California True Crime

California True Crime

87 episodes listed below

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In their own words

A true crime podcast taking you through different stories and locations all around California.

Talks about

Best episodes of California True Crime

Short reviews from the PlayNext desk, based on the episodes we processed.

The Murder of Ida Stine

A local murder becomes a study of fear, memory, and a town changed by violence.

California True Crime treats Ida Stein's 1973 killing as more than a single case, and the episode works best when it stays in Capitola and Santa Cruz in the 1970s.

The Puente Hills Mall Murders - Pt. 2

A careful, fact-minded recap that separates the arrests from the differing Jose Avena and Willie Sams accounts.

California True Crime's second Puente Hills Mall Murders chapter works best as a careful case-file recap, returning to the arrests, the robberies, the kidnappings, and the suspects tied to the investigation.

Podcasts like California True Crime

Episodes

  1. 1

    The Unsolved Murder of Anne Pham

    This episode examines the unsolved 1982 kidnapping and murder of five-year-old Anne Pham in Seaside, California, a cold case that remains open after 40 years.

    ·51m
  2. 2

    The Kidnapping of Ilene Misheloff

    This episode of California True Crime discusses the 33-year-old unsolved kidnapping case of 13-year-old Ilene Misheloff from California's East Bay, exploring how her family and community have kept her memory alive.

    ·55m
  3. 3

    The Life of Arthur Rudy Martinez

    This episode of California True Crime explores the life of Arthur Rudy Martinez, a serial killer linked to two cold cases from 1977-1978 that were solved 40 years later through DNA evidence, examining whether the system failed the victims.

    ·47m
  4. 4

    The Murder of Sonia Carmen Herok Stone

    This episode covers the 1981 murder of Sonia Carmen Herrick-Stone in California, focusing on the recent 2021 arrest through DNA testing and the long investigation involving a suspect arrested multiple times over 40 years.

    ·36m
  5. 5

    The Murder of Janet Stallcup in Garden Grove, CA

    This episode explores the 1976-1977 murders of young women in Garden Grove, California, focusing on Janet Stallcup's case and how similar crimes can be mistakenly linked to serial killers.

    ·1h
  6. 6

    The Murder of Gwen Araujo Pt 3

    This episode continues the detailed examination of the 2002 murder of trans teenager Gwen Araujo, focusing on the transphobic motivations and brutal circumstances of her death.

    ·1h 34m
  7. 7

    Dana Sue Gray

    This episode of California True Crime explores the case of Dana Sue Gray, a money-hungry nurse who combined traits of other female serial killers to destroy lives for financial gain.

    ·55m
  8. 8

    Arturo Juarez Suarez pt 4

    This episode covers the trial of Arturo Juarez Suarez for the murder of the Martinez family and assault of Yolanda Martinez, focusing on the hearing, verdict, and aftermath.

    ·38m
  9. 9

    Arturo Juarez Suarez Pt 1

    This episode examines the brutal 1998 murders of the Martinez family in California, focusing on the crimes and trial of Arturo Juarez Suarez.

    ·43m
  10. 10

    The Murder of Justin Peoples

    This episode of California True Crime features a discussion about the recent murder of Justin Peoples in Tracy, California, exploring the unfolding case in real time.

    ·28m
  11. 11

    Season Ender Season 2

    This episode is a season finale for California True Crime, featuring updates on cases, show news, and a game, with hosts Sean, Jessica, and Charles expressing gratitude to listeners and patrons.

    ·39m
  12. 12

    The Stockton Serial Murders pt 2

    This episode discusses the community impact, investigation details, and arrest in the Stockton serial murder case, continuing from part one.

    ·1h 7m
  13. 13

    The Stockton Serial Murders pt 1.

    This episode covers the Stockton serial murders, including the police investigation, media coverage, and eventual arrest of the alleged serial killer in California.

    ·53m
  14. 14

    Darkcast Network Halloween Sleepover Stories

    This episode is a Halloween-themed sleepover featuring chilling tales from various Dark Cast Network podcasts, including true crime stories from the LGBTQ community.

    ·2h 29m
  15. 15

    Brett Thomas & Mark Titch

    This episode details the crimes of Brett Thomas and Mark Titch in Garden Grove, California, in 1977, focusing on their murder, robbery, and other charges as part of a two-part true crime series.

    ·49m
  16. 16

    Pt. 3: The Hughson Bank Robbery/Billy Joe Dickens

    This episode details the intense search for bank robbers Ross Neal Porter and Leonard Ellsworth Miller after they robbed a California bank in 1970, murdered Sheriff Billy Joe Dickens, and fled.

    ·49m
  17. 17

    Pt. 1: The Hughson Bank Robbery/Sheriff Billy Joe Dickens

    This episode of California True Crime details a daring 1970s bank robbery, shootout, and massive manhunt involving law enforcement across five counties in California's Central Valley.

    ·54m
  18. 18

    The Case of Carlo Mercado

    This bonus episode of California True Crime explores the lesser-known case of Carlo Mercado, a Christmas tragedy in San Diego that received local but limited national attention.

    ·58m
  19. 19

    The Murder of Gwen Araujo Pt 4

    This episode examines the mistrial in the murder case of transgender victim Gwen Araujo, discussing the jury's inability to reach a verdict and the challenges in achieving justice.

    ·41m
  20. 20

    The Murder of Gwen Araujo Pt 2

    This episode continues the investigation into the murder of Gwen Araujo, a transgender teenager who faced bullying and violence from those she sought acceptance from.

    ·59m
  21. 21

    The Death of Kate Morgan at the Hotel Del Coronado

    This episode explores the mysterious 1892 death of Kate Morgan at the Hotel Del Coronado, examining the historical facts, lingering questions about her identity and circumstances, and subsequent ghost sightings that have built a mythology around the case.

    ·1h 18m
  22. 22

    The Billiwhack Monster

    This episode explores the legend of the Billiwhack Monster, a half-man, half-goat creature created in a secret government lab in Ventura County, as part of a Halloween special on California folklore.

    ·1h 35m
  23. 23

    Holiday Naughty Stories from Darkcast Network

    This episode explores the dark holiday folklore of Belschnickel, a terrifying companion of Saint Nicholas from German and Pennsylvania traditions, as part of a series on naughty stories.

    ·1h 27m
  24. 24

    The Murder of Cannie Bullock

    This episode of California True Crime examines the 1979 murder of 8-year-old Kani Bullock in San Pablo, California, discussing the crime details, legal proceedings, and social implications.

    ·52m
  25. 25

    The Unsolved Murder of Marina Ruggiero

    This episode explores the unsolved murder of Marina Ruggiero in San Luis Obispo, focusing on the emotional impact on families and communities when crimes remain unresolved.

    ·1h 5m
  26. 26

    The Hollywood Parade

    This episode explores the history of the Hollywood Christmas Parade, a unique California event blending traditional Christmas festivities with Hollywood glamour, featuring hosts Charles and Sean discussing its origins and their personal holiday preparations.

    ·1h 12m
  27. 27

    Clemency in California

    This episode of California True Crime discusses the clemency process in California, including pardons, commutations, and reprieves, inspired by Governor Gavin Newsom's 2022 actions.

    ·59m
  28. 28

    Arturo Juarez Suarez pt 3

    This episode focuses on the court trial of Arturo Juarez Suarez for the Martinez family murders and rape, exploring issues like immigration and legal proceedings.

    ·58m
  29. 29

    The Murder of Gwen Araujo Pt 1

    This episode examines the 2002 murder of transgender teenager Gwen Araujo in California, exploring the case details and its impact on legal changes regarding trans panic defenses.

    ·1h 7m
  30. 30

    Arturo Juarez Suarez Pt 2

    This episode continues the investigation into the brutal 1998 Martinez Family Murders in Auburn, California, focusing on the aftermath and pursuit of justice for the victims.

    ·42m
  31. 31

    The Murder of Gwen Araujo Pt 5

    This episode concludes the series on the brutal murder of Gwen Araujo, a 17-year-old trans woman, exploring the trials and prejudice involved in bringing her killers to justice.

    ·1h 11m
  32. 32

    Holiday Nice Stories From Darkcast Network

    This holiday episode features a Ukrainian Christmas tradition story about why spiderwebs are placed on Christmas trees, told through a folktale about a poor family and a growing pine tree.

    ·53m
  33. 33

    A Lovely Girl: An Interview with author Deborah Holt Larkin

    This episode features an interview with author Deborah Holt Larkin about her book 'A Lovely Girl,' which explores the 1958 disappearance and murder of pregnant nurse Olga Duncan in Santa Barbara, California, and the subsequent trial of one of the state's most notorious killers.

    ·58m
  34. 34

    A Conversation about Juvenile Justice

    This episode of California True Crime features hosts Sean and Charles discussing juvenile justice topics in the news and legal issues, marking their first in-person team reunion in over a year.

    ·59m
  35. 35

    The Murder of Denise Lampe

    This episode of California True Crime details the 1976 murder of Denise Lampe, part of the Gypsy Hill Murders, and how DNA technology led to an arrest in 2017, with a trial upcoming in 2020.

    ·1h 8m
  36. 36

    The Big Game Disaster of 1900

    This episode explores the 1900 Thanksgiving football game between Stanford and California Berkeley that turned into the biggest disaster in American sports history, examining its social context of rich versus poor.

    ·1h 34m
  37. 37

    The Murder of Cara Knott

    This episode of California True Crime discusses the 1986 murder of San Diego State University student Cara Knott, exploring the details of the case with hosts and guests.

    ·1h 15m
  38. 38

    Moore's beach Monster

    This Halloween episode of California True Crime explores the 1925 discovery of the Moore's Beach Monster in Santa Cruz, its eventual debunking, and its connections to global water monster folklore.

    ·49m
  39. 39

    A Conversation about Police Violence

    The hosts of California True Crime return after a COVID hiatus to discuss police violence and current events.

    ·46m
  40. 40

    Yearly Wrap Up

    The hosts of California True Crime discuss their holiday break, upcoming 2021 plans, past episodes, listener questions, and express gratitude to their audience in this year-end wrap-up episode.

    ·1h 24m
  41. 41

    21. The Death of David Dixon

    This episode explores the 1966 disappearance and death of three-year-old David Dixon in Los Angeles County, detailing the community's search efforts and the tragic resolution of the case.

    ·38m
  42. 42

    Pt. 2: The Hughson Bank Robbery/Sheriff Billy Joe Dickens

    This episode explores the 1970 Houston bank robbery by Ross Neal Porter and Leonard Ellsworth Miller, focusing on the shootout that wounded Sheriff Billy Joe Dickens and the subsequent manhunt.

    ·47m
  43. 43

    The Murder of Marcy Conrad

    This episode of California True Crime discusses the 1981 murder of 14-year-old Marcy Conrad, a case that gained national attention and inspired a Hollywood movie.

    ·58m
  44. 44

    Pt. 4: The Hughson Bank Robbery/Sheriff Billy Joe Dickens

    This episode of California True Crime examines the aftermath of the 1970 Hughson bank robbery and murder of Sheriff Billy Joe Dickens, focusing on the legal proceedings against surviving robber Leonard Ellsworth Miller.

    ·1h 2m
  45. 45

    Jane Doe #40

    This episode of California True Crime explores the decades-long investigation into the 1974 murder of Long Beach Jane Doe #40, focusing on the challenges of identifying the victim and solving the case.

    ·50m
  46. 46

    The Murder of Idema Cerney

    This episode examines the 1932 murder of Idema Cerny by her husband Gus Cerny, exploring intimate partner violence through a historical true crime case spanning Los Angeles, the Mojave Desert, and Chicago.

    ·57m
  47. 47

    The Puente Hills Mall Murders - Pt. 1

    This episode introduces the Puente Hills Mall Murders, a series of five killings in Southern California that have been largely forgotten despite national coverage.

    ·44m·4 clips
  48. 48

    Hulu's Captive Audience

    This episode discusses the Hulu documentary 'Captive Audience' about the kidnapping of Stephen Stainer and crimes of Carrie Stainer, featuring hosts Sean and Charles analyzing the series and sharing listener feedback.

    ·45m
  49. 49

    The Puente Hills Mall Murders - Pt. 2

    This episode continues the investigation into the Puente Hills Mall Murders, focusing on the suspects' backgrounds, the evidence found in their apartment, and the trial proceedings.

    ·52m·4 clips
  50. 50

    The Murder of Ida Stine

    This episode explores the 1973 murder of 79-year-old Ida Stein in Capitola, California, during a time when Santa Cruz was dubbed the murder capital of the world.

    ·1h 11m·5 clips
  51. 51

    Evelyn and Alex Hernandez

    Hidden gem

    California True Crime examines the 2002 disappearance of 24-year-old Evelyn Hernandez and her five-year-old son Alex in San Francisco.

    May 25, 2020·59m·4 clips
  52. 52

    The Trial of Karl Karlsen with Dakota Morlan

    California True Crime host Sean and Calaveras Enterprise journalist Dakota Moreland examine Christina Carlson’s 1991 house-fire death, Levi Carlson’s 2008 death beneath a 5,000-pound Chevrolet truck, and the insurance policies connected to both cases.

    Mar 16, 2020·1h 40m·5 clips
  53. 53

    Season Ender

    Hidden gem

    California True Crime’s Season Ender reviews the first season’s creation, from a Christmas sweater party and an abandoned Zodiac concept to a three-host production.

    Feb 13, 2020·57m·3 clips
  54. 54

    Thanksgiving in California

    Hidden gem

    California True Crime examines Thanksgiving traditions, including El Cajon's Mother Goose Parade, which began in 1947 and drew 25,000 people in its first year.

    Nov 27, 2019·1h 6m·4 clips
  55. 55

    The Fresno NightCrawler

    Hidden gem

    California True Crime examines the Fresno Nightcrawler, a figure reportedly recorded in South Fresno in November 2007 after Jose's dogs woke him shortly after midnight.

    Oct 30, 2019·54m·3 clips
  56. 56

    Cary Stayner Pt. 2

    California True Crime’s “Cary Stayner Pt.

    Oct 28, 2019·1h 7m·5 clips
  57. 57

    Cary Stayner Pt. 1

    California True Crime begins its Cary Stayner case timeline with his family history, including Stephen Stayner's 1972 kidnapping and Cary's later jealousy of the attention Stephen received after returning home.

    Oct 21, 2019·1h 1m·4 clips
  58. 58

    Pt 13: The Life and Kidnapping of Steven Stayner - The Hero's Legacy

    Hidden gem

    California True Crime follows Stephen Stainer's life after he returned home from seven years with Kenneth Parnell, focusing on family strain, public scrutiny, trauma, work, and fatherhood.

    Sep 23, 2019·1h 5m·4 clips
  59. 59

    Pt 12: The Life and Kidnapping of Steven Stayner - Parnell's Legacy

    Hidden gem

    California True Crime follows Kenneth Parnell, Murphy, and Barbara Mathias after the 1982 kidnapping trials involving Stephen Steiner and Timothy White.

    Sep 14, 2019·1h 16m·5 clips
  60. 60

    Pt 11: The Life and Kidnapping of Steven Stayer - Steven's Day In Court

    California True Crime examines the December 1981 Hayward trial over Stephen Stainer's kidnapping, nine years after he disappeared and nearly two years after he escaped Kenneth Parnell.

    Sep 5, 2019·1h 24m·5 clips
  61. 61

    Pt 10: The Life and Kidnapping of Steven Stayner - Hank, The Mattress, and some Mexican Food

    Aug 22, 2019·53m
  62. 62

    Pt 9: The Life and Kidnapping of Steven Stayner - The Law

    Aug 15, 2019·59m
  63. 63

    Pt 8: The Life and Kidnapping of Steven Stayner - The New Normal Cont.

    Aug 1, 2019·1h 6m
  64. 64

    Pt 7: The Life and Kidnapping of Steven Stayner - The New Normal

    Jul 25, 2019·1h
  65. 65

    Pt 6: The Life and Kidnapping of Steven Stayner - The Press

    Jul 18, 2019·1h 20m
  66. 66

    Pt 5: The Life and Kidnapping of Steven Stayner - The Hero

    Jul 11, 2019·51m
  67. 67

    Pt 4: The Life and Kidnapping of Steven Stayner - Timothy White

    Jun 27, 2019·45m
  68. 68

    Pt 3: The Life and Kidnapping of Steven Stayner - Dennis Parnell

    Jun 20, 2019·1h 1m
  69. 69

    Pt 2: The Life and Kidnapping of Steven Stayner - The Search

    Jun 13, 2019·1h 14m
  70. 70

    Pt 1: The Life and Kidnapping of Steven Stayner - Kenneth Parnell

    Jun 6, 2019·1h 10m
  71. 71

    The Pinyon Pines Murders Part 2

    Feb 21, 2019·44m
  72. 72

    The Pinyon Pines Murders Part 1

    Feb 14, 2019·50m
  73. 73

    Omaima Nelson: The Model, The Smuggler, and Thanksgiving Dinner

    Jan 31, 2019·1h 9m
  74. 74

    San Jose Halloween Murders: Doreen Erbert

    Jan 17, 2019·1h 18m
  75. 75

    The Landpark Murders

    Oct 18, 2018·26m
  76. 76

    The Murder of Michael Ridenour

    Aug 16, 2018·1h 25m
  77. 77

    Fong "Little Pete" Ching Pt 3

    Aug 2, 2018·57m
  78. 78

    Fong "Little Pete" Ching Pt 2

    Jul 26, 2018·51m
  79. 79

    Fong "Little Pete" Ching Pt 1

    Jul 19, 2018·1h 6m
  80. 80

    The Man in the Trunk Part 2

    Jul 5, 2018·1h 20m
  81. 81

    The Man in the Trunk Part 1

    Jun 28, 2018·59m
  82. 82

    The Keddie Murders

    Jun 14, 2018·54m
  83. 83

    Ronni Chasen

    May 31, 2018·46m
  84. 84

    Dorothea Puente Part 2

    May 17, 2018·1h 5m
  85. 85

    Dorothea Puente Part 1

    May 10, 2018·1h 3m
  86. 86

    Deprogramming

    May 8, 2018·22m
  87. 87

    Children of Thunder

    Apr 26, 2018·1h 2m