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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

01:23:43

Episode 27: The Hawes Family

The First Degree ·

2019/02/13

Have you ever gotten mad at a sibling? Sure. But have you ever conspired to kill them? On episode twenty seven of The First Degree, Jac, Alexis & Billy dive head first into the curious crimes committed within the Hawes family, a case as perplexing as it is gruesome. A family conspiracy, numerous crime scenes, hidden weapons, and a second death that remains a mystery to this day. Care Of - Go to TakeCareOf.com and enter code degree50 for 50% off your first month of personalized care of

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01:02:39

Episode 26: Ted Bundy Part 3

The First Degree ·

2019/02/06

In episode twenty six, Jac, Alexis and Billy conclude with part three of the Ted Bundy series. Covering Bundy's time on death row, his bizarre romantic relationships, his desperate last minute confession, the ensuing media circus, and finally, his execution. The chilling details of Ted Bundy's final moments are shared by First Degree guest Tony Panaccio, who at 23-years-old watched Ted Bundy die in the electric chair. Kopari - Check out KopariBeauty.com/FIRST for $5 off your first subscription 🎟

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01:00:46

Episode 25: Ted Bundy Part 2

The First Degree ·

2019/01/30

In part two of this First Degree three-part special on Ted Bundy, Jac, Alexis and Billy detail his horrific killing rampage in Florida following his second escape, his capture after killing a 12 year old girl, and his trial where he represented himself and cross-examined witnesses. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree❤️ The Heavy Metal Project: theheavymetalproject.com📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok:

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01:01:08

Episode 24: Ted Bundy Part I

The First Degree ·

2019/01/23

January 24th is 30 years to the day that serial killer Ted Bundy was executed at Raiford Prison in Starke, Florida. In part one of this special three-part First Degree series, Jac, Alexis and Billy revisit Bundy's infamous reign of terror, examine what drove a charismatic, educated and attractive man to kill and how he escaped justice for so long. They speak with Tony Panaccio, who was 23-year-old journalist when he won the lottery to become an eyewitness to Bundy’s electric-chair execution. Daily

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00:57:01

Episode 23: Gabe Zimmerman

The First Degree ·

2019/01/16

In episode twenty three, Jac, Alexis & Billy delve into the 2011 Tucson mass shooting and assassination attempt of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, an attack in which six people were killed and thirteen injured. While they explore the mind of the shooter and his last steps before the massacre, they focus on one of the heroes of the day, Gabe Zimmerman, who was safely inside while the shooting starting and rushed outside to take bullets meant for others. Kopari - Check out KopariBeauty.com/FIRST

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00:54:19

Episode 22: The Source Family Cult

The First Degree ·

2019/01/09

On Episode twenty two, Jac, Alexis & Billy discuss Father Yod and The Source Family Cult. With the help of former member Magus The Aquarian, they detail all of the bizarre sex practices, the murders, the ruined lives and the Manson Family crossover—all the makings of one of the most fascinating stories of cult behavior that you've probably never heard of. 🎟 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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01:04:47

Episode 21: Chris Spotz

The First Degree ·

2019/01/02

On episode twenty one, Jac, Alexis & Billy explore a baffling murder case that stretches from the bright lights of Hollywood to the wheat fields of Northeast Colorado – two fledgling actors, a secret life, and a deadly high speed chase. Sunday Scaries - Check out SundayScaries.com and use promo code FIRST DEGREE for 10% off and free shipping 🎟 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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01:07:13

Episode 20: Milan Ross

The First Degree ·

2018/12/26

Holiday hijinx abound as Jac, Alexis and Billy explore the bizarre case of Milan Ross: a celebrity vegan Chef with a secret past, a dark food obsession and history of violence that culminated in a triple homicide on Christmas 2017. Sun Basket - Visit SunBasket.com/FIRST to get $35 off your first order Sunday Scaries - Check out SundayScaries.com and use promo code FIRST DEGREE for 10% off and free shipping 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on

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00:57:26

Episode 19: Jim Jones Part 2

The First Degree ·

2018/12/19

On episode nineteen, Jac, Alexis & Billy close with part two of The Jonestown Massacre. They'll explore the events of one of the largest mass murders in history accompanied by The First Degree perspectives of survivors Jim Jones Junior and Jorden Vilchez. Blink - Check out www.BlinkForHome.com/FIRSTDEGREE Sunday Scaries - Check out SundayScaries.com and use promo code FIRST DEGREE for 10% off and free shipping 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on

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01:15:26

Episode 18: Jim Jones Part 1

The First Degree ·

2018/12/12

In episode eighteen, Jac, Alexis & Billy explore what some call the one of the biggest mass murders in history. The First Degree connection to the Jonestown Massacre are two people who were able to escape with their lives; including Jim Jones Junior, the son of The People's Temple Founder Reverend Jim Jones. Blink - Check out www.BlinkForHome.com/FIRSTDEGREE Express VPN - Go to ExpressVPN.com/FIRSTDEGREE for 3 months free with a 1 year package Living Proof - Visit LivingProof.com/FIRST or use

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00:53:20

Episode 17: Thad Reynolds Part 2

The First Degree ·

2018/12/05

Jac, Alexis & Billy conclude with part two of the Thad Reynolds story, a case that deals with conspiracy, manipulation, and incredible acts of adultery, all which culminated in an act of ultimate betrayal; murder. Blink - Check out www.BlinkForHome.com/FIRSTDEGREE Daily Harvest - Go to Daily-Harvest.com now and use Promo code FIRST for 3 free cups in your first box Sun Basket - Visit SunBasket.com/FIRST to get $35 off your first order Sunday Scaries - Check out SundayScaries.com and use promo

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00:46:30

Episode 16: Thad Reynolds Part 1

The First Degree ·

2018/11/28

On episode sixteen, Jac, Alexis & Billy examine a grisly murder that left the conservative town of Rome, Georgia reeling. Thad Reynolds, husband, father and Church deacon was stabbed 19 times in his office. His savage slaying left the members of his church devastated; and the only thing worse than losing Thad, would be learning the truth about who was responsible. Blink - Check out www.BlinkForHome.com/FIRSTDEGREE Express VPN - Go to ExpressVPN.com/FIRSTDEGREE for 3 months free with a 1 year

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01:06:28

Episode 15: Internet Satan

The First Degree ·

2018/11/21

On episode fifteen, Jac, Alexis & Billy speak with two First Degree guests who were plagued by the same fiendish stalker for decades, a stalker they came to call “Internet Satan.” They cover the twisted details of his crimes, his tactics of torment, the physical and psychological aftermath, and his ultimate capture. Blink - Check out www.BlinkForHome.com/FIRSTDEGREE Living Proof - Visit LivingProof.com/FIRST or use promo code FIRST for a free sample of dry shampoo Sunday Scaries - Check out

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00:53:18

Episode 14: Travis Forbes Part 2

The First Degree ·

2018/11/14

On episode fourteen, Jac, Alexis & Billy conclude the Travis Forbes case by exploring the details of the attack on his second known victim, the evidence that broke the case wide open, the demise of sociopath Travis Forbes, and finally; the truth about what happened to Kenia Monge. Blink - Check out www.BlinkForHome.com/FIRSTDEGREE Express VPN - Go to www.ExpressVPN.com/FIRSTDEGREE for 3 months free with a year package Madison Reed - Visit www.Madison-Reed.com and use code FIRST DEGREE for 10%

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00:51:35

Episode 13: Travis Forbes Part 1

The First Degree ·

2018/11/07

A teenage girl goes missing and a smooth talking modern day Ted Bundy has all the answers. Follow Jac, Alexis and Billy as they explore the unthinkable crimes committed by Travis Forbes with the help of not one but two First Degree connections. Blink - Check out Blinkforhome.com/FirstDegree now for peace of mind starting at $99 Daily Harvest - Go to Daily-Harvest.com now and use Promo code FIRST for 3 free cups in your first box Madison Reed - Visit Madison-Reed.com and use Promo code FIRST DEGREE

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01:02:25

Episode 12: Paul Ezra Rhoades

The First Degree ·

2018/10/31

On episode twelve, Jac, Alexis and Billy explore the horrifying case of serial killer Paul Ezra Rhoades. The terrifying details of his crimes and the emotional aftermath that followed is accompanied by the chilling First Degree perspective of a 17-year-old girl who won the lottery to witness his final breath through the window of his execution chamber. Madison Reed - Go to Madison-Reed.com and use Promo code First Degree Living Proof - Visit LivingProof.com/FIRST or use promo code FIRST for a free

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00:39:35

Episode 11: The Nightmare on Hickory Street Part 2

The First Degree ·

2018/10/24

On episode eleven, Jac, Alexis and Billy conclude The Nightmare On Hickory Street case. They dive into the details of this gruesome double-homicide and attempt to understand what could turn a typical suburban kick back party into a slaughterhouse. Madison Reed - Go to Madison-Reed.com and use Promo code First Degree Research Sources & Credits: The Joliet Patch, stories by Joseph Hosey, John Ferak. The Chicago SunTimes The Chicago Tribune 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full

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00:56:26

Episode 10: The Nightmare On Hickory Street Part 1

The First Degree ·

2018/10/17

On episode ten, Jac, Alexis and Billy examine a disturbing and senseless double-murder known as "The Nightmare On Hickory Street." In part one, they'll delve into the details of the crime scene, the possible motives, and the minds of the young killers who are responsible. Express VPN - Go to ExpressVPN.com/FIRSTDEGREE for 3 months free with a 1 year package M. Gemi - Check out MGemi.com/FIRSTDEGREE for $50 off your first pair Research Sources & Credits: The Joliet Patch, stories by

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01:10:54

Episode 09: Johnny Lewis

The First Degree ·

2018/10/10

On episode nine, Jac, Alexis and Billy explore the puzzling trail of destruction left in the wake of Sons of Anarchy actor, Johnny Lewis. They'll track his rapid decline, his decent into madness, the grisly murder of his elderly landlady and ultimately, the discovery of Johnny's body in the driveway of a Hollywood hills mansion. Leesa - Leesa.com/FIRST and promo code FIRST for up to $235 off and free shipping Daily Harvest - Go to Daily-Harvest.com and enter code FIRST to get 3 free cups in your

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00:50:24

Episode 08: Luka Magnotta Part 2

The First Degree ·

2018/10/03

Jac, Alexis and Billy conclude with Part 2 of the Luka Magnotta story, a case which deals with a fame obsessed, narcissistic killer who first murdered kittens and posted the videos online before escalating to killing a human victim, posting the video online and sending his body parts across the continent. Leesa - Leesa.com/FIRST and promo code FIRST for up to $235 off and free shipping Madison Reed - Madison-Reed.com and promo code FIRST DEGREE for 10% off and free shipping on your first kit 🎟

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