Why James Craig Allegedly Chose Poison: The Psychology of Slow Murder

Check Out The Craziest Un-Aliving Note EVER FAKED A young woman with dreams of becoming a nurse was murdered by the person she trusted most. Then he tried to pass it off as suicide—complete with a handwritten note and a conveniently placed gun. In this episode, we explore the chilling case of Nathaniel Archuleta, 19, who murdered 20-year-old Mary Halcomb in Peoria, Illinois, and staged the scene to make it look like she took her own life. But from the moment police stepped onto the scene, things didn’t add up. There was a trail of blood suggesting she had been moved. There was a bizarre note—allegedly written by Mary—giving Archuleta permission to “euthanize” her. And Archuleta? He couldn’t keep his story straight for five minutes. First it was a gun accident. Then a suicide. Eventually, he confessed to another inmate: he’d killed Mary after finding messages from another man. The court gave him 45 years. But for Mary’s family, that number doesn’t even come close to justice. She was kind, ambitious, and nurturing—exactly the kind of nurse the world needs more of. Instead, she became a cautionary tale about control, jealousy, and the failure of young love turned toxic. #maryhalcomb #nathanielarchuleta #fakedsuicide #intimatepartnerviolence #peoriamurder #truecrimecase #domesticmurder #stagecrime #lifesentencing #murderandcoverup Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

RAGE IN THE WOODS: What the Killer’s Actions Say About His Mindset | Robin Dreeke Analyzes It was over 100 degrees. He was in all black. The trail was packed. He taped over his license plate and still went through with it. Why? In this gripping episode, Robin Dreeke returns to break down what the suspect’s decisions say about his internal state. From the risk of attacking on a busy trail to the calm execution of two parents in front of their daughters, nothing about this murder points to random chaos—it points to boiling rage, released with minimal concern for consequence. Tony and Robin dig into the psychology of a man who may have cracked. Was this a personal vendetta, or a “target of opportunity” scenario? Why did he let the kids live? And if this was all just unhinged fury—why was the car so well prepared? Dreeke brings years of behavioral analysis to a chilling discussion that questions everything: planning vs. impulse, rage vs. psychosis, and the frightening possibility that this was just step one. Hashtags: #DevilsDen #RageKiller #RobinDreeke #PsychologicalProfile #TrueCrime #BrinkFamily #TonyBrueski #HiddenKillers #MurderMindset #TrueCrimeToday Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

FBI Behavior Expert Exposes How Kohberger FAILED At Everything He Did Bryan Kohberger wanted to be feared. Wanted to be studied. Wanted to go down in true crime history as a name you’d whisper like BTK or Bundy. But here’s the truth: he failed. At the murder. At the planning. At the cleanup. At the manipulation. At being anyone worth remembering. In this special episode, we bring together four explosive conversations with retired FBI Behavioral Analysis Program Chief Robin Dreeke—exposing how Kohberger botched every phase of his crime and unraveling the pathetic psychology beneath the performance. From the stunning precision of Alivea Goncalves’ victim impact statement, which tore straight through Kohberger’s grandiose self-image, to the unsealed crime scene reports revealing brutal overkill and chaotic rage, Dreeke shows us a killer who never had control—only fantasy. We explore Kohberger’s failed attempt to emulate BTK from behind bars, his alleged online disguise as “Papa Roger,” his grotesque Tinder messages about Ka-Bar knives, and the compulsive post-crime behaviors that scream broken brain, not criminal mastermind. We break down his obsessive pre-crime surveillance. His phone pings. His creepy window watching. The bloodless crime scene. And we ask: was this man a genius in his own mind, or just another failed loner who mistook murder for meaning? This episode is a total takedown—from forensic gaps to failed online personas to the psychology of a man who didn’t just get caught—he got exposed. And with Kohberger now living in silence, isolated and forgotten, the question is no longer whether justice was served. It’s whether he even realizes how irrelevant he’s become. #BryanKohberger #PapaRoger #BTK #KohbergerFails #FBIBehavioralAnalysis #Alivea Goncalves #IdahoMurders #TrueCrimePodcast #HiddenKillers #CriminalProfiling Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Why Did the Devil’s Den Killer Target Two Parents With Kids Description: Why did the Devil’s Den killer target Clinton and Cristen Brink—two parents simply out for a hike with their daughters? In this episode, psychotherapist Shavaun Scott joins Tony Brueski to examine the psychological and symbolic motives behind the attack that has shaken the Northwest Arkansas community to its core. Was this act premeditated rage? A delusional fantasy being played out? Or was the killer seeking to destroy a symbol—a family, a moment of happiness—that he could never have? We examine what it means when a killer chooses a crowded park trail in broad daylight, armed with a knife, and zero attempt to blend in. Shavaun explores the deeper psychology behind symbolic violence and how fantasy-driven offenders often strike not based on personal vendettas, but based on internal scripts where the victims are simply cast roles in the killer’s mind. We also talk about how predators choose their targets, why some victims are spared, and how acts like this are rarely about the people being attacked—and everything about the warped logic behind it. If you're trying to understand the “why” behind the horror, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Hashtags: #DevilsDen #BrinkFamily #FamilyTargeted #ShavaunScott #TrueCrimeAnalysis #PredatoryBehavior #FantasyDrivenViolence #DoubleHomicide #TrueCrimePodcast #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #WhyTheyWereTargeted #DevilsDenMurder #TrueCrimeToday Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Genius or Wannabe? Profiling the Real Kohberger Is Bryan Kohberger A Criminal Mastermind—or Just a Failing Wannabe? | FBI Profile He wanted to be remembered like Bundy or BTK. But Bryan Kohberger didn’t even make it 60 days before the walls closed in. In this episode, former FBI Special Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer breaks down what Kohberger really was—a methodical planner, yes—but not the genius some online narratives have made him out to be. We dive into what his pre-offense behaviors suggest—door tampering, being spotted near the house, running patterns that now look a lot more like surveillance. We also discuss whether his academic obsession with crime was a blueprint… or a mask. Plus: Could a single juror have sunk this case if it had gone to trial? Would the DNA, video surveillance, and behavioral red flags have held up against internet-fueled conspiracies and “reasonable doubt” chaos? This is not another sensationalist take—this is a hard look at facts, behavior, and legal strategy, delivered with clarity and experience by someone who’s been on the front lines. Topics: – Kohberger’s failed first attempt – Pre-crime stalking vs. surveillance – Profiling intent vs. incompetence – Trial risk: Would the jury have convicted? – What makes this case different from Bundy, BTK, and others #bryankohberger #kohbergerprofile #idahomurders #truecrimepodcast #hiddenkillers #jennifercoffindaffer #kohbergertrial #criminalpsychology #forensicanalysis #moscowidaho Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

THE STARE: FBI Profiler Robin Dreeke Breaks Down the Devil’s Den Killer’s Predatory Behavior When multiple witnesses say the same thing—that the man on the trail looked through them, not past them—you start to realize the killer wasn’t just walking... he was scanning. In this episode, former FBI profiler Robin Dreeke joins Tony Brueski to analyze the haunting body language and decision-making of the man believed to have killed Clinton and Cristen Brink. What does that death-stare mean? Was he just assessing threats, or choosing victims? Dreeke dives deep into the behavioral cues—how the killer’s intense gaze, oversized tactical-style bag, and heat-inappropriate clothing all point to someone on a mission. But was the Brinks’ murder pre-targeted or opportunistic? Was this planned for days, or did something flip in real time? This isn’t criminal profiling 101—it’s a forensic look at the subtle but revealing signals that most people miss. And one line—“Why are you doing this?”—may be the most telling clue yet about whether this was personal… or projection. Hashtags: #DevilsDen #MurderBehavior #RobinDreeke #TonyBrueski #FBIProfiler #TrueCrimePodcast #BrinkFamily #PredatoryBehavior #HiddenKillers #TrueCrimeToday Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Devils Den Tragedy - Press Conference Reveals Confession & DNA Links To Crime Arkansas State Police have officially announced the arrest of James Andrew McGann, the man accused of committing the horrific double murder at Devil’s Den State Park, Arkansas. In this full, unedited press conference, law enforcement officials break down exactly how they identified, tracked, and apprehended McGann, shedding light on the intensive investigative process that led to this pivotal breakthrough in the Devil’s Den tragedy. Special Agents detail the chilling timeline: from the initial response to a distressing 911 call by two young children who tragically witnessed their parents' murders, to eyewitness descriptions, DNA evidence, and ultimately, the critical public cooperation that played a major role in capturing the suspect. Authorities also confirm the weapon used was a knife, and that evidence recovered from McGann’s residence matched items seen in eyewitness photos from the crime scene. Officials at the press conference—including Arkansas State Police, local authorities, and the prosecuting attorney—share insights into the investigation's complexity and express gratitude for the cooperation among multiple agencies that proved crucial in securing this arrest. Questions addressed in the conference include the suspect’s potential motive, connections to victims, and the terrifying randomness of the attack. Law enforcement explicitly confirmed that McGann had no prior relationship with the victims, describing the murders as entirely random. Hear directly from authorities who clarify lingering questions around the suspect's apprehension, DNA confirmation, and investigative next steps. With James Andrew McGann now in custody facing two capital murder charges, officials reassure the public of their safety but acknowledge the lasting impact on the community and victims' families. Stay with us for ongoing coverage and updates in this case, as justice continues to unfold for the Brink family and the broader community shaken by this senseless tragedy. Hashtags: #JamesAndrewMcGann #DevilsDen #ArkansasStatePolice #DevilsDenMurders #DoubleHomicide #TrueCrime #ArkansasNews #BreakingNews #CrimeNews #JusticeForTheBrinks Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Ret FBI Chief Reminds Bryan Kohberger 'The Big-D is Coming For You'! Bryan Kohberger’s courtroom silence may have fooled some, but new jailhouse reports suggest his mind is unraveling. Extended 45-minute showers. Dozens of obsessive hand washes per day. A Dracula-like sleep cycle. And an immediate request to speak to a priest. In this darkly revealing episode, retired FBI Behavioral Analysis chief Robin Dreeke breaks down what these behaviors mean: not repentance—but a desperate need for stimulation and control. When Kohberger can’t get attention from the outside, he turns to rituals. When his mother isn’t available, he turns to clergy. It’s not remorse—it’s manipulation. It’s a man starving for relevance. We also revisit how the Goncalves family—especially Olivia—delivered what may have been a death sentence in spirit, if not by law. Their courtroom performance didn’t just shame Kohberger—they made him culturally irrelevant. They stripped him of narrative. Of power. Of myth. And as Robin says—Kohberger knows what's coming next. He’s not Ted Bundy. He’s not BTK. He’s not going to be remembered. And when he finally gets to general population, “the Big-D” might be the only justice left. Brutal, honest, and behavioral to the bone—this one pulls no punches. #BryanKohberger #KohbergerJailBehavior #TheBigD #FBIBehavioralAnalysis #KohbergerPriest #TrueCrimePodcast #HiddenKillers #CriminalPsychology #PrisonJustice #OliviaGoncalves Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

After the arrest in the tragic Devil's Den double homicide, authorities took to the podium—but instead of owning up to critical failures, they took aim at us. In this episode, Tony Brueski sets the record straight, addressing head-on the shocking communication breakdowns from Arkansas law enforcement. For days, crucial witness tips couldn't reach police because the official tip line was down. Terrified witnesses, including children fleeing from a murderer, turned to our podcast when authorities stayed silent for hours, leaving the public dangerously unaware. Tony breaks down precisely how information about the suspect’s description, behavior, and getaway vehicle reached the public through our reporting long before police made any official announcements. While authorities shamefully deflected blame toward our coverage, Tony exposes how the investigative paralysis and incompetence at higher levels potentially delayed justice. This isn't just about a phone line; it's about a systemic failure, a disturbing lack of accountability, and the arrogant deflection of blame from those whose job it is to serve and protect. We won't accept being scapegoated for doing our jobs and giving a voice to the public. The truth doesn't live behind police podiums—it lives in transparency. Join us for a no-holds-barred breakdown of exactly how Arkansas State Police failed the victims, the public, and even their own investigators, and why we refuse to stay silent. Hashtags: #DevilsDenMurders #ArkansasStatePolice #TrueCrimePodcast #PoliceAccountability #HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #InvestigativeReporting #PublicSafety #CrimeNews #CommunicationFailure Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

The Case Against Bryan Kohberger Legal Truth, Psychological Breakdown & the End of a Fantasy Stargazing. That was Bryan Kohberger’s alibi. Not a streaming timestamp. Not a witness. Just... stargazing. In this final installment of our 4-part conversation with defense attorney Bob Motta, we go deep into the absurdity of the defense strategy, the overwhelming weight of the forensic evidence, and how Ann Taylor ultimately did what she was hired to do: save a life, not sell a fantasy. Bob dissects what would’ve happened had the case gone to trial with only the sheath as evidence. Could it have introduced reasonable doubt? Maybe. But with GPS data, phone pings, Amazon purchases, and Kohberger’s own inconsistencies — that doubt collapsed. This wasn’t a case with one smoking gun. It was a case with an entire arsenal. We also explore how one reckless early statement from Ann Taylor — calling her client “factually innocent” — fueled months of conspiracy theories and gave pro-Kohberger supporters just enough to cling to. Bob explains why that move may have done more harm than good. And finally, we reflect on where this leaves the families — especially Alivea Goncalves, who Bob predicts may one day become a major force in victim advocacy. Because sometimes tragedy births purpose. This episode is the closure. The full circle. The final nail in the defense fantasy. Hashtags: #KohbergerAlibi #StargazingDefense #BryanKohberger #KnifeSheathDNA #TrueCrimeForensics #BobMotta #DefenseDiaries #IdahoFourMurders #AnnTaylor #TrueCrimePodcast Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872