509: Death in Hell's Kitchen

510: The Many Lives of Benjaman Kyle - Part 1

Jul 7, 20261h 16mSummary

In this episode of True Crime Obsessed, the hosts examine the first half of the documentary series The Many Lives of Benjamin Kyle. The story centers on a man found unconscious and naked behind a Georgia Burger King in 2004 with no memory of his identity. While the man, who calls himself Benjamin Kyle, initially garners sympathy, his claim of suffering from a rare, total case of amnesia is met with significant skepticism. The hosts discuss the filmmakers' investigation, which involves tracking Kyle’s alleged memories—most of which consist of famous landmarks or easily Googleable facts rather than personal milestones. Throughout the narrative, a forensic neuropsychologist explains that "blank slate" amnesia, as described by Kyle, is virtually non-existent in medical history. The hosts point out that Kyle’s demeanor often contradicts the expected trauma of such a condition, and they highlight the suspicious lack of personal connections in his supposed past. By contrasting the high stakes and dramatic filmmaking style with the lack of credible leads, the hosts question the legitimacy of Kyle’s claims, framing the mystery as less about a missing person and more about a calculated performance.

Murder in Glitterball City Ep 1 (from our Patreon feed!) // True Crime Obsessed

Jun 30, 202655 minSummary

In this episode of True Crime Obsessed, the hosts dive into the first installment of their coverage of the HBO documentary series Murder in Glitterball City. The series investigates a complex and tragic murder case set in the historic Old Louisville neighborhood, known for its stunning Victorian architecture and reputation for being highly spirited and haunted. The hosts discuss the documentary’s unique cast of characters, including local residents, flamboyant drag queens, and the central figures of the case: Joey and Jeff, a gay couple whose volatile relationship eventually culminated in a gruesome crime. The conversation highlights the documentary's unconventional storytelling style, which weaves together true crime, ghost stories, and neighborhood lore. The hosts share their insights on the series’ disjointed narrative, the eccentric personalities involved, and the underlying tensions that led to the incident. They also touch upon the documentary’s portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community in Kentucky and the historical context of the neighborhood's preservation. Throughout the episode, the hosts maintain their signature blend of humor and serious commentary, navigating the chaos of the documentary's production while examining the deeper, more disturbing elements of the case.

508: Secrets in the Ashes

Jun 23, 20261h 4mSummary

In this episode of True Crime Obsessed, the hosts delve into a haunting Dateline investigation titled Secrets in the Ashes. The story centers on a 2003 tragedy in Goliad, Texas, where a small house fire claimed the life of 31-year-old Patricia Lee Mills. While her six-year-old son, John Michael, managed to escape the flames, investigators initially ruled the incident inconclusive, despite suspicious circumstances such as a padlocked back door and multiple kerosene lanterns found at the scene. The hosts analyze the infuriating incompetence of early investigators who accepted the husband, Delbert Mills, at his word when he claimed the lanterns were merely decorative. The episode highlights the persistence of Patricia’s sister, Sharon, who spent years fighting for justice as she uncovered a pattern of abuse and manipulation. The hosts discuss the chilling revelations regarding Delbert’s controlling behavior, his rapid remarriage to a woman who had previously lived in the cramped, dangerous household, and the tragic reality that the system failed a mother and her young son. It is a harrowing look at how a lack of diligence and ignored leads allowed a potential murderer to evade accountability for years.

507: The Crash

Jun 16, 20261h 38mSummary

In this episode of True Crime Obsessed, the hosts delve into the Netflix documentary The Crash, which examines the tragic 2022 car accident in Strongsville, Ohio, that claimed the lives of nineteen-year-old Davion Flanagan and twenty-year-old Dominic Russo. The hosts immediately establish a skeptical tone, questioning the narrative provided by the driver, seventeen-year-old Mackenzie Shirilla, and her parents. The discussion focuses heavily on the suspicious nature of the crash, specifically noting the total lack of skid marks at the scene, which leads investigators and the victims' families to wonder if the incident was a deliberate act rather than an accident. The hosts provide biting commentary on the behavior of those in Mackenzie’s orbit, particularly her "best friend" Rosie Graham, a fitness influencer whose credibility and motives they thoroughly dismantle. Furthermore, the episode explores the dynamics between the parents and their children, highlighting the unsettling lack of empathy displayed by Mackenzie’s family. By examining the police bodycam footage and the evidence found in the vehicle, the hosts analyze the investigative process while scrutinizing the suspect’s convenient amnesia and the overall character of those involved.

506: Joe Hunter's Mission (from "48 Hours")

Jun 11, 20261h 3mSummary

In this bonus episode of True Crime Obsessed, the hosts examine a gripping installment of 48 Hours titled "Joe Hunter's Mission." The episode centers on the tragic death of Joanna Hunter, who was found hanging in her home by her husband, Mark Lewis, a pastor. Despite a history of documented severe domestic abuse and previous restraining orders, local law enforcement immediately ruled the death a suicide, a conclusion the family has fought to overturn for over a decade. The hosts explore the frustrating reality of how Mark Lewis’s status as a religious leader allowed him to manipulate the narrative surrounding his wife’s death. They highlight the failure of the initial investigation, noting that no crime scene was preserved and the husband's statements were accepted without skepticism. Beyond the procedural failures, the discussion delves into the harrowing psychological dynamics of the relationship. The hosts analyze the control Lewis exerted not only over Joanna but also over church members, describing the environment as a cult-like structure. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the resilience of Joanna's brother, Joe, who used his public platform to advocate for justice for his sister.

505: The Grindr Killer Scandal: A Faking It Special

Jun 9, 202653 minSummary

In this episode of True Crime Obsessed, the hosts delve into the harrowing case of Stephen Port, known as the "Grindr Killer." The episode analyzes the documentary Faking It: The Grindr Killer Scandal, which chronicles how Port utilized dating apps to target, drug, and murder four young men in London. The discussion highlights the systemic failure of the police, who repeatedly missed obvious connections between the murders and failed to properly investigate the victims' deaths, seemingly due to bias. The hosts explore the disturbing psychology of the killer, touching on his predatory use of GHB, his deceptive online persona, and the unsettling details revealed in his internet search history. They also critique the experts featured in the documentary, including a body language analyst and a linguist, while exploring the grim reality of how Port staged crime scenes and evaded capture for years. By blending sharp social commentary with an examination of the victims' lives, the hosts provide a somber look at a case fueled by prejudice, negligence, and profound malice, while ensuring the focus remains on the tragedy inflicted upon the victims and their families.

504: Untold: Chess Mates

Jun 2, 20261h 2mSummary

In this episode of True Crime Obsessed, the hosts delve into Chess Mates, an installment of the Untold documentary series that explores the intense and controversial world of professional chess. The discussion centers on the rise of Hans Niemann, a young and polarizing grandmaster who shocked the chess community by defeating Magnus Carlsen, the long-reigning world champion. The hosts break down the competitive landscape of the sport, touching upon the rise of Chess.com, the impact of the pandemic on the game's popularity, and the transition from traditional, stoic chess culture to a modern, influencer-driven landscape. Throughout the episode, the hosts analyze Niemann’s eccentric and abrasive personality, questioning the authenticity of his backstory and his claims of being a genius. They highlight the stark contrast between Niemann’s erratic, attention-seeking behavior and the reserved, disciplined nature of established players like Carlsen. By examining the accusations of cheating and the subsequent fallout that sent the chess world into chaos, the hosts offer an engaging commentary on ego, sportsmanship, and the high-stakes pressure behind the scenes of professional competition.

503: The Body in the Sand (from "Naming the Dead")

May 28, 202650 minSummary

In this episode of True Crime Obsessed, the hosts explore the third installment of the documentary series Naming the Dead, titled The Body in the Sand. The discussion centers on the grueling but vital work of the DNA Doe Project, a volunteer-run organization that uses genetic genealogy to identify unidentified human remains. The episode focuses on a Jane Doe discovered in the Arizona desert in 1992. For years, the case remained cold until investigators leveraged DNA testing and forensic genealogy to trace her identity. The hosts delve into the emotional and technical challenges of these investigations, highlighting how crime scene technicians and genealogists spend hundreds of hours navigating complex family trees, public records, and public DNA databases to give victims their names back. A particularly poignant part of the discussion involves the accidental discovery of a man named Patrick, whose own search for his biological family led to the revelation that he is the uncle of the victim. The hosts also touch upon the historical context of the Brown Babies adoption project, adding deep layers of historical and sociological insight to this compelling and heartbreaking journey toward justice.

502: The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson

May 26, 20261h 9mSummary

In this episode of True Crime Obsessed, the hosts delve into the tragic and highly publicized murder of Mariah Wilson, a rising star in the professional gravel racing world. The discussion centers on the documentary detailing Wilson’s life, her exceptional athletic talent, and the events leading up to her death in Austin, Texas, in May 2022. The hosts explore the investigation that followed the discovery of Wilson’s body, highlighting the initial confusion and the police's immediate focus on Wilson’s friend, who was the first to find her. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to examining the complicated interpersonal dynamics between Wilson, professional cyclist Colin Strickland, and his partner, Kaitlin Armstrong. The hosts analyze the manipulative nature of the relationships involved, noting how Strickland’s behavior and deceptive actions created a volatile situation. Through their signature analytical style, the hosts reflect on the heartbreak of the case, the intensity of grief for Wilson’s family, and the unsettling revelations regarding the circumstances that culminated in a senseless act of violence.

501: The Curious Case of... The Woman Dying for Attention

May 19, 20261h 4mSummary

In this episode of True Crime Obsessed, the hosts delve into the disturbing documentary series The Curious Case of Natalia Grace, specifically focusing on the season two story of Sarah Delashmit, a woman whose penchant for deception and attention-seeking causes profound emotional devastation to those around her. The narrative follows Sarah’s elaborate, years-long cons, which include faking severe illnesses and inventing multiple personas to manipulate her victims. A central focus of the discussion is the impact Sarah had on her friend Erin Johnson, a person with cerebral palsy who was initially befriended by Sarah at a camp for individuals with disabilities. The hosts recount how Sarah exploited Erin’s trust through complex fabrications involving fake relationships, tragic deaths, and medical emergencies. The episode highlights the cruel reality of Sarah’s "grooming" tactics and the psychological abuse inflicted on vulnerable individuals looking for genuine connection. By exploring Sarah’s history of posing as both a caregiver and later as a person in need of care, the hosts examine the dark, sociopathic nature of someone who systematically constructs an entire life built on harmful, high-stakes lies.