Not Guilty

Today we’re bringing you a special two-part episode from another Spotify Original from Parcast. If you enjoy it, check out Crimes of Passion on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!  Over the course of two years, through thousands of texts and social media messages, Conrad Roy confided in Michelle Carter about his struggles with depression and suicidal ideation. Michelle was infamously convicted in his death, in no small part due to their publicized messages. Did the punishment fit the crime?

Today we’re bringing you a special two-part episode from another Spotify Original from Parcast. If you enjoy it, check out Crimes of Passion on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!  Over the course of two years, through thousands of texts and social media messages, Conrad Roy confided in Michelle Carter about his struggles with depression and suicidal ideation. Michelle was infamously convicted in his death, in no small part due to their publicized messages. Did the punishment fit the crime?

If you enjoy the true stories told in Not Guilty, check out this episode from our series Crimes of Passion: Just because John and Lorena Bobbitt were acquitted for their individual crimes in 1994 didn't mean their challenges were behind them. But while Lorena used her verdict to grow beyond her history of abuse, John devolved into a world of D-list celebrity and continued domestic violence. 

If you enjoy the true stories told in Not Guilty, check out this episode from our series Crimes of Passion: After the now-infamous maiming on June 23rd, 1993, Lorena and John both faced criminal charges. Lorena for the violent wounding and John for the years of abuse that led to her actions. 

If you enjoy the true stories told in Not Guilty, check out this episode from our series Crimes of Passion: Lorena Bobbitt thought she'd found her piece of the American dream when she married John Bobbitt in 1989. But her fantasy was quickly shattered; John was abusive. Eventually, after years of violence, Lorena tried to escape.

For eight months, lawyers argued the case against O.J. Simpson. Prosecutors laid out a narrative of domestic violence and showed DNA evidence. The defense blamed racist cops. And the world waited as a jury would decide his fate.

On the evening of June 12th, 1994, the body of Nicole Brown Simpson was found on the steps outside her condominium, in a pool of her own blood. The corpse of Ron Goldman was sprawled in the nearby bushes. And the bloody clues lead right to the door of Nicole's ex-husband...O.J. Simpson.

Here’s one of our listeners’ most requested episodes of 2019: In October of 1819, the two Boorn brothers, 27-year-old Jesse and 31-year-old Stephen, stood trial for the murder of their brother-in-law, Russell Colvin.

Here’s one of our listeners’ most requested episodes of 2019: Jesse and Stephen Boorn never liked their sister’s husband, Russell Colvin. They would become prime suspects in connection with Colvin’s disappearance in 1812.

Here’s one of our listeners’ most requested episodes of 2019: In July of 1925, William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow finally faced off in Judge Raulston’s courtroom in Dayton, Tennessee. The future of American morality was on the line.

Here’s one of our listeners’ most requested episodes of 2019: The state of Tennessee saw the Theory of Evolution as a direct assault on Christian values and therefore banned the subject from classrooms. The resulting criminal charges against science teacher John T. Scopes in 1925 grew into one of the most notable landmark court cases in American history.

In the summer of 2000, Kareem White stood trial for drug charges that he insisted were false. Over 30 other defendants had been convicted ahead of him. But White insisted that all of the Tulia cases were shams, trumped-up charges fabricated by narcotics officer Tom Coleman.

In 1999, the town of Tulia, Texas was rocked by the racially motivated arrests of 46 people—39 of them African American. This resulted in 38 convictions for various drug charges with sentences of up to 90 years in prison.

Following the 1981 attempted assassination of President, Ronald Regan, FBI agents interviewed John Hinckley, Jr. and were certain they had an open and shut case. But they soon realized the case was much more complicated than they imagined.

Driven by an obsessive fixation, John Hinckley Jr. would ultimately cause one of the most shocking events in recent American history: the 1981 attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan.

On May 17, 1973, the Senate Select Committee began its hearings of several key witnesses in the Watergate break-in. What they would uncover would shock the country, dismantle a powerful presidency, and shake Americans' trust in the office of the president for years to come.

In 1972, a break-in at the Watergate office complex in Washington D.C. had the FBI investigating what they thought was an ordinary burglary. But when the evidence led them to the White House, they uncovered what would become the biggest political scandal of the 20th century.

After his wife Sunny von Bülow fell into a mysterious coma in 1980, Claus von Bülow was charged with her attempted murder. A high-profile trial would follow—resulting in a shocking verdict, and ultimately, a momentous acquittal. 

Sunny von Bülow collapsed in her Rhode Island home in December of 1980—inexplicably falling into a coma, ultimately never to recover. An investigation would soon be launched by her children into the possible involvement of their step-father, socialite Claus von Bülow.

Buffalo, NY: After being arrested for the murder of her thirteen-year-old daughter in 1993, we follow Lynn Peters’ criminal proceedings, and also examine the shocking cold-case investigation that uncovered new evidence...13 years later.

In 1993, Lynn DeJac Peters found her 13 year old daughter naked and dead. A year later, Peters found herself convicted of her daughter’s murder.

By 1895, a middle-aged Charles Chilton Moore had been arrested three times due to libel, blasphemy, and the mailing of "obscene materials". But Moore simply used his subsequent imprisonments to further his cause, bringing national attention to his fight for separation between church and state. And ultimately, after more arrests and trials, becoming one of the major catalysts that helped expand the definition of free speech. 

In Reconstruction era Kentucky, Charles Chilton Moore was a minister-turned-atheist whose criticisms of religion would set him on a path to become a famous atheist, and founder of the so-called "infidel" paper The Blue Grass Blade. A publication that would push the boundaries of free speech, and ultimately land him in court time and time again.

When Steven Steinberg went on trial in 1981 for the murder of his wife, Elana, his defense team used an unorthodox strategy; a gambit known as the “MacBeth Defense.”

In May of 1981, housewife Elana Steinberg was brutally stabbed to death; a pair of home invaders attacked her, using a knife from her own kitchen. Her husband, Steven Steinberg, tried to fight off the burglars but couldn’t stop them from killing Elana. Immediately, the police mounted a search for the bearded murders. But as more details emerged about the crime, the Steinbergs, and Steven’s history of addiction, police found a new suspect.

In October of 1819, the two Boorn brothers, 27-year-old Jesse and 31-year-old Stephen, stood trial for the murder of their brother-in-law, Russell Colvin. The only problem for the prosecution: Colvin’s body had never been found and there was no evidence of foul-play. The Boorn Brothers were on trial for a murder that may or may not have actually happened.

Jesse and Stephen Boorn never liked their sister’s husband, Russell Colvin. It stood to reason that when he disappeared from their small town in Vermont, that the brothers would be regarded with some suspicion. For seven years, nothing came of it, until Russell visited a member of the Boorn family in a dream, breathing new life into the case. Parcasters - This week on Unsolved Murders we cover the killing of Jeanette DePalma, who some believe was the victim of ritual sacrifice. Listen now on Spotify by searching Unsolved Murders!

In July of 1925, William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow finally faced off in Judge Raulston's courtroom in Dayton, Tennessee. The future of American morality was on the line.  Parcasters - This week on Crimes of Passion we take on the infamous case of Lorena and John Bobbitt! You won’t want to miss this one! Listen today on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

When Darwin published On Human Evolution, theists around the world had to grapple with their faith and this new scientific knowledge. The state of Tennessee saw the Theory of Evolution as a direct assault on Christian values, and therefore banned the subject from public classrooms. The resulting criminal charges against science teacher John T. Scopes in 1925 grew into one of the most notable landmark court cases in American history.  Sponsors! Care/of - For 25% off your first Care/of order, go to TakeCareOf.com and enter NOTGUILTY at checkout. 

After the protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention devolved into riots, the country demanded answers. Who was responsible for the rampant violence in the streets? In the end, eight of the protest organizers stood trial, referred to as "The Chicago 8."  Parcasters - Irma Grese made a name for herself as one of the most brutal concentration camp guards in the Nazi regime. How did she earn her reputation? Find out today on Female Criminals.

The Democratic National Convention was hotly contested in 1968. On the streets of Chicago, liberal protesters turned out in droves. Much to the dismay of Mayor Richard Daley, who enforced a hard line of law and order. When the two sides clashed, the whole world was watching.  Parcasters - This week on The Dark Side Of, we move on from Hollywood and start our exploration of the music industry. Our first episode details the myth of the 27 Club, you won't want to miss it! Subscribe to The Dark Side Of on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In 1975, 17-year-old Tommy Skakel was the primary suspect in the Martha Moxley murder case. But when new evidence came to light twenty years later, it was his younger brother, Michael Skakel, who stood trial.  Parcasters - Don’t miss all of our special Summer of ‘69 episodes by subscribing to Parcast Presents: Summer of ‘69, on Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts!

On October 30th, 1975, 15-year-old Martha Moxley was murdered less than a 100 yards from her front door. The police felt certain of the identity of her killer, but wouldn't be able to press charges for over twenty years. Sponsors! Gabi - Take 2 minutes and see if you can save up to $865 when you go to Gabi.com/GUILTY. 

In 1985, Bernie Baran stood trial for the alleged assault of six preschool children. The jury listened in shock and horror as the children, ages 3-6, described their experiences with the young teacher's aide. But new evidence would make the courts question every one of their statements.  Parcasters - This week on Unexplained Mysteries we explore the legend of the Yeren, China’s Bigfoot. Learn about this mythical creature on Unexplained Mysteries today! Available now on Spotify or wherever you listen to Parcast Originals!

In the wake of the 1983 McMartin Preschool scandal, accusations of child sexual abuse at daycare centers starting popping up all over America. For one teacher's aide, 19-year-old Bernie Baran, it was his words versus a 3-year-old's.  Parcasters -  This week on Unsolved Murders we explored the Mary Phagan murder, and the controversial execution of Leo Frank. Was he responsible? Find out today on Unsolved Murders, available on Spotify or wherever you get your Parcast Originals!

In February of 1996, 21-year-old Kristine Bunch stood trial for the arson of her Indiana trailer home and the murder of her three-year-old son. In the wake of Kristine's absolute silence to the press, the court of public opinion deemed her guilty. Now a jury would decide her fate. Sponsors! Upstart - Hurry to Upstart.com/NOTGUILTY to find out HOW LOW your Upstart rate is. Checking your rate only takes a few minutes—and won’t affect your credit!

In July of 1995, 21-year-old Kristine Bunch woke up up in the middle of the night to her house on fire. As fire investigators picked through the rubble, they found suspicious clues that suggest the house fire wasn't an accident at all.  Sponsors! Daily Harvest - Go to Daily-Harvest.com and enter promo code NOT GUILTY to get three cups FREE in your first box! Gabi - Take two minutes and see if you can save up to $865 a year on car insurance at Gabi.com/GUILTY. There are NO fees, NO forms, and NO spam.

When Ernesto Arturo Miranda's defense attorney decided to appeal his conviction in 1965, he had no idea the case would make its was all the way to the Supreme Court. The landmark case would introduce a set of phrases that would be permanently incorporated into the American justice system. Parcasters - This week on Assassinations we cover an assassination that altered the course of history by setting off the Second World War. Listen now at parcast.com/assassinations

In March of 1963, an 18-year-old girl was sexually assaulted on her way home from work in Phoenix, Arizona. The investigation and trial that followed would change the landscape of American policing forever. Parcasters - In Conspiracy Theories this week we explore the North American Union, a supposed superstate created through merging the governments of Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Was it in the plans, is it still? Find out today at parcast.com/conspiracy

In the summer of 1990, The Central Park Five went on trial for the brutal attack on 28-year-old Trisha Meili. But as the evidence against the boys grew thin, the entire case rested on their written and taped confessions.  Sponsors! Upstart - Hurry to Upstart.com/NOTGUILTY to find out HOW LOW your Upstart rate is. Checking your rate only takes a few minutes—and won’t affect your credit!

On April 19th, 1989, 28-year-old Trisha Meili was brutally attacked while jogging in Central Park. In less than 48-hours, five teenagers between the ages of 14 and 16 were charged for the attack. The city of New York rejoiced at what they thought was "swift justice." But were the boys responsible for the attack? Or simply in the wrong place at the wrong time? Sponsors! Daily Harvest - Go to Daily-Harvest.com and enter promo code NOTGUILTY to get three cups FREE in your first box!

During her trial in 1980, none of Cynthia Payne's male clients faced any charges. The public wondered who the real transgressor was and whether she deserved punishment or the law deserved a rewrite.  Parcasters - Seeking more stories from Great Britain? Check out our Kingpins episode dropping tomorrow on international ecstasy dealer Shaun Atwood. Subscribe today so that you don't miss his incredible rise to power!

In 1978, police closed in on a clandestine brothel located in a quiet, humble home in London. The ensuing trial of the brothel’s madam, Cynthia Payne, called into question everything the straitlaced British culture believed about sex work. Parcasters - Did you catch our most recent episode of GONE? We finally dive into the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa, you’ll have to listen to find out our theories about the most famous missing man in history. Available now at parcast.com/gone

After an 11-month-long investigation, Robert Blake, a household name for his portrayal of 70's TV cop Baretta, was charged with the murder of his wife in 2002, Bonny Lee Bakley. But forensics proved Blake hadn't fired a gun that night. Sponsors! Upstart - Hurry to Upstart.com/NotGuilty to find out HOW LOW your Upstart rate is. Checking your rate only takes a few minutes—and won’t affect your credit!

On the night of May 4th, 2001, 44-year-old Bonny Lee Bakley was shot to death while she waited in the passenger seat of her husband's car in Los Angeles. Her husband, the actor Robert Blake, claimed that Bonny had been a small-time criminal and someone she'd wronged must be responsible for her murder. But Bonny's friends and loved ones painted the marriage as a sham, alleging that Blake would have done anything to get out of it. Even kill. Sponsors! Daily Harvest - Go to DAILY-HARVEST.com and enter promo code NOT GUILTY to get three cups FREE in your first box!

Take a seat in the jury box as we dive into the most unbelievable acquittals and exonerations to ever take place in a court of law. Analyze the crime, observe the investigation, examine the evidence, and submit your verdict. Which way do the scales of justice tilt? Not Guilty, a Parcast Original, premieres Thursday, April 25th. New episodes available every Thursday on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!