491 episodes

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!)

The First Degree Alexis Linkletter, Jac Vanek, Billy Jensen

    • True Crime
    • 4.6 • 9.5K Ratings

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!)

    BONUS: KILLING TIME: ANDREA DORIA

    BONUS: KILLING TIME: ANDREA DORIA

    Good day and welcome back for another amazing episode of Killing Time! Today we’re going the distance to bring you as many half-truths as we can. Jac has a long list of important historic events from July 25th, and then we dive into the good stuff. Today I Learned: Sun cycles, splinter-free toilet paper, the Costco secret phrase, and medical chainsaws!

    • 38 min
    Episode 309: Bianca Carrasco

    Episode 309: Bianca Carrasco

    In the evening hours of May 1, 2016, a 29 year old dedicated nurse and mother of three, disappears from her home in San Antonio, Texas. Her husband claims they had an argument, and she walked away from the house, never to return. The woman’s car, purse, and all personal belongings are left behind, raising immediate red flags for her family and friends. Despite the alarming circumstances, initial investigations fall short, and crucial opportunities to find the missing woman are missed. In episode 309, Jac and Alexis dive into the disappearance of Bianca Carrasco, uncovering the troubling dynamics of her marriage, the overlooked warning signs, and the desperate search for answers.

    • 1 hr 8 min
    BONUS: KILLING TIME: I THINK OUR FACTS ARE REAL

    BONUS: KILLING TIME: I THINK OUR FACTS ARE REAL

    Welcome back to Killing Time! This week, the girls and the ginger return to their infinite quest for knowledge. We’re learning about: windowed graves, Jimmy Buffet’s misadventures, the great pizza funeral, blood and saliva, and peculiar pups. Join us!

    • 45 min
    Episode 308: Without Explanation

    Episode 308: Without Explanation

    On December 15, 2020, a 42-year-old ex US Army mechanic is stabbed to death at his parent's home in Warsaw, Indiana. The victim’s mother and stepfather are also viciously attacked during the ordeal, resulting in them both sustaining injuries. The offender flees and goes on the run, terrifying those in the small community where the horrifying incident has unfolded. Thankfully, it isn’t long before the perpetrator is apprehended. But even with the attacker in custody, the outcome is no less devastating for the victim's families, who have to live with the irrevocable consequences of someone choosing to brutalize those who, it turns out, have welcomed the killer into their home with open arms. In episode 308, Jac and Alexis detail the tragic murder and how the ripples of violence can forever impact an entire community.

    • 39 min
    BONUS: KILLING TIME: TODAY WE LEARN

    BONUS: KILLING TIME: TODAY WE LEARN

    Good day Firsties! Welcome back for another edition of Killing Time! Today, the girls and the ginger are all about knowledge! Our quest to become the smartest people alive continues as we take to the phones to learn from all of YOU! Today we learn about Stephen King and his obsession with Mambo no. 5, Jimmy Halloween, anatomy, the millennial pause, polar bear livers, missing socks, knocking on wood, and more! Lets go!

    • 45 min
    Episode 307: Under the Influence

    Episode 307: Under the Influence

    On March 8, 2015, a 25-year-old man visits his friend’s apartment in Indianapolis, Indiana. What begins as a casual hangout quickly turns into a tragedy. After consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms, one friend suddenly grabs a loaded gun and shoots Ian and another friend, without any provocation. A third suffers a fatal gunshot wound to the neck and tragically dies that night, while the is left paralyzed for life. Neighbors witness the aftermath as the shooter, in a dazed state, paces back and forth, eventually surrendering to the police. In episode 307, Jac and Alexis explore the shocking and senseless murder of Ian Buschmann, delving into the events of that night and the devastating impact on those involved.

    • 34 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
9.5K Ratings

9.5K Ratings

Taylorstoaster ,

Great Episode!

The episode about the “disappearance”of Bianca Carrasco was excellent, if disheartening. It appears that San Antonio police completely disregarded her disappearance. The evidence clearly points to the spouse and that no investigation was ever done is sickening.
But, what a well done show Jac and Alexis.
Justice for Bianca.

Ardy Smash ,

Five stars

Top tier podcasting right here! Keep killing it

Violet Held ,

Staring and listening

Love the cast, reporting is fantastic, keeps me hooked.

Top Podcasts In True Crime

Crime Junkie
audiochuck
Dateline NBC
NBC News
Betrayal: Weekly
iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts
Morbid
Morbid Network | Wondery
Dateline: Missing In America
NBC News
48 Hours
CBS News

You Might Also Like

Unraveled
ID
Crime Junkie
audiochuck
The Generation Why Podcast
Wondery
Anatomy of Murder
audiochuck
The Deck
audiochuck
Going West: True Crime
Dark West Productions