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

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, 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, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Gabby Petito Update; Breaking Down The Cold, Callous and Tone Deaf Behavior Of Bryan Laundries Parents Amid Crisis-WEEK IN REVIEW 

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

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, 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, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Ret FBI Coffindaffer Why Donna Adelson is “Cooked” in the Dan Markel Murder Case-WEEK IN REVIEW 

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

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, 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, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

This case is the kind of legal puzzle that makes you wonder just how much we really know about the human brain. A Texas jury just found 21-year-old Benjamin Elliott guilty of murder for stabbing his twin sister, Meghan, in the neck while she slept. The twist? Elliott claims he was sleepwalking at the time.

Let’s rewind to 2021. Elliott was just 17 when he plunged a survival knife into his sister’s neck in their family home in Katy, Texas. According to his version of events, he was deep in a dream, completely unaware of what he was doing—until he suddenly snapped awake and realized the horror in front of him.

In his initial statement to investigators, Elliott said: “I freaked out and, like, put the knife down and put a pillow on her to try and stop the bleeding. Then called, you know, 911 from my phone.”

But Meghan’s injuries were fatal. No amount of frantic backpedaling could undo what had just happened.

After five hours of deliberation, the jury delivered its verdict: guilty of murder. The judge then handed down a 15-year sentence—far less than the 99 years he could have faced. And why? Because the jury itself asked for leniency.

From the very beginning, Elliott’s lawyer, Wes Rucker, built the entire defense on one question: Why would a kid with no motive, no history of violence, and a deep love for his sister do something this horrific—unless he wasn’t truly awake?

Sleepwalking as a legal defense isn’t unheard of, but it’s rare. The idea is that someone in a sleepwalking state is essentially on autopilot, moving and acting without conscious control. It’s not a crime of passion, not a premeditated attack—it’s just the brain misfiring in the worst way possible.

And Elliott’s family backed up his claim. His older sister even testified that he had a history of bizarre, trance-like episodes. One time, she recalled, he stood in a doorway with his eyes barely open, unresponsive. When she touched his shoulder, he simply turned and went back to bed, completely unaware of what had happened.

Sounds convincing, right?

Not according to the prosecution.

Prosecutors didn’t buy the sleepwalking angle for a second. While they couldn’t present a clear motive, they did drop some evidence suggesting Elliott was definitely awake shortly before the stabbing.

For one, he was using his phone about 20 minutes before the attack. That’s a pretty big red flag. Unless he was sleep-texting—(which, to be fair, is a thing, but not exactly common)—it suggests he was fully conscious leading up to the crime.

Then there was the way he handled the aftermath. Prosecutors argued that after stabbing Meghan, Elliott had the presence of mind to call 911 and even use a pillow to muffle her screams. That doesn’t sound like someone in a mindless sleepwalking state—it sounds like someone trying to control the situation.

Assistant District Attorney Megan Long put it bluntly:

This left the jury in a tough spot. They clearly weren’t convinced by the sleepwalking defense, but they also weren’t sold on the idea that Elliott was a cold-blooded killer. If they had believed this was a calculated murder, they could have recommended a much harsher sentence. Instead, they asked the judge for leniency—which is exactly what he gave.

Not everyone agrees with the jury’s verdict. Neurologist Dr. Jerald Simmons, who testified for the defense, flat-out said:

He pointed out that, while rare, similar cases have happened before. For example, back in 2010, a North Carolina man was found not guilty after claiming he was sleepwalking when he smothered his 4-year-old son and attacked two other children. In that case, experts testified that extreme stress and sleep deprivation could trigger violent sleepwalking episodes.

But in Elliott’s case? The jury just wasn’t convinced enough to let him walk free.

So, was Benjamin Elliott a tragic victim of a sleep disorder? Or did the jury just spare a young man from spending his entire life in prison because they weren’t totally sure of his intentions?

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

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, 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, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Why Did the Laundries Stay Silent When Gabby Petito Was Missing? Former FBI Agent Reveals the Truth

Could the Laundries really have been just scared parents caught in a whirlwind of chaos, or was their silence a calculated move? When your son comes home without his fiancée, and you find yourself suddenly on a family camping trip while the world searches for her, people start asking questions.

Robin Dreeke, former FBI Special Agent and behavioral analysis expert, takes a hard look at the actions—or inactions—of Chris and Roberta Laundrie. Did they know more than they let on? Did years of enabling their son’s volatile behavior lead them to a place where they could shut out the horrors of reality, even as protesters lined up outside their home?

And let’s talk about that eerie ability to find Brian’s remains when hundreds of trained searchers couldn’t. Was that grief-stricken intuition, or something else entirely? When does parental protection cross the line into obstruction? And most chillingly—what would you have done in their shoes?

#GabbyPetito #BrianLaundrie #TrueCrime #HiddenKillers #FBIBehaviorAnalysis #CrimeInvestigation #DarkTruths

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

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, 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, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Could Donna Save Herself by Flipping on Wendy? Attorney Bob Motta Weighs In

Would Charlie Adelson really throw his own family under the bus to save himself? That’s the million-dollar question as the legal walls close in on the Adelson clan. With his appeals running thin, could turning state’s witness be his last, desperate play? And if so, would it be enough to take down Wendy Adelson, the sister who just happened to be "coincidentally" circling the crime scene at the perfect moment?

The prosecution is playing chess, not checkers, strategically picking off the family members one by one. But do they have enough to convict Wendy, or is this a highly circumstantial house of cards? Defense Attorney Bob Motta breaks it down, explaining why Wendy might walk—unless Charlie decides to roll over. And then there’s Donna Adelson, the matriarch who’s giving off major “entitled narcissist” energy. Will she take the stand in her own trial, or will her performance during bond hearings be enough to bury her?

With checks, cash piles, and some wildly suspicious financial moves, the prosecution is trying to connect the dots—while the defense scrambles for an explanation that doesn’t sound utterly ridiculous. Will the "extortion" excuse actually fly? Or is Donna destined to spend her golden years in a much less gilded cage?

#TrueCrime #CharlieAdelson #WendyAdelson #DonnaAdelson #DanMarkel #LegalStrategy #HiddenKillers

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

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, 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, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Does Kevin Franke Really 'Get It', If He Still Loves Ruby Franke?

Was Kevin Franke a victim of coercion, or did he just turn a blind eye? The case of Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt has been dissected from every angle, but Kevin—the husband who stayed, the father who didn’t intervene—is a puzzle in himself. Psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott joins Tony Brueski to unravel the layers of manipulation, blind faith, and pathological passivity that may have led Kevin to abandon his children to a house of horrors.

Kevin now claims he was just another victim, swept up in a toxic mix of religious obedience and psychological control. But can we really accept that explanation? Or is it a convenient way to dodge accountability for the role he played—or failed to play—in protecting his own kids? As a new Hulu documentary attempts to shed light on his story, we ask the question: Should Kevin Franke be held responsible, or is he just another casualty of a cult-like system?

#RubyFranke #KevinFranke #JodiHildebrandt #TrueCrime #HiddenKillers #CoerciveControl #CrimeDocumentary

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

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, 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, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

At some point, reality catches up with delusion. For Chad and Lori, that moment came when their doomsday prophecy failed, the bodies were found, and the world demanded answers.

This episode follows the unraveling of their belief system, from the moment their July 2020 doomsday prediction never came true to the mounting pressure from law enforcement and national media. Lori’s chilling lack of emotion after her children disappeared and her refusal to cooperate with investigators only fueled the fire. Chad, once seen as a spiritual leader, suddenly found himself a fugitive, his so-called prophetic status crumbling under legal scrutiny.

Through court testimonies, expert breakdowns, and official LDS responses, we explore how justice was finally served. Chad and Lori’s religious justifications were torn apart in court, and their former followers turned against them. The trial exposed the full extent of their manipulation, their self-serving doctrine, and the horrifying reality of what they had done in the name of their so-called divine mission.

This wasn’t just a story about a crime—it was a case study in radicalization, cult psychology, and the dangers of unchecked belief. 

 

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

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, 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, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com 

Ret FBI Coffindaffer : Why Donna Adelson is “Cooked” in the Dan Markel Murder Case

Did Donna Adelson really think she could talk her way out of jail? The 75-year-old matriarch of the Adelson family, now facing first-degree murder charges in the alleged murder-for-hire of Dan Markel, took the stand this week—and let’s just say, things did not go as planned. Painting herself as a frail, elderly victim of the system, she pled for release, only for prosecutors to drop a bombshell: recorded jailhouse calls where she and her son Charlie discuss escape plans and countries without extradition. Oops.

Tony Brueski and retired FBI Special Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer break down Donna’s disastrous courtroom performance, her apparent belief that she’s the smartest person in the universe, and whether she’ll take a plea or go down swinging. And then there’s the big question—could she flip on her daughter, Wendy? Or is this just the beginning of the Adelson saga?

#TrueCrime #DonnaAdelson #DanMarkel #HiddenKillers #MurderForHire #CourtroomDrama #Justice

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

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, 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, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

The best friend of three Kansas City Chiefs fans who were found frozen in a backyard after a watch party has been arrested alongside another man more than a year after the case baffled authorities and family members.

Ricky Johnson, 38, David Harrington, 37, and Clayton McGeeney, 36, were last seen alive watching the final regular season Chiefs game on January 7, 2024. Two days later, their bodies were discovered in the backyard of their friend Jordan Willis' home.

Willis, 39, a scientist, and Ivory J. Carson, 42, have now been charged with involuntary manslaughter and delivery of a controlled substance, Kansas City police announced Wednesday.

For months, Willis denied any involvement in his friends’ deaths, claiming he went to bed in the early hours of January 8 and had no idea they were still outside. He also said he was wearing headphones and never saw the frantic messages from the victims’ loved ones.

But as time passed, suspicion grew. Family members of the deceased demanded answers from police, who initially insisted there was no foul play. The case seemed stalled—until investigators found a crucial link: Carson, known as "Blade Brown," allegedly supplied and sold cocaine to Willis and the victims. His DNA was later discovered on a bag of fentanyl inside Willis' home.

According to prosecutors, a witness reported seeing a plate of cocaine at Harrington’s home earlier in the night, allegedly provided by Willis. Another witness told police he was with the men at Willis’ home after the game, where they drank, smoked marijuana, and used cocaine. That witness confirmed Harrington, McGeeney, and Johnson were still alive at 1:30 a.m. after Willis had gone to bed.

By January 9, after two days with no contact, McGeeney’s fiancée broke into Willis’ basement, calling his name. She found one of the bodies on the back porch and immediately called the police. Officers then discovered the other two victims in the yard.

Toxicology reports later confirmed the presence of cocaine, THC, and fentanyl in their systems. On Wednesday, authorities concluded the men died from "fentanyl and cocaine toxicity." But for their families, the explanation wasn’t enough.

Harrington’s mother, Theresa, pointed out that her son did not take drugs intending to die. "Somebody gave them something that would kill them," she insisted.

Suspicion around Willis only intensified when it was revealed he had moved out of his Kansas City home and entered a rehabilitation program. Meanwhile, police uncovered text messages between Carson, the victims, and others that allegedly confirmed Carson was supplying them with cocaine. When questioned by police in July 2024, Carson admitted to selling the drug to the victims.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd made it clear: "This case is a tragic reminder of the dangers of street drugs. But make no mistake, the people that supply those drugs can and will be held accountable when people overdose."

Carson is now in jail on a $100,000 cash bond. Willis is expected to surrender and post his own $100,000 bond. If convicted, both men face a maximum of 10 years in prison.

#KansasCity #ChiefsWatchParty #TrueCrime #FentanylCrisis

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

The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, 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, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com