
Hosted by Celisia Stanton · EN

In 1995, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy William Hardy was shot behind a Birmingham hotel. At that moment, over ten witnesses placed Toforest Johnson at a nightclub across town. Despite this, Toforest has spent more than 26 years on death row for a crime he swears he didn’t commit. Today, many—including one of the jurors who originally convicted him— think the courts got it wrong. But how? With the support of investigative reporter Beth Shelburne, we explore the horrifying twists behind Toforest’s controversial conviction.A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/Toforest-Johnson To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Toforest Johnson was sentenced to die for a crime he says he didn’t commit—without physical evidence or forensic proof. But that didn’t stop prosecutors from building a case against him. Next week, we dive into a case that has sparked nationwide controversy and left one man fighting for his life.Want to check out next week’s episode right now? Subscribe to Tenderfoot+ and get early access, ad-free listening, and other exclusive benefits on over 30 shows and 500 episodes. Visit tenderfootplus.com to learn more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alan Berg, a prolific talk radio personality, kept Denver listening. At a time when the airwaves still sounded mostly polite and apolitical, Alan was best known for his brash politics and fiery arguments with callers. All of this came to an end in the summer of 1984, when Alan was murdered outside of his home. Today’s episode is about the importance of speaking up, even against the forces that will do anything to keep us quiet.A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/alan-berg To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alan Berg built his career challenging bigotry, calling out hypocrisy, and refusing to back down. But his boldness made him a target. Next week, we uncover the murder that shocked the nation—and the violent extremism behind it. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You might know Alice Sebold from her bestselling novel “The Lovely Bones.” But before that, she became famous for her memoir “Lucky,” where she recounts the brutal assault she survived in a park near her college campus—and the trial that followed. The man convicted in that trial was Anthony Broadwater, who has maintained his innocence for more than 40 years. Today’s episode is about forgiveness, resilience, and the devastating consequences of getting it wrong.Please be aware that today’s episode contains references to sexual assault and physical violence.A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/andthony-alice To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On April 4, 1968, a single bullet ended the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The official story pinned the murder on James Earl Ray—a fugitive desperate to evade capture—but for decades, the King family has fought to expose a darker truth. In this episode, we uncover the buried evidence, tangled conspiracies, and a stunning 1999 civil trial that found the U.S. government complicit in King’s assassination. What does justice look like for one of history’s most celebrated heroes—and why is so much of this story still left untold?Please note that today's episode includes language some listeners might find offensive as well as references to gun violence. Please take care while listening.A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/mlk-assassination To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A student at the University of Utah, Lauren McCluskey began receiving threatening messages from her ex-boyfriend in the fall of 2018. For nearly three weeks, concerned for her safety, she reported this harassment to campus police again and again. Today’s episode is about the deadly cost of warnings ignored—and what happens when the people we trust to protect us fail to take action.Please be aware that today’s episode contains references to sexual assault and suicide.A full list of action items, sources, resources mentioned, and photos related to the case are available in the show notes of today's episode, https://truercrimepodcast.com/lauren-mccluskey To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This season, Truer Crime goes deeper than ever, unraveling 10 unforgettable stories that challenge everything you think you know about true crime. From high-profile cases to untold injustices, these episodes explore the human stories that lie beneath the surface. Get an exclusive sneak peek at what’s ahead and prepare for a season filled with gripping narratives, unexpected twists, and the kind of storytelling only Truer Crime can deliver. Season 2 premieres January 20th, 2025, with new episodes dropping every Monday. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us for Podcasting “From Below”, a celebration of storytelling, justice, and connection! This FREE, live event marks the highly anticipated launch of Truer Crime Season 2 and the debut of Good Judy Productions, a new Minneapolis-based podcast studio dedicated to amplifying unheard voices.📍 Where: The Conn Theater at Plymouth Congregational Church (1900 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN)🕖 When: Thursday, January 23 | Doors open at 7 PM, event begins at 7:30 PMWhat to Expect:✨ A conversation with Celisia Stanton (Truer Crime) and Chris Stedman (Unread, Good Judy Productions) about the stories we tell and why they matter.📚 A pop-up shop from Black Garnet Books and a book drive for the Women’s Prison Book Project—bring a gently used book, purchase one onsite, or donate to the cause.🌈 Resources and engagement opportunities from Queermunity, a Minneapolis LGBTQ+ resource center.🧁 Complimentary treats, including celebratory cupcakes from Sift Gluten Free.Can't make it in person? Sign up for our newsletter a truercrime.substack.com and we'll email you the link!Don’t miss this unforgettable night of reflection, community, and celebration. Whether you’re a superfan or new to these stories, there’s something for everyone. See you there!Parking + Entrance Info: Park free in the church parking lot along Franklin Ave and enter the theater at Door #3 on Nicollet Ave. The event is free and open to the public, registration is not required. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Truer Crime is back for season 2 with 10 brand-new episodes you won't want to miss. From high-profile stories like the Manson Murders to lesser-known cases about everyday people — the victim of a modern lynching, a talk radio host gunned down in his driveway, a famous author and the man wrongfully convicted of her rape — each episode is a take on true crime you won't hear anywhere else. Be sure to catch the season premiere on January 20th, 2025, and listen to new episodes every Monday. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices