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.
66episodes
Episodes
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Criminologist: 3 Reasons Murdaugh Could be Convicted in Murder Retrial
2d ago00:22:20Summary readyWhat evidence could convict Alex Murdaugh the second time around? Murdaugh's 2023 convictions for the murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul have been overturned, and forensic criminologist Dr. Laura Pettler lays out exactly what we need to pay attention to in the next chapter of the Murdaugh saga. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson speaks with our friend Dr. Laura Pettler to examine the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh using her "Murder Room Method," an investigative process she developed to systematically analyze homicide cases. Dr. Laura Pettler discusses the three pieces of evidence she believes remain most damaging to Alex Murdaugh’s case, and how her method could point to a conviction. The next major step in Alex Murdaugh’s case comes Monday, June 29, when attorneys return to court for a status hearing in Lexington County. His defense is expected to push for independent DNA testing, a change of venue, and expanded access to case materials as the retrial begins to take shape. It’s being reported that Alex will be present on Monday… We'll be livestreaming it with Anne to keep you updated every step of the way. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed and make sure you turn on notifications for our continuing Alex Murdaugh coverage, true crime analysis, murder trial updates, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines.
SummaryNew Evidence in Lynette Hooker Case: What Does Coast Guard Know?
3d ago00:22:55Summary readyHave Coast Guard searches uncovered bombshell evidence in the Lynette Hooker case? New search images released by the Coast Guard are raising questions about the disappearance of 55-year-old Lynette Hooker, who vanished in the Bahamas nearly three months ago. Her husband, Brian Hooker, says she accidentally fell overboard on April 4th and could not be saved - but Lynette’s loved ones have serious questions about what really happened out on the water, and what the Coast Guard may have found in their investigation. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson sits down with underwater crime scene investigator Alex Beer to analyze the Coast Guard images and what they might reveal. Beer has worked on similar cases, understands how digital evidence is used to track movements on the water, and even has experience with the same K-9 deployed during the search. Brian Hooker has not been charged with a crime and is presumed innocent. But with Lynette still missing, we analyze the latest updates in the search through the expert lens of an underwater investigator. What’s standing out to him… and could there be an arrest on the horizon? Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for the latest Lynette Hooker updates, true crime investigations, missing persons cases, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines. If you’re Criminally Obsessed like us… Prove it! Shop our merch
Summary‘Maternal Instinct’: Psychotherapist Analyzes Taylor Parker’s Dark Mind
4d ago00:23:26Summary readyWHAT IS WRONG WITH TAYLOR PARKER? We’re examining the mind behind the shocking crimes unraveled in Netflix’s ‘Maternal Instinct’ and asking the question: what led Taylor Parker to commit these horrific acts of violence? What were the warning signs in her behavior and mental state… and could she have been stopped? Taylor Parker was convicted of murdering her friend, Reagan Simmons-Hancock. She cut her unborn baby from her womb, and attempted to pass the child off as her own after faking a pregnancy for months. Her web of lies and deception led to two tragic deaths - Reagan, and her baby, Braxlynn Sage Hancock. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson sits down with psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott to explore the psychology behind this disturbing true crime case. We break down Taylor Parker’s psyche, how years of deception escalated into murder, and how she managed to manipulate those closest to her until it was too late. Scott says Parker’s behavior points to a personality disorder, not a mental illness, and explains why that distinction matters. If you’re still reeling over the Netflix documentary, you’re going to want to hear this. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for more true crime analysis, psychological deep dives, and exclusive conversations that go beyond the headlines. Learn more about Shavaun Scott: https://www.shavaunscott.com/
SummaryWill DNA Reveal More Gilgo Beach Serial Killer Victims?
5d ago00:19:03Summary readyDoes the Long Island serial killer have more unidentified victims? Rex Heuermann’s sentencing - life in prison for the horrific murders of eight women - marks a significant milestone in the Gilgo Beach murders investigation. Heuermann’s DNA can now be officially entered into CODIS, the national law enforcement DNA database. It has us asking - Are there other unidentified victims still waiting for justice? In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson digs into what comes next now that the Gilgo Beach murder case has entered a new chapter. Anne is joined by Ruth Bashinsky, Daily Mail Senior News Reporter, and Rachel Sharp, Daily Mail Crime Correspondent, who have covered the Rex Heuermann case from the beginning. We explore whether there could be additional victims, and why they believe the work in this investigation is far from over. Anne shares what she’s learned so far after contacting authorities in Nevada and South Carolina, two places connected to properties owned by Heuermann and his family. Were any unsolved cases ever examined in connection to those locations? Did investigators take a closer look after Heuermann's arrest? We’ve also reached out to the FBI to confirm the status of entering Heuermann’s DNA through CODIS - we’ll keep you updated as we learn more. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage of the Gilgo Beach murders, Rex Heuermann updates, Long Island Serial Killer developments, and exclusive true crime interviews that go beyond the headlines. Sign up for The Crime Desk newsletter
SummaryInside “COWARD” Rex Heuermann’s Sentencing: Victims Face Serial Killer
1w ago00:27:07Summary ready“YOU’RE A COWARD!” Rex Heuermann has been sentenced to life in prison without parole. Suffolk County Court Judge Timothy Mazzei didn’t hold back during his sentencing on Wednesday, June 17th. But the day wasn’t about Rex. It was about justice for his victims. And their families got to face him in an emotional moment that’s been a long time coming. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson speaks with Law&Crime correspondent Angenette Levy, who was inside the packed Suffolk County, New York courtroom and witnessed the emotion of the day - From the judge calling Heuermann a coward, to heartbreaking victim impact statements. The sentencing serves as a marker of justice for the victims: Megan Waterman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Lynn Costello, Sandra Costilla, Valerie Mack, Jessica Taylor, and Karen Vergata. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage of the Gilgo Beach Serial Killer case, true crime investigations, and exclusive interviews from the stories everyone is talking about. Watch Law&Crime Crime Fix with Angenette Levy
SummaryGuthrie Investigation: FBI Tech Expert Answers Our Burning Questions
1w ago00:20:04Summary readyWe’re bringing our biggest Nancy Guthrie questions to an expert in digital investigations. Four months after Today show host Savannah Guthrie’s mother vanished from her Tucson, Arizona home, new theories and online speculation continue to swirl around the case. Can the masked suspect seen in the doorbell camera footage actually be identified? What is a "wrench attack," and could it explain what happened to Nancy Guthrie? And what should law enforcement do next? In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson sits down with Morgan Wright, a nationally recognized cybercrime and intelligence expert who has worked closely with the FBI on major investigations. Wright has been following the Nancy Guthrie case from the beginning and believes this is far more than a missing person investigation. Wright also tackles some of the biggest claims circulating online, including whether advanced technology can identify the suspect from the surveillance footage and why he believes some popular theories may be distracting from the real investigative priorities. Drawing comparisons to techniques used in major cases like the Gilgo Beach serial killer investigation and hunt for Rex Heuermann, he explains what law enforcement may need to do next to generate new leads and avoid losing momentum. If you're following the search for Nancy Guthrie and trying to separate fact from speculation, this conversation offers expert insight you won't want to miss. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for Nancy Guthrie updates, true crime investigations, missing persons coverage, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines. If you’re Criminally Obsessed like us… Prove it! Shop our merch
SummaryNancy Guthrie Latest: Why Private Investigator Thinks She's Still In Arizona
2w ago00:23:10Summary readyAn anonymous tip spurred a ground search for Nancy Guthrie in Mexico. But this private investigator thinks they're looking in the wrong place… and says that authorities have their eyes on a subject in the kidnapping. Four months after Today show host Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother was abducted from her Tucson, Arizona home, investigators and volunteers are still searching for answers. A recent tip out of Mexico sent searchers chasing a new lead, but one veteran private investigator believes Nancy was taken to Northern Arizona. Why? In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson sits down with licensed private investigator Bill Garcia, who recently spent a week on the ground in Arizona working the case pro bono. He has searched for missing adults and children across the country for decades, and after examining the scene for himself, he believes Nancy’s disappearance was a targeted kidnapping, not a random crime. As the FBI continues its search and Savannah publicly pleads for her mother’s return, one question remains at the center of this heartbreaking mystery: what will it take to bring Nancy home? Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for the latest Nancy Guthrie case updates, true crime investigations, missing persons coverage, and exclusive interviews as this search continues. If you’re Criminally Obsessed like us… Prove it! Shop our merch
SummaryKidnapped. Accused of Lying. Denise Huskins & Aaron Quinn Tell True Story of Netflix's 'American Nightmare'
2w ago00:34:02Summary readyReal-life couple in "Gone Girl" kidnapping case speaking out: Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn became the faces of a twisted true crime story in 2015 after Denise was kidnapped from their Vallejo, California home. Instead of being treated like victims, they were accused by police of faking the whole thing, drawing comparisons to the plot of the movie “Gone Girl.” But over a decade later, Denise and Aaron can confirm: It was all horrifyingly real. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson speaks with Denise and Aaron to talk about where they are now after a home invasion, kidnapping, and media firestorm changed their lives - a story captured in the 2024 Netflix documentary “American Nightmare,” The case ultimately led investigators to Matthew Muller, a disbarred Harvard-educated attorney who later confessed and was linked to a string of sexual assaults and other crimes. But Denise and Aaron still believe there may have been additional perpetrators involved, raising questions that remain unanswered to this day. Now, Denise and Aaron are reclaiming their story and sharing what happened after the cameras left. From victims to survivors, they discuss trauma, resilience, and the lasting impact of their real-life American nightmare. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for more true crime interviews, trial updates, and the stories behind the headlines. Hear Denise & Aaron share their story on the Crime Unfiltered tour, June 18th in Indianapolis, IN and June 19th in Detroit, MI If you’re Criminally Obsessed like us… Prove it! Shop our merch
SummaryMajor Murdaugh Update: What We Know About New Trial Judge Debra McCaslin
2w ago00:19:20Summary readyAlex Murdaugh has a new judge for his double murder retrial. And we want to know everything. Who is Judge Debra McCaslin? The South Carolina Circuit Court Judge has been assigned to oversee Alex Murdaugh’s upcoming murder retrial in the deaths of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and son, Paul Murdaugh in 2021. What should we know about the woman now tasked with presiding over the next chapter of the Murdaugh saga? In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson digs into Judge McCaslin’s path to the bench, a journey that started later in life and led her to the highest levels of South Carolina's judicial system. Joined by former South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon, we explore McCaslin’s legal background, her connections to key players in the Murdaugh case including Murdaugh’s Defense Attorney Dick Harpootlian, and how her courtroom style may differ from the judge everyone remembers from the first trial, Clifton Newman. This time, the stakes are even higher. Prosecutors have indicated the death penalty remains a possibility if Alex Murdaugh is retried for the murders at Moselle, making Judge McCaslin’s decisions critical from day one. Where will the retrial be held? When could it begin? When we know, you'll know. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage, trial updates, and exclusive interviews as the next chapter of the Murdaugh story unfolds.
SummaryInside the Karmelo Anthony Courtroom: No Cameras Allowed
2w ago00:18:39Summary readyINSIDE THE MOMENT KARMELO ANTHONY WAS FOUND GUILTY IN TRACK MEET MURDER: There were no cameras in the courtroom. The public never got to hear the witnesses testify, watch the families react, or see the moment Anthony broke down as the verdict was read. He was indicted on first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf after an altercation turned deadly at a track meet in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025. So we had to speak to someone who was there. Sitting just rows behind the victim’s family. Court TV anchor Cody Thomas attended the trial every day, and now he’s taking us inside one of the most talked-about true crime cases that’s reached far beyond Texas - an experience he describes as an ‘emotional tornado.’ In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson shares an emotional conversation with Cody as he reveals the raw reactions inside the courtroom, and the moments the public will never get to see. It’s unclear how much evidence will EVER be revealed in this case, so grab your tissues, and join us for an interview that takes you inside the courtroom during the trial’s most intense, raw, and gut-punching moments. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed so you never miss the stories, trials, and true crime cases everyone is talking about.
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