Criminally Obsessed

Criminally Obsessed

Criminally Obsessed goes deeper — inside the investigations, the courtroom drama, and the human stories at the center of the country’s biggest true crime cases. We track breaking developments, uncover overlooked details, and bring clarity to the chaos — always with compassion for victims and the people whose lives are forever changed. Host Anne Emerson brings more than 30 years of award-winning investigative reporting to every episode. She’s covered the nation’s most high-profile trials firsthand, conducted interviews with some of the biggest names in the true crime world — from Amanda Knox to Elizabeth Smart — and has trusted sources connected to the cases dominating the national conversation.

  1. 3h ago

    Siders’ Ohio House of Horrors: Locals React to ‘Den of Evil’

    Sixteen ‘almost feral’ children. Aged 18 months to 18 years. Hidden from sight in an Ohio house of horrors. Until now. It’s a situation difficult to fathom: Investigators found 16 kids living inside a 1,300-square-foot home in Vinton County, Ohio, confined in a 12-by-12 bedroom investigators say was covered in human waste. Gary Siders Jr., Elizabeth Siders, Gary Siders Sr., and Christina Siders were arrested on Tuesday, June 30th, and remain in jail after waiving their preliminary hearings today, Tuesday, July 7th. Investigative reporter Anne Emerson goes beyond the headlines to understand the human impact in the developing Siders child abuse case. How did children live under these conditions for so long? We wanted to hear from the local community affected by this horrific story. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, we hear from those voices - from Captain Jeremiah Griffith who was a first responder to the shocking scene, to local Vinton County Pastor James Dimel who describes the community’s support of children who were trapped in a ‘den of evil’. Law enforcement and locals share their shock at the horror lurking in their own community. And Attorney Thomas Stolly, who represents Elizabeth Siders, says the case is more complicated than many believe, urging the public to remember that his client is presumed innocent. Today, we react in real time to what we know so far in this developing story, and offer multiple perspectives of those closest to this case. We're outraged by this developing story, and the horrors these children went through. Many are wondering how we can help and support these kids, so we wanted to share a message from South Central Ohio Job & Family Services - The outpouring of love and support for the situation in the Vinton County community has been truly overwhelming, and we are incredibly grateful to our community and individuals from across the state for wanting to help. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Shannon Kellough at 740-772-7451, or at shannon.kellough@jfs.ohio.gov., and let us know that you would like to make a donation. Shannon can provide information on the next steps and available donation options. In addition, we have received several inquiries on how to become a foster parent. If you would like additional information, please email Jesssica Benner at jessica.benner@jfs.ohio.gov, or Breanne Campbell at Breanne.campbell@jfs.ohio.gov. The kindness and compassion shown by our community and across the state remind us that even in difficult circumstances, people come together to make a difference. Thank you for your continued support and generosity. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing coverage of the Siders investigation, true crime updates, courtroom developments, and exclusive interviews with the real people impacted by these cases.

    21 min

  2. 1d ago

    Murdaugh Retrial: Inside the Hunt for Alex's New Jury

    Alex Murdaugh retrial jury selection: How do you find an impartial jury for one of America's most well known murder cases? With Alex Murdaugh's murder retrial approaching in April 2027, one of the biggest challenges may come before opening statements are ever delivered. After jury influencing led to his original 2023 murder convictions of Maggie Murdaugh and Paul Murdaugh being overturned, selecting 12 impartial jurors for retrial will be a critical part of the next chapter. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson sits down with jury consultant and body language expert Susan Constantine to break down how attorneys will build a jury for the Alex Murdaugh murder retrial. This is an expert who is no stranger to the true crime spotlight - in 2011, she was inside the courtroom throughout the entire Casey Anthony trial in Orlando, Florida. When it seems nearly everyone has heard of a case like the Murdaugh murders, how do prosecutors and the defense determine who can still be fair? Susan explains what happens behind the scenes during jury selection, from analyzing body language and listening for subtle verbal cues to conducting extensive social media research on potential jurors. It’s her job to identify potential juror biases... so what exactly does she look for? If you're following the Alex Murdaugh murder retrial, this conversation offers an inside look at one of the most important and least understood parts of the criminal justice system. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing Alex Murdaugh coverage, true crime investigations, murder trial analysis, and exclusive interviews with the experts behind today's biggest cases.

    24 min

  3. 5d ago

    FBI Expert Breaks Down Ransom Investigation

    Nancy Guthrie ransom notes: How does the FBI determine whether they're real or fake? Five months after Today show host Savannah Guthrie's mother disappeared from her Tucson, Arizona home, the mysterious letters claiming to be from her kidnappers remain one of the most controversial pieces of evidence in the investigation. Despite reports suggesting the ransom notes were fake, the FBI and Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos are still actively investigating the letters. So what’s actually happening behind the scenes? In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson sits down with FBI Behavioral Analysis Expert Morgan Wright to help us understand how the FBI analyzes - and debunks - ransom notes. What are the first red flags investigators look for? What makes a ransom demand credible? And what does an FBI expert make of this “parasitic” evidence in Nancy’s case? While authorities sort through fact vs. fiction, the Guthrie family remains in limbo as they grieve this mysterious disappearance. If you’ve been following the Nancy Guthrie case from day one, this conversation offers a look inside the FBI's investigative process and answers many of the questions we’ve been asking about the ransom notes, the investigation, and what could happen next.

    20 min

  4. 6d ago

    DNA Expert Analysis: Is Murdaugh Evidence Red Herring or Red Flag?

    Could male DNA under Maggie Murdaugh's fingernails change the Alex Murdaugh murder case? Three years after Alex Murdaugh was convicted of murdering his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and son, Paul Murdaugh, a sample of unidentified male DNA is at the center of the investigation as we anticipate an April 2027 retrial. At Alex Murdaugh’s hearing on Monday, June 29th, defense attorney Jim Griffin renewed his push to have DNA reexamined by Othram. Othram is the forensic genetic genealogy lab known for solving cold cases and assisting in high-profile investigations, including work connected to the Bryan Kohberger case. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson sits down with forensic DNA analyst Tiffany Roy to break down what the DNA evidence could mean for the case, and what she thinks should happen next in her expert opinion. How significant is touch DNA? Does it deserve another look using today's advanced forensic technology? As the Alex Murdaugh retrial approaches, we examine the evidence with a scientific perspective to understand its potential impact on a verdict. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed and turn on your notifications for continuing Alex Murdaugh coverage, true crime investigations, murder trial updates, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines.

    23 min

  5. Jun 30

    Retrial Predictions: Behind the Scenes With Murdaugh Insider

    The countdown is on for Alex Murdaugh’s murder retrial, and we’re asking insiders… What happens next? Alex Murdaugh's retrial is scheduled for April 5th 2027, and many expect it to become one of the biggest true crime trials in America all over again. With a new judge, new legal battles, and renewed public attention, the next chapter of the Murdaugh saga is already taking shape. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson sits down with veteran South Carolina attorney Joe McCulloch, who says Judge Debra McCaslin is about to become a "lion tamer in a three-ring circus." McCulloch has a unique perspective on the case, having represented Connor Cook after the deadly boat crash involving Paul Murdaugh that tragically killed Mallory Beach. He also represented two jurors during the Becky Hill jury tampering investigation, attended the original six-week murder trial in 2023, and has spent more than 40 years practicing law in South Carolina. The first Alex Murdaugh murder trial captivated the true crime world, and McCulloch believes the retrial is primed to be round two of that media spotlight. We examine what happens next, and what’s on his mind as a true insider to the Murdaugh case. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for continuing Murdaugh coverage, murder trial updates, true crime analysis, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines. Catch up on all our coverage of the Murdaugh case If you’re Criminally Obsessed like us… Prove it! Shop our merch

    25 min

  6. Jun 29

    Murdaugh Murder Retrial: DNA Under Fingernails & ‘Cleaned’ Crime Scene?

    New developments from Alex Murdaugh’s pretrial hearing: Could DNA under Maggie Murdaugh's fingernails identify someone other than Alex Murdaugh? Could the Moselle crime scene have been "cleaned?"  And could either question change the outcome of one of America's biggest murder trials? Alex Murdaugh was back in court on Monday, June 29th, and his second murder trial is officially scheduled. Judge Debra McCaslin set a date for April 5th 2027, and we’re getting a glimpse into potential strategies for both the prosecution and defense. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, investigative reporter Anne Emerson is joined by former South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon to break down everything we learned at the hearing and what it means for the retrial of Alex Murdaugh in the 2021 murders of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and son, Paul Murdaugh.  Anne also revisits her interview with Captain Jason Chapman of the Colleton County Sheriff's Office, one of the first officers at the Moselle crime scene, after defense attorney Dick Harpootlian referenced the theory of a "cleaned crime scene" in court.  If you know Criminally Obsessed, you know Anne has reported extensively on the Murdaugh saga - she reported from the South Carolina courtroom during all six weeks of the original trial in 2023! We’ll keep bringing you exclusive conversations with key players and the real people behind the headlines. Subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss an episode. Catch up on all our coverage of the Murdaugh case

    27 min

  7. Jun 25

    Criminologist: 3 Reasons Murdaugh Could be Convicted in Murder Retrial

    What evidence could convict Alex Murdaugh the second time around? Murdaugh's 2023 convictions for the murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul have been overturned, and forensic criminologist Dr. Laura Pettler lays out exactly what we need to pay attention to in the next chapter of the Murdaugh saga. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson speaks with our friend Dr. Laura Pettler to examine the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh using her "Murder Room Method," an investigative process she developed to systematically analyze homicide cases. Dr. Laura Pettler discusses the three pieces of evidence she believes remain most damaging to Alex Murdaugh’s case, and how her method could point to a conviction. The next major step in Alex Murdaugh’s case comes Monday, June 29, when attorneys return to court for a status hearing in Lexington County. His defense is expected to push for independent DNA testing, a change of venue, and expanded access to case materials as the retrial begins to take shape. It’s being reported that Alex will be present on Monday… We'll be livestreaming it with Anne to keep you updated every step of the way. Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed and make sure you turn on notifications for our continuing Alex Murdaugh coverage, true crime analysis, murder trial updates, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines.

    22 min

  8. Jun 24

    New Evidence in Lynette Hooker Case: What Does Coast Guard Know?

    Have Coast Guard searches uncovered bombshell evidence in the Lynette Hooker case?  New search images released by the Coast Guard are raising questions about the disappearance of 55-year-old Lynette Hooker, who vanished in the Bahamas nearly three months ago. Her husband, Brian Hooker, says she accidentally fell overboard on April 4th and could not be saved - but Lynette’s loved ones have serious questions about what really happened out on the water, and what the Coast Guard may have found in their investigation. In this episode of Criminally Obsessed, Anne Emerson sits down with underwater crime scene investigator Alex Beer to analyze the Coast Guard images and what they might reveal. Beer has worked on similar cases, understands how digital evidence is used to track movements on the water, and even has experience with the same K-9 deployed during the search.  Brian Hooker has not been charged with a crime and is presumed innocent. But with Lynette still missing, we analyze the latest updates in the search through the expert lens of an underwater investigator. What’s standing out to him… and could there be an arrest on the horizon? Subscribe to Criminally Obsessed for the latest Lynette Hooker updates, true crime investigations, missing persons cases, and exclusive interviews that go beyond the headlines. If you’re Criminally Obsessed like us… Prove it! Shop our merch

    23 min
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Trailer

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About

Criminally Obsessed goes deeper — inside the investigations, the courtroom drama, and the human stories at the center of the country’s biggest true crime cases. We track breaking developments, uncover overlooked details, and bring clarity to the chaos — always with compassion for victims and the people whose lives are forever changed. Host Anne Emerson brings more than 30 years of award-winning investigative reporting to every episode. She’s covered the nation’s most high-profile trials firsthand, conducted interviews with some of the biggest names in the true crime world — from Amanda Knox to Elizabeth Smart — and has trusted sources connected to the cases dominating the national conversation.

Information

  • Creator
    Criminally Obsessed
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    89
  • Copyright
    © Sinclair Inc.
  • Show Website
    Criminally Obsessed

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