Hillbilly Crime Investigates

Elizabeth Jones

Hillbilly Crime is an independent Appalachian investigative podcast hosted by Elizabeth Jones. From the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, we dive deep into crime, corruption, power, and the real stories affecting rural communities that rarely make national headlines. As a single mom in recovery building an investigative media network from my living room, this podcast follows the truth wherever it leads — from courtroom documents and public records to the lived experiences of people in Appalachia. If you believe small towns deserve real journalism, you’re in the right place.

  1. 10h ago

    Bill Meade Trial Video; Ben Fields Connection

    This video from Hillbilly Crime focuses on the Robert "Bill" Wayne Meade trial, specifically his conviction for first-degree sexual abuse in Letcher County (5:26). The host uses the trial video as a lens to explore deeper issues of courthouse culture, accountability, and systemic patterns in the region (5:51, 15:52). Key takeaways include: Trial Context: Meade was sentenced to five years, and the Kentucky Court of Appeals affirmed this conviction on April 3, 2026 (7:01). The video highlights the procedural side of the trial while raising questions about why this appeared to be an isolated incident rather than part of a larger corruption investigation (11:13, 47:45).Local Connections: The host draws parallels between this case and other high-profile events in Letcher County, specifically the Mickey Stines case (where the former sheriff killed Judge Kevin Mullins) and the actions of Ben Fields (a former deputy) (4:43, 8:14, 11:46).The "Dream Team": Throughout the trial footage, the host identifies various legal figures, including Michael Watts and Judge Nick Whitaker, discussing their roles within the local judicial system (26:05, 27:16, 53:37).Systemic Critique: The host argues that there is an underlying culture where specific individuals are shielded while others, particularly vulnerable women, are often exploited or ignored (11:28, 51:34, 52:47).

    Bill Meade Trial Video; Ben Fields Connection

  2. 2d ago

    A Toy Kitchen & the Babysitter's House

    This video, from the Hillbilly Crime channel, discusses the tragic accidental death of three-year-old Briella Holmes (9:21). The toddler passed away on July 27, 2026, after becoming trapped in a wooden toy kitchen at a babysitter's home in Boynton Beach, Florida (14:27-14:41, 20:25). Key aspects of the incident discussed: The Accident: Investigators believe Briella became trapped while trying to retrieve toys that had fallen into an opening in the play kitchen, where a sink insert was missing (12:26-14:16, 59:58-1:00:35).Supervision Concerns: The host expresses concern regarding the level of supervision, noting that the babysitter left the children in the care of her husband, who was reportedly upstairs and only checking on the children "periodically" (11:03-11:33, 46:48-47:32).Medical and Legal Status: The medical examiner ruled the death an accident caused by "probable positional asphyxia" (15:05-15:10, 1:10:00). As of the recording, no criminal charges have been announced, a fact the host finds surprising compared to other cases they have covered (22:10-22:20, 1:16:09-1:16:21).Safety Message:The host uses this tragedy to urge parents and caregivers to be vigilant about potential household hazards—such as window blind cords, unsecured furniture, and incomplete toys—that can pose severe risks to toddlers (37:52-39:06, 1:05:45-1:06:45).

    A Toy Kitchen & the Babysitter's House

  3. 2d ago

    We Don't Want It

    Commenter tells the PSC that they dont wan't this data center in their back yards. What do you think they will do? #hillbillycrime #hillbillyhouse #investigates #datacenter #terawulf #PSC #PublicComments

    We Don't Want It

  4. 2d ago

    Me and the Fish? First Responder Story

    This episode of Hillbilly Crime, titled "What Happens When Survival Becomes a Cage?" (5:07), features host Elizabeth and guest Gavin Fish discussing the recent case involving the Siders family in Hamden, Ohio. On June 30, 2026, authorities executed search warrants at a home and discovered 16 children living in severe, inhumane conditions (5:42). Key Discussion Points: Victim vs. Perpetrator: The hosts grapple with the complexity of Elizabeth Siders' role. They discuss whether she is a victim of a cycle of abuse and control—having reportedly married Gary Siders Jr. at age 15—or a perpetrator responsible for the children's suffering (6:03 - 8:08).The Environment of Abuse: The hosts discuss how the rural setting in Appalachia may have allowed such isolation to go unnoticed (15:36 - 18:00). They emphasize that despite the tragic background of the accused, there is a fundamental need for accountability regarding the children's welfare (51:30 - 52:00).First Responder Perspective: The video includes an interview with an EMS worker who describes the haunting experience of transporting the children from the scene, noting the pervasive smell and the children's unresponsive, fearful state (110:42 - 116:00).Next Steps: The hosts discuss the ongoing legal proceedings for the four adults charged, each facing 16 counts of second-degree felony child endangering, and emphasize the necessity of DNA testing to determine parentage and potential further charges (33:30, 1:05:54 - 1:08:21).Elizabeth and Gavin both express their hope that the legal system will ensure justice for the children and recognize the dedication of the professionals currently handling the care and recovery of these victims (1:19:00 - 1:19:42).

  5. 3d ago

    Elizabeth Siders Wants a Comp Eval Too!

    This video from Hillbilly Crime provides an update on the Siders case involving 16 children found in a home in Vinton County, Ohio. The host discusses recent legal developments, court filings, and the complexities surrounding the case. Key updates discussed in the video: Elizabeth Siders' Competency Motion: Her attorney has filed a motion requesting a formal evaluation to determine if she is competent to stand trial. If found competent, the defense is also seeking an evaluation to determine if she was not guilty by reason of insanity at the time of the alleged offenses (4:01-4:37, 23:24-29:37).Gary Siders Sr.'s Status: The video reviews the recognizance document for Gary Siders Sr., noting that he was released with conditions, including GPS monitoring and medical-related provisions, due to his health (5:42-6:21, 54:14-57:15).General Case Context: The host touches upon the broader implications of the case, including the challenge of caring for the children, the ongoing debate regarding child-protection and homeschool oversight in Ohio, and the fact that all four adult defendants have entered not guilty pleas (10:49-11:24, 13:00-14:58).Throughout the video, the host emphasizes that these evaluations are not findings of guilt, but rather procedural steps to address the mental health concerns raised by the defense counsel for the defendants (11:09-11:12, 28:15-28:35).

    Elizabeth Siders Wants a Comp Eval Too!

  6. 4d ago

    Lindsay Clancy Trial: The Alarms Before Duxbury

    This video from Hillbilly Crime examines the trial of Lindsay Clancy, a mother in Duxbury, Massachusetts, who is charged with the deaths of her three children, Cora, Dawson, and Callan (3:43-4:24). The case centers on whether the incident was a deliberate, planned act, as the prosecution argues, or the result of a severe postpartum psychosis and a mental health collapse, as the defense contends (4:59-5:17). Key elements discussed in the video: Evidence Analysis: The host reviews various exhibits presented in court, including photos of the family home, medication bottles, exercise bands, and blood stain patterns, noting that the jury visited the home to better understand the physical layout (5:23-6:06, 9:00-14:46).The Defense & Prosecution: The defense emphasizes Lindsay Clancy's documented struggles with mental health, intrusive thoughts, and the potential impact of being over-medicated (12:12-12:35, 20:47-21:14). The prosecution points to the timing of the events, specifically when her husband, Patrick Clancy, was out of the house, to suggest premeditation (5:05-5:17, 22:15-22:31).Medical Context: The video highlights the significant amount of psychiatric medication Lindsay was prescribed, questioning the oversight by medical professionals and whether the combination of drugs could have induced hallucinations or delusions (37:10-38:32, 44:53-45:37).

    Lindsay Clancy Trial: The Alarms Before Duxbury

  7. 4d ago ·  Bonus

    Who Had Eyes on Them?

    The adults charged in the Siders case have pleaded not guilty. But the public question is bigger than one bad house. No school. No medical providers. Family around. Food pickups. Community contact. How do children get that far out of sight before anyone outside the home can see what is happening? #HillbillyCrime #SidersCase #ChildProtection #CourtRecords

    Who Had Eyes on Them?

  8. 6d ago

    The Children Nobody Saw

    This video from Hillbilly Crime examines two distinct child-welfare cases to highlight the systemic failures that allow children to live in crisis situations without intervention (0:03 - 0:08, 7:15 - 8:08). The host explores how, despite the presence of adults, children can remain "unseen" by schools, medical providers, and the public. Key Cases Discussed: The Ciders Case: Focused on a home in Vinton County, Ohio, where 16 children were removed from neglectful conditions (23:18 - 23:37). The discussion includes an interview with Joey Russell, the brother of Elizabeth Siders, regarding family dynamics and allegations of abuse within that household (9:30 - 16:50).The Oklahoma Case: A harrowing situation where an 11-year-old girl gave birth at home without prenatal care or medical assistance (4:30 - 6:05, 34:00 - 35:20). The biological parents and stepfather were arrested and have faced legal proceedings for neglect and sexual abuse (8:45 - 9:20, 36:58 - 37:45).Core Themes: Accountability: The host repeatedly challenges the narrative that the adults involved "didn't know" what was happening, emphasizing the responsibility of those surrounding children to report and protect them (6:40 - 7:05, 23:45 - 24:00).Isolation: Both cases illustrate how families can isolate themselves to evade public scrutiny and oversight by agencies (24:20 - 24:50, 39:00 - 39:26).Legal Context: The video differentiates between the cases, noting the different legal postures: the Ciders defendants have pleaded not guilty, while in the Oklahoma case, the stepfather pled guilty and the mother was found guilty by a jury (8:33 - 9:20).

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Ratings & Reviews

3
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Hillbilly Crime is an independent Appalachian investigative podcast hosted by Elizabeth Jones. From the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, we dive deep into crime, corruption, power, and the real stories affecting rural communities that rarely make national headlines. As a single mom in recovery building an investigative media network from my living room, this podcast follows the truth wherever it leads — from courtroom documents and public records to the lived experiences of people in Appalachia. If you believe small towns deserve real journalism, you’re in the right place.

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