Court TV Podcast

The bizarre web of death that surrounds Lori and Chad Daybell continues to unfold in an Idaho courtroom as Chad stands trial for three murders: two of Lori’s children along with Chad’s previous wife. This episode of the Court TV Podcast features testimony from 5/7/2024 as another member of Chad and Lori’s inner circle outlines the teachings of the self-proclaimed doomsday prophet. Hear the firsthand account of Zulema Pastenes, the widow of Lori’s brother Alex Cox, as prosecutors build their case against Chad Daybell.

Vinnie Politan investigates the bizarre world of Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow Daybell, commonly referred to as “The Doomsday Couple.” Both faced charges in the deaths of Lori’s two children, 7-year-old JJ Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, and Chad’s first wife, Tammy Daybell. Last year, Lori was convicted on conspiracy and first-degree murder charges and is serving the first of three consecutive life sentences without parole. Chad is on trial now, where prosecutors say Chad and Lori used their spiritual beliefs to cover a carefully calculated plan fueled by money, sex and power to kill those who stood in the way. Meanwhile, Chad’s attorney says no evidence connects Chad to the children’s murders despite their remains being discovered in his backyard.

Prosecutors say Karen Read backed her SUV into John O’Keefe, her police officer boyfriend, and then left him to die in the snow. Read’s attorneys claim that she is being framed and is the target of an elaborate cover-up carried out by O’Keefe’s friends and colleagues. This episode of the Court TV Podcast features both sides laying out their cases for the jury in opening statements in the Killer or Cover Up Murder Trial.

Vinnie Politan investigates the murders of four University of Idaho students - Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin- who were found stabbed to death in their off-campus home on Nov. 13, 2022. Investigators chased every lead they had, including hours of surveillance video from around the area that eventually helped them piece together a timeline that led them to the arrest of Bryan Kohberger, who has consistently maintained his innocence.

Nearly one year after Lori Vallow Daybell was convicted in the murders of her two children and her husband’s previous wife, Chad Daybell faces a jury himself for his alleged role in these murders. This episode of the Court TV Podcast features testimony from Chad and Lori’s inner circle: David Warick, one of the last people to see JJ Vallow alive.

Hannah Gutierrez faces sentencing for involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of "Rust," cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. You'll hear these proceedings in full, from emotional victim impact statements to the judge handing down her sentence.

The murder of JonBenét Ramsey has puzzled investigators for more than two decades, despite being a relatively small and contained crime scene and police finding a ransom note. In this podcast episode, Vinnie Politan will examine the note more closely and explore the reasons why the case is still unsolved after all these years.

In June 2020, the search for Lori Vallow Daybell’s children, Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow, came to a tragic end when their remains were found buried on Chad Daybell’s property. This was just months after the suspicious death of Chad’s previous wife Tammy Daybell. Now, nearly four years later, Lori has been convicted for her roles in all three murders, and Chad Daybell faces a jury himself. On this week’s Court TV Podcast, you’ll hear both sides’ opening statements in full as the Doomsday Prophet Murder Trial gets underway.

This week’s Court TV Podcast features an audio edition of our original series Victim to Verdict with Ted Rowlands, which spotlights every moment from the crime scene to the courtroom, tapping into the best of Court TV’s real-time coverage of high-profile cases. This episode focuses in on the trial of Alex Murdaugh, a once prominent South Carolina attorney whose life began to unravel after a long history of fraud came to light and his wife Maggie and his son Paul were both murdered on the family’s sprawling hunting property.

Last May Lori Vallow Daybell, known to some as the "Doomsday Cult Mom," was convicted in the murders of her two children, JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan, and her husband’s previous wife Tammy Daybell. A tragic case with allegations of cult-like religious beliefs centered around doomsday prophecies. Now Lori’s husband and alleged co-conspirator, Chad Daybell, prepares to face a jury himself. This week’s Court TV Podcast features an audio edition of our original series Victim to Verdict with Ted Rowlands, which takes a closer look at the case against Lori Vallow Daybell and Chad’s alleged role in the web of mysterious deaths that surrounds them.

It’s been seven years since 13-year-old Abigail Williams and 14-year-old Liberty German were killed in Delphi, Indiana. Join Closing Arguments host Vinnie Politan as he looks at all sides of the case against Richard Allen, including the pre-trial nightmare surrounding Allen’s case and the long road to justice for the families of Abby and Libby.

It was a brutal double homicide in a small New England town. In January of 2017, police found Christine Sullivan and Jenna Pellegrini dead underneath the porch of a home in Farmington, New Hampshire. Prosecutors paint their accused killer, Timothy Verrill, as a paranoid drug dealer, alleging that he was involved in a drug trafficking operation with Sullivan and the home’s owner, her boyfriend Dean Smoronk and that he killed the two women believing that Pellegrini was a police informant. Defense attorneys maintain Verrill’s innocence and point to Dean as the possible killer. This week’s Court TV Podcast features both sides’ opening statements in full as the Small-Town Secrets Murder Trial gets underway.

In the early morning hours of January 29th, 2022 the body of Boston police officer John O’Keefe was found in the snow outside of a suburban home, now his girlfriend of over two years prepares to stand trial for his murder. Prosecutors allege Karen Read backed her SUV into O’Keefe after a night of drinking and then left him to die in the snow. Defense attorneys claim that O’Keefe was beaten inside of the home and tossed outside in the snow and that Karen Read is the scapegoat in an elaborate cover-up. Earlier this week both sides were back in court to argue a series of motions, including a motion to dismiss the indictment against Karen Read. On this week’s Court TV Podcast you’ll hear the latest hearing in full as she prepares to stand trial.

Days after the body of a missing 13-year-old girl was found in a wooded area of Kissimmee, Florida, no charges have been filed in her death; but her stepfather is facing charges that he sexually abused her, and that abuse may have gone on for years. Vinnie Politan and his guests dig into the timeline of Madeline's disappearance and the affidavit obtained by Court TV following the arrest of Madeline's stepfather, Stephan Sterns.

While Alec Baldwin was rehearsing a scene for his movie “Rust,” tragedy struck the set. A firearm went off in the actor’s hand with a live round loaded. The bullet ended up taking the life of the film’s cinematographer Haleyna Hutchins and wounding the director Joel Souza. Now Alec Baldwin and the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez, are both charged with involuntary manslaughter. On this week’s Court TV Podcast, you’ll hear Joel Souza, the film’s director and surviving victim of the shooting, testify for the state against Hannah Gutierrez.

On November 30th, 2021 the community of Oxford Township, Michigan was stunned by tragedy. Four young lives, Madisyn Baldwin, Tate Myre, Hana St. Juliana, and Justin Shilling were taken at Oxford High School just days after students returned from Thanksgiving break. Now the teenage shooter has pleaded guilty, and in an unprecedented turn of events, his mother has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter, and his father awaits trial for the same charges. On this week’s Court TV Podcast, you’ll hear Jennifer Crumbley, the shooter’s mother, testify in her own defense, as James Crumbley prepares to face a jury himself.

Harmony Montgomery was living in a car with her father, her stepmother, and two other children when she was last seen alive. Nearly five years later, her father stands trial for her murder. After weeks of testimony, the state and the defense made their final pleas to the jury. Prosecutors claim that Adam was the one who killed Harmony, while the defense alleges that the defendant’s estranged wife, a key eyewitness for the state, was responsible and lied to protect herself. On this week’s Court TV Podcast you’ll hear both sides’ closing arguments in full before the jury began to weigh the evidence in the case against Adam Montgomery.

Vinnie Politan digs through the case evidence in the trial of Adam Montgomery, who is charged in the death of his five-year-old daughter, and the timeline of the “sick, morbid actions” he’s accused of doing to cover up her murder.

Little Harmony Montgomery’s life was filled with hardship and tragedy. Both of her parents suffered from addiction problems, these issues were addressed by a judge who gave sole custody to her father Adam Montgomery, a career criminal. Harmony was just five years old when she was last seen alive in 2019. Now her father is on trial for her murder. This week’s Court TV Podcast features opening statements from both sides as they lay out their cases to the jury; The state’s theory on how Harmony was killed and the lengths that Adam Montgomery allegedly went through to hide his daughter’s body, and the defense’s assertion that Adam did not kill his daughter.

In this riveting episode of "Closing Arguments with Vinnie Politan," we delve into the shocking and complex case against Donna Adelson, a mother accused of conspiring with her son, Charlie Adelson, in an alleged plot to arrange the murder of her former son-in-law, Dan Markel. The beloved Florida State University law professor had found himself entangled in a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife, Wendi Adelson, who is Donna's daughter and Charlie's sister. Join Vinnie Politan as he meticulously examines the details of this high-profile case, exploring the tumultuous dynamics within the Adelson family and the motives that may have led to the deadly conspiracy.

What motivates a rampage killer? Court TV sits down with psychologists, investigators, survivors and conducts a prison interview with a convicted mass shooter to find out. Five years after the Las Vegas shooting massacre, this provocative Court TV documentary explores why our understanding of the psyche of a rampage killer is vital in preventing the next mass murder.

In this episode of Closing Arguments with Vinnie Politan, we dig into the chilling case of Adam Montgomery, a New Hampshire man set to face trial this week for the alleged murder of his five-year-old daughter, Harmony. Prosecutors claim Harmony was murdered in December 2019, yet her disappearance remained unreported for almost two years. Montgomery, who is currently serving a decades-long prison sentence in a weapons theft case covered by Court TV, denied killing his daughter at his sentencing hearing. Join Court TV host and former prosecutor Vinnie Politan, along with Ted Rowlands and special guest Bob Ward, as they navigate the timeline of Harmony's disappearance constructed by investigators, which reveals a heartbreaking story of alleged abuse and concealment. You'll also hear from Harmony's mother, Crystal Sorey, who finally reported her daughter missing in November 2021 after months of unsuccessful attempts to contact her. Listen in as we unpack the disturbing details surrounding this tragic case, shedding light on the events leading up to the trial and the unanswered questions that linger.

On November 30th, 2021 a Michigan community was shaken to its core by a tragedy. Four young innocent lives, Madisyn Baldwin, Tate Myre, Hana St. Juliana, and Justin Shilling were taken at Oxford High School by a fifteen-year-old shooter. The suspect has since pleaded guilty to the charges from the shooting and has been sentenced to life without parole. In an unprecedented turn, the shooter’s parents have both been charged, with each of them facing four counts of involuntary manslaughter and standing trial separately. This week’s Court TV Podcast features both the prosecution and the defense laying out their cases in opening statements.

Former Georgia beauty queen and beloved high school teacher Tara Grinstead vanished in 2005, leaving a community stunned and without answers for over a decade until Ryan Duke, a former student at the school she taught at, was arrested and charged with her murder. Just weeks later, Ryan’s friend Bo Dukes was also arrested in connection to her disappearance. Both men claimed that they helped dispose of her body but blamed each other for the murder. When Ryan Duke stood trial, it would be up to a jury to determine who was telling the truth. This week’s Court TV Podcast dives deeper into this cold case that drew national attention with an audio edition of our original series Accomplice to Murder.

In 2016 eight members of the Rhoden Family were all fatally shot at four different locations. These murders became known to many as the Pike County Massacre. Authorities were perplexed as to why someone would commit such a heinous act. A child custody dispute between Hannah Rhoden and Jake Wagner eventually became the motive for this massacre, leading not only to the arrest of Jake, but also his mother, his father, and his brother. Which members of the Wagner family were responsible for planning and carrying out these murders? And to what extent?

Shanda Vander Ark testified in her own defense, facing child abuse and murder charges in the death of her fifteen-year-old son Timothy who had special needs. Prosecutors said that her and her older son Paul tortured and starved Timothy, who weighed only sixty-nine pounds when he died. On this week’s Court TV Podcast you’ll hear Shanda face an intense cross-examination; featuring many noteworthy moments including when Shanda becomes violently ill on the stand after prosecutor Matt Roberts places a photo of an emaciated Timothy in front her.

Shanda Vander Ark was charged with murder and child abuse in the death of her fifteen-year-old son with special needs. Timothy was just sixty-nine pounds when he was found dead by his mom and brother in June of 2022. Prosecutors alleged that Shanda and her older son Paul tortured Timothy with ice baths and bread soaked in hot sauce made from two of the world’s hottest peppers. They also alleged that the pair denied him food and water. This week’s Court TV Podcast features Shanda Vander Ark’s direct examination in full as she tells the jury her side of this tragic story.

The Koslow’s were an upper-class, socialite family, well known in the Fort Worth area, which is why their community was stunned when Jack and Karen Koslow were the victims of a brutal home invasion, leaving Karen dead and Jack critically injured. Authorities zeroed in on the two assailants and their alleged ringleader: Jack’s daughter who stood to inherit millions of dollars upon his death, but would prosecutors be able to prove their theory at trial?

Morgan Leppert was just fifteen years old when she ran away from home with Toby Lowry, her twenty-two-year-old boyfriend. As authorities searched for Morgan and Toby they made a haunting discovery: the last call to Morgan’s cell phone was made from a home belonging to an elderly disabled man who was found beaten to death. Was Toby telling the truth when he claimed Morgan manipulated him into committing this horrific crime? Or was Toby the one really calling the shots?

Tonica Jenkins had a gift for manipulating people. She used that gift to scam her way into getting into Yale. This serial con artist would end up facing federal drug trafficking charges which led to her darkest scheme yet: roping her family into faking her own death by killing another woman. The only problem: the victim survived. This week’s Court TV Podcast features an audio edition of our original series Accomplice to Murder, which untangles this shocking web of deception.

This week’s Court TV Podcast features an audio edition of the latest Court TV Special The Case Against Bryan Kohberger. This all-new original documentary takes a closer look at the Idaho Student Murders by paying tribute to Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves, the four young lives tragically taken last November and exploring the mounting evidence against their accused killer as he awaits trial.

After her husband was killed during a robbery attempt, Renée Poole’s multiple affairs and second life as a stripper made her the main suspect in his murder. But who was the gunman? And why would he want Brent Poole dead? This week's Court TV Podcast dives deeper into this case with an episode of our original series Accomplice to Murder with Vinnie Politan, which explores crimes that may not be as clear-cut as initially thought.

In 2014, Florida State University law professor Dan Markel was in the middle of a bitter child custody battle when he was gunned down in his garage. Now three people have been convicted of his murder and prosecutors say a fourth person, his ex-brother-in-law Charlie Adelson, orchestrated this murder-for-hire plot. But just how far does this all go? Court TV Legal Correspondent Julia Jenaé joins Vinnie Politan from Tallahassee, Florida to dive deeper into this case as the trial of Charlie Adelson gets underway.

Paula Gutierrez fell in love as a teenager with Nestor “Chino” de Jesus. They struggled to make ends meet while raising their baby daughter and resorted to a desperate plan hatched by Nestor; the couple armed themselves and attempted to rob a bank. By the end of that fateful day, two people would end up dead and Paula would end up facing a potential life sentence for a murder she did not commit. This week's Court TV Podcast dives deeper into this case with an episode of our original series Accomplice to Murder with Vinnie Politan, which explores cases where it’s not so clear who is the mastermind behind the crime.

Raynella Dossett Leath appeared to be plagued by a string of deadly bad luck. In 1992 her first husband, Ed, who was in the late stages of a terminal cancer was found dead in the couple’s corral supposedly trampled by cattle. Over a decade later, Raynella would call 9-1-1 reporting that she had found her second husband dead from an apparent suicide, but when investigators discovered an extraordinary amount of morphine in his system it led to a criminal investigation into both men’s deaths. This week’s Court TV Podcast dives deeper into this case with an audio edition of our original series Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall. This episode is entitled “Mercy or Murder.”

In October 1988, Aissa Wayne, daughter of John Wayne, and her boyfriend Roger Luby were brutally assaulted by a pair of gunmen on their way home from an aerobics class. Was this attack a retaliation to some of Luby’s shady business dealings? Or was Aissa’s soon-to-be ex-husband the one behind the assault? This week’s Court TV Podcast dives deeper into this case with an audio edition of our original series Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall. This episode is entitled “The Duke’s Daughter.”

High school sweethearts Derrick and Linda Yancey were the picture-perfect couple; respected members of their local Sheriff’s department, two children, and living a happy life in an upscale neighborhood in Stone Mountain, Georgia. That image was suddenly shattered when Linda was shot and killed in her basement during a renovation. Was Linda killed during a home invasion as her husband Derrick claimed? Or was her killer someone close to home? This week’s Court TV Podcast dives deeper into this case with an audio edition of our original series Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall. This episode is titled “Deadly D.I.Y.”

Katherine Hauser was beginning her new life following separating from her husband. She had a new home in Albuquerque and was excelling in her career. It all came to a screeching halt when she was found murdered. Friends, family, and investigators immediately thought it was her estranged husband, but would they be able to uncover enough evidence to support that theory? This week’s Court TV Podcast dives deeper into this case with an audio edition of our original series Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall, which examines crimes committed by those closest to the victim. This episode is entitled “Murderous Match.”

First, it was her police officer husband, then her firefighter boyfriend. When the men close to Lynn Turner kept dying of what appeared to be the flu investigators were tasked with figuring out whether this was a string of deadly bad luck, or something much more sinister. This week’s Court TV Podcast features an audio edition of our original series Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall, which examines crimes committed by those closest to the victim. This episode is entitled “Double Dose.”

Terri Gilbert was home alone when she hid in the basement as an apparent intruder broke in. A shadowy figure descended the basement stairs, she aimed her gun, and fired three shots, killing the alleged intruder. Police soon discovered that the intruder was Terri’s estranged husband. Was this a case of self-defense? Or an elaborate cover-up for murder? This week’s Court TV Podcast features an audio edition of our original series Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall. This episode is entitled “Repeat Offender.”

In 1969 fifteen-year-old John McCabe was last seen alive attending a Knights of Columbus dance in Lowell, Massachusetts. His bound and strangled body was found in an abandoned lot the next day. The ensuing investigation would last over forty years and turned childhood friends into bitter enemies. This week’s Court TV Podcast features an audio edition of our original series Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall, which examines crimes committed by those closest to the victim. This episode is entitled “Deadly Dance.”

In 2001 Florida housewife Maggie Locascio was found beaten and stabbed in her Coral Gables home. Those closest to Maggie quickly pointed their fingers at her estranged husband, Ed, but his airtight alibi led authorities to a much more shocking answer. This week’s Court TV Podcast dives deeper into this investigation with an audio edition of our original series Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall. This episode is entitled “Brother’s Keeper.”

When Sara Tokars, an Atlanta homemaker, was killed in front of her two young children police were left with the question, “who would want her dead?” The answer may lie in a safe belonging to her husband. This week’s Court TV Podcast dives deeper into this case with an audio edition of our original true crime series Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall. This episode is entitled “Safe at Home.”

When Gloria Guzman called 911 to report that her paraplegic ex-husband had drowned in the bathtub, authorities grew suspicious. Was this a tragic accident, or a woman driven to murder by the man she was now caring for full-time? This week’s Court TV Podcast dives deeper into this fascinating case with an audio edition of our original true crime series Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall. This episode is entitled “Drowning in Sorrow.”

The investigation into Girly Chew’s disappearance would take police into a twisted world of aliens, reptilians, and cannibalism. This week’s Court TV Podcast follows this bizarre trail of evidence with an audio edition of our original series Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall, which examines crimes committed by those closest to the victim. This episode is entitled “The Alien Queen.”

Doctor Dirk Greineder lived what many would consider an incredibly successful life. He was a distinguished allergist, in a loving marriage of over thirty years, and had three grown children. But that all came crashing down on Halloween, 1999 when he called 911 to report that his wife had been found brutally beaten in their neighborhood park. This week’s Court TV Podcast features an audio edition of our original series, Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall, which dives deeper into the investigation and trial surrounding the murder of May Greineder. This episode is entitled “The Good Doctor.”

When Lisa Guy failed to show up for work after Thanksgiving weekend, a wellness check led to a discovery straight out of a horror movie; the bodies of Lisa and Joel Guy dismembered and scattered across the house. A handwritten journal, dubbed by prosecutors as the “Book of Premeditation,” led police to arrest someone incredibly close to the victims: their own son, Joel Guy Jr. This week’s Court TV Podcast dives deeper into this case with an audio edition of the original series Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall. This episode is titled “Holiday Horror.”

When the wife of a wealthy real estate developer was found dead in her bathroom two theories emerged; Lina Kauffman either died of an undiagnosed heart condition, or she was strangled to death by her own husband. It would be up to a Florida jury to figure out which theory was correct. This week’s Court TV Podcast features an audio edition of the original series Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall, which examines crimes committed by those closest to the victim. This episode is titled “A Matter of the Heart.”

Harmony Montgomery’s life was filled with hardship and tragedy. Both of her parents suffered from addiction problems, these issues were addressed by a judge who gave sole custody to her father Adam Montgomery, a career criminal. October 2019 was the last time Harmony was seen alive, but it took over two years for her to be reported missing. Now her father awaits trial for her murder. This week’s Court TV Podcast features Vinnie Politan in a one-on-one interview with Harmony’s biological mother Crystal Sorey, who was instrumental in bringing attention to her daughter’s disappearance.

This week’s Court TV Podcast features an audio edition of our original series Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall, diving deeper into the 1994 murder of Vicki Beckham, who was found dead in her car, left in a ditch on a deserted stretch of road in South Carolina. Investigators would soon uncover that Vicki, the daughter of a state senator, and her husband, the son of a Bishop, were in the middle of a divorce. Two powerful families were swept up into the drama that played out inside a South Carolina courtroom. This episode is titled “The Bishop’s Son.”

In 1995 Georgia investigators received a missing persons report for Ruby Joyner and her friend Halima Jones. Just a few days later, their bodies were found in a mini-van beaten, strangled, and shot. The prime suspect, Ruby’s husband, was nowhere to be found. But what would compel him to commit such a heinous act? This week’s Court TV podcast features an audio edition of our original series Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall, which examines crimes committed by those closest to the victim. This episode is titled “Murder and Missing.”

Convicted killer Lori Vallow Daybell is back in court seeking a new trial after a juror spoke out post-verdict. (6/15/23)

When Richard Carno was reported missing by his wife, the case took a shocking turn when he was found strangled to death in his car near a trailer park in Las Vegas. A trail of evidence eventually led police to those closest to Richard: his wife and her brother, but they would end up pointing the finger at each other. This week’s Court TV Podcast features an audio edition of the Court TV original true crime series Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall. This episode is titled “Family Feud.”

John Harper terrorized his neighbors on Dictionary Hill. He hurled curses, threw stones, and drove cars off the road, until one day a resident took matters- and a pistol- into their own hands. Would a jury believe that Harper, what some may call the “town bully,” had it coming? This week’s Court TV Podcast takes a deep dive into this case with an audio edition of the Court TV original true crime series Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall. This week’s episode is titled “Bad Neighbor.”

On May 12th, Lori Vallow Daybell was found guilty on all charges against her in the deaths of her two children Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow as well as the death of her husband’s previous wife Tammy Daybell. Host Vinnie Politan and Court TV Legal Correspondent Chanley Painter unpack the final moments of her trial, the reaction of JJ’s grandparents to the verdict, and what’s next for Lori and her husband Chad, who still awaits trial for his alleged role in these murders.

When three high schoolers are gunned down in their car, police launch an investigation into why their lives came to such a violent end. Ten years later, that investigation reaches a dramatic conclusion in an Albuquerque courtroom. This week’s Court TV Podcast dives deeper into this dramatic case with an audio edition of our original series Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall. The featured episode is titled “Teenage Terror and the East Mountain Murders.”

When a fire breaks out in Krystina Sutherland’s apartment building, the first suspect is her ex-boyfriend and father of her children, but his iron-clad alibi led authorities to an unlikely suspect in a case that took a decade to resolve. This week’s Court TV Podcast features an audio edition of our original series, Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall which examines crimes committed by those closest to the victim. This week’s episode is titled “Ten Years After.”

After more than eight hours of deliberation over two days, the jury returns a verdict on Lori Vallow Daybell's seven charges for the murders of her two youngest children, JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan, conspiring to kill her fifth husband’s wife, Tammy Daybell, and as stealing the Social Security benefits intended for her children.

During closing arguments, the State argues Lori is the common thread in these three murders, while the defense blames Chad Daybell's influence over her. The State brought back the theme from openings of money, power, and sex and said Lori is the common thread in these three murders... she is the one person who ties this all together. The state also points out Lori’s story changes dramatically in October 2018, when she read some of Chad’s end-of-the-world books, then met him. The defense attacks the state’s money, power, and sex argument, saying Lori wanted to be a leader, but she wasn't leading anyone, she's following Chad.

FBI investigator Nicole Heideman testifies to Chad Daybell's 'James and Elena story.' The state rests, and Lori decides not to testify. Then, two hours after the state, the defense rests.

FBI Special Agent Doug Hart continues his testimony about text messages between Lori Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell. Lori and Chad texted about a plan being orchestrated for the children. Lori texted she was trying to get to the bottom of what she needed to do to eliminate the children. Lori also texted about doing work on Tammy, asking Audrey for ideas. And, Lori texted that Alex would be the one “they” (law enforcement) would use to get to “us” (her and Chad).

This week’s Court TV Podcast features an audio edition of the all-new Court TV original series; Accomplice to Murder with Vinnie Politan which explores real-life crimes where it’s not quite clear who is being manipulated and who is the mastermind. This first episode tells the story of a mother and father murdered fifteen years apart. When the family’s eldest son confesses to the murders and takes a plea deal, he implicates his younger sister as an accomplice. It would be up to a Florida jury to figure out which sibling was telling the truth.

FBI Special Agent Doug Hart testifies about text messages from Lori Vallow Daybell's iCloud account. Key Evidence: Lori and Chad described Charles, Tammy, Tylee, and JJ as “obstacles.” Alex’s texts reveal he was involved in an alleged conspiracy, as it related to the deaths of Tylee, JJ, and Tammy. Audrey Barattiero acted as a “buffer” or a go-between for Lori and Chad to relay communications to one another, until Tammy died. Chad and Lori sent romantic texts to one another.

Lori Vallow Daybell’s nephew-in-law testifies about conversations he secretly recorded with Melani, Lori, Chad and Alex Cox discussing spiritual attacks. Other witnesses discuss Tammy Daybell’s insurance policy and multiple copies of death certificates found for both Chad and Lori’s previous spouses.

A former friend of Lori Vallow Daybell testifies about spending time with Lori and Chad Daybell while they were married to other people.

Neighbors of Chad and Tammy Daybell testify to Chad's behavior after his wife's death and when they met Lori Vallow.  * Alice and Todd Gilbert, who were neighbors with the Daybells, testified to Chad’s demeanor the day of Tammy’s death and the day of her funeral. Alice said Chad told her not to tell anyone about Tammy’s death, or to at least wait an hour before telling anyone. * Alice and Todd Glibert also testified that Chad and Lori looked like affectionate teenagers. They also recall Chad saying Lori recently lost a daughter. * Audio played of a podcast Todd listened to in November 2018. In the last 10 minutes, Lori is heard vaguely talking about her life turning extremely bad and wanting the Lord to take her. In the end, she said she fought with Satan before telling those with her to turn their lives over to Christ. She also briefly talks about how the Lord sends her people, and that’s how she got connected to Melanie Gibb.

It’s not easy to score a successful song in Nashville- what some call “a bullet.” Sometimes what it takes is a little more than talent and a little less than legal. When singer and music researcher Kevin Hughes was gunned down on Music Row, prosecutors say he was killed to keep him from exposing a dirty business practice in the music industry. This week’s Court TV Podcast takes you in for a closer look at this case with an audio edition of our original series Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall. This episode is titled “A Hit With A Bullet.”

A DNA analyst confirms hair attached to a piece of adhesive found with the children's remains matched DNA profile for Lori Vallow Daybell.   * A hair attached to a piece of adhesive matched DNA profile for Lori Vallow * Tammy’s cause of death: Asphyxia * Tammy’s manner of death: Homicide * Tammy had acute injuries (bruising on arms and chest) consistent with someone who was restrained or asphyxiated * The frothy foam coming from Tammy’s airways is a manifestation of Pulmonary Edema, which is associated with asphyxia deaths.

Testimony focuses on the death of Tammy Daybell. The jury hears a 911 call from Chad Daybell the day Tammy died.

Forensic experts testify about the skeletal remains of Tylee and JJ. Tammy Daybell's sister, Samantha Gwilliam, takes the stand.

Day 11 of Lori Vallow Daybell’s murder trial was especially graphic, as an FBI agent testified about the excavation in Chad Daybell’s backyard and details how JJ and Tylee’s remains were uncovered. Details of JJ’s cause of death are also revealed.

A colossal true crime story finally goes to trial, the Doomsday Cult Mom Murder Trial, Idaho versus Lori Vallow Daybell. She and her husband, Chad Daybell, will stand trial separately for three murders: Lori’s two young children, JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan, and Chad’s late wife Tammy Daybell. The state alleges that the motive lies in a desire for sex, money, and power in addition to an obsession with end-times prophecies. Court TV’s Chanley Painter joins Vinnie Politan from right outside the courthouse in Boise, Idaho to unpack the biggest moments so far from the case against Lori Vallow Daybell.

It's a contentious start to Day 10 of Lori Vallow Daybell’s murder trial, when Lori's sister, Summer Shiftlet, blows up on a phone call with Lori, having been blindsided by Lori already knowing her kids were buried in her new husband’s backyard. An agent testifies in depth about finding the children’s remains, and how it was extremely difficult to identify Tylee, whose remains had been dismembered and charred. Then, the court sees surveillance footage showing both Lori and Alex storing and later removing a spare tire and rear car seat from the unit.

Day 9 of Lori Vallow Daybell’s murder trial focuses heavily on evidence gathered from Alex Cox’s cell phone. Electronic evidence was also used to show wedding planning done between Chad and Lori and the timeline of those texts. Cell phone records of Alex, Chad and Lori on September 9, 2019 is shared with the court. This is the date Chad Daybell said he burned limbs and killed a raccoon on his property where Lori’s children’s remains were later discovered.

The second week of Lori Vallow Daybell’s murder trial comes to a close, but not before gripping testimony from people Lori used to consider to be friends. David Warwick talked about the last time he saw JJ Vallow, which was asleep in the arms of Alex Cox after he says Lori called him angry that JJ was climbing her cabinets and knocked down her statue of Christ. Detective also reveal more information about Chad Daybell’s texts before and after his previous wife Tammy Daybell died. Bodycam footage of JJ’s welfare check is also shown in court.

Detectives, investigators, and those closest to the defendant took the stand on Day 7 of the Lori Vallow Daybell trial. Details about social security payments received, Charles’ death and details of JJ’s timeline after learning of Charles’ death were all brought to light. Additionally, an old friend of Lori’s from the LDS church in Hawaii, April Raymond, shared disturbing details about her conversations with Lori when she unexpectedly visited her with her now deceased daughter Tylee.

Divorce wasn’t enough to end the animosity between James and Linda Cooney. The bitterness continued until Linda shot James dead with a .357 Magnum. Was it a case of domestic abuse like Linda claimed? Or something more sinister? This week’s Court TV Podcast features an audio edition of the original series Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall. This episode is titled “Mommy Dearest.”

Week two of Lori Vallow Daybell’s murder trial began with Zulema Pastenes returning to the witness stand to finish her cross-examination. Pastenes spoke about Alex’s dedication to Lori, saying she thought Alex believed whatever Chad and Lori told him. The next witness, Colby Ryan, is Lori’s son from an earlier marriage and described a good upbringing in his early years. The court also hears a contentious phone call between Lori and her son, where he confronts his mother about the deaths of his siblings, Tylee and JJ. Lori laughs and tells Colby that one day he will understand.

As the first week of Lori Vallow Daybell’s trial comes to a close, so does the testimony of Chandler Police Detective Nathan Duncan after he shares important emails and texts from key characters in this case. The rest of the day was taken up by the testimony of Alex Cox’s widow, Zulema Pastenes, who was brought into Lori and Chad’s inner spiritual circle. Pastenes expands on Melanie Gibb’s account of the Daybell’s ministry, a fringe offshoot of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Pastenes paints a cult-like atmosphere in which Pantenes, Lori and Chad would cast demons from Charles Vallow, Tammy Daybell and others.

Details about Lori Vallow Daybell's extramarital relationship with Chad Daybell are shared on Day 4 of the Doomsday Cult Mom Murder Trial. Lori's former best friend, Melanie Gibb, tracks their relationship back to a 2018 religious conference up until a Nov. 2019 phone call where Gibb accused the couple of being led astray by the devil and pleaded for information about Lori's missing son. Gibb shared chilling insights into Chad and Lori’s belief system, one in which people signed contracts in the “pre-mortal world” with the devil that turned them into “dark spirits” or “zombies.” Chandler (Arizona) Police Det. Nathan Duncan began walking the jury through the investigation of Charles Vallow’s shooting death by Lori’s brother, Alex Cox. Duncan said injuries to Charles’ body contradicted Alex Cox’s claim that Cox shot Charles twice in the chest in self-defense.

Court gets cut short on Day 3 of Lori Vallow Daybell’s murder trial, but not before more details about Lori and Chad Daybell’s relationship. The jury also hears about why the decision was made to exhume Chad’s previous wife Tammy Daybell. Through cross-examination, defense themes begin to emerge: Emphasis on Lori’s alibi, distancing Lori from the murders and shifting blame to Chad and Lori’s brother, Alex Cox.

In 2001 University of South Carolina student Shelton Sanders disappeared while planning a friend’s bachelor party and he was never seen again. What was thought to be a missing person case quickly turned into an all-out homicide investigation. This week’s Court TV Podcast features an audio edition of the original true crime series Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall which examines crimes committed by those closest to the victim. Who would want Shelton Sanders dead? And why? This episode is titled “Student Body.”

Day 2 of Lori Vallow Daybell’s murder trial proved to be informative and dramatic when Lori, who was visibly upset, asked and was denied to be excused from the trial before evidence photos were shown to the jury. The photos were introduced by Rexburg police detective Ray Hermosillo, whose direct testimony took up the bulk of Day 2. The 22-year police veteran told the court he was initially contacted by Kay Woodcock to do a welfare check on JJ in Nov 2019. Hermosillo’s detailed testimony walks through his entire investigation that eventually led police to Chad Daybell’s backyard, where the two children’s remains were found.

Lori Vallow Daybell’s high-profile murder trial is underway in Boise, Idaho. The so-called ‘Doomsday Cult Mom’ faces life in prison if convicted of murdering her two children and conspiring to kill her fifth husband’s previous wife. In the opening statements, the prosecution presented a detailed timeline of events leading up to the disappearance of Lori's children, JJ and Tylee, including the discovery of their remains on her husband Chad Daybell’s property in rural Idaho. Lori, who pleaded not guilty to the six charges, had an alibi during the murders, which her public defender leaned in on during his opening statements. He spoke to her religious beliefs in life and death, and her particular interest in the end of times. He describes her as a kind, loving mother whose beliefs began to “morph and change” when she met the self-proclaimed prophet and author, Chad Daybell. Daily courtroom audio recordings will be made available after the court releases them to Court TV.

David Coffin was a successful entrepreneur who lived alone, but on December 11, 1996, his home burned down with him inside, but it wasn’t the fire that killed him; it was a gunshot to his head. This week’s Court TV Podcast takes you inside one of Atlanta’s most infamous murders with an audio edition of our original true crime series Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall. This episode is titled “Burning Jealousy.”

Shots rang out when off-duty Dallas police officer Amber Guyger found Botham Jean in her apartment, except it wasn’t her apartment. Defense attorneys would call it a tragic accident while prosecutors claimed the shooting was intentional. This week’s Court TV Podcast takes you in for a closer look at this case that sparked outrage across the country with an episode of the original series Judgment with Ashleigh Banfield. From the crime itself to the dramatic acts of forgiveness at the end of this compelling trial, this is Judgment of Amber Guyger.

In 1998 vampire obsessed teenager Rod Ferrell pleaded guilty to two counts of felony murder in the brutal killing of a Florida couple. This left just one monumental question: how young is too young for the death penalty? This week’s Court TV Podcast dives deeper into this difficult question with an episode of the Court TV original series Judgment with Ashleigh Banfield. A case full of issues regarding age, mental health, and the death penalty this is Judgment of The Vampire Clan.

What would motivate a man to brutally stab his wife, and the mother of his children, forty-four times and then drown her in their swimming pool? In 1997 Scott Falater was accused of doing just that but claimed he had no memory of doing so because he was sleepwalking. This week’s episode dives deeper into his story with an audio edition of the original series Judgment with Ashleigh Banfield. Would he be able to convince a jury that he did not kill his wife in cold blood? This is Judgment of the “Sleepwalking Killer.”

After just three hours of deliberations, the jury in the Murdaugh Family Murders trial came to a decision, finding disbarred attorney Alex Murdaugh guilty of murdering his wife Maggie and his son Paul. Did Alex Murdaugh’s own testimony end up leading to his conviction? Court TV’s Chanley Painter, who was in the courtroom when the verdict came down, joins host Vinnie Politan with post-verdict analysis and reaction to the dramatic conclusion of this trial that captured America’s attention.

Dr. Jack Kevorkian thought it was an act of mercy to help over one hundred and thirty terminally ill patients die a peaceful, pain-free death, but Michigan prosecutors said it was murder. They would spend years convincing multiple juries to convict on murder charges. This week’s Court TV Podcast dives deeper into this case that asks difficult legal and ethical questions regarding a patient’s right to die with an audio edition of the original series Judgment with Ashleigh Banfield. This is Judgment of Dr. Jack Kevorkian.

The trial America is watching; ex-attorney Alex Murdaugh is on trial for the double murder of his wife Maggie and his son Paul. Allegations of fraud, drug addiction, and murder surround this prominent Lowcountry family as the surviving Murdaugh son, Buster, takes the stand for the defense case. Host Vinnie Politan to dives deeper into his testimony, a South Carolina drug gang’s potential involvement, and the relationship between Alex and his wife as Court TV’s Matt Johnson weighs in from Walterboro, South Carolina.

Scott Amendure thought the Jenny Jones Show would be the perfect place to reveal to his friend, Jonathan Schmitz, that he had a crush on him. Three days later, Schmitz shot Amendure to death, but was it mental illness or homophobia that led Schmitz to kill his friend? And was he the only one responsible? This week’s Court TV Podcast takes a closer look at this high-profile case with an episode of the original series Judgment with Ashleigh Banfield. This is Judgment of Jonathan Schmitz.

A criminal scandal surrounding a prominent family of lawyers in the Lowcountry of South Carolina: The Murdaugh Family Murders. They had money, power, and privilege until it began to unravel when Alex Murdaugh’s wife Maggie and his son Paul were shot and killed on the family’s sprawling hunting lodge. Now Alex is on trial for double murder, but is he a victim? Or is he a killer trying to cover up a long list of financial misdoings? Vinnie Politan dives deeper into this bizarre web of allegations as Court TV’s Chanley Painter joins him from Walterboro, South Carolina.

Some say the idea of an evil twin is the stuff of soap operas and classic movies. But those people never met identical twins Jeena and Sunny Han, whose rivalry was so intense it led to a murder plot and trial filled with twists and turns that must be heard to believed. This week’s episode of the Court TV Podcast tells the story of these two feuding twins with an episode of the original series Judgment with Ashleigh Banfield. This is Judgment of “Evil Twin” Jeena Han.

Sitcom star Rebecca Shaeffer was talented, pretty, and had her whole life ahead of her when she unknowingly opened the door of her Hollywood apartment to her killer; Robert Bardo. Bardo’s lawyers claim his mental illness caused him to snap, but will the evidence prove otherwise? This week’s Court TV Podcast answers those questions with an audio edition of the original series Judgment with Ashleigh Banfield. This is Judgment of the Hollywood Stalker.

Aileen Wuornos sold her body to survive and generated a rage for those who would pay for her services. That rage resulted in the deaths of seven Florida men and the labeling of Wuornos as one of very few female serial killers. Her story would eventually be told in the award-winning 2003 film Monster. This week’s Court TV Podcast dives deeper into the case against Wuornos with an audio edition of the original series Judgment with Ashleigh Banfield. This is Judgment of Aileen Wuornos.

Julie Jensen suspected her husband and father of her children, Mark Jensen, wanted her dead so she put pen to paper telling the world just that. That letter, written just days before her death, would lead to his 2008 conviction of her murder, but would also be the reason for overturning that same conviction in 2017. Now, Jensen faces a jury once again, live on Court TV. This week’s Court TV Podcast examines his first trial with an audio edition of the original series Judgment with Ashleigh Banfield as his retrial gets underway. This is Judgment of the Antifreeze Murder.

In 1971 the infamous Charles Manson and several of his followers were sentenced to death in a series of murders, including actress Sharon Tate and her unborn child. Many thought this horrific story would end there, but when California abolished the death penalty, making parole an option, Manson took center stage once again. This week’s Court TV Podcast takes you in for a closer look at the Manson Family parole hearings with an audio edition of the original series Judgment with Ashleigh Banfield. This is Judgment of Charles Manson.