Crime House Daily: First Watch

Episode Title: Danny Masterson Fights Conviction & Munchausen Mom Faces Justice
Host: Katie Ring
Date: December 17, 2025

Episode Overview

This First Watch episode covers two high-profile cases currently making headlines:

1. Danny Masterson’s Fight Against His Conviction: The disgraced “That '70s Show” actor and Scientology member seeks to overturn his conviction for the rape of two women, mounting a multi-pronged legal appeal.
2. Munchausen Mom Faces Justice: The shocking case of Alana Lynn Brown, an Indiana mother accused of faking her young daughter’s medical condition for financial gain, resulting in medical abuse.

Host Katie Ring provides clear, detailed updates, focusing on the facts and the latest developments as both cases unfold.

Case 1: Danny Masterson Seeks to Overturn Conviction

Introduction and Background

• Danny Masterson, known for “That '70s Show,” was a powerful figure in Hollywood and the Church of Scientology.
• In 2023, he was convicted of raping two women (both Scientology members) and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
• As of November 2025, Masterson has filed an appeal to overturn the conviction, targeting both his legal representation and the credibility of his accusers.

[00:55] – [05:00] The Rise and Fall

• Masterson’s fame, TV roles, and connection to Scientology.
• Pattern of using church connections to target vulnerable women.
• Alleged victims’ experiences: abusive relationship, incidents of drugging and sexual assault (descriptions kept sensitive).
• Reactions from the Church of Scientology: reports of dismissiveness and efforts to silence victims.

Katie Ring [04:03]:
"From there, the women were placed in, quote, ethics programs within the church and warned against going to law enforcement. Masterson was a high ranking member himself, so of course he faced zero consequences."

[05:00] – [12:10] The Long Road to Justice

• Victims ultimately approach law enforcement in 2016-2017.
• Police and legal inertia delay charges until 2020, with the Me Too movement putting new pressure on the case.
• First trial in 2022 ends in mistrial; new trial in 2023 results in conviction on two out of three counts.
• Details on why the jury deadlocked on one rape count—discussion of misconceptions about consent in relationships.

Katie Ring [13:18]:
"On May 31, 2023. They found Masterson guilty of two of the three rape counts, but couldn't reach a verdict on the third count, the one alleging Masterson essayed his girlfriend in 2001."

[12:14] – [16:53] Fallout and Appeal

• After conviction:
  • Masterson's wife, Bijou Phillips, stands by him through trial but files for divorce two weeks after the verdict.
  • Phillips now seeks to change their daughter’s last name (status pending).
• November 2025: Masterson files for habeas corpus, blaming his previous attorney for not preparing an adequate defense and not calling potentially exonerating witnesses.
  • Claims that some potential witnesses could attest to victim's “positive” stories post-assault and purported consensual behavior.
  • Faults the trial attorney for not challenging the prosecution’s focus on the Church of Scientology.

Katie Ring [14:50]:
"His new lawyers say Cohen only talked to two of the 20 potential witnesses his co counsel recommended and claimed that some of the people who were missed could have exonerated Masterson."

• Masterson’s next parole eligibility is in 2042.

[16:53] – [17:51] Noteworthy Analysis

• The show notes the significance of the survivors’ persistence and the complicated role of the Church of Scientology:

  Katie Ring [15:30]:
  "If Masterson's convictions are upheld, he still has a tentative date to consult with a board of parole set for May of 2038, and in 2042 he'll be eligible for parole. In the meantime, the women who survived his sick attacks will hopefully be able to find peace and move forward."

Case 2: Indiana Munchausen Mom Faces Justice

Introduction and Key Facts

• Alana Lynn Brown, age 32, is accused of faking her young daughter FH’s health issues for financial gain—classic Munchausen by proxy.
• Brown secured nearly $100,000 from LifeStream Services (a local aid group) over two years by convincing doctors her daughter needed a feeding tube for supposed health issues.

[17:51] – [20:19] The Manipulation Unravels

• Brown’s friend witnesses Brown discouraging her daughter’s recovery, as increased health would mean losing financial aid.
• Friend obtains Ring camera footage of Brown’s admissions and shares with the girl’s father.

Katie Ring [20:00]:
"Alana even went so far as to say that losing the money wasn't worth her daughter being able to eat enough. Alana's friend was immediately alarmed and suspicious."

[20:19] – [23:10] Investigation and Medical Intervention

• FH’s father, Dustin, already suspected something was wrong—he saw his daughter eat normally in his care.
• Consults Dr. Courtney Demetris, a child abuse pediatrician, who coordinates observations at a hospital.
• Cameras capture Alana Brown denying food/drink to her child during inpatient observation to ensure weight remains low.

Katie Ring [22:15]:
"Alana was with FH during that inpatient stay, and she, of course, realized that the medical team was onto her. But she wanted to make sure FH's weight stayed down. So when no doctors or staff members were around, she refused to give her daughter anything to eat or drink while they were there."

[23:10] – [25:15] Removal and Arrest

• With medical and video evidence, authorities place FH in her father's care, where her health rapidly improves.
• Alana Brown arrested Nov 16, 2025, and charged with fraud and neglect.
• State requests no-contact order; as of this episode, Brown is out on bail and the case is pending.

Katie Ring [24:40]:
“She was arrested on November 16, 2025 and released on a two thousand dollar bail. The same day she was charged with fraud and neglect of a dependent causing bodily injury. As the case against her proceeds, the state has requested a no contact order for FH against Alana.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On victims seeking justice

  Katie Ring [13:57]:
  "The horrific crimes he committed 20 years ago had finally caught up with him."

• Cynicism about Masterson's blame-shifting tactics

  Katie Ring [03:10]:
  "Now he's attempting to overturn his essay related convictions. And to do that, he's shifting the blame. Surprise, surprise..."

• Clear explanation of Munchausen by proxy warning signs

  Katie Ring [21:13]:
  "She also wouldn't use the thickening agent that she'd been given to help FH drink after she told doctors that her daughter choked on thin liquids more easily. What Alana didn't realize, though, was that while there may not have been anyone else in the room with them. There were cameras."

• On the hope for a better future for FH

  Katie Ring [25:14]:
  "We hope that in her father's care she continues to live a happy, healthy life. As always, we'll be sure to bring you all of the updates on this case as they come in."

Key Timestamps

• 00:55: Start of Danny Masterson segment (background and criminal acts)
• 12:14: Trial, conviction, and appeal developments
• 16:53: Aftermath for Masterson’s family and legal implications
• 17:51: Start of Munchausen mom segment (Alana Lynn Brown case)
• 20:19: The hospital investigation, evidence gathering
• 24:40: Arrest, charges, no-contact order for Brown

Episode Tone and Style

Katie Ring delivers the news with a measured tone, occasionally expressing pointed skepticism and empathy, particularly towards victims. The episode is straightforward, clear, and sensitive to the privacy of those affected.

Conclusion

This episode of Crime House Daily keeps listeners updated on both a high-profile legal appeal and a disturbing case of child abuse by deception. Through detailed narration, Katie Ring lays out the background, latest developments, and what listeners should watch for in the coming months.

Listeners are invited to share their thoughts and stay tuned for ongoing updates as justice continues to unfold.

For up-to-the minute coverage, follow Crime House Daily on their social channels. For in-depth exploration of notorious crimes, check out the sister podcast, "Clues."