In the summer of 1969, California police hunted for the killers behind seven brutal deaths over two vicious nights. As the investigation zeroed in on Charles Manson and his cult followers, a shocking story began to emerge. What followed was a criminal trial like no other, marked by a revolving defense team, dramatic protests, and violent threats to witnesses. In this second installment of a two-part breakdown, we go deeper—and darker—to unravel the grisly murders that have haunted Americans for more than six decades.

A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/Manson-pt-2

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Charles Manson is a name synonymous with terror. But after decades of coverage, is there still something we’re missing about one of the most notorious figures in American crime? What forces shape the narratives we think we know? In the first chapter of a two-part deep dive, we’ll examine the Manson murders through a fresh lens, uncovering details that have long gone unnoticed. Sometimes, the most familiar stories require the closest look.

A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/Manson-pt-1

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If you heard our last episode, you already know the case against Toforest Johnson is riddled with problems—key witnesses recanted, no physical evidence tied him to the crime, and even the original prosecutor now says he deserves a new trial. But there’s even more to this story.

In this follow-up conversation, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne peels back the layers of the case and shares what she uncovered while making Earwitness. We go deep into the tangled web of unreliable witnesses, missed leads, and the political forces keeping Toforest behind bars. Beth also reveals disturbing new details—ones that never made it into the courtroom but could change everything.

What happens when the truth is clear, but the system refuses to listen? And how close is Toforest to finally seeing justice? Listen in—because this fight is far from over.

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Charles Manson is one of the most infamous figures in true crime history. His name alone conjures terror. But even after decades of coverage, is there still something we’re missing?

In our latest deep dive, we’re peeling back the layers of myth, media spectacle, and misinformation surrounding the Manson murders. Part one drops Monday, but if you can’t wait, you don’t have to—you can listen to the full episode right now on Tenderfoot Plus. Subscribers get early access, ad-free listening, and exclusive content from over 30 shows. Head to TenderfootPlus.com to sign up.

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In 1995, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy William Hardy was shot behind a Birmingham hotel. At that moment, over ten witnesses placed Toforest Johnson at a nightclub across town. Despite this, Toforest has spent more than 26 years on death row for a crime he swears he didn’t commit. Today, many—including one of the jurors who originally convicted him— think the courts got it wrong. But how? With the support of investigative reporter Beth Shelburne, we explore the horrifying twists behind Toforest’s controversial conviction.

A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/Toforest-Johnson

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Alan Berg, a prolific talk radio personality, kept Denver listening. At a time when the airwaves still sounded mostly polite and apolitical, Alan was best known for his brash politics and fiery arguments with callers. All of this came to an end in the summer of 1984, when Alan was murdered outside of his home. Today’s episode is about the importance of speaking up, even against the forces that will do anything to keep us quiet.

A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/alan-berg 

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Alan Berg built his career challenging bigotry, calling out hypocrisy, and refusing to back down. But his boldness made him a target. Next week, we uncover the murder that shocked the nation—and the violent extremism behind it.

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You might know Alice Sebold from her bestselling novel “The Lovely Bones.” But before that, she became famous for her memoir “Lucky,” where she recounts the brutal assault she survived in a park near her college campus—and the trial that followed. The man convicted in that trial was Anthony Broadwater, who has maintained his innocence for more than 40 years. Today’s episode is about forgiveness, resilience, and the devastating consequences of getting it wrong.

Please be aware that today’s episode contains references to sexual assault and physical violence.

A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/andthony-alice 

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On April 4, 1968, a single bullet ended the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The official story pinned the murder on James Earl Ray—a fugitive desperate to evade capture—but for decades, the King family has fought to expose a darker truth. In this episode, we uncover the buried evidence, tangled conspiracies, and a stunning 1999 civil trial that found the U.S. government complicit in King’s assassination. What does justice look like for one of history’s most celebrated heroes—and why is so much of this story still left untold?

Please note that today's episode includes language some listeners might find offensive as well as references to gun violence. Please take care while listening.

A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/mlk-assassination 

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A student at the University of Utah, Lauren McCluskey began receiving threatening messages from her ex-boyfriend in the fall of 2018. For nearly three weeks, concerned for her safety, she reported this harassment to campus police again and again. Today’s episode is about the deadly cost of warnings ignored—and what happens when the people we trust to protect us fail to take action.

Please be aware that today’s episode contains references to sexual assault and suicide.

A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/lauren-mccluskey

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