Murder In The Morning | Daily True Crime News True Crime Today

Want to listen to all of the content from the True Crime Today and Hidden Killers podcast universe, AD FREE and in ADVANCE?

This is the place to do it!

1) Simply SUBSCRIBE to True Crime Today Premium Plus on Apple Podcasts monthly or yearly, and you're IN!!

2) IMPORTANT; Then, be sure to follow the True Crime Today Premium Plus channel on Apple Podcasts for ALL of the AD FREE and ADVANCE CONTENT. THIS IS A SEPARATE CHANNEL that hosts all of the ALL of the AD FREE and ADVANCE CONTENT.

NOTE: ALL AD-FREE and ADVANCE content will only be posted to the True Crime Today Premium Plus channel on Apple Podcasts. If you subscribe to any of our channels and want the AD-FREE and ADVANCE podcasts, you need to follow the True Crime Today Premium Plus channel to access these premium features.

In an exclusive interview with Eyewitness News, Donna Sturman, the former executive assistant of accused Long Island serial killer Rex Heuermann, has broken her silence, expressing her shock and disbelief at the accusations made against her former boss.

Sturman, who worked for Heuermann from 2017 to 2018 at his architectural office in Midtown, revealed her deep-seated trauma over the revelations, stating, "It's traumatizing. It's so unbelievable."

Recalling her tenure with Heuermann, Sturman highlighted the irony of DNA evidence linking him to the Gilgo Beach murders, citing a discarded piece of pizza crust she used to buy him. "It always kind of bothered me that he didn't eat the crust," she remarked.

Despite her years of working closely with Heuermann, Sturman admitted she never imagined him being accused of such heinous crimes. "To me, he was always so respectful," she stated, reflecting on her perception of her former employer.

Sturman vividly recounted the moment she learned of Heuermann's arrest last summer, describing the shock and surreal experience of seeing his name associated with the allegations. "Honestly, it was like moving in slow motion," she recalled.

Even witnessing the surveillance footage of Heuermann's arrest, his subsequent mugshot, and court appearances left Sturman overwhelmed. "It's seriously traumatizing," she emphasized.

Reflecting on her decision to work for Heuermann despite initial misgivings, Sturman revealed financial difficulties led her to accept the position. However, she never imagined the magnitude of the situation she would find herself in years later.

Sturman also shed light on her labor dispute with Heuermann, stating he never paid her overtime or vacation time. Despite filing a complaint with the New York State Department of Labor and winning a judgment of $20,000 in lost wages, Heuermann has failed to pay her to this day.

While Eyewitness News reached out to Heuermann's attorney regarding the unpaid wages, they declined to comment on the matter, leaving Sturman still grappling with the aftermath of her association with the accused serial killer.

Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com 

In a shocking and tragic turn of events, Emmanuel Espinoza, a 21-year-old pre-med student at the University of Florida, has been charged with first-degree murder in the brutal stabbing death of his mother, Elvia Espinoza, in Frostproof, Florida. The incident, described by authorities as an inexplicable act of violence, has left the community reeling in disbelief.

According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, the harrowing attack occurred on Saturday afternoon when Emmanuel visited his mother's home for a family event. Despite appearing calm and composed, Emmanuel's actions were chillingly premeditated, as he arrived at the house with a small knife hidden behind his back and playing music through his AirPods.

"His beautiful mother, who was so excited to see her son, opened the door. The second she opened the door, he charged in and started stabbing her," Sheriff Judd recounted. Emmanuel allegedly stabbed his mother over 70 times, relentlessly attacking her until she succumbed to her injuries.

In a perplexing confession to detectives, Emmanuel revealed that his motive for the murder stemmed from years of pent-up frustration with his mother. Despite professing love for her, he admitted to harboring a deep-seated resentment, claiming that she had consistently irritated him over the years.

"We talked to him and he confessed. He said, 'You know, I have wanted to kill my mother for many, many years because she got on my nerves,'" Sheriff Judd stated. "He really loved her, but she irritated him and he made up his mind today on his way from Gainesville that he would murder her, and that’s exactly what he did." 


Emmanuel told detectives that he had cut his hand in the stabbing. When he went to the kitchen sink to wash his hands and the knife, "he wanted to ask his mother for the Neosporin for the cut on his hand, but he noticed she was dead," Judd said.

Emmanuel's confession sent shockwaves through the community, as Elvia Espinoza was widely regarded as a devoted mother and beloved second-grade teacher at Ben Hill Griffin Elementary. Her sudden and tragic death has left her colleagues and students devastated.

"Her students and colleagues greatly loved her, and her sudden, unexpected death is a devastating loss," Polk County Public Schools expressed in a statement.

The senseless act of violence has left authorities grappling for answers, as Emmanuel had no history of drug or alcohol abuse, mental health issues, or prior criminal record. Described as introverted and quiet, Emmanuel was a valedictorian at his high school and was regarded as a genius by those who knew him.

As the investigation unfolds, the community mourns the loss of Elvia Espinoza, a dedicated educator and cherished mother, whose life was tragically cut short in a senseless act of violence perpetrated by her own son.

Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com 

The enigmatic and controversial figure of O.J. Simpson, whose life journey spanned from athletic glory to legal infamy, has come to an end with his passing at the age of 76 due to prostate cancer, confirmed by his family on Wednesday. Simpson's death marks the closure of a tumultuous chapter in American history that was dominated by his high-profile murder trial and subsequent legal battles.

Renowned as a football star and Hollywood actor, Simpson's legacy was forever altered by the tragic events of June 1994, when his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman, were brutally slain in Los Angeles. The ensuing trial, famously dubbed the "trial of the century," captivated the nation's attention, sparking debates on race, celebrity justice, and police conduct.

Despite overwhelming evidence against him, including blood drops and a glove found at the crime scene, Simpson was acquitted of murder in a dramatic courtroom verdict in 1995. However, a subsequent civil trial held him liable for the deaths and ordered him to pay $33.5 million to the victims' families, casting a shadow over his acquittal and perpetuating public fascination with his case.

Simpson's life continued to be marred by legal troubles, culminating in a 2008 conviction for armed robbery and other felonies related to a confrontation in a Las Vegas hotel room. Despite serving nine years in prison, Simpson remained defiant upon his release in 2017, maintaining his innocence and asserting that he was merely attempting to retrieve stolen sports memorabilia.

Throughout his life, Simpson's persona transcended racial and societal barriers, earning him adulation as a football legend and cultural icon. Yet, his achievements were overshadowed by the specter of controversy and legal battles, leaving a complex and divisive legacy that continues to intrigue the public.

In the aftermath of Simpson's death, reactions have been mixed, reflecting the enduring impact of his life and legal saga. While some mourn his passing, others remain critical of his actions and the unresolved questions surrounding the tragic deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.

As the nation reflects on the life and legacy of O.J. Simpson, his story serves as a cautionary tale of fame, fortune, and the complexities of justice in modern America. While his trials may have ended, the debates and discussions sparked by his tumultuous life are likely to endure for years to come, ensuring that his legacy remains a subject of fascination and controversy in the annals of American history.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Following a tense and emotional trial, Nicolae Miu, 54, has been convicted of first-degree reckless homicide for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Isaac Schuman at the Apple River in western Wisconsin in 2022. The verdict, delivered by a St. Croix County jury, marks a significant development in a case that has gripped the community since the tragic confrontation unfolded.

The jury, consisting of six men and six women, also found Miu guilty on four counts of recklessly endangering safety for his actions against four other individuals involved in the altercation, as well as one count of battery. Miu had argued that he acted in self-defense, but prosecutors pursued higher charges, including first-degree intentional homicide.

Defense attorney Aaron Nelson expressed surprise and "respectful disappointment" at the verdict, highlighting the subjective nature of self-defense claims. Nelson remarked, "In many ways, self-defense is a community standard. And it's very dependent upon which group of 12 people within the community you ask."

The trial featured emotional testimony and evidence, with key moments punctuated by prosecutor Karl Anderson's assertions that Miu "snapped" and stabbed Schuman out of anger. Conversely, defense attorney Corey Chirafisi argued that Miu felt frightened, trapped, and vulnerable following significant health challenges, including a heart attack and quadruple bypass surgery in 2020.

Critical to the trial was video evidence capturing the confrontation, which jurors reviewed extensively. The footage, beginning with Miu's interaction with Madison Coen, depicted the escalation of tensions leading to the violent altercation. Miu appeared visibly distressed as the video showcased the moments of the confrontation, which resulted in tragic consequences.

Schuman, a resident of Stillwater, was fatally stabbed during the altercation, which also left Alexander Martin, Dante Carlson, Anthony Carlson, Rhyley Mattison, and Madison Coen injured. The jury's deliberations, which began Wednesday afternoon, concluded Thursday morning with the delivery of the verdict.

The conviction of Nicolae Miu brings a measure of closure to a community still reeling from the senseless violence that unfolded at the Apple River. As legal proceedings progress, the impact of this tragic incident continues to resonate, serving as a reminder of the importance of accountability and justice in the face of such profound loss.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

The highly anticipated trial of Chad Daybell commenced on April 10, shedding light on the grim events surrounding the deaths of his former wife Tammy Daybell and Lori Vallow's two children, Joshua "J.J." Vallow and Tylee Ryan. The proceedings, streamed live from Boise, Idaho, painted a chilling picture of alleged obsession and premonitions that prosecutors argue drove Chad's actions.

During the opening statements, Madison County Prosecuting Attorney Rob Wood set the tone by accusing Chad of an "obsession" with Lori Vallow and making repeated predictions about Tammy's untimely demise. Wood underscored the sequence of events, emphasizing the suspicious circumstances surrounding Tammy's death in their marital bed just days before Chad married Lori. Wood emphasized, "More than anything else, Chad's obsession with Lori was rooted in her adoration for him."

Prosecutors contended that Chad's motivations revolved around sex, money, and power, alleging that he sought to remove "obstacles" in his pursuit of a life with Lori, including Tammy and Lori's children. Wood asserted, "Tammy Daybell, a vivacious, happy mother, was another individual labeled as a dark spirit to be removed."

The trial revisited the grim discoveries made in June 2020 when the remains of J.J. and Tylee were found on Chad's property, buried in disturbing circumstances. J.J. was wrapped in plastic and bound by duct tape, while Tylee was dismembered and burned. The children had last been seen in September 2019, but their disappearance was not reported until months later. Wood reiterated the prosecution's stance, stating, "Two dead children buried in this defendant's backyard."

Chad's trial marks a continuation of legal proceedings that began with Lori Vallow's conviction in July 2023 for the murders of her children and Tammy. Despite the life sentence handed to Lori, Chad now faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted on all charges, including first-degree murder, insurance fraud, and grand theft.

The case has drawn widespread attention due to its connection to a small doomsday cult, allegedly centered around Chad and Lori's beliefs. Prosecutors previously suggested that the couple's involvement in this cult led to the elimination of individuals deemed to have "dark spirits."

As the trial unfolds, the community awaits further revelations regarding the disturbing chain of events that culminated in the tragic deaths of J.J., Tylee, and Tammy, shedding light on the alleged motivations and actions of Chad Daybell.

In conclusion, the trial's opening statements set a somber tone, revealing a narrative of obsession, premonitions, and alleged pursuit of a life rooted in darkness, leaving the courtroom and observers alike gripped by the unfolding saga of the Daybell case.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com