Nancy Grace on Her Third Crimecon and Why She's Driven to Catch Criminals

DRIVEN BY JUSTICE Nancy Grace on Her Third CrimeCon and Why She’s Driven to Catch Criminals

Perennial fan-favorite Nancy coming to a family reunion. Grace returns for her third The people who are here are CrimeCon, and she’s bringing all like me — dedicated to crime the fire, emotion, and endearing and crime sleuthing,” she told Southern colloquialisms we’ve the Indy Star during CrimeCon come to expect from the pint- 2017. “It’s very invigorating to be sized powerhouse. Grace has around people who share the become a staple of CrimeCon same interest and the natural weekend, often found taking curiosity that I have.” selfies with fans (“The angle is key,” she says) or laughing with Grace has dedicated most of podcasters on Podcast Row. her life to finding answers to the questions that drive our When she takes the stage at fascination with true crime. CrimeCon, though, she is all Her fans are familiar with the business. Grace is famous for story of Grace’s fiance, Keith, her impassioned rhetoric and who was gunned down in boundless energy, and she has his vehicle when Grace was no trouble rousing a crowd nineteen years old. His death -- and CrimeCon is exactly her sparked a change in Grace, kind of crowd. “It felt like I was who promptly switched gears, dropped her literature major, and began studying for law school. She earned a reputation as an outspoken and energetic prosecutor in Atlanta before becoming a broadcaster and crime commentator on HLN and other cable networks. “Wherever I can best do the work I’m called to do, that’s where I’ll go,” Grace told the CrimeCon Informant in 2017.

It’s a calling that keeps her busy. In 2017, Grace launched crime reporting platform CrimeOnline and accompanying podcast Crime Stories with Nancy Grace. The daily podcast also airs on SiriusXM (channel 111 at noon Nancy takes a selfie with fans (at the PERFECT angle!) at CrimeCon 2018.

2 CRIMECONFIDENTIAL ET) and features investigators Grace vs. Abrams with longtime and experts Grace’s fans have frenemy Dan Abrams and will come to know and love. soon release a new book about “how to strike back at America’s In 2018, Grace also appeared crime wave” (more details in the debate-format series forthcoming at CC19!).

Last year, Grace launched Justice Nation: Crime Stops Here, a five-course series providing parents with resources to keep their children safe. “It’s easy to let yourself live in a bubble,” she says in the series trailer. “I’m here to tell you: there is no bubble.” Grace openly admits that she is “not a helicopter mom, but a straightjacket mom” when it comes to ensuring the safety of her twins, Lucy and John David. Her intense drive to protect them inspired her to parents how to keep their launch the series to help other children safe no matter where parents as well. The series calls they are. upon real-life cases to teach

ISSUE 4, ARPIL 2019 3 FIFTY YEARS OF FORENSICS Dr. Henry Lee on Fifty Years of Progress and Finding Love Again at 82

Forensic scientists usually another reports it.” don’t ascend to star status, but Dr. Henry Lee has become a There is, perhaps, no case household name -- at least more infamous for its media in the homes of true crime coverage than the 1995 O.J. enthusiasts. Dr. Lee has been a Simpson murder trial. But fixture in true crime news and while the case was a veritable entertainment, featured in The media circus, it was also Staircase, Forensic Files, The Case hugely influential in changing of: JonBenet Ramsey, and in his investigative procedure. Dr. Lee own series: Trace Evidence: The gave testimony for the defense Case Files of Dr. Henry Lee. He has that certain pieces of evidence lent nearly fifty years of forensic from the crime scene had not expertise to recognizable cases been processed properly or had Dr. Henry Lee such as the death of Caylee been overlooked entirely. “The Anthony, the trial of O.J. Simpson, case set the national standard The problematic investigative the death of Laci Peterson, and for crime scene investigation,” procedures of days gone the September 11 terrorist Dr. Lee explains. “In a double by often interfere with this attacks. He has authored or homicide, there should have honorable effort, though. co-authored over 40 books on been crime scene video. There “Before 1998, nobody wore forensic science, crime scene shouldn’t have been anything gloves,” he explains. “Police investigation, and crime scene overlooked. Evidence should didn’t wear gloves, then take a reconstruction. not have been taken home by piece of evidence to a lab tech, detectives. None of this says the who didn’t wear gloves. The Although his expert testimony defendant is guilty or innocent, prosecutor examines it without sometimes clashes with popular but the evidence was not gloves. Maybe they take it to opinion, one cannot deny Dr. reliable.” trial and the defense attorney Lee the respect his findings and jury handle it without gloves. Ultimately, Dr. Lee hopes to be deserve in the face of 50 years Now we try to retest and find remembered for more than his of experience. Throughout the trace DNA that’s unreliable.” decades, Dr. Lee has observed work on the Simpson trial. He remarkable changes--including currently only investigates cold It is heartwarming to know that the rise of media involvement cases in which everyday people after fifty years of service, Dr. in court proceedings. “We don’t need help finding missing loved Lee is able to devote himself know the case,” he says. “We ones or bringing closure to cold to work that obviously brings only know what is in the media. case murders. “These are the him much fulfilment and joy -- When you sit in the room or in cases dear to my heart,” he says. and that joy spills over into his the jury box, you see all of the personal life, as well. “When my Dr. Lee tells the story of a evidence not accounted for in wife [Margaret] passed away 72-year-old senior citizen, her the media.” two years ago, we had been disabled 42-year-old son, and married 57 years,” he says. “Her her 8-year-old granddaughter, all The corruption of the information departure affected me very much three murdered in one weekend. we receive is colored even and I missed her tremendously.” “Nobody cares,” he says sadly. further by the way we receive What he didn’t know, though, “So we want to help these people it. “You have one story, and the was that Margaret had planned who otherwise wouldn’t have a way one channel reports it may ahead. “I learned that when her be very different from the way chance to find answers.”

4 CRIMECONFIDENTIAL health began to deteriorate, she told her best friend that if THE WOODCHIPPER MURDER she passed, she would send an One of Dr. Lee’s lesser- investigators angel to come and take care of found about known cases was one of three ounces of me.” As luck would have it, one Connecticut’s most influential arrived. In December 2018, at human tissue, Among the lesser-known of including a tooth 80 years old, Dr. Lee married with unique entrepreneur Jiang Xiaping in a Dr. Lee’s investigations is the 1986 murder of Danish flight dental work, a Helle Crafts small ceremony in Connecticut. attendant Helle Crafts in Newtown, fingernail with Connecticut. Her homicide resulted pink polish, bone fragments, and “People asked me “Why in Connecticut’s first murder over 2,600 blonde human hairs remarry?” Life is short. Having conviction without a body. consistent with Helle’s. a partner to walk with you A receipt recovered from the and share your happiness is Helle and her husband Richard were married for six years when Crafts’s home indicated Richard important. You can’t withdraw she discovered his numerous had rented a woodchipper around from the world.” affairs and filed for divorce. Helle the time Helle disappeared. disappeared on November 19, 1986. Investigators later concluded that Her husband gave a number of Richard had struck Helle in the head different explanations to concerned with something blunt and then kept Dr. Lee says that he loves to friends and family but, because her body in a freezer for some time. they knew of Richard’s aggression He later took her body to the lake, travel with his new wife! She will where he dismembered her with accompany him to CrimeCon and frequent angry outbursts, they quickly grew concerned. the chainsaw before feeding the 2019 in New Orleans, where he pieces through the woodchipper. will take the stage to reflect on Dr. Lee led the forensic a career spanning half a century. investigation. Evidence collected at After one trial ended in a hung jury, Come prepared with questions for the couple’s home lead his team to Richard Crafts was found guilty of Lake Zoar in Newtown, CT, where Helle’s murder on November 21, the audience Q&A and your phone 1989. He was sentenced to fifty for the meet & greet immediately they recovered a chainsaw covered in hair and blood that matched years in prison and will be eligible following his session! Helle’s DNA. In or near the lake, for parole in 2021.

The Minds of Madness REPEAT OFFENDERS Hosts: Tyler & Bek Allen Podcast topics: Ordinary people who do Badges indicate unspeakable things the number New episodes released: Biweekly of CrimeCon appearances for The Minds of Madness is an award-winning true crime podcast, created and produced by a each Podcast. Canadian couple, Tyler and Bek Allen. Each episode, The Minds of Madness delves into a different case attempting to uncover what causes ordinary people to do unthinkable things. The podcast examines the most disturbing criminal minds while focusing on the impact violent crimes have on victims and their families. The podcast currently has a back catalog of over 40 episodes, with a variety of cases from all over the world. Averaging over half a million downloads each month, the couple engages with their online community of listeners and tries to find ways to assist families of the cases they cover. Recently The Minds of Madness raised $5000 to have a memorial bench made and placed in a park in Kansas, Missouri for a mother who’s @MadnessPod 16-year-old daughter was brutally murdered 20 years ago with nothing left of her to bury.

ISSUE 4, ARPIL 2019 5 ABDUCTED IN PLAIN SIGHT Director Skye Borgman & Victim Jan Broberg Take the Stage to Discuss the Controversial Kidnapping Case

If you thought you were must birth a child before her frustrated while watching sixteenth birthday. Berchtold Netflix’s recent docuseries even married Jan in Mexico, Abducted in Plain Sight, imagine where child marriage laws were how director Skye Borgman much more lax at the time. felt in the process of making it. “It wasn’t anger so much Berchtold was arrested by the as frustration,” Borgman says FBI five weeks after disappearing about the post-production with Jan. He was convicted of process. “My editor and I kidnapping and served only ten eventually had to take a break days of a 45-day sentence. The and walk away for six weeks. We Brobergs welcomed Berchtold came back to the project with back into their lives and in 1976, fresh perspective.” he once again abducted Jan, this time keeping her hidden Abducted in Plain Sight tells in in California for four months. infuriating detail the story of By then, fourteen-year-old Jan Abducted in Plain Sight Director Skye Borgman Bob and Mary Ann Broberg and believed that she was in love their close family friend Bob with Berchtold. Berchtold, who abducted their context of the era in which the daughter Jan -- twice. Berchtold Viewer reactions online events took place. “Take a step was part of the same Latter overwhelmingly included some back. Some - not all, but some Day Saints congregation as the variation of the refrain “How - of the of these events were Brobergs and he soon ingratiate could Jan’s parents be so stupid?” a product of a less-informed himself to the unsuspecting Borgman says this anger is era. We’re better at catching pair. After earning their trust, justified, however, she would predators now, we know Berchtold seduced both Mary urge viewers to consider the what a pedophile is now, and Ann and Bob Broberg strangers have much into sexual affairs more access to our before abducting kids than they did twelve-year-old Jan in the 1970’s.” The from their home in statistics, she says, 1974 and fleeing to are not changing, Mexico with Jan tied though. “Statistically, down in his van. He it’s still much more sexually assaulted likely that children Jan repeatedly, will be abducted by brainwashing her to someone they know believe that they had and trust. We know been abducted by that now, but in the aliens and assigned a early 70’s, the FBI secret mission -- they Jan Broberg pictured with her abductor and was still pushing the abuser Robert Berchtold

6 CRIMECONFIDENTIAL Jan Broberg in Abducted in Plain Sight

Stranger Danger concept.”

Borgman does say there are things the Brobergs could have done differently to protect their children, though. She says they should have trusted their instincts, gone to law enforcement sooner, and removed him from their lives much sooner. Therapy would have helped, as well. “Therapy was still misunderstood and not as socially acceptable as it is today,” Borgman says. “If they had sought therapy, it would have helped them see Berchtold for what he was and to see what was happening right under their noses.” Still, the Brobergs did do many things right, Borgman says. “After everything happened and Berchtold was behind bars, they made all the right moves to get the help they needed, and that’s what kept the family together all these years.”

Today, Jan is a successful actress with small parts in a variety of television shows. She lives in Utah and has been outspoken about the trauma she suffered. Jan herself will join Borgman on stage at CrimeCon 2019 to tell the story from her own perspective. Come prepared with (respectful) questions -- this hot-button session will include an audience Q&A and a meet & greet with Jan and Skye afterward.

ISSUE 4, ARPIL 2019 7 EVIDENCE DISMISSED Lead Detective Tom Lange on What Was Missing From the O.J. Trial This session is presented by socks in an effort to incriminate the National Law Enforcement him. “He’s attacking a dead man, Officers Memorial Fund, a my dead partner,” Lange grinds Tom Lange non-profit dedicated to telling out. “There’s only one thing organized crime hit that left the story of American law worse than a bad cop who plants behind one of the bloodiest enforcement and making the evidence, and that’s someone scenes Lange says he’s ever profession safer for those who who falsely accuses him of it.” serve. Please consider learning encountered. “Ironically, in more about the remarkable Lange and Vannatter’s book that case, there was a lot of organization. serves as a full record of the corruption,” Lange remembers. evidence from the Simpson “One of the federal agents in Former LAPD detective Tom investigation, with special league with the crime families Lange, one of the lead detectives emphasis on the evidence set us up and made claims after the Nicole Brown Simpson that never made it to trial. “We of corruption just to bring an and Ronald Goldman murders, handed the prosecution a turkey internal affairs investigation wrote Evidence Dismissed (“It’s on a platter,” Lange says. He against us to hinder the not a memoir and it’s not an claims lead prosecutor Marcia investigation.” expose,” he says) with fellow O.J. Clark and Los Angeles County Lange discloses that he’s working investigator Phil Vannatter in an District Attorney Gil Garcetti on a four-part television series effort to defend their integrity refused to admit many pieces about the Wonderland murders amid the accusations of evidence of evidence in order to minimize and a book about the more high- tampering and police corruption the number of LAPD personnel profile cases he’s investigated that hung over the nine-month- they’d have to put on the stand. throughout his career, owing in long trial. “I get it,” he says. “We were just part to the experience he had coming off the Rodney King riots writing Evidence Dismissed. “I Simpson was accused of brutally and the downtown jury hated the didn’t want to write the book, but murdering his ex-wife and her LAPD. While I was on the stand the editor sent an agent to talk friend on June 12, 1994. After a the jury glared at me.” bitter trial set against a social me into it,” he admits. “They said, backdrop of heavy racial divide, While the Simpson investigation “Twenty years from now, people Simpson was acquitted in early may be the case he’s most are going to want to know what 1995. Twenty-five years later, remembered for, Lange insists you did, how you did it, and why almost to the day, Lange will it doesn’t rank among the most you did it, and you’re gonna wish appear at CrimeCon to discuss challenging or memorable of his you had written this book.” I’m the vestiges of the case that still career. Lange investigated the glad I did. I’m more proud of it plague him. scandal-plagued Wonderland today than I was when I wrote it.” Murders in 1981, a suspected “My biggest problem right now Tom Lange will appear at is Alan Dershowitz,” Lange says CrimeCon 2019 to give attendees with clear disdain. Dershowitz a closer look at the evidence was one of several high-profile, that didn’t make it to trial and ruthless (and expensive) defense continue his mission to defend attorneys that comprised the late Vannatter’s legacy as Simpson’s “Dream Team” of an upstanding officer of the law. lawyers. Dershowitz, he says, Former U.S. Marshal and fellow recently accused the late CrimeCon speaker Art Roderick Vannatter of planting Simpson’s will moderate. blood on a pair of Simpson’s Phil Vannatter

8 CRIMECONFIDENTIAL PERCEPTION VS. REALITY Tom Lange addresses common misconceptions about the Simpson investigation

Nineteen years after the the fact that L.A. District Attorney carried the vial murders of Nicole Brown and would not have made a criminal of Simpson’s Ronald Goldman, Tom Lange filing prior to some substantive blood around wrote a scathing postscript for serological results returning. By in his pocket the fourth edition of his book law, the police have 48 hours for an Evidence Dismissed. In this excerpt, to file a complaint or release a extended Lange addresses common suspect. Much investigation was period of time. misconceptions about the police completed prior to the filing of this investigation and defends the case. This was anything but a rush REALITY: actions of the LAPD. The book will to do anything. This did not be available at CrimeCon 2019 and happen for Lange will hold a meet and greet PERCEPTION: The LAPD looked no any amount and book signing after his session. further than Simpson as a suspect. of time. The blood was sealed in a blood vial and secured in PERCEPTION: There was a rush REALITY: Some 50 additional an analyzed evidence envelope to judgment regarding the police suspects and 518 additional leads directly after it was drawn from the investigation. were fully investigated subsequent suspect. The envelope was then to Simpson’s arrest. Hundreds also sealed. It was transported to REALITY: If this were a rush of pages of investigation were the Rockingham residence and to judgment, a probable-cause turned over to the defense per the turned over to the criminalist for arrest, which would have actually discovery process. booking, as per LAPD policy. This been justified, would have been was actually captured on media made. This was not done due to PERCEPTION: Detective Vannatter video.

Undisclosed

Hosts: Rabia Chaudry, Colin Miller, Susan Simpson Podcast topic: Wrongful Conviction Cases New episodes released: Every Monday and Thursday

After Serial captivated the true crime audience with the case of Adnan Syed, Syed family friend and attorney Rabia Chaudry stepped in to keep the case alive. Undisclosed provides a closer look into Syed’s case, but also looks beyond to other wrongful conviction cases. Hosts Rabia Chaudry, Colin Miller, and Susan Simpson call upon their experience and legal expertise to uncover new evidence. Along the way, they educate their listeners about how and why wrongful convictions happen. Their widely- recognized thoroughness has established Undisclosed @UndisclosedPod as a credible authority on wrongful convictions and listeners credit their clear, concise logic for making the podcast an easy listen.

ISSUE 4, ARPIL 2019 9 PACK A PAD OF PAPER Sheila Wysocki’s PI Experience Puts You In the Driver’s Seat of an Active Investigation

Private investigator Sheila A: Making the podcast was a Wysocki made a name for lot harder than I expected and herself after solving her best I have the utmost respect for friend and college roommate podcasters now. There have Angela Samota’s murder after been highs and lows. The sitting for twenty years in the podcast dropped at the exact cold case files. Since then, she’s moment Lauren’s body was used her keen investigating skills found at Pate’s Ford Marina. I to find justice for victims across met a production company the country. A keen believer in at CrimeCon 2018 who had the power of crowdsolving and a booth across from me and technology, Wysocki launched then saw them again at Podcast Sheila Wysocki her podcast Without Warning last Movement, where I asked them year to investigate the cold case to help. They helped me get investigator! The podcast is murder of 21-year-old Lauren the podcast up and out in 24 bringing in tips and witnesses. Agee. hours. By the time I got home Those witnesses and tips have from Podcast Movement after translated into public awareness Wysocki’s PI Experience (a launching the podcast I had my and the legal system under separately ticketed evening first tip--and it was a good one. scrutiny. The judge in the case event) was one of the most In order to keep my integrity in got a Southern smackdown. popular sessions at CrimeCon telling the story, I resigned as 2018 in Nashville, and she’s back my client’s investigator to avoid Q: I’m so excited to attend the this year with a new real-life cold a conflict. PI Experience this year! What case for eager citizen detectives can attendees expect? to tackle in New Orleans! The future of investigations has changed forever for A: It’s going to be so amazing me. I will use podcasting in that I may have to retire after everything I do to further cold this year. Attendees will get to cases. I am putting together examine a crime scene with great investigators with great evidence, we’ll have a FARO cold cases to tell their stories machine on site, ballistics, and through podcasting. I’ll make a different tasks for attendees big announcement at CrimeCon! to complete. The documents, along with the investigation, will Lauren Agee Q: I recently read that be available online for them to Lauren’s case could go to review at their leisure. Private Q: Tell me a little about court in a civil suit based investigators will be there to your experience making the on some new information guide the attendees through the Without Warning podcast, you uncovered during your investigation. The victim’s family diving into the Lauren Agee investigation. How did that and the actual investigators case, and where you hope it come about? from the real-world case will leads in the future. A: The coolest moment as an hold panels to answer questions

10 CRIMECONFIDENTIAL and offer guidance. It will be them to move the case along. P(RETTY) such an amazing event! More This isn’t for the faint of heart, I(NTENSE) information about the case but the rewards are amazing. will be available in May. Crowdsourcing investigations EXPERIENCE is the way to go and the What CC18 attendees said Q: How can attendees people who attend CrimeCon about the PI Experience get the most out of the PI are the kind who will give the Experience? case keen attention to detail “This was my favorite part of all of and perform some creative CC18! Please, please, please do this A: First and foremost, investigating. again!” --Melissa L. understand that this is a real investigation where things “Hands down the most satisfying, are not wrapped up in a frustrating, involved session. Loved bow. Attendees are going Sheila’s PI Experience is a every second, every email. Thank you, to review the evidence we separately-ticketed event Sheila! Best of the whole CrimeCon have and give ideas and and will take place on program 2018!” -- Jill M. clues to bring this case to Thursday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m. “The best part of this was that it wasn’t court and to justice. Last If you plan to attend, please just a three-hour experience. We’ve year, some participants make travel arrangements been in communication and engaged remarked on the amount of accordingly. Tickets for the in this case for weeks now. What an work involved, but the group PI Experience are extremely awesome opportunity!” --Kendra L. provided great information limited and we will announce and suggestions, and I was on-sale plans by email to “A real true crime experience with able to implement many of registered attendees. emotional impact.” --Traci W.

NOLA TRUE CRIME STORY Weird NOLA Laws

New Orleans may have earned a reputation as a It’s illegal to ride a bike using only one hand. city where “anything goes,” but there are still plenty (R.S. 32:195) of reasons why rowdy revelers may find themselves Let’s be clear: it’s perfectly legal (and reasonable) to in hot water. Break any of these obscure - and walk down the street in New Orleans with a drink really weird - Louisiana laws and you may face the in your hand, but don’t get behind the handlebars consequences: with one!

Rituals that involve the ingestion of blood, It is illegal to shine pen lasers at police officers urine or fecal matter are illegal (RS 14:107.1) (RS 14:37.3) New Orleans boasts a history rich in Voodoo, and The NOPD are great. Shoot them smiles, not lasers. several Voodoo rituals require these questionable elements. It’s possible that this law was created You could go to jail for 20 years for urinating in to comply with evolving safety and sanitation a city’s water supply (RS 14:58 58) standards. Some may say this is a harsh sentence for the crime, but consider how many times one must It is illegal to steal an alligator. (RS 14:67.13) urinate in the water supply before they’re caught. If you’re that desperate for a souvenir, visit the CrimeCon merchandise table. Our wares are high Spectators at a boxing match may not mock quality, more portable than a gator, and won’t cost the contenders. (RS 4:81) you (literally) an arm and a leg. If one of our speakers starts throwing punches, best keep the mocking to a minimum.

ISSUE 4, ARPIL 2019 11 NXIVM UNCOVERED Barbara Bouchey Helped Build the Purported Self-improvement Group-Turned-Sex Cult -- Then Helped Burn it Down

You may have heard of NXIVM She’s the kind who will try to use even if you don’t realize it. The it to become a better person.” purported self-improvement organization landed on the true Bouchey knows too well how crime radar in October 2017, easy it is to get lost in those when the New York Times ran “misguided concepts.” When an expose with former NXIVM she met and dated Raniere in member Sarah Edmondson. In the 2000’s she was a tough-as- it, Edmondson claimed many nails self-made millionaire with women who joined a group a successful financial planning within the organization (named Barbara Bouchey business. A believer in the self- “DOS”) were forcibly branded improvement work Raniere was with founder Keith Raniere’s Raniere and go to trial,” says Josh teaching, Bouchey helped build initials and pressured to engage Bloch, the investigative journalist NXIVM from the ground up, in a sexual relationship with behind the CBC podcast investing hundreds of thousands him. Recruits to this group Uncover: Escaping NXIVM, which of her own money and effort into were called “slaves” while their examined the NXIVM case in its growing the organization. Then, recruiters were called “masters.” first season. In Mack’s statement she helped burn it down. In late March 2018, Raniere she professed shame and guilt was arrested in Mexico and at having been “misled” by When Bouchey, began to notice charged with sex trafficking and Raniere and his intentions for inconsistencies, unethical racketeering. the group, leading some to conduct and Keith’s abuse of leadership in the organization question her sincerity. “It’s hard to say whether she’s trying to she brought them to Raniere’s “Raniere’s save face or whether she’s truly attention -- much to the disbelief secret weapon remorseful,” says Bloch. of other women in her rank. was secrets.” “They were appalled that I was -- Barbara Bouchey Barbara Bouchey, on the other questioning and challenging Keith,” Bouchey says. hand, believes Mack is sincere Originally designed as a multi- and still has a chance to do something positive. “I’ve read the When it became clear that level marketing-type self- Keith didn’t think the issues help and executive coaching court transcript,” she says, “and I think it’s sincere and genuine. Bouchey raised were valid and organization, NXIVM attracted she concluded “he” was the a wide range of aspiring Allison, like many others, got lost in Keith’s misguided concepts. problem and nothing would professionals, including eager not be rectified, Bouchey left young actresses like Edmondson the organization. What followed and Smallville’s Allison Mack. was a firestorm of lawsuits, Mack, a staunch supporter of intimidation, and harassment Raniere after his arrest, also that lasted nearly a decade and faced sex trafficking charges, cost Bouchey over $700,000 in but plead guilty to racketeering legal defense. last week to avoid the additional charge. Bouchey is still hesitant to speak about her experience with “For a moment, I thought she was NXIVM, but not because she really going to hitch her wagon to Josh Bloch

12 CRIMECONFIDENTIAL fears the organization anymore. options for Raniere’s defense. “There’s always backlash when “When I spoke to Keith’s lawyer, I speak, because I speak about he denied that Keith was both the good, positive things involved in DOS and didn’t know along with the bad things about the branding,” says Bloch. that came out of NXIVM,” she “But Raniere recorded a huge explains. number of meetings and goings- on at NXIVM,” he reveals. “They Wait. . . what good can come thought they were changing from a cult that brands it’s the world and they wanted members with the leader’s to document it. So there are initials? hours and hours of audio and Uncover podcast who knows what’s on there that “There were 17,000 people in good people unaware of Keith’s could incriminate him? Plus with NXIVM,” she goes on. “The vast private life or his corrupt inner more women coming forward majority of them don’t feel operations – and we were in about his involvement, I don’t like they joined a cult. Sixteen essence the sheep’s clothing. know how they can proceed thousand people came to NXIVM, Raniere was the wolf.” with that line of defense.” took the self-improvement courses and got a lot of benefit Bouchey and Bloch will come For her part, Bouchey hopes out of it. What they learned there together at CrimeCon to talk to clear up several common went on to help them in their more about Bouchey’s story as misconceptions about NXIVM for lives.” The courses, which were one of the original architects of the CrimeCon crowd. “What’s in in large part beneficial, wound NXIVM. They’ll also likely discuss the media is very distorted,” she up being a way to fund Raniere’s Keith Raniere’s trial, which is asserts. “My goal is to speak the corruption. “The information scheduled for May 7th. Bloch truth and I wear that truth as a was extremely valuable, the sounds almost giddy when he badge of honor.” majority of the coaches were discusses the ever-narrowing

Wine and Crime

Hosts: Amanda, Kenyon, Lucy Podcast topics: True crime cases and wine New episodes released: Weekly If you were looking for friends to unwind with a glass of wine and talk about all things true crime, the women from Wine & Crime have got you covered. Amanda, Kenyon, and Lucy’s conversational tone, wit, and Minnesota accents create the perfect mix of true crime and comedy. Each week the gals discuss a spectrum of different topics in the genre of true crime; and, of course, pair it with the perfect glass of wine and a little bit of patriarchy focused rage. Listeners love that this podcast makes you think, laugh, and, maybe, a little tipsy. People love that this hilarious and informative podcast that invites you into this friend group for a great night of true crime conversation. Many have made this @WineandCrimePod podcast a staple of their week. It is the perfect reason to stay in, indulge your true crime interest and have a glass of wine.

ISSUE 4, ARPIL 2019 13 LISTENING THROUGH THE NOISE Former Asst. Dir. of Investigations, U.S. Marshal Art Roderick Wants to Challenge Your Assumptions About Law Enforcement

much anonymity,” he explains. escapees, but testing confirmed it was not Morris or one of the While the platform could be a Anglin brothers.” useful tool for investigators, he says, useful information often Roderick will also team up with gets drowned out. In many cases, Columbine survivor Crystal Miller including the Maura Murray to for a unique and insightful disappearance, law enforcement session in which the duo will itself comes under attack, as offer attendees information and well. “I’ve approached several resources keeping themselves law enforcement agencies to and their loved ones safe in an participate in projects but they active shooter situation. “Along Art Roderick just don’t want the headache.” with Crystal, I hope to generate Art Roderick is coming to some thought and discussion CrimeCon 2019 with one In New Orleans Roderick will on preventative measures mission: to educate. “The thing talk about an infamous case and actions to be taken during that I stress every time I give a he has investigated since 1988: and after an active shooting,” press conference or a talk is that the 1962 escape from Alcatraz, Roderick says. we need to educate the public when inmates Frank Morris, about how law enforcement John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin works,” he says. “Everything the escaped from the infamous public knows about the process prison on a makeshift raft is what’s filtered to them through cobbled together from prison- media and television. I don’t have issued rain slickers. The three social media, so I like the idea of men were never recovered something like CrimeCon where or captured. Many, including I can reach people (directly) with Roderick, believe they drowned this kind of information.” in the choppy, shark-infested Escaped Alcatraz inmates Frank San Francisco Bay, their remains Morris, John Anglin & Clarence Anglin Roderick became recognizable swept out to sea by the strong worldwide as CNN’s Law currents. Roderick acknowledges that Enforcement Analyst, but many a recent string of suicides by true crime fans will recognize Others, however, believe that the survivors and family members Roderick as the tough-but- trio made their way safely to land of the Parkland and Sandy Hook lovable former U.S. Marshal and lived the remainder of their shootings has weighed heavy who teamed up with journalist lives as free men. Sightings and on his heart. “I’ve been involved Maggie Freleng in Oxygen’s 2017 unverified letters from people in law enforcement shootings docuseries The Disappearance claiming to be or know Morris or and I was always grateful of Maura Murray. He won’t be the Anglin brothers have poured that my agencies required discussing the controversial in over the years, but none have counseling afterwards. There case at CrimeCon 2019. In fact, ever been substantiated. “I’ll talk are intense emotions and people he cites it as one factor in his about three or four new leads understandably don’t want to social media aversion. “There’s that I’ve been working,” Roderick deal with them, but counseling no filter on social media, there’s divulges. “Recently, there was a is critical to recovery.” too much noise, and there’s too body thought to be one of the

14 CRIMECONFIDENTIAL YOUTUBERS INVADE PODCAST ROW Podcast Row extends a warm welcome to your highly- requested fan-favorite true crime YouTube broadcasters!

3 Men and A Mystery Crime After Crime

Hosts: John Lordan, Gray Hosts: Danelle Hallan & John Hughes, Mike Morford Lordan Podcast topic: Murder of J.B. Podcast topic: True crime story Beasley & Tracie Hawlett (S1) battles New episodes: Monthly New episodes: Monthly 3 Men and a Mystery is a long-form investigative and Crime After Crime is a monthly podcast bringing interactive true crime podcast that explores one together true crime YouTubers Danelle Hallan and case per season, and is hosted by social media true John Lordan, who challenge each other to tell the crime veterans John Lordan, Gray Hughes, and Mike best story about a true crime related topic. Previous Morford. The series leverages the YouTube platform episodes have covered topics such as Most Bizarre to bring the audience as close as possible to the Weapon, Craziest Costumed Criminal, and Crimes crime scene. Season one is focused on the tragic Committed for Good. The podcast/YouTube series murder of teenagers J.B. Beasley and Tracie Hawlett invites listeners to vote online to determine the winner in Ozark Alabama. each month. Between Danelle and John’s separate YouTube channels, they have covered hundreds of true Website: 3 Men and a Mystery crime stories, have over 350 thousand subscribers and more than 40 million views.

YouTube: Crime After Crime

Amber Loves Mystery Like you, Amber loves a good mystery, and she shares her thoughts and research into all manner of mysteries on her YouTube channel Amber Loves Mystery. While many of the mysteries that Amber reviews are true crime stories, she does not shy away from the paranormal, unexplainable, scary, or just plain weird. Amber is active in many online communities to spread the word about true crime cases that need help from the public and she regularly engages in discussion with other true crime enthusiasts.

YouTube: Amber Loves Mystery

Stephanie Harlowe You may already know Stephanie Harlowe from her wildly successful (and extensive) health and beauty YouTube channel, but the makeup maven has made a name for herself among true crime fans, as well. Harlowe’s true crime segments such as “Coffee and Crime Time,” “Mystery Monday,” and her Friday night live streams “Wine and Crime Time” have earned her a reputation as a credible and engaging online true crime commentator. Fans rave about her attention to accuracy and meticulous detail as she covers all the cases you know and plenty that you don’t. Harlowe also reviews the documentaries and shows that dominate the true crime entertainment headlines with thoughtful commentary. YouTube: Stephanie Harlowe

ISSUE 4, ARPIL 2019 15 BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH A DASH OF DOUBT How One Meal Made Abby Ellin Realize She Was In Love With a Con Man

Abby Ellin is not your typical true interviewed him for a story. “The crime writer. As an independent story didn’t run for another year, journalist, she has contributed so I had to call him to make sure to publications like the New York the facts were still accurate,” Times, The Wall Street Journal, she explains. He told her he and Marie Claire. However, it is was opening a pediatric cancer the harrowing story she shares hospital in Afghanistan. Ellin, in her book Duped: Double Lives, interested in writing about the False Identities, and the Con Man project, asked him to call her to I Almost Married that brings her discuss it. He did, and the two to CrimeCon 2019. The book began dating soon after. Five expands on a cover story Ellin months later, he proposed. wrote for Psychology Today in 2015. While he shared fascinating stories of his life as a former Abby Ellin “After I wrote the cover story I Navy SEAL, Ellin couldn’t received letters from dozens of suppress her natural journalistic people who had experienced skepticism. “Many of the things that accompanied his dinner. the same thing,” Ellin explains. “I he said weren’t verifiable,” Immediately following the meal, realized this kind of deception is she explains. While he was he told Ellin “That was one of the everywhere.” legitimately a physician who worst meals I’ve ever had.” It was worked at the Pentagon, he a small lie, but it was enough Indeed, it is. made fantastical claims that for Ellin. “I knew if he could lie didn’t sit well with Ellin. “He about something that small, he True crime fans will recognize claimed to have medals from was probably lying about many, parallels to Dirty John--the story secret missions he was on in the many other things,” she says. of fellow CrimeCon speaker Navy. He claimed to be friends She ended their engagement Debra Newell’s manipulation at with Barack Obama. He said and began the process of the hands of John Meehan. Ellin he met his ex-wife when he making sense of her experience. may count herself among the rescued her during a mission in “lucky” ones who didn’t lose their Iran where she was being held Eventually, Ellin’s pervasive money, homes, or lives to such hostage.” suspicions were validated when a perpetrator, but she did fall she received a call from a federal in love, move to a new city, and But it was a plate of Brussels agent. “[The Commander] nearly marry the man she calls sprouts that broke the had been writing narcotics “the Commander.” proverbial camel’s back. During prescriptions under false names, a dinner out with Ellin’s parents, and one of them was mine,” she The Commander was a physician the Commander raved about says. Suddenly, his many lies in private practice when Ellin the decadent Brussels sprouts began to surface, including one

16 CRIMECONFIDENTIAL she hadn’t suspected: “He was a similar experience and would engaged to another woman at like to share your story, click the same time he was engaged here to submit your information to me.” and you may be featured when the podcast launches. Ellin was wise to trust her instincts and leave the relationship, but many smart, keen women fall prey to similar Each year, the FBI receives predators every day. “The 15,000 complaints of romance smarter you are, the more scams -- and that’s just likely you are to be duped,” online. Fraud Aid, a non-profit she explains. “It sounds fraud victim advocacy group, Duped: Double Lives, False Identities, estimates that only seven counterintuitive, but it’s true. and the Con Man I Almost Married We think we’re smart enough percent of scam victims report to catch on and that we can’t be the fraud to authorities. At fooled, but even in the face of Ellin is working to launch a CrimeCon 2019, Abby Ellin unbelievable claims, we think podcast based on the book and will share what we can do to we can figure out the truth. But is currently seeking submissions protect ourselves from being when you’re in love, there’s a from men and women who defrauded and duped. blind spot.” have been duped. If you’ve had

ISSUE 4, ARPIL 2019 17 Without Warning: The Lauren Agee Case

Host: Sheila Wysocki Podcast topic: The unsolved murder of Lauren Agee New episodes released: Twice per month

As a private investigator, Sheila Wysocki takes you into the case past the police investigation into the death of Lauren Agee. Lauren’s body was found floating in a lake below a cliff on a Sunday afternoon during a weekend camping trip with her friends. The podcast brings listeners in-depth interviews with Lauren’s family and friends and officials involved in the investigation of her death. Sheila uses her skills to uncover details that had been hidden by those surrounding the case. Armed with stone-cold facts and entranced by Sheila’s captivating narrative style, listeners work alongside the P.I. to get to the bottom of the mysterious death of Lauren Agee. Listeners @ScrappyMomPI like that Sheila’s genuine interest and drive to solve Lauren’s case pulls you in and captivates you. They have described that this podcast will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Guests and Pods Summary SPEAKERS PODCASTS Lorene Bible Jax Miller 3 Men and a Mystery Out of The Shadows Josh Bloch CeCe Moore A Date with Dateline Someone Knows Something Skye Borgman Thomas Moore Amber Loves Mystery Stephanie Harlowe Barbara Bouchey Debra Newell Crawlspace Trace Evidence Jan Broberg Terra Newell Crime After Crime The Minds of Madness Lisa Brodrick Laura Richards Crime Junkie The Trail Went Cold Sarah Cailean Larry Pollard Crime Stories True Crime All The Time Rabia Chaudry Anne Redding with Nancy Grace True Crime All The Time Saad Chaudry David Ridgen Criminology Unsolved Christopher Darden Art Roderick Empty Frames True Crime Garage Abby Ellin David Rudolf Generation Why True Crime Obsessed Nancy Grace Rodie Sanchez Mannina Files Truth & Justice Eric Johnson Professional K9 Martinis & Murder Uncover: Escaping NXIVM Kenya Johnson Solutions Mile Marker 181 Undisclosed Tom Lange Gil Valle Missing Alissa Wine and Crime Dr. Henry Lee Kelly Wellman Missing Maura Murray Without Warning Carl Marino Brian Whitney Moms & Murder What Did You Do! Crystal Miller Sheila Wysocki Once Upon a Crime

Guests and Podcasts announced in this issue are in bold. Follow all announcements for CC19 at CrimeCon.com. SEE YOU IN NEW ORLEANS! JUNE 7-9, 2019