2024 Ranked: 15 Best Crime Junkie Episodes You Will Not Forget
If you’re a podcast lover, mainly a Crime Junkie that is fascinated by true crime about serial killers, murders, and kidnappings, you’ll surely be in love with these Crime Junkie podcasts. The best Crime Junkie episodes have all fascinating cases yet present facts in a concise way through storytelling format. Hence, if you’re looking for the best ones, scroll down to explore the top Crime Junkie episodes available today.
15 Ranked Best Crime Junkie Podcast Episodes
The following list shows Crime Junkie's best episodes, together with their summarizations of content. Discover the episodes and how this Crime Junkie makes people intrigued.
1. Mysterious Death Of: Ellen Greenberg
This best Crime Junkie episode tackles the perplexing case of a young woman found dead in her jail cell. Greenberg, seemingly healthy, had a shocking twenty stab wounds, yet authorities ruled it as a suicide. The episode dives into the unlikelihood of suicide, given the severity of the injuries. It explores the family’s fight for justice, their beliefs that Greenberg was murdered, and potential flaws in the investigation.
2. The Murder of Brandon Lawson
One of the most popular Crime Junkie episodes is “The Murder of Brandon Lawson”, which explains the unsolved and baffling case of Brandon. He vanished in 2013 after a strange sequence of events where he left his home in Texas after an argument, called his father, and then made a bizarre 911 call reporting a struggle before the line went dead. Though his truck has been found later and made a search in the area, Brandon has never been seen.
3. Survived: Elizabeth Smart
In contrast with other crimes in this scary Crime Junkie episode list, this one focuses on the experience of Elizabeth Smart’s kidnapping and her remarkable resilience. The podcast recounts her abductions at knifepoint from her Utah home at the age of 14 in 2022. It took nine long months for she’s been captive, enduring physical and emotional abuse. Moreover, the narrative explains her strengths and the coping mechanisms she uses to survive after such a traumatic experience.
4. The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel
The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel podcast dives into the mysterious disappearance of Elisa Lam, a college student staying at the infamous Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles way back in 2013. This true Crime junkie episode explains the hotel’s dark history and reputation, along with the bizarre elevator video that surfaces showing Elisa’s agitated behavior before she disappeared.
5. SURVIVED: The Chowchilla Kidnapping
As for this podcast by Crime Junkie, it tackles the shocking 1976 abduction of 26 children and their bus driver in a small California town. It delves into the details of the kidnapping, a bizarre case where the victims were taken to an underground bunker. The podcast explores the harrowing experience of the survivors, the capture of perpetrators, and the aftermath, making it one of the best Crime Junkie episodes ever.
6. Captured: The Golden State Killer
The narrative dives into the chilling case and eventual capture of a notorious serial predator. This famous Crime Junkie episode explores the decades-long hunt for the man known by various names, like Visalia Ransacker, the East Area Rapist, the Original Night Stalker, and finally, the Golden State Killer. The podcast details the committing of numerous rapes and murders across California; then, it shifted in 2018, when advanced DNA led to the identification and arrest of Joseph James DeAngelo.
7. Murdered: The Powell Family
The podcast “Murdered: The Powell Family” dives into the tragic story of Susa Powell’s disappearance and the devastating aftermath. It explores the events of December 2009, when her husband, Josh Powell, claimed to have taken their sons on a camping trip during a blizzard. Upon their return, Susan was missing, and Josh became the suspect, but the lack of evidence left the case unsolved. This top Crime Junkie episode then takes a horrific turn as Jsh tragically ends the lives of his sons and himself.
8. Murdered: Hae Min Lee
On the other hand, this podcast does not focus on a perpetrator named Hae Min Lee but rather on a young woman named Hae Min Lee, who was murdered in 1999. The story focuses on her ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed, who was convicted of the crime. The host, Sarah Koenig, investigates over a decade later, raising questions about the evidence used to convict Adnan. Unlike other best Crime Junkine Episodes, this case doesn't provide a definitive answer to the murder. Instead, it explains the complexities of the justice system, leaving listeners questioning whether Adnan is guilty.
9. Infamous: Las Cruces Bowling Alley Massacre
This Crime Junkie best podcast episode titled “Infamous: Las Cruces Bowling Alley Massacre” delves into a shocking unsolved crime that shattered a New Mexico town. It recounts the February 1990 events, where a seemingly ordinary Saturday morning at a bowling alley turned into a nightmare. Two unidentified gunmen robbed the establishment, but the situation escalated tragically when brutal murders happened to five people and injuries to two others. Up to this day, the perpetrators remain unidentified.
10. Wanted: Austin Yogurt Shop Killer
The following Crime Junkie’s best episode in the list is “Wanted: Austin Yogurt Shop Killer.” It explores the unsolved murders of four young women in Austin, Texas, in the 1990s. The episode dives into the horrific details of the crime, where the women were sexually assaulted, murdered, and then set on fire inside the yogurt shop. While four men were initially convicted, questions about their guilt have persisted for decades.
11. Serial Killer: The Green River Killer
Meanwhile, the eleventh in this list of best Crime Junkie episodes, “The Green River Killer,” has been covered by many podcasts. It investigates Gary Ridgway, known as the Green River Killer. He terrorized Washington state in the 1980s and '90s, targeting marginalized women, many of whom were sex workers. It explores the disturbing pattern of murders, with victims found along the Green River and other locations. The case took over two decades to finally connect him to the crimes.
12. Murdered: Laci Peterson
This thrilling Crime Junkie podcast episode likely delves into the tragic story of Laci Peterson’s disappearance and murder in 2022. It explores how Laci, who was eight months pregnant at that time, vanished from her Modesto, California home. The narrative focuses on her husband, Scott Peterson, who reported her missing but became the prime suspect due to his suspicious behavior.
13. The LISK
The LISK Killer podcast, also known as the “LISK: Long Island Serial Killer,” investigates the unsolved murders believed to be committed by the LISK. It began with the vanishing of sex worker Shanna Gibert in 2010, and the subsequent discovery of human remains from the other victims in the following months. The podcast shed light on the Gilgo 4, four sex workers found near Gilgo Beach. Hosted by Chris Mass, this became among the top Crime Junkie episodes where it has twists and turns, interviewing family members, law enforcement, and people impacted by the crimes.
14. Missing: The Springfield Three
Missing: The Springfield Three focuses on the baffling, unsolved disappearance of three women in Springfield, Missouri, in 1992. It centers on Stacy McCallm, Suzie Streeter, and Sherrill Levitt, who vanished without a trace from Sherrill’s home on June 7th. Just like any other highly-rated Crime Junkie episode, it tackles the struggles and anguish of the families left behind.
15. Serial Killer: The Grim Sleeper
Lastly, the “Serial Killer: The Grim Sleeper” podcast covers the terrifying case of Lonni Franklin Jr., a serial killer who stalked Los Angeles for over two decades. This best Crime Junkie episode delves into the murders of several women, mainly Black sex workers and people with an addiction, way back in the 1980s and early 2000s. It examines the period when the killings stopped, earning the nickname “The Grim Sleeper.”
Bonus Tips to Add Scary Background Music to Your Podcast
Now, if those best Crime Junkie episodes have inspired you to do a podcast, mainly about a crime genre, how can you make it more exciting and thrilling? Of course, after recording your own Crime Junkie episode, it’s time for the editing part! At this point, you can use the AnyRec Video Converter to enhance your podcast further by adding sound effects or background music! Among the reasons why Crime Junkie feels more successful is that scary background music heightens suspense and atmosphere, immersing listeners in the narrative and mirroring the emotional eight of the actual crimes being discussed. You can also make use of scary voice changer tools.
Add audio tracks to set the mood and space of your podcast.
Adjustable audio parameters like bitrate, sample rate, and more.
Multiple output formats, like MP3, AAC, FLAC, and more, are supported.
Preview what your crime podcast with background music will be like.
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FAQs
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What is the focus of “The Murder of Brandon Lawson” podcast?
The episodes delve into the 911 call details, the investigation’s progress, and theories surrounding his disappearance. It gives no clear answers and a lingering sense of mystery that continues to haunt his loved ones.
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Which best Crime Junkie episodes focus much more on the investigation?
Among the ones mentioned, episodes with a strong focus on the investigation are “Captured: The Golden State Killer,” exploring the decades-long hunt for the killer. The other one is “Wanted: Austin Yogurt Shop Killer,” which examines the unsolved case of four young women in Texas.
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Is background music necessary for best Crime Junkie episodes?
Whether it is necessary for Crime Junkie podcasts is a matter of personal preference. Add background music to heighten the impact of the story while narrating it. It creates tension and keeps listeners engaged throughout your podcast. However, some listeners may find it distracting and overly dramatic.
Conclusion
The above-listed best Crime Junkie episodes are worth listening for! So, where do you start? You can follow how they are listed, or go first to the ones that caught your attention while reading their summary. Regardless of what you want to listen to first, if they inspire you to start your own Crime Junkie podcast, once you get into the editing part, use AnyRec Video Converter! There, you can add scary background tracks, edit your podcast further, and more. Just when you’re ready, download the program now to start and make a video podcast!
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