The First Degree

Jac & Alexis are back to give you a real time update of the developments of Rex Heuermann’s arrest and details of his bail application request. They chat about his google search history, bizarre evidence being confiscated from his house, and the possibility of more killers connected to the case. If you knew Rex Heuermann and want to tell your story, email us at hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com 🎟 Ca...

Rex Heuermann was charged on Friday July 13th in the Gilgo Beach murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Lynn Costello, all thought to be connected to the Long Island Serial Killer. Alexis and Jac are currently in New York, investigating the events unfolding in real time, and will be giving live updates in The First Degree podcast feed as they get them. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus epi...

After the Gilgo Four victims were discovered in December of 2010, detectives are looking for more victims of the Long Island Serial Killer. So, in the spring of 2011, law enforcement officers conduct a massive search of Long Island’s Gilgo Beach and surrounding areas. On April 4th of 2011, two sets of human remains are found: Jane Doe #6, later identified as 24-year-old Valerie Mack, and the yet-t...

This week the girls and the ginger return with an epic recap of Jac and Jer’s bachelor/ette trip! What happens in Vegas apparently ends up on this podcast! On the stand this week: Saying “I don’t know who needs to hear this”, podcasts interrupted by map directions, double decker airplane seats, and dinner table intruders! Then! A worstie with a military-grade mistake! Enjoy! 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bon...

On June 14, 2021, 911 is called to respond to the scene of an accident in Green Bay, Wisconsin. In a local river, a vehicle is submerged, the driver having lost control after leaving a nearby parking lot. Sadly, it’s too late for the 37 year old man, who drowns at the scene. But not everyone who knows the driver is convinced about what happened. There’s questions about how the vehicle ended up in...

Ever since she was a little girl, Maureen L. Brainard-Barnes had a generous heart. From stray kittens to down-on-their-luck friends, Maureen was happy to share her money, living space, and more with those in need—often leaving herself with little. Born and raised in the southeast corner of Connecticut, Maureen ended her academic career at age 16 when she realized she was pregnant with her first ch...

This week, the girls and the ginger have crawled their way back to the studio after July 4th shenanigans to bring you another episode of Killing Time! Today, we’re talking all things Pokemon Go! Misadventures by way of Pokemon hunting. Gotta catch em all! On the stand today: Going through people’s medicine cabinets, open-mouth wedding kisses, sneakers with jeans, and room temp food!! Then! A worst...

On March 1st of 2007, 46-year-old Richard “Doug” Douglas White prepares to close his small business for the day when two men enter his shop. The next day, Doug’s fiance,  44-year-old Dr. Brenda Kaye Covington, discovers Doug’s body. Doug has been beaten and shot multiple times. Over a year later, state prosecutors prepare for the trial of one of Doug’s alleged attackers, 21-year-old Marine A. Thom...

On September 2nd of 2010, 27-year-old Amber Lynn Costello leaves her house to go meet a john for sex work. Her final words to her roommate as she leaves are, “If my sister calls, tell her I love her.” Three months later, Amber’s sister, Kim, hears the news that the human remains of four women matching Amber’s description have been discovered along Ocean Parkway on Long Island’s Gilgo Beach. When K...

The girls and the ginger welcome you back for another week of Killing Time! This week, we’re taking to Reddit to analyze some stories on r/AmITheAsshole. Also! On the stand: not knowing your drink order at the bar, marriage licenses, bad acting on a good show, and cheese on a protein. And finally, a worstie commits a hit-and-run on her own sibling!!! WTF? 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per mont...

On July 29th of 1994 24-year-old Adrian Marshall was senselessly murdered. While there were early suspects, the leads fizzled out, which devastated Adrian’s parents. While the case went an unexpected call would breathe new life into the case more than 10 years later. While justice for Adrian seemed to be inching closer, the case was derailed in the 11th hour. On episode 254, Jac and Alexis speak c...

Life wasn’t always simple for 22-year-old Megan Waterman. She was a single mother, in a relationship with a questionable man, and struggling to make ends meet financially. Luckily, Megan was known for making the best out of complicated situations. Throughout her entire life, Megan was a fiercely independent leader who supported those she cared about. Megan would do anything for her loved ones—and...

This week the girls and the ginger are back with a record setting episode! We’re visiting the hall of fame of humans and their super bizarre achievements! It’s time for the weirdest world records! Then! On the stand this week: Mixing black and brown clothing, public pools in random places, disturbing somebody wearing headphones, and mandatory podcast paywalls! And finally, a worstie causes some me...

On February 24th of 2022, 57-year-old Cynthia Marie Cole of Jensen Beach, Florida vanishes into thin air. That morning, she’d walked on the beach. That evening, she’d attended a street festival with a few friends. But, by the next day, Cynthia is missing without a trace of evidence left behind. On March 1st, Cynthia’s friends and family report her disappearance to the local authorities. Within day...

From the moment she was born on June 24th, 1985, Melissa Mary Barthelemy was loved. Between her mother, father, and siblings, Melissa was raised alongside people who truly cared about her. As a child, Melissa was recognized for her cleverness and charming smile. As a young woman, Melissa was respected for her independence and determination. After graduating high school in the early 2000s, Melissa...

This week the girls and the ginger return with an electrifying episode! It’s all things Benjamin Franklin! Find out what it takes to make it onto the 100 dollar bill! Spoiler alert, it’s a lot of weird shit! On the stand this week: separate sleeping zones on the same bed, Red Hot Chili Peppers, befriending birds, and crowdsurfing! Plus! A worstie firstie with a dinnertime diss! 🎟 Catch up to FOUR...

On July 4, 2016, 911 is called to respond to a 4 year old girl in Athens, Alabama, who’s not breathing. At the hospital, the youngster is placed on life support while her family hope and pray she regains consciousness. But three days later, with no hope of recovery, the little girl’s distraught parents make the heartbreaking decision to turn off her life support. A cause of death can’t be determin...

This week, the girls and the ginger are PARANOID! We’re here drawing some interesting conclusions between modern society and George Orwell’s dystopian social science fiction novel 1984. But first! On the stand this week: PB&J on wheat bread, hugging, ignoring crooked picture frames, and street sweeping! And finally, a familiar firstie shares her worstie. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month...

When you think of public places where children should all be expected to feel safe, school is one of them. Church is another. Sometimes in such spaces, it’s not uncommon to come across unusual, even weird people. But you can’t control who attends a school or turns up to church service on Sundays. Usually we can brush off interactions with these people as just odd encounters. But sometimes, people...

Today The First Degree is joined by Jessica Taylor’s cousin, Jasmine- who fondly recalls the details of growing up with her vivacious older cousin. Jessica loved to dance, she loved double dutch, and she loved to read… but most importantly, she was adored by her family.  In July of 2003, when Jessica was only 20-years-old, she was kidnapped and murdered by the Long Island Serial Killer. It’s been...

This week get ready for another installment of Ask a Girl, Ask a Ginger! That’s right, we’re here yet again to offer some advice to some of our faithful firsties! But first! On the stand this week: instrumental interludes in songs, heating pads, the sidewalk salsa, and seeded grapes! And finally, a worstie with a sister secret you have to hear to believe! PLUS! It’s the end of the world as we know...

On December 9th, 2015, the former Suffolk County Chief of Police James Burke is arrested for assaulting Chris Loeb three years earlier. Back in December 2012, Chris stole several items from Burke’s police vehicle, including a black duffel bag with an alleged homemade snuff film inside of it. Concerned that Chris would reveal the contents of his duffel bag, Burke struck Chris repeatedly and threate...

Valerie Lyn Mack was a loving sister, a caring mother, and a dynamic woman During her childhood, Valerie trekked from foster home to foster home for almost a decade. But, when she was nine years old, Valerie was adopted by two loving parents: Edwin and JoAnn Mack. Valerie thrived with the Macks. Her grades improved, she participated in theater, and she showed real leadership potential. But, throug...

This week the girls and the ginger are back to explore some post-life plans. Turning into a coral reef, maybe a tree? Get launched into the sun? Anything is possible with money! On the stand this week: tasting before ordering a flight, milk, businesses answering the phones with a simple “hello?”, and toe shoes!! Plus! A worstie with some toothbrush treachery! 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per...

On May 1st of 2010, 23-year-old Shannan Gilbert gets into a black SUV with her hired driver and de facto security guard, Michael Pak. Shannan and Michael travel from New York City’s Manhattan to a wealthy gated community on Long Island known as Oak Beach. Shannan, a sex worker, enters the home of her client, Joseph Brewer. Three hours later, Shannan runs screaming from Brewer’s home. She calls 911...