The Best New News Podcast Right Now – April 2025
Dive into the world of true crime with this blog, where we explore captivating cases that have captivated the nation. From the chilling murder of Fabio Semantelli to the complex trial of Dana Chandler, we delve into the details of each investigation, uncovering shocking twists and turns. Join us as we examine the evidence, analyze the motives, and uncover the truth behind these compelling stories. Get ready to be captivated by the stories of betrayal, manipulation, and the pursuit of justice. Listen now to learn more!
The 10 Best News episodes
Deadly Obsession
This podcast chronicles the investigation and trials of Dana Chandler, who was accused of murdering her ex-husband, Mike Sisco, and his girlfriend, Karen Harkness, in a case marked by inconsistencies, prosecutorial misconduct, and a shocking decision to represent herself in court.
The podcast delves into the complex and emotionally charged case of Dana Chandler, who was accused of murdering her ex-husband, Mike Sisco, and his girlfriend, Karen Harkness. The investigation initially focused on a murder-suicide theory, but evidence pointed to a double homicide. Detectives quickly zeroed in on Dana, finding inconsistencies in her alibi and uncovering her history of harassing Mike and Karen. Despite the lack of physical evidence, the detectives believed Dana was guilty, but the local district attorney didn't believe there was enough to take the case to court. Years later, a new DA took office and formed a cold case unit that focused on Mike and Karen's murders, leading to Dana's arrest. Dana was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and pleaded not guilty. The prosecution argued that Dana was the only person who hated Mike and Karen enough to kill them. However, her conviction was overturned due to prosecutorial misconduct. The state retried the case, but the jury couldn't reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial. In her third trial, Dana made the shocking decision to fire her attorneys and represent herself. She told the jury she was innocent and that her ex-husband left her impoverished and shot out of her children's lives. Dana's defense strategy was unconventional, as she threw out the typical trial playbook and called herself as her first witness. She questioned the detective's motives, suggesting he was more concerned with protecting his reputation than seeking justice. Her daughter, Hayley, testified against her mother, describing the emotional toll it took on her. The prosecution exploited Dana's lack of legal experience, highlighting inconsistencies in her alibi and emphasizing witness testimony that contradicted her claims. After deliberating for three and a half hours, the jury found Dana Chandler guilty of first-degree murder. The families of the victims expressed relief and closure, while Dana's family was devastated. The episode concludes with reflections on the impact of the case on the families involved and the ongoing journey for justice.
The Widow of Woodland Hills
This true crime podcast investigates the murder of celebrity hairstylist Fabio Semantelli, uncovering a web of deceit, infidelity, and a shocking conspiracy that led to the arrest and conviction of his wife, Monica, and her lover, Robert Baker.
This podcast episode delves into the true crime story of Fabio Semantelli, a renowned celebrity hairstylist who was brutally murdered in his Woodland Hills home. The episode meticulously follows the investigation, revealing a complex narrative of hidden relationships, unexpected suspects, and a shocking conspiracy. The episode begins with the discovery of Fabio's body by his daughter, Isabella, and the subsequent investigation by LAPD detectives. They uncover evidence of a struggle, a missing Porsche, and a ransacked bedroom, suggesting a targeted attack. As the investigation unfolds, the episode explores the reactions of Fabio's family and friends to his tragic death. His sisters, Maralla and Lori, are devastated, while his son, Luigi, is left confused and frightened. The episode then delves into the prevalence of "knock-knock burglaries" in Woodland Hills, a common tactic used by thieves to assess whether a home is occupied before breaking in. This information becomes crucial as the investigation progresses. The episode reveals that the killers stole the DVR system from Fabio's home, erasing any footage from the exterior cameras. However, a neighbor's security camera captured footage of two individuals running towards Fabio's house and then leaving in his Porsche. The episode also explores Fabio's plans for his 50th birthday, which included a trip to Pebble Beach with his friends. He was excited to celebrate reaching the age of 50, as his father had died unexpectedly at a young age. A suspicious visitor at Fabio's memorial, a man named Rob, raises red flags for Fabio's sister, Maralla. She feels uncomfortable with Rob's presence and believes he is trying to take advantage of Monica. The episode then describes how police found Fabio's Porsche abandoned near a homeowner's house. Forensic analysis revealed blood on the pedals and other parts of the car, which did not belong to Fabio. The episode reveals that the DNA from the blood found in Fabio's Porsche matched Robert Baker, a convicted sex offender who had been at Fabio's memorial. This discovery leads detectives to focus their investigation on Baker and his relationship with Monica. The episode details how LAPD detectives used the Special Investigation Section (SIS) to conduct surveillance on Monica and Rob Baker. They observed them meeting at a gas station, going on dates, and even taking a weekend trip to Las Vegas. The episode reveals that Monica's alibi for the day of the murder was contradicted by security camera footage from a Target parking lot. The footage showed an unknown individual entering Monica's truck, suggesting that she was not alone during her shopping trip. The episode describes how Monica accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award on Fabio's behalf at a ceremony for professionals in the beauty industry. She spoke about their "made for the movies romance" and Fabio's positive energy. The episode recounts the arrest of Monica and Rob Baker for murder. They were pulled over in Monica's new Mustang and taken into custody. The episode describes how detectives placed Monica in a jail cell with an undercover officer, who was able to elicit a confession from her about her affair with Rob Baker. The episode reveals that Rob Baker changed his plea to no contest, effectively admitting guilt for Fabio's murder. He also agreed to testify against Monica. The episode details the investigation into Chris Austin, who was identified as the second person involved in Fabio's murder. Detectives found evidence that he had flown to Los Angeles from Alaska the day before the murder and was driving a rental car that Baker had rented. The episode describes how Chris Austin pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and agreed to testify against Monica. The episode recounts Monica's trial, where prosecutors argued that she orchestrated Fabio's murder to be with Rob Baker. They presented evidence of her affair, her financial gain from Fabio's death, and her communication with Baker on the day of the murder. The episode details Chris Austin's testimony, where he described how Baker had told him about a plan to kill Fabio at the request of Monica. He also described how Baker had stabbed Fabio and staged a burglary. The episode presents the defense's case, which argued that Monica was not involved in Fabio's murder and that Chris Austin's testimony was unreliable. They also emphasized Monica's grief and her lack of financial motive. The episode recounts Robert Baker's testimony, where he admitted to killing Fabio but claimed that Monica was not involved. He said that he had murdered Fabio because he wanted to be with Monica. The episode describes the prosecutor's cross-examination of Robert Baker, where she attempted to show that Monica was the mastermind behind Fabio's murder. She presented evidence of Monica's communication with Baker on the day of the murder and her plans for a future with him. The episode focuses on the trial of Monica Simantelli, accused of murdering her husband Fabio. The prosecution presents evidence, including Monica's access to the home security system and her phone activity during the murder. Baker, the alleged accomplice, testifies about his motive and his relationship with Monica. The prosecution plays a recording of a conversation between Monica and Baker in the lock-up, where Baker admits to lying to the jury. The defense argues that Baker was lying to Monica about his innocence and was willing to take the fall for her. The jury finds Monica guilty of first-degree murder with special circumstances and conspiracy. The sentence is life without parole. Monica's defense team expresses their belief in her innocence and vows to pursue her exoneration. Fabio's family expresses relief and satisfaction with the verdict. The chapter reflects on Fabio's life and his legacy. His family shares a video message he recorded before his death, where he expresses his love for his family and his desire to be remembered for the relationships he built. The case has had a profound impact on those involved, particularly Tracy, who has turned her outrage into a mission to help others facing similar circumstances.
Silent Witness
This podcast explores the complex case of Jason Young, who was accused of murdering his wife Michelle, highlighting the investigation, trial, and appeals process, ultimately leading to a new trial.
This podcast delves into the tragic case of Michelle Young, a young mother found murdered in her home, leaving her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter Cassidy alone in a pool of blood. The episode follows the investigation, focusing on the husband, Jason Young, who was away on a business trip the night of the murder. The episode details the discovery of Michelle's body by her sister, Meredith, and the initial response of law enforcement. The focus then shifts to the unusual circumstances surrounding Cassidy's cleanliness, raising questions about her involvement in the crime. The podcast explores Michelle's life, highlighting her personality, relationships, and career, before turning its attention to Jason and the strained state of their marriage. Investigators begin to suspect Jason, uncovering inconsistencies in his alibi and suspicious activity at the hotel where he stayed. The episode reveals a deteriorating relationship between Michelle and Jason, marked by arguments and Jason's infidelity. Jason's refusal to cooperate with investigators further fuels suspicion. The podcast reveals that a security camera at the hotel where Jason stayed was unplugged, suggesting tampering. Investigators also find evidence that Jason may have made a trip back to Raleigh, potentially contradicting his alibi. A witness places Jason at a gas station near the crime scene early on the morning of the murder, further undermining his alibi. Investigators also find a partial footprint at the crime scene that eventually matches Jason's shoe size. The episode details Jason's arrest for Michelle's murder, three years after her death. The case against him is largely circumstantial, but investigators believe they have enough evidence to proceed. The podcast covers Jason's trial, where the prosecution presents their case, focusing on the partial footprint, Jason's infidelity, and the strained state of his marriage. Jason maintains his innocence and provides explanations for the inconsistencies in his alibi. The defense attempts to discredit the prosecution's evidence and paint Jason as a victim of circumstance. The episode reveals that the first trial ends in a mistrial due to a hung jury. The prosecution decides to retry the case, this time with Jason's own testimony from the first trial as evidence. The podcast covers the second trial, where the prosecution presents new evidence, including testimony from Cassidy's daycare worker and a life insurance policy that Michelle had questioned. The second jury finds Jason Young guilty of first-degree murder. The episode then details Jason's appeal, which focuses on the prosecution's use of testimony about the civil cases against him. The appeals court rules in favor of Jason Young, granting him a new trial. The episode concludes with the impact of the case on Cassidy and the ongoing search for justice.
Good & Evil
This true crime podcast investigates the murders of four young women in Orange County, California, highlighting the dedication of Detective Jelissa Trap and the emotional toll on the victims' families.
This episode delves into a true crime story, focusing on the investigation of multiple missing and murdered young women in Orange County, California. The story highlights the dedication of Detective Jelissa Trap, who uses her faith and investigative skills to uncover the truth. The episode details the discovery of Jaree Eastep's body in a landfill, wrapped in a blue tarp. Detective Trap, driven by her faith and determination, begins the investigation, using a tattoo on Jaree's neck as a starting point. The episode introduces the cases of three other missing women: Kiana Jackson, Josephine Monique Vargas, and Martha. Their mothers, Kathy Menzies, Priscilla, and Helinda, share their stories of their daughters' disappearances and their relentless search for answers. Detective Trap connects the missing women's cases through a chilling discovery: a serial killer may be at work. She investigates the possibility of a link between the victims and sex offenders on parole, leading her to Frank Kano and Stephen Gordon. The episode reveals that Gordon, acting as his own attorney, confesses to the murders of the four women. The mothers of the victims are forced to relive the horrific details of their daughters' deaths during the trial. The episode concludes with the aftermath of the trial, highlighting the emotional toll on the mothers and the lingering mystery of Jane Doe, a fifth victim whose identity remains unknown. Detective Trap remains dedicated to finding her and bringing closure to her family.
Accused killer's voice on a 911 call in Michigan. A hike in paradise gone terribly wrong. And Karen Read's retrial begins.
This episode of Dateline True Crime Weekly covers a range of true crime cases, including a doctor accused of attempted murder, the trials of Laurie Vallow-Daybell and Karen Reed, and a segment on autism awareness and training first responders to interact with individuals on the spectrum.
The episode begins with Jenna Bush Hager promoting her podcast "Open Book with Jenna" and introducing the guest for the week, Heather McMahon. Andrea Canning then introduces the latest developments in true crime cases, including a doctor accused of trying to push his wife off a cliff in Hawaii, Laurie Vallow-Daybell's trial, and Karen Reed's retrial. Dateline producer Sergei Ivonen provides updates on the retrial of Linda Kay Sturmer, accused of murdering her husband, focusing on witness testimony. Mahaya Lonnie Richardson, evening anchor for Hawaii News Now, discusses the case of Gerhard Konig, a doctor accused of attempting to murder his wife Ariel on a hiking trail. The episode explores the couple's background, the alleged incident, and the ongoing investigation. Dateline producer Sue Simpson provides updates on the trials of Laurie Vallow-Daybell and Karen Reed, as well as the dismissal of a lawsuit against Sean Diddy-Combs. The episode also features an interview with a retired police captain who advocates for training law enforcement on how to interact with people on the autism spectrum. A promotion for the Today Show is followed by a continuation of the Dateline Roundup, with Sue Simpson providing further details on the Karen Reed trial and Lori Vallow-Daybell's trial. Jerry Turning, a retired police captain, discusses his mission to train first responders on how to interact with people with autism. He shares his personal experience as a father of a son with autism and the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by individuals on the spectrum. Andrea Canning wraps up the episode of Dateline True Crime Weekly, promoting Dateline Premium and upcoming episodes of Dateline, including a two-hour episode about a daughter's quest to find her father's killer.
The Pin at Apartment 210
This Dateline episode chronicles the tragic disappearance and murder of Jasmine Pace, highlighting the family's relentless pursuit of justice and the eventual arrest and conviction of her killer, Jason Chen.
This Dateline episode delves into the chilling case of Jasmine Pace's disappearance and murder. The episode begins with Jasmine's family gathering at the hospital following the passing of her grandmother. Jasmine's unusual behavior and subsequent disappearance spark concern, prompting her family to launch their own investigation. Utilizing technology and their detective skills, they uncover a suspicious phone call and a potential connection to a man named Jason Chen. The family discovers a racy photo of Jasmine on her Facebook account, leading them to believe she is in danger. They contact the police and provide information about Jason Chen, who is identified as a potential suspect. Despite limited information, the police investigate Jason Chen, but Jasmine's family, frustrated with the lack of progress, continues their own investigation, leading them to Jason's apartment. Using a pin drop from Jasmine's phone, they locate his apartment and hear a scream from inside. They break in and find evidence suggesting Jasmine was there, leading them to call the police again. Despite police warnings, Jasmine's family returns to Jason's apartment, convinced he is involved in her disappearance. They find more evidence linking him to the crime, but the police are hesitant to act. The episode delves into Jason Chen's background, revealing his friendship with Ryan Barrett and a previous incident where Jason hacked Ryan's online accounts. Detective Zach Crawford investigates Jason's apartment and discovers blood evidence, leading him to believe it is a homicide scene. The family is informed that the case is now a homicide investigation. The police continue their investigation, tracking Jason Chen's movements and eventually finding him at his parents' house. He is arrested and charged with first-degree premeditated murder. Jasmine's family, desperate for closure, continues their search for her body. The police, using location data, find her body on the banks of the Tennessee River. Jason Chen stands trial for Jasmine's murder. The prosecution presents evidence of the brutal crime, while the defense argues self-defense. The jury finds Jason Chen guilty of first-degree premeditated murder and sentences him to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The episode concludes with Jasmine's family reflecting on her life and her impact on those who knew her. They emphasize her kindness, compassion, and selflessness.
Verdict watch in hairstylist murder trial. "Mommy Doomsday" represents herself. And Sean Combs latest.
This episode of Dateline True Crime Weekly covers Lori Vallow-Daybell's Arizona trial, explores the pros and cons of pro se representation, and provides updates on Sean Diddy Combs's sex trafficking case and Karen Reed's retrial.
This episode of Dateline True Crime Weekly begins with an advertisement for the Capital One Saver Card. The episode then dives into the ongoing trial of Lori Vallow-Daybell in Arizona, where she is accused of conspiring to murder her fourth husband, Charles Vallow. The segment discusses Lori's decision to represent herself in court, the prosecution's opening statement, and the witnesses who have testified so far. The episode then explores the topic of pro se representation, where defendants choose to represent themselves in court. NBC News legal analyst Danny Savalos discusses the pros and cons of this approach, using examples of high-profile cases like Ted Bundy and Dana Chandler. The episode then provides updates on two high-profile cases: Sean Diddy Combs's sex trafficking case and Karen Reed's retrial for killing her police officer boyfriend. The segment discusses the new charges against Combs, the identity of "victim 1" in the indictment, and the progress of jury selection in Reed's case. The episode concludes with a discussion on the risks and challenges defendants face when choosing to represent themselves in court. Danny Savalos emphasizes the importance of legal expertise and the potential pitfalls of self-representation, particularly in complex cases. The episode ends with a preview of upcoming Dateline episodes, including a two-hour episode on Friday night and a weekend mystery on Saturday.
Lori Vallow Daybell's phone calls. Karen Read's retrial set to start. And Houston's "lost boys".
This episode of Dateline True Crime Weekly explores the enduring impact of true crime stories, focusing on the Gilgo Beach serial killer case, the Candyman serial killer, and Karen Reed's retrial.
The podcast opens with a reflection on the enduring nature of true crime stories, emphasizing that even when cases are closed, the impact on those involved continues. The episode then delves into the latest developments in the Gilgo Beach serial killer case, specifically focusing on the pretrial hearing for Rex Huriman, the alleged killer. The admissibility of nuclear DNA evidence is a key point of contention, with the defense arguing that this method is untested and unreliable. The episode then shifts to the story of the Candyman serial killer, Dean Coral, and the work of forensic anthropologist Dr. Sharon Derrick in identifying his victims and bringing closure to their families. Dr. Derrick's expertise in skeletal analysis played a crucial role in solving this cold case. The episode also covers the retrial of Karen Reed, highlighting the increased security measures and the prosecution's intention to use her out-of-court statements against her. The podcast concludes with a call to action for listeners to leave feedback, vote for the show in the Webby Awards, and tune in for upcoming Dateline episodes.
Talking Dateline: Deadly Obsession
This podcast explores the true crime story of Dana Chandler, accused of murdering her ex-husband and his fiancée, examining the circumstantial evidence, the impact on the victim's daughter, and the complexities of the justice system.
This podcast delves into the true crime story of Dana Chandler, who was accused of murdering her ex-husband and his fiancée. The case involved three trials, with the prosecution relying heavily on circumstantial evidence, including Dana's alleged drive to Topeka and back, her conflicting alibis, and her erratic behavior towards her ex-husband and his fiancée. However, the lack of direct proof, such as fingerprints, DNA, or a confession, made it difficult to prove her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The podcast explores the jury's perspective on the case, which shifted throughout the trials, particularly after Dana's self-representation in the third trial. Her lack of legal expertise and seemingly erratic behavior in court may have swayed the jury against her, leading to her conviction. The podcast also examines the impact of the case on Haley, the daughter of the victim, who struggled with the uncertainty and lack of resolution for a long time. Dana's contact with Haley after the conviction further heightened her anxiety, leading Haley to record their phone calls in search of answers and closure. The podcast concludes by highlighting the complexities of the justice system, the importance of circumstantial evidence, and the impact of true crime stories on the lives of those involved. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of self-representation in legal proceedings and the importance of seeking legal counsel.
Talking Dateline: The Widow of Woodland Hills
This podcast episode delves into the Dateline episode "The Widow of Woodland Hills," exploring the complex case of Monica, who was convicted of orchestrating her husband's murder with her lover, Robert Baker.
This podcast episode focuses on the Dateline episode "The Widow of Woodland Hills," which details the murder of Fabio, a successful businessman, and the subsequent investigation and trial of his wife, Monica. The episode explores the themes of betrayal, manipulation, and the aftermath of a crime. The episode begins with a discussion of the verdict in the case, featuring an interview with Josh Mankowitz, the Dateline correspondent who covered the story. Mankowitz highlights the complexities of the case, including Monica's affair with Robert Baker, her manipulation of her daughter, and the unusual circumstances surrounding Fabio's death. The episode then delves into the details of the affair and its impact on the family. It explores the dynamics of Monica and Baker's relationship, the consequences of their actions, and the reactions of Fabio's family, particularly his sister, to the daughters' support of their mother. The episode also features a Q&A session with Josh Mankowitz, addressing viewer questions about the episode, including the significance of Fabio's nickname, the daughters' support of their mother, and the reporting process. The episode concludes with a discussion of the trial, highlighting the conflicting testimonies from Baker and Austin, the key moments of the trial, and the jury's ultimate decision to find Monica guilty.
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