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PODCAST

The First Degree

Alexis Linkletter, Jac Vanek

Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be friends with a murderer? Or escape a kidnapping? Or have a father who was a serial killer? Join Jac Vanek and Alexis Linkletter on a chilling ride into the darkest corners of your worst nightmares. Murders, cults, kidnappings, and conspiracies—all told through the eyes of a guest who is one degree of separation from the story itself. From infamous serial killers to the unbelievable unknown murder in your own backyard, The First Degree delivers a new

true crime

All Episodes

00:51:07

Episode 258: Blaine Whitworth

The First Degree ·

2023/08/02

On September 1, 2012, a 25-year-old man is gunned down in the driveway of his home in Warrensburg, Missouri. The college town is in a state of disbelief. The successful and beloved small business owner leaves behind devastated family, friends, and the wider college community in a senseless and seemingly random attack. When it’s revealed that more than one person is behind the slaying, and the perpetrators' identities are uncovered, the shockwaves continue, as the motive behind the killing emerges

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00:39:31

BONUS: KILLING TIME: APHANTASIA

The First Degree ·

2023/07/27

This week the girls and the ginger are back and we’re seeing things. Or are we? We’re talking about Aphantasia!! Is it real? Do we have it? Do you?! Let’s find out! On the stand this week: showing up at a restaurant right before closing time, pulp, walkway etiquette, and awkwardly stopping elevator conversation. Then! A worstie with a special divorce delivery!🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project:

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00:50:43

Episode 257: Rex Heuermann: A Deep Dive

The First Degree ·

2023/07/26

Since Rex Heuermann’s arrest on July 13th 2023, many people have come forward documenting bizarre encounters they have had with the alleged Gilgo Beach Killer. In todays episode, Alexis and Jac bring you the latest breaking news about the case, all told through the eyes of a woman named Nikki who got a little too close to comfort to the disgraced architect.📪: If you have a story about Rex Heuermann, please email us at hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus

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00:18:34

LISK: Peaches and Baby Doe

The First Degree ·

2023/07/21

On June 28th of 1997, the dismembered torso of a young Black woman on Long Island, New York. The torso had several distinct marks, including a horizontal 6” scar that was likely indicative of a C-section and a small, heart-shaped peach tattoo. Due to this unique tattoo, this unidentified Jane Doe became known as “Peaches.” More of Peaches’ remains were discovered on April 11th of 2011, during a massive search of Long Island’s Gilgo Beach. This search began after Suffolk County officers accidentally

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00:47:43

BONUS: KILLING TIME: ASPIRE TO CONSPIRE

The First Degree ·

2023/07/20

This week the girls and the ginger are breaking out those tinfoil hats yet again to dive into some quirky conspiracies. We’re talking CIA, John Lennon, and more! On the stand this round: speeding, listening to a band in the car after seeing them live, skipping the greeting at the register, and TIKI BARS! Then! A worstie tacks on an extra charge! Oh! The word of the day is FOIBLE.🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The

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00:55:26

LISK: State of NY v. Rex Heuermann

The First Degree ·

2023/07/19

Jac & Alexis are back to give you a real time update of the developments of Rex Heuermann’s arrest and details of his bail application request. They chat about his google search history, bizarre evidence being confiscated from his house, and the possibility of more killers connected to the case. If you knew Rex Heuermann and want to tell your story, email us at hello@thefirstdegreepodcast.com🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on

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00:22:44

LISK: Breaking News, The Arrest

The First Degree ·

2023/07/15

Rex Heuermann was charged on Friday July 13th in the Gilgo Beach murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Lynn Costello, all thought to be connected to the Long Island Serial Killer. Alexis and Jac are currently in New York, investigating the events unfolding in real time, and will be giving live updates in The First Degree podcast feed as they get them.🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal

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00:13:28

LISK: The Unidentified

The First Degree ·

2023/07/14

After the Gilgo Four victims were discovered in December of 2010, detectives are looking for more victims of the Long Island Serial Killer. So, in the spring of 2011, law enforcement officers conduct a massive search of Long Island’s Gilgo Beach and surrounding areas. On April 4th of 2011, two sets of human remains are found: Jane Doe #6, later identified as 24-year-old Valerie Mack, and the yet-to-be-identified Gilgo Beach Doe. Though Gilgo Beach Doe’s remains were skeletal, forensic experts

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00:52:29

BONUS: KILLING TIME: VIVA LAS VANEK

The First Degree ·

2023/07/13

This week the girls and the ginger return with an epic recap of Jac and Jer’s bachelor/ette trip! What happens in Vegas apparently ends up on this podcast! On the stand this week: Saying “I don’t know who needs to hear this”, podcasts interrupted by map directions, double decker airplane seats, and dinner table intruders! Then! A worstie with a military-grade mistake! Enjoy!🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy

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00:54:19

Episode 256: Pseudocide

The First Degree ·

2023/07/12

On June 14, 2021, 911 is called to respond to the scene of an accident in Green Bay, Wisconsin. In a local river, a vehicle is submerged, the driver having lost control after leaving a nearby parking lot. Sadly, it’s too late for the 37 year old man, who drowns at the scene. But not everyone who knows the driver is convinced about what happened. There’s questions about how the vehicle ended up in the water, and some of those close to the victim feel something isn’t right, especially when the cause

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00:16:29

LISK: Getting to know Maureen Brainard Barnes

The First Degree ·

2023/07/07

Ever since she was a little girl, Maureen L. Brainard-Barnes had a generous heart. From stray kittens to down-on-their-luck friends, Maureen was happy to share her money, living space, and more with those in need—often leaving herself with little. Born and raised in the southeast corner of Connecticut, Maureen ended her academic career at age 16 when she realized she was pregnant with her first child. With no high school diploma, Maureen set her sights on becoming a model. In 2004, Maureen posted

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00:45:17

BONUS: KILLING TIME: POKEMON GO TO JAIL

The First Degree ·

2023/07/06

This week, the girls and the ginger have crawled their way back to the studio after July 4th shenanigans to bring you another episode of Killing Time! Today, we’re talking all things Pokemon Go! Misadventures by way of Pokemon hunting. Gotta catch em all! On the stand today: Going through people’s medicine cabinets, open-mouth wedding kisses, sneakers with jeans, and room temp food!! Then! A worstie pokes some holes, we’ll just leave it at that…🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full

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00:49:05

Episode 255: Richard "Doug" Douglas White

The First Degree ·

2023/07/05

On March 1st of 2007, 46-year-old Richard “Doug” Douglas White prepares to close his small business for the day when two men enter his shop. The next day, Doug’s fiance, 44-year-old Dr. Brenda Kaye Covington, discovers Doug’s body. Doug has been beaten and shot multiple times. Over a year later, state prosecutors prepare for the trial of one of Doug’s alleged attackers, 21-year-old Marine A. Thompson. Suddenly, the case is mysteriously dropped. Apparently, a key witness who allegedly saw Marine and

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00:13:19

LISK: Getting to know Amber Lynn Costello

The First Degree ·

2023/06/30

On September 2nd of 2010, 27-year-old Amber Lynn Costello leaves her house to go meet a john for sex work. Her final words to her roommate as she leaves are, “If my sister calls, tell her I love her.” Three months later, Amber’s sister, Kim, hears the news that the human remains of four women matching Amber’s description have been discovered along Ocean Parkway on Long Island’s Gilgo Beach. When Kim submits her DNA, her worst fears are confirmed: Amber is one of the Gilgo Four and a victim of the

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00:48:55

BONUS: KILLING TIME: ARE WE THE ASSHOLES?

The First Degree ·

2023/06/29

The girls and the ginger welcome you back for another week of Killing Time! This week, we’re taking to Reddit to analyze some stories on r/AmITheAsshole. Also! On the stand: not knowing your drink order at the bar, marriage licenses, bad acting on a good show, and cheese on a protein. And finally, a worstie commits a hit-and-run on her own sibling!!! WTF?🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project:

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00:49:56

Episode 254: Adrian Marshall

The First Degree ·

2023/06/28

On July 29th of 1994 24-year-old Adrian Marshall was senselessly murdered. While there were early suspects, the leads fizzled out, which devastated Adrian’s parents. While the case went an unexpected call would breathe new life into the case more than 10 years later. While justice for Adrian seemed to be inching closer, the case was derailed in the 11th hour. On episode 254, Jac and Alexis speak candidly with the person who was closest to the main suspect- his wife at the time the murder occurred.🎟

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00:15:08

LISK: Getting to know Megan Waterman

The First Degree ·

2023/06/23

Life wasn’t always simple for 22-year-old Megan Waterman. She was a single mother, in a relationship with a questionable man, and struggling to make ends meet financially. Luckily, Megan was known for making the best out of complicated situations. Throughout her entire life, Megan was a fiercely independent leader who supported those she cared about. Megan would do anything for her loved ones—and that was especially true for Megan’s 3-year-old daughter, Lily Waterman. When Megan began sex work in

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00:45:51

BONUS: KILLING TIME: WORLD RECORDS

The First Degree ·

2023/06/22

This week the girls and the ginger are back with a record setting episode! We’re visiting the hall of fame of humans and their super bizarre achievements! It’s time for the weirdest world records! Then! On the stand this week: Mixing black and brown clothing, public pools in random places, disturbing somebody wearing headphones, and mandatory podcast paywalls! And finally, a worstie causes some mercurial mayhem!🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on

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00:46:08

Episode 253: A Jensen Beach Nightmare

The First Degree ·

2023/06/21

On February 24th of 2022, 57-year-old Cynthia Marie Cole of Jensen Beach, Florida vanishes into thin air. That morning, she’d walked on the beach. That evening, she’d attended a street festival with a few friends. But, by the next day, Cynthia is missing without a trace of evidence left behind. On March 1st, Cynthia’s friends and family report her disappearance to the local authorities. Within days, investigators discover Cynthia’s decomposing body inside her own septic tank. The process of

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00:23:51

LISK: Getting to know Melisssa Barthelemy

The First Degree ·

2023/06/16

From the moment she was born on June 24th, 1985, Melissa Mary Barthelemy was loved. Between her mother, father, and siblings, Melissa was raised alongside people who truly cared about her. As a child, Melissa was recognized for her cleverness and charming smile. As a young woman, Melissa was respected for her independence and determination. After graduating high school in the early 2000s, Melissa went to cosmetology school and moved to New York City to become a hairstylist. Unfortunately, New York

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