Podcast
Criminally Obsessed
Hosted by Criminally Obsessed · EN
Criminally Obsessed goes deeper — inside the investigations, the courtroom drama, and the human stories at the center of the country’s biggest true crime cases. We track breaking developments, uncover overlooked details, and bring clarity to the chaos — always with compassion for victims and the people whose lives are forever changed. Host Anne Emerson brings more than 30 years of award-winning investigative reporting to every episode. She’s covered the nation’s most high-profile trials firsthand, conducted interviews with some of the biggest names in the true crime world — from Amanda Knox to Elizabeth Smart — and has trusted sources connected to the cases dominating the national conversation.
81episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Javeayah Harris Case: What Evidence Could Investigators Still Find?
Yesterday00:21:23Summary readyViewer discretion advised: This episode discusses the alleged murder of a child and details about the forensic investigation that has followed. The conversation is presented for news and educational purposes, with an informational focus on the investigative process. Javeayah Harris investigation: How do forensic investigators solve a homicide when the victim's remains have allegedly been severely damaged? That's one of the central questions in the investigation into the death of 4-year-old Javeayah Harris, whose parents Johmarea Harris and Michilae Herring are accused of abusing and killing her before allegedly attempting to destroy her remains in Aiken, South Carolina. The case has shocked investigators and raised difficult questions about what evidence can still be recovered. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson sits down with Joseph Scott Morgan, Death Investigator and host of the podcast Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan, to examine the forensic challenges surrounding the Javeayah Harris case. When investigators believe remains have been intentionally altered or destroyed, how do forensic experts identify a victim, reconstruct what happened, and establish a timeline? Throughout this conversation, the focus remains on the forensic science behind the investigation and the pursuit of justice for a child whose case has deeply affected the community. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage of the Javeayah Harris case, true crime investigations, forensic analysis, and exclusive interviews with the experts behind today's biggest cases. Watch or listen to Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan
SummaryElizabeth Siders: Was Mom a Victim Too? Expert Analysis
2d ago00:23:20Summary readyOhio "House of Horrors": Is Elizabeth Siders a victim, a perpetrator, or both? One of the biggest questions surrounding the Vinton County investigation is whether Elizabeth Siders was another victim, or a monster - and what culpability looks like in the Siders family case. Our expert guest today brings up another alarming question: could the Siders family also face human trafficking charges? In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson sits down with former judge, former Court TV anchor, and child welfare expert Ashley Willcott to examine one of the most debated aspects of the Ohio "House of Horrors" investigation. Drawing on decades of experience protecting children, Willcott explains how Ohio's human trafficking laws could apply, why investigators may still have unanswered questions about coercion, control, and isolation, and whether someone can legally use being a victim as a defense strategy. She also makes clear that even if Elizabeth Siders was exploited herself, parents still have a legal duty to protect their children. If you're following the Siders family investigation and trying to separate speculation from evidence, this conversation explores the legal questions, child welfare issues, and investigative angles that could shape one of Ohio's most disturbing true crime cases. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage of the Ohio "House of Horrors" investigation, true crime analysis, and exclusive interviews with the experts behind today's biggest cases.
SummaryLindsay Clancy Murder Trial: Another Andrea Yates?
3d ago00:24:05Summary readyCan postpartum psychosis affect whether Lindsay Clancy is found criminally responsible for the deaths of her three children? That’s the central question in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial, now beginning with jury selection in Duxbury, Massachusetts, and it’s drawing comparisons to another infamous case of a postpartum psychosis defense: Andrea Yates. Today, we’re speaking with an expert who had firsthand experience with the Yates trial, to learn what we could expect as the Clancy trial begins. Prosecutors allege that Lindsay Clancy deliberately strangled her three children—5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson, and 8-month-old Callan—on January 24th, 2023, after sending her husband, Patrick Clancy, out to run errands. Her defense argues that she was suffering from postpartum psychosis and should not be found criminally responsible for her actions. Prosecutors argue that she planned the killings and understood what she was doing. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson speaks with courtroom sketch artist and licensed therapist Pat Lopez, who has spent decades documenting some of America's most infamous criminal cases, including the Oklahoma City bombing, the Branch Davidian siege at Waco, the Susan Smith trial, the Karmelo Anthony trial, and Andrea Yates' trials. In a heartbreaking parallel to the Clancy case, Andrea Yates confessed to drowning her five children in 2001 in the bathtub of their Texas home amid postpartum psychosis. After initially being convicted of capital murder in 2002, she appealed and was found not guilty by reason of insanity in 2006. We compare the Lindsay Clancy case with the Andrea Yates case, and hear what we should be looking for as the Clancy murder trial gets underway. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing Lindsay Clancy trial coverage, true crime investigations, courtroom analysis, and expert interviews.
SummaryScott Peterson: The New Evidence That Could Change Everything
1w ago00:22:52Summary readyCould bombshell evidence exonerate convicted murderer Scott Peterson? A new A&E documentary titled “Scott Peterson: The New Evidence” reexamines the controversial true crime case through the lens of groundbreaking technology and scientific analysis. Twenty three years after the murders of Laci Peterson and her unborn son, Conner, newly surfaced witness accounts, forensic investigation, and legal filings are reigniting debate over Scott Peterson’s 2004 conviction. Today, we’re speaking with the insider and expert who led the documentary and has followed this case from day one. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson is joined by veteran defense attorney and ABC News legal analyst Chris Pixley to break down the new details in the Scott Peterson case, and give us an inside look at the evidence presented in the documentary. He reexamines the original investigation, offering new context for questions that have lingered since Laci Peterson first went missing from her Modesto, California, home on Christmas Eve in 2002. Watch Part 1 of the A&E documentary “Scott Peterson: The New Evidence” on Thursday, July 16th at 9pm ET/PT, followed by Part 2 on Friday, July 17th at 8pm ET/PT. Let us know what you think in the comments. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for new developments in the Scott Peterson case, deep dives on the latest true crime investigations, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines.
SummarySiders Rescue: How Did 16 Kids Slip Through the Cracks?
1w ago00:26:43Summary readyOhio "House of Horrors": How did the Siders children disappear from the system? Newly released documents reveal more details about the family before the arrests of Gary Siders Jr., Elizabeth Siders, Gary Siders Sr., and Christina Siders on Tuesday, June 30th. We wanted to speak with an expert who could help us understand how these kids remained seemingly invisible for so long. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson is joined by licensed clinical social worker Kelley Kitley to break down the latest case developments and how this tragedy unraveled from her expert perspective. Newly uncovered truancy records from an elementary school raise troubling details about the Siders kids - six of the children allegedly missed the entire school year in 2021. Officials filed complaints against Elizabeth Siders, but the family disappeared before they could be served. If there were clear attempts by authorities and social systems to hold the Siders accountable for their actions, what went wrong along the way? As a newly issued gag order limits what officials can publicly discuss, we break down what we know so far in the Siders investigation and offer a social worker’s professional opinion on the case. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage of the Ohio "House of Horrors" investigation, true crime updates, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines. Learn how you can support the victims in this case via South Central Ohio Job & Family Services
SummaryWhat Does Alex Murdaugh’s Body Language Say? Expert Analysis
1w ago00:23:12Summary readyAlex Murdaugh body language breakdown: What stands out to an expert in spotting deception? On Monday, June 29th, we watched Alex Murdaugh appear in a South Carolina courtroom for a pretrial hearing ahead of his 2027 retrial for the murders of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and his son, Paul Murdaugh. With all eyes back on Alex, we’re asking whether his physical movements in the courtroom - like his tongue pressing repeatedly to the inside of his cheek - were signs of nervousness, deception, or something else entirely. Today’s guest lends her expertise to help us read between the lines of physical behavior, and spot the “tells” that others might miss. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson sits down with body language and deception expert Susan Constantine to analyze Alex Murdaugh's behavior during his recent retrial hearing. Her upcoming book “How to Spot a Liar in 7 Seconds or Less” examines deception and nonverbal behavior. Susan Constantine is no stranger to Alex Murdaugh and his ongoing case, and in this conversation, she tells us what she believes his body language reveals. What red flags did she notice in the courtroom, and what does she expect to see in the April 2027 retrial? She also breaks down Alex Murdaugh's body language in the 2021 police body camera video captured at the Moselle, South Carolina crime scene, and when he took the stand in the original 2023 murder trial. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing Alex Murdaugh coverage, true crime investigations, courtroom analysis, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines. Learn more about Susan Constantine’s work Catch up on our full coverage of the Murdaugh saga
SummaryTara Petito Recalls Red Flags Before Gabby's Death
1w ago00:22:44Summary readyGabby Petito’s family is speaking out five years after she embarked on a cross-country “van life” road trip with her fiancé Brian Laundrie that would change their lives forever. Gabby’s stepmother, Tara Petito, reveals new details about Gabby’s personal life, and warning signs of domestic violence that she believes could help save lives. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson sits down with Tara Petito for an emotional conversation about Gabby's life, legacy, and the “painful” and “infuriating” moments that still haunt her. Tara shares stories about Gabby that we’ve never heard before, reflects on the police encounter now made infamous via bodycam, and discusses the red flags she believes everyone should recognize in abusive relationships. We learn the status of the $50 million wrongful death lawsuit the Petito family filed against the Moab City Police Department, and what comes next in their case. The conversation also looks at where the Petito family is today. Through the Gabby Petito Foundation and the Crime Unfiltered Tour, they are working to educate others about domestic violence, support victims, and help people recognize the signs of coercive and controlling behavior. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for exclusive true crime interviews, investigative reporting, and conversations that go beyond the headlines to explore the people and stories behind today's biggest cases. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 for help and information: Visit https://www.thehotline.org/ or call 1.800.799.7233 Learn how Gabby’s legacy lives on in the work of the Gabby Petito Foundation Learn more about Crime Unfiltered
SummaryWhat "House of Horrors" Local Noticed: Red Flags Revealed
2w ago00:22:54Summary readyHow did the nightmare inside the Siders’ family home remain hidden for so long? What did neighbors and locals to the Ohio “House of Horrors” notice, if anything? Were there ANY red flags? In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson speaks with someone who can tell us in her own words. Someone who knew of the Siders family - even interacted with them - years before their names became headlines. Ariel Gutierrez is a Dollar General employee who regularly crossed paths with members of the Siders family for nearly two years before authorities discovered 16 children living in horrific conditions inside a rural Ohio home. She isn’t law enforcement or a member of the press. She’s a local with firsthand perspective speaking out about what she witnessed, and reflecting in hindsight on red flags and alarming details. Ariel raises the questions she’s asking now that Gary Siders Jr., Elizabeth Siders, Gary Siders Sr., and Christina Siders have been arrested. She describes seeing Elizabeth Siders pregnant, but never seeing a baby. Is Elizabeth Siders a victim, too? Where does culpability lie in this horrific case? Ariel also shares the emotional message she wants the Siders children to hear. This conversation goes beyond the headlines to bring you emotional firsthand perspective in the developing Siders family investigation. We explore the warning signs, the missed opportunities, and the heartbreaking reality of how 16 children allegedly became invisible in plain sight… Until now. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage of the Ohio "House of Horrors" investigation, true crime updates, courtroom developments, and exclusive interviews you won’t find anywhere else. Learn how you can support the victims in this case: South Central Ohio Job & Family Services
SummarySiders Family: Forensic Psychologist Says Grandparents Were Catalyst
2w ago00:25:12Summary readyPsychological breakdown of Siders’ "House of Horrors": Why were 16 children forced to live this way? As new details emerge in the Vinton County, Ohio investigation, one question continues to haunt us: WHY did four adults allegedly confine and neglect 16 children inside a filthy home for YEARS? Gary Siders Jr., Elizabeth Siders, Gary Siders Sr., and Christina Siders were arrested on Tuesday, June 30th. In a press conference on Wednesday, July 8th, the Vinton County Sheriff revealed that Gary Siders Sr. has been released from jail to be taken to the hospital for health concerns after a reported fall. Siders’ attorney is now asking for a competency hearing and is considering a defense of not guilty by reason of insanity. The Siders case is being compared to another heartbreaking story, the 2018 Turpin family case out of California, in which 13 siblings were found to be victims of their biological parents. As we react to the latest updates in the Siders case, we wanted to go deeper to understand where it all began, and how we got to where we are today. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson is joined by forensic psychologist Dr. John Delatorre. He analyzes the Siders family dynamics, sharing his expert opinion on the mastermind and catalyst of the abuse. What kind of a dark mind creates this environment within their own home and family, and why? Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage of the Ohio "House of Horrors" investigation, true crime analysis, courtroom updates, and exclusive interviews with the experts investigating today's biggest cases. Learn how you can support the victims in this case: South Central Ohio Job & Family Services
SummarySiders’ Ohio House of Horrors: Locals React to ‘Den of Evil’
2w ago00:21:02Summary readySixteen ‘almost feral’ children. Aged 18 months to 18 years. Hidden from sight in an Ohio house of horrors. Until now. It’s a situation difficult to fathom: Investigators found 16 kids living inside a 1,300-square-foot home in Vinton County, Ohio, confined in a 12-by-12 bedroom investigators say was covered in human waste. Gary Siders Jr., Elizabeth Siders, Gary Siders Sr., and Christina Siders were arrested on Tuesday, June 30th, and remain in jail after waiving their preliminary hearings today, Tuesday, July 7th. Investigative reporter Anne Emerson goes beyond the headlines to understand the human impact in the developing Siders child abuse case. How did children live under these conditions for so long? We wanted to hear from the local community affected by this horrific story. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, we hear from those voices - from Captain Jeremiah Griffith who was a first responder to the shocking scene, to local Vinton County Pastor James Dimel who describes the community’s support of children who were trapped in a ‘den of evil’. Law enforcement and locals share their shock at the horror lurking in their own community. And Attorney Thomas Stolly, who represents Elizabeth Siders, says the case is more complicated than many believe, urging the public to remember that his client is presumed innocent. Today, we react in real time to what we know so far in this developing story, and offer multiple perspectives of those closest to this case. We're outraged by this developing story, and the horrors these children went through. Many are wondering how we can help and support these kids, so we wanted to share a message from South Central Ohio Job & Family Services - The outpouring of love and support for the situation in the Vinton County community has been truly overwhelming, and we are incredibly grateful to our community and individuals from across the state for wanting to help. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Shannon Kellough at 740-772-7451, or at shannon.kellough@jfs.ohio.gov., and let us know that you would like to make a donation. Shannon can provide information on the next steps and available donation options. In addition, we have received several inquiries on how to become a foster parent. If you would like additional information, please email Jesssica Benner at jessica.benner@jfs.ohio.gov, or Breanne Campbell at Breanne.campbell@jfs.ohio.gov. The kindness and compassion shown by our community and across the state remind us that even in difficult circumstances, people come together to make a difference. Thank you for your continued support and generosity. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage of the Siders investigation, true crime updates, courtroom developments, and exclusive interviews with the real people impacted by these cases.
Summary