Coworkers & Crime

The Case That Created The Amber Alert

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

In 1996, nine‑year‑old Amber Hagerman was abducted in broad daylight in Arlington, Texas. Her murder remains unsolved — but her name sparked a nationwide movement that has saved over a thousand children. In this episode, we explore Amber’s case, the creation of the AMBER Alert, what qualifies (and doesn’t qualify) for an alert, and the other alert systems that exist today. We also highlight a real case where an AMBER Alert saved a child’s life. This is the story of a tragedy that reshaped public safety — and the legacy of a little girl who deserved so much more.

Topics Covered:

The abduction and murder of Amber Hagerman
The early investigation and systemic challenges
How the AMBER Alert was created
DOJ & NCMEC criteria for issuing an alert
Why some cases don’t qualify
Silver, Blue, Ashanti, Camo, and other alert systems
A child saved by an AMBER Alert
Where Amber’s case stands today

Sources: See full list at the end of the episode.

If you have information about Amber Hagerman’s case: Contact Arlington Police Department.

Unsolved: Killing Fields

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 05:01:00 GMT

is episode explores the Texas Killing Fields, a stretch of land between Houston and Galveston where multiple women were found over decades. What began as isolated disappearances—like Heidi Fye, Laura Miller, and Audrey Cook—eventually revealed a disturbing pattern centered around Calder Road. Despite early suspicions and a key suspect, Clyde Hedrick, the case went unresolved for years due to limited technology and investigative gaps. In 2026, a new arrest brought movement, but with Hedrick’s death, the question of justice remains unsettled.

🎬 References

Crime Scene: The Texas Killing Fields (Netflix)
The Killing Fields (2011 documentary)
KHOU, ABC13, Houston Public Media
KPRC/Click2Houston, KVUE, KENS5
Dateline NBC, 48 Hours
Yahoo News, AOL

Interview with a Corrections Nurse

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:29:30 GMT

Special Episode: Interview with a Correctional Nurse (Krystal’s Grandmother)

In this special Orientation episode, we sit down with a very important guest — Krystal’s grandmother — to talk about her real-life experience working as a correctional nurse inside a jail.

The Trials of Ricky Joseph Langley

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Description: In 1992, six‑year‑old Jeremy Guillory disappeared while looking for a friend in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. Hours later, deputies found his body in the closet of a man named Ricky Joseph Langley — a man with a long history of mental illness and a criminal past. What followed was one of the most legally complex homicide prosecutions in Louisiana history: three trials, an overturned death sentence, a reinstated second‑degree murder conviction, and a decades‑long debate about mental illness, intent, and the limits of double jeopardy.

Content Warnings: Child homicide, mental illness, sexual offenses, racial discrimination in the justice system.

State v. Langley, 2006‑KK‑1041 (La. 2007) https://law.justia.com/cases/louisiana/supreme-court/2007/06-1041-opn.html (law.justia.com in Bing)
State v. Langley, 1995‑1489 (La. 1998) https://law.justia.com/cases/louisiana/supreme-court/1998/95-1489-0.html (law.justia.com in Bing)
State v. Langley, 1995‑1489 (La. 2002) https://law.justia.com/cases/louisiana/supreme-court/2002/95-1489-0.html (law.justia.com in Bing)
State v. Langley, 04‑269 (La. App. 3 Cir. 2004) https://law.justia.com/cases/louisiana/third-circuit-court-of-appeal/2004/ca-04-0269.html (law.justia.com in Bing)

Unsolved: Highway of Tears

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 03:57:14 GMT

Content Warning: This episode discusses missing persons, violence against Indigenous women and girls, and systemic racism.

Highway 16 in northern British Columbia — a 724‑km (450‑mile) stretch of remote road — has been the site of dozens of disappearances over the past five decades. In this episode, we share the stories of:

• Tamara Chipman (2005) — Gitxsan Nation, last seen near Prince Rupert

Madison Scott (2011) — vanished from a campsite near Vanderhoof

Immaculate “Mackie” Basil (2013) — Dakelh/Carrier woman missing near Kuz Che Reserve, Fort St. James

Through their stories, we explore how transportation gaps, geography, policing, and systemic racism intersect along the Highway of Tears — and why so many families are still waiting for answers.

https://www.aptnnews.ca

RCMP (E‑PANA, missing persons bulletins) https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Carrier Sekani Family Services https://www.csfs.org

Global News https://globalnews.ca

Highway of Tears Initiative & Symposium Report https://www.highwayoftears.org

National Inquiry into MMIWG https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca

Support & Resources

Highway of Tears Initiative

https://www.highwayoftears.org

Carrier Sekani Family Services https://www.csfs.org

Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) https://www.nwac.ca

National Inquiry into MMIWGhttps://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca

Justice Delayed, Justice Denied?: Wahoo, Nebraska

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

A small-town Nebraska case that never let go—17-year-old Mary Kay Heese was murdered in 1969, and it took over 50 years to see a legal outcome. But when that outcome finally came, it left more questions than answers. Justice was served… or was it?

#CoworkersAndCrime #WahooNebraska #ColdCase #TrueCrimePodcast #JusticeDelayed #UnsolvedMystery #TrueCrimeCommunity #Podcastduo

Cold Case: Burger Chef | Speedway, IN

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 05:43:43 GMT

In November 1978, four young employees were abducted from a Burger Chef in Speedway, Indiana during a closing shift and later found murdered miles away. Despite multiple investigations and persons of interest over the years, the case remains unsolved. In this episode, Rachel and Krystal break down the case with guest host Tracie, exploring the investigation and why it still raises questions today.

Sources: The Indianapolis Star

#coworkersandcrime #podcastduo #truecrime #newepisode #listennow #BurgerChefMurders #ColdCase #SpeedwayIndiana

History of: Double Jeopardy

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The Fifth Amendment’s Double Jeopardy Clause protects individuals from being tried twice for the same offense. The U.S. Supreme Court has clarified when jeopardy begins, when retrials are allowed, and how prosecutions can occur across jurisdictions.

Crist v. Bretz — Jeopardy attaches when the jury is sworn in a jury trial.
Serfass v. United States — In a bench trial, jeopardy attaches when the first witness is sworn.
Blockburger v. United States — Established the “same-elements” test to determine whether two charges are the same offense.
Benton v. Maryland — Applied the Double Jeopardy Clause to state courts through the Fourteenth Amendment.
United States v. Perez — A hung jury allows a mistrial and retrial.
Fong Foo v. United States — A true acquittal is final, even if the ruling was legally incorrect.
Heath v. Alabama — Two different states may prosecute the same conduct under the dual sovereignty doctrine.
Gamble v. United States — State and federal governments may prosecute the same conduct separately.

Sources: U.S. Supreme Court opinions; Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute; Oyez case summaries.

False Confessions: Norfolk 4 Part II

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 17:29:20 GMT

In 1998, DNA evidence from the rape kit in the murder of Michelle Moore-Bosko matched Omar Ballard, who confessed and stated he acted alone. Despite this, prosecutors continued pursuing convictions against four Navy sailors whose earlier confessions conflicted with each other and with the forensic evidence. The men were convicted or pled guilty to avoid the death penalty, and their appeals lasted more than a decade. Virginia governors later issued pardons acknowledging the confessions were unreliable and the forensic evidence did not support the convictions.

Sources: The Washington Post reporting; The Virginian-Pilot investigative coverage; Innocence Project case files; Virginia gubernatorial pardon records.

#coworkersandcrime #podcastduo #truecrime #newepisode #listennow #NorfolkFour #WrongfulConviction #FalseConfession #VirginiaCrime

False Confessions: The Norfolk 4

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:00:00 GMT

In July 1997, 18-year-old Michelle Moore-Bosko was found murdered in her Norfolk, Virginia apartment. Investigators quickly obtained confessions from four young Navy sailors after lengthy interrogations — despite inconsistencies in their statements and DNA evidence that did not match them. A year later, the DNA identified another man, Omar Ballard, who confessed and said he acted alone. The case would become one of the most well-known false confession and wrongful conviction cases in modern U.S. history.

Sources: The Virginian-Pilot investigative reporting; federal court records; Innocence Project case files; Virginia pardon documentation (2021).

#coworkersandcrime #podcastduo #truecrime #newepisode #listennow #NorfolkFour #WrongfulConviction #FalseConfession #VirginiaCrime

Unsolved: The Case of the Oslo Plaza Woman

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:59:00 GMT

Unraveling the Oslo Hotel Case and Its Parallels to the Isdal Woman

In this episode, we delve into the mysterious death of Jennifer Fairgate in Oslo in 1995, exploring its perplexing features and possible connections to the notorious Isdal Woman case from 25 years earlier. We examine the deliberate clues, suspect theories, and the broader implications of espionage and intelligence tactics in European history.

Unsolved: The Isdal Woman

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:15:50 GMT

On November 29, 1970, the burned body of an unidentified woman was discovered in Isdalen Valley near Bergen, Norway. Investigators later connected her to suitcases containing multiple currencies, wigs, clothing with removed labels, and travel notes documenting movements across Europe. An autopsy determined the cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning with phenobarbital present, and authorities officially ruled the case a suicide. Despite modern forensic testing, including 2017 isotope analysis suggesting German origins, her identity remains unknown.

Sources: NRK investigative reporting; BBC World Service Death in Ice Valley; Norwegian police case summaries; 2017 forensic isotope analysis coverage.

Connect with us:

coworkers.crimepodcast@gmail.com

Instagram: @coworkersandcrime

YouTube: Coworkers & Crime Podcast

History of: Interrogation Tactics

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:01:00 GMT

Coworkers & Crime — History of Interrogation Tactics

Episode Summary In this “History of” episode, Rachel and Krystal unpack how police interrogation evolved from the brutal “third degree” era to modern psychological techniques — and why Miranda warnings didn’t end coercive questioning. They break down the Reid Technique, the rise of “double questioning” (two-step interrogation), and the Supreme Court decisions that shaped what police can (and can’t) do. They also cover Vega v. Tekoh (2022) and why Miranda violations don’t automatically create grounds to sue for damages — leaving suppression at trial as the main remedy.

What We Cover (Quick Hits)

From the “third degree” to psychological interrogation methods
The Reid Technique and why it can be risky when misused
Miranda’s limits + the two-step/double questioning workaround
Key Supreme Court cases: Brown, Ashcraft, Spano, Elstad, Seibert, Bobby, and Vega
False confessions, vulnerability factors, and why this still matters today
Office rule of the day: Never talk alone (get counsel)

Cases & References Mentioned

Wickersham Commission (1931) — documented abusive interrogation practices
Brown v. Mississippi (1936) — confessions from torture ruled unconstitutional
Ashcraft v. Tennessee (1944) — coercive conditions without physical violence
Spano v. New York (1959) — psychological pressure + vulnerability matters
Miranda v. Arizona (1966) — required warnings in custodial interrogation
Oregon v. Elstad (1985) — warned confession may be admissible after unwarned statement
Missouri v. Seibert (2004) — deliberate two-step can undermine Miranda
Bobby v. Dixon (2011) — Seibert applies when the two-step is intentional
Vega v. Tekoh (2022) — no civil damages for Miranda violations via §1983

Key Takeaways

Coercion isn’t just physical — psychological pressure counts too.
Miranda warnings don’t guarantee a confession is truly voluntary.
Two-step interrogation hinges on intent to bypass Miranda.
After Vega v. Tekoh, suppression is often the only remedy — which raises real concerns when someone is never convicted but still harmed.

Easter Eggs / Community Bits

Listener code words: “Lego Man” vs “Run Club” Upcoming guests teased — starting with your OG true-crime buddy!

Connect With Us

Email: coworkers.crimepodcast@gmail.com

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1G4UhP9odP/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoworkersCrimePodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coworkersandcrime/#

#CoworkersAndCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #Interrogation #MirandaRights #CriminalJustice #FalseConfessions #SupremeCourt #LegalHistory #PoliceInterrogation #TwoStepInterrogation #ReidTechnique

Faith Hedgepeth

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:52:14 GMT

Episode Notes: The Murder of Faith Hedgepeth

In this episode, we lay the foundation for the case of Faith Hedgepeth, a 19-year-old UNC–Chapel Hill student who was found murdered in her off-campus apartment in September 2012. Although male DNA was recovered early in the investigation, the case remained unsolved for nearly a decade — until advances in forensic DNA technology shifted the trajectory.

We focus on what is confirmed, clearly separating established facts from arguments raised in court filings, and emphasize the importance of presumption of innocence throughout.

What we cover:

Who Faith Hedgepeth was beyond the headlines
The narrow overnight timeline and why it matters
Key crime scene evidence, including the liquor bottle and handwritten note
Why early DNA did not lead to an immediate suspect
The role of DNA phenotyping and its limits
How forensic genetic genealogy helped identify a suspect years later
The difference between investigative tools and courtroom proof
Ongoing evidence disputes, including questions of collection and chain of custody
Why this case may become a touchstone for how DNA evidence is challenged at trial

Case status:

In 2021, Miguel Enrique Segura Oliveras was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, first-degree rape, first-degree sexual offense, and first-degree burglary. He is presumed innocent. The case is currently scheduled for trial on September 28, 2026.

This episode serves as the foundation for a case we plan to follow as it moves through pretrial litigation and, potentially, trial — examining how science, evidence handling, and narrative collide inside the courtroom.

Trouble in the Tetons

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 06:49:04 GMT

Not every missing person case begins—or ends—the same way. In this episode, we step back and talk about the difference between search and rescue and long-term missing persons, especially in national parks where statistics are often misunderstood.

We focus on three unresolved cases from the Greater Yellowstone region that never followed a simple “lost hiker” narrative. These cases remain open, thinly documented, or unresolved years later—and that lack of closure is exactly why they matter.

This is not an episode claiming foul play. Instead, we examine foul-play flags—details that don’t neatly fit into wilderness accidents and continue to leave families without answers.

Cases Discussed

Vanessa “Nessie” Orrin

Missing since March 2016
Last seen in Sublette County, Wyoming
Case still publicly described by law enforcement as an active investigation
Key issues: delayed reporting, unanswered questions, and limited official detail

Ke’an McLaughlin

Missing since June 21 in Grand Teton National Park
Disappeared near Lupine Meadows / Garnet Canyon
Extensive search efforts conducted
Investigation complicated by a false tip that diverted resources
Case remains unresolved despite high-traffic terrain

Tracy Jensen

Missing since February 11, 1999
Last known area: Fort Bridger / Mountain View, Wyoming
A “thin file” case with minimal public narrative
Highlights how cases can fade when media attention never arrives

When cases stay quiet, tips don’t come in. Memories fade. And families are left waiting—sometimes for decades.

If there’s a lesser-known missing person case in your area, send us:

A name
A date
A location

We’ll dig in responsibly.

Listener Note

This episode is part of our ongoing effort to re-surface cases that never got their moment—and to remind families that their loved ones are not forgotten.

If you have information related to any of the cases discussed in this episode—Vanessa “Nessie” Orrin, Ke’an McLaughlin, or Tracy Jensen—there are several ways to submit tips. You do not need to be certain your information is important. Even small details can matter.

Anonymous Tips

Crime Stoppers of Central Wyoming 📞 307-577-TIPS (8477) Tips can be submitted anonymously and forwarded to the appropriate investigating agency.
Crime Stoppers USA (Nationwide) 📞 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) Available for callers outside Central Wyoming who want to remain anonymous.

Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)

Wyoming DCI Missing Persons Tip Line Tips submitted through the Wyoming DCI Missing Persons page are forwarded to investigators working active and cold cases statewide.

Important Reminder

You don’t need to know what happened to share information. If you were in the area around the dates mentioned, have photos or videos from trips, remember seeing someone, or recall a detail that didn’t seem important at the time—it’s worth reporting.

The History of: The Miranda Rights

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT

You’ve heard them a thousand times on TV—but where did the Miranda rights actually come from? In this episode, we step away from a traditional crime story and dig into the aftermath of one. Rachel walks Krystal through the surprising, messy, and controversial origins of the Miranda warning, starting with a 1963 crime in Phoenix that forever changed American policing.

Episode Summary

The Miranda rights are one of the most recognized legal protections in the United States—and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, we unpack how a two-hour police interrogation without a lawyer led to a Supreme Court decision that reshaped custodial interrogations nationwide.

We explore the case of Ernesto Miranda, the legal arguments that reached the Supreme Court in 1966, and why knowing your rights matters just as much as having them. Along the way, we break down what Miranda does and doesn’t protect you from, why silence alone isn’t enough, and how the rules around interrogations have evolved over time.

What We Cover in This Episode

The 1963 Phoenix crime that sparked the Miranda case
How police interrogations worked before Miranda
The “voluntariness standard” and why it mattered
Fifth and Sixth Amendment protections explained in plain English
When police are required to read Miranda rights
What actually happens when you ask for a lawyer
Common misconceptions about Miranda violations
How later court rulings (including 2010, 2004, and 2022 decisions) refined Miranda without eliminating it
The unexpected irony surrounding Ernesto Miranda’s life—and death

Key Takeaways

You can’t exercise a right you don’t know you have
Miranda rights only apply during custodial interrogation
Police can still question you—you just don’t have to answer
Silence alone doesn’t invoke your rights; you must clearly state them
Asking for a lawyer creates a strong legal stop to questioning

Why This Case Still Matters

More than 60 years later, Miranda rights remain a cornerstone of American criminal procedure. While the language hasn’t changed much, how courts interpret and apply those protections continues to evolve—especially as technology reshapes law enforcement.

Looking Ahead

This episode kicks off our series on precedent-setting cases—the legal decisions that quietly shape the justice system we live with every day.

Call to Action

If this episode got you thinking differently about your rights, share it with a coworker who loves legal deep dives. And don’t forget to subscribe and clock in with us every Wednesday for more conversations that start at the water cooler and end in the courtroom.

Cold Case: The Unfinished Story of Samatha Folsom

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 09:05:23 GMT

In November 2011, 26-year-old Samantha Folsom was found murdered inside her apartment in Lewiston, Maine. More than a decade later, her case remains unsolved.

In this episode, we examine the confirmed details of Samantha’s death, what investigators have publicly shared, and why this case continues to raise questions. We also discuss the impact of unsolved homicides on families and communities — and why keeping these stories in the spotlight matters.

If you have information regarding this case, please contact the Maine State Police Cold Case Unit.

Sources Referenced:

• True Case Files — New England Mysteries: Volume One

• True Case Files — The Murder of Samantha Folsom

• Stories from the Shed Podcast

Connect with us: 

📧 coworkers.crimepodcast@gmail.com 

📱 Instagram: @coworkersandcrime

 📺 YouTube: Coworkers & Crime Podcast

Watercooler Whispers: Genesis Nova Reid, Karen Read, and Sandra Birchmore

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:59:04 GMT

This week, we’re breaking down three cases that have everyone talking — from unfolding investigations to courtroom battles and questions that just won’t go away.

Genesis Nova Reid — A developing case with limited confirmed details but growing attention due to inconsistencies and unanswered questions surrounding her death.https://www.live5news.com/2026/03/10/mother-genesis-reid-charged-with-capital-murder-officials-search-landfill-childs-remains/
Karen Read — A highly divisive case involving the death of Boston officer John O’Keefe. Was it a tragic accident or something more? With conflicting evidence and allegations of a cover-up, this case continues to split public opinion.
Sandra Birchmore — A case that shifted from a ruled suicide to a homicide investigation after scrutiny over her relationship with a police officer and concerns about accountability.

From social media sleuthing to real-world legal impact, we’re talking about how these cases are unfolding — and why people are paying attention.

#WaterCoolerWhispers #CoworkersAndCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #KarenRead #SandraBirchmore #GenesisReid #TrueCrimeCommunity #CaseUpdates #CrimeTalk

Water Cooler Whispers: Kouri Richins | Verdict

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:51:34 GMT

Kouri Richins was charged in connection with the 2022 death of her husband, Eric Richins, who was found unresponsive at their home. Prosecutors alleged he died from a lethal dose of fentanyl, and the case drew national attention after Richins later published a children’s book about grief.

A jury has since found Kouri Richins guilty, concluding the trial and establishing criminal responsibility in the case.

In this episode, Rachel and Krystal break down the trial, key evidence, and how the case unfolded in court.

Sources

Utah court filings
ABC News
NBC News
CNN

YouTube legal coverage:

Emily D. Baker https://www.youtube.com/@TheEmilyDBaker
Andrea Burkhart https://www.youtube.com/@AndreaBurkhart
Law & Lumber https://www.youtube.com/@LawAndLumber
Lawyer You Know https://www.youtube.com/@LawyerYouKnow

Hashtags

#coworkersandcrime #podcastduo #truecrime #newepisode #listennow #KouriRichins #TrialVerdict #CourtroomDrama #TrueCrimeNews

Double Jeopardy: Hollywood vs. Reality

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 02:22:06 GMT

Rachel and Krystal break down the biggest myths about the Double Jeopardy Clause — and explain why Hollywood gets it wrong. From the “I was acquitted, so now I can confess!” trope to the idea that a hung jury means freedom, this episode uses real Supreme Court cases to separate legal fact from pop‑culture fiction. We also explore where double jeopardy does protect you, and why the real doctrine is far more complicated than TV makes it seem.

Primary Sources Cited:

Fong Foo v. United States, 369 U.S. 141 (1962)
Blockburger v. United States, 284 U.S. 299 (1932)
Heath v. Alabama, 474 U.S. 82 (1985)
Gamble v. United States, 587 U.S. ___ (2019)
United States v. Perez, 22 U.S. 579 (1824)
United States v. Martin Linen Supply Co., 430 U.S. 564 (1977)
Serfass v. United States, 420 U.S. 377 (1975)
United States v. Scott, 437 U.S. 82 (1978)

Topics: Double jeopardy myths, dual sovereignty, mistrials, dismissals vs. acquittals, Hollywood inaccuracies, criminal procedure.

Update: Water Cooler Whispers | Guthrie & Au Pair

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 07:08:21 GMT

Krystal and Rachel break down the newest confirmed updates in the Virginia au pair case and the ongoing investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.

We discuss Judge Penney Azcarate’s sentencing decision in the au pair case, why the court rejected a recommendation for time served, and what the 10-year sentence means moving forward. We also examine the latest developments in the Nancy Guthrie investigation, including law enforcement’s continued efforts and recent national coverage.

As always, we focus on confirmed reporting and what is officially known — not speculation.

Sources

Fairfax County Circuit Court proceedings (sentencing coverage)
NewsNation reporting on Nancy Guthrie
NewsNation: Savannah Guthrie “Today Show” coverage https://www.newsnationnow.com/entertainment-news/savannah-guthrie-today-show-exit/

Connect with us: coworkers.crimepodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @coworkersandcrime YouTube: Coworkers & Crime Podcast

Water Cooler Whispers: Kepner; Guthrie; Banfield

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 07:07:32 GMT

Water Cooler Whispers — Case Updates You Need to Hear

This week’s Water Cooler Whispers is packed. We dive into three major case updates that have been unfolding in real time — and honestly, they just keep getting stranger.

First, we talk about the Anna Kepner case out of the Carnival Cruise. After months of speculation, Anna’s 16-year-old stepbrother has officially been charged. Because he’s a minor, many details remain sealed — including the exact charges and how investigators built their case. We unpack what’s been alleged about the family dynamics, the early suspicion, and what could determine whether he’s eventually tried as an adult. There are still so many unanswered questions here, and we’ll absolutely be following this one closely.

Next, we cover the ongoing and deeply unsettling disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie. What began as a missing persons case has taken a shocking turn with reported ransom communications being sent to media outlets. We talk through the implications of that, what it means when the FBI steps in, the possibility of opportunists inserting themselves into high-profile cases, and the emotional weight of a situation like this — especially when proof of life hasn’t been publicly confirmed. This one is heavy, and our hearts are with the family as it unfolds.

Finally, we break down the verdict in the Au Pair Affair case. Brendan Banfield has been found guilty on all counts in the murders of his wife, Christine, and Joseph Ryan. We revisit the prosecution’s theory of premeditation, the shocking testimony from the au pair, and why the jury’s deliberation time surprised us. We also look ahead to upcoming sentencing dates and what that could mean moving forward.

This episode is a reminder that cases don’t stop once headlines fade. We’ll continue watching each of these as more information becomes available.

If you have thoughts, questions, or updates we should look into, send them our way.

📧 coworkers.crimepodcast@gmail.com

📱 Instagram: @coworkersandcrime

📘 Facebook Group: Coworkers Crime Podcast

▶️ YouTube: Coworkers Crime Podcast

Until next time, coworkers.

Anna Kepner case Carnival Cruise murder minor charged in murder juvenile charged as adult cruise ship homicide Nancy Guthrie missing Savannah Guthrie mother Arizona kidnapping case ransom letter caseFBI investigation proof of life high-profile missing person Brendan Banfield trialAu Pair AffairChristine Banfield Joseph Ryan case au pair murder case catfishing murder plotFairfax County trial guilty verdict true crime podcastWater Cooler Whispers case updates crime news

Water Cooler Whispers: January 21st, 2026

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Recorded on: January 17th

Welcome to Watercooler Whispers—our monthly bonus episode where we step away from deep dives and talk about the cases currently dominating our group chat, search histories, and late-night scrolling.

This week, Rachel and Krystal catch up on several high-profile cases making headlines right now, from active trials to appeals and investigations that have us asking how did this even happen? We talk current events, legal twists, and the ripple effects these cases leave behind—especially for the children involved.

Cases We’re Watching

Jennifer Dulos – The Connecticut mother who vanished in 2019, and why her case is back in the news as Michelle Troconis seeks habeas relief citing ineffective counsel.
The Banfield Au Pair Case – A disturbing murder-for-hire plot involving a federal agent, an au pair, and a plan that relied on silence—until it didn’t.
Brian Walshe – A Massachusetts case that recently wrapped, raising serious questions about plea decisions, courtroom demeanor, and common-sense defenses.
Kouri Richins – A Utah case heading toward trial, involving alleged poisoning, financial motives, and a story that continues to evolve as investigators add pressure.

What We Discuss

Why appeals and habeas petitions matter—and when they actually work
The role of cooperation deals and how they can change everything
Watching trials in real time vs. waiting for verdicts
How cases involving children hit differently
Why some cases stick with us long after the headlines fade

Why This Episode Matters

These aren’t just headlines—they’re ongoing stories with real consequences. From unresolved questions to trials still unfolding, this episode is about staying informed, asking better questions, and acknowledging the ripple effects crime leaves behind.

Join the Conversation

Which case do you want us to cover next? Email us or message us on social media and tell us which story deserves a full breakdown.

And if you’re clocking in with us for Watercooler Whispers—make it a monthly habit.

Orientation: Meet your Coworkers

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 08:41:36 GMT

Welcome to Coworkers & Crime—the podcast where office small talk meets true-crime deep dives. In this orientation episode, hosts Rachel and Krystal introduce themselves, explain how this “workplace” runs, and preview the kinds of cases that keep the break-room buzzing.

Coworkers & Crime covers under-reported cases, mysterious disappearances, precedent-setting trials, and stories that spark debate long after the coffee’s gone cold. Some cases you’ve heard of, others you haven’t—but all of them deserve attention.

Subscribe, follow, and clock in with us every Wednesday. And if you like what you hear, share us with a coworker who always has the best stories.

Release Announcement

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:16:13 GMT

Subscribe now! Episode 101 drops January 14th, 2026!