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The First Degree

The First Degree

By: Alexis Linkletter Jac Vanek
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About this listen

 Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be friends with a murderer? Or escape a kidnapping? Or have a father who was a serial killer? Join Jac Vanek and Alexis Linkletter on a chilling ride into the darkest corners of your worst nightmares. Murders, cults, kidnappings, and conspiracies—all told through the eyes of a guest who is one degree of separation from the story itself. From infamous serial killers to the unbelievable unknown murder in your own backyard, The First Degree delivers a new perspective to the already fascinating true crime landscape. And who knows... you may be our next guest. (Plus, join them every Thursday for Killing Time, the light-hearted, true crime-adjacent aftershow!)Alexis Linkletter and Jac Vanek Politics & Government Social Sciences True Crime
Episodes
  • DEEP DIVE: BYE BYE 2025

    DEEP DIVE: BYE BYE 2025
    Dec 25 2025
    It’s time to reflect on the past year and break down all of the celebrity scandals, cultural moments and conspiracies that shaped this year. We’re diving into UFO sightings, the Blake and Justin saga, the Diddy trial and aftermath, the Epstein files, and everything in between. It’s been a wild year and we can only imagine how batshit next year will be! 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Episode 383: An Arrest & Murder Trial Abroad

    Episode 383: An Arrest & Murder Trial Abroad
    Dec 24 2025
    This week, we are stepping outside our usual format to bring you a rare combination in true crime. First, we revisit a case we covered in episode 326. The 1981 disappearance of Lonene “Lonnie” Rogers, a young mother who vanished during a blizzard in rural Pennsylvania. For decades, her family lived with questions and silence. Now, after years of tireless advocacy by Lonnie’s daughter, there has been a major and unexpected development that may finally bring accountability. Then, we turn overseas to a case that stunned us to learn about for the first time. An American student living in London finds himself at the center of a brutal homicide investigation after a young woman is found murdered in her apartment. What followed was an international trial, a disturbing defense strategy, and a verdict that has sparked intense conversation about power, control, and violence. Two cases. Two very different paths. One episode that reminds us how long justice can take, and why telling these stories still matters. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • DEEP DIVE: RIP ROB REINER

    DEEP DIVE: RIP ROB REINER
    Dec 18 2025
    This week we delve into the shocking events surrounding the tragic deaths of Rob and Michelle Reiner, exploring the complex family dynamics, and the chilling accusations against their son Nick. Plus, we’ve got Diddy and D4VD updates and spoiler alert: it’s not looking good. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    48 mins
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