Episodes
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Breaking crime news as it happens throughout the day! Follow "Crime Alert Hourly Update" now on your favorite podcast app: https://link.chtbl.com/Crime_Alert
Here's some of our top stories this week:
Man killed over sister's stolen car.
Cassie Ventura testified at Sean Combs trial
Stabbing victim plays dead while sleepy perp steals his big lottery win
Mom busted for arming son for school massacre in bizarre babysitting deal
Stay informed, stay safe, and stay ahead with "Crime Alert Hourly Update.”
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Christina Formella, accussed of molesting a 15-year-old student claims the boy was a “stalker” and that new her husband knew. Her husband, however, says he was totally in the dark about the boy.
The case unfolded after a Downers Grove, Illinois, mom comes across disturbing text messages while setting up her 15-year-old son’s new iPhone using a backup from his iCloud account.
The contents prompt her to take her son straight to the police. It appears the teen is discussing a sexual encounter with a love interest—his married, 30-year-old teacher, Christina Formella.
The student informs the police that Coach Formella began sending him flirty messages on the school’s chat system after she became his tutor in the fall of 2023. He explains that their conversations shifted to text after the teacher provided him with her phone number so they could play a game together.
Records show numerous FaceTime calls between the two, with the victim stating that their relationship outside of school culminated in a rape in December.
Formella denies raping the boy or having a romantic relationship with him, asserting that she is a “good person” and that “everybody” comes after her because of her looks. She admits to developing a close relationship with the student and claims that she “cares too much about him,” but simultaneously labels him a stalker.
Formella insists she did not send the texts, arguing that her kindness towards the boy allowed him to break into her unattended phone, send the texts to himself, and then delete them from her phone to later use as blackmail.
Joining Nancy Grace today:
Eric Faddis - Partner at Varner Faddis Elite Legal, Former Felony Prosecutor and Current Criminal Defense and Civil Litigation Attorney; Instagram: @e_fad @varnerfaddis; TikTok: @varnerfaddis Dr. Shari Schwartz - Forensic Psychologist (specializing in Capital Mitigation and Victim Advocacy) and Author: "Criminal Behavior" and "Where Law and Psychology Intersect: Issues in Legal Psychology;" X: @TrialDoc Brian Fitzgibbons - Director of Operations for USPA Nationwide Security [leads a team of investigators specializing in locating missing persons]; Instagram: @uspa_nationwide_security Scott Eicher - A Founding Member of the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team (C.A.S.T); Historical Cellular Analysis Expert; Former FBI agent of 22 years; Former Police Officer and Homicide Detective with Norfolk,Virginia, Police Dept. Currently with Precision Cellular Analysis,Handling Criminal, Defense and Civil Case Anna Sonoda - Child Sex Abuse/Grooming Expert, Clinical Social Worker, Former Therapist for Convicted Sex Offenders, and Author of "Duck Duck Groom" Sydney Sumner - CrimeOnline Investigative ReporterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Missing episodes?
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Cross-examination in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal sex trafficking trial resumed in Manhattan court today, Friday May 16. Combs' legal team continue to grill Cassie Ventura, Combs' ex-girlfriend, on what the defense call, her own history of domestic violence, as well as claims she was motivated by money to get back at him.
And British royal family news reveals Prince Harry is named in the salacious legal filings against disgraced rap mogul Combs. The headlines are an unwelcome reminder of Prince Andrews troublesome involvement with dead alleged pedophile, Jeffrey Epstein. More celebrities like Chris Brown and Michael B.Jordan were mentioned as Cassie's Cross-Examination Continues.
Follow Crime Stories with Nancy Grace for the latest on the Sean "diddy" Combs federal trial.
Joining Nancy Grace today,
Eric Faddis - Trial Lawyer and TV Legal Analyst, Founding Partner of Varner Faddis Elite Legal, former felony prosecutor and current criminal defense and civil litigation attorney Dr. Cheryl Arutt - Licensed Clinical and Forensic Psychologist specializing in Trauma Recovery, PTSD and EMDR, website: askdrcheryl.com, website: CreativeEMDR.com , IG: @askdrcheryl Robert Crispin - Private Investigator “Crispin Special Investigations”, Former Federal Task Force Officer for the United States Department of Justice, DEA and Miami Field Division. Former Homicide and Crimes against children investigator. CrispinInvestigations.com, Facebook: Crispin Special Investigations Inc. Brett Brown - Executive director of SASS Go (Surviving Assault Standing Strong) a nonprofit on a mission to eradicate abuse, trafficking and violence against women and girls globally, www.sassgo.org, @sassgoglobal FB, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Lauren Conlin - Podcaster, Reporter, Host- Co-Host of "PopCrimeTV" on YouTube. Website: www.popcrime.tv & primetimecrimeshow.com X- @Conlin_Lauren, Instagram- @LaurenEmilyConlin, YouTube: @PopCrimeTV Sydney Sumner - CrimeOnline Investigative ReporterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Hero dog would not leave the spot where his owner died, helping to solve her murder. Thieves take odd items from a Tennessee church.
For more crime and justice news go to crimeonline.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, the government’s star witness, took the stand today for the first day of cross-examination and faced questioning by Sean "Diddy" Combs’ $10 million defense team.
She previously spent two days detailing the alleged physical, emotional, and sexual abuse she says she endured during her decade-long relationship with the disgraced rap mogul.
At the center of Combs’ defense today was the claim that Ventura was never coerced into participating in "freak offs," as she testified earlier. The defense pointed to text messages, including one Ventura sent to Combs in 2009 that read, “I’m always ready to freak off lolol.” Ventura remained composed and held her ground when confronted with the explicit messages. She testified that she eventually began to feel Combs was exploiting her.
Combs’ defense team is expected to continue cross-examining Ventura through Friday morning.
Follow Crime Stories with Nancy Grace for the latest testimony in rap mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex-trafficking trial
Joining Nancy Grace today:
Greg Morse - Criminal Defense Attorney of Morse Legal, author of “The Untested” found on Amazon; website: morselegal.com
Dr. Bethany Marshall - Psychoanalyst, Author of "Deal Breaker: When to work on a relationship and when to walk away,” and featured in hit show: "Paris in Love" on Peacock; Instagram & TikTok: drbethanymarshall, X: @DrBethanyLive
Chris McDonough - Director at the Cold Case Foundation, Former Homicide Detective [worked over 300 homicides in 25-year career and trained the first Native American Homicide Task Force] Host of YouTube channel, "The Interview Room."
Lynn Shaw - Founder and Executive Director of Lynn's Warriors - an organization committed to ending human trafficking and sexual exploitation, Host of Lynn's Warriors on YouTube,; X: @lynns_warriors Youtube: @LynnsWarriors
Rob Shuter - Host: Naughty But Nice Podcast, Former Publicist of Sean Combs, and Author: "The 4 Word Answer", radaronline.com; IG: @naughtygossip
Lauren Conlin- Investigative Journalist, Host of The Outlier Podcast, and also Host of "Corruption: What Happened to Grant Solomon; X- @Conlin_Lauren/ Instagram- @LaurenEmilyConlin/YouTube- @LaurenConlin4
Sydney Sumner - CrimeOnline Investigative Reporter
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Casandra Ventura, known as Cassie, gives her second day of testimony as the prosecution’s key witness in the sex-trafficking trial of disgraced rap mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs. Cassie, the ex-girlfriend of the rapper, tells the court that Combs asked her to get into an inflatable pool filled with baby oil.
She continues to describe the abuse she endured during events she called “freak-offs,” saying Combs later used video recordings of the encounters to blackmail her.
Cassie alleges she repeatedly suffered from urinary tract infections as a result of the "freak-offs," to the point that she became immune to antibiotics. She testifies that Combs forced her to perform during her menstrual cycle and took away her possessions if she upset him in any way.
Combs faces charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The 55-year-old denies all charges. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.
Follow Crime Stories with Nancy Grace for the latest on the government’s case against Sean "Diddy" Combs
Joining Nancy Grace today:
Neama Rahmani - Former Federal Prosecutor, Trial Attorney, President - West Coast Trial Lawyers, and Author: “Harvard to Hashtag;" INSTAGRAM: @Neamarahmani, X: @NeamaRahmani
Dr. Bethany Marshall- Psychoanalyst, Author: "Deal Breaker," and featured in hit show "Paris in Love" on Peacock; Instagram & TikTok: drbethanymarshall, X: @DrBethanyLive
Tom Smith - Former NYPD Detective for 30 years - Narcotics, Robbery Squad, Gang Investigations, and Co-Host of the GOLD SHIELDS Podcast; FB & Instagram: @thegoldshieldshow
Rachel Fischer - Registered Nurse; Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE); Expert Witness; Private Investigator; Author: "Taking Back the Pen;" Forensic Nursing Consulting and Education LLC
Lauren Conlin - Podcaster, Reporter, Host- Co-Host of "PopCrimeTV" on YouTube; X- @Conlin_Lauren, Instagram- @LaurenEmilyConlin, YouTube: @PopCrimeTV
Sydney Sumner - CrimeOnline Investigative Reporter
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Cassie Ventura, ex-girlfriend of Sean "Diddy" Combs, took the stand as the prosecution's star witness against the rap mogul.
Heavily pregnant, Ventura testified that her relationship with Combs ranged from good times to arguments and physical abuse. Before testimony began, the defense requested that she be seated before the jury entered, citing her condition. The judge denied the request, ruling there would be no special treatment.
Ventura described how Combs' control over her increased during their relationship and detailed instances of physical abuse.
In court, Combs appeared and acted like a different man. With no cameras allowed, reporters outside described his appearance—gray hair, pullover sweaters, and reading glasses. Whether it was a sign of stress or a legal strategy remains unclear. Combs was reportedly reading the Bible before testimony began, while his family prayed on the courthouse steps before Ventura took the stand.
Follow Crime Stories with Nancy Grace daily for the latest in Sean "Diddy" Combs sex-trafficking trial.
Joining Nancy Grace today:
Eric Faddis - Partner at Varner Faddis Elite Legal, Former Felony Prosecutor and Current Criminal Defense and Civil Litigation Attorney; Instagram: @e_fad @varnerfaddis; TikTok: @varnerfaddis Dr. Bethany Marshall- Psychoanalyst, Author: "Deal Breaker," and featured in hit show "Paris in Love" on Peacock; Instagram & TikTok: drbethanymarshall, X: @DrBethanyLive Brian Fitzgibbons - VP of Operations for USPA Nationwide Security; Instagram: @uspa_nationwide_security, Kingsman Philanthropic's 2022 rescue missions of women and children in Ukraine, Iraq War Veteranide_security Brett Brown - Executive director of SASS Go (Surviving Assault Standing Strong) a nonprofit on a mission to eradicate abuse, trafficking and violence against women and girls globally; @sassgoglobal FB, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Rob Shuter - Host: Naughty But Nice Podcast, Former Publicist of Sean Combs, and Author: "The 4 Word Answer;" IG: @naughtygossip Lauren Conlin - Investigative Journalist, Host of The Outlier Podcast, and also Host of "Corruption: What Happened to Grant Solomon; X- @Conlin_Lauren/ Instagram- @LaurenEmilyConlin/YouTube- @LaurenConlin4 Angelica Martinez-Servigna - CrimeOnline Investigative Reporter Sydney Sumner - CrimeOnline Investigative ReporterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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A jury has been seated in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex-trafficking trial.
Prosecutors delivered their opening statements, followed by witness testimony. Still unclear is whether “Victim 3” will testify. A prosecutor said last week that both the witness and her attorney were missing.
“Victim 1,” Cassie Ventura, will be the prosecution's third witness. Combs’ team may try to counter her testimony by portraying her as confrontational and violent—someone with a personality too strong to be coerced.
Joining Nancy Grace today:
Eric Faddis - Partner at Varner Faddis Elite Legal, Former Felony Prosecutor and Current Criminal Defense and Civil Litigation Attorney; Instagram: @e_fad @varnerfaddis; TikTok: @varnerfaddis Dr. Bethany Marshall - Psychoanalyst, Author: "Deal Breaker," and featured in hit show "Paris in Love" on Peacock; Instagram & TikTok: drbethanymarshall, X: @DrBethanyLive Robert Crispin - Private Investigator with “Crispin Special Investigations," Former Federal Task Force Officer for the United States Department of Justice [DEA and Miami Field Division], Former Homicide and Crimes against children investigator; Facebook: Crispin Special Investigations Inc. Lynn Shaw - Founder and Executive Director of Lynn's Warriors - an organization committed to ending human trafficking and sexual exploitation, Host of Lynn's Warriors on YouTube; X: @lynns_warriors Youtube: @LynnsWarriors Lauren Conlin - Investigative Journalist, Host of The Outlier Podcast, and also Host of "Corruption: What Happened to Grant Solomon; X- @Conlin_Lauren/ Instagram- @LaurenEmilyConlin/YouTube- @LaurenConlin4V Sydney Sumner - CrimeOnline Investigative ReporterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Austin Metcalf's father says he hoped he could pray with the family of his son’s alleged killer, but ended up being escorted out of a press conference by police.
During a track meet between Memorial High School and Centennial High School in Frisco, Texas, light rain begins to fall, and athletes take cover under tents with their respective teams at Kuykendall Stadium.
Memorial High School athlete Austin Metcalf finds Centennial High School athlete Karmelo Anthony under the Memorial High School tent and tells him he needs to move from under his team's tent.
When Anthony refuses, words are exchanged, and Anthony tells Metcalf, "Touch me and see what happens."
Centennial High School's Karmelo Anthony allegedly reaches inside his bag, grabs a knife, stabs Austin Metcalf in the chest, and runs away. As Metcalf's twin brother, Hunter, comes to his brother's aid, witnesses point out Anthony to a nearby middle school resource officer, who chases the suspect down.
The school resource officer confronts Karmelo Anthony, telling him to put his hands up in the air. Anthony tells the officer, "I was protecting myself," claiming Metcalf "put his hands on" him. Anthony hears the officer say he has the "alleged stabbing suspect" in custody, and Anthony replies, "I'm not alleged. I did it." Anthony claims self-defense.
Joining Nancy Grace today:
Lisa Herrick - Board-certified Juvenile Attorney, Partner at Varghese Summersett, and Former Juvenile Prosecutor; Instagram & X: versustexas, Facebook and Youtube: Varghese Summersett
Dr. John Delatorre - Licensed Psychologist and Mediator (specializing in forensic psychology); Psychological Consultant to Project Absentis: a nonprofit organization that searches for missing persons; Twitter, IG, and TikTok - @drjohndelatorre
Barry Hutchison - Former 26-year Law Enforcement Veteran and Detective, Owner & Chief Investigator for Barry & Associates Investigative Services located in Kansas & Missouri
Dr. Kendall Crowns - Chief Medical Examiner Tarrant County (Ft Worth), NEW Podcast [launching on April 14]; Lecturer: Burnett School of Medicine at TCU (Texas Christian University)
Katy Barber - Senior Digital Content Producer at My San Antonio
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Qaadir Lewis and Naazir Lewis are twins scheduled catch a 7am flight to Boston from Atlanta Hartsfield International airport on Friday March 7. The 19-year-old twins take an Uber from their home in Lawrenceville to the airport, but they arrive late and miss their flight. 29 hours later, just after 11am on Saturday March 8, two hikers at the Summit of Bell Mountain, find the twins dead, both suffering gunshot wounds. Bell Mountain is 90 miles away from their home in Lawrenceville, and the family says they were not hikers and had never been to Bell Mountain. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack discuss a case with more twists and turns then the roads that lead to Bell Mountain. Did the Lewis twins enter into a murder/suicide pact as some investigators suggest? An why was a volunteer fire fighter arrested after being one of the first on the scene when the bodies were found?
Transcribe Highlights
00:00.00 Introduction
02:42.78 Bell Mountain, 36o degree view06:09.83 10 minute hike, half mile hike to summit
11:06.77 Lake Lanier area, where Ozark was filmed15:11.39 Volunteer fireman took pictures of the twins and posted online
25:36.67 Gunfire related murder/suicide
30:39.13 Evidence on body can determine range of fire
35:19.02 Family says the twins hate to spend money on gas
ConclusionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Breaking crime news as it happens throughout the day! Follow "Crime Alert Hourly Update" now on your favorite podcast app: https://link.chtbl.com/Crime_Alert
Here are some of our top stories this week:
A grandfather shot and killed by deputies as he tries to strike out against the man who killed his grandchildren in a fiery car crash.
A Texas mother is arrested after police find her 7-year-old daughter locked in a closet and starving, leading to the discovery that another daughter has been missing for seven years
A missing toddler, Alabama officials believe is 'missing' no more. Little Kahleb Collins remains have been unearthed in a backyard fire pit of the family home
Stay informed, stay safe, and stay ahead with "Crime Alert Hourly Update.”
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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New claims emerge in the charges against the Florida real estate brothers, twins Oren and Alon Alexander and their older brother Tal, as a woman reportedly texts a friend that she feared the family of the brothers, that they would have her killed.
The Alexander brothers are accused of using their wealth and influence to create opportunities to sexually assault women. More than 40 women have come forward with allegations, and investigators are urging others who believe they were assaulted to contact authorities. Attorneys for the brothers say they plan to plead not guilty. If convicted, they face life in prison.
The three brothers come from a high-profile real estate background. Tal and Oren brokered a $47 million deal for their father in 2012 and a $240 million Manhattan condo sale in 2019. Alon attended law school before joining the family's private security company, Kent Security.
Each brother has been accused of forcible rape by at least 10 women. All three are indicted on federal sex trafficking charges, while Oren and Alon also face sexual battery charges in Florida. The Alexanders have denied the allegations in civil cases, with their representatives suggesting the accusers are attempting to extort them.
Court documents detail accounts from alleged victims. "Victim-1" claims she was raped by Tal Alexander and other men in 2021 at a home in the Hamptons. She says she felt unwell after drinking a glass of wine, then recalled Tal holding her down as another man entered the room. She later woke up in a separate room, where a camcorder was set up.
Another alleged victim, referred to as "Victim-2," told investigators that Oren raped her. She says Oren gave her a cocktail, after which she felt strange and struggled to walk. Alon then took her to a bedroom to lie down. She recalls waking up to find Oren in the room. He allegedly pulled down her bathing suit and raped her while she was "physically impaired and could not move."
Joining Nancy Grace today:
Neama Rahmani – Former Federal Prosecutor-turned-Trial Attorney; Author: “Harvard to Hashtag;” INSTAGRAM: @Neamarahmani/ X: @NeamaRahmani Caryn L. Stark – Psychologist, Renowned TV and Radio Trauma Expert and Consultant; Instagram: carynpsych/FB: Caryn Stark Private Practice Bill Daly – Former FBI Investigator and Forensic Photography, Security Expert Lynn Shaw – Founder and Executive Director of Lynn’s Warriors Host of Lynn’s Warriors on YouTube, lynnswarrior.org, X: @lynns_warriors Youtube: @LynnsWarriors Christina Aguayo – National News Anchor, Salem News Channel, website: www.ChristinaAguayoNews.Com, Facebook: @ChristinaAguayoNews, Instagram: @Christina.AguayoNewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Syracuse, New York, five underclassmen on the Westhill High School lacrosse team were excited when older teammates invited them to watch a rival school's match and get dinner at McDonald’s.
After the game, while driving home, the car’s driver appeared to get lost and pulled over. Suddenly, masked attackers—armed with at least one knife and possibly a gun—emerged from a wooded area and tried to kidnap the boys. Four escaped, but the masked men captured one.
Outnumbered 11 to one, the boy had his hands tied and a pillowcase placed over his head before the assailants forced him into the trunk of a car at knifepoint. The kidnappers taunted him as they drove to another secluded, wooded area and left him on the ground—alone and fearing for his life.
Still bound and blindfolded, the boy heard the attackers return. He didn’t know if they planned to release him or kill him. Instead, they revealed it was a prank. The attackers were upperclassmen on the lacrosse team staging a hazing ritual. The entire incident was recorded on video.
The next morning, the victim’s family reported the incident to the school, as students circulated the video and rumors of the mock kidnapping sparked a social media firestorm in the community.
A school resource officer reported the incident to the Sheriff’s Office, triggering an investigation.
Joining Nancy Grace today:
Shari Foltz - Mother of Stone Foltz, Son Died during a hazing incident at a frat initiation at Bowling Green State University // Founder of I Am Stone Foltz Foundation David Bianchi - Trial lawyer at Stewart, Tilghman, Fox, Bianchi & Cain, [recognized as "America’s leading hazing lawyer"], Represented Danny Santulli's family who was left permanently impaired after fraternity hazing incident at University of Missouri Dr. Gary Brucato - Clinical Psychologist and Author: “The New Evil: Understanding the Emergence of Modern Violent Crime” Barry Hutchison - Former 26-year law enforcement veteran and detective, now owner & Chief Investigator for Barry & Associates Investigative Services [located in Kansas & Missouri] Joseph Scott Morgan - Professor of Forensics: Jacksonville State University, Author of "Blood Beneath My Feet," and Host of "Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan;" X:@JoScottForensic Mary Kielar - Investigative Reporter for CNY Central Media Group; Instagram @MaryKielar, Facebook @MaryKielarCNYCentral, X: MaryKCNYSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Sean “Diddy” Combs' sex-trafficking trial kicks off with jury selection.
This week, Combs listened intently as potential jurors answered questions after completing their written questionnaires. During the proceedings, Combs asked the judge for a bathroom break. When he returned, he apologized to Judge Subramanian, saying, “I’m sorry, Your Honor, I’m a little nervous today.”
Final jury selection continues Friday. Several potential jurors have been dismissed. One called the Cassie Ventura beating video “damning evidence.” Another said he believes the rap mogul can “buy his way out of jail.” Yet another attended Sean Combs’ high school. One person, a producer for HBO who did not work on the Diddy documentary, admitted to hearing “water cooler” talk about it.
For more on the issues ahead, stay tuned for Crime Stories with Nancy Grace
Joining Nancy Grace today :
Eric Faddis - Partner at Varner Faddis Elite Legal, Former Felony Prosecutor and Current Criminal Defense and Civil Litigation Attorney; Instagram: @e_fad @varnerfaddis; TikTok: @varnerfaddis Dr. Bethany Marshall - Psychoanalyst, Author: "Deal Breaker," and featured in hit show "Paris in Love" on Peacock; Instagram & TikTok: drbethanymarshall, X: @DrBethanyLive Robert Crispin - Private Investigator at “Crispin Special Investigations," Former Federal Task Force Officer for the United States Department of Justice [DEA and Miami Field Division], Former Homicide and Crimes Against Children Investigator; Facebook: Crispin Special Investigations Inc. Dr. DeWayne Hendrix - Former Associate Warden at the MDC in Brooklyn, Former Senior Warden with the US Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Founder and President of A New Daylight Foundation, Author: "Who Are You? See it Say it and Seize it;" @anewdaylight (IG) @drdewaynehendrix (LinkedIn) @anewdaylight (X) Lynn Shaw - Founder and Executive Director of Lynn's Warriors, Host of Lynn's Warriors on YouTube; X: @lynns_warriors/ YouTube: @LynnsWarriors Lauren Conlin - Podcaster/Reporter/Host- Co-Host of Primetime Crime on YouTube; X- @Conlin_Lauren, Instagram- @LaurenEmilyConlin, YouTube: @PopCrimeTV Sydney Sumner - CrimeOnline Investigative ReporterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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