TRUE CRIME with Bratterstein

TRUE CRIME with Bratterstein

By BRATTERSTEINTrue Crime
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TRUE CRIME with Bratterstein episodes

  • 11-Year-Old Girl was Murdered by the Monster Next Door : The Jaquita Mack Case

    This case is absolutely heartbreaking and one of the most disturbing crimes I’ve ever come across. Alex DeMolle, a man with no violent history, was convicted of the horrific murder of 11-year-old Shaquita Mack, who was just out riding her bike, trying to escape her troubled home life. The prosecution painted a chilling picture of how Alex lured her into his apartment, assaulted her, and then strangled her to death to cover up his crime. He later dumped her body in the weeds where it was left to be discovered the next day. The courtroom was filled with raw emotion as her family listened to the graphic details and Alex’s own words, admitting that he “just wanted it all to end.” The evidence, including DNA and his written confessions, sealed his fate, and the jury found him guilty of first-degree murder with special circumstances, recommending the death penalty.During sentencing, Alex’s defense team tried to portray him as a caring individual who made a tragic mistake, but the prosecution argued this was a premeditated, cold-blooded murder deserving of the harshest punishment. The judge didn’t hold back, calling Alex a predator and sentencing him to death. Shaquita’s family expressed relief at the verdict but made it clear that no punishment could bring their little girl back. Her brother spoke about how Shaquita was the glue that held their family together, and her loss left a hole that could never be filled. This case is a gut-wrenching reminder of the evil that exists in this world and why we must continue to fight for justice for victims like Shaquita Mack.

    50 min
  • The Powell Family : Mother Goes Missing, Father Kills Himself and Their TWO SONS

    In December 2009, Susan Powell mysteriously vanished after attending church with her husband Joshua and their two sons. The next day, Joshua claimed he took the boys on a late-night camping trip, but police found his story suspicious, especially after discovering Susan's blood in the home and a letter expressing fear of her husband. Joshua's odd behavior continued as he withdrew money from her accounts and pulled the kids from daycare. Their son, Charlie, later told a teacher his mother was dead, raising further alarm. Joshua became a prime suspect, but no charges were filed due to a lack of evidence.On February 5, 2012, during a supervised visit, Joshua Powell locked out the social worker and set off a deadly explosion that killed him and his sons, Charlie and Braden, in a shocking double murder-suicide. Investigators found gasoline spread throughout the home, and the boys suffered both carbon monoxide poisoning and hatchet wounds. Joshua had emailed his goodbyes, donated the children’s belongings, and named his brother as his life insurance beneficiary. So, Josh and the boys are dead and to this day.. Susan Powell is still missing.

    1 hr 37 min
  • Mr. Prada: From Tiktok Star To Murder Suspect : The Shocking Murder Prominent Therapist

    In September 2024, renowned mental health counselor, Nick Abraham, was tragically found dead, wrapped in a tarp on the side of Highway 51 in Louisiana. Authorities confirmed his death was caused by blunt force trauma, sparking an investigation that quickly led to the arrest of TikTok influencer Mr. Prada, who's real name is Terryon Thomas, and this guy has over 8 million followers across his social media platforms. Surveillance footage captured Terryon driving Nick’s stolen SUV, and witnesses reported *allegedly* seeing him struggle to load the tarp containing Nick’s body into the vehicle. Investigators discovered signs of a violent attack in Terryon’s apartment, though details about how the two know each other or why Nick would be there remain unclear.As the case has developed, many are speculating about potential motives.. and it has been suggested that this could be a hate crime, given Nick Abraham’s identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Nick’s family and friends are left searching for answers, grieving the loss of a man described as a kind, generous soul who positively impacted countless lives. This shocking murder case has captivated the public, highlighting the tragic intersection of social media fame and real-life violence.

    45 min
  • Henryetta House of Horrors : 6 Slaughtered at a Slumber Party by a KNOWN PREDATOR

    On May 1, 2023, an Amber Alert was issued in Henryetta, Oklahoma, for 14-year-old Ivy Webster and 15-year-old Brittany Brewer, last seen with 39-year-old Jesse McFadden. The girls were close friends with Jesse's 13-year-old stepdaughter, Tiffany, and had not returned home after a sleepover. As police searched for the missing girls, a bench warrant was issued for Jesse due to a missed court date related to.. let's just say "inappropriate contact with a minor". The investigation quickly escalated when authorities entered the home Jesse shared with his wife and her kids.. the home the two girls had been staying at. Once inside, investigators uncovered a horrific scene that revealed seven bodies, including those of the two girls, as well as Jesse, who took his own life.

    1 hr 22 min
  • 10 Victims, 3 Weeks: The Shocking Case of the DC Snipers

    The DC Snipers, also known as the Beltway Snipers, were responsible for a series of chilling and deadly shootings that terrorized the Washington D.C. area in the fall of 2002. Over the course of three weeks, John Allen Muhammad and his teenage accomplice, Lee Boyd Malvo, carried out 10 random murders and several other attacks, leaving residents in fear as they were gunned down while pumping gas, walking, or even standing outside. The case captivated national attention, as the killers used a modified Chevrolet Caprice to stalk their victims from a distance, making the crime spree all the more elusive. The murders were not only shocking due to their randomness but also for the eerie calmness with which they were executed, leaving authorities scrambling to track down the perpetrators.
    The investigation into the DC Snipers eventually led to the arrest of Muhammad and Malvo, who were charged with multiple counts of murder and terrorizing the public. The case raised important questions about the psychology of serial killers, the influence of manipulation, and how the media can amplify the fear surrounding such cases. The DC sniper attacks remain one of the most haunting examples of domestic terrorism in U.S. history, with the media coverage fueling widespread panic and public interest in true crime. The story of the DC Snipers continues to be a major topic in criminal justice discussions, with documentaries and true crime series keeping the case alive in popular culture.

    59 min
  • Mandy Stavik : Her Community Solved her Cold Case After 25 YEARS

    Mandy Stavik’s heartbreaking story began when her body was found in a river, remarkably preserved by the cold water, making her appear eerily alive. Her death devastated the tight-knit community of Whatcom County, leaving residents locked in fear. A talented swimmer and lifeguard, Mandy was found drowned, having suffered blunt force trauma and sexual assault. Despite DNA evidence, investigators struggled for decades to uncover answers. Leads fizzled out, and key suspects were ruled out, leaving the case cold. But in 2013, decades after the murder, two women reignited the investigation by raising suspicions about Timothy Bass, Mandy’s former classmate.
    The renewed focus on Bass led to a breakthrough, and after overcoming legal challenges to collect his DNA, a match was found. Timothy Bass was arrested and convicted, but not for premeditated murder. In 2019, he was sentenced to 27 years in prison. His attempts to appeal the conviction were unsuccessful, giving Mandy’s family and community a sense of justice and closure.
    Mandy’s legacy lives on today through a scholarship at Mount Baker High School for students in the music program, a memorial tree at her college, and a song recorded by her friends to raise money for the scholarship. Mandy’s mother, Mary, later moved to Oak Harbor to live with her daughter and newborn granddaughter, named Mandy, keeping her memory alive. Though her life was tragically cut short, Mandy Stavik’s impact continues through the tributes created in her honor.

    1 hr 43 min
  • Quinton Simon : "Mother" Puts Toddler in the Trash

    The Quinton Simon case shocked the nation, as his mother, Leilani Simon, was arrested and charged with his murder in 2024. After a 10-day trial, Leilani was found guilty of 19 charges, including the brutal killing of her 20-month-old son. Despite her attempts to downplay the situation, the prosecution argued that her actions were premeditated, pointing to her history of neglect and abuse toward Quinton, as well as her cold behavior following his disappearance. They suggested that Leilani's lack of bond with her son, combined with her need for male attention and a chaotic lifestyle, ultimately led to Quinton’s tragic death. The defense tried to argue that drugs were to blame, but the jury disagreed, and Leilani was convicted.
    At her sentencing, Leilani received life in prison with the possibility of parole, plus an additional 10 years for her actions. The judge highlighted the immense impact of Quinton’s death on the community, emphasizing the message this case sent about justice for children. Despite her family’s emotional support, many viewed Leilani as a manipulative and calculating individual who failed to take responsibility for her son's murder. Her sentencing brought some closure, but the pain of Quinton’s loss is still felt by all who fought for justice. This case has captured the attention of true crime enthusiasts and sparked widespread discussions about retributive justice and the consequences of unthinkable acts.

    1 hr 28 min
  • Corey Micciolo - The Treadmill Murder Case : 6-Year-Old Killed by his "Father"

    Christopher Gregor was found guilty of the aggravated manslaughter of his 6-year-old son after jurors saw surveillance video showing the boys "father" deliberately increasing the speed of a treadmill that the boy was running on.

    The verdict in the death of Corey Micciolo came after a four-week trial in Ocean County Superior Court for Christopher, who was also charged with first-degree murder and child endangerment in March 2022.

    While the jury found Cjhristopher Gregor guilty of aggravated manslaughter and child endangerment, they rejected the more serious murder charge against him.

    1 hr 11 min
  • Amanda Hillious - Mothers Fatal Fall Down the Stairs

    Bradley Jay Hillious was found guilty of the murder of his wife, Amanda Hillious, after a dramatic 10-day trial in Montana. The prosecution argued that Brad killed Amanda to pursue a relationship with his girlfriend, while the defense claimed it was an accident, with Brad attempting to save Amanda's life after a fall down the stairs. In a shocking moment, Amanda's 12-year-old son testified, stating, "Brad killed my mom," a powerful statement that resonated with the jury. Despite Brad's defense arguing that EMT negligence and equipment failure were the true causes of Amanda's death, the jury found him guilty after just five hours of deliberation.
    During sentencing, Brad continued to deny his involvement, tearfully blaming his father for Amanda's death. However, the judge sentenced him to the maximum of 100 years in state prison, calling it one of the worst cases of domestic violence homicide he had ever seen. Brad's appeals claim prosecutorial misconduct and challenge the evidence used against him, arguing for a lesser charge of mitigated deliberate homicide. Despite ongoing legal battles, Amanda’s family is seeking closure, raising her four children and hoping justice is upheld for what they believe was a premeditated and deliberate crime.

    57 min

About TRUE CRIME with Bratterstein

From the publisher's feed

As someone who has been personally effected by homicide, I approach every True Crime case I cover with the goal of balancing facts with empathy—giving victims a voice while exploring the larger cultural and societal implications of the cases.

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