Speaking of Crime

Speaking of Crime

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A true crime series investigating mysterious unsolved cases. Real people, real stories, real crimes.

With your hosts Jia and John

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86 episodes

Andre Brown’s Wrongful Conviction | Freedom

Andre and Tameka set out to hire a private investigator to uncover anything and everything they could.  This new information provided by Jamael, coupled with Andre’s access to the law library and learning the law, made him realize there may be a way out.  Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: Dark Hollows by g-yerro Yonatan Riklis - Tales of the Mind Yehezkel Raz - Deep Blue Sea - Instrumental Version Cloud Cover - Singularity Dear Gravity - The Wonders Patrick Ussher - In Spem Contra Spem - Piano Version   Episode written by: Jia Wertz Episode produced by: Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully

32m
May 12, 2023
Andre Brown’s Wrongful Conviction | Prison Life / The Key To Getting Out Of Prison

Who was this “old-timer”, as Andre calls him? Why did he approach Andre? What did he want? And where did he want Andre to go with him?  These were the questions going through Andre’s mind. Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: Onyx Music - Flowing Water Javapsych - Chilean Seabass Greg McKay - Written Words Episode written by: Jia Wertz Episode produced by: Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully  

26m
Apr 14, 2023
Andre Brown’s Wrongful Conviction | Incarcerated For 23 Years

Andre had been shot in 1998, a year prior to this crime being committed, but his recovery was extensive – Andre almost lost his life when he got shot. A year later he was still unable to walk properly, let alone run.  Yet, he was still identified in a line up as the assailant. Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: Yotam Agam - 6 Sol Denhollander - Outside Your Grace Nono - Grave idokay - Cicada Killer - Instrumental Version idokay - Cicada Killer - No Lead Vocals idokay - Cicada Killer Michael Vignola - Bleak Episode written by: Jia Wertz Episode produced by: Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully

32m
Apr 08, 2023
Andre Brown’s Wrongful Conviction | Lookalike

How many times have you heard the phrase, “you look so much like someone I know”?  I hear it all the time, but I rarely think about that statement much after it’s said. Sometimes I wonder if I saw the person they are referring to, would I also think they look like me, or not at all. And that is usually the extent of the energy or thought I give to it.  For Andre Brown, a 21-year old college student at the Borough of Manhattan Community College, this one statement changed his life forever.  Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: Omri Dehan - Work Hard Out of Flux - Timing Duffmusiq - Shake That Fever Dear Gravity - What Awaits Wes Harris - Retrograde - Instrumental Version Yestalgia - Drops smplsmth - Light Fixtures Episode written by: Jia Wertz Episode produced by: Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully

25m
Apr 06, 2023
Remembering Pravin

Every year, on Pravin’s death anniversary, his family holds an annual memorial in Carbondale, at the exact location where Pravin took his last breath.  It’s not an easy spot to get to, especially in the winter time with the tough terrain, but Lovely and her family make the 6-hour drive every February to gather in Pravin’s memory and say a prayer for him. Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: Yotam Agam - DNA Repair 528 Hz Onyx Music - Flowing Water Dear Gravity - What Awaits Lance Conrad - Still Lake Emmanuel Jacob - Release Episode written by: Jia Wertz Episode produced by: Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully

46m
Mar 26, 2023
The Retrial

By the time Judge Mark Clarke overturned the jury’s guilty verdict and let Gaege walk free, it had already been four and a half years since Pravin’s passing – and yet, Pravin’s family was back at square one having to try this case all over again. And there was still no justice. Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: Suraj Nepal - Mithila Vibes Unbearable Heavies Idolizing Love sero - Air Idan Balas - Dreams in Transition Kyle Preston - We Finally Made It Episode written by: Jia Wertz Episode produced by: Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully

30m
Mar 17, 2023
Judge Mark Clarke

Lovely was quoted as saying, “ I wanted the world to know that my son was not a drug-dealer, he was not drunk. He died because he was hit. I did not want Gaege to be put behind bars for his life. But yes, I wanted him to know that there are consequences to your actions and I want the law to hold him accountable.” Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: Roie Shpigler - Phantom Pain Break of Reality - The Farewell Emmanuel Jacob - Release Philip Daniel - Gradient - Piano Version Episode written by: Jia Wertz Episode produced by: Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully

42m
Mar 08, 2023
Sentencing

After firing Wepsiec, Gaege needed to hire a new attorney. This is where Steve Greenberg came into the picture – Grenberg is the same lawyer who represented R. Kelly when he was facing criminal charges. Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: Sémø - Fractured Timeline Noam Zaguri - In a Heartbeat Yehezkel Raz - When the Sunrise - (Instrumental Version) Yotam Agam - Fractal Yotam Agam - Nomad Christopher Galovan - Voyage Episode written by: Jia Wertz Episode produced by: Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully

34m
Feb 23, 2023
The Verdict

Pravin’s family stayed with Robinson when court was adjourned, from 4:00 pm onwards, waiting for the jury to reach a verdict. They were in the very same office where they had initially met David Robinson for the first time.  Then, at almost 11:00 pm, a police guard came in and told Robinson that it was time to head back to court. The jury deliberated for seven hours, and had finally reached a verdict.  Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: Brianna Tam - Waiting Brianna Tam - Growth (1) SPEARFISHER - Virgo Episode written by: Jia Wertz Episode produced by: Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully

19m
Feb 13, 2023
Gaege Bethune’s Testimony

Pravin’s family only learned of Gaege in the first place, because of Monica. The police never even shared Gaege’s name with Lovely while Pravin was missing, or during the investigation. And now, more than three years later, Lovely finally got the opportunity to witness Gaege being held accountable for his crimes. Music in this episode provided by Artlist: Christopher Galovan - Hold Me (1) Roniit - Solace - Instrumental Version Brianna Tam - Growth Vis Major - Slumber Episode written by: Jia Wertz Episode produced by: Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully

21m
Feb 06, 2023
The Trial - Part 2

The trial started – but so did the games the defense was playing. From trying to request a motion for mistrial on a regular basis, to demanding that photos of Pravin not be allowed in the courtroom, it was clear the defense was not interested in a fair and just trial.  MUSIC IN THIS EPISODE PROVIDED BY ARTLIST https://artlist.io/: Suraj Nepal - The Essence of Sound (feat. Rohit Manandhar) Simon Berggren - Ephemeraldas Meditation Eleven Tales - A Robot Learns Emotion Nadaz - Hinduarab Borrtex - Smiling Face EPISODE WRITTEN BY: Jia Wertz EPISODE PRODUCED BY: Studio G YOUR HOSTS: Jia Wertz and John Gully

27m
Jan 16, 2023
The Trial - Part 1

The day finally came that Lovely and Monica had been working towards for years. David Robinson called and said Gaege was being charged with Pravin’s murder. Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: Yotam Haimovitch - Whole Moon Suraj Nepal - Try Again Suraj Nepal - Cant Be Touched (1) Episode written by: Jia Wertz Episode produced by: Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully

23m
Jan 09, 2023
David & Goliath

After struggling for multiple years, Lovely and Monica were finally able to trust someone in the legal system – someone with authority who could not only clear Pravin’s name of all the lies that were being fabricated about him, but also get justice for Pravin’s murder. Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: Brianna Tam - Growth Yuval Vilner - Capricho Arabe Dear Gravity - Pacing Episode written by: Jia Wertz Episode produced by: Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully

17m
Jan 04, 2023
A Mother’s Fight For Justice

Monica’s local connections and her voice on her radio show coupled with Lovely’s tenacity and community support was a recipe for success. The two of them were on a mission to get justice, and nothing was going to stop them. Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: Yotam Agam - Venus Yehezkel Raz - Scala Tympani Michael Vignola - The Undercurrent Dear Gravity - Good Morrow Episode written by: Jia Wertz Episode produced by: Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully

37m
Dec 26, 2022
Pravin Didn’t Know He Was Going To Die That Night

Armed with all the evidence and knowledge that Lovely and Monica had gathered, they set out to prove what they knew to be true, and to get justice for Pravin’s murder.    Without the help of the Carbondale Police, or the State’s Attorney, or anyone else who had the power to investigate and press charges in this case – Lovely and Monica knew they had to take care of it themselves.   Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: Annie Zhou - Hesitation Yotam Haimovitch - Golden Sunrise BΔΔ RΔΔ - Unbound by Silence Mystic Flute - Blissful Silence Sid Acharya - Stories from the Sky Episode written by: Jia Wertz Episode produced by: Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully

35m
Dec 19, 2022
Ashly Retraces Pravin’s Steps At The Crime Scene

With so many pieces of evidence pointing to the exact things their instincts were telling them, Pravin’s family and Monica knew there was so much more to the story than they were being told. And if they wanted to get to the truth, they’d have to find it for themselves.  That’s exactly What they set out to do. Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: Philip Daniel - Reverse the River Yehezkel Raz - Continuance Yotam Agam - Qing Long Yotam Agam - Budham Sharanam Gaccami - Instrumental Version Episode written by: Jia Wertz Episode produced by: Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully

22m
Dec 12, 2022
Gaege’s Changing Stories

We know the audio from Jonathan’s interview was difficult to hear last week because of the poor audio quality, so we are sharing the police interview transcript on our Facebook page for anyone who wants to read it in its entirety. in this weeks episode  we hear Gaeges second Police interview and he changed many details from what he had originally said, even admitting to his lies at one point. Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: Hum by Lance Conrad An Invitation to Silence by Shahead Mostafafar Waiting for Tomorrow by Marek Jakubowicz Darkness by Onyx Music Episode written by: Jia Wertz Episode produced by: Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully

36m
Dec 06, 2022
Jonathan’s Police Interview

On Feb 17th, 2014 Jonathan was interviewed by the police. That was before Gaege was ever brought in for questioning. Even though they drove to the party together, both Gaege and his cousin Jonathan asserted that Jonathan did not leave the party with Gaege that night. The audio of the police interview is extremely poor and we did our best to make it intelligable so you can hear Jonathan's words. We felt, however, it was key to hear at least some of this interview to help understand how these interviews impacted the case. Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: An Invitation to Silence by Shahead Mostafafar Quiet by Eleven Tales Homage by Suraj Nepal Episode written by: Jia Wertz Episode produced by: Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully

18m
Nov 29, 2022
The Evidence

It’s hard to fathom that Pravin could have been left where he was, and in the condition that he was, by one person alone. That’s one of the reasons Monica thinks Gaege wasn’t alone when he attacked Pravin and left him on the side of Illinois Route 13. But there is a lot more to it than that. Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: Yotam Haimovitch - Magic Spices Yotam Haimovitch - The Morning Glow Yotam Haimovitch - Mystical Embroidery Alan A Craig - Tragic News Onyx Music - Malabi Hash Brianna Tam - Intrepid Patrick Ussher - The Desert Episode written by: Jia Wertz Episode produced by: Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully

32m
Nov 21, 2022
Murder On Route 13

There were two versions of events for the night Pravin went missing – one that Gaege was telling the police, and the other that Pravin’s autopsy and phone records were revealing. And then, of course, there were the accounts of the evening from Pravin’s friends who were with him at the party. All these pieces put together tell the story of what actually occurred. Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: Theatre of Delays - Cosmos Theatre of Delays - Obsessions Ben Winwood - Emma Michael Vignola - Through Adversity Michael Vignola - Follow Me Nowhere Philip Daniel - Gradient Episode written by: Jia Wertz Episode produced by: Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully

32m
Nov 07, 2022
Act Now, Mourn Your Brother Later

The Carbondale Police Chief, Jody O’Guinn, told reporters at a February 18th press conference that Pravin likely had trouble finding his way out of the woods because of the “difficult terrain and low temperatures.” The story the police officers told Lovely and her family about the day Pravin went missing was not accurate. Far from it, actually.  Music in this episode provided by Artlist: Noises by David James Terry Solstice by Lance Conrad Hum by Lance Conrad An Invitation to Silence by Shahead Mostafafar Suraj Nepal by Charukeshi (Longing & Yearnings in Love) Yotam Agam by Om Karam Instrumental Version Birthplace by Ardie Son Episode written by Jia Wertz Episode produced by Studio G Your Hosts Jia Wertz and John Gully

39m
Oct 31, 2022
The Autopsies

On the night of the vigil, Priya had heard that a tip had come in. So her and Ashly went to the police station to find out what the news was.  With such little information coming forward up until this point, the family was hopeful to finally start getting some answers.  Music in this episode provided by Artlist: One Man Bend - Still in Motion Attila Erdelyi - Between Good and Evil Shahead Mostafafar - Into the Next Dimension Borrtex - There Is Always a Reason Aija Alsina - Presence Yehezkel Raz - Behind Every Decision Episode written by Jia Wertz Episode produced by Studio G Your Hosts Jia Wertz and John Gully

35m
Oct 24, 2022
Reality Check

Pravin’s body was found approximately 400 yards from Lovely’s hotel room. In the same area that she had been mentioning to her family while the search was going on – even saying things such as, ‘what if he is right there?’. Her intuition was right – she had somehow known all along.  Music in this episode provided by Artlist: Yotam Haimovitch - Whole Moon One Man Bend - 23 Drops Michael FK - Yearning Sid Acharya - The Winter Darkness - Onyx Missing You by James Paul Mitchell Kadir Demir - Mediterranean Scent Wild - Swirling Ship Episode written by Jia Wertz Episode produced by Studio G Your Hosts Jia Wertz and John Gully

31m
Oct 17, 2022
400 Yards

In this episode you will hear from Pravin's Mother Lovely, his sister Priya, and his Cousin Ashley and Friend Kyle as they recount the events leading up to an answer to Pravins whereabouts. Music in this episode provided by Artlist: ANBR - Yearning BPMoore - Art Is Her Reflection Michael FK - Yearning Kadir Demir - Ebb and Flow Patrick Ussher - In Spem Contra Spem Enzo Bellomo - Serenity Piotr Hummel - Forsaken (1) Episode written by Jia Wertz Episode produced by Studio G Your Hosts Jia Wertz and John Gully

32m
Oct 10, 2022
Where Is Pravin?

Pravin was nowhere to be found. Only leaving behind a few clues – a cryptic tweet that got everyone’s attention. And a sinister phone call to his friend Anita.  So what happened that night after Pravin left the party?  Or did something go wrong at the party? Did he, in fact, get in a fight with someone?  Was he at the wrong place at the wrong time?  Or did someone intentionally target Pravin? ------------------------------------------------ Music in this episode provided by Artlist: Yehezkel Raz - Four on Five Aija Alsina - Collecting Memories Aija Alsina - Sunrise Boreís - Rame Marek Jakubowicz - Dark Rose Piotr Hummel - Forsaken Will Taylor - Greensleeves Onyx Music - Armaniac ------------------------------------------------ Episode written by Jia Wertz Episode produced by Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully

28m
Oct 03, 2022
Don’t Hang Up | Pravin Varughese

This season we will be bringing you the case of a young man by the name of Pravin Varughese. The trauma his family went through and the Trial that was a slam dunk. Or was it. Sometime when you think you have gotten all the answers you find you are left with more questions. Questions you should never have to ask yourself as you deal with the death of your child.  ----------------------------------- Like any typical college night, students at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale were heading to a house party. It was February 12th, 2014, a Wednesday, and just a couple of days before Valentine’s Day.  Pravin Varughese, a 19-year-old sophomore, wasn’t planning on going to the party – it was mid week, not the weekend – and he had a test the next morning. But his friends were going to the party, and they persuaded him to come along.  That party would be the last time anyone would see Pravin alive. ---------------------------------- Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: Yotam Haimovitch - Whole Moon One Man Bend - Last Stretch DANSHA - Grab the Sky Episode written by Jia Wertz Episode produced by Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully  

19m
Sep 26, 2022
Sean-Paul Remembers Kylen, Crystal and Mackey - Part 2

On Saturday, January 22nd, a reception was held at the Grand County Public Library in Moab, where artist Ekaterina Tatarovich unveiled a handmade metal sculpture forming a sunflower and a rose wrapped around each other as though in an embrace. The piece of art is titled “In Memory of Kylen and Crystal.”  Ekaterina had the piece partially completed in time for the memorial service that was held back in September as well.  Sean-Paul and Jason both traveled to Moab for the unveiling. ​​ Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: Gradient by Philip Daniel Better Now by Philip Daniel When I Held You by Ben Winwood Finding My Memories By Sivan Talmor Flight of the Inner Bird By Sivan Talmor Music also provided by: Sean-Paul Shulte - Run Lizzy Run Episode written by Jia Wertz Episode produced by Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully

34m
Feb 10, 2022
Sean-Paul Remembers Kylen, Crystal, And Mackey | Part 1 Sean-Paul Is Holding His Breath Be Kylen Kynd And Crystal Clear

This interview will conclude our season. We will be releasing it in two-parts over the next couple of weeks because we spent hours talking to Sean-Paul. He opened up his heart, and shared so much – and we want to share the entirety of that conversation with you.  While these episodes will bring our season to a close, as new information develops in Kylen and Crystal’s case, we will be sure to cover it and update all of you.   Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: Birthplace by Ardie Son Hum by Lance Conrad Dawn Before Time by Victor Spiegel Short Love Story by Claudio Laucci Quiet By Eleven Tales Oval Window by Yehezkel Raz Wind By Swirling Ship Episode written by Jia Wertz Episode produced by Studio G   Your Hosts Jia Wertz and John Gully

50m
Feb 05, 2022
FBI Closes The Case On Gabby Petito

On January 20th, 2022, Gabby Petito’s family spent 8.5 hours meeting with the FBI. The case is officially closed and the family had to endure the final process of obtaining Gabby’s belongings that were recovered from her van and from the Laundrie home. They left the FBI offices in Tampa with several boxes of her belongings – a nightmare no parent can fathom. Ever since Brian’s remains were found in Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park, along with his notebook, we have all wondered what, if anything, would be revealed in that notebook. It was found submerged in water, making it even less likely that the contents of the notebook would be legible – but there was, at least, some hope that Gabby’s family may get some answers.   It has now been revealed that Brian admitted in the notebook that he killed Gabby.  Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: Quiet by Eleven Tales Ex-Voto by Bottega Baltazar An Invitation to Silence by Shahead Mostafafar Misty Mountain by Tilman Sillescu Faith by Simon Wester Episode written by Jia Wertz Episode produced by Studio G Today's Sponsor: Sprung On Food http://www.sprung.com Your Hosts Jia Wertz and John Gully

18m
Jan 25, 2022
Shay Shares What She Knows About Kylen And Crystal’s Last Days

Kylen and Crystal had many friends in Moab. One of those friends worked with Crystal at McDonald's and her name is Shay. She is devastated. And five months later, she is still struggling to deal with the loss of her friends who she says she was so blessed to have known, even for the short period of time she was able to spend with them before their lives were brutally cut short.  Music in this episode provided by Artlist https://artlist.io/: SHe's a Gift by Borrtex Birthplace by Ardie Son Missing You by James Paul Mitchell Short Love Story by Claudio Laucci My Blues(Inst.) By Moody Bear Episode written by Jia Wertz Episode produced by Studio G   Your Hosts Jia Wertz and John Gully

26m
Jan 15, 2022