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In 1990, Marlene Warren opened her front door to find a clown holding flowers and balloons. Seconds later, the clown pulled out a gun and shot her in the face. The killer calmly walked back to a white Chrysler LeBaron and drove away — leaving behind one of the strangest murder mysteries in Florida history. For more than 27 years, the identity of the person behind the clown makeup remained officially unresolved. But investigators had focused early on Sheila Keen, a woman suspected of having an affair with Marlene’s husband, Michael Warren. Then the story became even more bizarre. Years after Marlene’s murder, Sheila married Michael Warren. In this episode of Santana True Crime: 31 Nights of Halloween, we break down the Marlene Warren “Killer Clown” murder, including: 🎈 The flowers and balloons used to approach Marlene🤡 The mysterious clown costume🚗 The white Chrysler LeBaron getaway car🔎 Why investigators focused on Sheila Keen💔 The alleged affair and possible motive💍 Sheila eventually marrying Marlene’s husband🧬 The forensic evidence that helped revive the cold case⚖️ Sheila’s 2017 arrest and 2023 guilty plea❓ And the question that remains: Did anyone else know what was going to happen? This is a true story that sounds like a Halloween horror movie. Welcome to Santana True Crime: 31 Nights of Halloween. #MarleneWarren #KillerClown #KillerClownMurder #SheilaKeenWarren #TrueCrime #TrueCrimeCommunity #ColdCase #FloridaTrueCrime #MurderMystery #HalloweenTrueCrime #31NightsOfHalloween #SantanaTrueCrime

More than 130 years after Andrew and Abby Borden were brutally murdered inside their Fall River home, the question remains: Who killed the Bordens? In this episode of Santana True Crime, Cameron Santana is joined by Rich Little, author of Cold Case to Case Closed, and Seth Rosczewski, co-host of The Seth Rosczewski Podcast, for a deep dive into one of America's most enduring murder mysteries. Rich lays out his theory of what really happened inside the Borden home on August 4, 1892—and why he believes the evidence points away from the traditional case against Lizzie Borden. We examine the timeline of the murders, the deaths of Abby and Andrew, Lizzie's movements that morning, the mysterious note, the burned dress, the alleged murder weapon, morphine, the prosecution's case, the defense's arguments, and the evidence that ultimately resulted in Lizzie's acquittal. Then we put Rich's theory to the test: Does it account for evidence that investigators and historians have struggled to explain for more than a century? Was Lizzie Borden a double murderer who escaped justice—or was an innocent woman accused while the real story remained hidden? 🎙️ Santana True Crime📖 Cold Case to Case Closed by Rich Little🎧 Featuring Rich Little & Seth Rosczewski #LizzieBorden #TrueCrime #BordenMurders #ColdCase #RichLittle #SethRosczewski #SantanaTrueCrime #HistoricalTrueCrime

On November 24, 1971, a man calling himself Dan Cooper boarded Northwest Orient Flight 305, claimed to have a bomb, demanded $200,000 and four parachutes, and ultimately disappeared into the night after apparently jumping from the rear of a Boeing 727. More than five decades later, his true identity remains one of America's greatest unsolved mysteries. In this episode of Santana True Crime, Cameron Santana is joined by author Drew Beeson to examine one of the most intriguing D.B. Cooper suspects: Ted Braden. Braden wasn't simply a man who resembled the famous Cooper sketch. He was an experienced parachutist, Special Forces soldier, MACV-SOG veteran, covert operator, and Congo mercenary whose remarkable background raises a fascinating question: Did Ted Braden have the skills—and the nerve—to pull off the D.B. Cooper hijacking? Drew, author of Paratrooper of Fortune: The Story of Ted B. Braden, walks us through Braden's extraordinary life and explains the evidence he believes connects him to the Cooper mystery. We also examine the other side of the theory: What actual evidence ties Braden to Flight 305? Can his whereabouts in 1971 be established? Does his extensive parachuting experience fit Cooper's actions? And how do we separate a compelling suspect from proof? Was Ted Braden really D.B. Cooper—or simply a man who could have been? #DBCooper #TedBraden #DrewBeeson #ParatrooperOfFortune #SantanaTrueCrime #TrueCrime #UnsolvedMysteries #ColdCase

On February 22, 1985, 8-year-old Cherrie Mahan stepped off her school bus in rural Pennsylvania and began the short walk toward her home—only about 100 yards away. She never made it. More than 41 years later, Cherrie remains missing. In this episode of Santana True Crime, Cameron Santana is joined by Dr Brian Santana to take a deep dive into Cherrie’s disappearance. We examine the known timeline, the mysterious blue/green van with a mountain and skier mural, other vehicles reportedly seen in the area, and the possibility that whoever took Cherrie may have known her—or at least known her routine. We also discuss the renewed attention surrounding the case, recent searches, people who claim to have information, and one particularly unusual claim involving a proposed live podcast appearance and a polygraph examination. Was Cherrie the victim of a random predator who happened to be in exactly the right place at exactly the right time? Or was someone waiting for her to step off that school bus? After four decades, one question remains: What happened to Cherrie Mahan?

What does it cost to spend years pretending to be someone you're not—knowing that being exposed could get you killed? Retired Detective Matt Pitcher joins Santana True Crime to tell the incredible story of his more than two decades in law enforcement. Matt takes us back to his early years with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, including the devastating loss of fellow officers and friends Sean Clark and Jeff Shelton. He explains how he found his way into undercover work and eventually took on assignments that would consume years of his life. Matt discusses infiltrating individuals connected to Greek organized crime, living under an assumed identity, working alongside federal authorities, and the tremendous toll deep-cover work took on his family. Then, shortly after finally coming home, Matt was asked to disappear again. This time, the investigation centered on extremists and a potential domestic-terrorism threat surrounding the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte—an operation that would ultimately lead to Matt receiving the Medal of Valor. But his career wasn't finished. Matt later moved to the Florida Keys and joined the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, where his work included major crimes, homicide investigations and the case of convicted murderer Steven Matthew Wolf, a man Matt came to believe could be responsible for additional murders. We also discuss the part of a law-enforcement career that doesn't always make the headlines: family, sacrifice, physical and mental health, and what happens when the badge finally comes off. Finally, Matt explains why his story has come full circle as he returns to one of his earliest passions—acting. This is a conversation about undercover police work, but more importantly, it's about the cost and meaning of a life spent in service. 🎙️ Santana True Crime

On January 25, 2019, Liz Barraza was shot outside her home in Tomball, Texas, while setting up for a garage sale. More than seven years later, her murder remains unsolved. In this episode of Santana True Crime, I’m joined by Dr. David Haynes to take a closer look at the offender’s behavior and some of the biggest unanswered questions surrounding Liz’s murder. We discuss the killer’s brief interaction with Liz before the shooting, the apparent need for control, the decision to approach her at close range, and the final shot fired after Liz had fallen. We also question some of the assumptions that have developed around the case. Was the offender really wearing an elaborate costume, or could it have been something as ordinary as a house coat or bath robe? And how certain can we be about the exact make and model of the suspect truck when eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage have limitations? Rather than starting with a suspect and working backward, we focus on the evidence and ask what the offender’s actions may tell us about the person responsible. Who killed Liz Barraza — and what can the killer’s behavior tell us about why she was targeted? #LizBarraza #SantanaTrueCrime #TrueCrime #UnsolvedMurder #ColdCase #DavidHaynes #CriminalBehavior #CriminalPsychology #UnsolvedCases

“Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother forty whacks…” More than 130 years later, Lizzie Borden is still remembered as a murderer—even though a jury found her not guilty. But what if the story history remembers isn't the whole story? On this episode of Santana True Crime, I'm joined by Rich Little, author of Cold Case to Case Closed: Lizbeth Borden — My Story, and Seth Rosczewski, host of The Seth Rosczewski Show, to examine the case from a different perspective: the evidence and circumstances that point toward reasonable doubt and Lizzie's possible innocence. We discuss the August 4, 1892 murders of Andrew and Abby Borden, the timeline established through their autopsies and stomach contents, Lizzie's relationship with her stepmother, and claims that the story of hostility between Lizzie and Abby may have developed after the murders. Rich also discusses a side of Lizzie that rarely makes it into the popular story—her involvement with her church, charitable work, and community. Then we examine some of the biggest problems surrounding the case: the handling and security of the crime scene, the lack of eyewitnesses, questions surrounding the alleged murder weapon, Lizzie's demeanor, and the fact that she was being given morphine during an important period of the investigation. We also explore the inquest, grand jury proceedings and murder trial, along with the enormous role that newspapers, Victorian expectations and public opinion played in shaping the image of Lizzie Borden that survives today. Finally, we look at Lizbeth's life after her acquittal and ask the question at the center of this episode: Did the evidence actually prove that Lizzie Borden murdered Andrew and Abby—or did history convict a woman that a jury acquitted? This is only one side of the debate. In future episodes, we'll continue examining the Borden murders—including the evidence and arguments that point toward Lizzie's guilt. Santana True Crime

Did Frank “The Irishman” Sheeran really kill Jimmy Hoffa? Attorney Glenn Zeitz, who personally represented Sheeran in federal racketeering cases, joins Santana True Crime to separate the man he knew from the mythology that developed around him. Glenn takes us inside his early career defending figures connected to organized crime, his relationship with Sheeran, and the stories that never made it into Hollywood. He also challenges some of the most famous claims surrounding Sheeran—including the idea that “I heard you paint houses” was commonly used mob terminology and, most importantly, Sheeran’s alleged confession to killing Jimmy Hoffa. Glenn explains what he says Frank actually told him about Hoffa’s disappearance, why he believes Sheeran was involved but was not Hoffa’s killer, and what he thinks really happened that day. We also discuss Glenn’s remarkable courtroom career, his rule against representing informants—or “rats”—his experiences with the FBI, threats surrounding Sheeran, and what it was like to eventually watch his former client’s story become Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman. This is the Frank Sheeran story from someone who actually knew him, represented him, and was there long before Hollywood came calling. Santana True Crime

Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—but his guilty plea did not answer many of the biggest questions surrounding the Idaho murders. In this episode of Santana True Crime, Cameron Santana is joined by former FBI profiler and Behavioral Analysis Unit member Julia Cowley, host of The Consult, and investigative journalist Jayson Blair, host of The Silver Linings Handbook. We examine the new information that has emerged since Kohberger’s guilty plea, including his attempt to withdraw his plea, what his recent statements may reveal about his personality and mindset, and the fascinating new analysis of cellphone data by defense expert Sy Ray. Could Kohberger have encountered one of the victims before the murders? What can the cellphone evidence actually tell us? Was there a specific target? And now that more information is becoming public, are we beginning to understand how and why these murders happened? Julia Cowley brings the perspective of a former FBI profiler, while Jayson Blair examines the case through the lens of an investigative journalist as we separate established facts from speculation and discuss what the evidence may tell us about Bryan Kohberger.

In this episode of Santana True Crime, I am joined by my brother and co-author, Dr. Brian Santana, as we examine the disappearance of Elizabeth "Liz" Waddell using verified reporting and publicly available information. We discuss the timeline leading up to Liz's disappearance, the multinational search effort, and one of the most debated details in the case—the report that jet skiers saw a woman "off shore" who gave two thumbs up, indicating she was okay. Could they have seen Liz? How far from shore was the person they observed, and what impact could that have on the investigation? We also examine what is known about the search efforts, the physical environment, witness reports, and the questions investigators continue to work to answer. Throughout the discussion, we separate verified facts from speculation and explain why seemingly small details may become significant as the investigation progresses. If you enjoy evidence-based true crime discussions that focus on facts rather than sensationalism, be sure to follow Santana True Crime and leave a rating and review. Your support helps us continue producing in-depth interviews and analysis of criminal investigations and missing person cases. Topics Covered: Verified timeline of Elizabeth "Liz" Waddell's disappearanceThe search efforts and resources involvedThe reported jet skier sightingWhat "off shore" may mean in contextQuestions investigators are still working to answerFact vs. speculation in an active investigation

Bryan Kohberger has filed a petition for post-conviction relief, seeking to withdraw his guilty plea just one year after admitting responsibility for the murders of four University of Idaho students. In a surprising turn, Kohberger now claims he is actually innocent, alleges ineffective assistance of counsel, and argues that his plea was induced by false promises, misinformation, and coercion. Joining me is Dr. Brian Santana, co-author of A Murder on Campus, as we break down Kohberger's handwritten petition and separate the legal claims from the headlines. In this episode we discuss: Bryan Kohberger's statement declaring his innocence.The legal standard for withdrawing a guilty plea after sentencing.The Strickland v. Washington standard for ineffective assistance of counsel.His claims that attorneys failed to disclose or investigate potentially exculpatory evidence, including the unknown hair referenced in his petition.Whether allegations about prison conditions and death row could support his constitutional claims.Why some victims' families wanted a public trial instead of a guilty plea.The unanswered questions about victim selection and offender decision-making.Why, despite the headlines, the legal hurdles to obtaining a new trial remain extremely high.We also explore what this filing may reveal about Kohberger's current thinking, his willingness to risk the death penalty again, and what happens next in one of the most closely watched criminal cases in America. If you enjoy thoughtful, fact-based true crime analysis, be sure to follow Santana True Crime and leave a rating and review. New episodes are released every week covering major criminal investigations, legal developments, and criminal psychology.

On August 27, 1992, 13-year-old Leigh Marine Occhi disappeared from her home in Tupelo, Mississippi, as the remnants of Hurricane Andrew swept through the area. When her mother returned home, Leigh was gone, leaving behind a puzzling crime scene that has baffled investigators for more than three decades. In this episode of Santana True Crime, Cameron Santana is joined by his brother and co-author of A Murder on Campus, Dr. Brian Santana, to examine the verified timeline, the physical evidence, the mysterious mailing of Leigh's eyeglasses, and the latest developments—including renewed investigative activity in 2025. Together, they separate established facts from decades of speculation while exploring one of Mississippi's most enduring unsolved disappearances. Was Leigh abducted by someone she knew? Was the storm an opportunity for an offender? And why are investigators still actively pursuing this case more than 33 years later? Join us as we take a fresh look at the disappearance of Leigh Occhi.

More than four decades after five young men disappeared into the mountains of Northern California, the Yuba County Five remains one of the most perplexing unsolved mysteries in American history. In this special live episode of Santana True Crime, Cameron is joined by Tony Wright, author of Things Aren't Right: The Disappearance of the Yuba County Five, along with Drew Beeson and Eduardo Colella—two researchers who have spent years studying this baffling case. Together, the panel answers viewer-submitted questions, takes questions live from the audience, and explores the leading theories behind the disappearance. From the abandoned Mercury Montego and the mysterious Forest Service trailer to the evidence that continues to fuel debate, this conversation examines what we know, what we don't know, and why this case continues to captivate investigators and true crime enthusiasts. In this episode: Viewer-submitted questionsLive audience Q&AThe leading theories behind the Yuba County Five mysteryEvidence that supports—and challenges—each theoryInsights from Tony Wright, Drew Beeson, and Eduardo Colella after years of researchWhether you're new to the case or have followed it for years, this episode offers a thoughtful discussion of one of the most enduring unsolved disappearances in American history. Guests: Tony WrightDrew BeesonEduardo Colella#TrueCrime #YubaCountyFive #ColdCase #MissingPersons #UnsolvedMystery #TonyWright #DrewBeeson #EduardoColella #SantanaTrueCrime

On April 20, 1990, 17-year-old Christopher Matthew Kerze told his parents he wasn't feeling well and stayed home from school. By the end of the day, he had withdrawn $200 from his savings account, left behind a series of cryptic notes, driven more than 200 miles into northern Minnesota, and disappeared without a trace. More than three decades later, Christopher's fate remains one of America's most enduring missing person mysteries. Many people first learned of his case when his photograph appeared in Soul Asylum's iconic Runaway Train music video, bringing national attention to his disappearance—but no definitive answers ever came. In this episode, Cameron Santana is joined by Dr. Brian Santana to examine the complete timeline, analyze the known evidence, and discuss the leading theories surrounding Christopher's disappearance. Was he planning to start over? Did he become lost in the Minnesota wilderness? Or is there another explanation that has yet to be uncovered? This episode focuses on the documented facts while exploring the questions that continue to make Christopher Kerze's case one of the most compelling unsolved disappearances in America. If you have thoughts on this case, we'd love to hear from you. Follow Santana True Crime on Spotify and leave a rating to help us continue bringing attention to unsolved cases and the people behind them.

In this episode of Santana True Crime, retired Raleigh Police Officer Cameron Santana is joined by Dr. Brian Santana to examine the latest developments in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. We discuss several important updates that have emerged, including Savannah Guthrie's revelation that the back door of Nancy's home was found propped open when family members arrived, and why that detail immediately suggested something was terribly wrong. We also break down the reported ransom letters, including the initial $4 million demand, the increase to $6 million, and the later message claiming Nancy died shortly after she was taken. We discuss what has been publicly reported, what remains unverified, and how investigators may evaluate these communications. The conversation also explores the FBI's role in the investigation, including why they announced they are pursuing investigative genetic genealogy and what that process could indicate about the current stage of the case. Finally, we examine the growing number of unverified claims circulating online about potential suspects and discuss the impact that rumors and speculation can have on active investigations, innocent people, and Nancy's family. This episode focuses on verified facts, investigative analysis, and responsible true crime discussion. Follow Santana True Crime on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms for new episodes every week.