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.
95episodes
Episodes
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Murdaugh Prosecutor's Strategy and Death Penalty for Alex?
May 1900:24:59Summary readyATTORNEY VS. ATTORNEY: It hasn't even been a week since the news came down that Alex Murdaugh is getting a murder retrial in South Carolina, and so much news around this case has already broke — from a six-figure lawsuit to, now, the fact that the death penalty is on the table for Alex in this trial sequel! A day after our sit-down interview with Murdaugh defense attorney Dick Harpootlian, we caught up with the other side of this case. Creighton Waters helped convict Alex Murdaugh in the murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul in 2023. He’s now faced with trying the same case — but does the defense already know his playbook? Or are there new tricks up his sleeve? Waters reacts to the South Carolina Supreme Court ruling that former Clerk of Court Becky Hill improperly influenced jurors during the 2023 trial, and expresses frustration with how the actions of one court official destroyed the integrity of the verdict. If you know Criminally Obsessed, you know Anne has reported extensively on the Murdaugh saga - she reported from the courtroom on all six weeks of the original trial! We’ll keep bringing you exclusive conversations with key players and the real people behind the headlines. Subscribe so you never miss an episode.
SummaryMurdaugh Latest: Defense Bombshells and a Lawsuit?
May 1900:38:17Summary readyALEX MURDAUGH'S DEFENSE ATTORNEY OPENS UP: Anne Emerson sits down with Murdaugh defense attorney Dick Harpootlian, who says he’s never stopped believing Alex Murdaugh is innocent of the murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. Harpootlian shares what he claims former Clerk of Court Becky Hill told jurors during the original 2023 trial, and reveals the defense already has what he calls “great stuff” for the retrial — including new evidence! We learned last week that Alex is getting a new trial after the South Carolina Supreme Court overturned his murder convictions from 2021. The fallout from the case keeps getting messier — we learned today that Alex is suing Becky Hill for $600,000, accusing her of jury tampering and violating his constitutional right to a fair trial. While many people still believe the jury got it right at the first trial regardless of Hill’s actions, the defense insists Alex did not kill his wife and son. We want to know… what makes Harpootlian and his team so sure? Make sure to subscribe to Criminally Obsessed so you never miss an episode of our extensive Murdaugh coverage.
SummaryWhy Former Murdaugh Housekeeper Rushed to Maggie's Grave After Overturned Murder Conviction
May 1500:38:22Summary readyWhen Blanca Turrubiate-Simpson learned that Alex Murdaugh's convictions for the murder of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, were overturned, she immediately went to Maggie’s gravesite. She needed to sit in silence at the resting place for one of her closest friends. Our Criminally Obsessed host, investigative reporter Anne Emerson, spent six weeks reporting on the original murder trial back in 2023. She brings her extensive depth of knowledge on this case to our exclusive interview with Blanca for an honest look at the emotional impact of a new trial. Blanca was a witness in the original trial. She testified for three hours, but this time-- it could be much different. Will she become a star witness with her intimate knowledge about the Murdaugh family, their 1700 acre property, Moselle, and the moments leading up to and after the murders. She’s shared a lot with us about what she saw, what she believes, and questions she still has - and trust us, there’s more to come. Join the conversation with Anne and Blanca - we’re hosting a panel at CrimeCon in Las Vegas later this month Enter promo code “criminallyobsessed” at checkout to receive 10% off. Read Blanca’s book, ‘Within the House of Murdaugh: Amid a Unique Friendship, Blanca and Maggie’ Catch up on our coverage of all things Murdaugh Listen to our podcast, ‘The Murdaugh Murders, Money & Mystery’
Summary“Disgraceful": How Becky Hill Got Alex Murdaugh A New Trial
May 1400:36:31Summary readyAlex Murdaugh is getting a new murder trial. On May 13, the South Carolina Supreme Court unanimously overturned Alex's double murder convictions in the June 2021 killings of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. How did this happen? How did we wind up at this stunning update? The justices ruled that former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill improperly influenced jurors during the 2023 trial, calling her conduct shocking, egregious, and unprecedented. According to the ruling, Hill’s comments and actions denied Murdaugh his constitutional right to a fair trial. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson released a statement saying his office “will aggressively seek to retry Alex Murdaugh for the murders of Maggie and Paul as soon as possible,” adding that Murdaugh will remain in prison for his financial crimes. We’ve covered the Murdaugh saga extensively here at Criminally Obsessed (our Anne Emerson reported from the courtroom of his previous trials). No journalist knows this case better than Anne. As the breaking news came down today, Anne spoke with our legal analyst, former South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon, to understand the ‘how’ and the ‘why’ behind today's decision. With a new trial now officially ordered, we’re once again asking in the Murdaugh family saga… what comes next? Follow along to find out. Catch up on our coverage of all things Murdaugh: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3z8FHBSffeLYqoVMQZFyCA5PT7l97VnL&si=DhEiqw7h1ogYFpba Listen to our podcast, ‘The Murdaugh Murders, Money & Mystery’: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3z8FHBSffeL22J-ZhwTf8oD8E_pKdxkd&si=RsjFutRm9Q0tD0qV Catch Anne with former Murdaugh housekeeper Blanca Simpson at CrimeCon in Las Vegas later this month: https://crimecon2026.sched.com/event/2LpXz/the-housekeeper-knows-all-what-blanca-turrubiate-simpson-witnessed-working-for-the-murdaughs Enter promo code “criminallyobsessed” at checkout to receive 10% off!
SummaryShe's 16, He's 28. Now This "Couple" Is Accused Of Murdering Her Entire Family (And Pets)
May 1200:22:56Summary readyA 16-year-old girl is accused of murdering her mother, father, and grandmother in the North Carolina home they shared. The girl's 28-year-old boyfriend has also been charged. The family had been trying to keep this older man away from their daughter and was about to get the police involved. Travis Grant, Kimberly Grant, and Sharon Grant were found shot to death inside their Fairview, North Carolina home on May 7th. The murders have shattered the family who is now trying to comprehend this confusing and complex loss. And get this, police say after the Grants were killed, Star and Devan Oneal Loving were delivering meals for DoorDash! We go beyond the headlines to hear how Brittany and her family are dealing with it all - what family dynamics led up to this horrific outcome? Brittany lays out the timeline and tells us about the people at the center of this triple homicide - both victims, and alleged perpetrator and why they weren't found sooner? Star Grant and Devan Oneal Loving have been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and felony conspiracy to commit murder. And even though she's 16-years-old, Star is being charged as an adult, according to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.
SummaryGilgo Beach Killer's Most Bizarre Habits: Dark Psychology Explained
May 1100:27:16Summary readySerial killer Rex Heuermann will be sentenced in June for killing and dismembering eight women on Long Island, New York. Now, we’re venturing into the dark psyche of a human being capable of such brutality, to ask the question… Why? In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, we sit down with forensic psychologist Dr. John Delatorre to break down the mindset of a serial killer, from what drives their choices to why their actions can feel compulsive and calculated at the same time. Heuermann admitted his crimes to his own daughter, Victoria Heuermann, and ex-wife, Asa Ellerup, as captured in the Peacock documentary The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets, where they describe coming face to face with the truth. After watching the doc, we have questions… Like how did a husband and father murder multiple women not only in his home, but the crime scene was his childhood bedroom? We explore the psychology and facts of a case that is truly stranger - and darker - than fiction. Watch The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets now streaming on Peacock.
SummaryGilgo Beach Killer’s Ex-wife Said WHAT?! Forensic Psychologist's Analysis
May 700:37:41Summary readyWhat would you do if your ex-husband, the father of your child, confessed to being a serial killer? That’s the reality Asa Ellerup faces after Rex Heuermann, the Gilgo Beach serial killer, admitted to murdering and dismembering multiple women in the home they shared. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, we take a closer look at Asa’s account revealed in the Peacock documentary The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets. Some of the actions she’s taken after hearing Rex’s confession are… unusual. We wanted to learn more, from an expert with the perfect background to take us into the dark corners of the human psyche. We’re joined by forensic psychologist Dr. John Delatorre to unpack Asa’s mindset, including how coercion and long-term influence can shape someone’s perception of reality. Asa says she initially did not believe he was guilty, and even now, her actions are raising questions - including her decision to sleep in the ‘kill room’ where the murders took place. She claims it’s a way to spiritually apologize to the victims - what does that say about trauma, control, and psychological manipulation? As new details emerge in the Long Island Serial Killer case, we explore the psychological toll, the lingering questions, and what this reveals about the people closest to the perpetrator. Watch The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets now streaming on Peacock.
SummaryNew Celeste Murder Details: Crime Scene Investigator's Unfiltered Analysis
May 700:42:03Summary readyThe details of Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s murder just keep getting darker. We’re now confronted with disturbing facts uncovered in the preliminary hearing evidence brief for the accused killer, David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd. They’re things you can’t unhear… the court document reveals he purchased an inflatable kiddie pool to contain her blood, stood by while she bled to death, and returned to the location where he dumped her belongings - twice. We had to talk to someone with experience analyzing the most gruesome of crime scenes, so in this episode, we’re joined by crime scene investigator Sheryl "Mac" McCollum. Investigative reporter Anne Emerson asks the gritty questions, and we don’t shy away from the answers, especially those swirling around motive in this case. We ask Mac point blank - could Celeste have been pregnant? Hear her answer, and her take on this horrific case. Read Sheryl’s latest book, ‘Swans Don't Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer's Daughter’ Learn more about Sheryl’s work with the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute
Summary"We Have One Question: Why?" - Murdered USF Student's Brother Shares New Theory
May 500:25:03Summary readyHis brother was murdered, and he thinks he knows why. 27-year-old Zamil Limon and his girlfriend, 27-year-old Nahida Bristy - both University of South Florida doctoral students from Bangladesh - were brutally murdered and left in garbage bags. Zamil's roommate, Hisham Abugharbieh, has been arrested and charged with two counts of premeditated first-degree murder. The question on the minds of their families, communities, and all of us is… why? Investigative reporter Anne Emerson spoke with Zamil’s brother, Zubaer Ahmed, and he shared what he believes is the motive behind this vicious attack. We hear firsthand about these victims, how these families are dealing with heartbreaking loss and what they’re asking for in order to move forward Hear Zubear detail a recent situation when he says Abugharbieh lost his temper over soap! Police are asking for the public’s help in gathering relevant information. If you have tips, contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200. Visit this GoFundMe to support the families
SummaryNew Lynette Hooker Theories: Mangroves, Black Tankini & Grand Jury?
May 400:48:42Summary readyOne month later, where is Lynette Hooker? She disappeared in the Bahamas on April 4th after her husband, Brian Hooker, said she fell from their dinghy near Elbow Cay, but let's face it, does anyone REALLY believe him? In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, we explore new theories about where her body could have been hidden and how evidence may have been destroyed, but what could still be left behind. Investigative reporter Anne Emerson and forensic diver Alex Beer break down what he says divers should be looking for now - one month later. From reaction time on the water to the challenges of searching mangroves and ocean bottom terrain, Beer explains where Lynette could be and why even if her body is not found, there should be clues. As doubts continue to grow about Brian Hooker’s story, we take a closer look at the possibilities, the search efforts, and what investigators may still uncover. Support the search for Lynette with the GoFundMe created by her daughter, Karli Aylesworth We’re counting down to CrimeCon Vegas at the end of May! Use code ‘criminally obsessed’ at checkout for 10% off your CrimeCon ticket
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