Hot Justice Podcast

Ciara Holden and Heather Caward

Two friends, countless crimes, one big question: why do people do what they do? In Hot Justice, best friends and true crime obsessives Heather and Ciara dig into cases both famous and forgotten, blending deep research with unfiltered conversation. Expect late-night-theory energy, occasional gasps, and a lot of “wait, WHAT?” moments. If you love true crime with heart, humor, and humanity — you’re in the right place.

  1. Karmelo Anthony Trial: Track Meet Murder or Self-Defense?

    11h ago

    Karmelo Anthony Trial: Track Meet Murder or Self-Defense?

    A rainy high school track meet in Frisco, Texas ended with 17-year-old Austin Metcalf dead and another 17-year-old, Karmelo Anthony, charged with murder. In this episode of Hot Justice, we break down the confrontation under the team tent, the stabbing, the self-defense argument, the murder conviction, the rejected sudden-passion claim, the 35-year sentence, and the appeal that may focus on jury selection. This case has sparked intense debate over race, self-defense, teen violence, and what justice should look like when two families are forever changed.  Was this murder, manslaughter, or self-defense? Let’s talk facts, law, and the verdict. Time Stamps⏰00:00:00 Track Meet Tragedy Preview 00:01:27 Show Catch-Up00:02:33 Watch Recommendations00:04:16 Justice For Sam Update00:04:59 Case Overview00:05:52 Who Was Austin Metcalf00:06:44 Who Was Carmelo Anthony00:07:27 The Tent Confrontation00:09:31 Arrest And Murder Charge00:10:02 Knife Law And School Policy00:13:19 Race And Jury Controversy00:16:17 Family Threats And Trial Setup00:18:33 Teen Witness Testimony00:20:05 Prosecution Versus Self-Defense00:21:49 Defense Witnesses00:23:38 A Surprisingly Fast Trial00:25:25 Verdict And Punishment Phase00:25:49 Sudden Passion Explained00:27:44 Sentence And Appeal00:28:56 No Winners Here00:31:18 Sports, Emotions, And Weapons00:32:19 Public Backlash And Racism00:34:08 Share Thoughts Respectfully00:35:00 Where To Follow Us00:36:25 Appeals And Case Updates00:37:31 Patty’s Lodge Closing00:38:14 Next Episodes And Sign-Off #KarmeloAnthony #AustinMetcalf #HotJusticePodcast #TrueCrimePodcast #TrueCrimeCommunity #TexasCrime #SelfDefense #MurderTrial #TrialUpdate #JusticeForAustin #KarmeloAnthonyTrial #AustinMetcalfCase #TrueCrimeYouTube #LegalCommentary #CrimePodcast

    40 min
  2. Minute Files: He Faked a Livestream to Hide Murder | Stephen McCullagh Case

    Jun 8

    Minute Files: He Faked a Livestream to Hide Murder | Stephen McCullagh Case

    Stephen McCullagh tried to use a fake YouTube livestream as his alibi — but investigators uncovered the truth. In this Hot Justice Short, we break down the chilling case of Natalie McNally, who was 15 weeks pregnant when she was murdered in Lurgan, Northern Ireland. McCullagh was later convicted and sentenced to life with a minimum of 31 years. #StephenMcCullagh #NatalieMcNally #TrueCrime #TrueCrimeShorts #HotJusticePodcast #JusticeForNatalieMcNally #CrimeCase #YouTubeShorts #DomesticViolenceAwareness #TrueCrimeCommunity

    2 min
  3. Sam Nordquist Case Part 2: The Crime, Patty’s Lodge & The 7 Accused

    Jun 1

    Sam Nordquist Case Part 2: The Crime, Patty’s Lodge & The 7 Accused

    In Part 2 of our deep dive into the murder of Sam Nordquist, we focus on the crime itself, the disturbing allegations surrounding Patty’s Lodge, and the backgrounds of the seven people accused in connection with Sam’s death. This episode looks closer at what investigators say happened, who the defendants are, and why this case has shocked so many people following it. No one featured as accused in this case has been convicted unless stated otherwise. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Viewer discretion is strongly advised. The details of this case are extremely disturbing. All defendants discussed are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Thank you to Linda and Kayla Nordquist for sharing Sam’s story, memories, and love with us. Link to purchase Justice for Sam merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/justice-for-sam-nordquist/ Gofundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/urgent-help-to-locate-sam-nordquist Hashtags: #SamNordquist #TrueCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #HotJustice #PattysLodge #CrimeCase #MurderCase #TrueCrimeCommunity #JusticeForSamNordquist #YouTubeTrueCrime #TrueCrimeStories #PodcastEpisode

    56 min
  4. Minute Files: D4vd Case Part 2: The Night Celeste Disappeared

    May 27

    Minute Files: D4vd Case Part 2: The Night Celeste Disappeared

    In Part 2 of our Minute Files series, we continue breaking down the case involving David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, and Celeste Rivas Hernandez. According to the People’s Brief, investigators allege that Celeste spent significant time with David throughout 2024, including trips and weekends at his Hollywood Hills home. The filing also claims that messages between the two became central to the investigation, especially in the days before Celeste’s death. This episode focuses on the alleged events of April 22 and April 23, 2025 — the argument, the Uber ride, the messages sent afterward, and why prosecutors believe those details matter. No one has been convicted in Celeste’s death. All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. #D4vd #DavidAnthonyBurke #CelesteRivasHernandez #CelesteRivas #TrueCrime #TrueCrimeShorts #CourtCase #CrimeUpdate #TheMinuteFiles #HotJustice

    2 min
  5. Minute Files: D4vd Case Update: Prosecutors Reveal Chilling New Claims

    May 25

    Minute Files: D4vd Case Update: Prosecutors Reveal Chilling New Claims

    New court documents in the case against David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, lay out disturbing allegations about the death of 14-year-old Celeste R. In this Minute Files update, we break down what prosecutors claim happened, why the Tesla is central to the investigation, and the evidence they say will be presented in court. Burke is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. #D4vd #DavidAnthonyBurke #CelesteR #TrueCrime #TrueCrimeShorts #CourtUpdate #TheMinuteFiles #HotJustice #YouTubeShorts

    3 min
  6. Makayla Settles Trial has a GUILTY verdict but it's not enough and here's why

    May 20

    Makayla Settles Trial has a GUILTY verdict but it's not enough and here's why

    Stephen Vincent Chavez of Moorpark has pleaded guilty to felony incest and providing alcohol to a minor in connection with his daughter, Makayla Renee Settles. He was immediately remanded into custody and now faces up to three years in state prison, along with a 20-year sex offender registration requirement. But for many who loved Makayla and have followed this case, this outcome does not feel like justice. Three years is not enough time for the harm caused, the betrayal of trust, and the pain left behind. This update follows the tragic death of Makayla in December 2025. Her family and supporters continue to push for accountability, awareness, and a justice system that treats crimes like this with the seriousness they deserve. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for immediate support. #MakaylaSettles #JusticeForMakayla #TrueCrimeUpdate #VenturaCounty #Moorpark #HotJusticePodcast #TrueCrimeCommunity #JusticeForVictims #CourtUpdate #YouTubeShorts

    3 min
  7. The Murder of Sam Nordquist: The Online Romance That Became a Nightmare | Sweet Sam Part 1

    May 18

    The Murder of Sam Nordquist: The Online Romance That Became a Nightmare | Sweet Sam Part 1

    Sam Nordquist was a sweet, sensitive 24-year-old trans man from Oakdale, Minnesota who traveled to Upstate New York in September 2024 to meet someone he believed could be the love of his life. Instead, Sam’s trip to the Canandaigua/Hopewell area became the beginning of a nightmare. In Part 1 of Sweet Sam: The Sam Nordquist Story, we focus on who Sam was before the headlines: a beloved son, brother, uncle, friend, and deeply caring person. With insight from Sam’s mother Linda and sister Kayla, we walk through Sam’s life, his close bond with his family, his online relationship with Precious Arzuaga, his arrival at Patty’s Lodge, the warning signs his family noticed, and the desperate search that finally pushed authorities to take a closer look. This episode covers the timeline leading up to Sam being reported missing, including welfare checks, troubling communication changes, social media activity, and his family’s fight to bring him home. Part 2 will cover the alleged crime, the investigation, the discovery of Sam’s body, and the suspects charged in connection with his death. Viewer discretion is strongly advised. The details of this case are extremely disturbing. All defendants discussed are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Thank you to Linda and Kayla Nordquist for sharing Sam’s story, memories, and love with us. Link to purchase Justice for Sam merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/justice-for-sam-nordquist/ Gofundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/urgent-help-to-locate-sam-nordquist ⏰Timestamps-00:00:00 Sam Nordquist Story Begins00:01:45 Local Case Context00:02:25 Star Cider Visit00:04:12 Book Recommendation00:06:37 Meeting Sam’s Family00:08:40 Part One Disclaimer00:09:40 Sam’s Childhood00:12:01 Sam’s Kind Heart00:14:04 Sam As Uncle00:14:46 Emily And Heartbreak00:15:55 Meeting Precious Online00:16:37 Precious Arzuaga Background00:17:03 Patty’s Lodge Concerns00:20:53 Precious’s Abuse History00:22:13 Precious’s Criminal Background00:24:09 Sam Arrives In New York00:24:36 Welfare Checks Explained00:28:02 First Welfare Check00:31:19 Communication Becomes Sparse00:32:30 Timeline After Welfare Check00:35:05 DSS Escape Plan00:37:45 Christmas And New Year’s00:39:14 Linda’s Last Call00:40:10 Second Welfare Check00:41:14 BOLO Concerns00:41:59 Missing Persons Flyer00:43:24 Family Travels To Search00:44:26 Online Dating Safety00:45:13 Safe Words And Emojis00:46:53 Love Bombing Red Flags00:48:48 Location Sharing Check-Ins00:49:47 Supporting Sam’s Family00:50:57 Memorial Tree Updates00:51:36 Closing And Part Two #SamNordquist #JusticeForSamNordquist #SweetSam #TrueCrime #HotJusticePodcast #CanandaiguaNY #HopewellNY #PattysLodge #MissingPersonCase #OnlineDatingSafety #TrueCrimePodcast

    53 min
  8. Minute Files: The Cousin Affair That Turned Deadly | Jennifer Lieber Case

    May 11

    Minute Files: The Cousin Affair That Turned Deadly | Jennifer Lieber Case

    A toxic family affair inside a Minnesota mansion ended in murder. Jennifer Lieber began a relationship with her cousin, who was living in the pool house on the property — but when the relationship unraveled, the story took a deadly turn. Watch this Hot Justice Minute File as we break down the shocking Jennifer Lieber case.#JenniferLieber #TrueCrimeShorts #HotJusticePodcast #TrueCrime #CrimeStory #MurderCase #MinnesotaCrime #YouTubeShorts #MinuteFile

    2 min
See All (28)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

Two friends, countless crimes, one big question: why do people do what they do? In Hot Justice, best friends and true crime obsessives Heather and Ciara dig into cases both famous and forgotten, blending deep research with unfiltered conversation. Expect late-night-theory energy, occasional gasps, and a lot of “wait, WHAT?” moments. If you love true crime with heart, humor, and humanity — you’re in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Ciara Holden and Heather Caward
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ciara Holden and Heather Caward
  • Show Website
    Hot Justice Podcast

You Might Also Like