STOP THE KILLING PODCAST

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Stop the Killing

Evergreen Podcasts & Sarah Ferris Media

Exploring the Darkest Corners of Violence Prevention and Survival: Join Katherine Schweit, former head of the FBI's Active Shooter Program, and award-winning true-crime producer Sarah Ferris in Stop the Killing, the true-crime podcast that doesn’t just document tragedy but empowers listeners with the tools to prevent it. This series masterfully blends deep dives into infamous mass shootings, high-stakes FBI cases, and real-world survivor stories with expert analysis and practical safety strategies. Schweit—who led the first government study on mass shootings after Sandy Hook—delivers powerful insights, while Ferris transforms each episode into a gripping, unforgettable journey. Together, they equip listeners to recognize warning signs, understand preventative strategies, and become "upstanders" in the face of violence. In Season 5, meet heroes, advocates, and experts whose stories demand action—from Parkland parents who turned grief into advocacy, to Chris Hansen of To Catch a Predator - each story a call to action in America's ongoing fight against gun violence.  Stop the Killing isn’t just a podcast; it’s an indispensable guide to saving lives.

  1. 18 HRS AGO ·  BONUS

    S6B8 When a Six-Year-Old Shoots: The Richneck Case and the Question of Accountability

    In this Stop the Killing update, Katherine Schweit revisits the Richneck Elementary School shooting in Newport News, Virginia — the case where a six-year-old student shot his teacher, Abigail Zwerner, in January 2023. This episode focuses on the latest legal development: the dismissal of criminal charges against former assistant principal Ebony Parker, who had been accused of felony child abuse and endangerment after warnings were allegedly raised before the shooting. Katherine explains what happened in court, why the judge dismissed the charges, and why this case continues to raise difficult questions about school shooting prevention, gun safety, child access to firearms, school accountability, and legal responsibility. When a six-year-old cannot be held criminally responsible, who can be? The parent? The school? The administrator? The system? For more detail on the original incident, listen to our earlier episode:Richneck Elementary School – Stop the Killinghttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/richneck-elementary-school/id1585146489?i=1000610558667 You can also listen to our follow-up episode on the case here:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/stop-the-killing/id1585146489?i=1000621142440 In this episode:Katherine discusses the Richneck Elementary shooting, the criminal case against Ebony Parker, the role of school warnings, the mother’s conviction for child neglect, and the broader accountability crisis surrounding children, firearms, and school safety. Keywords: Richneck Elementary School shooting, Newport News school shooting, Abigail Zwerner, six-year-old shooter, Ebony Parker, school shooting prevention, gun safety, child access to guns, school accountability, Stop the Killing podcast, Katherine Schweit. SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS, SUPPORTS THE PODCAST CRIMECON UK TICKETS HERE CRIMECON US TICKETS HERE DON’T forget to use DISCOUNT CODE “FERRIS”  RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI  RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a Sarah Ferris Media on the Killer Podcasts Network Check out more Sarah Ferris Media productions: CONNING THE CON KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    12 min
  2. 4 DAYS AGO ·  BONUS • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    S6B8 When a Six-Year-Old Shoots: The Richneck Case and the Question of Accountability

    In this Stop the Killing update, Katherine Schweit revisits the Richneck Elementary School shooting in Newport News, Virginia — the case where a six-year-old student shot his teacher, Abigail Zwerner, in January 2023. This episode focuses on the latest legal development: the dismissal of criminal charges against former assistant principal Ebony Parker, who had been accused of felony child abuse and endangerment after warnings were allegedly raised before the shooting. Katherine explains what happened in court, why the judge dismissed the charges, and why this case continues to raise difficult questions about school shooting prevention, gun safety, child access to firearms, school accountability, and legal responsibility. When a six-year-old cannot be held criminally responsible, who can be? The parent? The school? The administrator? The system? For more detail on the original incident, listen to our earlier episode: Richneck Elementary School – Stop the Killing https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/richneck-elementary-school/id1585146489?i=1000610558667 You can also listen to our follow-up episode on the case here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/stop-the-killing/id1585146489?i=1000621142440 In this episode: Katherine discusses the Richneck Elementary shooting, the criminal case against Ebony Parker, the role of school warnings, the mother’s conviction for child neglect, and the broader accountability crisis surrounding children, firearms, and school safety. Keywords: Richneck Elementary School shooting, Newport News school shooting, Abigail Zwerner, six-year-old shooter, Ebony Parker, school shooting prevention, gun safety, child access to guns, school accountability, Stop the Killing podcast, Katherine Schweit. SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS, SUPPORTS THE PODCAST CRIMECON UK TICKETS HERE CRIMECON US TICKETS HERE DON’T forget to use DISCOUNT CODE “FERRIS” RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a Sarah Ferris Media on the Killer Podcasts Network Check out more Sarah Ferris Media productions: CONNING THE CON KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY

    8 min
  3. 5 DAYS AGO

    S6E12 From Survival to Action: Whitney Austin on Recovery & Preventing Gun Violence — Part 2

    In Part Two of this powerful conversation, Katherine Schweit continues her discussion with Whitney Austin — survivor of the 2018 Cincinnati mass shooting and founder of Whitney Strong. In Part One, Whitney shared the moment she was shot 12 times in less than a minute while walking into her workplace. In this episode, we pick up where that story left off. Whitney takes us through the long road to recovery — multiple surgeries, months of physical and mental rehabilitation, and the determination it took to rebuild her life. But survival was only the beginning. Whitney shares how that experience became the catalyst for action — leading her to create Whitney Strong, an organisation focused on finding common ground to reduce gun violence through practical, data-driven solutions. This episode explores: The physical and mental recovery after surviving a mass shooting Turning trauma into purpose The creation and mission of Whitney Strong Community-based solutions to prevent gun violence The reality of pushing for change — and why persistence matters From hands-on safety training to advocating for targeted legislation, Whitney explains how small, practical actions can come together to save lives. This is a conversation about what comes after survival — and how one person can turn tragedy into impact. Learn more about Whitney’s work:Whitney Strong WANT THE VIDEOS HEAD TO YOUTUBE @sarahferrismedia  And if you are wanting AD FREE | EARLY ACCESS | BONUS CONTENT  HIT THE BANNER ON APPLE PODCASTS TO SUBSCRIBE OR SUPPORT US: Patreon.com/stopthekilling  Message us on instagram :  @conmunitypodcast @stopthekillingstories And for all things Katherine Schweit including where you can purchase her book STOP THE KILLING: How to end the mass shooting crisis head to: www.katherineschweit.com RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI  RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a CONmunity Podcast Production on the Killer Podcasts Network Check out more: CONNING THE CON KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY Klooghless: The Long Con  Watching Two Detectives  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    30 min
  4. 14 MAY

    S6E11 Surviving a Mass Shooting: Whitney Austin’s Story of Strength — Part 1

    In this powerful first part of a two-part conversation, Katherine Schweit speaks with Whitney Austin, survivor of the 2018 Cincinnati mass shooting and founder of Whitney Strong. Whitney shares the ordinary morning that became life-changing: driving from Kentucky to Cincinnati for work, walking into her office building while on a conference call, and suddenly finding herself caught in an active shooter situation. Shot 12 times, Whitney recalls the terrifying moments inside the revolving door, the clarity that helped her survive, the first responders who reached her, and the phone call to her husband that no family should ever receive. This episode explores survival, situational awareness, trauma, and the ripple effects of violence — not only on those physically injured, but on families, workplaces, first responders, and entire communities. In Part Two, Katherine and Whitney discuss recovery, Whitney Strong, and how Whitney turned unimaginable trauma into action. Learn more about Whitney’s work:Whitney Strong In this episode: Whitney Austin’s experience during the 2018 Cincinnati shooting Why situational awareness matters The role of first responders in active shooter events The impact of gun violence beyond the immediate victims What it means to survive — and begin again Part Two is out next week. For early access, ad-free episodes, and to support the work we do, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit:patreon.com/stopthekilling WANT THE VIDEOS HEAD TO YOUTUBE @sarahferrismedia  And if you are wanting AD FREE | EARLY ACCESS | BONUS CONTENT  HIT THE BANNER ON APPLE PODCASTS TO SUBSCRIBE OR SUPPORT US: Patreon.com/stopthekilling  Message us on instagram :  @conmunitypodcast @stopthekillingstories And for all things Katherine Schweit including where you can purchase her book STOP THE KILLING: How to end the mass shooting crisis head to: www.katherineschweit.com RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI  RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a CONmunity Podcast Production on the Killer Podcasts Network Check out more: CONNING THE CON KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY Klooghless: The Long Con  Watching Two Detectives  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    31 min
  5. 12 MAY • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    S6E12 From Survival to Action: Whitney Austin on Recovery & Preventing Gun Violence — Part 2

    In Part Two of this powerful conversation, Katherine Schweit continues her discussion with Whitney Austin — survivor of the 2018 Cincinnati mass shooting and founder of Whitney Strong. In Part One, Whitney shared the moment she was shot 12 times in less than a minute while walking into her workplace. In this episode, we pick up where that story left off. Whitney takes us through the long road to recovery — multiple surgeries, months of physical and mental rehabilitation, and the determination it took to rebuild her life. But survival was only the beginning. Whitney shares how that experience became the catalyst for action — leading her to create Whitney Strong, an organisation focused on finding common ground to reduce gun violence through practical, data-driven solutions. This episode explores: The physical and mental recovery after surviving a mass shooting Turning trauma into purpose The creation and mission of Whitney Strong Community-based solutions to prevent gun violence The reality of pushing for change — and why persistence matters From hands-on safety training to advocating for targeted legislation, Whitney explains how small, practical actions can come together to save lives. This is a conversation about what comes after survival — and how one person can turn tragedy into impact. Learn more about Whitney’s work:⁠Whitney Strong⁠ WANT THE VIDEOS HEAD TO YOUTUBE ⁠@sarahferrismedia⁠  And if you are wanting AD FREE | EARLY ACCESS | BONUS CONTENT  HIT THE BANNER ON ⁠APPLE PODCASTS TO SUBSCRIBE⁠ OR SUPPORT US:⁠ ⁠⁠Patreon.com/stopthekilling⁠  Message us on instagram :⁠ ⁠ ⁠@conmunitypodcast⁠ ⁠@stopthekillingstories⁠ And for all things Katherine Schweit including where you can purchase her book STOP THE KILLING: How to end the mass shooting crisis head to: ⁠www.katherineschweit.com⁠ RESOURCES ⁠Stop the Bleed training⁠ ⁠FBI ⁠ ⁠RUN, HIDE, FIGHT⁠ This is a ⁠CONmunity Podcast Production⁠ on the Killer Podcasts Network Check out more: ⁠CONNING THE CON⁠ ⁠KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON⁠ ⁠GUILTY GREENIE⁠ ⁠THE BRAVERY ACADEMY⁠ ⁠Klooghless: The Long Con⁠  ⁠Watching Two Detectives⁠

    27 min
  6. 12 MAY • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    S6E11 Surviving a Mass Shooting: Whitney Austin’s Story of Strength — Part 1

    In this powerful first part of a two-part conversation, Katherine Schweit speaks with Whitney Austin, survivor of the 2018 Cincinnati mass shooting and founder of Whitney Strong. Whitney shares the ordinary morning that became life-changing: driving from Kentucky to Cincinnati for work, walking into her office building while on a conference call, and suddenly finding herself caught in an active shooter situation. Shot 12 times, Whitney recalls the terrifying moments inside the revolving door, the clarity that helped her survive, the first responders who reached her, and the phone call to her husband that no family should ever receive. This episode explores survival, situational awareness, trauma, and the ripple effects of violence — not only on those physically injured, but on families, workplaces, first responders, and entire communities. In Part Two, Katherine and Whitney discuss recovery, Whitney Strong, and how Whitney turned unimaginable trauma into action. Learn more about Whitney’s work:⁠Whitney Strong⁠ In this episode: Whitney Austin’s experience during the 2018 Cincinnati shooting Why situational awareness matters The role of first responders in active shooter events The impact of gun violence beyond the immediate victims What it means to survive — and begin again Part Two is out next week. For early access, ad-free episodes, and to support the work we do, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit:patreon.com/stopthekilling WANT THE VIDEOS HEAD TO YOUTUBE ⁠@sarahferrismedia⁠  And if you are wanting AD FREE | EARLY ACCESS | BONUS CONTENT  HIT THE BANNER ON ⁠APPLE PODCASTS TO SUBSCRIBE⁠ OR SUPPORT US:⁠ ⁠⁠Patreon.com/stopthekilling⁠  Message us on instagram :⁠ ⁠ ⁠@conmunitypodcast⁠ ⁠@stopthekillingstories⁠ And for all things Katherine Schweit including where you can purchase her book STOP THE KILLING: How to end the mass shooting crisis head to: ⁠www.katherineschweit.com⁠ RESOURCES ⁠Stop the Bleed training⁠ ⁠FBI ⁠ ⁠RUN, HIDE, FIGHT⁠ This is a ⁠CONmunity Podcast Production⁠ on the Killer Podcasts Network Check out more: ⁠CONNING THE CON⁠ ⁠KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON⁠ ⁠GUILTY GREENIE⁠ ⁠THE BRAVERY ACADEMY⁠ ⁠Klooghless: The Long Con⁠  ⁠Watching Two Detectives⁠

    28 min
  7. 7 MAY

    S6E10 Why ‘Being on the Radar’ Doesn’t Stop a Shooter (Part 2) | Katherine Schweit

    In Part 2 of this conversation, former FBI agent Katherine Schweit continues her deep dive with experts from Integras Intelligence — unpacking one of the most misunderstood and frustrating questions in the aftermath of targeted violence. Joining Katherine are: Michael Ginch, Manager, Investigations Forhad Razzaque, President Why many perpetrators have no obvious warning signs — and why that’s increasing The uncomfortable truth: people close to offenders are often shocked by what happens  Why “being on the radar” can mean almost anything — from minor past incidents to vague concerns The legal reality: why law enforcement can’t act without threshold evidence How free speech and civil liberties limit intervention — even when something feels wrong Why monitoring the internet is not as simple as it sounds (and why it’s impossible to catch everything) The problem of false positives — and why context matters more than keywords One of the most striking takeaways from this episode: 👉 Many organisations don’t even have a basic system for reporting concerns. Which means: Warning signs may never reach decision-makers Employees don’t know who to tell And even when they do… there’s no clear process for action As the Integras team explains, prevention isn’t about catching everything —it’s about what you do when something is flagged. You can’t prevent every act of violence. But you can build systems that make it harder to miss the signals that matter. Because when something goes wrong, the real question isn’t just: “Were they on the radar?” It’s: “What did we do when they were?” In Part 1, Katherine breaks down: What background checks actually reveal Why investigations are limited by law And how risk is assessed before an incident Learn more about the team behind this episode:👉 ⁠https://integrasintel.com/about/team/⁠ WANT THE VIDEOS HEAD TO YOUTUBE ⁠@sarahferrismedia⁠  And if you are wanting AD FREE | EARLY ACCESS | BONUS CONTENT  HIT THE BANNER ON ⁠APPLE PODCASTS TO SUBSCRIBE⁠ OR SUPPORT US:⁠ ⁠⁠Patreon.com/stopthekilling⁠  Message us on instagram :⁠ ⁠ ⁠@conmunitypodcast⁠ ⁠@stopthekillingstories⁠ And for all things Katherine Schweit including where you can purchase her book STOP THE KILLING: How to end the mass shooting crisis head to: ⁠www.katherineschweit.com⁠ RESOURCES ⁠Stop the Bleed training⁠ ⁠FBI ⁠ ⁠RUN, HIDE, FIGHT⁠ This is a ⁠CONmunity Podcast Production⁠ on the Killer Podcasts Network Check out more: ⁠CONNING THE CON⁠ ⁠KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON⁠ ⁠GUILTY GREENIE⁠ ⁠THE BRAVERY ACADEMY⁠ ⁠Klooghless: The Long Con⁠  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    33 min

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About

Exploring the Darkest Corners of Violence Prevention and Survival: Join Katherine Schweit, former head of the FBI's Active Shooter Program, and award-winning true-crime producer Sarah Ferris in Stop the Killing, the true-crime podcast that doesn’t just document tragedy but empowers listeners with the tools to prevent it. This series masterfully blends deep dives into infamous mass shootings, high-stakes FBI cases, and real-world survivor stories with expert analysis and practical safety strategies. Schweit—who led the first government study on mass shootings after Sandy Hook—delivers powerful insights, while Ferris transforms each episode into a gripping, unforgettable journey. Together, they equip listeners to recognize warning signs, understand preventative strategies, and become "upstanders" in the face of violence. In Season 5, meet heroes, advocates, and experts whose stories demand action—from Parkland parents who turned grief into advocacy, to Chris Hansen of To Catch a Predator - each story a call to action in America's ongoing fight against gun violence.  Stop the Killing isn’t just a podcast; it’s an indispensable guide to saving lives.

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