The Rise of True Crime: Why We Can't Look Away

Alexis Linkletter spent 10 years covering the Long Island serial killer case, and she was literally at a First Degree meetup in Manhattan when she found out Rex Heuermann had been arrested — a day before anyone else. We get into the full story, why it took so long, what the guilty plea meant for the families, and the disturbing details that never made it to print. We also get into the D4VD case, why scientists keep disappearing under suspicious circumstances worldwide, and why she thinks the scariest thing about serial killers is how completely ordinary they are. Chapters: 00:00 Meet Alexis Linkletter 01:05 CrimeCon Nerves and Panels 02:05 Long Island Roots and Big Moves 03:15 After LISK Plea Next Chapter 05:10 First True Crime Pull 06:25 Law Psychology and Rules 08:04 Unsolved Mysteries Era 09:38 Empathy Behind the Camera 11:15 From PR to True Crime TV 14:00 First Degree Concept and Origin 16:46 Killing Time Rabbit Holes 19:32 When True Crime Gets Heavy 21:04 Ethics Media and Misconceptions 22:38 Fear in the Field 23:45 Why True Crime Boomed 25:04 Sponsor Break 29:13 TikTok Sleuths and Balance 31:57 Exploitation vs Awareness 33:13 Centering Victims First 34:11 When True Crime Glorifies 35:04 Why We Study Killers 36:43 Common Serial Killer Traits 37:33 Teens And Group Violence 39:57 Are Serial Killers Rarer 41:30 The David Case Breakdown 43:31 Sponsor Break 47:13 Long Island Case Summary 48:25 Corruption And Missed Tip 49:36 Arrest Day Reactions 50:05 Ordinary Men Warning Signs 52:40 Victims Misunderstood 54:19 More Victims And Evidence 57:42 Families After Guilty Plea 58:13 Other Cases To Watch 59:01 Rapid Fire Fun Questions 01:03:35 Vegas Plans And Whats Next 01:04:44 Big Goals And Goodbye Alexis's socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexislinkl... Website: https://www.alexislinkletter.com/about/ My socials: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hollyjeanmadi... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollymadiso... Twitter: https://twitter.com/hollymadison?ref_... Facebook:   / hollymadison   Get my books here: Down the Rabbit Hole: https://amzn.to/3dU0Yer The Vegas Diaries: https://amzn.to/3eCSJT4 -- Thanks to Article for sponsoring this podcast! Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit ARTICLE.COM/WISH and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout. That scratched up pair has done its job. Upgrade today with Zenni! Go to ZENNI.com/PODCAST and use code PODCAST15 for 15% off your first order, plus free shipping on all US orders over $65. The styles sell out, so don't sit on it. Upgrade your energy, harmonize your EMF exposure, and elevate your wellness with Leela Quantum Tech's science-backed quantum technology and get 10% off at ⁠leelaq.com⁠ when you use code YOUWISH at checkout. Download the Vinted app for free to start listing with no seller fees. -- Produced by Dear Media. Follow Dear Media: Listen: https://dearmedia.com/shows/ Instagram:   / dearmediastudio   TikTok:   / dearmedia   Linkedin:   / dear-media   Shop Dear Media: https://shop.dearmedia.com/ About Dear Media: Dear Media is the largest podcast network focused on amplifying women’s voices and audiences. Founded in 2018, DM hosts 80+ podcasts fronted by top-tier talent and has a following of more than 60M across social channels. DM is building the podcast incubator of the future through a 360-degree business model, providing unparalleled support from concept to editorial, production, distribution, and commerce extensions. Due to its highly engaged and vast consumer audience, the network attracts global brands and digital savvy partners.