Check The Locks: A True Crime Podcast

John Conner
  • 4.7 (196)
  • TRUE CRIME
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

John Conner dives headfirst into some of the wildest, most unsettling true crime cases ever told in a brand-new weekly podcast where you help decide just how terrifying each story truly is. If you drift off to sleep with serial killer docs playing, lose hours deep-diving real-life mysteries, or constantly wonder what pushes a murderer over the edge, then Check the Locks is calling for your killer instincts. Tune in, weigh in, and help determine which cases are sinister enough to make you… check the locks.

  1. 2D AGO

    The Grinch of Florida

    A quiet Christmas Eve in Brevard County ends in violence and betrayal, serving as a reminder that the most dangerous threats don’t always come from strangers. Join John Conner as he discusses the real-life Grinch of Florida, Heather Nelson. Will this case be enough to make you check the locks? Follow Us: Instagram  Twitter Join Our Facebook Group Subscribe to our Patreon Visit our website Subscribe and Review on Apple Podcasts Check the Locks is Supported By:  Audible: Enjoy 30 Days for Free This episode of Check the Locks is dedicated, with love, to the memory of our friend Mathew Scott Halliday.  Sources: Housekeeper Facing Charges for Allegedly Assaulting 83-Year-Old Employer Who Denied Her a $500 Christmas Bonus https://nypost.com/2025/01/12/us-news/florida-housekeeper-heather-nelson-arrested-robbed-and-assaulted-83-year-old-boss-over-christmas-bonus/ 'She actually took the check by force': Florida woman allegedly injures 83-year-old employer, steals her money and holiday cards after being denied $500 Christmas bonus | Law & Crime Brevard County house cleaner assaults older woman, deputies say https://www.facebook.com/BrevardCountySheriff/posts/pfbid0oRxbLSrdhSTKRJj6tCv4RtnKesFDyRYKEp2yQScS9HBDmg9eKHQcCzEu9wYQ4gfUl Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/check-the-locks-a-true-crime-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    12 min

  2. DEC 16

    The Disappearance of Melissa Brannen

    On a cold December night in 1989, a five-year-old girl vanished from a Christmas party—without a scream, without a trace, and without ever coming home. Join John Conner as he dives deep into the dark to discuss the disappearance of Melissa Brannen. Will this case be enough to make you check the locks? Follow Us: Instagram  Twitter Join Our Facebook Group Subscribe to our Patreon Visit our website Subscribe and Review on Apple Podcasts Check the Locks is Supported By:  Audible: Enjoy 30 Days for Free This episode of Check the Locks is dedicated, with love, to the memory of our friend Mathew Scott Halliday.  Sources: Forensic Files - Season 4, Episode 5 - Innocence Lost - Full Episode Melissa Brannen Archives - Forensic Files Now Melissa Brannen’s abductor, Caleb Hughes, will be freed from prison after nearly 30 years Melissa Lee Brannen Convicted child abductor on parole for 1989 case found babysitting in Virginia Fairfax police still seek killer of 5-year-old Melissa Brannen, who vanished in 1989 https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPcap/1999-11/27/005r-112799-idx.html Inmate Locator — Virginia Department of Corrections Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/check-the-locks-a-true-crime-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    24 min

  3. DEC 9

    The Grapevine Christmas Killings

    On Christmas Day, 2011, terror struck a town in Texas. A whispered 911 call, a family gathering turned deadly, and a killer dressed as Santa Claus. Join John Conner as he dives deep into the dark to discuss the Grapevine Christmas Murders. Will this case be enough to make you check the locks? Follow Us: Instagram  Twitter Join Our Facebook Group Subscribe to our Patreon Visit our website Subscribe and Review on Apple Podcasts Check the Locks is Supported By:  Audible: Enjoy 30 Days for Free This episode of Check the Locks is dedicated, with love, to the memory of our friend Mathew Scott Halliday.  Sources: Estranged Husband Dressed As Santa Blamed For Christmas Day Massacre - ABC News He turned up to his ex’s home dressed as Santa to surprise his kids. Then he killed them all | The Independent Grapevine, TX | Data USA Wife's good fortunes spurred Texas killings Authorities identify victims in Christmas shootings Christmas Capital of Texas® | Christmas Getaway in Grapevine Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/check-the-locks-a-true-crime-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    20 min
  4. The Murder of Za'Zell Preston

    DEC 2

    The Murder of Za'Zell Preston

    What should have been a night of celebration turned into a tragedy marked by escalating abuse and a chilling scene no child should ever witness. As investigators peeled back the layers of their victim's life, they uncovered the truth behind her violent death and the pattern of control that led her there. Join John Conner as he dives deep into the dark to discuss the murder of Za'Zell Preston. Will this case be enough to make you check the locks? Follow Us: Instagram  Twitter Join Our Facebook Group Subscribe to our Patreon Visit our website Subscribe and Review on Apple Podcasts Check the Locks is Supported By:  Audible: Enjoy 30 Days for Free This episode of Check the Locks is dedicated, with love, to the memory of our friend Mathew Scott Halliday.  Sources: William Wallace dragged wife Za'Zell Preston into the living room with sunglasses on her head, propped her body on the couch, and told his kids that "she got drunk and ruined Christmas." Man sentenced who killed wife, propped body in front of kids | AP News Man who placed wife's body in front of kids guilty of murder Christmas Day Killing of Wife in Anaheim Heads to Jury – Los Angeles Sentinel O.C. man who killed his wife on Christmas is guilty of murder - Los Angeles Times Man Convicted of Murder After Killing Wife and Having Kids Open Christmas Gifts in Front of Her Body William Wallace Of Anaheim Convicted For Killing Wife On Christmas 2011, Had Propped Her Body On Couch As Children Opened Presents Man accused of killing wife, propping her in front of kids to open Christmas gifts Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/check-the-locks-a-true-crime-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    18 min
  5. The Monster of Allentown

    NOV 25

    The Monster of Allentown

    Between 1992 and 1993, the quiet city of Allentown, Pennsylvania, was stalked by a predator who seemed to strike at random and disappear without a trace. As bodies were discovered and survivors came forward with chilling accounts, investigators raced to identify the teen responsible for a string of brutal attacks and murders. Join John Conner as he dives deep into the dark to discuss the Monster of Allentown, Harvey Miguel Robinson. Will this case be enough to make you check the locks? Follow Us: Instagram  Twitter Join Our Facebook Group Subscribe to our Patreon Visit our website Subscribe and Review on Apple Podcasts Check the Locks is Supported By:  Audible: Enjoy 30 Days for Free This episode of Check the Locks is dedicated, with love, to the memory of our friend Mathew Scott Halliday.  Sources: Harvey Robinson, The Teen Serial Killer Who Murdered 3 People COMMONWEALTH v. ROBINSON (2004) | FindLaw ALLENTOWN WOMAN SLAIN AT HOME Judge Urges Serial Killer Harvey Robinson To Donate Brain To Science ALLENTOWN MAN CHARGED IN SERIAL MURDERS, RAPES CALL CARRIER SCHMOYER 1 OF 3 SLAIN Com. v. Robinson | Cases | Westlaw Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/check-the-locks-a-true-crime-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    25 min
  6. A Very Special Halloween

    OCT 30

    A Very Special Halloween

    It's Halloween, and we are sending Olivia out with a truly terrifying case. In August 1990, the quiet college town of Gainesville, Florida, was gripped by terror. Over just four days, five students were brutally murdered by a man who came to be known as The Gainesville Ripper. As panic spread across campus, dorms emptied, and locks clicked shut across the city. Join us as we welcome special guest Jessica Gomez to discuss the Gainesville Ripper, the real-life horror that inspired the movie Scream. Will this case be enough to make you check the locks? Follow Us: Instagram  Twitter Join Our Facebook Group You can support Jessica Gomez at www.writerjessicagomez.com Subscribe to our Patreon Leave a voicemail by calling 615-920-9393 Visit our website Subscribe and Review on Apple Podcasts Check the Locks is Supported By:  Audible: Enjoy 30 Days for Free This episode of Check the Locks is dedicated, with love, to the memory of our friend Mathew Scott Halliday.  Sources: Rolling’s confession to Shreveport murders Danny Rolling IN DREAD AND SORROW, CAMPUS WAITS OUT HUNT FOR KILLER - The Washington Post https://library.law.fsu.edu/Digital-Collections/flsupct/dockets/83638/83638ini.pdf Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/check-the-locks-a-true-crime-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 38m
  7. The Trick-Or-Treat Murders

    OCT 27

    The Trick-Or-Treat Murders

    Halloween night, 1957 — a knock at the door, a masked visitor, and a single gunshot that leaves a man dead. But this wasn’t a random attack. Behind the disguise lies a story of jealousy, obsession, and betrayal that shattered the illusion of suburban perfection. Join John Conner as he dives deep into the dark to discuss the Trick or Treat Murder of Peter Fabiano. Will this case be enough to make you check the locks? Follow Us: Instagram  Twitter Join Our Facebook Group Subscribe to our Patreon Leave a voicemail by calling 615-920-9393 Visit our website Subscribe and Review on Apple Podcasts Check the Locks is Supported By:  Audible: Enjoy 30 Days for Free This episode of Check the Locks is dedicated, with love, to the memory of our friend Mathew Scott Halliday.  Sources: Three's a Crowd: The Cold Blooded Halloween Murder of Peter Fabiano The Trick-or-Treat Murder - Deranged LA Crimes Murder on Halloween: The 'Trick-or-Treat Slaying' – Overview & Analysis | Crime+Investigation UK Murder on Halloween: The Trick or Treat Murder The Bizarre Lesbian Murder Scandal That Rocked 1950s LA California "Consenting Adults" Law: The Sex Act in Perspective. The Trick or Treat Murder Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/check-the-locks-a-true-crime-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    23 min
  8. True Crime for the Short on Time: The Luna Family Murders

    OCT 23 · BONUS

    True Crime for the Short on Time: The Luna Family Murders

    In September of 1993, what began as a petty theft spiraled into one of Arizona’s most brutal family murders. When a man who was convinced the system had failed him decided to take justice into his own hands. And sadly, an innocent family paid the price. A mother, father, teenage daughter, and a five-year-old boy—each caught in a web of vengeance that no one saw coming. Join Olivia Cornu and John Conner as they dive deep into the dark to discuss the Luna Family Murders. Will this case be enough to make you check the locks? Follow Us: Instagram  Twitter Join Our Facebook Group Subscribe to our Patreon Leave a voicemail by calling 615-920-9393 Visit our website Subscribe and Review on Apple Podcasts Check the Locks is Supported By:  Audible: Enjoy 30 Days for Free This episode of Check the Locks is dedicated, with love, to the memory of our friend Mathew Scott Halliday.  Sources: No. 19–7856 RICHARD KENNETH DJERF, -vs- DAVID SHINN, et al., BRIEF IN OPPOSITION O.H. SKINNER PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85007-2997 TELE Arizona Man Executed 32 Years After Killing Family of 4 in Shocking Act of Revenge Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/check-the-locks-a-true-crime-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    19 min
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4.7
out of 5
196 Ratings

About

John Conner dives headfirst into some of the wildest, most unsettling true crime cases ever told in a brand-new weekly podcast where you help decide just how terrifying each story truly is. If you drift off to sleep with serial killer docs playing, lose hours deep-diving real-life mysteries, or constantly wonder what pushes a murderer over the edge, then Check the Locks is calling for your killer instincts. Tune in, weigh in, and help determine which cases are sinister enough to make you… check the locks.

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