True Crimecast

Rachel Hoffman was not a seasoned criminal. She was a young woman who was put in a dangerous situation by a police department too eager to make a drug arrest. Rachel was asked to be a confidential informant in order to get a minor drug charge reduced. This request would prove to be a deadly one, as she did not make it out alive.

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15-year-old Nicole van den Hurk disappeared in 1995, and her body was discovered weeks later. Years would pass slowly and each one brought no answers about who had taken her life. In a desperate act of urgency, her stepbrother did the unthinkable. Find out more on today's episode of True Crime to Go. 

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Kaitlyn Braun posed as a vulnerable, pregnant woman in need of support—but it was all a lie. Over the years, she manipulated dozens of compassionate doulas with elaborate stories of sexual assault, stillbirths, cancer, and medical trauma, taking advantage of their kindness and dedication. Her deception left lasting emotional scars on those who tried to help her, causing financial loss, PTSD, and even driving some doulas away from their profession.In this episode, we break down the shocking details of Braun’s web of lies, the psychological factors behind her behavior, and how her actions led to over 50 criminal charges.

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Subscribe to YOU SHOULD BE HERE wherever you get podcasts and don't miss an episode of Or, NO, out now.

17 cases of victims of domestic violence.
17 loved ones who should be here.
17 loved ones who deserved a safe love.
10 podcasters come together to tell their stories, one case at a time. 

Introducing the 100 percent not-for-profit fundraising podcast raising money to give back to organizations helping victims of crimes. Just by listening, you will help raise money. Each play means money is raised for victims. Thank YOU.

You are wanted.
You are needed.
And you deserve a SAFE love.

This is a Podcaster’s Give Back collaboration. All podcasters have donated their time and research to help advocate for victims of domestic violence. And we are raising money to give back to non profits which are standing  against domestic violence. If you or someone you love is a victim of violence, please contact the domestic violence hotline at 1800-799-7233.

To donate, please visit buymeacoffee.com/youshouldbehere (http://buymeacoffee.com/youshouldbehere) .

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crimecast--4106013/support.

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Patrick Baker was convicted of homicide when he and two other men entered a home and killed a man in front of his pregnant wife and child. However, Patrick was pardoned by Governor Matt Bevin on his way out of office. How is this legal?!?

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In June 2007, what should have been a fun family trip turned into an unthinkable tragedy. Christopher Vaughn was found limping along a desolate Illinois road, bleeding from minor wounds—but inside the family SUV, his wife, Kimberly, and their three children were dead. What initially appeared to be a murder-suicide quickly unraveled into something far more complex. Was Christopher a grieving husband and father, or had he meticulously planned the murders to start a new life off the grid? 

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On Monday, February 3, 2025, Highland Heights police responded to a call where they found Laura Hern deceased in her bed. She was dead upon arrival, and unfortunately had been for many days. 

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Jason Lottmann owned an elaborate mansion/wedding venue called Champagne Manner in North Carolina. Couples paid $20,000 - $50,000 for his full-service wedding experience. However, before their big day, they watched their dreams unravel before them. 

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Today's case was pulled from Patreon's archives due to an illness. We swore we would never cover this case. It is disturbing, violent, and downright evil. But we are nothing if not aware, and this is probably the most requested case that we have yet to cover. Here is the case of Fred and Rosemary West. 

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Learn about the controversial case of Pastor Chris Avell, a small-town minister from Bryan, Ohio, who faced legal repercussions for offering shelter to homeless individuals in his church. What began as a compassionate effort to provide refuge during harsh winters turned into a courtroom battle over zoning laws, fire codes, and the limits of humanitarian action. Join the discussion about the tension between public safety regulations and ethical obligations, exploring the broader implications of Pastor Avell’s case and the federal lawsuit that could redefine how cities balance compassion with compliance.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crimecast--4106013/support.

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