Criminology Chats

Murdered Cheerleader- Case of Heather Rose Rich

In this engaging episode of Criminology Chats, JR, Miranda, and Grace converse with retired Texas Ranger and Sheriff Lane Akin. He dedicated 50 years to law enforcement in Texas. Lane will share insights about his experiences as a Texas Ranger and Sheriff. He will delve into the murder of Heather Rich, a high school cheerleader who was tragically killed by three boys one night in October 1996. Lane was among the numerous law enforcement officials who investigated the case, providing him with a distinctive viewpoint for our audience.

Detective Michele Wood Chicago P.D.

In this compelling episode of Criminology Chats, JR, Miranda and Grace chat Sergeant Michele Wood. She has spent 25 years with the Chicago Police Department. One of a select few women to serve as a homicide detective on the city’s violent West Side. Her record is unmatched: thousands of cases, hundreds of arrests, and over seventy-five department awards.
Certified as an FBI crisis/hostage negotiator, Wood has led investigations into homicides, police- involved shootings, sex crimes, and domestic violence—bringing justice to victims and families.
Her drive comes from a personal vow she made after surviving a violent attack at age 11, an experience that fuels both her toughness and her compassion.
Wood is a familiar face in true crime television, appearing in Dick Wolf’s Dead Again, Oxygen, Investigation Discovery, ABC’s 20/20, and On Patrol Live. She’s currently developing an investigative documentary series based on her caseloads and a True Crime advocate- community engagement platform.
Beyond the badge, she got her master’s in public safety management - all while raising her daughter.

Serial Killers in the cinema!

Today, we will have a conversation with Dr. Jim Iaccino. He earned his Master's and Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from DePaul University. In 2007, he became a part of The Chicago School and is now serving as an Associate Professor in the Online Forensic Psychology Department.
Dr. Iaccino has spent decades researching the portrayal of serial killers in cinema. Recently, he initiated the Cinematic Serial Killers Research Project, engaging Forensic students in analyzing films that depict real-life serial murderers. Tune in to hear his insights!

Murder in Starkville, MS

In this compelling episode of Criminology Chats, JR and Miranda delve into the case of Kristi Fulgham, who is serving a life sentence without parole for the murder of her husband, Joey Fulgham, in Mississippi. The discussion explores a complex case involving themes of murder for hire, familial betrayal, and a crucial Mississippi Supreme Court decision.

Dr. Jeff Hood & The Death Sentence

In this episode hosts JR and Miranda chat with Dr. Jeff Hood about the death sentence. He is a theologian and spiritual advisor to death row inmates nationwide. He has accompanied eleven men to their executions, including the first and eighth nitrogen hypoxia executions. For both his service and scholarship, he was nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
Links for Dr. Hood:
https://www.facebook.com/revjeffhood/
https://www.premierchristianity.com/jeff-hood/2796.bio
https://www.executionintervention.org/story

Intimate Partner Violence

On today’s podcast, hosts JR, Ashley and Miranda explore the difficult but essential conversations about relationships, safety, and healing. They tackle a topic that affects millions of people worldwide yet often remains hidden behind closed doors: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV).
They will talk with Dr. Patrick Brady, from the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs, (UCCS) Co. He specializes in a variety of criminology areas including IPV. He has done research that focuses on how officers and prosecutors can corroborate evidence beyond physical injuries in domestic violence complaints.
We hope you enjoy it. "BE SAFE OUT THERE!"

The Reindeer Case

🎙️ Welcome, listeners! Before we dive into today’s episode, I have an important update for you. This is our final episode of the year, but don’t worry—we’ll be back in 2026 with brand-new episodes of Criminology Chats!
We’ve got some incredible content lined up for next year. Our first episode of 2026 will drop on January 22nd at 7:00 PM EST, and after that, you can expect new episodes every two weeks.
In the meantime, please keep listening, share the show with your friends on social media, and help us grow this amazing community.
And as always, remember: BE SAFE OUT THERE!
Now, let’s get into today’s topic—the Reindeer Case. This one’s full of mystery, a touch of magic, and a whole lot of belief.

Investigating Cold Cases

In this episode, hosts JR and Grace will engage in a conversation with Detective McDonald from the Aurora Colorado Police Department.
Detective McDonald will talk about investigating cold cases. He will explain some of the difficulties and triumphs in working on them.
He will elaborate on three cold cases that were resolved using modern DNA techniques alongside fundamental detective practices.
We hope you enjoy it. "STAY SAFE OUT THERE!"

Brain Injuries and the Legal System

In this episode JR is doing a live taping at Red Rocks Community College (RRCC), Lakewood, CO as part of the Mental Health Academy. This is a collaboration between The Chicago School and RRCC.
The guests are Jack Storti and brain injury survivor who turned into a Treatment Court Program Manager and Sarah Covey the Director of Denver Reentry Services of the Brain Injury Association of Colorado. Her spouse is a brain injury survivor.
We hope you enjoy this episode and the valuable information Jack and Sarah discuss about this topic. 

Being a Police Cadet

In this episode Hosts JR and Ashley chat with two police cadets in training at a police academy in Colorado. They are about half-way through their training and Ashley, and I wanted to get their perspective at this time in their training.
We chatted with them on the same day but at different times based on their schedule.