Forensic Friday

 It started with an unrelated warrant in a quiet southern Ohio village, but what law enforcement uncovered inside a small Hamden home has shocked the nation. This week, we break down the horrifying discovery in Vinton County, where 16 children—ranging from toddlers to teenagers—were found living in unimaginable squalor and isolation. We analyze what we know abou four members of the Siders family,...

In this BRAND NEW episode, NEVER BEFORE HEARD, get an overview of what gaslighting is and how to recognize it Ad for Southeast Counseling in Parker, CO Support the show Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in the public domain and are purely speculative in nature. Their comments are not meant to di...

We often tell ourselves that because we work in law enforcement or the justice system, we could 'never' get caught up in an abusive relationship. But Denise Fransua, a dedicated probation officer from Parker, Colorado, reminds us that the reality is much more complex. This week, we share Denise's story—not just to talk about the tragedy of her passing, but to honor the professional...

Today we're continuing our "Am I Dating A..." series, this time talking about one of the most misunderstood and misused labels in the mental health field: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. What is the line between neatness and true OCD? How do you differentiate between distressing symptoms of repetitive intrusive thoughts vs coercive control and a partner wanting their way just because...

Do we trust unlicensed strangers with our lives? Today, we go deep into the tragic case of Maria Eduarda, a young woman whose life was cut short by a rope-jumping operation that failed on every level. We analyze the dangerous allure of extreme recreation and how the absence of regulation is turning adrenaline-fueled hobbies into lethal traps. We also contrast the world of true extreme sports with...

When you love someone struggling with addiction, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos of their behavior. This week, we talk about the hard reality of dating an addict. We explore why secrecy and defensiveness are the natural defensive reflexes of the disease—and why you shouldn't be the one paying the price for them. From recognizing the early warning signs to protecting your own values and men...

In today's episode, we discuss a case brought to us by our follower, shoutout to Keri! It's the case of a (allegedly) psycopathic narcissist who used every trick in thebook to force his partner to listen and agree, to repeat what he told her, and even to film his RIDICULOUS music videos. We discuss similar cases in our work, the signs of abuse the failure of law enforcement in this case,...

Narcissism isn't just an ego problem; it’s a pattern of manipulation that leaves you feeling small and perpetually off-balance. In this mini-deep dive, we examine the forensic indicators of a narcissistic relationship. We discuss why 'the mask' eventually slips, why they rely on gaslighting to maintain control, and how to snap out of the trauma bond and get off of the approval tread...

It started with a babysitting gig in North Ogden, but behind the closed doors of the Millerberg home, a sinister cycle of grooming was already in motion. This week, we examine the tragic 2011 death of 16-year-old Alexis Rasmussen. We dissect the drug-fueled abuse that led to her overdose, the shocking decision by the perpetrators to dump her body like 'trash,' and the legal battle that e...

We’re officially back in Colorado after a whirlwind weekend in Las Vegas for CrimeCon 2026! This episode is a bit different—we’re setting the case files aside to talk about the real highlight of the convention: meeting all of you. From the listeners who stopped by to share their own stories to the fellow creators and experts who made this trip unforgettable, we are walking away with a full heart....

We’re officially back from CrimeCon 2026, and to be honest, we need a break from the heavy stuff. This week’s mini-episode is a palate cleanser. We’re diving into the absolute bottom of the barrel when it comes to criminal genius—from the bank robber who thought lemon juice made him invisible, to barefoot bandits, to people who just can't seem to avoid googling their plans. Join us for a quic...

In 2018, seven-year-old Kayden Mancuso was murdered by her father during court-ordered, unsupervised visitation—despite repeated safety warnings from her mother. This tragedy sparked a legislative revolution. Today, we break down 'Kayden’s Law': what it is, how it’s fundamentally changing custody courts, and why it’s a necessary tool in identifying homicide risk. We explore the shift tow...

You're dating a new person. Your firends love (or hate) them way more than you think they should. The new man in your life started off so promising, but one day the mask of perfection slips. There's something "off" about your new girlfriend, but every time you try to confront it, you come out looking like the crazy one. If any of this sounds familiar, tune in and listen as we d...

Domestic violence isn’t always physical abuse; sometimes, it’s a terrifying display of coercive control that ends in a fatal crash. Today, we bridge the gap between toxic relationship dynamics and the link between suicidality and homicidality. We look at how Mackenzie Shirilla’s case fits into a broader pattern of 'if I can’t have it, nobody can' mentality. We also weigh in on the nation...

Join us this week as we talk a little bit more about our backgrounds, how we got here, and why we do the work we do Ad for Southeast Counseling in Parker, CO Support the show Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in the public domain and are purely speculative in nature. Their comments are not meant...

When the statutory criteria for an AMBER Alert forces police to wait, minutes can mean the difference between life and death. Today, we look at the trial and sentencing of Tanner Horner for the capital murder of Athena Strand. We analyze the failed defense strategies presented by his legal team in the spring of 2026—including mitigating pleas regarding autism spectrum disorder and childhood trauma...

Join us this week to chat a little about our crime con plans and the worst pharmacy experience of Jeannine's life Support the show Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in the public domain and are purely speculative in nature. Their comments are not meant to diagnose or treat any condition for...

When Caroline Muirhead turned informant against her fiancé, she expected the protection of the law. Instead, she was met with what critics call 'shocking stupidity and neglect.' We dive into the documentary Should I Marry a Murderer? to analyze how Police Scotland allegedly abandoned their star witness. We discuss the psychological spiral that followed—including Caroline’s descent into d...

Join us for a quick chat about the unfolding situation involving a man accusing a female executive colleague at one of the biggest banks in the world of sexual harassment.  We warn against trial by social media and discuss implicit bias while considering the messy landscape of “internal investigations.”  The stakes are high and the public airing of details can make recovery for a victim or falsely...

In 1964, Jacques Mossler, a multi-millionaire financier, was found brutally murdered in his Key Biscayne apartment, stabbed 39 times. The investigation quickly turned toward his wife, Candy Mossler, and her nephew, Mel Powers, uncovering an allegedly illicit and incestuous romance that shocked the nation. This episode dives into the sensational trial that followed, exploring how the defense turned...

This week we bring you a special guest and a fun community event here in Colorado! We talk to our new forensic bestie Keri Cotterman about the mission of Safe Shelter of St Vrain, and their upcoming Met Gala Watch Party at the Times Collaborative in Longmont. Safe Shelter of St Vrain is a local shelter for survivors of domestic violence serving Longmont and the surrounding areas for over 48 years....

Eight children, ages 3 to 11, lost their lives in a single morning in Shreveport, but was this tragedy preventable? In this episode, we analyze the ignored warning signs that preceded Shamar Elkins’ rampage. From his 2019 conviction for firing shots near a school to his January 2026 stay in a VA hospital for 'dark thoughts,' the red flags were waving long before the first shot was fired...

Join us between sessions today while we chat about kids, books, CrimeCon Vegas, and a few other topics of interest Support the show Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourced information. Any case information and opinions are based on records in the public domain and are purely speculative in nature. Their comments are not meant to diagnose or treat any condition for lis...

The arrest of architect Rex Heuermann in July 2023 was a shock to the world, but the evidence had been there all along. Today, we investigate the two forces that kept this case cold: systemic victimology and police malpractice. We analyze the profile of the 'successful professional' vs. the 'hidden victims' he targeted, and how the moral judgments of society and law enforcement...

Let's talk about the latest in the Taylor Franke Paul case. The filings from the attorneys and the kids Guardian Ad Litem are in, and they echo a lot of what we've said so far. Let's talk about the case, the arguments, and whether reactive violence like we've seen in this case is ever justified Support the show Disclaimer: Jeannine and Natalie are commentators on publicly sourc...