Criminal Motives

Matthew Phifer

Welcome to Criminal Motives, a true crime Youtube Channel where therapy meets investigation.I'm a therapist reacting to real life true crime events, analyzing not only the facts but also the human behavior behind them. Each episode, we will dissect current cases with compassion, professional insight, and a deep dive into the motivations behind the headlines. If you're drawn to gripping stories and thoughtful analysis, you're in the right place. Let's explore the minds behind the crimes together.

  1. 1d ago

    He Admitted He Did It — So Why Are Millions Defending Carmelo Anthony?

    He Admitted He Did It — So Why Are Millions Defending Carmelo Anthony?The Karmelo Anthony murder trial is officially underway and this one hits close to home. A confrontation at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas ended with 17-year-old Austin Metcalf stabbed in the chest and dying in his twin brother's arms. Now, Karmelo Anthony faces a first-degree murder charge that could land him in prison for up to 99 years.In this first episode of our multi-part series covering the trial, we break down everything we know so far: the confrontation under the tent, Anthony's alleged statements to police, the surveillance video the school district won't release, the controversial bond reduction, and the racial tensions that have exploded around this case. I also give my thoughts and reactions as a therapist including why self-defense claims are more complicated than social media makes them seem, and why being a victim doesn't automatically mean you're innocent in the eyes of the law.📰 Subscribe to the Criminal Motives Substack for more:https://substack.com/@criminalmotives

    30 min

  2. May 25

    Sorry, But Mackenzie Shirilla Was Convicted of the Wrong Crime

    Sorry, But Mackenzie Shirilla Was Convicted of the Wrong CrimeWas Mackenzie Shirilla wrongly convicted of murder? Professionals weigh in on The Crash — Netflix's explosive new documentary — and the verdict may surprise you.A forensic scientist & former CSI, a defense attorney, and a trauma therapist all agree: Mackenzie Shirilla may be guilty of manslaughter, but not murder. In this video, we break down the key arguments:Why the prosecution may have failed — Intent and premeditation were never truly provenThe "dry run" argument debunked — Driving a public road days earlier is not evidence of murderThe science of reaction time — At 100 mph, a driver has less than 1 second to react before impactTeen brain development + THC — Why explosive impulsive behavior ≠ premeditated killingThe bench trial mistake — Why choosing a judge over a jury may have sealed her fateWhether you think she's guilty or not, the legal and forensic details of this case deserve a closer look — beyond the emotion.💬 Do you think Mackenzie Shirilla was guilty of murder or manslaughter? Drop your thoughts in the comments.Video credit:giancrstesq Via Tiktokamy_santoro Via Tiktokyourtraumatherapist Via Tiktok

    18 min

  3. May 21

    McKenzie Sharilla Had Sugar Daddies, a Prison Girlfriend & Zero Remorse — But Is She Innocent?

    McKenzie Sharilla was sentenced to two consecutive 15-to-life terms for the murders of Dominic Russo and DaVon Flanigan. But what is she really like behind bars? Two women who were incarcerated with her — including someone who was in a romantic relationship with McKenzie — are sharing their firsthand accounts.From her lack of remorse, to her prison lifestyle funded by her mother and sugar daddies, to a bombshell claim about what really happened the night of July 31, 2022 — this video covers what the Netflix documentary "The Crash" left out.

    41 min

  4. Apr 17

    Her Fiancé Watched Her Die in Zanzibar and Never Called Her Family — Ashley Robinson Case

    15% off Therapy with Betterhelp: http://betterhelp.com/mattphiferSouth Jersey influencer Ashley Robinson, known online as Ashley Jana, was found dead in a luxury villa in Zanzibar, Tanzania just days after getting engaged to her fiancé Joe McCann. Police say she was found unconscious and later pronounced dead at a hospital — but her family says the story doesn't add up.In this episode, we break down the latest updates in the Ashley Robinson case, including why Joe McCann's silence toward her family raises serious red flags, the explosive argument that forced hotel staff to separate the couple hours before her death, and why the early suicide ruling feels premature.We also discuss what Ashley's family should be doing right now to get answers — and what the autopsy results could reveal.

    14 min

  5. Apr 17

    Why "Just Leave" Gets Women Killed — Justin Fairfax Murder-Suicide | Therapist Breaks It Down

    Former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife, Serena Fairfax, before turning the gun on himself in an Annandale, Virginia home while their two teenage children were inside. In this video, therapist Matthew Phifer breaks down the psychology behind this murder-suicide, why the moment divorce papers were served became the deadly trigger, and what this tragedy reveals about domestic violence in wealthy, high-profile households. This case is a sobering reminder that intimate partner violence doesn't discriminate by income, status, or public image and that the most dangerous time for a domestic violence victim is when she decides to leave. If you or someone you know is currently in an abusive relationship or navigating a dangerous separation, this video covers warning signs of narcissistic abuse, escalation patterns in domestic violence, and how to safely exit a toxic or violent relationship.

    14 min

  6. Apr 15

    Ring Camera Catches Man Banging on Door Demanding to See Homeowner's Daughter | Therapist Reacts

    15% off Therapy with Betterhelp: http://betterhelp.com/mattphiferA man was caught on Ring doorbell camera banging on a homeowner's door, demanding to know where his daughter was — and threatening to break the door down and end his life. What started as a terrifying confrontation took a surprising turn. In this episode, I break down the footage and give my take on what was really going on with this man's behavior — because this wasn't just aggression. There may have been something much deeper at play. Drop your thoughts in the comments, and if you're new here, make sure you like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you don't miss new episodes.

    10 min

  7. Apr 15

    Anna Kepner Case Explained, Step Brother Facing Life in Prison | Therapist Reacts

    15% off Therapy with Betterhelp: http://betterhelp.com/mattphiferAnna Kepner Case Explained, Step Brother Facing Life in Prison | Therapist Reacts16-year-old Timothy Hudson has been indicted on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of his stepsister Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival cruise ship in November 2025 — and in this video, therapist Matthew Phifer breaks down the behavioral warning signs that were present long before the tragedy occurred. Connect With Me:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@phifermediahq?_t=ZP-90n4J40rjWJ&_r=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattphifercoaching?igsh=MW5weWJmampndmh3NA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrThreads:https://www.threads.com/@mattphifercoaching?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BS47jva1w/?mibextid=wwXIfr

    8 min

  8. Apr 15

    What Really Happened to Ashlee Jenae? Why is Her Fiancé Silent? Therapist Reacts

    Social media influencer Ashlee Jenae Found Dead by Suicide, but Her Fiancé is Silent and Her Family Wants Answers was found dead in Zanzibar, Tanzania just days after her fiancé proposed and authorities are calling it a suicide. But her family isn't buying it, and neither am I. In today's video, I break down the timeline of events surrounding Ashley's death, including the explosive argument that got the couple separated by hotel staff, the 11-hour delay before anyone called for help, and the disturbing details found in her medical report. As a therapist with over a decade of experience working with domestic violence victims, I explain why the circumstances surrounding this case raise serious red flags and why this may be less of a tragedy and more of a crime. Leave your thoughts in the comments below do you think this was a suicide, or is there something more sinister going on?Connect With Me:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@phifermediahq?_t=ZP-90n4J40rjWJ&_r=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattphifercoaching?igsh=MW5weWJmampndmh3NA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrThreads:https://www.threads.com/@mattphifercoaching?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BS47jva1w/?mibextid=wwXIfrPodcast:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/criminal-motives/id1493583482Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TfiV6cmNj6tcyXGsanv0t?si=oyvsQ6UwTwGeZYYacaaOmg

    10 min
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4.8
out of 5
117 Ratings

About

Welcome to Criminal Motives, a true crime Youtube Channel where therapy meets investigation.I'm a therapist reacting to real life true crime events, analyzing not only the facts but also the human behavior behind them. Each episode, we will dissect current cases with compassion, professional insight, and a deep dive into the motivations behind the headlines. If you're drawn to gripping stories and thoughtful analysis, you're in the right place. Let's explore the minds behind the crimes together.

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew Phifer
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Matthew Phifer
  • Show Website
    Criminal Motives

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