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The First Degree

The First Degree

By: Alexis Linkletter Jac Vanek
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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: UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTHS

    DEEP DIVE: UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTHS
    Aug 20 2026
    Today we are discussing the tragedy of Hayden Panettiere’s sudden passing and everyone who failed her throughout her life, Anthropic and Amazon destroying rare and ancient texts to basically rewrite history however they want (1984 anyone?), and Howie Mandel being a perv in front of his daughter. For real, what is wrong with EVERYONE?! 🎟 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 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • Episode 416: Trish Haynes

    Episode 416: Trish Haynes
    Aug 19 2026
    In May 2018, a 25-year-old woman suddenly disappears while living with a childhood friend in Grafton, New Hampshire. Her family immediately knows something is wrong, but for months, they are left searching for answers. Then investigators make a devastating discovery: a small piece of her dismembered body is recovered from a nearby pond. As her loved ones begin uncovering disturbing allegations about what she endured before her death, they push for those responsible to be held accountable. But years later, no one has ever been charged with her murder. In episode 416, Jac and Alexis examine the murder of Trish Haynes, the troubling allegations surrounding her final months, and her family’s ongoing fight for answers and justice. 🎟 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 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • DEEP DIVE: TO CATCH A PREDATOR?

    DEEP DIVE: TO CATCH A PREDATOR?
    Aug 13 2026
    There’s a lot going on this week, so put those tin foil hats on. First, we’re discussing the new bizarre documentary Predators, and the impact Chris Hansen has had on the true crime world. Also, Chris Watts somehow is getting married, and Drake is buying a goth girl a house. Lastly, we know you don’t know who Desiree Townsend is now, but you will after you listen to today’s ep. 🎟 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 📓 Substack: http://thefirstdegree.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    45 mins
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