A star defense witness takes the stand. The Zizians' leader in court. And a new scam called pig butchering.
Mar 20, 2025
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A former lover testifies in a high-stakes murder trial, revealing tangled relationships and dark secrets. Meanwhile, a radical vegan group, the Zizians, faces scrutiny for violent crimes, raising troubling questions about their beliefs. Updates on the disappearance of a college student in the Dominican Republic and the complexities surrounding Lori Vallow Daybell's trial add to the intrigue. The podcast also sheds light on the rise of the 'pig butchering' scam, exposing the chilling tactics behind this latest financial threat.
Robert Baker's testimony in the trial highlights the complexities of his involvement in the murder and raises credibility concerns.
The Zizians, a radical vegan group linked to violent crimes, are on trial, illustrating the dangers of cult-like ideologies.
Deep dives
Turning Curiosity into Education
Southern New Hampshire University offers online degrees catering to those interested in true crime, including forensic psychology and criminology. This initiative allows students to transform their curiosity about criminal justice into formal education. With over 200 degree options available, the university makes higher education accessible and affordable, particularly with low online tuition rates. This approach encourages a wider audience to engage with the academic side of crime and justice.
Radical Veganism and Criminal Activity
A group known as the Zizians, identified as radical vegans, has been linked to violent crimes across multiple states, leading to significant law enforcement attention. Recent developments reveal their leader, who was previously elusive, has been arrested alongside two other members. Reports indicate that the group displays cult-like behaviors and has connections to troubling incidents, including a double homicide. Their ideology seems to justify extreme actions perceived as necessary to combat perceived threats, particularly concerning artificial intelligence.
The Williams-Simento Murder Trial
The ongoing trial of Robert Baker, accused of conspiring to murder his lover’s husband, has seen dramatic courtroom revelations. Baker, who previously took a plea deal, testified about the events surrounding the murder, insisting that the accused, Monica Simentelli, had no role in planning or executing the crime. His testimony provided explicit details about the murder, creating a complex narrative that raised questions about his credibility and motives. The prosecution aimed to dismantle his claims, scrutinizing inconsistencies in his statements and emphasizing the implications of his past involvement in the crime.
Emerging Scams: Pig Butchering
Pig butchering is an emerging scam that preys on unsuspecting victims through social media by cultivating relationships under the guise of investment opportunities, particularly in cryptocurrency. Victims often believe they are making money until they find their access to funds is cut off, leading to significant financial loss. The FBI has initiated Operation Level Up to combat these scams, successfully tracing cryptocurrencies and recovering lost funds for some victims. Awareness and skepticism about unsolicited investment offers are recommended as key strategies for prevention against such scams.
Listen to this week's episode of the Dateline: True Crime Weekly podcast with Andrea Canning. Robert Baker, the former lover of Monica Sementilli and admitted killer of her husband, takes the stand in her defense. An alleged vegan cult known as the Zizians will see their leader face trial in Maryland next week. And updates on Karen Read, the University of Pittsburgh student missing in the Dominican Republic, and Lori Vallow Daybell. Plus, everything you need to know about a new scam called pig butchering.