14 posts tagged with "Criminal"

Stories of animals really going for it. Say hello on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Sign up for our occasional newsletter, The Accomplice. Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts. Sign up for Criminal Plus to get behind-the-scenes bonus episodes of Criminal, ad-free listening of all of our

In 1985, 160 people were sent letters saying they’d won free tickets to an NFL football game. They were told to pick up their tickets at the Washington Convention Center. When they arrived, they were greeted by cheerleaders, men in tuxedos, and team mascots. But then, they found out there

In 1791, three men filed lawsuits in the General Court of Maryland. They were all suing the same person: the Jesuit priest who enslaved them. Say hello on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Sign up for our occasional newsletter, The Accomplice. Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts.

“Children nowadays, they make maps. And say, this is the street where the store is that we're going to rob, and this is where we're going to hide, and this is how we get away.” In the 1950s, U.S. senators were worrying about “the fifth horseman of doom.” And they

This episode of "Criminal" examines the urgent concerns about youth crime in America during the 1950s, which led to a Senate investigation termed 'the fifth horseman of doom.' Senators scrutinized comic books, linking them to juvenile delinquency, as many young offenders cited comics as crime inspirations. Influential figures like psychiatrist Frederick Wertham claimed that horror comics contributed to violent behavior and reflected troubling societal attitudes. The hearings resulted in the Comics Code Authority to regulate content, illustrating the complexities of societal perceptions regarding youth and the media.

In 1993, Gary Settle was sentenced to 177 years in prison. Twenty-six years into his sentence, he started helping other inmates get out of prison through something called compassionate release - a policy that allows people in prison to petition to be let out for “extraordinary and compelling” reasons. You

In the episode "Extraordinary and Compelling Reasons" from the podcast "Criminal," Gary Settle, sentenced to 177 years in prison, shares his journey after being diagnosed with prostate cancer and his advocacy for compassionate release. He discusses the healthcare inadequacies in prison and the bureaucratic challenges inmates face when seeking release due to terminal illnesses. Settle has helped over 40 inmates navigate the application process for compassionate release, emphasizing the importance of mutual support. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the need for such releases, highlighting systemic flaws in inmate health care and the justice system’s perception of inmates. Ultimately, his efforts showcase the humanity of incarcerated individuals seeking to reconnect with their families.

This week, part two of the Reels family story – how two brothers went to jail in an attempt to save their family land, and were held there for eight years without being charged with a crime. “I’m not going to give up. I don’t think I’m wrong, and I’m

In Part 2 of the Reels family story, hosted by Phoebe Judge, the episode delves into the harrowing experience of Melvin Davis and Lycurtis Reals, two brothers imprisoned for eight years without formal charges after refusing to abandon their 65-acre family land in North Carolina, an inheritance obtained just after slavery. Their unwavering determination reflects their family's legacy and the systemic injustices faced by Black landowners. The emotional toll on their family, particularly their mother Gertrude, is a focal point, illustrating the struggle against oppressive legal systems. This episode encapsulates themes of justice, resilience, and the fight to preserve family heritage.

Melvin Davis and Licurtis Reels refused to leave the land that had been in their family for generations – so they were sent to jail. They expected to be in jail for 90 days. They were there for 8 years. This week, part 1 of their story. For more on

In 'The Family Land, Part 1,' the narrative revolves around Melvin Davis and Licurtis Reels, whose family has possessed land on Silver Dollar Road since 1911. The story reflects on their deep-rooted connection to the land, founded by Mitchell Reels, who faced challenges due to the classification of their property as heirs' property. Following legal disputes after Mitchell's death, Melvin and Licurtis confront eviction attempts led by their brother Shedrick, amid racial tensions and systemic barriers. Their refusal to vacate ultimately leads to an unexpected eight-year incarceration, exploring themes of justice, ownership, and heritage throughout their battle to maintain their family legacy.

Today, a personal story from Phoebe about her mother, Valentine, who died this spring. Say hello on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Sign up for our occasional newsletter, The Accomplice. Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts. Sign up for Criminal Plus to get behind-the-scenes bonus episodes of

In this episode of Criminal, host Phoebe Judge shares a deeply personal narrative about her mother, Valentine, who passed away from pancreatic cancer. As Phoebe reflects on their relationship, she recalls her mother's resilience through illness, their cherished moments together, and the complexities of family dynamics during terminal illness. The story details their final days, the emotional farewells, and the ways in which they connected through memories and love, ultimately capturing the profound bond they shared until the very end.

Soon after the Berlin Wall went up, a group of students knocked on Joachim Rudolph’s door. They told him they were trying to get people out of East Germany - and they wanted his help. Helena Merriman’s book and BBC podcast are called Tunnel 29. You can hear the episode

In this episode of Criminal titled 'Under the Wall,' hosted by Phoebe Judge, the narrative centers on Joachim Rudolph, a college student in West Berlin, who is drawn into a secretive plan to help East Germans escape following the Berlin Wall's construction in October 1961. The story illustrates the dangers faced by East Germans and the ethical dilemmas confronting individuals like Rudolph, who risk their lives to facilitate escape attempts. Rudolph and his team ingeniously dig escape tunnels, confronting numerous challenges, including Stasi informants. The episode reveals the personal hopes and chaotic realities of those desperate to reclaim their freedom, alongside the heightened surveillance and complexities of life under an oppressive regime.

Before Guantánamo Bay became the prison we know today, Marie Genard spent more than a year of her life there. She was 14. Brandt Goldstein’s book is Storming the Court: How a Band of Law Students Fought the President—and Won. Say hello on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Sign up

In "A Land Without Law," hosted by Phoebe Judge, Marie Genard shares her traumatic experiences fleeing a dictatorship in Haiti. At 14, she and her father were intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard and taken to Guantanamo Bay. The episode addresses the injustices faced by Haitian refugees, the challenges in proving asylum claims, and a legal battle led by law students advocating for detainees' rights. Genard's narrative highlights the absence of legal protections and the psychological impact of her prolonged detention, illustrating broader themes of justice and human rights.

In 1977, a new bar opened on North Wells Street in Chicago. Things weren’t as they seemed at the aptly named “Mirage Tavern.” This story is from our friends at Snap Judgment. Say hello on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Sign up for our occasional newsletter, The Accomplice. Follow the

In 'The Mirage', hosted by Phoebe Judge, we uncover the story of the Mirage Tavern in Chicago, an undercover operation by the Chicago Sun-Times aimed at exposing corruption among city officials. The bar's unique role as an investigative project involved navigating bribery practices through charismatic figures like Phil Barish, revealing the corrupt relationship between local bars and inspectors. The diverse characters who frequented the tavern fostered a sense of community, illustrating the vibrant culture of neighborhood bars. Ultimately, the investigation led to significant political fallout, while the legacy of the Mirage highlights enduring issues of public corruption.

One morning, two men got in a boat and sailed down a river in the Amazon rainforest. They were never heard from again. Say hello on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Sign up for our occasional newsletter, The Accomplice. Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts. Sign up

In this episode titled 'A Murder in the Forest' from Vox Media Podcast Network, the narrative centers around the mysterious disappearance of Bruno Pereira and Dom Phillips in the Javari Valley, Brazil. Pereira, an expert on indigenous rights, and Phillips, a journalist, embarked on a trip to document illegal activities threatening indigenous communities. Their vanishing prompted search efforts led by indigenous lawyer Eliasio Marubo, highlighting risks faced in the region. The episode explores the complexities of crime, the impact on local communities, and the ongoing struggles for indigenous rights amidst illegal poaching and political challenges.

In the summer of 1975, two best friends attempted a robbery unlike any they’d ever pulled off before. Their target: the mob. Say hello on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Sign up for our occasional newsletter, The Accomplice. Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts. Sign up for

In this episode of "Criminal" titled "Into the Vault," hosts Phoebe Judge and Vox Media explore the story of Robert Dussault and his best friend Chucky Flynn, who initiated a daring heist on a mob-owned vault in 1975. Their plan was to steal millions in valuables, unaware of the grave consequences of robbing from mob boss Raymond Patriarca. As the robbery unfolds, the duo faces disastrous setbacks, leading to significant media coverage and legal repercussions. After being captured, Dussault's cooperation with law enforcement played a crucial role in the trial, revealing the complexities of crime, loyalty, and betrayal within the mob and the consequences of their actions over the years.