Crime Chats | Podcast en RSS.com

Crime Chats

por Lisa Iacoletti & Hilary Morrow

Crímenes Verdaderos

Temporada 1

Lorena Bobbitt: You Know What She Did. But Do You Know Why? (Part 2 of 2)

In 1993, the name Lorena Bobbitt became synonymous with one shocking act: she cut off her husband John Wayne Bobbitt’s penis while he was sleeping. That’s the part of the story almost everyone remembers. But what happened before that night is far more complicated—and far more important. In this two-part episode of Crime Chats, we take a detailed look at the infamous Lorena Bobbitt case, including the night of June 23, 1993, the years of abuse Lorena said she endured during her marriage, and the trials that followed. Lorena testified that John Wayne Bobbitt had physically and sexually abused her throughout their marriage, including repeated assaults and rape. Witnesses testified about injuries they said they had seen, and evidence presented at trial painted a picture of a deeply troubled and abusive relationship. We discuss what happened that night, including Lorena’s account of the events immediately preceding the attack and the psychological state that her defense argued led her to snap. ⚠️ Trigger Warning This episode contains detailed discussion of domestic violence, sexual assault, intimate partner abuse, and trauma. We also discuss Hilary’s personal experience as a survivor of domestic violence. 🔎 What We Cover in Part 2 Lorena's Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity verdict The backlash Lorena got and the celebrity that John Wayne got Difficult discussions about domestic abuse in general Hilary's own personal experiences with domestic violence 🧠 The Bigger Conversation The Lorena Bobbitt case became one of the biggest media spectacles of the 1990s. But underneath the sensational headlines was a story about domestic violence, sexual assault, trauma, victim-blaming, and the way society talks about abused women. More than 30 years later, the question isn't simply “Why did Lorena do it?” It’s also: “What happened to Lorena before she did it?” And perhaps even more importantly: “Why did so many people find her trauma funny?” 💬 Join the Discussion Do you think the media's treatment of Lorena would be different if the case happened today? How do you think our understanding of domestic violence has changed since 1993? Why do you think John Wayne Bobbitt became a celebrity while Lorena was so often treated as a punchline? Does knowing more about Lorena's history of alleged abuse change the way you view what happened that night? And where do you draw the line between understanding a victim's trauma and excusing their actions? 📚 Sources https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aYHqXDT8oa5bgmPolI8ujD_5_VHKdSzThFcXf6x_okM/edit?usp=sharing ☕ Support the Show If you’re enjoying Crime Chats and want to support more deep dives like this: Share this episode with someone who would find it interesting Buy our merch on Amazon! Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next https://streamelements.com/crime-chats/tip buymeacoffee.com/crimechats

Lorena Bobbitt: You Know What She Did. But Do You Know Why? (Part 1 of 2)

In 1993, the name Lorena Bobbitt became synonymous with one shocking act: she cut off her husband John Wayne Bobbitt’s penis while he was sleeping. That’s the part of the story almost everyone remembers. But what happened before that night is far more complicated—and far more important. In this episode of Crime Chats, we take a detailed look at the infamous Lorena Bobbitt case, including the night of June 23, 1993, the years of abuse Lorena said she endured during her marriage, and the trials that followed. Lorena testified that John Wayne Bobbitt had physically and sexually abused her throughout their marriage, including repeated assaults and rape. Witnesses testified about injuries they said they had seen, and evidence presented at trial painted a picture of a deeply troubled and abusive relationship. We discuss what happened that night, including Lorena’s account of the events immediately preceding the attack and the psychological state that her defense argued led her to snap. ⚠️ Trigger Warning This episode contains detailed discussion of domestic violence, sexual assault, intimate partner abuse, and trauma. We also discuss Hilary’s personal experience as a survivor of domestic violence. 🔎 What We Cover in Part 1 Lorena's background Lorena's and John Wayne's story and marriage The abuse Lorena suffered at the hands of her husband The details of the crime 🧠 The Bigger Conversation The Lorena Bobbitt case became one of the biggest media spectacles of the 1990s. But underneath the sensational headlines was a story about domestic violence, sexual assault, trauma, victim-blaming, and the way society talks about abused women. More than 30 years later, the question isn't simply “Why did Lorena do it?” It’s also: “What happened to Lorena before she did it?” And perhaps even more importantly: “Why did so many people find her trauma funny?” 💬 Join the Discussion Do you think the media's treatment of Lorena would be different if the case happened today? How do you think our understanding of domestic violence has changed since 1993? Why do you think John Wayne Bobbitt became a celebrity while Lorena was so often treated as a punchline? Does knowing more about Lorena's history of alleged abuse change the way you view what happened that night? And where do you draw the line between understanding a victim's trauma and excusing their actions? 📚 Sources https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aYHqXDT8oa5bgmPolI8ujD_5_VHKdSzThFcXf6x_okM/edit?usp=sharing ☕ Support the Show If you’re enjoying Crime Chats and want to support more deep dives like this: Share this episode with someone who would find it interesting Buy our merch on Amazon! Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next https://streamelements.com/crime-chats/tip buymeacoffee.com/crimechats

Precious Bland: COVID, Delusions, and a Family Tragedy

In August 2021, Precious Bland drowned her 15-month-old daughter, Emii, in a bathtub and attacked members of her family. What followed was a complicated criminal case centered around one major question: Was Precious Bland legally responsible for what she did, or was she experiencing a severe psychotic episode that made her legally insane? In this episode, we take a closer look at the events leading up to the attack, the evidence presented in court, and the competing explanations for what happened that night. The defense argued that Bland experienced a severe psychotic episode associated with COVID-19, including hallucinations and religious delusions. Prosecutors disputed that explanation at first, arguing that Bland's actions were motivated by other circumstances but, ultimately, experts for the Prosecution agreed with the insanity defense. This case raises a lot of difficult questions about what justice looks like in situations like this. ⚠️ Content Warning This episode discusses the death of a child, mental illness, and psychosis. Listener discretion is advised. 💬 Join the Conversation What do you think? Was Precious Bland legally insane when she killed her daughter and attacked her family? And do you agree with the judge's decision not to institutionalize her? Let us know in the comments. What you would have done if you were the judge. 📚 Sources A complete list of sources used in researching this episode is available here: Click here ☕ Support the Show If you’re enjoying Crime Chats and want to support more deep dives like this: Share this episode with someone who would find it interesting Buy our merch on Amazon! Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next buymeacoffee.com/crimechats

Vincent Li: The Making of a Greyhound Bus Tragedy (Part 2 of a 2-Part Series)

🧠 Episode Summary In Part 2 of our Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) series on the Vincent Li case, we pick up where Part 1 left off and take a closer look at the Greyhound bus attack, the immediate response by law enforcement, and aftermath of this tragedy. This episode explores the difficult questions raised by the case: Can someone who committed an unimaginable act truly recover? How should the justice system balance public safety with the treatment of severe mental illness? And what does justice look like for victims and their families when criminal responsibility is removed? Whether you agree with the outcome or not, this case continues to challenge the way we think about mental illness, accountability, and the purpose of the criminal justice system. ⚠️ Content Warning This episode contains discussion of graphic violence, homicide, mental illness, psychosis, and disturbing crime scene details. Listener discretion is strongly advised. 🔎 What We Cover The details of the greyhound attack on Tim McLean The RCMP response (and our personal opinions about it) Vincent Li's arrest and psychiatric evaluations Canada's NCRMD (formerly NGRI) verdict Li's treatment inside a secure psychiatric hospital Gradual privileges and eventual release into the community Public reaction and ongoing controversy Our thoughts on whether the justice system got it right 💬 Join the Conversation Do you think the Canadian justice system handled this case appropriately? Can someone found not criminally responsible due to severe mental illness ever be safely reintegrated into society? We'd love to hear your perspective. As always, please keep the discussion respectful of the victim, his loved ones, and everyone affected by this tragedy. 📚 Sources See part 1 for a full list of our sources for this 2-part episode. ☕ Support the Show If you’re enjoying Crime Chats and want to support more deep dives like this: Check out our merch on Amazon! Like, follow, subscribe, share! Leave us a review on Apple! buymeacoffee.com/crimechats

Vincent Li: The Making of a Greyhound Bus Tragedy (Part 1 of a 2-Part Series)

We begin our Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) month with a 2-part episode covering one of Canada's most infamous cases: Vincent Li, the man responsible for the shocking killing of Tim McLean aboard a Greyhound bus in 2008. In Part 1, after a quick but horrifying look at the crime itself, we rewind to Vincent Li's early life, immigration to Canada, struggles with employment, and the gradual decline of his mental health. We explore the warning signs, the events leading up to that night, and the devastating impact untreated psychosis can have. ⚠️ Content Warning This episode contains discussion of graphic violence, homicide, mental illness, psychosis, and disturbing crime scene details. Listener discretion is strongly advised. 🔎 What We Cover Vincent Li's early life in China Immigration to Canada Li's gradual mental health decline The diagnostic criteria and features listed for Schizophrenia and Schizo-Affective Disorders 💬 Join the Conversation Do you think that Li's cultural upbringing had an affect on how late his Schizophrenia was diagnosed? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know your perspective while remembering to keep the discussion respectful for everyone affected by this case. 📚 Sources Associated Press. (2017, February 10). Mentally ill man who beheaded bus passenger is freed from all supervision. The Guardian. Brink, J. (2014, March 26). Submission to the Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs: Re: Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the National Defence Act (mental disorder). Canadian Psychiatric Association. British Columbia Review Board. (n.d.). British Columbia Review Board rules and procedures governing the Review Board process. Criminal Code, R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46. Lacroix, R., O’Shaughnessy, R., McNiel, D. E., & Binder, R. L. (2017). Controversies concerning the Canadian Not Criminally Responsible Reform Act. Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, 45(1), 44-51. Latimer, J., & Lawrence, A. (2006, January). The Review Board systems in Canada: An overview of results from the Mentally Disordered Accused Data Collection Study. Research and Statistics Division, Department of Justice Canada. Manitoba Review Board. (2010, June 11). In the matter of: Part XX.1 Criminal Code of Canada and in the matter of: Vince Weiguang Li. Murderpedia. Not Criminally Responsible Reform Act, S.C. 2014, c. 6. Ontario Review Board. (2025). 2024-25 Annual report. Pedneault, C. I., Perley-Robertson, B., Mularczyk, K. P., & Prevost, H. (2023, January 16). Approaches to addressing serious mental illness in the Canadian criminal justice system. Public Safety Canada. Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick. (2024, May 3). Victims of crime: Not criminally responsible accused. Serena, K. (2025, April 20). The horrific crimes of Vince Li, the man who killed and cannibalized Tim McLean on a Greyhound bus in 2008. All That's Interesting. the fifth estate. (2011, September 16). Bus 1170: Vince Li and the Greyhound bus murder [Video]. YouTube. 26: -26:57. ☕ Support the Show If you’re enjoying Crime Chats and want to support more deep dives like this: Check out our merch on Amazon! Like, follow, subscribe, share! Leave us a review on Apple! buymeacoffee.com/crimechats

Mark Twitchell: The Dexter Killer

In October 2008, aspiring filmmaker Mark Twitchell lured a stranger into a garage using a fake online dating profile. What happened next was far more disturbing than anyone expected. Inspired by his obsession with movies, storytelling, and the TV show, Dexter, Twitchell attempted to create his own real-life “crime story.” Investigators quickly uncovered that his carefully planned fantasy had become a horrifying reality. ⚠️ Listener Discretion: This episode contains discussions of murder, violence, and disturbing crime scene details. 🔎 What We Cover Johnny Altinger's background and how he met "Jen" Johnny's disappearance and the investigation that followed Mark Twitchell's police interviews, interrogations, and the evidence found Twitchell's arrest and time behind bars The first-degree murder trial The letters sent back and forth between Twitchell and the reporter writing a book about him The problems with the Canadian prison system 💬 Crime Chats Discussion Do you think violent offenders should be free to lead full social lives while behind bars for their horrific acts? Is the Canadian prison system too lenient? Let us know your thoughts. 📚 Sources Amato, A. (2026, March 18). Family contact already met, victim's family trauma reasoning in Twitchell leave denial. CTV News Edmonton. https://www.ctvnews.ca/edmonton/article/family-contact-already-met-victims-family-trauma-reasoning-in-twitchell-leave-denial/ Bennett, D. (2011, April 12). Accused killer Twitchell played with victim's skull: court document. Global News. https://globalnews.ca/news/114056/accused-killer-twitchell-played-with-victims-skull-court-document/ CBS News. (2024, August 14). "The Dexter Killer:" Inside the mind of a murderer. https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/mark-twitchell-the-dexter-killer-evidence-photos/ Cinematic Psychopathy: A Forensic and Criminological Analysis of the Mark Twitchell Case. (n.d.). [Forensic Analysis Report]. Venditti, A. (2024, August 18). Inside the mind of Mark Twitchell, "The Dexter Killer". CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mark-twitchell-the-dexter-killer-48-hours/ Wikipedia contributors. (2026, July 10). Mark Twitchell. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Twitchell ☕ Support the Show If you’re enjoying Crime Chats and want to support more deep dives like this: Share this episode with someone who would find it interesting Buy our merch on Amazon! Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next buymeacoffee.com/crimechats Check out our newsletter!

American Nightmare: The Denise Huskins & Aaron Quinn Case

In March 2015, Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn became the victims of a terrifying home invasion and kidnapping that would capture national attention. But not for the reasons it should have. After Denise disappeared from Aaron’s home, the investigation quickly took a shocking turn. Instead of being treated as victims, Denise and Aaron found themselves under intense scrutiny as authorities accused them of fabricating the entire story. The story of Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn is one of survival, resilience, enduring love, and the importance of listening to victims. 🔎 What We Cover: The details of the home invasion and kidnapping The immediate tunnel vision from police that led to Aaron Quinn being named the prime suspect Details of Denise's horrifying ordeal at the hands of her captor The detective work that finally brought the truth to light The arrest and confession of Matthew Muller How Denise and Aaron rebuilt their lives and turned their experience into a mission to help others 📚 Sources Buckley, J. P. (2025, February 13). “American Nightmare” survivors Denise Huskins, Aaron Quinn use their trauma to help retrain law enforcement. John E. Reid and Associates, Inc. Cleal-Bramley, E. (2024, January 26). What Netflix doesn't tell you in the American Nightmare documentary. The Tab. Criminally Obsessed. (n.d.). Netflix's 'American Nightmare': The couple police accused of faking a kidnapping [Video]. YouTube. End Violence Against Women International. (2026, February 5.). Evawi. Misty Carausu. https://evawintl.org/creating-change/misty-carausu/ Accessed 18 July 2026. Huskins v. City of Vallejo, No. 2:16-cv-00603-TLN-EFB (E.D. Cal. July 5, 2017). KPIX | CBS NEWS BAY AREA. (n.d.). "American Nightmare" victims Denise Huskins, Aaron Quinn use their experience to retrain law enforce [Video]. YouTube. Musixmatch Podcasts. (n.d.). 48 Hours transcript - criminal. https://www.musixmatch.com/ Savchuk, K. (2022, April). A crime beyond belief. The Atavist Magazine, (126). https://magazine.atavist.com/2022/a-crime-beyond-belief-vallejo-kidnapping-gone-girl-hoax. Accessed 18 July 2026. Smith, T. (n.d.). California attack survivors, who were not believed by police, get the last word against kidnapper. CBS News. Wave Pod. (2025, September 2). True Crime Vault: Taken - 20/20 [Podcast notes]. https://pod.wave.co/podcast/2020/true-crime-vault-taken-aafa66c0 YouTube. “Denise Huskins & Aaron Quinn: Police Called Their Kidnapping a ‘Gone Girl’ Hoax —The Truth Is Darker - YouTube.” Www.Youtube.Com, 15 June 2026, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tita9_fdijm&t=1453s. Accessed 21 July 2026. Criminally Obsessed Channel ☕ Support the Show If you’re enjoying Crime Chats and want to support more deep dives like this: Buy our merch on Amazon! buymeacoffee.com/crimechats

The Lost Lives of Suzanne Sevakis and Michael Hughes

A suspicious hit-and-run. A custody battle. A missing 6 year old. When little Michael Hughes vanished in 1994, investigators could not have known the chaos that would unfold before them. Decades of deception, stolen identities, abuse, and murder...all leading back to one man: Franklin Delano Floyd. ⚠️ Content Warning This episode contains discussions of murder, sexual abuse, and kidnapping. Listener discretion is advised. 🔎 What We Cover The mysterious hit-and-run that launched a saga One man's custody battle for a child that wasn't his Michael Hughes' kidnapping The truck, the photos, and the evidence The two trials of Franklin Delano Floyd The discovery of Suzanne's true identity 💬 Join the Conversation Let us know your thoughts! We'd love to hear them. 📚 Sources Birkbeck, M. (2004). A Beautiful Child. Berkley/Penguin. Florida Supreme Court. (2002). Franklin Delano Floyd v. State of Florida [Oral argument transcript]. WFSU. The Doe Network. (n.d.). Case File 1061DMOK: Michael Anthony Hughes.. United States Court of Appeals Tenth Circuit. (1996). United States of America v. Franklin Delano Floyd (No. 95-6305). GovInfo. Valente, D. (2022, July 19). Details of the Sharon Marshall case from Netflix's 'Girl in the Picture'. My Imperfect Life. Wikipedia. (2026, June 4). A Beautiful Child.. Richards, A. (2022, July 22). What Happened to Sharon Marshall’s Brother From ‘Girl in the Picture’? Netflix Tudum. ☕ Support the Show If you’re enjoying Crime Chats and want to support more deep dives like this: Share this episode with someone who would find it interesting Buy our merch on Amazon! Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next https://streamelements.com/crime-chats/tip buymeacoffee.com/crimechats

The Pizza Bomber Case that Gets Stranger by the Minute

In 2003, a pizza delivery driver named Brian Wells walked into a bank wearing what appeared to be a bomb locked around his neck. Later, he was surrounded by police on live television, insisting he had been forced to rob the bank. Then... the bomb exploded. What followed was one of the strangest criminal investigations in FBI history—a case involving scavenger hunts, homemade bombs, conspiracies, mental illness, greed, and a cast of characters so bizarre it feels fictional. 💬 Join the Conversation Do you think Brian Wells knew what he was getting into, or was he manipulated? 📚 Sources McLaughlin, Sean J. United States v. Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong. 20 Sept. 2010, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-pawd-1_07-cr-00026/pdf/USCOURTS-pawd-1_07-cr-00026-7.pdf? Accessed 7 July 2026. case no: 1:07-cr-26-SJM-1 McLaughlin, Sean J.. United States v. Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong. 8 Oct. 2010, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-pawd-1_07-cr-00026/pdf/USCOURTS-pawd-1_07-cr-00026-8.pdf? Accessed 7 July 2026. Case No. 1:07-cr-26-SJM-1 r/CantBeliveThatsReal. “In 2003 Pizza Delivery Driver Brian Wells Robbed.” Reddit.Com, 15 June 2026, https://www.reddit.com/r/cantbelievethatsreal/comments/1u6o6l1/in_2003_pizza_delivery_driver_brian_wells_robbed/#lightbox. Accessed 7 July 2026. Reddit. “In 2003, Pizza Delivery Driver Brian Wells Robbed a Bank with a Collar Bomb Locked around His Neck. He Told Police He Was Being Forced to Do It. Minutes Later, the Bomb Exploded, Killing Him and Exposing One of America’s Strangest Murder Conspiracies..” Reddit.Com, 2026, https://www.reddit.com/r/cantbelievethatsreal/comments/1u6o6l1/in_2003_pizza_delivery_driver_brian_wells_robbed/. Accessed 7 July 2026. Summers, Chris. “Truth about US Collar Bomb Robbery Remains Eelusive.” BBC News, 1 Nov. 2010, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-11098058. Accessed 6 July 2026. WIRED Staff. “The Incredible True Story of the Collar Bomb Heist.” Wired, WIRED, 27 Dec. 2010, https://www.wired.com/2010/12/ff-collarbomb/. Accessed 7 July 2026. ☕ Support the Show If you’re enjoying Crime Chats and want to support more deep dives like this: Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next https://streamelements.com/crime-chats/tip buymeacoffee.com/crimechats

The Cari Farver Case and the Twists that Just Kept Coming

One bad date. One missing woman. Thousands of terrifying messages. When 37-year-old Cari Farver disappeared after spending the weekend with a man she'd just started dating, everyone believed she had simply become an obsessive ex-girlfriend. For years, friends, family, and investigators received bizarre texts, emails, and Facebook messages that appeared to come directly from Cari. She seemed determined to make everyone's lives miserable. But nothing was what it seemed. In this episode, we unravel one of the most unbelievable true crime cases in recent history—a story filled with deception, manipulation, digital evidence, and a killer who hid in plain sight. ⚠️ Content Warning This episode contains discussions of murder, stalking, domestic violence, arson, psychological abuse, and harassment. 🕵️ What We Cover • The seemingly casual relationships that derailed out of control • The years of relentless texts and emails that convinced everyone Cari had become obsessed • The investigation that kept hitting dead ends • The digital forensic evidence that changed everything • The shocking truth investigators eventually uncovered • The trial and conviction that finally brought justice 💬 Join the Conversation Do you think you would have figured out what was really happening before investigators did? Or did this case completely fool you? Let us know your thoughts—we'd love to hear them. 📚 Sources ABC News. (2017, September 22). 2 women dating the same man cross paths, sparking a web of deceit and murder: Part 1 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OnC8sBAJP0 Associated Press. (2017, August 15). Iowa woman gets life sentence in Omaha cold case killing. https://apnews.com/ef7c4e0f71f24efc89813337e2dca889 Butterfield, M. (2024, February 16). 'Lover, Stalker, Killer': Disturbing love triangle turned deadly hits Netflix. Global News. https://globalnews.ca/news/10297718/lover-stalker-killer-netflix-documentary-liz-golyar-dave-kroupa-cari-farver/ Forensic Analysis of the Cari Farver Homicide: Digital Impersonation, Behavioral Pathology, and Cyber-Forensics. (n.d.). [Document]. Rule, L. (2020). A Tangled Web: A cyberstalker, a deadly obsession, and the twisting path to justice. Citadel Press. State v. Golyar, No. S-17-955 (Neb. 2018). https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ne-supreme-court/1962008.html ☕ Support the Show If you’re enjoying Crime Chats and want to support more deep dives like this: Share this episode with someone who would find it interesting Buy our merch on Amazon! Follow/subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next https://streamelements.com/crime-chats/tip buymeacoffee.com/crimechats

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