

Killer Genes
Killer Genes
Host Melissa McCarty is an Emmy nominated investigative journalist with more than 20 years of true crime experience. Covering both solved and unsolved cases, She traveled the country confronting accused and convicted killers while also shedding light on the heartache violent acts cause. What sets her apart is the compelling storytelling and unique access to the people involved in each case which gives a 360-degree view of the crimes told directly from the source: the victim, their loved ones, experts, law enforcement, and the killers themselves. Melissa had two friends murdered at a young age and lost her brother suddenly and recently, giving her space to personally understand grief and violence.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 10min
Redefining Evil: Serial Killers, Psychopaths & Modern Monsters | Matt Murphy
What really defines a serial killer—and are we getting it all wrong? Former Orange County Deputy District attorney and author of The Book of Murder, Matt Murphy, joins us to dismantle the outdated myths and shed light on today’s most chilling predators. From prosecuting Rodney Alcala—aka “The Dating Game Killer”—to unpacking eerie parallels between Alcala, Ted Bundy, and Bryan Kohberger, this episode dives deep into the modern face of evil.
Murphy delivers sharp insights on what truly makes a psychopath, and doesn’t hold back on hot takes—from the Maurene Comey firing to the P. Diddy trial and where it went wrong? And the legal circus surrounding Luigi Mangione.
A gripping and enlightening listen, you’ll walk away with a whole new framework for understanding criminal minds—prosecution and the evolving definition of darkness.
#truecrime #truecrimecommunity #crime
Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Jul 16, 2025 • 34min
Murder by Fire: A Forensic Dive into Death & Deception
Murder by Fire: A Fatal Fire Forensic Expert Breaks Down Two Explosive Cases exclusively. What really happened in the Ozarks when Ted Throneberry was murdered and his wife vanished without a trace? And what secrets were engulfed in flames in the California desert when 18-year-old Becky Friedli, her mother Vicki, and boyfriend Jon Hayward were killed in a house fire—with Becky’s body found burning in a wheelbarrow?
In this gripping episode, fatal fire forensic expert Dr. Elayne Pope—known for her groundbreaking cadaver research and work with law enforcement—joins us to dissect two headline-making cases:
🔥 Case One: The rural Arkansas mystery of Ted Throneberry, a beloved husband whose death unraveled a shocking trail of deception and betrayal.
🔥 Case Two: The 2006 Pinyon Pines triple homicide, where two men were ultimately convicted—one a decorated war hero—but questions of guilt still haunt both sides.
It’s an inferno of secrets, told through the lens of forensic science, psychology, and truth. Dr. Pope shares insights into how fire reveals the final moments of the victims—and whether those moments were staged or real. Two cases she helped crack.
#truecrime #scarystories # truecrimecommunity #truecrimepodcasts
Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Jul 11, 2025 • 15min
Bloodline of Tragedy: The Crystal Rogers Case, a Family Haunted by Murder | Plus 2 Breaking Stories
The breaking conviction in the Crystal Rogers case may have brought headlines—but not closure. Her remains are still missing, and a chilling trail of bloodshed continues to haunt her family. In this episode, we explore the lingering questions: Why was Crystal targeted, what was the motive and who murdered her father, Tommy Ballard?
Plus, two breaking stories:
– A shocking murder-suicide in Wisconsin where a beloved couple was gunned down in their home by their adult son.
– The re-arrest of Barry Morphew in the high-profile disappearance of his wife Suzanne—with disturbing new evidence pointing to animal tranquilizers.
This is true crime through the eyes of a veteran journalist who has covered the darkest corners of real-life tragedies. Subscribe for breaking stories and in-depth cases from those involved.
#truecrime #crystalrogers #tommyballard #barrymorphew #suzannemorphew #murdermystery #unsolvedcases #crimepodcast #murderpodcast #breakingnews #truecrimenews #crimejunkie #investigation #journalism #truecrimecommunity #familymurder #murderinsmalltown #hauntingcases #truecrimestorytelling #coldcase #scarystories
Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Jul 11, 2025 • 28min
America's Top Interrogator: How to get a Killer to talk
Can You Spot a Lie—or Get a Killer to Confess?
In this gripping episode, we sit down with legendary former homicide detective Fil Waters, known nationwide for extracting confessions in the most unthinkable cases. With decades of experience behind the badge, Waters reveals what it really takes to read a suspect, spot deception, and guide a killer toward the truth.
🔎 Learn how to identify the physical and verbal cues of a lie
🧠 Go inside the proven interrogation tactics used to crack the toughest criminals
🗣️ Hear chilling real-life stories of murderers who confessed—sometimes when you least expect it
This is more than true crime—it’s a psychological journey into human behavior, motive, and manipulation.
Subscribe now for firsthand stories from those who lived it, solved it, and survived it.
Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Jul 7, 2025 • 13min
Boyfriend Beheaded & 400 Bodies Discovered | Global True Crime Shocker
From the U.S.–Mexico border to the southern coast of Australia, two disturbing headlines have captured international attention. In this episode, we break down the horrifying discovery of 400 bodies found in a Mexican border town—raising questions about cartel violence, missing migrants, and mass graves. Then, we shift to Port Lincoln, Australia, where a former Beauty and the Geek reality star has been charged with the brutal murder and dismemberment of her boyfriend—just one day after his birthday. Two different worlds. One chilling theme: the darkness people are capable of.
#truecrime #breakingnews #mexico #australia #murdermystery #crimestories #dismemberment #realitytvcrime #killergenes #truecrimepodcast #truecrimedocumentaries #foryoupage #storyteller
Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Jun 29, 2025 • 56min
First Time Murder Confession Exclusive: David Hoshaw
An exclusive interview with a convicted killer, which I've done many in the past throughout my career, but this one lead to an unexpected confession and details of the "Why" and "How" he did the act, plus how he intentionally sent detectives on a wild hunt for a made-up serial killer to buy himself two years of freedom. He was convicted without a confession. David Hoshaw killed his fiancee Angelique, 35 and her mom Vonda Goyena 74, minutes apart in the middle of the night because he wanted to be with another woman. Mom and daughter had a special bond, "Angel" was the youngest of 4 siblings, she was her mom's caretaker and that's why they lived together. Angel was planning to marry Hoshaw when he decided to end her life and her mom's instead of simply breaking up with her.
Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Feb 1, 2022 • 1h 11min
Killer Genes: Stripped Down - Christopher Barbour
Leading psychic detective and intuitive forensic sketch artist Christopher Barbour discusses his work on unsolved murders, cold cases, and missing persons. He shares personal experiences with the Black Dahlia case and the Golden State Killer. The speaker emphasizes the importance of clear perception, spiritual support, and writing down intuitive thoughts.

Jan 25, 2022 • 1h 8min
Killer Genes: Stripped Down - Matt Murphy
Famed former California Deputy District Attorney, Matt Murphy, joins the hosts to discuss cases he's worked, including killer Daniel Wozniak, The Golden State Killer, and the murders of Thomas and Jackie Hawks. They also touch on criminal justice reforms and the transition from prosecutor to defense lawyer.

Jan 18, 2022 • 51min
Killer Genes: Stripped Down - Fil Waters
Kelly and Melissa are joined by former Houston Police Department Detective, Fil Waters. Waters was the feature of Investigation Discovery's, The Interrogator, as he is legendary for being able to pull confessions out of suspects. Listen as he talks about interrogation tactics and relives some of his most memorable cases! Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.

Jan 11, 2022 • 48min
Killer Genes: Stripped Down - Sarah Klein
Sarah Klein, an attorney and leading advocate for sexual assault victims, not only fights against predators each day legally, she was one of Olympic trainer Larry Nassar's first victims at only 8 years old. She recounts her brave tale and gives practical tips on how to teach your kids and spot a potential child predator.Follow Killer Genes with Melissa on Youtube for more.