Subscribe now to access all four parts of this masterclass in reading between the lines.

David's book, True Crime and Consequences is FINALLY available!

This book explores the intricate and often controversial relationship between the true crime community and law enforcement. For  amateur sleuths, true crime fans, and social media detectives and cops everywhere.

http://truecrimeconsequences.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBQ4BT5Q

Do you have your copy of David's book True Crime and Consequences? Get your copy today at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBQ4BT5Q.

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The human body betrays what the mind tries to conceal. From ancient Chinese techniques using rice to detect lies to modern statement analysis methods, our conversation with Eddie Pearson reveals the fascinating science behind deception detection.

When someone lies, their brain experiences increased cognitive load – the mental strain of fabricating details while suppressing truth. This triggers physiological responses impossible to control: dry mouth, changed blinking patterns, and subtle shifts in posture. These involuntary reactions have provided the foundation for lie detection throughout human history.

Pearson shares powerful interrogation techniques that leverage these responses. The strategic use of silence forces suspects to fill uncomfortable voids, often revealing more than they intended. Language analysis provides equally compelling insights – shifts in verb tense during narratives, dropped personal pronouns, and words ending in "-ly" often signal deception. Even the choice between articles ("a" versus "the") can reveal someone's true familiarity with people or situations they claim not to know.

"The first person to speak after a question is the person who loses," Pearson notes, highlighting how patience becomes a powerful tool in uncovering truth. Through case examples, including a hit-and-run investigation where a single word ("directly") unlocked crucial information, we explore how these techniques have solved real crimes and revealed hidden truths.

Whether you're fascinated by criminal psychology, communication science, or simply interested in understanding human behavior better, this episode offers rare insights into how our words and bodies reveal what we try to hide. Subscribe now to hear the next installment in our series with Eddie Pearson, where we'll continue exploring the science of detecting deception.

David's book, True Crime and Consequences is FINALLY available!

This book explores the intricate and often controversial relationship between the true crime community and law enforcement. For  amateur sleuths, true crime fans, and social media detectives and cops everywhere.

http://truecrimeconsequences.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBQ4BT5Q

Do you have your copy of David's book True Crime and Consequences? Get your copy today at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBQ4BT5Q.

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Eddie Pearson pulls back the curtain on interrogation psychology, revealing that our feet—not our faces—often betray our true feelings. "The feet are the most honest part of the body," he explains, drawing from decades of experience reading subtle cues that most people miss. Far from the Hollywood portrayal of intimidating interrogators, Pearson describes a more nuanced approach focused on building rapport, managing cognitive load, and paying attention to clusters of non-verbal behaviors.

The conversation takes surprising turns, exploring how something as simple as offering water creates a psychological obligation that suspects often feel compelled to reciprocate with honesty. "I always bring them a bottle of water," Pearson notes. "Now I've given you something. Now you need to give me something." Another investigator adds, "If we had a 24-hour Burger King next to headquarters, our confession rate would probably increase."

Pearson shares practical techniques like watching for "anchor point movements"—when someone shifts multiple points of physical contact simultaneously in response to specific questions—and recognizing "smoke screening," where subjects overwhelm investigators with irrelevant but verifiable details. These tactics aren't just useful in criminal investigations; they apply to everyday situations from restaurant recommendations to business negotiations.

What makes this discussion particularly valuable is its balanced perspective on truth-seeking. While confession techniques are explored in depth, Pearson emphasizes that success isn't measured by getting confessions but by uncovering truth—sometimes exonerating innocent people. "My job is to get as much information as I can," he explains, highlighting cases where polygraph examinations helped clear wrongly accused suspects.

Whether you're fascinated by criminal psychology or simply want to better understand human communication, this episode offers rare insights into the subtle art of reading people beyond their words. Ready to detect deception in your daily life? Listen now and discover what people's bodies reveal when their words say otherwise.

David's book, True Crime and Consequences is FINALLY available!

This book explores the intricate and often controversial relationship between the true crime community and law enforcement. For  amateur sleuths, true crime fans, and social media detectives and cops everywhere.

http://truecrimeconsequences.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBQ4BT5Q

Do you have your copy of David's book True Crime and Consequences? Get your copy today at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBQ4BT5Q.

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Forget everything you've seen in crime dramas about slamming tables and bright lights. Former detective Eddie Pearson reveals the subtle science behind real interrogation techniques in this eye-opening conversation about body language and statement analysis.

The forehead serves as the "billboard of body language," where trained investigators can read microexpressions that betray our inner thoughts. Pearson explains why watching for changes in someone's baseline behavior matters more than looking for specific "deception indicators." Context is everything—the same physical expression can represent either profound joy or devastating grief depending on the situation.

Fascinatingly, Pearson reveals the cognitive load created by lying. The brain must perform six distinct mental operations to tell and maintain a lie, triggering a cascade of stress hormones that manifest physically. This explains why investigators watch for shifts in breathing patterns, hand gestures, and body posture that signal this internal struggle.

Did you know women typically possess twice as many emotional receptors in their brains as men? This biological difference explains why women often excel at detecting emotional nuances and deception. Pearson shares how this gender distinction plays out in real-world interrogations and how both men and women can develop stronger observation skills.

The most powerful moments in an interrogation often come when suspects adopt what Pearson calls the "ears over heart" posture—leaning forward with their body language signaling surrender. This physical shift frequently precedes confession, highlighting how our bodies often reveal truth before our words catch up.

Want to sharpen your own ability to read nonverbal cues? Pearson offers a simple exercise: watch your favorite TV show with the sound off for 15 minutes, then check your accuracy. This practical technique helps develop the same observational skills that make effective investigators.

David's book, True Crime and Consequences is FINALLY available!

This book explores the intricate and often controversial relationship between the true crime community and law enforcement. For  amateur sleuths, true crime fans, and social media detectives and cops everywhere.

http://truecrimeconsequences.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBQ4BT5Q

Do you have your copy of David's book True Crime and Consequences? Get your copy today at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBQ4BT5Q.

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A decade of unanswered questions haunts the family of Linda Price, who vanished from a small Kentucky community leaving behind only whispers, theories, and a mother and son determined to bring her home.

The truth seems tangled in the complex web of small-town silence. Linda's son Chase and her mother Mary Elizabeth share their most credible theory: Linda was staying with a man in McKinney when she and another woman allegedly took money. When consequences came calling, the other woman blamed Linda entirely—potentially sealing her fate. This narrative has consistently emerged from multiple sources, including prison informants and community whispers.

"It's a very tight community down there. You know everybody's got tight lips... If you're a snitch, you're going to go missing," Chase explains, describing the code of silence that has protected those with knowledge for ten years. The woman who allegedly falsely accused Linda still lives in the community, reportedly clean from drugs but "carrying a demon on her back," while the man Linda stayed with has seemingly vanished without trace.

Their search has led to "the cut"—an old train tunnel in McKinney where sources suggest Linda's remains may have been discarded after being moved multiple times during decomposition. Despite numerous searches by both family and authorities, no conclusive evidence has emerged. A recent anonymous tip pointed toward Pulaski County Park Lake, offering yet another location to investigate.

What's most striking is the family's perspective on justice. They've prepared a headstone with Linda's birth date but no death date, and a burial plot awaits her. "I'm not looking for revenge or retribution, just relief," says Chase. Their message to those with knowledge shows remarkable grace: "I respect why you're doing what you do, because of the world you live in, but don't make us be a part of that world and just give us what we want."

If you have information about Linda Price's disappearance, please come forward—even anonymously. A family waits to bring their loved one home, offering understanding rather than judgment in exchange for the truth they've sought for far too long.

David's book, True Crime and Consequences is FINALLY available!

This book explores the intricate and often controversial relationship between the true crime community and law enforcement. For  amateur sleuths, true crime fans, and social media detectives and cops everywhere.

http://truecrimeconsequences.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBQ4BT5Q

Do you have your copy of David's book True Crime and Consequences? Get your copy today at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBQ4BT5Q.

See what you have been missing on YouTube!