Colorado Crime Podcast

Amanda Russell and Kori Dacus

Welcome to Colorado Crime, where two best friends turned “partners in crime” dig into the darkest stories from Colorado and beyond. We bring you deep dives into true crime cases — from haunting unsolved mysteries to the infamous and the overlooked — all told with empathy, curiosity, and a dash of humor to keep things human. Every episode blends solid research, thoughtful storytelling, and the kind of banter that only comes from years of friendship (and maybe a few too many late-night coffee runs). At the heart of every story are the victims — their lives, their voices, and the justice they deserve. So grab your headphones and join us as we explore the darker side of the Rockies… one case at a time. The crimes that we discuss are graphic and may be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. Interested in supporting us?: https://coloradocrimepod.castos.com/donate Like hanging out with us every week? Be sure to subscribe, rate, share, and review. Website: https://www.coloradocrimepodcast.com/ Instagram: @ColoradoCrimePod Youtube: @ColoradoCrimePod Facebook: @ColoradoCrimePod

  1. Feb 6

    Episode 52– PART 4: Susan Powell- Aftermath, Accountability, and Legacy

    In the final part of this series, we examine what happened after the deaths of Charlie and Braden Powell — and the long, painful aftermath that followed. This episode explores the investigations, legal consequences, and lasting impact of Susan Powell’s disappearance and the murders of her sons. We discuss how responsibility was examined, how systems responded, and how the ripple effects of this case extended far beyond one family. Part Four covers:     •    The immediate aftermath of February 5, 2012     •    Investigations into child welfare and court system failures     •    Life insurance rulings and why Josh Powell could not benefit     •    The role of Josh’s family, including those who spoke out and those who did not     •    The death of Josh Powell’s brother, Michael, and the broader toll of the case     •    What happened to Josh’s father, Steven Powell     •    Why Susan Powell has never been found — and what law enforcement believes happened     •    The legacy of this case and what it reveals about prevention, proof, and protection This is not a story about closure. It is a story about consequence — and about the people who were lost when warnings were recognized, but not stopped. ⸻ ⚠️ Content Warning This episode contains discussion of domestic abuse, child endangerment, homicide, and suicide. No graphic details are included. Listener discretion is advised.

  2. Jan 30

    Episode 51 – PART 3: Susan, Charlie and Braden Powell

    In Part Three of this series, we examine what happened after Susan Powell disappeared — and how concern for her children quickly became central to the case. As investigators increasingly believed that Susan Powell was the victim of homicide, attention turned to the safety of her sons, Charlie and Braden. This episode explores why Josh Powell lost custody, what authorities discovered inside the home where the boys were living, and how documented warning signs shaped — and failed to prevent — what came next. Part Three covers: Why Josh Powell moved the boys to Washington after Susan disappearedEvidence found in the Powell home that raised serious child safety concernsWhat was discovered on computers inside the homeWhy Josh lost custody of his sonsHow and why supervised visitation was later reinstatedThe limitations of family court and child welfare systemsHow risk was recognized — but managed instead of eliminatedThis episode focuses on the space between knowledge and action — and how systems designed to protect children can fail even when danger is acknowledged.⚠️ Content WarningThis episode contains discussion of domestic abuse, coercive control, and suspected homicide. No graphic details are included. Listener discretion is advised. *If you or someone you know is experiencing fear or control in a relationship, help is available. National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.) 1-800-799-SAFE https://www.thehotline.org/ Sources:COLD Podcast- https://thecoldpodcast.com/season-1/ Susan Powell’s emails and personal writingsWest Valley City Police records-https://www.ksl.com/article/25263938/west-valley-city-photos-documents-relating-to-the-susan-powell-caseVerified reporting from KSL, Deseret News, and The Salt Lake TribuneSusan Powell video diary of persoanl property- https://youtu.be/cwTi_WDSkmo?si=lTCACwKUK9EtKEKN

  3. Jan 23

    Episode 50 – PART 2: Susan Powell- From Missing to Murdered

    The Disappearance of Susan Powell: What Happened That Night In Part Two of this series, we move from who Susan Powell was to what happened after she vanished — and why investigators quickly believed she did not leave voluntarily. This episode examines the night Susan disappeared, the immediate aftermath, and the mounting evidence that led police to believe she was the victim of homicide. We walk through Josh Powell’s actions, the condition of the Powell home, and the growing concerns shared by friends, family, and law enforcement. Part Two covers: The last confirmed day Susan was seen Why she was reported missing by a friend — not her husband Josh Powell’s behavior before and after Susan vanished Evidence of cleanup inside the Powell home What was found during searches of the Powell home Early investigative conclusions and why police believed Susan was murdered Initial searches for Susan and why none were successful Susan Powell has never been found. But the evidence left behind tells a troubling story. ⚠️ Content Warning This episode contains discussion of domestic abuse, coercive control, and suspected homicide. No graphic details are included. Listener discretion is advised. *If you or someone you know is experiencing fear or control in a relationship, help is available. National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.) 1-800-799-SAFE https://www.thehotline.org/ Sources: COLD Podcast- https://thecoldpodcast.com/season-1/ Susan Powell’s emails and personal writings West Valley City Police records-https://www.ksl.com/article/25263938/west-valley-city-photos-documents-relating-to-the-susan-powell-case Verified reporting from KSL, Deseret News, and The Salt Lake Tribune Susan Powell video diary of persoanl property- https://youtu.be/cwTi_WDSkmo?si=lTCACwKUK9EtKEKN

  4. Jan 16

    Episode 49 – PART 1: Susan Powell- "If I die it may not be an accident"

    Who Was Susan Powell?Before Susan Powell became a headline, she was a mother, a woman of deep faith, and someone who was trying to protect her children while living in fear. In Part One of this series, we focus on who Susan was as a person — not just what happened to her. We talk about her upbringing, her faith, her devotion to her sons, and the private fears she documented before she vanished in December 2009. This episode explores: Susan’s personality, values, and faithHer writings and emails expressing fearEarly warning signs within her marriageThe day she was last seenWhy friends and family immediately believed she did not leave voluntarilySusan Powell is still missing. And before we examine evidence, failures, and outcomes — we start with her life. Trigger Warning:This episode contains discussion of domestic abuse, coercive control, and a missing person. No graphic details are included.DISCLAIMER:This episode discusses a real person who is missing and may be disturbing for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is experiencing fear or control in a relationship, help is available. National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.) 1-800-799-SAFE https://www.thehotline.org/ Sources:COLD Podcast- https://thecoldpodcast.com/season-1/ Susan Powell’s emails and personal writingsWest Valley City Police records-https://www.ksl.com/article/25263938/west-valley-city-photos-documents-relating-to-the-susan-powell-caseVerified reporting from KSL, Deseret News, and The Salt Lake Tribune

  5. 10/15/2025

    Spooky Season 25 Ep: 1- The Spirits of the Stanley

    Spooky Season 25 Episode 1: The Spirits of the Stanley – Estes Park’s Haunted Legacy Nestled high in the Rocky Mountains, the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, is known for its elegance, its history… and its ghosts. From the near-fatal explosion that nearly claimed housekeeper Elizabeth Wilson, to the lingering melodies of Flora Stanley’s beloved Steinway piano, the Stanley’s story blurs the line between life and afterlife. In this episode, Amanda explores the haunting legacy of the hotel that inspired Stephen King’s The Shining — uncovering tales of tragedy, recovery, and the enduring presence of its founder, Freelan Oscar Stanley, whose spirit may still watch over the grand halls he built. Step inside Room 217, ascend to the eerie fourth floor, and meet the hotel’s spectral residents — including the flirtatious ghost of Rocky Mountain Jim. Some say they’re just stories… others say the Stanley’s spirits are still very much alive. Listen now to discover why this Colorado landmark remains one of America’s most haunted hotels.   The crimes that we discuss are graphic and may be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.    Interested in supporting us?: https://coloradocrimepod.castos.com/donate   Like hanging out with us every week? Be sure to subscribe, rate, share, and review. Website: https://www.coloradocrimepodcast.com/  Instagram: @ColoradoCrimePod Youtube: @ColoradoCrimePod Facebook: @ColoradoCrimePod

    Spooky Season 25 Ep: 1- The Spirits of the Stanley
4
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Welcome to Colorado Crime, where two best friends turned “partners in crime” dig into the darkest stories from Colorado and beyond. We bring you deep dives into true crime cases — from haunting unsolved mysteries to the infamous and the overlooked — all told with empathy, curiosity, and a dash of humor to keep things human. Every episode blends solid research, thoughtful storytelling, and the kind of banter that only comes from years of friendship (and maybe a few too many late-night coffee runs). At the heart of every story are the victims — their lives, their voices, and the justice they deserve. So grab your headphones and join us as we explore the darker side of the Rockies… one case at a time. The crimes that we discuss are graphic and may be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. Interested in supporting us?: https://coloradocrimepod.castos.com/donate Like hanging out with us every week? Be sure to subscribe, rate, share, and review. Website: https://www.coloradocrimepodcast.com/ Instagram: @ColoradoCrimePod Youtube: @ColoradoCrimePod Facebook: @ColoradoCrimePod

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