Burden of Proof

Chris and Lidia Burden

"Burden of Proof" – Solving Cold Cases, Exploring Resilience, and Uncovering the Truth Welcome to Burden of Proof, the podcast that delivers gripping storytelling, in-depth investigations, and powerful insights into the mysteries that captivate the world. If you’re a true crime enthusiast, an advocate for justice, or fascinated by untold stories of resilience, this is the podcast for you. Season 1: Solved Cold Cases Uncover the most compelling solved cold cases, where justice prevailed through breakthroughs in forensic science, relentless detective work, and the determination of victims' families. Each episode dives deep into the details, revealing how these mysteries were solved.Season 2: Resilience in Law Enforcement Step into the lives of law enforcement professionals as we explore the mental, emotional, and physical resilience required to face life on the frontlines. Gain valuable insights into supporting our loved ones who serve, while hearing firsthand accounts of their challenges and triumphs.Future Seasons: Unsolved Mysteries and Trending Topics From the chilling world of unsolved crimes to today’s most talked-about true crime stories, we’ll bring you episodes packed with investigative journalism, expert interviews, and captivating narratives.Why Listen? Join a fast-growing community of listeners who crave well-researched, authentic, and emotionally impactful stories. Whether it’s exploring the depths of human perseverance or unraveling some of the most mysterious cases, Burden of Proof is here to inform, inspire, and provoke meaningful conversations. Keywords for Discovery: True Crime PodcastSolved Cold CasesUnsolved MysteriesLaw Enforcement StoriesResilience and Mental HealthForensic ScienceTrending True Crime TopicsSupporting First RespondersSubscribe Now to never miss an episode. New episodes drop weekly, offering real stories, real people, and real justice. "Let the burden be on us!"

Episodes

  1. Abduction and Murder in Mount Vernon: The Crimes of Matthew Hoffman

    09/11/2025

    Abduction and Murder in Mount Vernon: The Crimes of Matthew Hoffman

    In this chilling episode of Burden of Proof: True Crime Uncovered, host Chris Burden takes listeners to Mount Vernon, Ohio, where one of the most bizarre and horrifying cases in recent history unfolded. In November 2010, a quiet small town was rocked by the disappearance of Tina Herrmann, her children Sarah and Kody, and family friend Stephanie Sprang. What began as a missing persons case soon revealed a nightmare that defied explanation. Investigators uncovered a crime scene soaked in blood, dismembered remains hidden inside a hollowed tree, and a lone survivor — 13-year-old Sarah Maynard, rescued from the home of a man consumed by a disturbing obsession with leaves. That man was Matthew Hoffman. Through survivor accounts, forensic evidence, and the relentless pursuit of law enforcement, this episode unravels Hoffman’s twisted crimes, the resilience of young Sarah, and the lasting scars left on the community of Mount Vernon. In this episode, you’ll hear: The story of Tina Herrmann, her children Sarah and Kody, and Stephanie SprangHow investigators uncovered one of the most gruesome crime scenes in Ohio historyThe bizarre details of Matthew Hoffman’s obsession with trees and leavesSarah Maynard’s survival and rescue after four days of captivityThe community’s grief, resilience, and search for healingLearn more about my work in investigations and security at burdenofproof.llc. 📘 And check out my book Burden of the Badge to read more about my journey in law enforcement and private investigation. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share Burden of Proof: True Crime Uncovered to help us continue shining a light on cases that matter.

    14 min
  2. From Wrongful Conviction to Justice: The Logan Murders

    09/10/2025

    From Wrongful Conviction to Justice: The Logan Murders

    In this episode of Burden of Proof: True Crime Uncovered, host Chris Burden revisits one of Ohio’s most heartbreaking and controversial cases — the 1982 murders of Annette Cooper and Todd Schultz. What began as the story of two young lovers full of promise turned into a community’s worst nightmare. Their brutal killings shocked Logan, Ohio, and sparked an investigation that quickly unraveled into one of the state’s most infamous wrongful convictions. For years, Dale Johnston sat on death row for a crime he did not commit, while the true killers walked free. Through twists of injustice, advancements in forensic science, and the persistence of investigators, the truth finally came to light. This episode explores the devastating impact of a flawed system, the resilience of families seeking answers, and the long-delayed justice that eventually revealed the real perpetrators. What you’ll hear in this episode: The tragic disappearance and discovery of Annette and ToddHow a wrongful conviction shattered lives and divided a communityThe flaws in the justice system that put an innocent man on death rowThe forensic breakthroughs that finally solved the caseReflections on resilience, accountability, and justice delayedIf you’d like to learn more about my work in investigations and security, visit burdenofproof.llc. And check out my book Burden of the Badge to read more about my journey in law enforcement and private investigation. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share Burden of Proof: True Crime Uncovered so we can continue shining a light on the cases that matter.

    22 min

About

"Burden of Proof" – Solving Cold Cases, Exploring Resilience, and Uncovering the Truth Welcome to Burden of Proof, the podcast that delivers gripping storytelling, in-depth investigations, and powerful insights into the mysteries that captivate the world. If you’re a true crime enthusiast, an advocate for justice, or fascinated by untold stories of resilience, this is the podcast for you. Season 1: Solved Cold Cases Uncover the most compelling solved cold cases, where justice prevailed through breakthroughs in forensic science, relentless detective work, and the determination of victims' families. Each episode dives deep into the details, revealing how these mysteries were solved.Season 2: Resilience in Law Enforcement Step into the lives of law enforcement professionals as we explore the mental, emotional, and physical resilience required to face life on the frontlines. Gain valuable insights into supporting our loved ones who serve, while hearing firsthand accounts of their challenges and triumphs.Future Seasons: Unsolved Mysteries and Trending Topics From the chilling world of unsolved crimes to today’s most talked-about true crime stories, we’ll bring you episodes packed with investigative journalism, expert interviews, and captivating narratives.Why Listen? Join a fast-growing community of listeners who crave well-researched, authentic, and emotionally impactful stories. Whether it’s exploring the depths of human perseverance or unraveling some of the most mysterious cases, Burden of Proof is here to inform, inspire, and provoke meaningful conversations. Keywords for Discovery: True Crime PodcastSolved Cold CasesUnsolved MysteriesLaw Enforcement StoriesResilience and Mental HealthForensic ScienceTrending True Crime TopicsSupporting First RespondersSubscribe Now to never miss an episode. New episodes drop weekly, offering real stories, real people, and real justice. "Let the burden be on us!"

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