5 True Crime Podcasts That Caught Real Killers

True crime podcasts have captivated audiences with their riveting storytelling and meticulous investigations. Beyond entertainment, some of these podcasts have played a crucial role in solving real-life mysteries. Here are five true crime podcasts that not only gripped listeners but also helped bring killers to justice.

1. 'Bear Brook'

"Bear Brook" Podcast Cover. Photo by New Hampshire Public Radio.

This podcast not only helped identify a crime perpetrator but also played a crucial role in identifying the victims. The case began in 1985 when two bodies were found in barrels at Bear Brook State Park, with two more bodies discovered nearby in 2000. Renewed interest in 2015, due to advances in genetic technology, eventually led to the identification of the murderer. However, with listeners' help, the focus also shifted to identifying the victims: a woman and three children. The podcast also explores how genealogy has aided police work in other cases.

2. 'Your Own Backyard'

Kristin Smart.

Musician Chris Lambert created this podcast after being haunted for years by a billboard near his California hometown offering a reward for information about missing college freshman Kristen Smart, who disappeared in 1996. The eight-part series delves into Smart's case, interviewing potential witnesses and uncovering new leads, resulting in hundreds of tips. Law enforcement contacted Lambert for connections to his interviewees and acknowledged the podcast's valuable contributions. In 2021, suspect Paul Flores was arrested and charged with Smart's rape and murder. In March 2023, he was sentenced to 25 years to life.

3. 'The Murder Street'

Delphi murder suspect. Photo from Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Journalist Áine Cain and attorney Kevin Greenlee met while investigating the unsolved 1978 murder of four restaurant workers in Indiana, eventually marrying and launching this true crime podcast in November 2020. Initially focused on the 1978 case, they shifted to the Delphi murders of teenagers Libby German and Abby Williams in 2017. Through diligent research, they uncovered key details about the case. In October 2022, local resident Richard Allen was arrested and charged with the murders. This podcast continues to investigate the case as Allen awaits trial.

4. 'Countdown to Capture'

The Newport Beach Police Department launched the podcast "Countdown to Capture" in 2018 to help find fugitive multimillionaire Peter Chadwick, who had been on the run for four years. Chadwick, initially arrested for his wife's 2012 murder, cooperated with police until he skipped bail in 2015. The six-part podcast detailed his crimes, offered a $100K reward, and encouraged the public to help find him. The podcast generated hundreds of tips, one of which provided crucial information leading to Chadwick's capture in Mexico in 2019. He later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.

5. 'Up and Vanished'

Photo by Tenderfoot TV.

Host Payne Lindsey's podcast "Up and Vanished" investigates the cold case of Tara Grinstead, a schoolteacher from Georgia, who disappeared in 2005 and was declared dead in 2010. While Lindsey's journalistic ethics have been questioned, his podcast renewed local interest in the case and prompted the police to reexamine it. Despite some misleading implications, the podcast helped uncover a new lead that led to the arrest and trial of two men. Although they were not convicted of murder, they were found guilty of covering up the crime. The podcast has been criticized for its sensationalism, including controversial merchandise, and inspiring a spoof podcast, "Done Disappeared."

These true crime podcasts demonstrate the powerful impact of dedicated storytelling and investigative journalism. By shedding light on cold cases and uncovering new evidence, they have not only entertained but also contributed significantly to solving crimes and delivering justice.

Reference: 7 True Crime Podcasts That Helped Catch The Killer