True Crime Talk

The Innocent

Tonight True Crime Talk, Nic Edwards, Carolyn, and Bryan engage with Nate Lewis from The Innocent, an organization dedicated to combating child exploitation and sex trafficking. They discuss the importance of training law enforcement to effectively handle these sensitive cases, the role of social media in facilitating child exploitation, and the dangers posed by online gaming. Nate shares insights on predator tactics, the significance of mental health for law enforcement officers, and the alarming rise of sextortion among children. The conversation emphasizes the need for community awareness and proactive measures to protect children from online threats.
Type in www.TheInnocent.org to your browser and learn more. 
This episode discusses - child exploitation, online safety, law enforcement training, sextortion, social media dangers, child protection, human trafficking, mental health, community awareness, predator tactics
For great True Crime books check out www.WildBlue.com
 

The Garden State Parkway Murders

Tonight on True Crime Talk... Nic and Carolyn delve into the chilling details of the Garden State Parkway murders, focusing on the victims, Elizabeth Perry and Susan Davis, and the subsequent investigation that has remained open for decades. True Crime author and lawyer Christian Barth joins True Crime Talk as a proven but obsessed expert of this New Jersey cold case. The discussion covers the timeline of events leading up to the murders, the discovery of the victims' bodies, and the various suspects that have emerged over the years, including Mark Thomas, Gerald Stano, and Ted Bundy. The psychological aspects of the case are explored, along with the challenges faced by law enforcement. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the future of the case and the hope for resolution.
Check out The Garden State Parkway Murders; a cold case mystery by Christian Barth available on Amazon. For more great True Crime go to www.WildBluePress.com 

Out of Bounds - The Chris Washburn Story

Tonight on True Crime Talk we are joined by former NBA player and NCAA great Chris Washburn. Chris was drafted number 3 overall in the 1986 NBA Draft but drugs destroyed what could have been an amazing career. Listen and learn from Chris as he has a lot to teach all of us. 
New from WildBlue Press - Out of Bounds - The Chris Washburn Story - from broken NBA dreams to redemption by Chris Washburn and Ron Chepesiuk 
www.WildBluePress.com 

Karen Read Trial 2025

Tonight on True Crime Talk, Storm of Suspicion author Kevin Lenihan discusses the ongoing trial of Karen Reed, who is accused of killing her boyfriend, John O'Keefe. The conversation delves into the differences between the first and second trials, the impact of witness testimonies, public perception of the defendant, and the role of social media in shaping narratives around the case. Lenihan also addresses the evidence presented, including the controversial testimonies and police conduct, while exploring the complexities of reasonable doubt in the context of the trial.
www.WildBluePress.com 
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to the Karen Reed Trial
03:07 - Comparing the Trials: Key Differences
05:49 - Witness Testimonies and Their Impact
08:25 - The Role of Police and Investigative Procedures
11:12 - Eyewitness Accounts and Their Reliability
14:00 - The Evidence: Glass and Microscopic Findings
16:39 - Personal Relationships and Their Implications
19:15 - Public Perception and Media Influence
21:25 - Conspiracy Theories and Defense Strategies
23:59 - Scientific Evidence and Expert Testimonies
26:14 - Final Thoughts and Future Implications
34:26 - Expert Testimonies and Dog Bite Analysis
37:33 - Understanding Wound Types and Evidence
37:44 - The Role of Social Media in High-Profile Cases
40:07 - The Machine Behind Karen Reed's Defense
43:50 - Public Perception and Media Influence
48:39 - Evaluating Evidence and Reasonable Doubt
52:38 - New Evidence and Reckless Endangerment
55:24 - Closing Thoughts and Future Implications
 
Keywords: Karen Reed, true crime, trial analysis, public perception, evidence, police conduct, social media influence, conspiracy theories, witness credibility, reasonable doubt
 

Prison Escape - Chasson's Run

Welcome to True Crime Talk with Nic Edwards. In this episode of True Crime Talk, hosts Nic and Carolyn engage with Daniel Zimmerman, author of 'Chasson's Run', exploring the gripping true crime story of Leroy Chasson and Kathleen McDonald. The conversation delves into the infamous prison escape, the dynamics of their relationship, and the psychological factors that led to Chasson's criminal behavior. The discussion also touches on the societal implications of crime, the nature of love in desperate circumstances, and the impact of childhood experiences on adult choices.
This is love and crime behind and beyond bars. "Sorry folks, but I gotta go." - Leroy Chasson
Check out Daniel Zimmerman's new true crime book Chasson's Run; the prison break that captivated America and the love story that fuel it. 
www.WildBluePress.com 

Serial Killer Ron Bailey

Welcome to True Crime Talk with Nic Edwards. Here is tonight's story...
The photo in the news is every parent’s worst nightmare.  A 10-speed bicycle lying on the side of the road. And its owner, 13-year-old Shawn Moore, is nowhere to be found. 
On Labor Day weekend in 1985, in Brighton, Michigan, Shawn is home doing chores, cutting the grass, when the lawn mower breaks. He asks his dad if he can ride his bike to a nearby convenience store to grab a root beer. His dad says yes, and his older brother reminds him to be home for an early dinner, before family movie night.  While at the store, Shawn catches the interest of a man, who watches him having his drink. When the teenager hops on his bike to return home, Ron Bailey decides to follow him.
When Shawn doesn’t make it home for dinner, his worried family starts to look for him. His brother finds his abandoned bike and approaches police. At the time, Michigan is still reeling from a series of murders, known as the Oakland County Child Killings, a few years earlier. About 30 miles away from Brighton, 4 children had vanished. 2 boys and 2 girls. They all go missing around a different holiday, and their bodies are all found days later, lying in the snow.  
A search for Shawn and a manhunt for his abductor, unprecedented in size and scope, quickly ensues.  Shawn’s body is found in the woods, near Bailey’s family cabin, where he was sexually assaulted and strangled with a belt. Bailey committed his first kidnapping and sexual assault when he was just 13 years old. He was an active rapist and killer for nearly 15 years.  So the question remains: how many unknown victims could also be out there, waiting for justice? And with the Oakland County Child Killings still unsolved, we wonder, could this sadistic predator have been involved?
The book is Depraved Obsession by Rod Sadler
The website is www.WildBluePress.com 

Chained Birds

Welcome to True Crime Talk with Nic Edwards. This week, hosts Nic, Carolyn, and Bryan delve into the harrowing story of Kevin Sanders, an inmate whose life in the Special Management Unit of Lewisburg Prison reveals the dark realities of the prison system. Carla Conti, a journalist and friend of Kevin, shares her decade-long journey of advocating for him, highlighting the challenges faced by inmates, the role of prison gangs, and the failures of the legal system. The conversation explores themes of violence, survival, and the need for reform in the criminal justice system, culminating in reflections on Kevin's life after prison and the impact of his story on society.
Get Carla's book - Chained Birds available now. www.WildBluePress.com 
Follow on X and Insta @TCGNIC

Karen Read - Storm of Suspicion

Welcome to True Crime Talk with Nic Edwards. This week Nic talks with Kevin Lenihan an expert on the Karen Read /John O'Keefe murder case and trial that has captivated most of America. The complex case and death investigation of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe is now gearing up for a second trial. John who died after a night out with friends and his girlfriend Karen Read has resulted in a mystery that has much of Boston and Massachusetts divided regarding what happened that night and who is responsible. Karen Read is facing her second murder trial in the death of her boyfriend John O'Keefe. We explore themes of public perception, media influence, and the role of alcohol in the tragic events. The conversation delves into the complex case of Karen Reed and John O'Keefe, exploring the events leading to O'Keefe's death, the legal implications, and the various theories surrounding the incident. The discussion highlights the challenges of proving intent versus negligence, the role of forensic evidence, and the impact of public perception and media on the case. As the second trial approaches, they speculate on the potential outcomes and reflect on the broader implications of the case. 
 
Keywords - John O'Keefe, Karen Read, true crime, manslaughter, murder trial, alcohol, legal proceedings, public opinion, media coverage, investigation, forensic evidence, legal strategy, public perception, conspiracy theories, expert testimony, accident analysis
 

The Lewiston Shootings

Welcome to True Crime Talk with Nic Edwards.  This week Nic and award winning journalist Robert Conlin delve into the tragic mass shootings that occurred in Lewiston, Maine, on October 25, 2023. The discussion covers the background of the shooter, Robert Card, the events of that fateful night, the mental health issues that may have contributed to his actions, and the impact on the community. It also examines the role of law enforcement and the lessons that can be learned to prevent such tragedies in the future. 
The Lewiston Shootings: An All-American Tragedy by Robert Conlin is available on Amazon, Kindle, and on Audible. www.WildBluePress.com 
 
Takeaways
Mass shootings have become more frequent in recent years.
The Lewiston community was deeply affected by the tragedy.
Mental health issues are a significant factor in many violent incidents.
Robert Card exhibited concerning behavior prior to the shooting.
Law enforcement had prior knowledge of Card's mental state.
The importance of recognizing warning signs in individuals.
Community support is crucial in the aftermath of such events.
There is a need for accountability in law enforcement responses.
Gun ownership and mental health must be addressed together.
The victims were ordinary people caught in an extraordinary tragedy.
Chapters
 
00:00 - Introduction to the Lewiston Shootings
02:13 - The Shooter's Background and Motives
08:40 -The Impact of the Shootings on the Community
13:25 - Law Enforcement Response and Missed Opportunities
20:58 - Understanding the Shooter's Mental State
29:39 - Key Takeaways and Reflections
 

Crack City Strangler - Part 2

Welcome to True Crime Talk.
In this conversation, Nic, Carolyn, Bryan and this week's guest B.R. Bates delve into the chilling true crime story of Benjamin Atkins, a serial killer who preyed on women in Detroit. They explore the geographical context of the crimes, the profile of the victims, and the challenges faced by law enforcement in connecting the dots between the murders. The discussion highlights the complexities of investigating a serial killer in a city with high homicide rates and the impact of jurisdictional issues on the investigation. B.R. Bates new book Crack City Strangler comes out next week. Go to www.WildBluePress.com for more information. 
Takeaways
B.R. Bates has a deep interest in true crime, particularly in Detroit.
The city of Detroit had a high homicide rate at the time of the murders.
Victims were often overlooked due to their lifestyle and the nature of their deaths.
Jurisdictional issues delayed the investigation and sharing of information.
The realization of a serial killer came after multiple victims were discovered.
The investigation eventually involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI.
True Crime, Benjamin Atkins, Detroit, Serial Killer, Investigation, Prostitution, Homicides, Highland Park, Law Enforcement, Forensic Files