Generation Why: True Crime
Wondery
Since its debut in June 2012 with the episode Jury Duty, Generation Why Podcast has been your source for gripping true crime, intriguing mysteries, and fascinating conspiracies every week. Hosted by Justin and Aaron, the podcast combines in-depth research and discussion to bring you cases that challenge your perspective and keep you hooked. Whether you're a longtime fan or just starting your true crime journey, Generation Why offers a large catalog of true crime tales. Don’t miss out—tune in and join a community passionate about uncovering the truth.Need more Generation Why? With Wondery+, enjoy exclusive episodes and always listen ad-free. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/generation-why/ now.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 14, 2025 • 1h 2min
The Roscetti Four Case - 641
October 18th, 1986. Chicago, Illinois. 23-year-old med student Lori Ann Roscetti was raped and murdered on her way home after a late night of studying. Months later, the police arrested four teenagers and charged them with murder. The defendants became known as “The Roscetti Four.” For bonus episodes and outtakes visit: patreon.com/generationwhySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sep 8, 2025 • 55min
The Tetris Murders - 640
September 1998 – Palo Alto, CA. Tetris co-creator Vladimir Pokhilko was found dead with a stab wound on the right side of his neck. His wife, Elena Fedotova, and 12-year-old son, Peter Pokhilko, were brutally killed. The case was ruled a murder-suicide, but the local Russian community insisted it was a Mafia hit. More than twenty years later, investigators are still searching for the truth of what happened. For bonus episodes and outtakes visit: patreon.com/generationwhySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sep 1, 2025 • 1h 8min
Twilight Zone Movie Deaths - 639
July 23rd, 1982. Indian Dunes ranch, Los Angeles County. During filming for Twilight Zone: The Movie, the use of explosives on set caused a helicopter to crash into Vic Morrow and two child actors, killing all three. Months later, director John Landis and four others were charged with involuntary manslaughter and accused of severe negligence.For bonus episodes and outtakes visit: patreon.com/generationwhySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Aug 25, 2025 • 16min
Introducing: American Criminal
Henry Lee Lucas and Ottis Toole are two of history’s most prolific serial killers. Or they’re liars who aren’t to be trusted. Either way, they’ve both got red in their ledger – all stemming from their twisted beginnings. American Criminal takes you inside the minds of some of our most notorious felons and outlaws, exploring the dark side to the American dream. Follow American Criminal wherever you get your podcasts. To get early, ad-free access, subscribe at americancriminal.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Aug 25, 2025 • 57min
The Wonderland Murders - 638
July 1st, 1981. Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles. Five people were viciously attacked inside a known drug house on Wonderland Avenue. Only one survived. The murders were soon linked to an adult film star and a wealthy nightclub owner with ties to the drug industry.For bonus episodes and outtakes visit: patreon.com/generationwhySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Aug 18, 2025 • 42min
The Mysterious Murder of Artemus Ogletree - 637
January 4th, 1935. President Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri. Hotel staff checking on the guest in room 1046 found him beaten and stabbed. He died early the following day. Investigators soon discovered that the name he checked in with, Roland T. Owen, was an alias.Listen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/generationwhy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Aug 11, 2025 • 48min
Deaths of Michael & April Holton - 636
September 11th, 2016. Eclectic, Alabama. Michael Holton called the police because he found drug paraphernalia in his house after his teenage son hosted a party there. Eleven minutes after a sheriff’s deputy left the house, the police received another call reporting shots fired in the home. Officers found both Michael and his wife April inside with fatal gunshot wounds.For bonus episodes and outtakes visit: patreon.com/generationwhyListen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/generationwhy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Aug 4, 2025 • 45min
The Lane Bryant Murders - 635
Tinley Park, Illinois. On February 2, 2008, a gunman claiming to be a delivery man entered a Lane Bryant store at the Brookside Marketplace. The gunman ordered two employees and four customers to the back of the store, where he bound them with duct tape and murdered five of the women in an execution-style manner. Despite forensic evidence, the killer is unknown, and the case remains open. For bonus episodes and outtakes visit: patreon.com/generationwhyListen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/generationwhy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jul 28, 2025 • 1h 11min
Where Is DeOrr Kunz Jr? - 634
July 10th, 2015. Timber Creek campground, near Leadore, Idaho. Two-year-old DeOrr Kunz Jr disappeared while on a camping trip with family. Nearly 10 years later, he has not been found. For bonus episodes and outtakes visit: patreon.com/generationwhyListen ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/generationwhySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jul 24, 2025 • 51min
National Park Mysteries
In this special crossover episode, Aaron is joined by Cassie and Danielle from National Park After Dark. We recap four of the most memorable NPAD true crime and mysterious disappearance cases and discuss what makes them so intriguing. Aaron brings a story NPAD have never covered that remains one of the most puzzling cases to ever come out of Yosemite. Listen and follow National Park After Dark wherever you get your podcasts!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
