Podcast
Chasing Evil
Hosted by Christopher Godsick · EN
A compelling true crime podcast featuring never-before-heard moments of real crimes told by the survivors and those who were called in to chase - and ultimately stop - evil. Host and creator, Emmy award-winning film and television producer Christopher Godsick, goes behind the scenes to share the untold stories of criminal cases including the infamous fraudster Bernie Madoff, notorious drug lord El Chapo, the recovery of missing children and much more.
20episodes
Episodes
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The Hunt for Young Dolph's Killers
2w ago00:49:36Tap to summarizeOn November 17, 2021, Memphis rap icon Young Dolph walked into a neighborhood cookie shop and never walked out.In broad daylight, two gunmen opened fire inside Makeda's Homemade Butter Cookies, killing the beloved rapper and entrepreneur in a shocking attack that stunned Memphis and made national headlines. What followed was a complex homicide investigation, a multi-state manhunt, and a relentless effort by law enforcement to bring the killers to justice.In this episode of Chasing Evil, host Christopher Godsick is joined by Shelby County Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force, and investigators who helped track down fugitive Justin Johnson.You'll hear how investigators connected the suspects to the crime, followed digital and physical evidence across multiple states, utilized public tips, and ultimately captured one of the nation's most wanted fugitives.This is the inside story of the Young Dolph murder investigation, the violent feud that led to it, and the pursuit of justice that followed.Chasing Evil is produced in cooperation with the United States Marshals Service.Featured Guests• Paul Hagerman – Deputy District Attorney, Shelby County, Tennessee• Seth Bruce – Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal, Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force• Justin Bischoff – Shelby County Sheriff's Office / Task Force Officer• Walter Doty – Retired Memphis Police Department Gang Investigator• Mike Miller – Senior Inspector, U.S. Marshals Service, Southern District of IndianaTopics Covered• Young Dolph's rise from Memphis neighborhoods to international rap stardom• The rivalry between CMG and Paper Route Empire• Prior acts of violence connected to the feud• The murder at Makeda's Homemade Butter Cookies• How investigators identified Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith• The evidence presented to the grand jury• The nationwide fugitive investigation• Tracking suspects through surveillance systems and digital evidence• The role of public tips and intelligence gathering• The arrest operation in Indiana• Trial testimony and conviction• Sentencing and the ongoing appeals processAbout Chasing EvilChasing Evil takes listeners inside major criminal investigations through conversations with the law enforcement professionals, prosecutors, victims, and witnesses who lived them. Produced in cooperation with the United States Marshals Service, the series provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the pursuit of justice.If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with others interested in true crime and criminal investigations.
Transcribe →Adam Mayes- Family Friend, Murderer & Kidnapper
3w ago00:58:36Tap to summarizeA mother and three daughters vanish from their Tennessee home. What initially appears to be a missing persons case quickly evolves into a multi-state homicide investigation and one of the most intense manhunts in recent memory.In this episode of Chasing Evil, host Christopher Godsick sits down with the law enforcement officers who helped bring the Adam Mayes case to its dramatic conclusion, including members of the U.S. Marshals Service, Union County Sheriff's Office, and Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.As investigators uncover evidence of a disturbing obsession, discover the bodies of Jo Ann Bain and her daughter, and race against time to locate two missing girls, a massive search effort unfolds across Tennessee and Mississippi. Hear firsthand how investigators pieced together the clues, navigated interagency challenges, and ultimately located Adam Mayes and the surviving children deep in the Mississippi woods.Show NotesEpisode SummaryIn April 2012, Jo Ann Bain and her three daughters disappeared from their home in Hardeman County, Tennessee. Suspicion quickly focused on family acquaintance Adam Mayes, but investigators initially lacked enough evidence to charge him with the abduction. As the investigation intensified, law enforcement uncovered evidence of a carefully planned kidnapping, disturbing allegations involving the children, and ultimately a murder scene that transformed the case into a nationwide manhunt.This episode features firsthand accounts from the officers who worked the case, including retired U.S. Marshals, Union County investigators, and members of Mississippi's Special Response Team. They describe the search for Mayes, the discovery of the victims, the interagency effort to find the two surviving girls, and the final confrontation that brought the case to an end.Featured GuestsJimmy Edwards – Sheriff, Union County, MississippiGail Manning – Retired Senior Inspector, U.S. Marshals ServiceBaron Baker – Chief Deputy, Union County Sheriff's OfficeLt. Mike Vowell – Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Special Response TeamShane Brown – Retired Team Leader, U.S. Marshals ServiceIn This EpisodeThe disappearance of Jo Ann Bain and her daughtersAdam Mayes becomes the primary suspectEvidence of long-term planning and deceptionDiscovery of homicide victims in MississippiThe launch of a multi-agency fugitive manhuntThe role of the U.S. Marshals ServiceSearch operations in the Mississippi wildernessThe rescue of two surviving childrenThe emotional impact on investigators and the communityReflections from the officers who brought the case to a closeKey Agencies InvolvedU.S. Marshals ServiceUnion County Sheriff's OfficeTennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI)Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and ParksMississippi Highway PatrolFollow Chasing EvilIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with friends and family. Your support helps us continue bringing you firsthand stories from the law enforcement officers and investigators who pursue justice for victims and their families.Chasing Evil is produced with the cooperation of the U.S. Marshals Service. Opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Transcribe →Out of Compliance- A Marshals Sex Offender Operation
Jun 100:43:06Tap to summarizeA routine sex offender compliance operation in rural East Tennessee turns into a tense and potentially deadly standoff. Emmy Award-winning producer and host Chris Godsick rides along with recently retired Deputy U.S. Marshal Derrick Swenson as deputies verify registered offenders are living where they claim to live and following the law. What begins as a standard compliance check escalates when deputies track down fugitive Douglas Robinson — a repeat sex offender wanted for failure to register and under investigation for additional violent crimes. Hidden deep in the Tennessee backwoods, Robinson confronts law enforcement with a gun to his head, forcing deputies into split-second decisions where officer safety, psychology, and survival collide. The episode also features insight from U.S. Marshals Service training leadership on why these encounters are among the most dangerous situations law enforcement can face.Show NotesEpisode OverviewIn this episode of Chasing Evil, host Chris Godsick joins retired Deputy U.S. Marshal Derrick Swenson to discuss the hidden world of sex offender compliance operations in East Tennessee.What starts as routine address verification quickly evolves into a dangerous fugitive hunt involving:A repeat sex offenderA stolen handgunA remote off-grid campsiteA high-risk standoff inside a camperSplit-second deadly force decisionsThe episode also includes expert analysis from Assistant Chief Inspector Derek Unterwagner of the U.S. Marshals Service Training Division, who explains the science behind reaction time, officer safety, and why a suspect holding a gun to their own head can still present an immediate deadly threat to law enforcement.Topics CoveredHow sex offender compliance operations workWhy offenders frequently fall out of complianceThe realities of rural fugitive operationsOfficer safety and ballistic shield tacticsThe psychology of armed standoffsThe “action vs. reaction” principle in law enforcementWhy “suicide by cop” situations are so dangerousThe emotional toll critical incidents take on deputiesKey MomentsDiscovery of hidden weapons during compliance checksFinding a moonshine still during a registry searchTracking Douglas Robinson through multiple countiesDeputies locating Robinson in an off-grid camperThe tense negotiation after Robinson points a gun at himselfThe shooting investigation and aftermathFollow & SubscribeFollow Chasing Evil on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeiHeartRadioPlease rate and review the show — it helps more listeners discover the podcast.
Transcribe →Justice For Baby Eli- Legal Dive- Bonus Mini Episode
May 2700:18:01Tap to summarizeIn this bonus mini-episode of Chasing Evil, host Chris Godsick takes a deeper look into one of the most controversial aspects of the Anthony Ojeda case: New York’s 2020 bail reform laws and the classification of manslaughter in the second degree as a non-violent felony. Joined by Albany County District Attorney Lee Kindlon and former prosecutor Caroline Murray, the conversation explores how sweeping reforms created unintended consequences for law enforcement, prosecutors, victims, and the courts.The episode breaks down the legal concepts behind “depraved indifference,” the challenges prosecutors faced while awaiting toxicology evidence in the death of six-week-old Eli, and how Anthony Ojeda was initially charged before fleeing the country. The discussion also examines how bail reform has since evolved, the balance between criminal justice reform and public safety, and the extraordinary efforts by law enforcement and the U.S. Marshals Service to bring fugitives back to justice.A candid, detailed conversation about law, accountability, and the difficult realities behind one of the most emotional cases featured on Chasing Evil.Show NotesChris Godsick welcomes Albany County DA Lee Kindlon and former prosecutor Caroline MurrayThe origins and intent behind New York’s 2020 bail reform lawsWhy prosecutors and law enforcement believed the reforms initially went too farHow manslaughter in the second degree is classified under New York lawThe difference between violent and non-violent felony classificationsThe legal meaning of “depraved indifference” in New York homicide casesWhy Anthony Ojeda was initially charged with manslaughter in the second degreeThe role toxicology evidence played in elevating the caseHow prosecutors viewed duty of care in the death of six-week-old EliWhy intent is such a critical factor in homicide prosecutionsCaroline Murray discusses the emotional impact of child homicide casesThe challenges prosecutors faced under the bail reform framework at the timeOjeda’s flight to Mexico and the efforts to return him to the United StatesHow the U.S. Marshals Service and local law enforcement built a successful fugitive apprehension modelAlbany County’s continued efforts to locate and apprehend fugitives under the updated systemA discussion on balancing criminal justice reform with public safety concernsFollow & Subscribe to Chasing Evil for more deep dives into major investigations, fugitive cases, and the realities of modern law enforcement.
Transcribe →Finding the Bannisters - Live Q&A
May 2501:07:49Tap to summarizeIn this first-ever live Q&A from Chasing Evil, Chris Godsick revisits the powerful Finding the Bannisters series with Bill Bannister, Genevieve Bannister, Janelle Bannister, Senior Inspector Tommy O’Brien of the U.S. Marshals Service, and victim advocate Jim Hinton.For the first time, Janelle shares her perspective publicly, describing how a child’s trust in a parent, repeated suggestion, and fear can blur the line between dreams, memories, and belief. Genevieve reflects on life on the run, the paranoia that took hold, and the long process of healing after the children were recovered.The discussion explores false memories, psychological manipulation, the group that helped keep the family hidden, the U.S. Marshals investigation, and the emotional aftermath for the Bannister family.This is a raw, revealing conversation about how an impossible story became believable — and how truth, family, and resilience helped bring the children home.Apple Show NotesIn this live Q&A, Chris and the panel discuss:The origins of the Finding the Bannisters caseHow the allegations of satanic ritual abuse beganJanelle Bannister’s first public account of what happenedHow dreams and suggestions became confused with memoriesGenevieve Bannister’s experience resisting — and then living inside — the false narrativeLife on the run for eight monthsThe role of isolation, fear, fake names, and paranoiaHow the U.S. Marshals tracked and recovered the childrenThe emotional moment Bill Bannister learned his children had been foundWhether Melody Bannister believed the allegationsHow Genevieve and Janelle have processed guilt, trauma, and healingThe panel includes Bill Bannister, Genevieve Bannister, Janelle Bannister, Senior Inspector Tommy O’Brien, and victim advocate Jim Hinton.Listen to all three episodes of Finding the Bannisters for the full story.
Transcribe →Justice for Baby Eli - Part II
May 1800:39:11Tap to summarizeThe man accused of killing Baby Eli fled the United States and disappeared into Mexico. What followed was a years-long international manhunt involving the United States Marshals Service, local detectives, Interpol, and Mexican authorities.In Episode Two, hear how investigators tracked him down, the bureaucratic delays that nearly let justice slip away, and the dangerous final operation that brought both fugitives into custody.Show NotesIn Part Two of the Baby Eli case:Anthony Ojeda flees to Mexico after missing court appearancesInvestigators locate him—but extradition stalls for nearly two yearsU.S. Marshals and Mexican authorities maintain surveillance in dangerous territoryLast-minute intelligence suggests the fugitives may run againA tense coordinated operation leads to arrestsOjeda is finally returned to New York to face justiceGuests:Senior Inspectors of the United States Marshals ServiceChief Todd WaldinDetectives from Cohoes Police DepartmentThemes:Justice delayed • International fugitive hunts • Child victim cases • Persistence under pressure#TrueCrime #USMarshals #Extradition #Mexico #FugitiveHunt #Justice #ChasingEvil
Transcribe →Justice for Baby Eli - Part I
May 1100:49:38Tap to summarizeA six-week-old baby is rushed to a hospital in upstate New York after first responders find him blue and struggling to breathe. Hours later, Baby Eli is dead. What begins as a tragic emergency quickly turns into a shocking homicide investigation involving drugs, abuse, deception, and a system that would soon release the man accused of causing the child’s death.In Episode One, the investigators who worked the case reveal what they saw that day, the disturbing evidence uncovered, and how the death of Baby Eli became a symbol of a broken justice system.Show NotesIn this episode of Chasing Evil:Emergency crews respond to a desperate 911 call involving six-week-old Baby EliInvestigators uncover suspicious behavior from those caring for the childEvidence reveals severe abuse and methamphetamine exposureDetectives describe the emotional toll of investigating an infant deathThe accused is arrested—but soon benefits from New York bail reform lawsA local tragedy becomes a statewide flashpointGuests:Chief Todd Waldin, Cohoes Police DepartmentDetective Robert Piazza, Cohoes Police DepartmentRetired Detective Matthew LeBombard, Cohoes Police DepartmentStu Smith, U.S. Marshals ServiceAnthony Loguidice, U.S. Marshals ServiceFollow/Subscribe:New episodes weekly.#TrueCrime #USMarshals #BabyEli #CrimePodcast #Justice #LawEnforcement #ChasingEvil
Transcribe →Finding the Bannisters - Part 3
May 401:05:53Tap to summarizeFinding the BannistersEpisode 3 concludes the shocking search for Melody Bannister and her four children.Senior Inspector Tommy O’Brien reveals how the U.S. Marshals tracked the family through a hidden support network and brought the case to an end during a high-risk takedown in Indiana.Genevieve Bannister tells her story in extraordinary detail—how fear and manipulation reshaped reality, what life was like while moving from house to house, and how difficult it was to rebuild once the ordeal ended.A gripping finale about resilience, deception, and the long road back.Guests:Genevieve Bannister, Tommy O’Brien, Bill Bannister, Detective Jamie Wright, Jim Hinton.Show NotesEpisode 3: The Search EndsIn the final chapter of the Bannister series:How the U.S. Marshals developed confidential informants and followed hidden leadsThe “Courage Conference” connection and the support network behind Melody BannisterWhy investigators believed the children could be in grave dangerThe late-night surveillance operation in IndianaThe takedown at the gas station that ended the manhuntGenevieve Bannister’s firsthand account of fear, conditioning, and recoveryBill Bannister describes the emotional reunion with his childrenThe aftermath and Melody Bannister’s plea dealFeatured GuestsGenevieve BannisterSenior Inspector Tommy O’BrienBill BannisterDetective Jamie WrightJim HintonFollow / SubscribeListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.Hashtags#ChasingEvil #TrueCrimePodcast #TrueCrimeCommunity #USMarshals #LawEnforcement #MissingChildren #ParentalAbduction #CrimePodcast #Justice #Fugitive #Investigation #SurvivalStory #PodcastRecommendations #RealCrime #ChildRecovery
Transcribe →Finding the Bannisters - Part 2
Apr 2700:50:12Tap to summarizeIn Episode 2, the Bannister case deepens as law enforcement moves from initial allegations to active investigation.After reporting claims of satanic ritual abuse involving her children, Melody Bannister prompts a series of forensic interviews and child protection reviews. As investigators—including Detective Jamie Wright—begin assessing the situation, conflicting accounts emerge. Some of the children appear to support the allegations, while others express uncertainty or deny any abuse entirely.As the investigation unfolds, concern begins to shift. What initially appears to be a case of external harm raises new questions about influence, memory, and belief inside the family itself.When the family leaves their home and communication breaks down, the case escalates rapidly. The United States Marshals Service becomes involved, launching a multi-state search to locate the children and assess their safety.Using investigative tools such as pattern-of-life analysis, law enforcement tracks movements and behaviors, working to understand where the family may be headed—and why.This episode examines:The role of forensic interviews in child abuse investigationsHow belief systems can shape perception and memoryThe challenges investigators face when accounts conflictThe real-world methods used to locate missing or endangered childrenAs the search intensifies, one central question remains:👉 Are the children being protected—or placed in greater danger?Key People FeaturedGenevieve BannisterBill BannisterDetective Jamie Wright (Stafford County Sheriff’s Office)Senior Inspector Tommy O’Brien (U.S. Marshals Service)Jim Hinton (Victims Advocate)Key Topics CoveredForensic child interviews and credibility assessmentPsychological influence and memory formationMissing persons investigationsFugitive tracking and pattern-of-life analysisThe intersection of belief, fear, and law enforcementEpisode TimelineInitial Allegations – Claims of ritual abuse brought to law enforcementForensic Interviews – Children interviewed; conflicting statements emergeInvestigation Expands – Authorities assess credibility and riskFamily Disappears – Communication breaks down; concern escalatesFederal Involvement – U.S. Marshals initiate search effortsManhunt Begins – Multi-state tracking using behavioral analysisListener DiscretionThis episode contains discussion of alleged child abuse, psychological manipulation, and sensitive investigative material. Listener discretion is advised.About Chasing EvilChasing Evil explores real cases through the voices of investigators, survivors, and those directly involved. The series aims to provide insight into complex criminal investigations and the human stories behind them.Subscribe & FollowIf you’re enjoying Chasing Evil:Follow the show on your podcast platformShare the episode with othersLeave a rating or review
Transcribe →Finding the Bannisters
Apr 2000:49:10Tap to summarizeA Mother Disappears. A National Search Begins.What starts as a family dispute quickly spirals into something far more urgent.In Episode 1 of this gripping Chasing Evil series, we take you inside the early moments of the Bannister case—when a mother vanishes with her children and law enforcement begins to realize this is no ordinary custody situation.As investigators piece together the timeline, troubling signs begin to surface. The children aren’t just missing—they may be in real danger.When the U.S. Marshals Service becomes involved, the case escalates into a nationwide effort to locate the children before time runs out.For the first time, Genevieve Bannister, the eldest daughter, speaks publicly about her experience—offering a deeply personal and emotional perspective from inside the case.You’ll also hear from Senior Inspector Tommy O’Brien of the U.S. Marshals Service, who provides insight into how law enforcement assessed the threat, mobilized resources, and made critical early decisions that would shape the search.This episode lays the foundation for a case that would capture national attention—and trigger an intense manhunt.IN THIS EPISODEHow the Bannister case first came to law enforcement’s attentionThe early warning signs that raised immediate concernThe moment investigators realized the children could be in dangerHow the case escalated beyond a local investigationInside the U.S. Marshals Service’s early involvementGenevieve Bannister’s firsthand account of life on the runSenior Inspector Tommy O’Brien on the urgency behind the searchWHY THIS CASE MATTERSCases involving missing children evolve fast—and the first 24–48 hours can determine everything.Through both survivor perspective and law enforcement insight, Episode 1 reveals how quickly uncertainty can turn into urgency—and how critical decisions are made when every minute counts.COMING NEXTAs the search intensifies, new information begins to surface—and the case takes a dramatic turn.Episode 2: The manhunt expands, and the pressure builds.FOLLOW & SUPPORTFollow Chasing Evil on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyWatch video episodes and clips on YouTubeVisit: chasingevilpodcast.com for updates and exclusive contentNOTE TO LISTENERSThis episode contains discussion of missing children and high-risk situations. Listener discretion is advised.
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