A hate crime is more than an act of violence.

It is a crime committed against a person because of who they are—or who they are perceived to be. Race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and other protected characteristics can become the reason someone is targeted, leaving not only victims and families devastated, but entire communities shaken.

In this special episode of Cold World Crime Time, Michelle examines the realities of hate crimes through verified cases, the laws that govern these offenses, and the lasting impact they have on victims, families, and communities. We'll explore how investigators determine whether bias played a role, the challenges prosecutors face in proving motive, and why these crimes often leave emotional scars that extend far beyond a single  ...