Forensic Tales

Rockefeller Audio
  • 4.0 (43)
  • True Crime
  • Updated Semiweekly

Not all stories have happy endings... Hosted by Courtney Fretwell, M.S. in Forensic Psychology, Forensic Tales is a weekly true crime podcast with a forensic twist. Each episode features real cases and explores how forensic science, criminal profiling, and investigative techniques were used to uncover the truth—or, in some cases, left more questions than answers. From fingerprint analysis and DNA evidence to bloodstain pattern analysis and behavioral profiling, every episode breaks down the science behind the headlines. Whether it's a solved murder, a cold case, or a controversial investigation, Forensic Tales takes you beyond the crime scene and into the forensic evidence that shaped the case.

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  1. 2d ago

    The Mysterious Death of Brandon Lawson

    In the early morning hours of August 9, 2013, 26-year-old Brandon Lawson abandoned his pickup truck along a remote stretch of Highway 277 near Bronte, Texas. Moments earlier, he had made several frantic phone calls to family members and a chilling 911 call, claiming he was being chased through a field. Then, he vanished. For many years, Brandon's disappearance became one of the most debated missing person cases in America. Was he suffering from methamphetamine-induced psychosis? Did he encounter foul play? Or was there another explanation entirely? In this episode of Forensic Tales, we explore Brandon's final hours, analyze the infamous 911 call, examine the forensic evidence, and discuss how advances in DNA testing ultimately identified his remains in 2024—while still leaving investigators without an official cause of death. In this episode, we discuss: Brandon Lawson's life leading up to his disappearance The timeline of August 8–9, 2013 His mysterious phone calls and the infamous 911 recording The competing theories surrounding his disappearance The discovery of his clothing and remains in 2022 The forensic DNA process that confirmed his identity Why Brandon's cause of death remains unknown If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps more people discover Forensic Tales. For ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, visit: https://www.patreon.com/forensictales Follow Forensic Tales: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forensic_tales Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForensicTales Website: https://forensictales.com Have a case suggestion or feedback? Email: courtney@forensictales.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Mysterious Death of Brandon Lawson

  2. 6d ago

    The Suspicious Death of Crystal McCrory Jones (Part 2)

    When Crystal McCrory Jones was found dead inside her home on February 9, 2023, investigators quickly ruled her death a suicide. But after obtaining the autopsy report, investigative records, photographs, and other official documents, Crystal's family began uncovering what they believe are significant inconsistencies in the investigation. In Part Two of this special two-part series, we take a closer look at the forensic evidence. From questions surrounding the autopsy findings and undocumented injuries to concerns about lividity, crime scene processing, timeline discrepancies, and other investigative decisions, we examine the evidence that has led Crystal's family to continue searching for answers more than two years later. This episode also explores Crystal's medical history, her previous suicide attempt more than a decade earlier, the events leading up to her death, and why her family believes the official investigation left too many important questions unanswered. As always, this episode is intended to examine the available evidence and present the facts documented in investigative records, interviews, and materials provided by Crystal's family. Listeners are encouraged to evaluate the evidence and draw their own conclusions. In this episode: The autopsy findings and alleged errors Bruising, lividity, and forensic pathology Crime scene processing concerns Timeline and GPS evidence Ring doorbell and digital evidence Crystal's medical history and mental health Why the family continues to challenge the official ruling The ongoing search for answers If you haven't already, be sure to listen to Part One, where we cover Crystal's life, the events of February 9, 2023, the initial investigation, and the circumstances surrounding her death. Listen every episode ad-free and support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/forensictales Follow Forensic Tales: Website: https://forensictales.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forensictales Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forensictales TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forensictales Have a case suggestion or feedback? Email: courtney@forensictales.com Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written & produced by Courtney Fretwell, who is also the host of the Find My Killer podcast, which covers unsolved murders, mysterious disappearances, and suspicious deaths. Listen to Find My Killer wherever you listen to Forensic Tales. If you'd like to hear more about Crystal's story, check out the Without Warning, Bayou Secrets podcast produced by the family's private investigator. You can also check out the family's Change.org petition.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Suspicious Death of Crystal McCrory Jones (Part 2)

  3. 6d ago • Subscribers Only

    The Suspicious Death of Crystal McCrory Jones (Part 2)

    Forensic Tales

  4. Jul 6

    The Suspicious Death of Crystal McCrory Jones (Part 1)

    On the afternoon of February 9, 2023, Crystal McCrory Jones failed to show up for a doctor's appointment. Concerned after repeated calls and texts went unanswered, her husband contacted the West Carroll Parish Sheriff's Office and requested a welfare check. Inside the home, deputies discovered Crystal dead from a single gunshot wound to the head. Less than two hours later, her death was ruled a suicide. But for Crystal's family, that conclusion came far too quickly. In Part One of this two-part series, we examine Crystal's life, her final day, the initial investigation, and the many questions that emerged almost immediately after her death. We'll walk through the timeline, the welfare check, the crime scene, the first interviews, and the investigative decisions that continue to raise concerns for those closest to Crystal. This episode includes information obtained from investigative records, police reports, interviews, and documents provided by Crystal's family. In this episode: Crystal's life and family The events of February 9, 2023 The welfare check that changed everything The initial investigation Crime scene observations The first interviews with investigators Why Crystal's family began questioning the official ruling Correction: In the episode, I mention Crystal becoming a grandmother to Tony's grandchild. Jana clarified that Crystal was not accepted as the child's "grandma" by Tony's family. Correction: During the welfare check, Deputy Harris did not discover the front door was unlocked on his own. Tony had already told him over the phone that the door was unlocked and directed him to the bedroom. Coming Thursday in Part Two: We'll examine the autopsy findings, forensic evidence, investigative inconsistencies, and the questions that continue to surround Crystal's death more than two years later. Listen ad-free and hear both parts right now on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/forensictales Follow Forensic Tales: Website: https://forensictales.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forensictales Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forensictales TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forensictales Have a case suggestion or feedback? Email: courtney@forensictales.com Forensic Tales is a Rockefeller Audio production. The show is written & produced by Courtney Fretwell, who is also the host of the Find My Killer podcast, which covers unsolved murders, suspicious deaths, and disappearances. Available wherever you listen to Forensic Tales. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Suspicious Death of Crystal McCrory Jones (Part 1)

  5. Jun 29

    The Dardeen Family Murders

    On November 18, 1987, the small town of Ina, Illinois, was forever changed when Keith and Elaine Dardeen, their 3-year-old son Peter, and their newborn daughter Casey were found murdered in one of the most horrific crime scenes investigators had ever encountered. Nearly four decades later, the murders remain officially unsolved. In this episode of Forensic Tales, I take a closer look at the lives of the Dardeen family, the timeline leading up to the murders, the crime scene investigation, the forensic evidence, and the theories that continue to surround this heartbreaking case. From early rumors and community panic to the controversial confessions of serial killer Tommy Lynn Sells, we'll examine what investigators know, what they don't, and whether this mystery may ever be solved. In this episode: The Dardeen family's life in Ina, Illinois The discovery of the crime scenes Crime scene processing and forensic evidence Autopsy findings and timeline reconstruction How rumors fueled fear throughout southern Illinois The investigation and persons of interest Tommy Lynn Sells' conflicting confessions Why the case remains unsolved today If you enjoy Forensic Tales, consider supporting the show on Patreon for early, ad-free episodes, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes updates. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/forensictales Follow Forensic Tales: Website & Episode Sources: https://forensictales.com/the-dardeen-family-murders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forensictales Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forensictales TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forensictales If you enjoyed this episode, I'd truly appreciate it if you left a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. It helps more people discover the show and supports independent creators like me. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Dardeen Family Murders

  6. Jun 24

    The Unsolved Murder of Robert Wone | Patreon Bonus Preview

    The Unsolved Murder of Robert Wone In this special Patreon Bonus Preview, I share a portion of this month's exclusive episode covering the mysterious and unsolved murder of Robert Wone. Listen to the FULL episode: http://Patreon.com/ForensicTales On August 2, 2006, Robert Wone—a successful attorney, devoted husband, and respected friend—arrived at a townhouse on Swann Street in Washington, D.C., where he planned to spend the night with a longtime friend. Less than two hours later, he was fighting for his life. Robert had been stabbed three times in the chest while three other men were inside the home. Yet no one reported seeing the attack. No intruder was ever identified. And despite years of investigations, forensic analysis, court proceedings, and countless theories, no one has ever been convicted of his murder. In the full Patreon episode, I explore: The strange crime scene The unexplained forensic evidence The needle-like puncture marks found during the autopsy The lack of defensive wounds The investigation into Joseph Price, Victor Zaborsky, and Dylan Ward The obstruction and conspiracy trial The competing theories that continue to divide investigators and true crime followers today If you'd like to hear the complete ad-free bonus episode, along with exclusive monthly bonus content, early access episodes, and more, join the Forensic Tales Patreon community: Patreon.com/ForensicTales Thank you for listening and supporting Forensic Tales. Hosted and produced by Courtney Fretwell. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Unsolved Murder of Robert Wone | Patreon Bonus Preview

  7. Jun 22

    The Disappearance of Brandon Swanson

    In the early morning hours of May 14, 2008, 19-year-old Brandon Swanson was driving home after celebrating the end of the college semester when his car became stuck in a ditch along a rural Minnesota road. Unable to free his vehicle, Brandon called his parents for help. For the next 47 minutes, he remained on the phone with his father while walking through fields, fences, and farmland, attempting to meet up with his family. Then, without warning, Brandon shouted, "Oh, shit!" The call went silent, and he was never seen again. In this episode of Forensic Tales, we examine the disappearance of Brandon Swanson, the extensive search efforts that followed, the forensic challenges investigators faced, the role of cell phone evidence in reconstructing his final movements, and the theories that continue to surround this baffling case more than 18 years later. Follow Forensic Tales: Instagram: @ForensicTales Facebook: Forensic Tales TikTok: @ForensicTales For early ad-free episodes, bonus content, and exclusive case discussions, visit Patreon and become a supporter of the show. Learn more: Patreon.com/ForensicTales If you enjoy Forensic Tales, please consider leaving a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps more people discover the show. For a full list of sources used in this episode, please visit our website: ForensicTales.com/Brandon-Swanson Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Disappearance of Brandon Swanson

  8. Jun 18

    The Murder of Rachel Nickell (Archive)

    The murder of Rachel Nickell remains one of the most infamous true crime cases in the United Kingdom. In July 1992, Rachel was brutally attacked and murdered on Wimbledon Common in broad daylight while walking with her young son. What followed was a controversial murder investigation that captivated the nation, generated intense media scrutiny, and ultimately led investigators down the wrong path. In this episode of Forensic Tales, we revisit the Rachel Nickell case, exploring the failed investigation into Colin Stagg, the controversial use of criminal profiling, the role of undercover police operations, and the forensic DNA evidence that eventually identified the true killer, Robert Napper. With renewed interest in the case following recent documentaries and Netflix coverage, this replay examines details that are often overlooked, including the forensic breakthroughs, investigative failures, and lasting impact the case had on British policing and criminal justice. Topics discussed include: • The murder of Rachel Nickell on Wimbledon Common • The investigation into Colin Stagg • Criminal profiling and investigative tunnel vision • The controversial "honey trap" operation • Robert Napper and his history of violent offenses • DNA evidence and forensic advances • The eventual resolution of the case • The lasting legacy of the Rachel Nickell investigation This episode is part of the Forensic Tales Achieve, where we revisit some of the most important forensic cases from the show's archives. Hosted by Courtney Fretwell, M.S. Forensic Psychology. Follow Forensic Tales: Instagram: @ForensicTales Facebook: Forensic Tales TikTok: @ForensicTales Website: ForensicTales.com Interested in CrimeCon UK? I'll be returning to London on October 3-4, 2026. Use code TALES for discounted tickets. Want to listen to over 300+ episodes of the show without ads? Want monthly full-length bonus episodes? Consider joining the show's Patreon page. To learn more, patreon.com/forensictales Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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About

Not all stories have happy endings... Hosted by Courtney Fretwell, M.S. in Forensic Psychology, Forensic Tales is a weekly true crime podcast with a forensic twist. Each episode features real cases and explores how forensic science, criminal profiling, and investigative techniques were used to uncover the truth—or, in some cases, left more questions than answers. From fingerprint analysis and DNA evidence to bloodstain pattern analysis and behavioral profiling, every episode breaks down the science behind the headlines. Whether it's a solved murder, a cold case, or a controversial investigation, Forensic Tales takes you beyond the crime scene and into the forensic evidence that shaped the case.

Information

  • Creator
    Rockefeller Audio
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    433
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rockefeller Audio LLC
  • Show Website
    Forensic Tales
  • Provider
    Courtney Fretwell

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