True Crime Prevention Podcast

True Crime Prevention
  • 5.0 (4)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

What if a true crime story didn’t end with heartbreak, but sparked real change? Straight from the desk of McGruff the Crime Dog® and the National Crime Prevention Council comes True Crime Prevention, the Podcast that goes beyond the headlines and provides real solutions. Host Paul DelPonte will take a bite out of fear and serve up a podcast that’s not just about stories... it’s about solutions. Subscribe to us on YouTube to catch the full video version of every episode: https://www.youtube.com/@McGrufftheCrimeDogNCPC Hosted by Paul DelPonte.

  1. 5D AGO

    Gabby Petito's Mother Speaks Out | True Crime Prevention Podcast

    When 22-year-old Gabby Petito went missing during a cross-country road trip, the nation watched — and mourned — as her story became a tragic symbol of intimate partner violence hiding in plain sight. In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the True Crime Prevention Podcast, we are joined by Gabby’s mother, Nichole Schmidt, who speaks candidly about Gabby’s life, the warning signs that were missed, and the urgent lessons every family, friend, and community needs to hear. This conversation goes beyond headlines and true crime curiosity. Niki shares how Gabby’s story has become a mission — raising awareness about domestic violence, coercive control, and early red flags, and empowering others to speak up before it’s too late. 🔹 What warning signs should never be ignored 🔹 How loved ones can intervene safely 🔹 What Gabby’s case reveals about gaps in awareness and response 🔹 How prevention, education, and conversation can save lives Gabby’s story should never have ended this way. By listening, learning, and acting, we can help prevent the next tragedy. Subscribe for more real stories, real voices, and real solutions to prevent crime before it happens.

    45 min

  2. 12/29/2025

    2025 True Crime Round Up: Rob Reiner, Bryan Kohberger, Diddy, & Karen Read | Sheriff Aaron Hanson

    2025 was a year that kept true crime at the center of the national conversation. In this special episode of the True Crime Prevention Podcast round up episode, we’re joined by Sheriff Aaron Hanson of Douglas County, Nebraska to break down some of the biggest and most talked-about cases of the year. From the shocking developments in the Bryan Kohberger case, to the explosive allegations and legal fallout surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs, to the deeply divisive Karen Read trial, we unpack what these cases reveal about investigations, media coverage, public trust, and the criminal justice system. We also touch on the cultural and political moments that shaped the true crime landscape in 2025- including the recent tragic murder of Hollywood director Rob Reiner. More than a recap, this conversation focuses on what we can learn—how high-profile cases influence public perception, where systems succeed or fail, and what real crime prevention looks like moving forward. #TrueCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #CrimeNews #2025TrueCrime #BryanKohberger #Diddy #KarenRead #SheriffAaronHanson #LawEnforcement #CriminalJustice #JusticeSystem #CrimePrevention #PublicSafety #TrueCrimeCommunity #PodcastRecommendations

    40 min

  3. 12/18/2025

    The Chilling Mystery of JonBenét Ramsey | What Can We Learn?

    On this episode of the True Crime Prevention Podcast, we revisit the tragic and mysterious murder of JonBenét Ramsey, the six-year-old beauty pageant star found dead in her Boulder, Colorado home in 1996. Decades later, her case still captures the public’s attention—but beyond the mystery, there are important lessons for families and communities about crime prevention and child safety. Join NCPC’s Executive Director Paul DelPonte and Tatiana Peralta as we explore: -Key facts and timeline of the JonBenét Ramsey case -How the investigation unfolded and the challenges law enforcement faced -Safety strategies parents can use to protect children at home and in public -How awareness, community engagement, and preventive measures can reduce risk This episode isn’t just about a famous unsolved crime, it’s about learning from tragedy to better protect our kids and communities! Donate to help McGruff and NCPC's Mission: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/hompagdonfor #JonBenetRamsey #TrueCrimePrevention #ChildSafety #CrimePrevention #NCPC #TrueCrimePodcast

    35 min

  4. 12/11/2025

    The Murder of Reagan Tokes & A Family's Fight for Change

    21-year-old Ohio State student Reagan Tokes never made it home the night she left work on February 8, 2017. What happened in the hours that followed shocked Ohio, exposed catastrophic failures in the criminal justice system, and forever changed one family’s life. In this powerful episode of True Crime Prevention, Reagan’s mother Lisa and sister Makenzie sit down with host Paul DelPonte to share Reagan’s story in their own words: the nightmare they lived through, the fight for justice, and the advocacy work they’ve taken on to protect others in her memory. You’ll hear: • The heartbreaking timeline of Reagan’s final night • How the investigation unfolded and what new developments mean today • Why Lisa and Makenzie pushed for change through the Reagan Tokes Act • Their message to listeners about safety, awareness, and honoring Reagan’s legacy Subscribe for more real stories and real solutions from the True Crime Prevention Podcast. Learn more at NCPC.org #ReaganTokes #TrueCrime #CrimePrevention #NCPC #JusticeForReagan #TrueCrimePodcast #OhioState #VictimsVoices #ReaganTokesAct

    39 min

  5. 12/04/2025

    The Deadly Truth of the Fentanyl Crisis | w/ Dance Moms' Ava Michelle and Jeanette

    "It can happen to anyone." When Devon Michaels took what he believed was a Percocet, he had no idea it was a fake — and laced with fentanyl. His death devastated his family and sparked a mission to protect other young people from the same danger. In this powerful episode of True Crime Prevention, Ava Michelle (Netflix’s "Tall Girl," & "Dance Moms") and her mother Jeanette Cota open up about losing their brother and son to a fake pill. They share how their grief turned into advocacy through the Devon Michaels Foundation, dedicated to spreading awareness about the Mental Health and Fentanyl crisis, and the dangers facing teens today. This episode dives into: • Devon’s story and the night everything changed • Why fake pills are everywhere — and why teens are especially at risk • How fentanyl is fueling a national crisis • What parents must know about social media drug sales • How we can prevent more families from suffering this loss Listen to more True Crime Prevention episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0WsQ5B66MkLSJxblzB8xD5Xlp-r8hSZb Support the National Crime Prevention Council: https://www.ncpc.org/ Support the Devon Michaels Foundation: https://devonmichaelfoundation.com/ 🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council Produced by Nicholas Cirone

    44 min

  6. 11/26/2025

    Holiday to Horror: The Story Behind the 2009 Thanksgiving Murders

    On Thanksgiving night in 2009, what should have been a warm family celebration turned into one of the most shocking and tragic family crimes in modern American history. Paul Merhige arrived at his relatives’ home for dinner but before the night was over, he had executed a calculated plan of murder that left four family members dead, including a 6-year-old Makayla Sitton. In this powerful episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte is joined by NCPC's Tatiana Peralta for a deep dive on the case and a conversation about the warning signs that went unnoticed. This isn’t just a recounting of a horrific crime—it's a discussion about what could have been done, what we can learn, and how we can protect our families and communities from similar tragedies. A haunting case. A critical conversation. And a reminder that prevention starts with awareness! Donate to the National Crime Prevention Council: https://secure.everyaction.com/3Chaf8xrokKlcpfi-1QlXA2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO52CXyS1W9kVGQd4?si=1b9fa2fbebef44c3 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-prevention-podcast/id1821901931 🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council Produced by Nicholas Cirone #TrueCrimePodcast #TrueCrimeCommunity #TrueCrimeAddict #TrueCrimeObsessed #CrimeDocumentary #CrimeInvestigation #ColdCaseFiles #TrueCrimeEpisodes #PaulMerhige #ThanksgivingMurders #FloridaMurders #TrueCrimeCase #TrueCrimeStory #HolidayHomicide #FamilyTragedy

    41 min

  7. 11/20/2025

    The DC Sniper’s Ex-Wife Speaks Out | Dr. Mildred Muhammad

    In 2002, the DC Sniper terrorized a city and leaving more than a dozen dead. But behind the headlines was a chilling personal story few knew: Mildred Muhammad, the ex-wife of the sniper, was the real target all along. In this gripping episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte speaks with Dr. Muhammad as she reveals the chilling reality behind the headlines, the courage it takes to speak out, and her experiences living with a man who would become one of America’s most notorious killers. She shares the warning signs of escalating violence, the psychological toll of living in fear, and how she turned her trauma into advocacy for victims of domestic violence. This conversation offers an unflinching look at the human side of the DC sniper case, highlighting the importance of recognizing abuse, seeking help, and supporting survivors. Get Help: National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) www.thehotline.org Donate to the National Crime Prevention Council: https://secure.everyaction.com/3Chaf8xrokKlcpfi-1QlXA2 Learn more about Mildred's work and journey: https://mildredmuhammad.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO52CXyS1W9kVGQd4?si=17a322696cf64b26 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-prevention-podcast/id1821901931 🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council Produced by Nicholas Cirone #truecrime #domesticviolenceawareness #DCsniper #ptsd #crimeprevention #advocacy, #victimsupport

    42 min

  8. 11/13/2025

    Stolen Innocence: She Turned Her Abuse Into a Law To Save Kids | Erin Merryn

    What happens when one survivor refuses to stay silent? In this episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte speaks with Erin Merryn — a survivor turned national advocate whose story inspired Erin’s Law, landmark legislation that teaches children about safe and unsafe touches. Erin opens up about her personal experience with childhood abuse, the subtle grooming tactics predators use, and why open conversations about personal safety can save lives. Together, Paul and Erin explore how education, awareness, and community involvement can stop abuse before it starts — and how every parent, teacher, and neighbor can help protect kids. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-xjIgjK5ks&feature=youtu.be Learn more about the National Crime Prevention Council: www.ncpc.org Support Erin's Law: https://www.erinslaw.org/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO52CXyS1W9kVGQd4?si=2d53a9bc5d4c4d7b Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-prevention-podcast/id1821901931 🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council Produced by Nicholas Cirone #TrueCrimePrevention #ErinMerryn #ErinsLaw #ChildAbusePrevention #truecrimepodcast #truecrimepodcast #CrimePrevention #SurvivorStories #ChildSafety #endchildabuse

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

What if a true crime story didn’t end with heartbreak, but sparked real change? Straight from the desk of McGruff the Crime Dog® and the National Crime Prevention Council comes True Crime Prevention, the Podcast that goes beyond the headlines and provides real solutions. Host Paul DelPonte will take a bite out of fear and serve up a podcast that’s not just about stories... it’s about solutions. Subscribe to us on YouTube to catch the full video version of every episode: https://www.youtube.com/@McGrufftheCrimeDogNCPC Hosted by Paul DelPonte.

Information

  • Creator
    True Crime Prevention
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 True Crime Prevention
  • Show Website
    True Crime Prevention Podcast

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