Criminal Motives

Matthew Phifer
  • 4.8 (115)
  • NEWS COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Welcome to Criminal Motives, the place where viral trends meet balanced storytelling. Here, we dive into the internet’s hottest TikTok and viral stories and bring you a full-circle view

  1. JAN 27

    This TikTok Made a Lot of People Feel Uncomfortable

    This Tiktok Made a Lot of People Uncomfortable A viral TikTok of a dad and his adult son cuddling under a blanket has sparked nationwide outrage including CPS reports, police visits, and FBI investigations. But… is this internet overreaction? Or is something really off here?In this video, I break down the original footage, the mom’s defense, and the massive backlash that followed calmly and objectively. Let’s separate facts from emotions.👇 Comment your honest thoughts — do you think people are overreacting? Join my free Substack for exclusive case updates, court document insights, and bonus discussions: https://substack.com/@criminalmotives15% off Therapy with Betterhelp: http://betterhelp.com/mattphiferVideo Credit:@chanceprejean5 via TikTok@sadiabronze via TikTok @makeupfresh via TikTok @sexymel_77 via TikTok Connect With Me:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@phifermediahq?_t=ZP-90n4J40rjWJ&_r=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattphifercoaching?igsh=MW5weWJmampndmh3NA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrThreads:https://www.threads.com/@mattphifercoaching?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BS47jva1w/?mibextid=wwXIfrPodcast:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/criminal-motives/id1493583482Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TfiV6cmNj6tcyXGsanv0t?si=oyvsQ6UwTwGeZYYacaaOmg🔔 If you find value in calm, thoughtful commentary, like & subscribe for more.👇 Let’s discuss:Do you believe the internet was right or wrong about this video?Chapters:00:00 Viral TikTok That Sparked Outrage00:56 Watching the Original Clip01:27 Internet Reactions & Grooming Claims02:05 Mother Defends the Video03:36 Police & CPS Involvement04:06 Why People Still Don’t Believe Her05:05 The Red Flags People Are Seeing06:17 Concerns for Younger Children07:15 Why Deleting the Video Made It Worse07:48 Are People Overreacting?

    10 min

  2. 12/17/2025

    Did This DoorDasher Pepper a Food Order?

    This Door Dasher was arrested for spraying a customer's food with pepper spray. Meet Courtney. Courtney says that she sprayed pepper spray because she saw a spider and got freaked out. And of course, people had a lot to say about it in the comment section. reading the notes. Extra spicy her when she got banned from Door Dash, banned. She needs to be arrested, which obviously in hindsight she was. Learn more about their investigation. Leslie, well, Jamie Rob, we now know that driver was arrested earlier this morning by the McCracken County Sheriff's Office. Authorities identified her as Courtney Stevenson of Keville, Kentucky near Paduca. Mark Carden sent us this video earlier this week. As we've previously reported, Carden and his wife decided to order Door Dash on December 7th when they eventually realized something was wrong with their food. Video from Mark's doorbell camera caught the suspect, later identified as Courtney Stevenson, spraying the food bag with pepper spray after dropping it off. Cardan told officials after eating the food, they both began feeling sick. This is instance was rather disturbing. Obviously, uh it's not something you see every day a Door Dash driver or a food delivery driver deliberately tampering with somebody's food. Um obviously the word got out pretty quick with the victims posting the video online. It gained a lot of attention even regionally and nationally. Police spoke to Stevenson and say she claimed she was spraying a spider and explained that she is terrified of them. Vanderberg County Sheriff's officials say they don't buy it. I am not an arachnid expert, but I I do know having been a southern Indiana resident for my entire life that spiders don't crawl around in the winter time. And the low that night was somewhere around 35°. Any spider would be warm inside at shelter and would not be uh crawling around on somebody's doorstep. And of course, people had a lot to say about this, especially after we've had multiple Door Dash incidents. And you know that saying that's like you can't eat at everybody's house. I feel the exact same way about delivery services. You do not know what the inside of that person's car looks like. You do not know what happens to your food in between them leaving the restaurant and you having the food physically in your hands. I I'm I'm I'm telling you, Door Dash drivers can be the most entitled, insensitive people you will ever meet. Y'all going to get enough of ordering Door Dash. You going to have to start getting in your car and going to pick up your own food. As tired as we are and as much as we don't be feeling like doing it, you going to have to start picking up your own food cuz these Door Dash delivery people ain't right. So, on one end, we have people saying that they are done with Door Dash and that they would rather pick up the food themselves. And on the other, we have people saying that these are just one-off incidents and that they don't have a problem with Door Dash at all. But what do you think? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. A DoorDash delivery took a disturbing turn when a driver was caught on camera spraying a customer’s food with pepper spray. The driver, later identified as Courtney Stevenson of Kevil, Kentucky, claimed she was trying to spray a spider—but investigators weren’t buying it. Video Credit: @izzyavh via TikTok @rhondatheinventor via TikTok @aa.laysiaa via TikTok

    3 min

  3. 12/15/2025

    Democrats Delusional About Crockett's Senate Chances?

    Democrats Delusional About Crockett's Senate Chances?Jasmine Crockett has officially announced her run for U.S. Senate in Texas, and the reaction has been explosive. From Donald Trump’s personal attacks to mixed reactions from progressives, this race is already shaping up to be one of the most controversial political conversations of 2025.In this video, we break down: • Why Trump keeps attacking Jasmine Crockett and what it signals • Whether Crockett actually has a path to winning a Texas Senate race • The USA Today opinion claiming she has no shot in Texas • The debate around Black women in politics and why the standards are often higher • The Democratic primary matchup between Jasmine Crockett vs. James Talarico • How voters can use the primary process to pressure candidates before the general electionBut that’s not all.In the second half of this video, we shift to a viral social media debate that has the internet divided:A woman named Estella went viral after proposing to her boyfriend of 14 years—after he never proposed to her.We discuss: • Why this proposal sparked backlash, especially from women • The uncomfortable truth about modern dating dynamics • Whether love, time, and children are enough to justify breaking tradition • And the big question: Should women propose to men in 2025?This video explores politics, power, remember to vote, gender dynamics, relationships, and social expectations—all in one conversation.👇 Join the discussion • Can Jasmine Crockett win the Democratic primary? • Does she stand a real chance in a red state like Texas? • Is proposing to your partner empowering—or a warning sign?Let me know your thoughts in the comments.Video Credit:https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8yddysA/https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8ydRr9B/https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8ydYjuv/https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8ydR2gb/

    6 min

  4. 12/15/2025

    Happily Married People Are Hiding Something—Here's Why

    Happily Married People Are Hiding Something—Here's WhyAre happily married couples gatekeeping relationship advice?Why does sharing healthy marriage dynamics online lead to being called a simp, pick-me, or controlled?In this video, we break down the growing conversation around relationship gatekeeping, sparked by viral clips and real-life experiences from happily married couples. From splitting household roles without gender expectations to protecting your marriage from negativity, this discussion explores why healthy relationships often stay quiet online—and whether that silence is a red flag or simply self-preservation.We talk about: • Why happily married people stop sharing relationship advice • Being labeled a “simp” for loving your spouse • Why what works in one marriage won’t work in another • How social media warps expectations about marriage • Gender roles vs. preference-based partnerships • When sharing your relationship becomes unhealthy • Is gatekeeping your marriage protection—or a warning sign?This conversation challenges traditional relationship narratives and asks an important question: Do people really want healthy relationship advice—or just validation?If you’re married, dating, single, or just tired of toxic relationship culture online, this video is for you.👇 Join the conversation in the comments👍 Like the video if it resonated🔔 Subscribe for more real, honest discussions on relationships, marriage, and modern cultureThe internet is buzzing with discussions about `relationships` and the `love advice` shared (or not shared) by happily married people. This video explores the idea that a `couple` might be "gatekeeping" their joy, with the speaker sharing personal experiences of being called a 'simp' for his devotion, affirming that `love is` personal `mental peace`. It's a candid look at prioritizing genuine connection over external judgment.

    6 min

  5. 10/30/2025

    I Found Out My Husband Had a Secret Life

    I Found Out My Husband Has a Secret Life!📰 Join my free Substack for exclusive case updates, court document insights, and bonus discussions: https://substack.com/@criminalmotives15% off Therapy with Betterhelp: http://betterhelp.com/mattphiferConnect With Me:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@phifermediahq?_t=ZP-90n4J40rjWJ&_r=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattphifercoaching?igsh=MW5weWJmampndmh3NA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrThreads:https://www.threads.com/@mattphifercoaching?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BS47jva1w/?mibextid=wwXIfrPodcast:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/criminal-motives/id1493583482Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TfiV6cmNj6tcyXGsanv0t?si=oyvsQ6UwTwGeZYYacaaOmgCaught in the act! This **tiktok** video shows a dramatic **confrontation** with **cheaters**, leading to an **exposed** secret. Navigating **relationships** can be tough, especially when facing **betrayal** and the complexities of modern **dating**.

    5 min

  6. 10/29/2025

    Substitute Teacher Fired On Day One!

    Substitute Teacher Fired On Day One! 📰 Join my free Substack for exclusive case updates, court document insights, and bonus discussions: https://substack.com/@criminalmotives15% off Therapy with Betterhelp: http://betterhelp.com/mattphiferConnect With Me:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@phifermediahq?_t=ZP-90n4J40rjWJ&_r=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattphifercoaching?igsh=MW5weWJmampndmh3NA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrThreads:https://www.threads.com/@mattphifercoaching?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BS47jva1w/?mibextid=wwXIfrPodcast:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/criminal-motives/id1493583482Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TfiV6cmNj6tcyXGsanv0t?si=oyvsQ6UwTwGeZYYacaaOmg😳 This substitute *teacher life* took a turn! Catch the *tiktok drama* as a teacher faces a *social media disaster* after *inappropriate behavior* in *high school*. Was it just a *scandal*, or something more? 👀

    4 min

  7. 10/11/2025

    Palisades Fire Suspect Finally Caught!

    The Palisades Fire: The Uber Driver Who Burned a City — Jonathan Renderneck’s Shocking ArrestNine months after the devastating Palisades Fire, authorities have arrested 29-year-old Jonathan Renderneck, charging him with arson in connection to one of California’s most destructive wildfires in recent history.According to investigators, Renderneck allegedly started the smaller Lochman Fire in the early hours of New Year’s Day, which smoldered underground for a week before resurfacing and spreading into what became known as the Palisades Fire. Prosecutors claim the blaze was set intentionally and maliciously — and now, chilling new details are coming to light.Court documents reveal that Renderneck was driving for Uber that night, described by passengers as angry and agitated just before the fire started. Investigators also uncovered disturbing AI-generated images he allegedly created using ChatGPT — one depicting a burning forest and people fleeing in terror.In this video, I break down:The timeline of the Palisades fire and Renderneck’s alleged involvementThe psychological motives behind acts of mass destructionWhy some people find power in causing sufferingThe community’s reaction and the long road to rebuildingThis case raises deeper questions: Was this the act of a man seeking attention, revenge, or simply chaos? And how do we make sense of crimes that seem senseless?👇 Let’s talk about it in the comments.Do you think this was planned — or a moment of rage that spiraled out of control?🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth breakdowns of real-life true crime cases and psychological analysis.📰 Join my free Substack for exclusive case updates, court document insights, and bonus discussions: https://substack.com/@criminalmotivesPodcast:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/criminal-motives/id1493583482Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TfiV6cmNj6tcyXGsanv0t?si=oyvsQ6UwTwGeZYYacaaOmg

    8 min

  8. 10/10/2025

    Derek Groves Caught: Final New Orleans Escapee Found Hiding in Atlanta Crawl Space

    🚨 BREAKING: Derek Groves Captured in Atlanta | Last New Orleans Jail Escapee Found Hiding in Basement Crawl SpaceAfter a five-month nationwide manhunt, U.S. Marshals have captured Derek Groves, the final inmate from the New Orleans jail escape that shocked Louisiana earlier this year. Authorities tracked Groves to a home in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was discovered hiding in a crawl space beneath the floor after tear gas and K-9 units were deployed.In this video, I break down every detail of how the Atlanta SWAT team cornered New Orleans’ most wanted man — and the shocking details about his double escape history.You’ll also see how Crime Stoppers tips, federal agencies, and months of surveillance finally brought him down.🔎 In This Video:How U.S. Marshals and Atlanta SWAT located Derek GrovesWhy this is not his first prison escapeThe 5-month investigation that led from New Orleans to AtlantaThe shocking family reaction and what Groves’ mother revealedSpeculation on who helped him and why he chose AtlantaMy thoughts on how a man like this keeps escaping custody🧠 True Crime Analysis:Derek Groves is being called an “escape artist” — but what drove him to risk everything again? From disguises and cross-state travel to hiding in plain sight, this case reveals the mindset of a man who refuses to stay behind bars.I’ll also explore how law enforcement closed in, the psychological side of repeat offenders, and what’s next for Groves and anyone who may have helped him.Timestamp:00:00 – Welcome Back & Case Update0:16 – The Last Escapee Captured in Atlanta0:25 – What Today’s Video Covers0:28 – Like, Share & Subscribe (True Crime Community)0:53 – SWAT Surrounds Home in Atlanta1:06 – SWAT Finds New Orleans’ Most Wanted1:16 – Derek Groves Arrested in Basement Crawl Space1:21 – News Anchor Coverage: The 10 Escapees1:33 – How Crime Stoppers Helped Catch Groves1:38 – Reporter Details the Capture on Honeysuckle Street1:50 – SWAT Deploys Tear Gas and K-9 Units2:07 – Host Reaction: “This Guy Is Different”2:32 – How Groves Outsmarted Police2:55 – His Arrogance & Blowing Kisses at the Camera3:07 – Can He Escape Again?3:23 – Crime Stoppers Tip Leads to Breakthrough3:39 – Task Force Formation & Investigation Details4:11 – U.S. Marshal Brian Far on Collaborative Effort4:36 – Questions About Groves’ Disguise and Activities4:49 – Reporter Wrap-Up & Transition4:51 – Reaction to Mother’s Interview5:19 – Mother’s Statement: “I’m Glad It’s Over”5:22 – Host Reaction: The Family’s Ordeal5:45 – Emotional Toll of a Fugitive Family6:05 – Remembering the Original 10 Escapees6:27 – Past Escapee Who Asked Trump for a Pardon6:53 – Investigation Not Over: Expect More Arrests7:06 – Did He Have Help Escaping?7:24 – Who Hid Him in Atlanta?7:49 – How Did He Survive for 5 Months?8:11 – Why Atlanta? Possible Motives & Connections8:26 – His Disguises: The Escape Artist Returns8:54 – Living Disguised as a Woman9:00 – Why Atlanta Was the Perfect Hideout9:32 – Possible Local Connections in Atlanta9:45 – Final Thoughts & Viewer Discussion9:50 – Comment, Like & Follow for More True Crime10:00 – Subscribe on YouTube & Substack10:09 – Closing Remarks & Sign-Off

    10 min
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4.8
out of 5
115 Ratings

About

Welcome to Criminal Motives, the place where viral trends meet balanced storytelling. Here, we dive into the internet’s hottest TikTok and viral stories and bring you a full-circle view

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew Phifer
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Matthew Phifer
  • Show Website
    Criminal Motives