The First Degree Alexis Linkletter, Jac Vanek, Billy Jensen
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- True Crime
Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be friends with a murderer? Or escape a kidnapping? Or have a father who was a serial killer? Join Jac Vanek and Alexis Linkletter on a chilling ride into the darkest corners of your worst nightmares. Murders, cults, kidnappings, and conspiracies—all told through the eyes of a guest who is one degree of separation from the story itself. From infamous serial killers to the unbelievable unknown murder in your own backyard, The First Degree delivers a new perspective to the already fascinating true crime landscape. And who knows... you may be our next guest. (Plus, join them every Thursday for Killing Time, the light-hearted, true crime-adjacent aftershow!)
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Episode 305: Lizzi Marriott
On October 9, 2012, 19-year-old Elizabeth “Lizzi” Marriott leaves a note for her uncle and aunt. Although Lizzi is a Massachusetts native, she is living with her family in Chester, New Hampshire while she attends a nearby university to pursue her degree in marine biology. In the note, Lizzi explains that she is going to a friend’s place after her evening class. Lizzi is never seen again. Two days later, Lizzi’s friend whose place she was going to, 18-year-old Kat McDonough, is questioned by the police. Kat claims Lizzi did not arrive at her apartment that night. However, Kat’s boyfriend, 29-year-old Seth Mazzaglia, says differently. In an eleven hour interview with the authorities, Seth explains his version of events- which are disturbing, senseless and heart breaking. In episode 305, Jac and Alexis unravel the web of lies surrounding the sexual assault and murder of Lizzi Marriott.
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BONUS: KILLING TIME: MACAULAY MACAULAY CULKIN CULKIN
It’s Killing Time! This week, the girls and the ginger are discussing new developments with the Long Island Serial Killer case, followed by some general tangents as of course is tradition! Then it’s on to Today I Learned! On deck today: Macaulay Culkin, Sierra Mist, and Costco hot dogs (again!) Here we go!
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Episode 304: Leon Laureles
In the late night hours of May 9, 1996, a 30-year-old man leaves his home for his midnight shift in Brownwood, Texas. But he never makes it inside. Just after midnight, his car is found burning near a gun range, and his body is discovered nearby with a gunshot wound to the back of his head. Despite the brutality of the man’s death, the police do not take his murder seriously, and the case quickly goes unsolved. In episode 304, Jac and Alexis delve into the life and tragic death of Leon Laureles, exploring the systemic failures that have left his case unsolved for nearly three decades and highlighting his niece's unwavering fight for justice.
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BONUS: KILLING TIME: ALEXIS’ WEDDING RECAP
Hello! Welcome back to another very special episode of Killing Time! Today, the girls and the ginger are reminiscing about Alexis and Matt’s incredible “surprise” wedding! That’s it! So much to say about such an incredible weekend celebrating our amazing friends. Oh, also, we got a surprise Pizza Hut delivery mid-episode shout out to the hut!
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Episode 303: Ronda Thompson Reynolds, Part 2
Over a decade after Ronda Reynolds was killed, her mother wins the right under state law to have a judge convene an inquest into the death. When a jury determines that in their view the coroner originally got it wrong, the focus eventually pivots to not one but two people in the woman’s life. In episode 303, Alexis and Jac take you through the culmination of the Ronda Reynolds case, and how Barb, Ronda’s mother, joined forces with Ann Rule in the quest to find justice.
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BONUS: KILLING TIME: WALKIN & TALKIN
Welcome back to another exhilarating episode of Killing Time! This week, the girls and the ginger are ALL over the place, but eventually, it’s time for everybody’s favorite segment, Today I Learned! On the menu today: the origins of Dungeons and Dragons, Manatee facts, Avocados, and a listener-submitted T-bell grievance! And yes, we know you know Alexis got married this weekend, don’t worry, the episode is coming!