True Crime Reality

Alex Honnold made history last night, free soloing one of the world’s tallest buildings in front of a live, international audience.  There were moments where most of us had to look away, as Honnold climbed 101 stories and traversed seemingly impossible metal structures without ropes , nets or any type of safety equipment.  Amy and T.J. talk about watching the event, the reaction online to the coverage and what Alex and his wife had to say once he made it to the top. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier today, federal agents shot and killed a man in the streets of Minneapolis,  and once again there is video of the shooting all over the internet.  The Department of Homeland Security is maintaining the unidentified 37 year old white, male Minneapolis resident approached ICE agents with a 9mm gun, but the videos appear to show a different version of events.  Residents have taken to the streets to protest the latest shooting, despite the sub freezing conditions.  Amy and T.J. have the latest details on this developing story.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With just minutes to go, Netflix and Alex Honnold made the decision to postpone his scheduled and heavily promoted ‘Skyscraper Live’ event Friday night.  So this evening, we will all be holding our collective breaths and watching as the 40 year old Free Solo climber takes on one of the tallest buildings in the world, without ropes, in front of the world.  While there will be a 10 second delay for the live broadcast, the stakes are high, one wrong move may mean the difference between life and death.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It wasn't the day the judge hoped for in the Brendan Banfield double murder trial.  In anticipation of the winter storm, the judge pushed attorney to wrap testimony by Friday (yesterday), but they didn't even get close.  However, the defense began scoring some major points, poking significant holes in the prosecution’s catfishing theory, central to their case.  But all eyes are on the defendant himself, Brendan Banfield, who is expected to take the stand next week as the final witness for the defense.  For the jury, it may ultimately come down to who they believe:  the au pair or Brendan Banfield.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A cult movie that got it wrong. A women’s “sisterhood” that wasn’t what it seemed. And a commitment that came with collateral. On this episode of Killer Thriller, Sarah Edmondson joins us to unpack the reality behind the NXIVM dramatization, how a five-day course turned skepticism into belief, and the moment loyalty crossed into something far more dangerous.

You can pre-order Sarah Edmondson's new book here: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLR16M1R576DP/checkout/25UI2OVABMV3RD4YF55WQ755

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What a helluva day in court! The defense attorney for accused double murderer Brendan Banfield scored major points today, calling two forensic digital experts with the Fairfax Police Department up to the stand who refuted the state’s catfishing theory. The two testified Brendan’s wife Christine had control of her devices, making it impossible for Brendan or the au pair to have created the online fetish profile that led to the murders. Later this afternoon, we are also expecting the biggest bombshell of this trial: Brendan Banfield will testify in his own defense.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Uvalde police officer Adrian Gonzales is speaking out for the first time since a Texas jury found him not guilty on 29 counts of child endangerment. Gonzales became emotional as he described how he simply followed orders and did the best he could with the information he had. He also talks about what his life is like now and why he’s gearing up for “the second battle.”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You've probably seen the promos on Netflix:  superstar climber Alex Honnold will attempt to climb one of the tallest buildings in the world TONIGHT.  Live.  No ropes.  Netflix will air it on a 10-second delay, but that doesn't fully cover all of safety and ethical concerns for what Honnold is doing.  Honnold -- considered one of the best climbers in the world -- shot to fame with the Oscar-winning documentary "Free Solo," which documented his no-ropes climb up Yosemite's Dawn Wall.  He's the only person to ever free solo the Dawn Wall, considered the holy grail of climbing. Tonight's broadcast comes with controversy and criticism, especially now that Honnold is a husband and father of two young girls. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The defense attorney for Brendon Banfield made some significant headway this afternoon,  questioning if investigators came up with their catfishing theory first, and then tried to make the evidence fit later.  Banfield is charged with murdering his wife, and a stranger they say he catfished to his home to frame for her murder, along side his au pair and mistress. Also coming out in court today, it may have been Brendan Banfield’s 4 year old daughter who led investigators to their  theory.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.