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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

36:44

Episode 398: The Last New Year’s Eve

The First Degree ·

2026/04/15

On New Year’s Eve 2019, deputies respond to reports of gunfire at a quiet home outside Montgomery, Texas. Inside, a young mother has been shot multiple times, and the man responsible is still at the scene. What unfolds is a devastating story of violence that didn’t begin that night—and warning signs that were missed along the way. In episode 398, Jac and Alexis examine how patterns of intimate partner violence can escalate over time, leaving a trail of close calls before turning fatal, and the

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45:56

DEEP DIVE: EPSTEIN, ALIENS, AND EVEREST

The First Degree ·

2026/04/09

Epstein, aliens, and Everest, oh my! It’s a scam filled week over here at the Deep Dive, and we are exposing them all. From Mount Everest fraud, to alien controversy, to valley girl humanoid robots visiting the White House. And you know we couldn’t leave you hanging without giving you the latest tea on Blake & Justin.🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok:

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47:59

Episode 397: Jonathan Hoang

The First Degree ·

2026/04/08

On the morning of March 31, 2025, a mother goes to wake her son for school and finds his room empty. He is 21 years old, autistic, and vulnerable, and his routine is something he never breaks. But that morning, he is gone without a trace. As a widespread search begins and days pass with no answers, questions start to shift from where he went…to when someone took him. In episode 397, Jac and Alexis examine the disappearance of Jonathan Hoang and the urgent search to bring him home.🎟 Catch up to

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50:11

EXCLUSIVE: THE HALEY BECK SCANDAL

The First Degree ·

2026/04/07

*** BONUS EPISODE ALERT***A disturbing scandal has surfaced in Peoria involving Centennial High School, where two female teachers from the same campus are accused of grooming the same male student, an allegation that has shocked the community and ignited intense scrutiny. One of the teachers, 27-year-old Haley Beck, is the sister of TikTok star turned actor Noah Beck, adding a layer of public attention to an already deeply troubling case. In this premium episode, Jac and Lex break down the rapidly

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48:12

DEEP DIVE: DISNEY ADULTS

The First Degree ·

2026/04/02

We’re all over the place with this weeks deep dive! Starting off with the headlines: government bimbo fetishes, Lindsey Graham (who has no kids) waving around a bubble wand at Disneyland while TSA workers still aren’t being paid, and allegedly the bullet that killed Charlie Kirk didn’t match Tyler Robinson’s gun (surprise surprise!). Then we pull the Epstein string to uncover some disgustingly similar operations in the 1970’s. It truly doesn’t stop!🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus

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55:10

Episode 396: They Never Stop

The First Degree ·

2026/04/01

In February 2008, two trusted members of the Turlock, California community - a police officer and a teacher - are both accused of exploiting their positions to prey on a 17-year-old student. As the cases unfold, shocking details emerge about how the abuse began and how it was hidden. Years later, another respected educator from the same town is exposed for an inappropriate relationship with a student, setting off a chain of events that will eventually lead to a Dr. Phil appearance and a criminal

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49:27

DEEP DIVE: PALM BEACH PETE

The First Degree ·

2026/03/26

“I’m not Epstein, I’m Palm Beach Pete!” Or, at least that’s what Epstein’s new viral doppelgänger says. We deep dive this fascinating man on today’s episode, as well as other bizarre Epstein related headlines. But the important topic at hand is a book called The Tell, by a woman named Amy Griffin who allegedly stole an entire life story of abuse from her former classmate. It. Is. Wild.🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on

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55:03

Heaven’s Gate Part 1 with Serial Killers & Murderous...

The First Degree ·

2026/03/25

In this special true crime crossover, we joined Vanessa Richardson and forensic psychologist Dr. Tristin Engels on Serial Killers and Murderous Minds for a two-part deep dive into Heaven’s Gate. For part 2 and our extended discussion with Dr. Engels , follow Serial Killers and Murderous Minds wherever you listen to podcasts.In the 1970s, Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles emerged with a radical message: they were celestial beings sent to guide humanity to the “Next Level.” What began as a

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47:27

DEEP DIVE: THE EPSTEIN FILES, PART 7 (PLUS REBEL WILSON)

The First Degree ·

2026/03/19

Another week, another handful of Epstein bombshells. We’re talking about the prison guard working during Epstein’s death being set to testify to congress, Hillary Clinton’s Epstein inspired merch, and Vera Wang’s bizarre connection to Epstein. And we end the episode on a completely unrelated mini deep dive of Rebel Wilson’s wild scandal we’ve never even heard about before today! It’s nuts, we promise.🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on

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37:06

Episode 395: The Eleventh Gun

The First Degree ·

2026/03/18

In early January 1985, a 20-year-old National Guardsman is on a training exercise in Henderson, Nevada. The ambitious and intelligent young man has a strong moral compass guiding him in his career. That is, until one day, when he’s confronted with a difficult choice and thrust into a situation out of his control. The cascade of choices he makes next change the course of his life in an entirely unanticipated way, altering his path forever. In episode 395, Jac and Alexis detail the intriguing story of

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50:09

DEEP DIVE: THE EPSTEIN FILES, PART 6

The First Degree ·

2026/03/12

Even though the world has seemingly moved on from Epstein, we refuse to stop talking about it. This week we are diving into the headlines of the week, including the new bestie statues of Trump & Epstein, the new search of Zorro Ranch, and the Clinton questioning. Then we’re going through the latest release of two victim’s accounts from Epstein’s Palm Beach home. And we end the episode with a good ole fashioned existential crisis.🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video

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46:39

Episode 394: Toby Beaugh

The First Degree ·

2026/03/11

In February 2006, a newly married 29-year-old man is walking home from a Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans when a black truck nearly strikes him and his wife. One block later, the truck circles back, runs him down, and flees, leaving his wife screaming in the intersection. Detectives call it a deliberate burst of road rage. But as weeks turn into months, the homicide investigation loses momentum. Years pass without an arrest, and his family is left questioning whether the urgency this case

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42:29

DEEP DIVE: THE EPSTEIN FILES, PART 5

The First Degree ·

2026/03/05

We’ve been pulled into a few different rabbit holes this week, and it’s yet again a crazy ass ride. First, we look into Epstein’s ties to the Interlochen Center for the Arts summer camp in Michigan, and its infamous “Epstein Lodge”. We also learn the whistleblower’s identity who worked at the jail who posted on 4Chan the night of Epstein’s death (and what he said was pretty damning to say the least!). And lastly, we discuss the fact that the FBI willingly wiped the jail cell tapes to destroy all of

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36:07

Episode 393: After The Crash

The First Degree ·

2026/03/04

On October 29, 2010, a 50-year-old woman is shot at her home in Cresson Township, Pennsylvania. The same day, her college aged son is also involved in a car crash. The tiny community where the family lives is thrown into a state of turmoil as residents grapple with the incomprehensible news. The much-loved school nurse, wife, and mother of two leaves behind a heartbroken family and school community who are left to pick up the pieces. But when the killer’s identity is revealed, the profound sadness

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44:15

DEEP DIVE: THE EPSTEIN FILES, PART 4

The First Degree ·

2026/02/26

Another week of chipping away at the iceberg. Today we’re diving into the Gislaine sighting in Canada, Bill Gates admitting to affairs with two Russian women, Trump releasing the alien files (anything but release the Epstein files we guess), Epstein’s FedEx account being used after his death, and apparently Epstein’s autopsy findings (apparently the dude can grow new body parts?). Tin foil hats ON.🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on

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61:34

Episode 392: The Au Pair Catfish

The First Degree ·

2026/02/25

On a quiet February morning in an upscale Virginia suburb, a 911 call shattered the quiet. An au pair reported an intruder. A federal agent said he fired his weapon to protect his family. By sunrise, two people had lost their lives. At first, it sounded like a tragic act: a heroic husband trying to protect his wife, Christine. But as investigators began pulling at the threads, the story started to unravel.In episode 392 of The First Degree, Jac and Alexis walk you through the double murder that

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72:16

TFD Special Episode: Introducing The Knife

The First Degree ·

2026/02/20

Firsties, we are so excited to introduce you to an amazing true crime podcast hosted by some new friends to The First Degree, Hannah Smith and Patia Eaton. The Knife is a journalistic, true crime podcast with immersive, narrative interview episodes and additional episodes where producers and hosts Hannah Smith and Patia Eaton tell eachother a crime story. Hannah and Patia formerly produced The Opportunist before launching The Knife in 2025.We have become huge fans and we know you'll love them too

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49:25

DEEP DIVE: THE EPSTEIN FILES, PART 3

The First Degree ·

2026/02/19

And we're back for round three... This week, we're diving into the latest updates surrounding the Epstein files, discussing the DOJ's recent release of documents and the implications of missing information. Then, Ghislaine Maxwell's testimony, the bizarre obsession with jerky in the files, and the potential for Epstein's offspring. Zorro Ranch, scopolamine, it just goes on and on!🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸

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52:37

Episode 391: Danny Rex Harris

The First Degree ·

2026/02/18

On October 26, 2007, a 55-year-old military veteran was found murdered in his home on the outskirts of Memphis, Tennessee. The family of the father of four was heartbroken. They, along with investigators, wondered who could be responsible for the brutal beating. Within days, the perpetrators were identified, charged, and eventually convicted. But for at least one family involved, something was amiss. Soon, cracks in the investigation revealed that someone had been wrongfully convicted while the

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55:30

DEEP DIVE: THE EPSTEIN FILES, PART 2

The First Degree ·

2026/02/12

This week we continue to chip away at the Epstein files, starting off with the top headlines of the week. We dive into bizarre code words throughout the files (shrimp, cheese, sushi, white tuna), learn about Gislaine’s dad owning the company that produces American textbooks, and did you know Epstein won the lottery? Yep, nothing surprises us anymore. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram:

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