2025 was a year that kept true crime at the center of the national conversation. In this special episode of the True Crime Prevention Podcast round up episode, we’re joined by Sheriff Aaron Hanson of Douglas County, Nebraska to break down some of the biggest and most talked-about cases of the year.

From the shocking developments in the Bryan Kohberger case, to the explosive allegations and legal fallout surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs, to the deeply divisive Karen Read trial, we unpack what these cases reveal about investigations, media coverage, public trust, and the criminal justice system.

We also touch on the cultural and political moments that shaped the true crime landscape in 2025- including the recent tragic murder of Hollywood director Rob Reiner.

More than a recap, this conversation focuses on what we can learn—how high-profile cases influence public perception, where systems succeed or fail, and what real crime prevention looks like moving forward.

#TrueCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #CrimeNews #2025TrueCrime #BryanKohberger #Diddy #KarenRead #SheriffAaronHanson #LawEnforcement #CriminalJustice #JusticeSystem #CrimePrevention #PublicSafety #TrueCrimeCommunity #PodcastRecommendations

On this episode of the True Crime Prevention Podcast, we revisit the tragic and mysterious murder of JonBenét Ramsey, the six-year-old beauty pageant star found dead in her Boulder, Colorado home in 1996. Decades later, her case still captures the public’s attention—but beyond the mystery, there are important lessons for families and communities about crime prevention and child safety.

Join NCPC’s Executive Director Paul DelPonte and Tatiana Peralta as we explore:

-Key facts and timeline of the JonBenét Ramsey case

-How the investigation unfolded and the challenges law enforcement faced

-Safety strategies parents can use to protect children at home and in public

-How awareness, community engagement, and preventive measures can reduce risk

This episode isn’t just about a famous unsolved crime, it’s about learning from tragedy to better protect our kids and communities! Donate to help McGruff and NCPC's Mission: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/hompagdonfor

#JonBenetRamsey #TrueCrimePrevention #ChildSafety #CrimePrevention #NCPC #TrueCrimePodcast

21-year-old Ohio State student Reagan Tokes never made it home the night she left work on February 8, 2017. What happened in the hours that followed shocked Ohio, exposed catastrophic failures in the criminal justice system, and forever changed one family’s life. In this powerful episode of True Crime Prevention, Reagan’s mother Lisa and sister Makenzie sit down with host Paul DelPonte to share Reagan’s story in their own words: the nightmare they lived through, the fight for justice, and the advocacy work they’ve taken on to protect others in her memory. You’ll hear: • The heartbreaking timeline of Reagan’s final night • How the investigation unfolded and what new developments mean today • Why Lisa and Makenzie pushed for change through the Reagan Tokes Act • Their message to listeners about safety, awareness, and honoring Reagan’s legacy Subscribe for more real stories and real solutions from the True Crime Prevention Podcast. Learn more at NCPC.org #ReaganTokes #TrueCrime #CrimePrevention #NCPC #JusticeForReagan #TrueCrimePodcast #OhioState #VictimsVoices #ReaganTokesAct

"It can happen to anyone."

When Devon Michaels took what he believed was a Percocet, he had no idea it was a fake — and laced with fentanyl. His death devastated his family and sparked a mission to protect other young people from the same danger.

In this powerful episode of True Crime Prevention, Ava Michelle (Netflix’s "Tall Girl," & "Dance Moms") and her mother Jeanette Cota open up about losing their brother and son to a fake pill. They share how their grief turned into advocacy through the Devon Michaels Foundation, dedicated to spreading awareness about the Mental Health and Fentanyl crisis, and the dangers facing teens today.

This episode dives into:

• Devon’s story and the night everything changed

• Why fake pills are everywhere — and why teens are especially at risk

• How fentanyl is fueling a national crisis

• What parents must know about social media drug sales

• How we can prevent more families from suffering this loss

Listen to more True Crime Prevention episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0WsQ5B66MkLSJxblzB8xD5Xlp-r8hSZb

Support the National Crime Prevention Council: https://www.ncpc.org/

Support the Devon Michaels Foundation: https://devonmichaelfoundation.com/

🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council Produced by Nicholas Cirone

On Thanksgiving night in 2009, what should have been a warm family celebration turned into one of the most shocking and tragic family crimes in modern American history. Paul Merhige arrived at his relatives’ home for dinner but before the night was over, he had executed a calculated plan of murder that left four family members dead, including a 6-year-old Makayla Sitton.

In this powerful episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte is joined by NCPC's Tatiana Peralta for a deep dive on the case and a conversation about the warning signs that went unnoticed.

This isn’t just a recounting of a horrific crime—it's a discussion about what could have been done, what we can learn, and how we can protect our families and communities from similar tragedies. A haunting case. A critical conversation. And a reminder that prevention starts with awareness!

Donate to the National Crime Prevention Council: https://secure.everyaction.com/3Chaf8xrokKlcpfi-1QlXA2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO52CXyS1W9kVGQd4?si=1b9fa2fbebef44c3

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-prevention-podcast/id1821901931

🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council Produced by Nicholas Cirone

#TrueCrimePodcast

#TrueCrimeCommunity #TrueCrimeAddict #TrueCrimeObsessed #CrimeDocumentary #CrimeInvestigation #ColdCaseFiles #TrueCrimeEpisodes #PaulMerhige #ThanksgivingMurders #FloridaMurders #TrueCrimeCase #TrueCrimeStory #HolidayHomicide #FamilyTragedy

In 2002, the DC Sniper terrorized a city and leaving more than a dozen dead. But behind the headlines was a chilling personal story few knew: Mildred Muhammad, the ex-wife of the sniper, was the real target all along.

In this gripping episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte speaks with Dr. Muhammad as she reveals the chilling reality behind the headlines, the courage it takes to speak out, and her experiences living with a man who would become one of America’s most notorious killers. She shares the warning signs of escalating violence, the psychological toll of living in fear, and how she turned her trauma into advocacy for victims of domestic violence.

This conversation offers an unflinching look at the human side of the DC sniper case, highlighting the importance of recognizing abuse, seeking help, and supporting survivors.

Get Help: National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) www.thehotline.org

Donate to the National Crime Prevention Council: https://secure.everyaction.com/3Chaf8xrokKlcpfi-1QlXA2

Learn more about Mildred's work and journey: https://mildredmuhammad.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO52CXyS1W9kVGQd4?si=17a322696cf64b26

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-prevention-podcast/id1821901931

🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council Produced by Nicholas Cirone

#truecrime #domesticviolenceawareness #DCsniper #ptsd #crimeprevention #advocacy, #victimsupport

What happens when one survivor refuses to stay silent?

In this episode of True Crime Prevention, host Paul DelPonte speaks with Erin Merryn — a survivor turned national advocate whose story inspired Erin’s Law, landmark legislation that teaches children about safe and unsafe touches. Erin opens up about her personal experience with childhood abuse, the subtle grooming tactics predators use, and why open conversations about personal safety can save lives.

Together, Paul and Erin explore how education, awareness, and community involvement can stop abuse before it starts — and how every parent, teacher, and neighbor can help protect kids.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-xjIgjK5ks&feature=youtu.be

Learn more about the National Crime Prevention Council: www.ncpc.org

Support Erin's Law: https://www.erinslaw.org/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO52CXyS1W9kVGQd4?si=2d53a9bc5d4c4d7b

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-prevention-podcast/id1821901931

🎙 Hosted by Paul DelPonte of the National Crime Prevention Council Produced by Nicholas Cirone

#TrueCrimePrevention #ErinMerryn #ErinsLaw #ChildAbusePrevention #truecrimepodcast #truecrimepodcast #CrimePrevention #SurvivorStories #ChildSafety #endchildabuse

When entrepreneur and business owner Shay Onorio checked her bank account one Saturday morning, she never would have imagined that she would be the victim of identity theft. What followed was a nightmare of stolen identities, drained accounts, and a battle to reclaim what was hers.

In this episode of True Crime Prevention, Shay shares her story of dealing with financial crime and identity theft and the devastating emotional toll it took. Host Paul DelPonte talks with Shay about how financial criminals operate, what victims go through, and what you can do to protect yourself from becoming their next target.

YouTube:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wKLQUO...

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

True Crime Prevention is brought to you by the National Crime Prevention Council — home of McGruff the Crime Dog®.

Learn more about the National Crime Prevention Council: https://www.ncpc.org/true-crime-preve...

Hosted by Paul DelPonte Produced by Nicholas Cirone

#TrueCrimePrevention #NCPC #McGruffTheCrimeDog #TrueCrimePodcast #TrueCrimeCommunity #TrueCrimeStories #FinancialCrimes #FraudAwareness #IdentityTheft #CrimePrevention #TrueCrimeFans #CrimeStory #FinancialSafety #MoneyMatters #DigitalSecurity #OnlineFraud #ScamAwareness