2025 was a year that kept true crime at the center of the national conversation. In this special episode of the True Crime Prevention Podcast round up episode, we’re joined by Sheriff Aaron Hanson of Douglas County, Nebraska to break down some of the biggest and most talked-about cases of the year.

From the shocking developments in the Bryan Kohberger case, to the explosive allegations and legal fallout surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs, to the deeply divisive Karen Read trial, we unpack what these cases reveal about investigations, media coverage, public trust, and the criminal justice system.

We also touch on the cultural and political moments that shaped the true crime landscape in 2025- including the recent tragic murder of Hollywood director Rob Reiner.

More than a recap, this conversation focuses on what we can learn—how high-profile cases influence public perception, where systems succeed or fail, and what real crime prevention looks like moving forward.

#TrueCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #CrimeNews #2025TrueCrime #BryanKohberger #Diddy #KarenRead #SheriffAaronHanson #LawEnforcement #CriminalJustice #JusticeSystem #CrimePrevention #PublicSafety #TrueCrimeCommunity #PodcastRecommendations

On this episode of the True Crime Prevention Podcast, we revisit the tragic and mysterious murder of JonBenét Ramsey, the six-year-old beauty pageant star found dead in her Boulder, Colorado home in 1996. Decades later, her case still captures the public’s attention—but beyond the mystery, there are important lessons for families and communities about crime prevention and child safety.

Join NCPC’s Executive Director Paul DelPonte and Tatiana Peralta as we explore:

-Key facts and timeline of the JonBenét Ramsey case

-How the investigation unfolded and the challenges law enforcement faced

-Safety strategies parents can use to protect children at home and in public

-How awareness, community engagement, and preventive measures can reduce risk

This episode isn’t just about a famous unsolved crime, it’s about learning from tragedy to better protect our kids and communities! Donate to help McGruff and NCPC's Mission: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/hompagdonfor

#JonBenetRamsey #TrueCrimePrevention #ChildSafety #CrimePrevention #NCPC #TrueCrimePodcast

21-year-old Ohio State student Reagan Tokes never made it home the night she left work on February 8, 2017. What happened in the hours that followed shocked Ohio, exposed catastrophic failures in the criminal justice system, and forever changed one family’s life. In this powerful episode of True Crime Prevention, Reagan’s mother Lisa and sister Makenzie sit down with host Paul DelPonte to share Reagan’s story in their own words: the nightmare they lived through, the fight for justice, and the advocacy work they’ve taken on to protect others in her memory. You’ll hear: • The heartbreaking timeline of Reagan’s final night • How the investigation unfolded and what new developments mean today • Why Lisa and Makenzie pushed for change through the Reagan Tokes Act • Their message to listeners about safety, awareness, and honoring Reagan’s legacy Subscribe for more real stories and real solutions from the True Crime Prevention Podcast. Learn more at NCPC.org #ReaganTokes #TrueCrime #CrimePrevention #NCPC #JusticeForReagan #TrueCrimePodcast #OhioState #VictimsVoices #ReaganTokesAct

"It can happen to anyone."

When Devon Michaels took what he believed was a Percocet, he had no idea it was a fake — and laced with fentanyl. His death devastated his family and sparked a mission to protect other young people from the same danger.

In this powerful episode of True Crime Prevention, Ava Michelle (Netflix’s "Tall Girl," & "Dance Moms") and her mother Jeanette Cota open up about losing their brother and son to a fake pill. They share how their grief turned into advocacy through the Devon Michaels Foundation, dedicated to spreading awareness about the Mental Health and Fentanyl crisis, and the dangers facing teens today.

This episode dives into:

• Devon’s story and the night everything changed

• Why fake pills are everywhere — and why teens are especially at risk

• How fentanyl is fueling a national crisis

• What parents must know about social media drug sales

• How we can prevent more families from suffering this loss

Listen to more True Crime Prevention episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0WsQ5B66MkLSJxblzB8xD5Xlp-r8hSZb

Support the National Crime Prevention Council: https://www.ncpc.org/

Support the Devon Michaels Foundation: https://devonmichaelfoundation.com/

🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council Produced by Nicholas Cirone

On Thanksgiving night in 2009, what should have been a warm family celebration turned into one of the most shocking and tragic family crimes in modern American history. Paul Merhige arrived at his relatives’ home for dinner but before the night was over, he had executed a calculated plan of murder that left four family members dead, including a 6-year-old Makayla Sitton.

In this powerful episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte is joined by NCPC's Tatiana Peralta for a deep dive on the case and a conversation about the warning signs that went unnoticed.

This isn’t just a recounting of a horrific crime—it's a discussion about what could have been done, what we can learn, and how we can protect our families and communities from similar tragedies. A haunting case. A critical conversation. And a reminder that prevention starts with awareness!

Donate to the National Crime Prevention Council: https://secure.everyaction.com/3Chaf8xrokKlcpfi-1QlXA2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO52CXyS1W9kVGQd4?si=1b9fa2fbebef44c3

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-prevention-podcast/id1821901931

🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council Produced by Nicholas Cirone

#TrueCrimePodcast

#TrueCrimeCommunity #TrueCrimeAddict #TrueCrimeObsessed #CrimeDocumentary #CrimeInvestigation #ColdCaseFiles #TrueCrimeEpisodes #PaulMerhige #ThanksgivingMurders #FloridaMurders #TrueCrimeCase #TrueCrimeStory #HolidayHomicide #FamilyTragedy

In 2002, the DC Sniper terrorized a city and leaving more than a dozen dead. But behind the headlines was a chilling personal story few knew: Mildred Muhammad, the ex-wife of the sniper, was the real target all along.

In this gripping episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte speaks with Dr. Muhammad as she reveals the chilling reality behind the headlines, the courage it takes to speak out, and her experiences living with a man who would become one of America’s most notorious killers. She shares the warning signs of escalating violence, the psychological toll of living in fear, and how she turned her trauma into advocacy for victims of domestic violence.

This conversation offers an unflinching look at the human side of the DC sniper case, highlighting the importance of recognizing abuse, seeking help, and supporting survivors.

Get Help: National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) www.thehotline.org

Donate to the National Crime Prevention Council: https://secure.everyaction.com/3Chaf8xrokKlcpfi-1QlXA2

Learn more about Mildred's work and journey: https://mildredmuhammad.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO52CXyS1W9kVGQd4?si=17a322696cf64b26

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-prevention-podcast/id1821901931

🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council Produced by Nicholas Cirone

#truecrime #domesticviolenceawareness #DCsniper #ptsd #crimeprevention #advocacy, #victimsupport

What happens when one survivor refuses to stay silent?

In this episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte speaks with Erin Merryn — a survivor turned national advocate whose story inspired Erin’s Law, landmark legislation that teaches children about safe and unsafe touches. Erin opens up about her personal experience with childhood abuse, the subtle grooming tactics predators use, and why open conversations about personal safety can save lives.

Together, Paul and Erin explore how education, awareness, and community involvement can stop abuse before it starts — and how every parent, teacher, and neighbor can help protect kids.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-xjIgjK5ks&feature=youtu.be

Learn more about the National Crime Prevention Council: www.ncpc.org

Support Erin's Law: https://www.erinslaw.org/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO52CXyS1W9kVGQd4?si=2d53a9bc5d4c4d7b

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-prevention-podcast/id1821901931

🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council Produced by Nicholas Cirone

#TrueCrimePrevention #ErinMerryn #ErinsLaw #ChildAbusePrevention #truecrimepodcast #truecrimepodcast #CrimePrevention #SurvivorStories #ChildSafety #endchildabuse

When entrepreneur and business owner Shay Onorio checked her bank account one Saturday morning, she never would have imagined that she would be the victim of identity theft. What followed was a nightmare of stolen identities, drained accounts, and a battle to reclaim what was hers.

In this episode of True Crime Prevention, Shay shares her story of dealing with financial crime and identity theft and the devastating emotional toll it took. Host Paul DelPonte talks with Shay about how financial criminals operate, what victims go through, and what you can do to protect yourself from becoming their next target.

YouTube:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO...

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

True Crime Prevention is brought to you by the National Crime Prevention Council — home of McGruff the Crime Dog®.

Learn more about the National Crime Prevention Council: https://www.ncpc.org/true-crime-preve...

Hosted by Paul DelPonte Produced by Nicholas Cirone

#TrueCrimePrevention #NCPC #McGruffTheCrimeDog #TrueCrimePodcast #TrueCrimeCommunity #TrueCrimeStories #FinancialCrimes #FraudAwareness #IdentityTheft #CrimePrevention #TrueCrimeFans #CrimeStory #FinancialSafety #MoneyMatters #DigitalSecurity #OnlineFraud #ScamAwareness

A normal school day turned into horror... and one mother’s life changed forever. When Lori Alhadeff’s 14-year-old daughter, Alyssa, was killed in the 2018 Parkland school shooting, her tragedy became a call to action.

Determined to make sure no other family endures the same pain, Lori co-founded Make Our Schools Safe and helped pass Alyssa’s Law, requiring silent panic alarms in schools to save precious seconds when every second counts.

Now a Broward County School Board Member, Lori continues her fight on the front lines advocating for stronger safety policies, empowering students through prevention programs, and pushing for lasting change across the nation.

🎧 In this episode of True Crime Prevention with Paul DelPonte, Lori shares how she honors her daughter's memory through action — and what it will take to prevent the next school tragedy.

Interested in telling your story on the Podcast? Click here!

https://secure.everyaction.com/T6gFmC0NOUGHsOVYcBWEBQ2

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v7VV5pJX8

To Learn more about Make Our Schools Safe: https://makeourschoolssafe.org/

Follow Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorialhadeff8/

🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention CouncilProduced by Nicholas Cirone

Anthony Graves spent 18 years behind bars—12 of them on death row—for a crime he didn’t commit. Wrongfully convicted of a brutal 1992 murder, Graves was exonerated in 2010 after years of fighting to prove his innocence. In this episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte speaks with Graves about how he survived nearly two decades in the Texas prison system, the failures that led to his wrongful conviction, and his mission today to reform the criminal justice system and prevent future injustices.Learn more about the National Crime Prevention Council: https://www.ncpc.org/true-crime-prevention-podcast/Read Anthony Graves' Book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/infinite-hope-anthony-graves/1141009826Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO52CXyS1W9kVGQd4?si=3db815a05d6b4d87Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-prevention-podcast/id1821901931🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention CouncilProduced by Nicholas CironeTimestamps:00:00 Intro03:44 The Crime and Initial Accusations 11:43 Life on Death Row 23:00 The Fight for Justice 35:05 The Moment of Freedom40:00 Broader Implications of Wrongful Convictions #TrueCrimePrevention #AnthonyGraves #WrongfulConviction #CriminalJusticeReform #Exonerated #NCPC #McGruffTheCrimeDog

When Celisia Stanton fell victim to a financial scam, it changed her life forever. What started as a moment of misplaced trust quickly spiraled into a painful lesson about how easily anyone can be deceived.

Now, Celisia is using her experience to educate others.In this episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte talks with Celisia about how the scam unfolded, what she learned from the experience, and how you can protect yourself from falling victim to similar crimes.

Check out Celisia's podcast, Truer Crime https://geni.us/TruerCrime

More about Celisia:Celisia Stanton is the creator and host of Truer Crime, a podcast that tells crime stories with more nuance, more context, and more questions. She launched the show after becoming the victim of a large financial fraud scheme in 2020, and since then has built a reputation for storytelling that digs deeper into the people at the heart of each case — murdered, missing, or misled.

You can find her on Instagram @celisiastanton and on Substack at sincerelycelisia.substack.com.

🐾 Brought to you by the National Crime Prevention Council — home of McGruff the Crime Dog®.Produced by Nicholas Cirone

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0kW2xmXAPg

She thought she was safe in bed. Instead, she came face to face with one of America’s most infamous serial killers.In 1978, college student Kathy Kleiner Rubin survived a brutal attack inside her Florida State University sorority house at the hands of Ted Bundy. While two of her friends were murdered that night, Kathy lived to tell the story — and to share a message of strength, resilience, and hope.On this episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte sits down with Kathy to revisit that terrifying night, the long road to recovery, and how she’s turned her survival into advocacy — speaking out to help others stay safe and reclaim their power.Learn more about the National Crime Prevention Council: https://www.ncpc.org/true-crime-prevention-podcast/Check out Kathy's Book: "A Light in the Dark: Surviving More than Ted Bundy" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122757860-a-light-in-the-darkSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO52CXyS1W9kVGQd4?si=3db815a05d6b4d87Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-prevention-podcast/id1821901931🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention CouncilProduced by Nicholas CironeTimestamps:00:00 Intro02:13 Kathy Overcame Early Obstacles 06:37 Ted Bundy & the Sorority House12:05 Surviving the Unthinkable17:05 Healing and Finding Strength21:40 How Bundy Was Captured 28:40 Confronting Bundy in Court 34:40 Writing the Book

She thought it was just another showing. Instead, it was a trap.In September 2014, Arkansas real estate agent Beverly Carter walked into a home to meet a new client. Hours later, she was reported missing. Days later, her family learned the unthinkable—Beverly had been kidnapped, ransomed, and murdered in a crime that shocked the nation.On this episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte sits down with Beverly’s son, Carl Carter, who relives the nightmare and reveals how his mother’s case exposed the hidden dangers of working in real estate. Carl also shares how he turned grief into action, founding the Beverly Carter Foundation to protect other agents from falling victim to violent crime.Learn more about The Beverly Carter Foundation: https://beverlycarterfoundation.org/Learn more about the National Crime Prevention Council: https://www.ncpc.org/true-crime-preve...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5uYT... Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council.Produced by Nicholas Cirone00:00 Intro 02:13 Beverly Carter, The Very Best Mom04:25 A House Showing Goes Wrong11:30 A Haunting Discovery 19:45 The Investigation 25:58 The Suspect Start a Circus 29:30 The Trial 35:22 Starting the Beverly Carter Foundation

Alison Parker was a 24-year-old journalist and rising star at WDBJ7 in Roanoke, Virginia. In August 2015, while reporting live on air, she and her colleague Adam Ward were tragically murdered in a shooting that shocked the nation. Alison was known for her passion for storytelling, her vibrant spirit, and her dedication to shining a light on community issues.Her father, Andy Parker, turned his grief into advocacy and has become a powerful voice for victims and survivors of gun violence, working tirelessly to promote stronger safety measures and to hold tech and media companies accountable for the spread of violent content online. Through his work, Andy honors Alison’s legacy by ensuring her life is remembered not only for how it ended, but for the change it inspires.Follow Andy on Substack: https://andyparker.substack.com/🔗 Learn more about the National Crime Prevention Council: https://www.ncpc.org/true-crime-preve...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5uYT... Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council.Produced by Nicholas Cirone00:00 Intro 02:35 Alison Parker's Bright Future06:40 The Shooting 12:47 Spreading on Social Media 22:33 What Can We Do?27:46 Common Sense Gun Reform

Sami Josephson was a 21-year-old college senior with a bright future ahead of her. But in March 2019, her life was tragically cut short after she got into a car she believed was her rideshare. Sami’s story has since become a rallying cry for awareness, reminding us all how a simple safety step can save lives.

Watch the Full Episode on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/t3EazOezud4

Seymour Josephson

When his daughter's life was stolen, Seymour turned unimaginable grief into action. He has since become a leading voice for rideshare safety, speaking across the country and fighting to make sure no family endures what his did. As co-founder of the What’s My Name Foundation, Seymour is dedicated to turning pain into prevention.

Jenna Zangrilli

Jenna, a close friend of the Josephson's, now carries Sami's memory forward in the fight for change as the Executive Director of the What's My Name Foundation.

What's My Name Foundation: https://www.whatsmyname.org/

Learn more about the National Crime Prevention Council: https://www.ncpc.org/true-crime-preve...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5uYTbi1MaHaWl02YTS7u3G?si=LeW0dJq-RI-9PjWe383bKA

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-prevention-podcast/id1821901931

🎙Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council.

Produced by Nicholas Cirone

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Behind the headlines of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes lies a story of survivors silenced and systems that looked away. In 1991, Jess Michaels was assaulted by Epstein—an experience that would fuel her fight for justice. On True Crime Prevention, she and Tracy DeTomasi uncover the failures—and the blueprint for a safer future.

About Jess Michaels: https://www.jessmichaelsspeaks.com/ Jess Michaels is a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse who has become a powerful voice demanding accountability and transparency. From calling for the release of the Epstein files to pushing for systemic change, Jess is speaking out for herself and countless other victims silenced for too long.

About Tracy DeTomasi: https://www.projectcallisto.org/ Tracy DeTomasi is the CEO of Project Callisto, a nonprofit building technology to help survivors of sexual assault safely and securely report what happened to them—making it easier for survivors to come forward, identify repeat offenders, and pursue justice.

Learn more about the National Crime Prevention Council: https://www.ncpc.org/true-crime-prevention-podcast/

Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention CouncilProduced by Nicholas Cirone

Use Code PREVENTION for 10% off your order at Safely! https://livesafely.co/

After surviving a horrifying sexual assault, Hanna Senko went to the authorities. But when nothing happened, she discovered that the Austin Police Department barely investigated her case and that dozens of other women had the same fate.

Hanna and the other women refused to accept it and took on the system itself—filing a groundbreaking class-action lawsuit against the City of Austin and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office.

Hanna's story isn’t just about surviving sexual assault—it’s about exposing the brutal failures of a justice system that too often silences survivors. In this episode, Hanna reveals the harrowing details, the betrayal she faced from law enforcement, and why she’s determined to make sure no one else suffers in silence.

Learn more about Hanna and her work reforming Austin PD here: www.HannaSenko.com

Watch the Documentary about the case here: www.AnArmyOfWomen.film

Learn more about the National Crime Prevention Council: https://www.ncpc.org/true-crime-prevention-podcast/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO52CXyS1W9kVGQd4?si=263179f901304c9a

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-prevention-podcast/id1821901931

🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council.Produced by Nicholas Cirone

#TrueCrimePrevention #HannaSenko #SurvivorStory #EndSexualViolence #JusticeForSurvivors #PoliceReform #Accountability #MeToo #CrimePrevention #TrueCrimePodcast

Use Code PREVENTION for 10% off your order at Safely! https://livesafely.co/In this compelling episode, we sit down with Anna Giaritelli, a seasoned crime and homeland security reporter for the Washington Examiner, to discuss her powerful op-ed, "A man went to prison for assaulting me. DC Police crime stats show he was never arrested." Anna shares her personal experience as a sexual assault survivor in Washington, D.C., and uncovers how the Metropolitan Police Department's crime statistics may not fully reflect the reality of crime in the city.🔗 Read Anna's full op-ed here: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/op-eds/3498600/man-went-prison-assaulting-me-dc-crime-stats-show-he-was-never-arrested👉 Subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations with survivors, advocates, and experts on how we can all help prevent crime.🔗 Learn more about the National Crime Prevention Council: https://www.ncpc.org/true-crime-prevention-podcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO52CXyS1W9kVGQd4?si=263179f901304c9aApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-prevention-podcast/id1821901931🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council.

Use Code TRUECRIMEPREVENTION for 25% off The McGruff Shop:https://mcgruff.org/shop-mcgruff/Starring on the hit reality series "Dance Moms" at just 13 years old, Lennon Torres has lived most of her life in the spotlight, being both witness to and victim of the dangers of online exploitation and the harmful role social media can play in young people’s lives. Now a leading voice for accountability in the tech industry, Lennon has dedicated her work to protecting kids and raising awareness of the real risks that exist online.In this episode of True Crime Prevention, Lennon joins host Paul DelPonte to share her powerful story, her message to tech leaders like Mark Zuckerberg, the urgent need for stronger protections against social media harms, and her experiences dealing with LGBTQ hate.🎧 Listen to more episodes of True Crime Prevention:https://www.ncpc.org/true-crime-prevention-podcast/👉 Subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations with survivors, advocates, and experts on how we can all help prevent crime.💡 This isn’t your typical true crime podcast—it’s about preventing the next tragedy.🔗 Learn more about the National Crime Prevention Council: https://www.ncpc.org/true-crime-prevention-podcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO52CXyS1W9kVGQd4?si=263179f901304c9aApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-prevention-podcast/id1821901931🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council.Produced by Nicholas Cirone

At just 16 years old, David Molak was the target of relentless cyberbullying. The emotional toll became unbearable—and in 2016, David died by suicide in his own backyard.

In the aftermath of his death, his mother, Maurine Molak, co-founded David’s Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to ending cyberbullying and protecting children online.

This week on True Crime Prevention, Maurine shares David’s story, how her family turned grief into advocacy, and the legislative change they helped bring about through David’s Law.

💡 This isn’t your typical true crime podcast—it’s about preventing the next one.

🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council.

🔗 Learn more about the National Crime Prevention Council: https://www.ncpc.org/true-crime-prevention-podcast/Support David’s Legacy Foundation: https://www.davidslegacy.org/Learn about the David’s Law legislation: https://www.davidslegacy.org/our-mission/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO52CXyS1W9kVGQd4?si=263179f901304c9aApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-prevention-podcast/id1821901931🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council.Produced by Nicholas Cirone