Crime Chats

Lisa Iacoletti & Hilary Morrow

Crime Chats is a casual true crime podcast where we get together and chat about the crimes we can’t stop thinking about. From infamous cases and unsolved mysteries to shocking criminal behavior and courtroom chaos. No scripts, no stiff narration, just casual conversations between real-life best friends. We'll share our honest opinions, theories, and the occasional dark joke every now and then. In each episode, we'll chat about a case that’s been living rent-free in our minds. If you love true crime podcasts, unsolved cases, crime discussion, hearing two friends break down criminal cases in a relatable, conversational way, and you don't mind the occasional colorful language, Crime Chats is for you.

Episodes

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Folie à Deux

    In this episode of Crime Chat, we explore the mysterious death of John Bender, whose wife was tried for his murder on three separate occasions, ultimately culminating in an acquittal. We discuss John's life before meeting Ann, the events that happened leading up to his death, and walk through each of the three trials and their outcomes. We also take a closer look at John and Ann Bender’s mental health diagnoses, referencing the DSM-5 to better understand how mental illness may have influenced behavior, perception, and legal responsibility. ⚠️ Content Warning This episode discusses violent crime, homicide, family tragedy, and allegations of wrongdoing. All information is based on publicly available court records, reporting, and podcast investigations. Allegations and alternative theories are discussed for informational purposes only. Individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. 🔍 Questions We Discuss • Was John Bender’s death a tragic accident, or was there criminal intent involved? • Why did this case go to trial three separate times, and what changed each time? • To what extent should mental health diagnoses impact criminal responsibility? • Did cultural and legal differences in Costa Rica affect the outcome of the case? • Were there warning signs leading up to John’s death that were overlooked? • Has justice truly been served — or does this case still leave too many questions unanswered? 📚 Sources & References Investigative work and claims presented in the podcast Hell in Heaven: A Mysterious Death in Paradise, hosted by journalist, Becky MilliganLove and Madness in the Jungle by Ned Zemen (article published in Outside online magazine)🗣️ Join the Conversation What do you think? This case is anything but straightforward.

    51 min
  2. 3 FEB

    Bever

    In this episode of Crime Chat, we discuss one of the most disturbing family annihilation cases in recent U.S. history. The tragic and terrible crimes of Robert and Michael Bever. We walk through the events leading up to the 2015 massacre in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where two teenage brothers carried out a brutal attack on their own family. We examine the timeline of the crime, the aftermath, and how the case shocked a community — not just because of the violence, but because of the ages of the perpetrators and the warning signs that appeared to go unnoticed. Throughout the episode, we talk through what is known about the brothers’ background, reported influences, online activity, and the broader questions this case raises about radicalization, mental health, family dynamics, and accountability. We also discuss the legal outcomes and sentencing, including how the justice system handled the case given the ages of those involved. This is a difficult case with no easy explanations. Our goal is not to sensationalize, but to understand how something so unthinkable could happen — and what, if anything, can be learned from it. ⚠️ Content Warning This episode includes discussion of extreme violence, homicide, family annihilation, and crimes involving minors. Listener discretion is strongly advised. All information discussed is based on publicly available reporting and court records. We do not speculate beyond what has been documented. 💬 Join the Conversation This case raises difficult questions with no simple answers. What do you think contributes most to cases like this — environment, ideology, mental health, or something else entirely?

    53 min
  3. 27 JAN

    #JusticeforJeremy

    In this episode of Crime Chat, Lisa leads a deep dive into the White House Farm murders thay occurred on August 7th, 1985 and the conviction of Jeremy Bamber in October of 1986. We walk through the full timeline of the case: from the 1985 killings of five members of the Bamber family, through Jeremy Bamber’s arrest, trial, and conviction and then onto his decades of appeals. We break down the prosecution’s case, the evidence (mostly circumstantial) used to secure a conviction, and the questions that have surrounded this case for forty years. From less-than-stellar police work to dubious witness testimony, this case continues to baffle to this day. We also discuss new evidence and alternative interpretations presented by the podcast Blood Relatives, whose host has spent years re-examining the case from the very beginning. This modern re-investigation raises serious questions about whether critical evidence was overlooked (or deliberately skipped) and if police tunnel vision may have ruined an innocent man's life. Will we ever know what really happened at Whitehouse Farm on that fateful night? This episode explores facts, appeals, and evolving perspectives, not definitive conclusions. The goal is to examine why the Jeremy Bamber case remains one of the most debated convictions in British criminal history. ⚠️ Content Warning This episode discusses violent crime, homicide, family tragedy, and allegations of wrongdoing. All information is based on publicly available court records, reporting, and podcast investigations. Allegations and alternative theories are discussed for informational purposes only. Individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. 🧠 Questions We Discuss Was the original investigation handled properly?How much weight should be given to modern re-investigations?Can a conviction still be valid if key evidence is disputed?📚 Sources & References Trial records and appellate decisions related to Jeremy BamberHistorical reporting on the White House Farm murdersInvestigative work and claims presented in the podcast Blood Relatives🗣️ Join the Conversation What’s your take on the Jeremy Bamber case? Do you believe the conviction should be re-examined?

    1h 13m
  4. 20 JAN

    Diddy Do It? Part 1

    In Part 1 of our Diddy 2-part series, we break down the trial-related testimony and allegations surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs, while also unpacking what the docuseries interviews reveal about his early career, rise to power, and long-discussed character traits. We talk through key witness testimony connected to the trial, including reactions to the widely circulated hotel surveillance video involving Diddy and Cassie, and discuss why this evidence has become such a central and disturbing part of the case. Along the way, we reference insights from interviews featured in the docu-series that paint a picture of Diddy’s behavior behind the scenes during his early days in the music industry. This episode focuses on what’s been alleged, testified to, and publicly discussed—and how these pieces fit into the broader legal and cultural conversation surrounding the trial. We do not cover the Tupac and Biggie angle here. That deserves (and will get) its own dedicated episode (be sure to check out Part 2) ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode discusses alleged abuse, violence, and disturbing footage. All information discussed is based on publicly available reports and testimony. Allegations are discussed for informational purposes only. 📚 Sources & References Seam Combs: The Reckoning (docuseeries on Netflix)Reporter coverage of Sean Combs' criminal trialBe sure to check out the 90s diss tracks! (The ones we mentioned are listed below)Tupac - Hit 'Em UpBiggie - What's Beef?🗣️ Join the Conversation What part of this case lives rent-free in your mind?Let us know if there's a case you can't stop thinking about and we'll be sure to add it to our list of things to chat about!

    42 min

About

Crime Chats is a casual true crime podcast where we get together and chat about the crimes we can’t stop thinking about. From infamous cases and unsolved mysteries to shocking criminal behavior and courtroom chaos. No scripts, no stiff narration, just casual conversations between real-life best friends. We'll share our honest opinions, theories, and the occasional dark joke every now and then. In each episode, we'll chat about a case that’s been living rent-free in our minds. If you love true crime podcasts, unsolved cases, crime discussion, hearing two friends break down criminal cases in a relatable, conversational way, and you don't mind the occasional colorful language, Crime Chats is for you.