

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 perspective to the already fascinating true crime landscape. And who knows... you may be our next guest. (Plus, join them every Thursday for Killing Time, the light-hearted, true crime-adjacent aftershow!)
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 23, 2022 • 51min
Episode 188: Gary Wayne Puckett, Part 2
On September 28th, 1997, a 35 year old woman is viciously attacked in a rest area bathroom in North Dakota. She miraculously survives and provides police with a description of her attacker, who is tracked down within hours. Soon after, authorities realize the attacker is not only a registered sex offender, but also the suspect in multiple Washington state murders. But is the attacker actually responsible for all of the murders? In episode 188, Jac, Alexis, and Billy discuss the crimes of Gary Wayne Puckett and try to figure out if he's a serial killer.
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 17, 2022 • 1h 2min
BONUS: KILLING TIME- ST. PADDY'S
This week the girls and the goth throw on their green garb to celebrate St. Paddy's day! They share some bizarre shit that has happened on the lucky day over the years, and debate Irish Car Bombs, outdoor seating, and pinching someone for not wearing green. Plus, does Billy own a merkin? Listen to find out!
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

8 snips
Mar 16, 2022 • 53min
Episode 187: Gary Wayne Puckett, Part 1
On September 23rd, 1997, a 52-year-old woman named Alice and her golden retriever vanished from the Cedar River trail outside Kent, Washington. Alice’s husband and daughter retraced her steps and searched for her… later learning that they may have encountered her killer on the trail. Soon after, authorities realize the attacker is not only a registered sex offender, but could be connected to other violent crimes in the surrounding area. In episode 187, Jac, Alexis, and Billy deconstruct the curious case of Gary Wayne Puckett, and the trail of errors that set him free.
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 10, 2022 • 46min
BONUS: KILLING TIME- ONION NUGGETS
This week the girls and the goth dive into the concept of fingerprints. Are they truly unique special snowflakes?? They debate mayonnaise, McDonalds fried onion balls, and menu hacking? Plus, is stealing clothes to wear to church okay or nah?
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 3, 2022 • 48min
BONUS: KILLING TIME - ESCAPE PLAN
This week the girls and the goth dive into the most infamous prison escapes, including the lil sweetie himself, John Dillinger! They debate pig parking, exclamation points, and the 4 day work week. Plus, should you smear poop on your moms new boyfriend? Find out now!
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 2, 2022 • 41min
Episode 185: Katie Filiberti
On March 18, 2011, an 18 year old woman goes to a house party with her boyfriend. The next day, her body is found in a creek. Five months later, the killer is arrested, and when the public finds out who it is, they’re shocked. In episode 185, Jac, Alexis, and Billy detail the case of Kathryn “Katie” Filiberti and how her murder affected the small town of Hyde Park, New York.
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 24, 2022 • 52min
BONUS: KILLING TIME- THE QUEEN IS DEAD
This week the girls and the goth discuss that one time (earlier that day) that Billy accidentally started a rumor that the Queen of England died! They debate champagne on ice, FaceTiming in public, and talking with emojis. Bonus chat about President Bush barfing on the Japanese Prime Minister!
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 23, 2022 • 53min
Episode 184: Jeffrey Milo Burks
In 1974, a young man commits a senseless murder, and is sentenced to seven years to life. 10 years later, the man is eligible for parole and is awaiting transfer to the prison where he’ll finish serving his time. But on March 24, 1984, all of those plans are destroyed when two knife-wielding inmates murder another inmate over a personal matter. In 1987, due to incompetence and corruption, the actual murderers are acquitted, and the soon-to-be paroled man is convicted. 35 years later, the innocent man is still sitting behind bars. In episode 184, Jac, Alexis, and Billy discuss the wrongful conviction of Jeffrey Milo Burks, and try to make sense of why he hasn’t been exonerated yet.
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 17, 2022 • 41min
BONUS: BEST OF KILLING TIME
This week the girls and the goth reminisce about their favorite Killing Time moments. From Ted Bundy's sock obsession to Payne Lindsay’s secret life as a boy band member to trick or treating for baked beans, this episode has something for everyone!
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 16, 2022 • 52min
Episode 183: Dee Dee Blanchard
A woman and her disabled daughter relocate to Missouri after losing everything in Hurricane Katrina. They become local celebrities after residents hear what the mother and daughter have been through. For years, the community rallies around them, gathering donations, organizing fundraisers, and more. Then one day, out of nowhere, the mother is found murdered and her disabled daughter is nowhere to be found. A frantic search for the girl begins, and when she’s found, authorities realize everything people have come to know about this mother and daughter duo is a complete lie. In episode 183, Jac, Alexis, and Billy example what led Gypsy Blanchard to murder her mother Dee Dee.
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:patreon.com/thefirstdegree📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


