Why Did Susan Smith Kill Her Children? | Vinnie Politan Investigates Podcast

Vinnie Politan analyzes the case against Luigi Mangione who is charged with the murder of UHC CEO Brian Thompson, discussing his new high-profile attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, and the evidence against him.

In the peaceful village of Essex Junction, Vermont, Michael Durenleau's life would be cut short by a knife through the heart in the darkness behind Veronica's Tavern after celebratory drinks with his wife Rebecca. Police never arrested the man they were convinced held the knife, instead charging Rebecca as the mastermind behind her husband's murder. The trial would span two decades and end with an outcome that still haunts Michael's family.

In this episode, Wesley Durkit, Digital Forensics Examiner, testifies about data collected from Riley’s iPhone showing her heart rate reached 170 bpm, slowed, came to a dramatic stop, hit zero, then spiked, indicating she underwent CPR. Crime Lab Scientist Ashley Hinkle said the DNA from a blue jacket and under Laken Riley’s fingernails matched Jose Ibarra. Medical Examiner, Dr. Michelle DiMarco, said that a portion of Laken Riley’s skull had broken and noted lacerations and contusions to her body.

Vinnie Politan discusses the sextortion scandal in Whitesburg, Kentucky, and whether Judge Kevin Mullins was involved.

This episode of "The Murder Trial of Laken Riley" features testimony from the second day involving Corporal Rafael Sayan of the UGA Police Department. He discusses his questioning of Jose Ibarra about the scratches found on his body after the crime. Additionally, Sergeant Sophie Raboud, also from UGA PD, analyzes the movements of Laken Riley and Ibarra based on trail cam footage. She also provides details about Laken's phone activity on the morning of her death.