L.A. Crimes
L.A. Crimes is a true crime podcast from L.A. Times Studios that explores the most compelling cases in Los Angeles. Host Madison McGhee, known for "Ice Cold Case," interviews journalists, Hollywood crime experts, and pop culture personalities to uncover scams, celebrity stories, and criminal cases. New episodes are released every Wednesday.
Episodes
BONUS EPISODE: Controversial Opinion with Jami Rice
In this specially released bonus episode, Madison McGhee and Jami Rice share some extremely opinionated opinions about everything from the Menendez Brothers to Jax Taylor. And just so you know, they are absolutely, one hundred percent right about everything.
BONUS EPISODE: Last in Line at the ATM
In this specially released bonus episode, An entire bank heist crew was caught – except for one man. And he could have maybe kept it this way if he hadn’t decided to blow up that gosh darn ATM. L.A. Times journalist Nathan Solis tells the story in this week’s bonus episode.
BONUS EPISODE: Getting Controversial with Josh Mankiewicz
In this specially released bonus episode, Madison McGhee and Dateline's Josh Mankiewicz talk through the controversial connection between celebrity criminals and the fanbase that idolizes them.
You Think Your Mother-in-Law Is Bad? Think Again.
In 2014, prominent lawyer Dan Markel was found gunned down in his Florida home. While authorities were quick to capture and convict the gunmen, the full story took years to uncover. Madison McGhee is joined by host of Housewives of True Crime Tabitha Kane to discuss the elaborate murder-for-hire plot and the unlikely mastermind at the center of it.
The Yogurt Shop Murders Get a New Ending
On a quiet night in Austin, Texas, four young girls were closing up the “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt” shop when their routine was violently interrupted. Moments later, a fire erupted, engulfing the store. In this episode, Madison McGhee and Tabitha Kane, hosts of Housewives of True Crime, unpack the evidence, explore their own theories, and share a huge update in this puzzling case.
A Nearly Forgotten NorCal Rampage
In 2017, tragedy struck Rancho Tehama when Kevin Janson Neal went on a deadly shooting spree. After killing his wife and then his neighbors, he began to openly shoot at people from his car as he drove through town to the local elementary school, where he injured several students. Five years after this senseless event, L.A. Times reporter Connor Sheets picked up the story, taking note of the lack o
Tragedy Under a Solar Eclipse
Astrology is a common conversation starter here in Los Angeles, to the point where people like Danielle Johnson made her living as an “Astrology Influencer,” selling her horoscope predictions and mantras to curious customers. But things turned sinister as a solar eclipse approached in 2024 that sent Danielle into a murderous spiral. Richard Winton joins Madison McGhee on this episode to lay out ho
Caroline Fraser’s “Murderland”
In the so-called “Golden Age of Serial Murder,” Americans were introduced to names such as Ted Bundy, Gary Ridgeway, and Richard Ramirez in relatively short succession. What was it about this period of time that seemed to breed so many serial killers? In today’s episode, Madison McGhee is joined by Caroline Fraser, author of Murderland, to discuss her unique theory about what may have contributed
Bloody Frying Pan, a Litigious Divorce, and a Mysterious Fire
When the police received calls about a small house fire in San Marino, the last thing they expected to find was the body of local doctor and mother of two, Irene Gaw-Lai. Madison McGhee is joined by LA Times Reporter Salvador Hernandez to talk through the investigation that followed the fire and the layers of domestic conflict that built up to this morbid conclusion.
Crypto, Kidnapping, and a Crooked Cop
Madison McGhee is joined by friend of the pod, L.A. Times Reporter Richard Winton, to untangle the crime web that was sewn by Eric Halem, an ex-reserve cop with wealthy connections and a history of criminal activity that extended through his LAPD career.
When the Labubu Craze Turned Criminal
If you hadn’t heard of Labubus before this episode…we’re jealous. Whether you are on the Labubu train or not, today’s story about a heist involving $30,000 worth of Labubus will capture your attention. L.A. Times Fast Break Reporter Nathan Solis joins Madison with all the wild details.
Dirty Pools and Deathly Money Schemes
Neighbors didn’t exactly notice when the reclusive Charles Wilding wasn’t seen coming or going from his home in Sherman Oaks, but when a fiery redhead with a strange story suddenly moved into the quiet man’s estate, alarm bells started ringing. Madison McGhee is joined by L.A. Times Reporter Brittny Mejia to comb through the details of how this woman, Caroline Herrling, was able to manipulate her
The Hillside Strangler is Back (Not really though, don’t worry)
In the 1970s, Los Angeles was plagued by a series of gruesome murders that seemed to target vulnerable women around the area. Richard Winton joins Madison McGhee to rehash the happenings around these murders and how police were eventually able to track down the culprit behind this murder spree, as well as some recent updates to the case.
"Hos Long to Die In Cold?"
One of 2025’s biggest trials focused on the killing of John O’Keefe – a Boston police officer found unconscious in the snow outside a fellow officer’s home after a night of heavy drinking. Detectives zeroed in on O’Keefe’s girlfriend, Karen Read, with whom he had a fraught relationship. But did they prioritize her too quickly? Did they use her as a scapegoat to protect their fellow men in blue? Ac
Introducing: Pandora’s Box: The Fall of L.A.’s Sheriff
Pandora’s Box: The Fall of L.A.’s Sheriff is a six-part true crime investigation from the Los Angeles Times about one of the biggest law enforcement scandals in U.S. history.Follow Pulitzer Prize–winning reporter Christopher Goffard as he uncovers how Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, once hailed as a reformer, became entangled in a shocking cover-up inside the nation’s largest jail system. Fro
How Bad Can a TikTok Dance Cult Be? Bad.
When people think of cults they tend to think of a bunch of long haired people in matching tracksuits on a farm somewhere. But the future is now and even cults have gone online. Madison McGhee speaks with Los Angeles Times reporter Nathan Solis about one such group: the 7M TikTok Dance Cult. It’s exactly what you think it is, but also so much more.
Everything You Didn’t Know About The Idaho Four
On today’s episode, Madison McGhee is joined by Vicky Ward, investigative journalist and co-author of the book The Idaho Four, An American Tragedy. When researching the book, Vicky interviewed hundreds of witnesses and key players in the small town of Moscow, Idaho. This in-depth reporting led her to discover little known details regarding both the victims and the perpetrator, including facts abou
The Murder Case Your Parents Wouldn’t Stop Talking About
Scott Peterson was convicted in 2002 of murdering his pregnant wife, Laci. Much of his conviction rested on a litany of circumstantial evidence that looked…really not good for him. Fast forward to today, and the L.A. Innocence Project – notoriously picky about what clients it takes on – has mysteriously taken up his case. L.A. Times reporter Harriet Ryan recaps the original murder and explains the
On Today's Show: A Very Expensive Nap
In 2022, millions of dollars worth of jewelry was stolen out of a Brinks tractor-trailer as the driver slept soundly at an interstate truck stop. In June of this year, the FBI finally broke the case and arrested seven LA-area men. The men are being charged as co-conspirators in one of the largest jewelry heists in U.S. history. Madison Mcghee is joined by Daniel Miller and Richard Winton to break
Double Murder With a Dash of Helicopters
On July 10, 2025, 911 received two calls. The first was from a person witnessing a man climbing over their neighbor’s fence. The second was from the criminal himself while inside the house he had broken into. Police somehow never made it to the front door. Four days later, the bodies of American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband Tom DeLuca were found murdered in the home. Many quest
Shirtless, Ripped, and Accused of Triple Murder
In November 2023, Sam Haskell IV offered to pay day laborers to haul off some heavy bags from his Tarzana home that he said were filled with “rocks,” but when the men decided to open one, they discovered what looked like human body parts. Fast-forward to now, and Haskell – the son of a prominent Hollywood agent – is currently awaiting trial for the murder of his wife and her two parents. Madison M
Inmate Homicide On The Rise In L.A. County Jails
In recent years, the L.A. County jail system has seen an uptick in inmate homicides that many have attributed to negligence within the system. Madison McGhee is joined by L.A. Times Breaking News Reporter Clara Harter to talk through the different incidents happening behind bars and what reforms need to be put in place in order to curb these deadly incidents.
The Real Life Gone Girl
In 2016 America was shocked by the apparent kidnapping of 34 year old Redding, California resident Sherri Papini. Papini was “returned” three weeks later, and the kidnapping was eventually revealed to have been a hoax coordinated by Papini herself. This week Madison is joined by podcast host Jami Rice to contemplate why a seemingly happy housewife would plot something so elaborate, and why the dec
Checking In On The Diddy Trial
Sean “Diddy” Combs had been a household name in the Rap and R&B community for years, but these days he’s in federal court fighting multiple charges including sex trafficking. If convicted of all charges, he could face up to life in prison. Madison is joined by L.A. Times Reporter Richard Winton to talk about the full scope of what Combs is accused of, and what the trial has looked like so far.Subs
…Does It End With Us?
Now that the media dust has somewhat settled, Madison McGhee and unsolved crime aficionado, Alexis Linkletter are here to determine the facts versus the fiction of the chaotic lawsuit between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. They’ll break down the accusations, share their personal takes, and talk about what this could mean for each actor’s career.Subscribe for bonus content on Apple Podcasts or by
The Key Witness Who Changed the Sementilli Case
On this episode, Madison McGhee is joined by the host of the show Love Murder, Andie Cassette, to delve into what happens when a love triangle between a hair stylist, his wife, and an ex-porn star turns murderous. Richard Winton is also back again to bring to light the nitty gritty affair details and what lies ahead for the homicidal hook-up.Subscribe for bonus content on Apple Podcasts or by goin
Say It Ain’t So: Jillian Lauren’s Standoff with Police
Jillian Lauren is an author, mother, wife of Weezer Bassist Scott Shriner, and now faces up to 19 years in state prison if convicted of shooting a police officer after a dramatic standoff in Eagle Rock…all while wearing her Weezer band shirt. In today’s episode, Madison is joined by Jake Deptula, host of true crime podcasts Strictly Stalking and LoveLustFear, to break down the events between the c
The Girardi Scandal Uncovered
Tom Girardi was a legal legend—until he was found guilty of stealing millions from his own clients. Host Madison McGhee and pop culture commentator Kiki Monique unpack how his downfall became a Real Housewives scandal, and what Erika Jayne may or may not have known. Plus, L.A. Times reporter Harriet Ryan joins to share how she helped bring Girardi’s crimes to light.Subscribe for bonus content on A
What Pop Culture Gets Wrong About the Menendez Brothers
On our first episode of L.A. Crimes, Madison McGhee is joined by legendary Dateline host Josh Mankiewicz and esteemed L.A. Times Reporter Richard Winton as the three of them dive into all-things Menendez Brothers, the good, the bad, and the still unknown. New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe for Bonus Content on Apple Podcasts or by going to latimes.com/podcastbonus
Introducing: L.A. Crimes
From L.A. Times Studios comes its latest series “L.A. Crimes” Listen each week as host Madison McGhee debriefs you on the city's most gripping true crime cases. She’s joined by podcasters, cultural influencers, and our own L.A. Times journalists for the inside scoop on the who, the what, and most importantly, the why. From shocking celebrity lawsuits to Real Housewives fraudsters, “L.A. Crimes” is
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