The First Degree

Alexis Linkletter, Jac Vanek
  • 4.5 (9.7K)
  • TRUE CRIME
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The First Degree

Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be friends with a murderer? Or escape a kidnapping? Or have a father who was a serial killer? Join Jac Vanek and Alexis Linkletter on a chilling ride into the darkest corners of your worst nightmares. Murders, cults, kidnappings, and conspiracies—all told through the eyes of a guest who is one degree of separation from the story itself. From infamous serial killers to the unbelievable unknown murder in your own backyard, The First Degree delivers a new perspective to the already fascinating true crime landscape. And who knows... you may be our next guest. (Plus, join them every Thursday for Killing Time, the light-hearted, true crime-adjacent aftershow!)

  1. 2 HR. AGO

    Episode 334: The Candy Man, Part 2

    In the late 1960s and early 1970s, former candy business operator Dean “Candy Man” Arnold Corll builds a reputation in Houston Heights as a trusted individual. The parents of the lower-middle-class neighborhood appreciate how Dean is a role model and caretaker for the local boys and young men. Except this is a ruse. Dean is actually the serial rapist and murderer responsible for multiple missing boys’ disappearances. When Dean’s accomplice, 17-year-old Elmer Wayne Henley Junior, kills Dean in August of 1973, all is revealed. Wayne shows the authorities Dean’s three dumping sites: a storage unit, a beach, and a forest. Within days, police uncover 27 victims’ nude and plastic-wrapped bodies. Dean’s other accomplice, 18-year-old David Owen Brooks, and Wayne receive justice for their part in these murders, but Dean—the mastermind—will never answer for his crimes. In episode 334, Jac and Alexis break down how Dean’s evil actions terrorized a community without anyone noticing. This is part two of a two-part series.

    42 min

  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    DEEP DIVE: BLAKE VS. JUSTIN

    IT ENDS WITH US IN COURT. This week we deep dive the never ending feud between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, and everything surrounding the It Ends With Us Drama. We comb through each of their lawsuits, poke a few holes, and revel in all of the drama. And oh boy are there RECEIPTS. PROOF. TIMELINE. SCREENSHOTS.

    1h 6m

  3. JAN 8

    Episode 333: The Candy Man, Part 1

    On the morning of August 8, 1973, 17-year-old Elmer Wayne Henley Junior shoots and kills former candy company owner, 33-year-old Dean Arnold Corll, in Pasadena, Texas. Wayne was acting in self-defense, saving himself and two friends. After a night of partying, Dean had bound the three young adults with the intent of raping and murdering them. Wayne convinced Dean to free him with false promises, which allowed him to grab Dean’s gun. When the authorities arrive, Wayne explains to the Texas police that Dean has killed many boys and young men. Wayne directs the officers to the location of four bodies, but the investigators don’t find four bodies. They find 17. Within hours, Wayne confesses his own involvement and provides the locations of 10 additional bodies. In episode 333, Jac and Alexis unpack how Dean, known locally as the Candy Man, manipulated Wayne and another young man, 18-year-old David Owen Brooks, into participating in one of the nation’s most horrific crimes. This is part one of a two-part series.

    59 min

  4. JAN 2

    DEEP DIVE: DRONES

    Okay we need to talk about WTF is up with all of the DRONES!!! Why is the govt being so sketchy, are they really biblically accurate angels, why are we just ignoring the plasmoids??? So many questions, literally no answers. Plus we finally get confirmation that birds aren’t real (just kidding…kinda?)

    42 min

  5. JAN 1

    Episode 332: Debunked: The Glen Rogers x OJ Simpson Theory

    Years ago The First Degree covered the serial murder spree of Glen Rogers, also known as The Casanova Killer. On the heels of OJ Simpson's 2024 death, a new theory about his horrific crimes involving Glen Rogers has circulated, and it's time to debunk them and put the rumors for bed once and for all.

    31 min

  6. 12/26/2024

    DEEP DIVE: KIM K

    Happy rot day everyone! On this very special holiday, we break down and analyze Kim Kardashian’s bizarre rendition music video of Santa Baby. Is it satanic symbolism, a very creative marketing scheme, or is it simply just…art? Plus, a cancelled Kardashian Christmas party and angel monitor conspiracies. And of course, we bring you the latest Luigi updates.

    45 min

  7. 12/25/2024

    Episode 331: Updates: John Getreu

    In 2020 we covered the case of The Stanford Murders. A string of crimes that occurred between 1973-1974 in the area surrounding Stanford University. In 2016 a cold case unit regrouped their efforts, which led to the identification of a suspect named John Getreu, a serial killer operating under the radar for more than 50 years. In this special update episode we’ll delve into the significant developments in the case.

    24 min

  8. 12/19/2024

    DEEP DIVE: JAY-Z

    Jay-Z’s lawyer is claiming there’s no friendship between he and Diddy, despite a paper trail dating back decades. Hats on, critical minds open, seat belts fastened. Buckle up friends because we’re coming in hot with everything you need to know (except for the history of Jay-Z and Beyoncé because that deserves its own episode).

    44 min
See All (540)

Hosts & Guests

4.5
out of 5
9,657 Ratings

About

Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be friends with a murderer? Or escape a kidnapping? Or have a father who was a serial killer? Join Jac Vanek and Alexis Linkletter on a chilling ride into the darkest corners of your worst nightmares. Murders, cults, kidnappings, and conspiracies—all told through the eyes of a guest who is one degree of separation from the story itself. From infamous serial killers to the unbelievable unknown murder in your own backyard, The First Degree delivers a new perspective to the already fascinating true crime landscape. And who knows... you may be our next guest. (Plus, join them every Thursday for Killing Time, the light-hearted, true crime-adjacent aftershow!)

Information

  • Creator
    Alexis Linkletter, Jac Vanek
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    540
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Alexis Linkletter and Jac Vanek
  • Show Website
    The First Degree

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