In this episode, we explore the infamous case of Erik and Lyle Menendez, who were accused of murdering their affluent parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills residence in August 1989 after years of alleged sexual abuse.

Following the release of the recent Netflix documentary, "The Menendez Brothers," new developments have reignited national discourse regarding the case and we discuss the ongoing debate surrounding the potential revision of their sentences, which could lead to the brothers' release after 35 years behind bars. Additionally, we discuss how a modern understanding of male sexual abuse victims may be fostering increased empathy and insight into the circumstances surrounding the Menendez brothers and their actions. Do you believe the Menendez brothers should be released, and do you think they will be?

**Since the recording of this episode, the upcoming hearings scheduled for Jan 30 & 31 have been postponed due to the LA wildfires. The hearings are now scheduled for March 20 & 21, 2025. **

If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse (sexual or otherwise), just know you are not alone and help is out there.

In Canada, you find help and support at the following resources:

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 / www.kidshelpphone.ca
Victim Support Line (Ontario Victim Services): 1-888-579-2888
Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Provincial Crisis and Support Line (Ontario Victim Services): 1-866-887-0015
Assaulted Women’s Help Line: 1-866-863-0511 / TTY 1-866-863-7868 www.awhl.org

In the US, you can find help and support at the following resources:

National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline: 800.656.HOPE (4673)
National Sexual Violence Resource Centre: https://www.nsvrc.org/
National Child Abuse Hotline: Call or text hotline at 800.422.4453

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**In this bonus episode, we are releasing one from the Patreon vault. Originally released on February 23, 2024 for our paid members only, you can now listen to this episode for FREE!**

Suzana Thayer is a grandmother living in Ontario, Canada, who turns to the world of online dating after the sudden death of her husband. Suzana's naivete causes her to fall victim to not only one, but TWO, online romance scams.

After first being conned out of her life savings, she enters an online relationship with a second man who offers to fly her on an all-expenses paid vacation to Ethiopia. But, the intentions of this unknown online predator are far more sinister than just stealing her money. This time, he steals her freedom.

Join AJ for this bonus episode, where the world of online scams and the underground drug trade combine- resulting in devastating consequences for Suzana Thayer.

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In this third and final part of our deep-dive into the opioid epidemic, we reflect on the invaluable insights gained from our guests in Parts 1 and 2. We delve into the complexities of the opioid crisis, sharing our own reflections on the personal and societal challenges that come with addiction.

Together, we explore the importance of building supportive environments for recovery, addressing stigma, and the critical roles that healthcare providers and community initiatives play in this ongoing battle. Join us for an important conversation aimed at raising awareness and driving change in our communities.

RESOURCES:

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you're not alone:
If you're in Canada, you can contact the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction at 1-833-235-4048, or visit the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) website at www.camh.ca.

If you're in the US, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY 1-800-487-4889. Or, visit www.FindTreatment.gov to find services and resources in your local area.

To learn more about Brian Townsend's work visit www.only2mg.com and www.eagle6training.com.

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In part two of our three-part deep-dive on the opioid epidemic, we sit down with Dusty, whose personal journey provides a raw and powerful perspective on the crisis. Dusty shares his experience of growing up with a mother struggling with addiction, shedding light on the lasting emotional and psychological effects of living in a household where opioids ruled.

Through his story, Dusty reflects on how these experiences have shaped his views on drugs, addiction, and the policies that influence recovery and support. His unique insight offers a critical look at the ways we can change the narrative around addiction and work toward more effective solutions, not just for individuals, but for entire communities.

Whether you’re personally affected by addiction or looking to better understand the broader impact of the opioid epidemic, this episode offers a deeply insightful and compassionate perspective. Dusty’s story highlights the importance of awareness, empathy, and the need for change—both at the personal and policy levels.

RESOURCES:

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you're not alone:
If you're in Canada, you can contact the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction at 1-833-235-4048, or visit the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) website at www.camh.ca.

If you're in the US, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY 1-800-487-4889. Or, visit www.FindTreatment.gov to find services and resources in your local area.

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Welcome back to Crime Family! To kick off our sixth season, we're exploring the opioid crisis in a three-part deep dive.

In the first part, we sit down with former DEA special agent Brian Townsend to uncover the major factors that led to where we're at in the crisis today. Together, we explore the root causes of this devastating crisis, including the role of pharmaceutical companies, the impact of overprescribing, and the flood of illicit opioids into our communities.

Townsend shares his firsthand experiences taking on the major cartels at the border and provides critical insights into what can be done to stem the tide of addiction and overdoses. This episode sets the stage for a deeper understanding of one of the most pressing public health crises of our time.

RESOURCES:

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you're not alone:
If you're in Canada, you can contact the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction at 1-833-235-4048, or visit the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) website at www.camh.ca.

If you're in the US, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY 1-800-487-4889. Or, visit www.FindTreatment.gov to find services and resources in your local area.

To learn more about Brian Townsend's work visit www.only2mg.com and www.eagle6training.com.

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Welcome back to Crime Family! We are excited to (almost) be back with a brand new season of the show.

In this sneak peak, we talk about what to expect from the new season as well as important and exciting updates to the format of the show.

New weekly audio and video episodes begin in January 2025 and we can't wait to begin!

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Can you believe that we've done 100 episodes of the show already!? We can hardly believe it ourselves and in this special bonus episode, we talk candidly as we reflect on the past 100 episodes and three years of CRIME FAMILY.

We discuss how the show came to be, the ups and downs we've encountered and the biggest things we've learned along the way.

We will be taking a brief hiatus but will be back for Season 6 before you know it so stay tuned on our socials for updates!

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It's the final episode of the season and also the conclusion to our Long Island Serial Killer case coverage! In this episode, we focus on the arrest of the case's prime suspect Rex Heuermann in July 2023 after years of investigation and mounting pressure from the public and victims' families.

We discuss the arrest, the evidence that led investigators to Heuermann and the reaction from those closest to him and his many alleged victims. As the killer faces charges, questions still linger about his motives, the extent of his crimes, and the possibility of even more revelations and evidence to come.

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EPISODE RESOURCES:

Shannan Gilbert 911 Call (YouTube):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUrIJ8MLZrY

Gilgo Beach killings: A timeline of the investigation.
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/gilgo-beach-murder-investigation-human-remains/5044222/

"48 Hours" uncovers missing escort Shannan Gilbert's final minutes. (CBS News)
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/48-hours-uncovers-missing-escort-shannan-gilberts-final-minutes/

Gilgo Case: SHANNAN GILBERT TIMELINE:
https://www.gilgocase.com/gilbert-timeline.html

NBC News: Gilgo Beach serial killings: A complete timeline of events.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/gilgo-beach-serial-killings-complete-timeline-events-rcna94350

CNN: What We Know about the women known as the "Gilgo Four":
https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/21/us/gilgo-beach-four-killings-victims/index.html

Who is Maureen Brainard-Barnes...? (Fox5 New York):
https://www.fox5ny.com/news/maureen-brainard-barnes-4th-murder-victim-gilgo-beach-murder

Eerie Crime Scene Photo Offers 1st Public Insight Into Possible Gilgo Beach Killer (NBC News):
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/police-to-release-new-details-in-2010-death-of-sex-worker-on-long-island-beach/2260585/

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