An American Original

What Nobody Tells You About the Morgue (with Patricia Cornwell)

Jun 30, 202627 minSummary

In this episode of Criminal, host Phoebe Judge sits down with renowned crime novelist Patricia Cornwell to explore the intersection of her real-world research and her celebrated literary career. Cornwell shares her unique journey from a young crime reporter in North Carolina to a writer deeply embedded in the realities of the forensic world. She discusses her early experiences at the Richmond Medical Examiner’s office, detailing how she overcame the steep learning curve of understanding death and autopsy procedures to bring authenticity to her iconic fictional pathologist, Kay Scarpetta. Throughout the conversation, Cornwell offers a candid look at the physical and emotional toll of spending time in the morgue, describing it as an intense environment that requires a delicate balance of detachment and deep empathy for the deceased. Beyond the macabre, she reflects on her philosophy of discovery, emphasizing the importance of firsthand experience—whether it involves scuba diving, flying, or visiting a body farm—to enrich her storytelling. The episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a writer who turns the complex, often challenging realities of crime investigation into a deeply human exploration of life and death.

All the Time in the World

Jun 26, 202630 minSummary

This episode of Criminal takes listeners inside the Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State University, a specialized facility often referred to as a body farm. The hosts explore the vital, albeit unconventional, research conducted at this 26-acre site, where donated human remains are placed in various outdoor environments to study the natural process of decomposition. By observing how bodies break down in different scenarios—ranging from shallow graves to the trunks of cars—researchers gain essential data that helps law enforcement better estimate times of death and identify remains in missing persons cases. The episode features interviews with Dr. Daniel Wescott, the center’s director, as well as several "living donors" who have chosen to gift their bodies to science. These donors often describe their decision as a final act of utility, preferring to contribute to forensic understanding rather than simply occupying space in a cemetery. Throughout the discussion, the podcast balances the stark, scientific reality of decomposition with the deeply personal and often peaceful motivations of those who view their participation as a way to extend their legacy of helping others.

The Caller

Jun 19, 202642 minSummary

This episode of Criminal investigates the controversial use of 911 call analysis as a tool in homicide investigations. The narrative centers on the case of Russ Faria, who was wrongly convicted of murdering his wife, Betsy, in 2011. Prosecutors relied heavily on the premise that Faria’s 911 call showed signs of guilt, such as his demeanor and word choice, which had been taught to them through a specific training method known as the 911 Call Analysis or the COP scale. The episode explores the origins of this method, developed by an FBI agent and a police chief, which claims to identify potential killers based on linguistic cues during emergency calls. Through interviews with journalist Brett Murphy, the podcast reveals how this unscientific practice spread through law enforcement despite failing to be validated by the scientific community. The discussion highlights the dangers of using such subjective interpretations in court, often leading to miscarriages of justice and the targeting of innocent individuals. By contrasting Faria’s exoneration with the continued use of this flawed analysis, the program raises urgent questions about the impact of pseudoscientific methods on the legal system.

Riverwalk

Jun 12, 202648 minSummary

The podcast episode Riverwalk explores the tragic and mysterious death of nineteen-year-old Zach Bretler, a charismatic and imaginative teenager from a comfortable London family who became obsessed with the lives of the wealthy elite. After moving out, Zach fell into a circle involving Akbar Shamji, a glamorous businessman, and Verinder Sharma, a man with a history of criminal activity. Zach had reinvented himself to these men, claiming to be the son of a Russian oligarch, while his parents remained unaware of the dangerous double life he was leading. When Zach vanished in November 2019, his parents began a frantic search, only to discover their son had been caught in a complex web of deceit, possible extortion, and financial instability. Shortly after he went missing, Zach’s body was found in the River Thames. While police initially considered the case a suicide, the discovery of a broken jaw and suspicious behavior by his associates raised alarms. Despite evidence of a volatile final night at the Riverwalk complex, authorities struggled to build a criminal case, leaving his parents to conduct their own investigation into the truth behind his death.

A Man to Be Afraid Of

Jun 5, 202644 minSummary

The podcast explores the life and myth of Buford Pusser, the real-life Tennessee sheriff who inspired the blockbuster film Walking Tall. Known for his imposing physical stature and aggressive crackdown on illegal moonshine, Pusser cultivated a persona as a fearless, incorruptible lawman. He claimed his hardline tactics made him a target for a local criminal syndicate, culminating in a 1967 ambush that left his wife, Pauline, dead and himself severely injured. However, the episode peels back the layers of this carefully constructed legend. Through interviews with investigative journalists and examination of new evidence, the hosts reveal that Pusser’s heroic narrative was largely a fabrication. Testimony and forensic findings suggest a history of domestic violence and corruption, casting serious doubt on his account of the shooting. The investigation eventually highlights the stark discrepancy between the Hollywood caricature and the reality of a brutal, opportunistic man. Decades later, the case was reopened, leading to an exhumation and autopsy that ultimately contradicted Pusser’s claims, providing a long-overdue, more haunting perspective on the night of Pauline’s death.

Breaking Up is Hard to Do (Criminal+)

May 29, 202645 minSummary

In this episode of Criminal Plus, hosts Phoebe Judge and Lauren Spohrer engage in a wide-ranging, candid conversation that blends personal updates with curious observations. The episode kicks off with Phoebe documenting her recent learning curve in mastering makeup for a new video interview project, sharing the humor and mishaps of her initial attempts and her ultimate success with guidance from family. The discussion then veers into the fascinating and often bizarre corners of human behavior. The hosts reflect on the unsettling nature of a criminal case involving a husband’s attempted murder of his wife, leading them to contemplate the practical importance of grip strength as a survival skill. They also revisit a strange, true story about a beekeeper who used her hives to disrupt an eviction, prompting a broader conversation about bees and their role in the ecosystem. Other topics include the social anxiety surrounding difficult life transitions, such as breaking up with a long-term therapist, and lighthearted reflections on listener feedback regarding grocery store preferences and the peculiar messages people dictate for floral arrangements. The episode captures the duo’s signature blend of empathetic storytelling and inquisitive, off-the-cuff charm.

Mantrap

May 22, 202638 minSummary

In the episode titled Mantrap, the podcast explores the legal and moral complexities surrounding the use of booby traps to protect private property. The hosts examine several historical cases, beginning with the 1957 Iowa farmhouse incident involving Ed and Bertha Briney. After suffering repeated break-ins, the couple rigged a shotgun to fire at intruders, resulting in severe injuries to a man named Marvin Katco. The legal fallout from this case serves as a foundational lesson for law students, highlighting that while the law permits the defense of one’s person, using deadly force solely to protect uninhabited property is generally prohibited. The discussion continues with other instances, including a store owner who used dynamite and a business owner who utilized a shotgun to defend his warehouse. These stories illustrate a recurring theme: frustrated individuals taking extreme, often lethal measures when they feel ignored by law enforcement. The episode raises difficult questions about the value of human life versus material possessions, illustrating that even when victims are criminal trespassers, the use of indiscriminate, life-threatening traps frequently leads to severe civil and criminal consequences for the property owners.

The Big Lie

Captain's Orders (Criminal+)

The Test