Chasing Evil

Christopher Godsick
  • 0.0 (0)
  • TRUE CRIME

A compelling true crime podcast featuring never-before-heard moments of real crimes told by the survivors and those who were called in to chase - and ultimately stop - evil. Host and creator, Emmy award-winning film and television producer Christopher Godsick, goes behind the scenes to share the untold stories of criminal cases including the infamous fraudster Bernie Madoff, notorious drug lord El Chapo, the recovery of missing children and much more.

  1. 6H AGO ·  BONUS

    Justice For Baby Eli- Legal Dive- Bonus Mini Episode

    In this bonus mini-episode of Chasing Evil, host Chris Godsick takes a deeper look into one of the most controversial aspects of the Anthony Ojeda case: New York’s 2020 bail reform laws and the classification of manslaughter in the second degree as a non-violent felony. Joined by Albany County District Attorney Lee Kindlon and former prosecutor Caroline Murray, the conversation explores how sweeping reforms created unintended consequences for law enforcement, prosecutors, victims, and the courts. The episode breaks down the legal concepts behind “depraved indifference,” the challenges prosecutors faced while awaiting toxicology evidence in the death of six-week-old Eli, and how Anthony Ojeda was initially charged before fleeing the country. The discussion also examines how bail reform has since evolved, the balance between criminal justice reform and public safety, and the extraordinary efforts by law enforcement and the U.S. Marshals Service to bring fugitives back to justice. A candid, detailed conversation about law, accountability, and the difficult realities behind one of the most emotional cases featured on Chasing Evil. Show NotesChris Godsick welcomes Albany County DA Lee Kindlon and former prosecutor Caroline MurrayThe origins and intent behind New York’s 2020 bail reform lawsWhy prosecutors and law enforcement believed the reforms initially went too farHow manslaughter in the second degree is classified under New York lawThe difference between violent and non-violent felony classificationsThe legal meaning of “depraved indifference” in New York homicide casesWhy Anthony Ojeda was initially charged with manslaughter in the second degreeThe role toxicology evidence played in elevating the caseHow prosecutors viewed duty of care in the death of six-week-old EliWhy intent is such a critical factor in homicide prosecutionsCaroline Murray discusses the emotional impact of child homicide casesThe challenges prosecutors faced under the bail reform framework at the timeOjeda’s flight to Mexico and the efforts to return him to the United StatesHow the U.S. Marshals Service and local law enforcement built a successful fugitive apprehension modelAlbany County’s continued efforts to locate and apprehend fugitives under the updated systemA discussion on balancing criminal justice reform with public safety concerns Follow & Subscribe to Chasing Evil for more deep dives into major investigations, fugitive cases, and the realities of modern law enforcement.

    18 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Finding the Bannisters - Live Q&A

    In this first-ever live Q&A from Chasing Evil, Chris Godsick revisits the powerful Finding the Bannisters series with Bill Bannister, Genevieve Bannister, Janelle Bannister, Senior Inspector Tommy O’Brien of the U.S. Marshals Service, and victim advocate Jim Hinton. For the first time, Janelle shares her perspective publicly, describing how a child’s trust in a parent, repeated suggestion, and fear can blur the line between dreams, memories, and belief. Genevieve reflects on life on the run, the paranoia that took hold, and the long process of healing after the children were recovered. The discussion explores false memories, psychological manipulation, the group that helped keep the family hidden, the U.S. Marshals investigation, and the emotional aftermath for the Bannister family. This is a raw, revealing conversation about how an impossible story became believable — and how truth, family, and resilience helped bring the children home. Apple Show NotesIn this live Q&A, Chris and the panel discuss: The origins of the Finding the Bannisters case How the allegations of satanic ritual abuse began Janelle Bannister’s first public account of what happened How dreams and suggestions became confused with memories Genevieve Bannister’s experience resisting — and then living inside — the false narrative Life on the run for eight months The role of isolation, fear, fake names, and paranoia How the U.S. Marshals tracked and recovered the children The emotional moment Bill Bannister learned his children had been found Whether Melody Bannister believed the allegations How Genevieve and Janelle have processed guilt, trauma, and healing The panel includes Bill Bannister, Genevieve Bannister, Janelle Bannister, Senior Inspector Tommy O’Brien, and victim advocate Jim Hinton. Listen to all three episodes of Finding the Bannisters for the full story.

    1h 8m

  3. MAY 18

    Justice for Baby Eli - Part II

    The man accused of killing Baby Eli fled the United States and disappeared into Mexico. What followed was a years-long international manhunt involving the United States Marshals Service, local detectives, Interpol, and Mexican authorities. In Episode Two, hear how investigators tracked him down, the bureaucratic delays that nearly let justice slip away, and the dangerous final operation that brought both fugitives into custody. Show NotesIn Part Two of the Baby Eli case: Anthony Ojeda flees to Mexico after missing court appearancesInvestigators locate him—but extradition stalls for nearly two yearsU.S. Marshals and Mexican authorities maintain surveillance in dangerous territoryLast-minute intelligence suggests the fugitives may run againA tense coordinated operation leads to arrestsOjeda is finally returned to New York to face justice Guests: Senior Inspectors of the United States Marshals ServiceChief Todd WaldinDetectives from Cohoes Police Department Themes: Justice delayed • International fugitive hunts • Child victim cases • Persistence under pressure #TrueCrime #USMarshals #Extradition #Mexico #FugitiveHunt #Justice #ChasingEvil

    39 min

  4. MAY 11

    Justice for Baby Eli - Part I

    A six-week-old baby is rushed to a hospital in upstate New York after first responders find him blue and struggling to breathe. Hours later, Baby Eli is dead. What begins as a tragic emergency quickly turns into a shocking homicide investigation involving drugs, abuse, deception, and a system that would soon release the man accused of causing the child’s death. In Episode One, the investigators who worked the case reveal what they saw that day, the disturbing evidence uncovered, and how the death of Baby Eli became a symbol of a broken justice system. Show NotesIn this episode of Chasing Evil: Emergency crews respond to a desperate 911 call involving six-week-old Baby EliInvestigators uncover suspicious behavior from those caring for the childEvidence reveals severe abuse and methamphetamine exposureDetectives describe the emotional toll of investigating an infant deathThe accused is arrested—but soon benefits from New York bail reform lawsA local tragedy becomes a statewide flashpoint Guests: Chief Todd Waldin, Cohoes Police DepartmentDetective Robert Piazza, Cohoes Police DepartmentRetired Detective Matthew LeBombard, Cohoes Police DepartmentStu Smith, U.S. Marshals ServiceAnthony Loguidice, U.S. Marshals Service Follow/Subscribe: New episodes weekly. #TrueCrime #USMarshals #BabyEli #CrimePodcast #Justice #LawEnforcement #ChasingEvil

    50 min

  5. MAY 4

    Finding the Bannisters - Part 3

    Finding the BannistersEpisode 3 concludes the shocking search for Melody Bannister and her four children. Senior Inspector Tommy O’Brien reveals how the U.S. Marshals tracked the family through a hidden support network and brought the case to an end during a high-risk takedown in Indiana. Genevieve Bannister tells her story in extraordinary detail—how fear and manipulation reshaped reality, what life was like while moving from house to house, and how difficult it was to rebuild once the ordeal ended. A gripping finale about resilience, deception, and the long road back. Guests: Genevieve Bannister, Tommy O’Brien, Bill Bannister, Detective Jamie Wright, Jim Hinton. Show NotesEpisode 3: The Search EndsIn the final chapter of the Bannister series: How the U.S. Marshals developed confidential informants and followed hidden leadsThe “Courage Conference” connection and the support network behind Melody BannisterWhy investigators believed the children could be in grave dangerThe late-night surveillance operation in IndianaThe takedown at the gas station that ended the manhuntGenevieve Bannister’s firsthand account of fear, conditioning, and recoveryBill Bannister describes the emotional reunion with his childrenThe aftermath and Melody Bannister’s plea deal Featured GuestsGenevieve BannisterSenior Inspector Tommy O’BrienBill BannisterDetective Jamie WrightJim Hinton Follow / SubscribeListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms. Hashtags#ChasingEvil #TrueCrimePodcast #TrueCrimeCommunity #USMarshals #LawEnforcement #MissingChildren #ParentalAbduction #CrimePodcast #Justice #Fugitive #Investigation #SurvivalStory #PodcastRecommendations #RealCrime #ChildRecovery

    1h 6m

  6. APR 27

    Finding the Bannisters - Part 2

    In Episode 2, the Bannister case deepens as law enforcement moves from initial allegations to active investigation. After reporting claims of satanic ritual abuse involving her children, Melody Bannister prompts a series of forensic interviews and child protection reviews. As investigators—including Detective Jamie Wright—begin assessing the situation, conflicting accounts emerge. Some of the children appear to support the allegations, while others express uncertainty or deny any abuse entirely. As the investigation unfolds, concern begins to shift. What initially appears to be a case of external harm raises new questions about influence, memory, and belief inside the family itself. When the family leaves their home and communication breaks down, the case escalates rapidly. The United States Marshals Service becomes involved, launching a multi-state search to locate the children and assess their safety. Using investigative tools such as pattern-of-life analysis, law enforcement tracks movements and behaviors, working to understand where the family may be headed—and why. This episode examines: The role of forensic interviews in child abuse investigationsHow belief systems can shape perception and memoryThe challenges investigators face when accounts conflictThe real-world methods used to locate missing or endangered children As the search intensifies, one central question remains: 👉 Are the children being protected—or placed in greater danger? Key People FeaturedGenevieve BannisterBill BannisterDetective Jamie Wright (Stafford County Sheriff’s Office)Senior Inspector Tommy O’Brien (U.S. Marshals Service)Jim Hinton (Victims Advocate) Key Topics CoveredForensic child interviews and credibility assessmentPsychological influence and memory formationMissing persons investigationsFugitive tracking and pattern-of-life analysisThe intersection of belief, fear, and law enforcement Episode TimelineInitial Allegations – Claims of ritual abuse brought to law enforcementForensic Interviews – Children interviewed; conflicting statements emergeInvestigation Expands – Authorities assess credibility and riskFamily Disappears – Communication breaks down; concern escalatesFederal Involvement – U.S. Marshals initiate search effortsManhunt Begins – Multi-state tracking using behavioral analysis Listener DiscretionThis episode contains discussion of alleged child abuse, psychological manipulation, and sensitive investigative material. Listener discretion is advised. About Chasing EvilChasing Evil explores real cases through the voices of investigators, survivors, and those directly involved. The series aims to provide insight into complex criminal investigations and the human stories behind them. Subscribe & FollowIf you’re enjoying Chasing Evil: Follow the show on your podcast platformShare the episode with othersLeave a rating or review

    50 min

  7. APR 20

    Finding the Bannisters

    A Mother Disappears. A National Search Begins. What starts as a family dispute quickly spirals into something far more urgent. In Episode 1 of this gripping Chasing Evil series, we take you inside the early moments of the Bannister case—when a mother vanishes with her children and law enforcement begins to realize this is no ordinary custody situation. As investigators piece together the timeline, troubling signs begin to surface. The children aren’t just missing—they may be in real danger. When the U.S. Marshals Service becomes involved, the case escalates into a nationwide effort to locate the children before time runs out. For the first time, Genevieve Bannister, the eldest daughter, speaks publicly about her experience—offering a deeply personal and emotional perspective from inside the case. You’ll also hear from Senior Inspector Tommy O’Brien of the U.S. Marshals Service, who provides insight into how law enforcement assessed the threat, mobilized resources, and made critical early decisions that would shape the search. This episode lays the foundation for a case that would capture national attention—and trigger an intense manhunt. IN THIS EPISODEHow the Bannister case first came to law enforcement’s attentionThe early warning signs that raised immediate concernThe moment investigators realized the children could be in dangerHow the case escalated beyond a local investigationInside the U.S. Marshals Service’s early involvementGenevieve Bannister’s firsthand account of life on the runSenior Inspector Tommy O’Brien on the urgency behind the search WHY THIS CASE MATTERSCases involving missing children evolve fast—and the first 24–48 hours can determine everything. Through both survivor perspective and law enforcement insight, Episode 1 reveals how quickly uncertainty can turn into urgency—and how critical decisions are made when every minute counts. COMING NEXTAs the search intensifies, new information begins to surface—and the case takes a dramatic turn. Episode 2: The manhunt expands, and the pressure builds. FOLLOW & SUPPORTFollow Chasing Evil on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyWatch video episodes and clips on YouTubeVisit: chasingevilpodcast.com for updates and exclusive content NOTE TO LISTENERSThis episode contains discussion of missing children and high-risk situations. Listener discretion is advised.

    49 min

  8. 05/29/2024

    Gerald Hunter - 13 Million Doses of Fentanyl and Counting (Part 2)

    The conclusion of the Gerald Hunter manhunt. The Marshals are closing in on Hunter, but they worry his expert counter surveillance tradecraft will expose their presence and send him running into the abyss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1 hr
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About

A compelling true crime podcast featuring never-before-heard moments of real crimes told by the survivors and those who were called in to chase - and ultimately stop - evil. Host and creator, Emmy award-winning film and television producer Christopher Godsick, goes behind the scenes to share the untold stories of criminal cases including the infamous fraudster Bernie Madoff, notorious drug lord El Chapo, the recovery of missing children and much more.

Information

  • Creator
    Christopher Godsick
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Chasing Evil Podcast 2026®
  • Show Website
    Chasing Evil

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