Episodes

  • 52 - The Death of Kayla Seago

    52 - The Death of Kayla Seago
    Jan 8 2025
    On January 11, 2015, 24-year-old Kayla Seago, a mother of three, was found dead in her Rockford, Illinois, home. Her family suspects foul play, haunted by unanswered questions about the events leading to her tragic death. Raising additional questions, in 2018, Kayla’s ex-boyfriend was convicted of aggravated battery involving strangulation in an unrelated case. Yet, despite the alarming parallels, no charges were ever filed in connection to Kayla’s death. This episode explores the unresolved mystery of Kayla’s case, highlighting the role of forensic psychologists in uncovering hidden truths through psychological autopsies and exposing the systemic failures that may have prevented justice.




    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Kayla Sego's Case
    02:51 Lexi's Account of Kayla's Death
    06:05 The Role of the Grand Jury
    08:58 Coroner's Report and Investigation Issues
    11:47 Domestic Violence and Prior History
    15:08 Suspicious Circumstances Surrounding Kayla's Death
    17:51 Current Investigative Efforts and Next Steps
    21:11 Legal Perspectives on Indictments and Charges
    25:59 The Disturbing Online Behavior of a Suspect
    31:58 Investigating the Past: Connections to Kayla's Case
    37:39 The Need for Legislative Change in Cold Cases
    39:04 Seeking Justice: The Role of Private Investigators
    45:08 The Importance of Thorough Investigations and Autopsy Reviews

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    52 mins
  • 51 - CEO. Killer. Insanity.

    51 - CEO. Killer. Insanity.
    Jan 1 2025
    Explore the complexities of building a successful insanity defense and why top attorneys like Karen Friedman Agnifilo turn to forensic psychologists to assess the validity of mental health claims. Dr. Craig Wetterer, forensic psychologist, and Eric Zelaya, board-certified defense investigator, analyze Luigi Mangione’s controversial case, examining psychological dynamics, juror biases, and legal strategies that make this one of New York’s most compelling legal battles. Do you think he'll get a fair trial? Tun into find out how forensic psychologists help with legal defenses and jury selection.



    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to the Case of Luigi Mangione
    07:28 Understanding the Insanity Defense
    19:38 Legal Strategies and Implications
    35:49 Public Perception and Media Influence

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    42 mins
  • 50 - Murder, Motive, and Money

    50 - Murder, Motive, and Money
    Dec 25 2024
    On December 4, 2024, Brian Thompson, CEO of United Healthcare, was murdered, igniting controversy over alleged insider trading and casting suspicion on suspect Luigi Mangione. Private investigator Eric Zelaya and Dr. Craig Wetterer examine the motive behind the crime, the influence of greed, the psychological factors involved, and the circumstances that may have led to Thompson's tragic demise. Does this murder signal a rise in vigilante violence, and how does social media amplify violent messages and incite violence? Explore the complex dynamics behind this shocking case.




    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to the Case of Brian Thompson
    01:01 Frustrations with Insurance Providers
    10:40 The Financial Landscape of UnitedHealthcare
    14:05 The Allegations Against Brian Thompson
    15:30 Investigating Luigi Mangione
    22:35 Analyzing the Evidence and Motives
    28:24 The Dark Web and Murder for Hire
    29:51 Public Support and Vigilante Justice
    30:48 Jury Nullification and Moral Justification
    35:30 Caste System in Criminal Justice
    38:53 Social Media's Influence on Justice
    41:59 The Role of Technology in Crime
    45:43 The Future of Serial Killings
    53:20 Concluding Thoughts on Violence and Justice

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    57 mins
  • 49 - Is Amanda Lewis Innocent? (Part II)

    49 - Is Amanda Lewis Innocent? (Part II)
    Dec 18 2024
    Discover legal intricacies surrounding Amanda Lewis’s conviction, exploring how biases, courtroom dynamics, and the role of a child witness shaped the outcome. With expert insight from N. Leigh Hunt, we uncover the broader implications of this case on justice and examine whether critical evidence may have been overlooked or misinterpreted. Explore the psychological factors at play, the trial's contentious elements, and compelling insights that may shed light on Amanda Lewis's innocence or guilt.




    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Amanda Lewis's Case
    01:23 Child Witness Testimony and Credibility
    05:30 The Role of Psychological Evaluation
    10:16 Speculations on Child's Testimony
    15:34 The Importance of Consistent Narratives
    20:47 Legal Mechanisms and Witness Testimony
    25:32 Potential Grounds for Retrial
    30:16 Future Steps and Hope for Justice

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    37 mins
  • 48 - Is Amanda Lewis Innocent? (Part I)

    48 - Is Amanda Lewis Innocent? (Part I)
    Dec 11 2024
    On August 8, 2007, Adrianna Hutto tragically drowned in a pool. Six months later, her mother, Amanda Lewis, was convicted of first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse. The prosecution's key witness was A.J., Amanda's six-year-old son, who provided over a dozen conflicting accounts of what happened that day. Despite the inconsistencies in his testimony and questions surrounding his reliability as an eyewitness, his statements ultimately led to his mother's conviction and a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Join N. Leigh Hunt, along with forensic psychologists, as we analyze the complexities of this case and explore whether Amanda Lewis’s conviction was a miscarriage of justice.



    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to the Case of Amanda Lewis
    02:46 The Incident: A Tragic Drowning
    06:01 The Investigation Begins
    08:56 The Interrogation of a Six-Year-Old
    12:03 Trial and Testimony: A Child's Perspective
    14:56 The Role of the Coroner and Medical Testimony
    17:49 Legal Missteps and Procedural Errors
    21:11 Family Dynamics and Testimonies
    23:59 The Aftermath: Life Sentences and Appeals
    26:50 Reflections on Justice and Fair Trials

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    44 mins
  • 47 - Telling Abby's Story (Part II)

    47 - Telling Abby's Story (Part II)
    Dec 4 2024
    The second part of Abigail Bieber’s story reveals the systemic failures within the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department that allowed Detective Daniel Leyden’s abusive behaviors to go unchecked. Abigail’s father, Bruce Bieber, shares his perspective on the silence and complicity within law enforcement, raising pressing questions about accountability in cases of officer-involved domestic violence. What happens when the patriarchy within law enforcement shields abusers and silences victims? This episode examines the dangerous dynamics of power and privilege in law enforcement and calls for urgent systemic reform.



    Chapters
    00:00 Systematic Failures in Law Enforcement
    02:48 Accountability and Reform in Domestic Violence Cases
    06:06 Mental Health and Wellness in Law Enforcement
    08:58 Cultural Stigma and Officer Wellness Programs
    11:53 Political Climate and Domestic Violence Funding
    15:13 Strangulation Awareness and Risk Factors
    18:04 The Impact of Officer-Involved Domestic Violence
    20:56 Personal Stories and Advocacy for Change
    25:10 Confronting Law Enforcement Accountability
    28:54 The Need for Transparency in Law Enforcement
    29:48 Advocating for Change in Law Enforcement
    31:44 The Impact of Domestic Violence in Law Enforcement
    35:37 Cultural Resistance to Change in Law Enforcement
    37:57 The Role of Psychological Evaluation in Law Enforcement
    41:19 The Importance of Forensic Psychology
    44:21 Identifying Deceit in Law Enforcement Candidates


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    51 mins
  • 46 - Telling Abby's Story (Part I)

    46 - Telling Abby's Story (Part I)
    Nov 27 2024
    Inspired by Telling Amy's Story, this episode begins with a closer look at Abigail Bieber's life, a vibrant young officer whose future was filled with promise. Through heartfelt conversations with her father, Bruce Bieber, we reconstruct the timeline leading up to her tragic murder-suicide at the hands of her partner, Detective Daniel Leyden. We explore missed opportunities for intervention, overlooked warning signs, and the escalating danger that ultimately led to Abigail's death. Abigail’s story highlights the critical need to recognize and respond to officer-involved domestic violence.


    Chapters
    (00:00) Introduction to Abigail Bieber's Tragic Story
    (02:59) Understanding Officer Involved Domestic Violence
    (05:51) Abigail's Relationship with Detective Daniel Leyden
    (09:14) The Aftermath of Abigail's Murder
    (12:07) The Investigation and Discovery of Domestic Violence History
    (15:02) The Role of Law Enforcement in Domestic Violence Cases
    (17:58) Psychological Evaluations and Law Enforcement Standards
    (20:48) Cultural Issues in Law Enforcement Regarding Domestic Violence
    (28:14) Exploring the 'Beat Wife' Culture in Law Enforcement
    (30:28) The Compromised Safety of Victims
    (31:55) Manipulation and Abuse of Power by Law Enforcement
    (34:16) The Tragic Case of China and Its Implications
    (39:32) Investigative Failures and Accountability Issues
    (42:26) Existing Solutions and the Need for Implementation
    (49:14) Learning from Tragedy: The Story of Amy Holman McGee
    (53:14) Preventing Future Violence through Policy and Training

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    56 mins
  • 45 - Psychology Careers in the U.K.

    45 - Psychology Careers in the U.K.
    Nov 20 2024
    Dr. Marianne Trent, clinical psychologist and host of the award-winning Aspiring Psychologist Podcast in the UK, joins Killer Psychologist to explore the intersections of clinical and forensic psychology across borders. Together, they discuss career pathways, compare the mental health systems in the UK and US, and discuss the rise of private practice as a transformative force in care delivery. A must-listen for students, early-career psychologists, seasoned professionals, or anyone curious about global mental health trends, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving field of psychology.



    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Killer Psychologist and Dr. Marianne Trent
    02:51 Pathways to Becoming a Psychologist in the UK
    12:43 The Journey to Forensic Psychology
    18:49 Insurance and Income Streams in Psychology
    26:35 Compassion in Forensic Psychology
    31:22 Navigating the Dark Side of Forensic Psychology
    39:06 The Role of Forensic Psychologists in Legal Outcomes
    41:57 Understanding Mental Health Trends in the UK
    50:04 Self-Care Strategies for Mental Health Professionals
    58:43 The Importance of Community and Support in Psychology

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    1 hr and 3 mins