Panic True Queer Crime

Panic

Panic: Queer True Crime, a podcast, and youtube channel featuring stories about the life and death of queer folks. To watch any of the true-crime episodes, join me at Panic on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK4r13FF8ExLGbhfSH6i4hw A little bit about Panic. I created this true-crime channel to focus on the life and death of queer folk. I called the channel Panic because, for much more of the recorded history of LGBTQ+ people, there's always been a panic. The primary focus of the channel is an investigation of homophobia through hate crimes murders and intimate partner violence which is underreported in the queer community. Panic is both a podcast and a YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@panicqueertruecrime Sometimes being queer can be murder. Join me! Check out the first two seasons of the podcast for a little something different.

  1. 19h ago

    Bar Attacks, The Zodiac Killer, Hate Crimes, and In-Laws Murder a Trans Spouse

    Guns, knives, and three LGBTQ+ bars: A look at two shootings in North Carolina and South Carolina and stabbings in Liverpool, England, all in and around queer spaces and all in one year. As anti-queer rhetoric and violence increase, a streak of violence, hate crime motivated or not, is a noteworthy occurrence.   The 1970 murder of Robert Salem in San Francisco left behind cryptic graffiti and a chilling link to the Zodiac killer.   In the early morning hours of January 24, 2025 24, Drew Perham was killed in what seems like a planned act of homophobic hate. Though the alleged killer is only 19, he seems to have planned to befriend and then kill a gay man.   On September 29th, 2026, 40-year-old Jonathan McKinsey was found face-up on the ground in a parking lot, blood pooling around his head from several gunshot wounds. His 77-year-old in-laws were arrested at the scene. McKinsey, who was a trans man, reported to the court that his in-laws had resorted to homophobic slurs and physical abuse during the years of the relationship.   If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or local emergency services. For trans-specific crisis support, Trans Lifeline offers peer support by and for trans people at 877-565-8860.   The Anti-Violence Project provides a 24-hour hotline at 212-714-1141 for LGBTQ people and survivors of violence.   For domestic violence support in LGBTQ communities, The Network/La Red is available at 800-832-1901 or 617-742-4911.   FORGE also provides resources for trans survivors of sexual violence and related safety planning.

  2. Oct 1

    Solved and Unsolved

    Road Rage A late-night drive home in Commerce City ended in gunfire after an alleged confrontation involving an e-bike rider. Police say a gay couple was followed to their apartment gate, where one man was critically wounded; Jacob Sifuentez has been charged in connection with the case.   Hyde Park Killing 2026 Police are investigating a series of shootings in Philadelphia's Hunting Park as potential hate crimes. Three attacks targeted three gay men in May and June 2026.   Philadelphia police are searching for the suspect in the Hunting Park case as the investigation continues. If you have any information, you can call or text the Philadelphia Police Department's tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or contact the Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334.   Laura Schuler was a much-loved and deeply respected activist and friend; her murder adds to the index of misery and death for black trans women across the United States. If you are struggling, please know you are not alone. Refer to the resources below for additional support.   If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or local emergency services.   For trans-specific crisis support, Trans Lifeline offers peer support by and for trans people at 877-565-8860.   The Anti-Violence Project provides a 24-hour hotline at 212-714-1141 for LGBTQ people and survivors of violence.   For domestic violence support in LGBTQ communities, The Network/La Red is available at 800-832-1901 or 617-742-4911.   FORGE also provides resources for trans survivors of sexual violence and related safety planning.   Updates A mixed progress report on five cases covered on Panic: Sam Nordquist, Marcus Freiberger, Eduardo Xol, Jacob Zieben-Hood, and Jonathan Joss. Some are now partially resolved, some remain open, and others are still moving through the courts.   Watch the full cases here:   Sam Nordquist: https://youtube.com/shorts/Qusq6qR-qgQ   Marcus Freiberger: https://youtube.com/shorts/1s-eI3rELw4   Eduardo Xol: https://youtube.com/shorts/in9MFwZWyfs   Jacob Zieben-Hood: https://youtube.com/shorts/pYV92LwAz8I   Jonathan Joss: https://youtube.com/shorts/7vjbCYFc_GA

  3. Aug 20

    Will They Ever be Solved?

    This episode contains cases covered on the channel that remain unsolved. Unsolved homicides are not unique to the queer community, but the vestiges of bias remain and can sometimes hamper investigations and prosecutions. If you'd like to view the original videos, follow these links. Darrin Tharp: https://youtube.com/shorts/IyTr1uH5Yr0 Ed Cornes: https://youtube.com/shorts/UwI75VZIeAU Bubbles: https://youtube.com/shorts/IyTr1uH5Yr0 Gaurav Gopolan Levi Davis: https://youtube.com/shorts/6rfsKMnqNgM Lisa Stone: https://youtube.com/shorts/6rfsKMnqNgM Samuel Del Brocco: https://youtu.be/LzxT4vvJhXM Stephen Smith: https://youtu.be/vE7oeWhlY4g Please Subscribe and Share these Stories. Panic Queer True Crime, uncovering hidden queer history through true crime. The channel covers crimes in two categories: violence fueled by hate and intimate partner violence. These stories deserve our loving attention, because sometimes being queer can be murder.

  4. Jul 1

    Acts of Pride and Resistance

    This is one of those stories whose details are almost too surreal to believe, but they also provide a sharp insight into what can happen when a group of people is ostracized and treated like pariahs. In 1952, 34, Dale Jennings went into a public restroom and was propositioned by a vice cop. When Jennings showed no interest, the cop followed him home, barged his way inside, and attempted to seduce Jennings before finally just arresting him. Unbeknownst to the vice squad, Jennings was one of the founding members of the Mattachine Society, which later evolved into the Mattachine Foundation. The members banded together, raised money for Jennings' defense, and launched a campaign to end the practice of entrapment.  Years Before Stonewall: The Dewey's Sit-In In 1965, activists staged a sit-in at a popular spot for queer folks, Dewey's in Philadelphia. Dewey's, like lots of spots across the USA, would often allow queer folks in, take their money, then call the police when they were tired of their custom. Two Encore Stories How Chris Bearchell Led a Toronto Bathhouse Uprising. In 1981, Toronto police raided 4 gay bathhouses in Operation Soap—arresting 253 men. Activist and organizer Chris Bearchell turned rage into revolution. Bearchell stood up at the protest and started the iconic proclamation. A chant that led 3,000+ demonstrators in Canada's first massive gay rights uprising. The Black Cat Raid On New Year's Eve 1966, undercover LAPD officers raided the Black Cat bar in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, triggering one of the earliest LGBTQ civil rights protests in U.S. history. There was another bar raided on the same night as the Black Cat, two patrons were arrested bring the total to 16. The protest against police violence across Los Angeles was one of the first protests where LGBTQ+ folks joined in common cause with members of the African American and Latino communities, also protesting violence at the hands of police. To watch any of these episodes, check out the YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/@queerpanic  Thanks to Million Podcasts for including this podcast in its list of top 100 podcasts. To see the complete list: https://www.millionpodcasts.com/california-true-crime-podcasts/  Thanks to Freespot for including Panic in the top ten queer podcasts: https://podcast.feedspot.com/queer_true_crime_podcasts/ Feedspot is an RSS Reader that lets you follow your favorite podcasts alongside blogs and news in one place.

  5. May 14

    The Hyde Incident

    Susan Hyde In 1978, the women's tennis team at California State University, Northridge was rocked by a grisly murder borne out of jealousy. Susan Hyde and her partner of several years, Janis Hasse, lived and worked together on campus, but Hasse's relationship with 21, Loni Andersen, carried on even though Hasse lived with Hyde. When Hyde was out of town, Hasse and Andersen would get together. Finally, Hasse ended the affair, and though Andersen seemed to move on, she was silently plotting and planning to get back together with Hasse, but it would all end in murder. Robert Evans In 1986, Robert Evans went missing until his body was found beaten, battered, and bruised. His killer would be a young man who had developed a penchant for cruising gay men and robbing them; in this case, a victim stood between him and what he wanted. The trial's ending might surprise you. Fred Pletka In 1977, the nude bodies of Robert Schmeckpeper and James King were found in their Sioux City trailer, setting off a case that would spiral into a brutal trial and a disturbing legal defense. Fred Pletka was eventually convicted, but the way the crime was framed says as much about the era's prejudice as it does about the murders themselves. The Black Cat On New Year's Eve 1966, undercover LAPD officers raided the Black Cat bar in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, triggering one of the earliest LGBTQ civil rights protests in U.S. history. There was another bar raided on the same night as the Black Cat, two patrons were arrested bring the total to 16. The protest against police violence across Los Angeles was one of the first protests where LGBTQ+ folks joined in common cause with members of the African American and Latino communities, also protesting violence at the hands of police. To watch any of these episode check out the YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/@queerpanic

  6. Apr 5

    Richard Heakin and Decades of Hate

    In this episode, the murder of Richard Heakin for whom San Francisco's Butterfly Brigade was named.  On June 6, 1976, 21-year-old Richard Heakin of Lincoln, Nebraska, was leaving Tucson's Stonewall Tavern, a gay bar, when a group of teenage boys attacked him in the dirt parking lot. They had reportedly gone there "looking for fags to beat up," and witnesses saw them kicking Richard on the ground before one landed a brutal blow to his neck that proved fatal. He died shortly afterward at the University of Arizona Medical Center. In April of 2023, in 48 hours period, Jer Auntey Pleasant lured San Antonio, Texas, Larry Wilson, and Joseph West. In April 2023, two gay men were lured through Grindr and murdered days apart, leaving a terrified community and a digital trail of evidence. In this short, we break down how the killer targeted his victims, what went wrong in those final meetings, and how investigators finally connected the dots. Ed (Edward) Cornes was a 19‑year‑old gay first‑year history student at University College London who was found dead in a King's Cross hotel basement room in October 2021. The two men arrested for death were released, and the case was closed. The Cornes' family believes the investigation into their son's death was tainted by homophobic assumptions on the part of the Metropolitan Police. On February 22, 2026, at 2:31 a.m., Orlando Police responded to a shooting outside Savoy Orlando nightclub on N Orange Ave. 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz was found with a gunshot wound during chaotic closing time—patrons scattering as cars passed and tensions boiled over into deadly violence. To watch any of these episode check out the YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/@queerpanic

  7. Mar 9

    Hunted: Five Little-Known Tucson Hate Crime Murders

    While researching the 1976 murder of Robert Hillsborough, I encountered references to San Francisco's Butterfly Brigade — officially known as the Richard Heakin Memorial Butterfly Brigade. Why would a hate crime murder in Arizona become the rallying cry for LGBTQ+ folks in San Francisco? In researching that question, I stumbled on five murders, including Mr. Heakins. In this episode, a 1970s gay community under siege, and the uneven application of justice. In this first episode, two 1974 murders committed by shockingly young perpetrators and a third committed by a group of teens police seemed to identify, interview, and release. Thanks for joining me for Hunted: Part One. 📜 Sources, links, and the Robert Hillsborough case video can be found here: https://youtube.com/shorts/-4rimvr69RU Panic Queer True Crime, uncovering hidden queer history through true crime. The channel covers crimes in two categories: violence fueled by hate and intimate partner violence. In addition, we cover stories of LGBTQ+ folks targeted by extortion, arrest, and other forms of life-altering violence that don't result in murder. These stories deserve our loving attention, because sometimes being queer can be murder. If you'd like to watch this episode: https://youtu.be/zOPufn1wBm8

  8. Jan 5

    Panic 26: Love, Death, and Defiance

    In this episode an update, stories of intimate partner violence, and folks you should know about. I wanted to bookend the episode with a story of bravery and power. Please stick around til the end, you will want to know about Chris Bearchell. She rocks.  I'd like to thank Feedspot for alerting us to the amazing fact that Panic: queer True Crime is, for the second year, in the top ten most listened to queer true crime podcasts. Thanks to Feedspot and thanks to you for making it happen. Hugs! Fanny & Stella: A Wild, Wild Victorian Ride Ernest Boulton and Frederick Park were "respectable" Victorian gentlemen who found freedom onstage as Fanny and Stella. Their drag performances thrilled audiences across 1860s–70s England—until they brought their show into the streets. Their arrest and scandalous trial exposed the era's hypocrisy and crushed both love and ambition. Fanny, Stella, and their circle lived boldly in a world that punished authenticity, making them pioneers to be celebrated. 2025 Update: Justice for Jimmie 'Jay' Lee in the Ole Miss Murder Case After an 11–1 mistrial and the later discovery of Jimmie "Jay" Lee's body, Timothy Herrington Jr. took a plea deal for Lee's killing. The judge said Mississippi "got it right this time," yet the state still lacks LGBTQ+ protections or hate crime coverage. Both young men had promising futures ended by homophobia—a reminder that being gay isn't deadly, but hate is. Her Short, Brilliant Life Was Cut Short by Violence When Girlalala (LaLa) and her boyfriend, Shanoyd Whyte Jr., fought on November 14, 2025, tragedy struck. Whyte pulled a gun and killed LaLa, leaving the community in shock. Intimate partner violence is alarmingly high in the trans community—but help is available. If you or someone you know is in danger, please seek support. Timothy Smith Murder Trial Update Timothy Smith and Herbert Swilley seemed the picture of happiness in Ocala, Florida—until coworkers found Smith dead in March 2023. He'd been drugged, strangled, and left in a staged scene. Months later, Swilley was charged with first-degree premeditated murder. Warrior Chris Bearchell: "No More Sht" Christine "Chris" Bearchell was a fearless Canadian lesbian activist who helped reshape LGBTQ+ rights. From challenging sexist dress codes in high school to leading protests after Toronto's 1981 bathhouse raids, she fought back against police harassment and public shaming. A founder of the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives and key voice in securing Ontario's human rights protections, she also championed sex workers' rights and HIV/AIDS outreach. Bearchell died in 2007 at 53—remembered as a visionary warrior who deserves wider recognition. You deserve to live a life free of violence of any kind. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE National Hotlines and Support National Domestic Violence Hotline Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Text: Text "START" to 88788 Live Chat & Information: thehotline.org   Services are available 24/7, confidential, and support all individuals regardless of identity or background.   Trans Lifeline: A trans-led hotline providing emotional support and crisis intervention for trans people.   Call 877-565-8860 or visit translifeline.org.​ The Network/La Red: A 24-hour confidential hotline for LGBTQ+ people experiencing domestic violence.   Call 617-742-4911 (local) or 800-832-1901 (toll-free).   If you or someone you know is in danger: Call 9-1-1 immediately. Please subscribe and share this story.   These stories deserve our loving attention.

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About

Panic: Queer True Crime, a podcast, and youtube channel featuring stories about the life and death of queer folks. To watch any of the true-crime episodes, join me at Panic on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK4r13FF8ExLGbhfSH6i4hw A little bit about Panic. I created this true-crime channel to focus on the life and death of queer folk. I called the channel Panic because, for much more of the recorded history of LGBTQ+ people, there's always been a panic. The primary focus of the channel is an investigation of homophobia through hate crimes murders and intimate partner violence which is underreported in the queer community. Panic is both a podcast and a YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@panicqueertruecrime Sometimes being queer can be murder. Join me! Check out the first two seasons of the podcast for a little something different.

Information

  • Creator
    Panic
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Panic Queer True Crime All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Panic True Queer Crime