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The First Degree

Alexis Linkletter, Jac Vanek

Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be friends with a murderer? Or escape a kidnapping? Or have a father who was a serial killer? Join Jac Vanek and Alexis Linkletter on a chilling ride into the darkest corners of your worst nightmares. Murders, cults, kidnappings, and conspiracies—all told through the eyes of a guest who is one degree of separation from the story itself. From infamous serial killers to the unbelievable unknown murder in your own backyard, The First Degree delivers a new perspective to the already fascinating true crime landscape. And who knows... you may be our next guest. (Plus, join them every Thursday for Killing Time, the light-hearted, true crime-adjacent aftershow!)

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Today · 33 min
Episode 421: Daniel Hiers Jr.
On March 15, 2005, police respond to a 911 call from a home in Goose Creek, South Carolina. Inside the residence, the body of a 24-year-old woman is found in bed, dead from a gunshot wound to the head. The number one suspect is already accused of crimes against a child. But when he fails to attend the sheriff’s office to turn himself in for the offenses against a minor and can’t be located, it’s a five-alarm fire. It’s like he’s vanished into thin air. Authorities place the man on the US Marshals 15 Most Wanted list as the victim's devastated family continues to wait years for news. But the perpetrator can’t run forever. In episode 421, Jac and Alexis detail the senseless death of Ludimila Cohe de Araujo Hiers, and the dramatic capture of her killer years later, exploring just how far some people will go to escape the consequences that inevitably await them. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 🎥 Youtube youtube.com/@thefirstdegreepodcast 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thursday · 47 min
DEEP DIVE: THE AI TAKEOVER? REAL OR PSYOP?
Things are feeling a bit spooky this week and we are barely halfway through September. We are discussing all of the weird shit going on in the AI world (like if it gonna kill off humanity in 10 years or what?????). Plus, some updates in the Lindsay Clancy trial, Mormon Wived drama, and who the hell does Armie Hammer think he is?? 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 🎥 Youtube youtube.com/@thefirstdegreepodcast 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 16 · 47 min
Episode 420: Elisa Roberson
In August 1989, a 13-year-old girl leaves her home in Aransas Pass, Texas, for a short walk to meet a friend at a nearby elementary school. But she never makes it there, and investigators soon theorize she was abducted somewhere along that short route. In episode 420, Jac and Alexis examine the disappearance of Elisa Roberson, the investigation that followed, and her family’s decades-long fight to find out what happened to her. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 🎥 Youtube youtube.com/@thefirstdegreepodcast 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 10 · 45 min
DEEP DIVE: CYBORG COCKROACHES
We’re bouncing all over the place this week, so put on your seatbelts and get ready for the ride. A new lawsuit alleges that Frederic Fekkai was an integral part to Epstein’s trafficking ring, the new teaser for Nathan Fielder’s Elizabeth Holmes doc is out and it is INSANE, and the announcer on Wheel of Fortune got caught in illegal chatrooms on an airplane. Plus, cyborg cockraoches! 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 🎥 Youtube youtube.com/@thefirstdegreepodcast 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 9 · 33 min
Episode 419: Dana Woods
In August 2012, two young women spend a summer night together in Berkeley County, South Carolina, before accepting a ride from someone they know. Hours later, Dana Woods and June Guerry are found murdered in the remote Francis Marion National Forest. As investigators work to identify those responsible, a seemingly ordinary night begins to unravel, revealing just how close a small community can be to something horrifying. In episode 419, Jac and Alexis examine the murders of Dana Woods and June Guerry, the men ultimately held responsible, and the lasting impact of realizing just how close you can be to a tragedy without ever knowing it. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 🎥 Youtube youtube.com/@thefirstdegreepodcast 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 3 · 47 min
DEEP DIVE: THE BUTT SNIFFER STRIKES AGAIN
It’s another variety show type of week over here at the Deep Dive and we’ve got something for everyone. D4VD’s lawyers dump him, Laura Owens pleads guilty, a budding serial killer is out on the streets doing god knows what, and the Los Angeles butt sniffer strikes again. We warned you. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 2 · 1 hr 12 min
Episode 418: Bigger Than the Trial
The Lindsay Clancy case has brought renewed attention to postpartum psychosis, a rare but potentially devastating condition that, when left untreated, has been associated with an estimated 5% risk of suicide and 4% risk of filicide. This week, Alexis and Jac are joined by Dr. Erin Davidowicz, a perinatal psychiatrist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, to discuss the case, the lack of public awareness surrounding postpartum psychosis, and why recognizing the warning signs can be so critical. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 27 · 48 min
DEEP DIVE: WHAT IS WRONG WITH EVERYONE?
No, for real, what is wrong with everyone lately? This week we’re discussing a woman who was giving sex eyes to the camera during the Lindsay Clancy trial, Hilary Duff feeding her children pizza on stage at her concert, Alcohol being advertised to kids, and a very messed up golf ad. Keep those tin foil hats on, people. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 26 · 40 min
Episode 417: Stozek/McBrien
Growing up in suburban Chicago, a young girl is raised to trust the adults around her. Her church, her school, and her family all feel like safe places. But years later, she learns that two people she once looked up to and loved are accused of horrific crimes against children, forcing her to question everything she thought she knew about trust, faith, and the people closest to her. In episode 417, Jac and Alexis explore Courtney's journey after discovering the truth about her uncle Joseph Stozek and former priest Kevin McBrien, and what it means to reckon with the fact that someone you trusted was capable of unimaginable harm. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 20 · 47 min
DEEP DIVE: UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTHS
Today we are discussing the tragedy of Hayden Panettiere’s sudden passing and everyone who failed her throughout her life, Anthropic and Amazon destroying rare and ancient texts to basically rewrite history however they want (1984 anyone?), and Howie Mandel being a perv in front of his daughter. For real, what is wrong with EVERYONE?! 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 19 · 45 min
Episode 416: Trish Haynes
In May 2018, a 25-year-old woman suddenly disappears while living with a childhood friend in Grafton, New Hampshire. Her family immediately knows something is wrong, but for months, they are left searching for answers. Then investigators make a devastating discovery: a small piece of her dismembered body is recovered from a nearby pond. As her loved ones begin uncovering disturbing allegations about what she endured before her death, they push for those responsible to be held accountable. But years later, no one has ever been charged with her murder. In episode 416, Jac and Alexis examine the murder of Trish Haynes, the troubling allegations surrounding her final months, and her family’s ongoing fight for answers and justice. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 13 · 44 min
DEEP DIVE: TO CATCH A PREDATOR?
There’s a lot going on this week, so put those tin foil hats on. First, we’re discussing the new bizarre documentary Predators, and the impact Chris Hansen has had on the true crime world. Also, Chris Watts somehow is getting married, and Drake is buying a goth girl a house. Lastly, we know you don’t know who Desiree Townsend is now, but you will after you listen to today’s ep. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 12 · 40 min
Episode 415: Three People Knew
In August 2017, a newlywed is found shot to death inside a hotel room in Athens, Georgia, while on a road trip with her husband. As investigators begin piecing together her final hours, they uncover text messages, surveillance footage, and other evidence that paint a disturbing picture of what happened. Yet despite a conviction, her story receives very little public attention, leaving many to remember the crime but not the woman at the center of it. In episode 415, Jac and Alexis examine the murder of Casey Woods Devanna, the evidence that led to her killer's conviction, and the life her friends want the world to remember. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 11 · 51 min
Introducing: CRIMES OF REDDIT, Alexis’ new show with Sabrina Deana-Roga
Reddit is an endless archive of humanity’s most disturbing, bizarre, and deeply human stories. If you love The First Degree, you are going to love CRIMES OF REDDIT with Alexis and Sabrina Deana-Roga from Two Girls One Ghosts. Every Tuesday, one host brings a set of true-crime stories while the other reacts in real time with no prep, no spoilers asking the questions on everyone’s mind. They swap roles each week, pulling at every thread until the whole twisted picture comes into view. It’s dark, it’s messy, and the scariest part is simple: THESE ARE STORIES POSTED BY REAL PEOPLE. Follow CRIMES OF REDDIT for a new episode every Tuesday. CRIMES OF REDDIT is a Crime House original powered by PAVE Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 6 · 1 hr 40 min
DEEP DIVE: AUTHOR SESSIONS - CHAOS
Today's episode is the Deep Dive x The First Degree Book Club crossover you didn't know you needed. We're sitting down with bestselling author Tom O'Neill to talk about CHAOS: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties. What began as a routine magazine assignment became a twenty-year investigation that challenged the official narrative of the Manson murders and uncovered a web of unanswered questions surrounding law enforcement, MKUltra, and the turbulent world of the late 1960s. In this wide-ranging conversation, Tom takes us behind the reporting, reflects on what he's learned since publishing the book, and revisits the evidence, theories, and unanswered questions that continue to fuel debate. Whether you've read CHAOS cover to cover or you're just conspiracy-curious, buckle up... and, as always... hats on. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 5 · 1 hr 5 min
Episode 414: Manson murders, MKUltra, and the CIA
This week on The First Degree, we're doing something a little different. Consider this episode your CHAOS crash course. Tom O'Neill's groundbreaking book CHAOS: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties has sparked years of conversation, debate, and controversy. But with this week's Deep Dive featuring an in-depth conversation with Tom himself, we wanted to make sure everyone could join us, whether you've read the book or not. In this episode, we break down the major players, the official Manson narrative, the questions O'Neill spent more than two decades investigating, and the evidence that turned CHAOS into one of the most talked-about true crime books of the last decade. Whether you're completely new to CHAOS or just need a refresher before our interview with Tom O'Neill, this is your TLDR. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 30 · 46 min
DEEP DIVE: THE MANOSPHERE BAKERY
This week Jac is taking you on a very niche deep dive, so buckle up. We’re going all the way down the manosphere rabbit hole via a “hot” viral bakery owner from Phoenix and it’s a wild ride. Plus updates on the current D4VD hearings happening this week. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 29 · 38 min
Episode 413: Christian Sayre
In October 2021, the owner of a beloved dive bar in Everett, Washington is arrested on multiple counts of sexual assault, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit group of patrons that once considered the establishment a second home. As more survivors come forward, investigators uncover a decades-long pattern of abuse, allegations of drugged drinks, child sexual abuse material, and a growing list of victims that transforms a local gathering place into the center of one of the region's most disturbing criminal cases. In episode 413, Jac and Alexis examine the crimes of Christian Sayre, the community that unknowingly surrounded a serial predator, and how a place that held joyful memories for so many became the site of unimaginable trauma for others. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 23 · 44 min
DEEP DIVE: MKULTRA ALIVE & WELL?
Tin foil hats on! Today’s episode, we go down the rabbit hole of Tulsi Gabbard’s brother being arrested for luring kids into his hotel room with candy, being raised in a cult, their connection to Jim Morrison, and how she quite possibly might still be mind controlled by MKUltra??? Also, the latest Tyler Robinson updates, including a bizarre confession from Ben Shapiro. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 22 · 37 min
Episode 412: Hotel Zaza Tragedy
On July 29, 2019, police respond to a 911 call from a hotel in Dallas, Texas. There are noise complaints about some guests, but hotel security is reluctant to intervene before police arrive. When the door to room 228 finally opens, officers find a man covered in blood and a 32-year-old woman shot dead on the floor. The man fights back against police before being taken to the hospital, as authorities try to piece together what has happened to result in the death of a dearly loved daughter, sister, and mother of two. When the truth emerges, everyone in the victim’s circle is left in a state of disbelief about the circumstances that had led to her death. In episode 412, Jac and Alexis detail the tragic death of Jacqueline Rose Parguian Nicholas and the questions that hover over the man who ended her life, asking whether some punishment is better than no punishment at all. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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