Hidden True Crime

An 18-month-old baby found dead in her crib. Parents arrested for murder. And a shocking twist: they're directly related to Chad Daybell. In this episode, Lauren breaks down the disturbing case of baby Ruby Murray — a toddler allegedly left alone for days, fed only waffles, lulled to sleep with blasting rock music, and monitored by cameras that reveal just minutes of human contact before her death. As investigators uncover “crib days,” conflicting interviews, and chilling comments like “it was her time,” we explore the psychology behind extreme neglect, the family’s connection to the Daybells, and whether deeper belief systems may have played a role. This is the heartbreaking story of Ruby Marie Murray — and the fight for justice she deserves. About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sources: SOURCES: https://gephardtdaily.com/local/nibley-couple-arrested-after-death-of-18-month-old-daughter/ https://people.com/mom-whose-baby-died-from-malnutrition-dehydration-allegedly-said-it-was-her-time-11863032 https://www.gilliesmortuary.com/obituaries/ruby-murray https://kutv.com/news/local/cache-county-parents-accused-of-reckless-indifference-leading-to-infants-death https://www.fox13now.com/news/crime/cache-county-couple-arrested-following-death-of-18-month-old-daughter https://www.ksl.com/article/51414595/cache-county-couple-arrested-for-investigation-of-murder-in-neglect-case-of-toddler https://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/nibley-parents-charged-with-aggravated-murder-after-infant-girl-dies-of-malnutrition/article_236b450d-3f3e-4f26-a238-89cc77742ccb.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are cases that shake a community, and then there are cases like this—where a 38-week-pregnant young mother vanishes, her body is later found in the forest, and her unborn baby is simply… gone. In this episode, we dive into the unfolding story of 22-year-old Rebecca Kay Park from Wexford County, Michigan—a full-term mom-to-be whose phone was tossed, and whose inner circle included a fiancé with a violent sexual history, a sister now accused of lying to investigators, and a biological mother and stepfather newly charged with her torture and murder. With court documents alleging a “frankly evil” premeditated attack and a community demanding answers, we walk through the chaotic timeline, the arrests, the search warrants, and the online interference to ask: what really happened to Rebecca—and where is her baby boy? Sponsors: Skims: https://www.skims.com/hidden #skimspartner Tovala: During Tovala’s Black Friday sale, you can get a FREE Tovala smart oven when you order meals 6+ times. Head http://Tovala.com/HIDDEN and use my code HIDDEN to claim your free smart oven for a limited time. About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sources- https://www.mlive.com/news/2025/11/sheriff-calls-for-stop-to-social-media-rumors-hindering-search-for-missing-pregnant-woman.html https://www.9and10news.com/2025/12/01/biological-mother-of-missing-rebecca-park-arrested-awaits-arraignment/ https://upnorthlive.com/news/local/rebecca-park-arrest-family-baby-mother-stepfather-of-missing-woman-held-in-wexford-county-jail-as-investigation-continues https://nypost.com/2025/12/01/us-news/baby-missing-after-pregnant-22-year-old-found-dead-in-mich-woods/ Mom, stepdad charged in Rebecca Park's death; baby dead1 day agoDetroit Free Press WPBNhttps://upnorthlive.comVolunteers rally in Cadillac to search for missing woman Rebecca Park People.comhttps://people.comRebecca Park Death Mystery: Pregnant Woman's Baby Gone, Mom in Jail Websleuthshttps://websleuths.comFound Deceased - MI - Rebecca Park, 22, approx 38 wks pregnant, last seen entering vehicle, phone found - Wexford County - Nov 2025 WPBNMissing woman found dead after missing for 21 days, searcher says; autopsy pending1 week ago Court TV‘Evil personified’: Details revealed in murder of Rebecca Park11 hours ago 9&10 NewsMissing woman Rebecca Park found dead after 21-day search1 week ago Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A father sets out for what should have been a simple family hike—three kids, a familiar canyon, a day in the mountains. But by nightfall, it had spiraled into a near-fatal ordeal that left two young children fighting for their lives and investigators questioning everything about his decisions. Text messages, photos, and heartbreaking statements from the children now paint a picture far more disturbing than a tragic accident. Was this adventure gone wrong… or reckless endangerment that crossed into something darker? About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sources: Charging Documents https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/29/us/utah-dad-child-abuse-hike.html https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/northern-utah/utah-father-who-went-missing-with-3-children-on-hike-charged-with-child-torture-abuse https://nypost.com/2025/11/27/us-news/utah-dad-micah-smith-charged-with-child-torture-after-taking-children-hiking-resulting-in-them-missing-and-hospitalized/ https://www.abc4.com/news/crimes-against-children/father-big-cottonwood-hiker-missing-torture/amp/ https://people.com/utah-dad-who-got-stranded-on-hike-with-3-kids-charged-with-child-abuse-11858399 https://globalnews.ca/news/11546661/utah-father-child-abuse-charges-hike-kids/amp/ https://www.ksl.com/article/51411042/extremely-selfish-dad-charged-with-taking-young-kids-on-dangerous-hike-that-ended-in-a-rescue https://gephardtdaily.com/local/father-who-took-children-on-mountain-hike-in-snowstorm-arrested-for-alleged-child-torture-intentional-abuse/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Lauren broke down the Jesse Mack Butler case, John is here with his analysis...how a now convicted predator, is walking free with no jail time, what risks that creates and how society sees cases like these. Jesse Mack Butler Backstory: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sadistic-teen-predator-they-refused-to-stop/id1521619380?i=1000738639418 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0y1YfCREO2HqBX5WwST4c0?si=be73ece100ab42fb Sponsors OneSkin: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code HIDDEN at https://www.oneskin.co/hidden #oneskinpod Sundays for Dogs: Make the switch to Sundays. Go right now to http://sundaysfordogs.com/HIDDEN and get 50% off your first order. Or, you can use code HIDDEN at checkout. About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Lauren breaks down the newest and most unsettling developments in the disappearance of Melodee Buzzard, including the wigs, the multi-state road trip, the switched license plates, the bizarre “zoo couple” Ashlee claims took her daughter, and the troubling interview with Tyler Brewer that only raises more questions. With conflicting statements, dismissed charges, disturbing behavior, and a timeline that grows shakier by the day, we ask the question investigators—and Melodee’s family—are desperate to answer: Where is Melodee Buzzard? Sponsor Go to  ⁠https://shopbeam.com/TRUECRIME⁠ to get up to 50% off Dream while the Black Friday sale lasts. About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a case that is going viral, 18 year old Jesse Mack Butler, who was charged with a slew of crimes against two young girls, has walked free, despite a 78 year sentence. In this episode, Lauren breaks down the case, what happened and what legal decisions led to Jesse walking free. Sponsor Go to  https://shopbeam.com/TRUECRIME to get up to 50% off Dream while the Black Friday sale lasts. About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A retired security engineer, a small Minnesota town, and two teens who picked the wrong house on Thanksgiving Day—what happened in Byron Smith’s basement has been debated for more than a decade as one of the most chilling self-defense cases in America. Sponsors Treat yourself or someone special to the most comfortable and innovative bras on earth this holiday season. Save 20% off sitewide at https://honeylove.com/HIDDEN Sources: https://www.justiceforbyronsmith.com/further-information https://www.10minutemurder.com/blog/thanksgiving-day-2012-how-byron-smith-executed-two-teen-burglars/ https://youtu.be/rgwIKrsE3M0?si=NuNaiwDGYRdZv8s7 https://youtu.be/waswKMganjI?si=yvZsxn1CrS8ZRnlo https://www.lipstickalley.com/threads/your-verdict-neighbor-kills-two-teens-breaking-in-his-house-self-defense-or-revenge-based-on-the-movie-dont-breathe.4874745/page-2 https://www.startribune.com/little-falls-trial-pits-the-right-of-self-defense-vs-murder/255041461 https://www.emblombrennyfuneral.com/obituaries/nicholas-brady https://podcasts.happyscribe.com/dateline-nbc/12-minutes-on-elm-street https://www.hometownsource.com/morrison_county_record/news/local/two-lf-teens-charged-in-connection-with-burglary-of-smith/article_5f271cba-81b6-507e-a229-3df72c8c39c9.html https://www.hometownsource.com/morrison_county_record/news/publicsafety/kriesel-convicted-of-meth-possession-sentence-stayed/article_6bd14ba1-ce93-539f-bd19-0c76d47a4d7a.html https://www.10minutemurder.com/blog/thanksgiving-day-2012-how-byron-smith-executed-two-teen-burglars/ https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/20/20-633/159775/20201105123712731_Petition.pdf https://www.kare11.com/article/news/crime/byron-smith-testifies-in-restitution-appeal/89-105774134 Star Tribunehttps://www.startribune.comIn Little Falls trial, Byron Smith finally testifies, breaks down on stand https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/20-633_f2qg.pdf https://www.justiceforbyronsmith.com/the-ambush- https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/witnesses-testify-they-saw-fear-in-smith-in-days-before-littls-falls-shooting https://www.justiceforbyronsmith.com/about https://www.oxygen.com/dateline-the-smoking-gun/crime-news/byron-david-smith-fatally-shoots-haile-kifer-nicholas-brady https://www.startribune.com/bail-lowered-for-man-accused-of-killing-2-little-falls-teens/183841961 https://youtu.be/b7-xa9VHBgY?si=XTulloNSqH8Via5H https://youtu.be/7SxydkG1Zw8?si=PQVnPfTbL783J5gr https://youtu.be/BtznJOJaXkE?si=qeqvn0EgwBoPqD_G https://truecrimenews.com/2018/04/19/retired-security-expert-kills-unarmed-teen-burglars-records-reaction-waits-24-hours-to-report/ https://murderpedia.org/male.S/s/smith-byron-david.htm https://www.startribune.com/slain-teenage-cousins-linked-to-an-earlier-little-falls-break-in/181119611 https://themurderblog.wordpress.com/2017/08/12/case2-the-castle-doctrine-murders-how-much-force-is-reasonable-force/ https://ccwsafe.com/resources/byron-david-smith-part-1-the-limits-of-home-defense/ https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/171965/smith-v-united-states/ https://www.sctimes.com/story/opinion/2014/09/11/letter-testimony-smith-hearing-raises-questions/15483825/ https://kstp.com/kstp-news/local-news/man-serving-life-sentence-for-double-homicide-sues-author-publishing-company-over-book-on-his-case/ https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/171965/smith-v-united-states https://law.justia.com/cases/indiana/court-of-appeals/2019/18a-cr-1732.html https://www.justice.gov/osg/brief/united-states-v-smith-petition-0 https://themurderblog.wordpress.com/2017/08/12/case2-the-castle-doctrine-murders-how-much-force-is-reasonable-force https://www.startribune.com/questions-tear-at-those-who-knew-two-slain-little-falls-teens/180785621 https://youtu.be/rR_enPmJ9I4?si=kNXXNMtZnZCXzYxO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the probable cause affidavit has come out, Dr. John compares his interview with Stacey to the affidavit... The moments that stand out, what he thinks a defense will be, and what Stacey's confessions mean. Sponsors Aura Frames: Exclusive $45-off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/HIDDEN . Promo Code HIDDEN Midi Health: Your health is worth it. Book your virtual visit today at http://JoinMidi.com AG1: Head to http://DRINKAG1.com/HIDDEN to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our guest today is Briana Whitney, a local Phoenix reporter who just finished a new documentary on Jodi Arias. Briana joins us to talk about the Jodi Arias case and what she learned about Jodi while they communicated. Obsessed: Unraveling Jodi Arias | True crime documentary https://youtu.be/xt4EHxymIlg?si=htFC-i0t3akhhb1h Sponsors: Nurture Life: For 55% off your order + FREE shipping, head to http://NurtureLife.com/HIDDEN and use code HIDDEN. Aura: You can go to my sponsor https://aura.com/hiddentruecrime to try 14 days for free. That’s enough time for Aura to start scrubbing your personal info off these data broker sites, without you lifting a finger. Keeper: Now playing in theaters About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A 3:40 a.m. 911 call. A man waiting outside with a hammer in one hand and a cross in the other. Inside, a crime scene so brutal seasoned detectives called the victim “unrecognizable.” In this episode of Hidden True Crime, Lauren sits down with the family of 31-year-old Paxton April Wallace—a daughter, big sister, caretaker and dog mom whose life was stolen by the man they once welcomed into their home. We walk through the chilling police report, Jeffrey Rael’s “demon mode” claims, Paxton’s desperate attempts to escape escalating abuse, and the systemic failures that left her without safe options. This is the story behind the headline—a family’s grief, a community’s wake-up call, and why Paxton’s loved ones are begging you to listen. About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In January of 2024, at the request of 3rd parties, Dr. John interviewed Stacey Wondra, who at the time, was a suspect in the case of missing 5-year-old Michael "Monkey" Vaughan. Just a couple of weeks ago, Stacey was charged with kidnapping and murdering Michael. And now, Hidden True Crime is publicly releasing the interview between John and Stacey. Make the switch to Sundays. Go right now to http://sundaysfordogs.com/HIDDEN and get 50% off your first order. Or, you can use code HIDDEN at checkout. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code HIDDEN at https://www.oneskin.co/HIDDEN #oneskinpod About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“I don’t even know anything about this little boy…” That’s what Stacey Wondra told Dr. John in our January 2024 interview—now he and his then-wife, Sarah, are charged with first-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, and destruction of evidence in the disappearance of 5-year-old “Monkey” Vaughan. In this hard but essential episode, we walk through the newly released probable-cause affidavits, timeline, and key evidence—alongside excerpts from our interview—to reveal what investigators say happened the night Michael vanished. Sponsors: Head to https://DRINKAG1.com/HIDDEN to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! During Tovala’s Black Friday sale, you can get a FREE Tovala smart oven when you order meals 6+ times. Head to http://Tovala.com/HIDDEN and use my code HIDDEN to claim your free smart oven for a limited time. About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ashlee Buzzard was arrested on Friday, November 7th on a felony charge of false imprisonment and the victim has now publicly come forward. Plus, Lauren is joined by Anne Emerson of the Criminally Obsessed Network to discuss her experience in covering this case and a bit about what she uncovered on Ashlee's childhood. Subscribe to ⁠ @CriminallyObsessed ⁠ Subscribe to ⁠ @KUTV2News ⁠ here for Utah News: https://youtube.com/@kutv2news?si=PlckTEP4hM5vo4ZB About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A mother in cuffs. A missing child. A possible accomplice in a purple wig. Ashlee Buzzard’s arrest on a “separate” felony charge may not be as unrelated as police claim. In this episode, Lauren Matthias and Dr. John Matthias unpack what this shocking detail could really mean for the search for 9-year-old Melodee. Make the switch at http://mintmobile.com/hidden Go to http://shopremi.com/HIDDEN and use code HIDDEN at checkout for 55% off a new night guard plus a FREE foam gift that whitens your teeth and cleans your nightguard. Subscribe to  @CriminallyObsessed  & WATCH FULL PURPLE WIG EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/NDeY3ZMwAYA Subscribe to  @KUTV2News  here for Utah News: https://youtube.com/@kutv2news?si=PlckTEP4hM5vo4ZB About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The disappearance of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard just took a shocking turn. The FBI and Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office have raided her home, a storage unit, and the rental car her mother drove cross-country — and investigators now say Melodee was seen alive two days later than anyone thought, hundreds of miles away on the Utah-Colorado border. Where did she go next? And why were the car’s license plates switched from California to New York and back again? Skims: https://www.skims.com/hidden Jones Road Beauty: Use code HIDDEN at http://jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! These sell out fast so get them while they last! About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, three shocking true crime updates broke all at once — and we’re unpacking them all. A father found dead the day he was set to turn himself in for his daughter’s death. Another father sentenced for murdering his missing baby son. And a college student accused of hiding her newborn’s body just hit with new court orders. I’m Lauren Matthias, and this is Hidden True Crime — where we uncover the motives behind the most unimaginable acts. About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A father. A missing teen. A 67-year-old accused predator. In seconds, everything changed. Aaron Spencer says he acted to save his daughter; prosecutors call it murder. Today we unpack the timeline, the 911 call, the charges, Arkansas self-defense law—and the national debate: protection or vigilante justice? Sponsors: Aura Frames: You can save on the perfect gift that keeps on giving by visiting AuraFrames.com. For a limited time, listeners can get 20 dollars off their best-selling Carver Mat frame with code HIDDEN. That’s A-U-R-A Frames.com promo code HIDDEN. Support the show by mentioning us at checkout! Terms and conditions apply. Tovala: For a limited time, save up to $300 on the Tovala smart oven when you order meals 6+ times, by visiting http://tovala.com/HIDDEN and using code HIDDEN. Nurture Life: For 55% off your order + FREE shipping, head to http://NurtureLife.com/HIDDEN and use code HIDDEN. AG1: Head to https://drinkag1.com/HIDDEN to get a FREE Welcome Kit, including a bottle of Vitamin D and free AG1 Travel Packs, when you first subscribe! About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

*This episode was recorded live* After four long years of heartbreak and unanswered questions, there’s finally a major development in the case of missing 5-year-old Michael “Monkey” Vaughan. One of the key suspects—someone John and I have both interviewed—has now been charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, and destruction of evidence. In this episode, we break down the shocking new warrant for Stacey Wondra, what this means for Michael’s family, and why prosecutors say justice is finally closing in—even as the desperate search for Monkey continues. About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Smalls: For a limited time only, get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping, when you head to http://smalls.com/HIDDEN Little Spoon: Simplify your kids' mealtimes. Go to:  littlespoon.com/HTC and enter our code HTC at checkout to get 50% OFF your first Little Spoon order.   Smalls: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nine-year-old Melodee Buzzard vanished after a cross-country trip with her mother—then Mom came home alone and stopped cooperating. Surveillance shows Melodee in a hood and what appears to be a wig; a rental car logged hundreds of miles; the FBI is now involved. In this episode, we trace the paper trail, the digital breadcrumbs, and the chilling 72-hour ultimatum to “produce Melodee or face arrest,” and ask the only question that matters: where is Melodee? About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠ You can go to my sponsor https://aura.com/hiddentruecrime to try 14 days for free. That’s enough time for Aura to start scrubbing your personal info off these data broker sites, without you lifting a finger.  ⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On October 15th, Lauren did a 9 hour live going through the most painful details of their families lives in the last several months. Now, John is here to follow up on the psychology of smear campaigns, mob mentalities, cyber stalking and physical stalking. About Hidden True Crime What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling. Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrime⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices