Shades of Murder

Alita Cauldwell
  • 3.9 (10)
  • True Crime
  • Updated Bimonthly

Shades of Murder is a true crime podcast dedicated to in-depth research and deep, thoughtful analysis of the world's most chilling and disturbing cases. Hosted and created by Alita Cauldwell, each episode meticulously explores the murders and motivations of violent criminals and delves deep into how law, culture, and society intersect. Episodes include serial killers, children who kill, female criminals, teenage killers, historical murders, indigenous cases, cold cases, marginalized victims, and dark, haunting mysteries. Criminology-based. No banter. Never sensationalized.

  1. Sep 24

    80: Death Row Women - The Trials and Aftermath of Teenage Killer Christa Pike (part 2)

    Only seven days to go until Tennessee’s planned execution of Christa Gail Pike takes place on September 30th, 2026. Part 2 of this deep dive into her case extends far beyond the gruesome headlines to examine the complex legal and psychological layers of the state’s only woman on death row.  This episode details her exhaustive final appeals, including her high-profile lawsuit that challenged Tennessee’s lethal injection protocol, and the highly controversial medical and constitutional arguments surrounding her case. I explore the disturbing testimony and evidence regarding her “almost unbearably abusive background” and provide a criminological analysis profiling her actions through the lens of a thrill killer. Finally, the episode reflects on the true impact of the crime to honor the memory of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer through the heart-wrenching words of her mother.  Key Topics Covered in Part 2: The Ongoing Legal Battle: Inside Christa Pike's multiple appeals over the years, including her most recent lawsuits over execution methods, medical and psychological controversies, and challenges to freedom of religion. The Mitigating Evidence: A look at the severe childhood trauma, abuse, and mental health history that defense teams argued shaped her trajectory and culminated in the murder. Criminological Profiling: A forensic breakdown analysing how Christa Pike is categorized as a classic thrill killer and the psychology behind her motive. The Victim's Legacy: Shifting the focus away from the killer to honor Colleen Slemmer through her mother's perspective. Make sure to catch Part 1 to hear the shocking case of the 1995 University of Tennessee murder, the chilling teenager’s confession, and the original investigation. Please participate in the poll! Your voice matters! If you appreciate our deep dives into historical and global homicide cases through legal and sociological lenses, please hit Follow/Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with a fellow true crime enthusiast! DM me on Instagram @shadesofmurder_podcast or alitadogmasshadesofmurder@gmail.com to share comments, questions, or ideas for future episodes! Just please be kind :)

    80: Death Row Women - The Trials and Aftermath of Teenage Killer Christa Pike (part 2)

  2. Sep 17

    79: Terror in Tennessee - The True Story of Colleen Slemmer and Christa Pike (part 1)

    On September 30th, 2026, Tennessee is expected to execute its only woman on death row, Christa Gail Pike. This gripping two-part special of Shades of Murder is pulled straight from official court records, revealing the harrowing autopsy report and the chilling confession of a teenage killer. Explore one of the darkest and most bizarre cases in American true-crime history. This is the tragic, horrific true story of the torture and murder of 19-year-old Colleen Anne Slemmer. If you appreciate the show's deep dives into historical and global homicide cases through legal and sociological lenses, please be sure to Follow/Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with a fellow true-crime enthusiast! Thank you so much for listening! DM Alita on Instagram @shadesofmurder_podcast or email me at alitadogmasshadesofmurder@gmail.com for comments, questions, or ideas for future episodes.

    79: Terror in Tennessee - The True Story of Colleen Slemmer and Christa Pike (part 1)

  3. Aug 28

    78: The Monsters of Ecatepec - Mexico's Serial Killer Couple

    When police placed a seemingly ordinary couple under active surveillance on October 4, 2018, they were hoping to discover a link to the wave of disappearances plaguing Ecatepec, Mexico. As the suspects stepped out of their home, the wife was pushing a baby stroller. When officers moved in and pulled back the blanket, instead of finding a missing infant, they uncovered human remains—sparking the arrest of Juan Carlos Hernández and Patricia Martínez Bernal, infamously known worldwide as "The Monsters of Ecatepec," and blowing open one of the most gruesome true crime cases in modern history. *Please note that the three young women whose mothers united to investigate their disappearances are featured in the episode cover. The majority of the serial killers' victims are either unknown or under strict legal protection. Questions, Comments, or Ideas for future episodes? Please reach out! DM Alita at shadesofmurder_podcast on Instagram or alitadogmasshadesofmurder@gmail.com

    78: The Monsters of Ecatepec - Mexico's Serial Killer Couple

  4. Aug 8

    77: Twisted Twins - Jasmiyah and Tasmiyah Whitehead of Georgia

    On January 13, 2010, in Conyers, Georgia, a 16-year-old girl frantically waved down a passing patrol car. She and her twin sister had just returned from school to discover a grisly scene. Initially, the teen sisters appeared to be victims of trauma, witnesses to a brutal family murder. But the homicide investigation would reveal a complicated tale of resentment and violence, and lead to a much more sinister truth. This is the shocking true story of twin sisters Tasmiyah ("Taz") and Jasmiyah ("Jas") Whitehead of Georgia. Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoy the show, please help the podcast grow by following, sharing, rating, and leaving a review. Your feedback and support truly matter. Questions, comments, and ideas for future episodes? Contact Alita with a DM on IG @shadesofmurder_podcast or email at alitadogmasshadesofmurder@gmail.com Visit shadesofmurder.com to hear more captivating true cases of murder

    77: Twisted Twins - Jasmiyah and Tasmiyah Whitehead of Georgia

  5. Jul 17

    76: Bodies in the Garden - The Dupont de Ligonnes Family Mystery

    In April 2011, an unimaginable act of horror shook the beautiful, peaceful town of Nantes, France. Investigators discovered a pattern of disturbing behavior and alarming purchases. An aristocrat becomes the prime suspect. A family letter is sent with wild, unbelievable claims. Forget the narrative the police, prosecution, and media have told the world and listen to the evidence. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. This is the true story of Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès and the mystery of the family murders. With case updates as of June 2026. Also known as the House of Horrors and the Nantes Massacre. Please participate in the poll. Your voice matters! If you enjoy the show and want to support it, please make sure to follow, share, rate, and leave a review on Apple or Amazon Music. Your support makes all of the difference. Thank you! Questions, Comments, or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to Alita on IG @shadesofmurder.com or alitadogmasshadesofmurder@gmail.com

    76: Bodies in the Garden - The Dupont de Ligonnes Family Mystery

  6. Jun 27

    75 - Death at Sunset Cliffs - The Mystery of Michelle Von Emster

    In mid-April, late afternoon, amidst the dimming sunlight over the Pacific Ocean, the body of a woman was discovered, and it was missing the right leg. What initially appeared to be a shark attack would reveal other signs of brutal force and violence, and possibly something much more sinister than a monster of the sea. This is the murder mystery of Michelle Von Emster of Ocean Beach, CA. Thank you so much for listening! Please help the show grow by following, rating, and leaving a review. #truecrime #murdermystery #coldcase

    75 - Death at Sunset Cliffs - The Mystery of Michelle Von Emster

  7. Jun 3

    74: The Dinner Party Murder - An Invitation to Death

    When a group of friends comes together for a lovely autumn meal, a casual gathering escalates to murder. The events that culminated in the death of an innocent person revealed a cast of calloused and depraved individuals led by someone whose mind was torn apart by mental illness, or was it just a facade of evil? This is the story of Anu Singh and Joe Cinque of Canberra, Australia. If you enjoy the show and want to support it, please be sure you are following or subscribed on your listening platform of choice, rate on Spotify/Apple, leave a review, and share with a friend. Each one of you and your voice truly matters! If you are interested in hearing more from the host, please check out her audiobook narrations. The Dinner List: Book One of the Dinner List Series - An engaging psychological murder mystery written by Christof Wunderlich https://www.audible.com/pd/B0H2N3ML1J/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWU-BK-ACX0-512773&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_512773_pd_us The Narrow Path: Escape the Labryinth - A faith-based young adult fantasy written by Mark Martinez ⁠https://www.audible.com/pd/B0GVKT52TM/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWU-BK-ACX0-503258&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_503258_pd_us⁠ Contact me at @shadesofmurder_podcast on Instagram or alitadogmashadesofmurder@gmail.com for a free promo code. A review and/or rating is truly appreciated :) If you or someone you know is suffering from depression or is experiencing any mental health concerns, you are not alone. Please reach out for help: Substance Abuse and Mental Health - 1800-662-HELP or visit samhsa.gov

    74: The Dinner Party Murder - An Invitation to Death

  8. May 6

    73: Death at the Mayor's House - Jennifer Kirk and Susanna "Sue Sue" Norton, AK

    In early March 2020, in a small town in Northern Alaska, the body of a young woman was discovered on the Mayor's property, and she wasn't the first. An investigation would expose a pattern of family violence, corruption, and injustice by a system that had sworn to protect them and countless other females. This is the case of Jennifer Kirk and Susanna "Sue Sue" Norton of Kotzebue, Alaska. Thank you so much for listening and supporting the show. If you enjoy what I do and want to help the global community grow, please follow/subscribe, share with a friend, leave a rating, and leave a review. Your feedback truly makes a difference. If anyone out there listening has any information regarding these women’s deaths, please contact The Alaska State Troopers’ Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Investigation Unit at (907) 451-5100. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can submit tips through the AKTips smartphone app or online. To learn more about the show and the episode, please visit shadesofmurder.com

    73: Death at the Mayor's House - Jennifer Kirk and Susanna "Sue Sue" Norton, AK
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Trailer

3.9
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Shades of Murder is a true crime podcast dedicated to in-depth research and deep, thoughtful analysis of the world's most chilling and disturbing cases. Hosted and created by Alita Cauldwell, each episode meticulously explores the murders and motivations of violent criminals and delves deep into how law, culture, and society intersect. Episodes include serial killers, children who kill, female criminals, teenage killers, historical murders, indigenous cases, cold cases, marginalized victims, and dark, haunting mysteries. Criminology-based. No banter. Never sensationalized.

Information

  • Creator
    Alita Cauldwell
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Alita Cauldwell
  • Show Website
    Shades of Murder

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