The Geiser Files

Tony

Welcome to The Geiser Files, the true crime podcast of Rachael Geiser, a 26-year veteran criminal defense investigator, where she walks you through her most unforgettable, and challenging investigations. Each week, Rachael pulls back the curtain on the painstaking work of a defense investigation—tracking down overlooked witnesses, re-examining evidence, and uncovering the hidden facts that never make the news.  From life-or-death murder trials to wrongful convictions, you'll hear the unfiltered story of an industry insider who has spent her career questioning the official narrative.

Episodes

  1. 09/19/2025

    05 Recent Developments in the WM3 Case

    Send us a text Rachael Geiser recounts her role in finding crucial evidence for advanced DNA testing in the West Memphis Three case, potentially unveiling the true perpetrator after decades of controversy. Called by Lorri Davis in April 2021 about new MVAC wet vacuum DNA collection technologyHelped locate evidence through FOIA request after rumors it had been destroyedDiscovered the critical ligatures (shoelaces) in December 2021 during evidence reviewFaced legal obstacles when a judge initially denied testing due to Damien's release statusArkansas Supreme Court eventually ruled in favor of testing the evidenceEvidence now at Bode Technology lab awaiting resultsDrove Damien around West Memphis during his first return visit since his releaseVisited nostalgic locations including the library and his childhood trailer parkTesting could potentially identify the real killer through advanced DNA technologyRecent encounter with client's family who recognized the Alford plea connection to West Memphis Three If you have questions or topics you'd like us to discuss, email Rachael at rachael@thegeiserfiles.com 👉 Join the conversation: Subscribe free at thegeiserfiles.substack.com for bonus content, behind-the-scenes notes, and a place to share your thoughts and theories. ⭐ Support the show: Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen—it helps more people discover The Geiser Files. 🎵Intro music: Light Years, by Georgi Krastev - license no: 6697632440 from Audiio.com

    28 min

  2. 09/12/2025

    04 The West Memphis FREE

    Send us a text Rachael Geiser and her involvement in the momentous release of the West Memphis Three after 18 years of wrongful imprisonment. Tony briefly worked as a private investigator alongside Rachael, though he struggled with people avoiding him in the fieldThe West Memphis Three case reached a turning point when an evidentiary hearing was granted based on new DNA evidenceAn Alford plea allowed the defendants to maintain their innocence while being released from prison after 18 yearsRachel witnessed Damien Echols' freedom firsthand at the courthouse on August 19, 2011Eddie Vedder and Natalie Maines celebrated with the defense team at the Madison Hotel rooftopRachael participated in filming the documentary "West of Memphis" the day after their releaseThe investigative work continued even after their release, following up on tips that came through the defense hotlineRachael hopes for a similar outcome for another death row client, Jesse Dotson👉 Join the conversation: Subscribe free at thegeiserfiles.substack.com for bonus content, behind-the-scenes notes, and a place to share your thoughts and theories. ⭐ Support the show: Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen—it helps more people discover The Geiser Files. 🎵Intro music: Light Years, by Georgi Krastev - license no: 6697632440 from Audiio.com

    34 min

  3. 09/05/2025

    03 Verdicts Vacated and Forensics Reexamined

    Send us a text Rachael Geiser, a criminal defense investigator with 26 years of experience, shares insights from the West Memphis Three case, and reveals how scientific mistakes and overlooked evidence led to wrongful convictions that were eventually overturned. Updates on the Tyree Nichols case including new trials granted in federal courtUpdate on Clarence Nesbit's death penalty case where the death notice was withdrawn after years of appealsInterviewing Terry Hobbs, the stepfather of victim Stevie Branch, who had never been interviewed by policeExpert pathologists unanimously concluded victims' wounds were from animal predation, not knife wounds as originally claimedThe importance of accurate forensic science and how getting it wrong "changes the whole landscape of the case"Reflection on how media coverage placed the West Memphis Three case alongside another major case on the same newspaper front pageHelp us continue sharing these important stories about the criminal justice system. Subscribe to The Geiser Files and join us for our next episode where we'll discuss the day the West Memphis Three were finally released. 👉 Join the conversation: Subscribe free at thegeiserfiles.substack.com for bonus content, behind-the-scenes notes, and a place to share your thoughts and theories. ⭐ Support the show: Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen—it helps more people discover The Geiser Files.

    28 min

  4. 08/29/2025

    02 Fresh Eyes Can Change Everything: Rachael's Introduction to the West Memphis Three

    Send us a text *** Rachael Geiser shares her experience working as a criminal defense investigator on some of America's most notorious trials, including the West Memphis Three case and several death penalty cases. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at the methodical process of criminal defense investigation and the importance of thinking creatively when approaching complex cases. Currently works for the Major Cases Team at the Shelby County Public Defender's Office handling first-degree murder casesJoined the West Memphis Three case in 2005 when Fran Walsh and Peter Jackson funded a renewed investigationDeveloped a systematic approach to case investigation through comprehensive task listsLearned the importance of "thinking outside the box" from criticism by one of Jason Baldwin's attorneysCollaborated closely with Fran Walsh, who provided valuable input despite being based in New ZealandHas worked on three cases where clients received the death penalty: Jesse Dotson, Ricky Bell, and Michael RimmerBelieves that scientific evidence, particularly DNA testing, holds the key to solving cases where witness testimony is unreliable 👉 Join the conversation: Subscribe free at thegeiserfiles.substack.com for bonus content, behind-the-scenes notes, and a place to share your thoughts and theories. ⭐ Support the show: Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen—it helps more people discover The Geiser Files.

    28 min

  5. 08/25/2025

    Courtroom Confidential: 26 Years on the Defense Side

    Send us a text Rachael Geiser pulls back the curtain on her 26-year career as a criminal defense investigator, working on America's most notorious trials including the West Memphis Three and Lester Street cases. Explains the role of a criminal defense investigator who works with attorneys on first-degree murder casesDetails how investigations have evolved with body cameras becoming standard equipment for police around 2018Describes her educational journey through Rhodes College and University of Memphis before entering criminal defenseShares how she worked on Damien Echols' case from 2005 until his release and continues to assist when neededDiscusses her long-held opposition to the death penalty and commitment to preventing wrongful convictionsEmphasizes that criminal defense investigation is a profession requiring specialized skills developed over timeExplains how telling stories from her career can help others navigate the criminal justice systemPreviews future episodes that will explore her experiences with high-profile cases in more detailJoin us next time as Rachael shares her introduction to the West Memphis Three case and the extraordinary journey that led to Damien Echols' release. 👉 Join the conversation: Subscribe free at thegeiserfiles.substack.com for bonus content, behind-the-scenes notes, and a place to share your thoughts and theories. ⭐ Support the show: Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen—it helps more people discover The Geiser Files.

    31 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

Welcome to The Geiser Files, the true crime podcast of Rachael Geiser, a 26-year veteran criminal defense investigator, where she walks you through her most unforgettable, and challenging investigations. Each week, Rachael pulls back the curtain on the painstaking work of a defense investigation—tracking down overlooked witnesses, re-examining evidence, and uncovering the hidden facts that never make the news.  From life-or-death murder trials to wrongful convictions, you'll hear the unfiltered story of an industry insider who has spent her career questioning the official narrative.

Information

  • Creator
    Tony
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Geiser Files
  • Show Website
    The Geiser Files