The Hit Man Blueprint: Murder, Motown, and a Manual for Death

When a former Motown Records producer, Lawrence Horn, arranged the brutal murders of his own family for a massive inheritance, the investigation led to a chilling revelation: the hit man, James Perry, appeared to have used a book—the true-crime manual Hit Man: A Technical Manual for Independent Contractors—as a step-by-step guide. This case delves into the FBI's meticulous work to untangle the murder-for-hire plot and the ensuing legal firestorm that put the book itself on trial. Unravel the mystery alongside agents and forensic scientists as they confront a unprecedented question: can a book be an accessory to murder?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime--6473403/support.

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) became the weapon of choice for the FBI in their war against New York City's most elusive drug lord: Clarence Heatley. Operating with brazen efficiency, Heatley's empire seemed untouchable—until federal agents built a devastating RICO case, treating his entire organization as a criminal enterprise. This investigation unpacks how the FBI's greatest law enforcers and forensic accountants meticulously connected the dots between the street-level violence and the kingpin in the shadows, using wiretaps, financial records, and insider testimony to bring a devastating end to his reign.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime--6473403/support.

When a series of murders along Interstate 70 revealed a pattern of senseless violence, the FBI faced a terrifying new threat: a killing duo. This is the story of Jeffrey Barnes and Kenneth Jones, two men whose random spree of robbery and murder turned a major American highway into a scene of horror. Follow the nation's top law enforcers and forensic scientists as they piece together a complex puzzle, using evolving forensic techniques and dogged investigation to connect the crimes and close the net on the partners who believed they were beyond reach.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime--6473403/support.

In the Spring of 2023 police in Hudson, Ohio were dispatched to the home of a 41 year-old father who had failed to collect his daughter from school. Officers performing the welfare check made a gruesome discovery. Dr Todd Morgan was a well-liked and respected professor at the University of Cleveland. He was also a doting and loving father of two. But under his professional facade, the professor was hiding more scandalous behaviours. And his secrets were, tragically, about to come to light.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime--6473403/support.

On December 2nd, 2019 just days after celebrating Thanksgiving with family Christine Holloway and her 14 month-old daughter, Vanessa, went missing. Parked on the street outside her apartment was Christine’s new car but she was not answering the door. Despite the freezing conditions, two windows were sitting open. The door was locked but a light remained on. When officers forced entry, they made a horrific discovery. The investigation into what happened to Christine and Vanessa began...Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime--6473403/support.

In the Autumn of 2013, a young mother and her two children went missing from their home in Deltona, Florida. 28 year old Yessenia’s last contact had been a phone call around midnight the night before she vanished. Her children did not arrive for school the next day. Suspicions immediately turned to the most likely suspect: the husband, who turned up on scene claiming to have no idea what had happened to his family.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime--6473403/support.

Canadian millionaire Richard 'Dick' Oland was found dead on the floor of his office on a warm summer morning in 2011. The 69 year-old was known to be ruthless in his business dealings. He had no doubt made many enemies. But the scene suggested that his murder had been a crime of passion. The killer was likely someone Dick had known well, and maybe even loved.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime--6473403/support.

In July 2020, 18 year old Grant Solomon died in what was deemed a freak accident in the parking lot of a gym in Gallatin, Tennessee. The circumstances were as strange as they were tragic. There was only one witness to the accident: Grant’s father, Aaron Solomon, a man who had been under intense scrutiny after years of allegations of abuse and mistreatment from his ex-wife.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime--6473403/support.

In the early morning hours of October 5, 2020 a 23 year-old woman was captured leaving a popular area for bars and clubs with an unknown man.The woman, Marisela Botello-Valadez, was from out of town. She had only just met the man whose vehicle she is shown climbing into. What Marisela is about to find out is that it isn’t just this charming stranger that she needs to worry about. It is the other people at his house and the other women in his life.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime--6473403/support.

On the 27th of September 2020, 28 year old former ballet dancer, Ashley Benefield shot and killed her 58 year old husband in the Lakewood Ranch neighbourhood of Manatee County, Florida. From that moment onwards, she has claimed that she did so in self-defence. She was in fear for her life. But many - including County investigators and prosecutors - doubt the young mother’s claims ... and with good reason.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-crime--6473403/support.