Court Junkie

NOTE: Please excuse audio issues - the joys of Zoom calls! One day soon, we hope to record together in the studio. Until then, Zoom, it is.  In this episode of Sidebar, Jillian and Brittnee chat about the most recent Court Junkie cases, including: - Tai Chan - Sandra Melgar - Lori McConnell - Kayle Fleischauer Jillian also goes over some updates in past Court Junkie cases: - Alexis Murphy - Joel Guy Jr. Then, Jillian shares an interview she did with Valerie Pavilonis, University Editor with the Yale Daily News, about the recent death of Kevin Jiang. Brittnee shares a chilling quote from an accused murderer who recently decided to represent herself in her case, and then they discuss the hit and run accident involving the South Dakota Attorney General.  Jillian then answers some listener questions and raves about recent advertisers.  To see a video recording of this episode, make sure to subscribe to youtube.com/CourtJunkie. Follow Jillian and Brittnee on Instagram @JillianJalali and @BrittneeKli

Prosecutors say Erica Stefanko played a crucial role in the murder of 25-year-old Ashley Biggs, but can they prove it in court? Sponsors in this episode: 1800-CONTACTS - Order online at 1800Contacts.com. Madison Reed - Get 10% off plus free shipping on your first Color Kit when you go to Madison-Reed.com and use code COURT.  Uprising - Be one of the first 1,000 to use the code COURT at Uprisingfood.com/court and get free standard shipping. Check out the sampler bundle today!  Jordan Harbinger Show - Search for The Jordan Harbinger Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.  Pluto TV - Download the free Pluto TV app for Android, iPhone, Roku, and Fire TV and start streaming now. This episode was researched and written by Stephanie Horton, from Law & Crime.  Please consider supporting Court Junkie with as little as $3 a month via Patreon.com/CourtJunkie to receive ad-free episodes. Help support Court Junkie with $6 a month and get access to bonus monthly episod

In April 2018, two siblings went to go visit their father for the weekend. Only one of them would leave the house alive. Today’s case examines the case of Chase Fleischauer, and the trial of his father, Kayle Fleischauer. Sponsors in this episode: Purely Elizabeth - Get 25% off your first order on all Purely Elizabeth products by using code: COURTJUNKIE at checkout on purelyelizabeth.com.  Straight Talk Wireless - With Straight Talk Wireless, you can get a Samsung Galaxy A51 for just $199. Plus, get the $45 unlimited talk, text, and data plan with NO contract on America’s best networks for up to 50% less. Madison Reed - Get 10% off plus free shipping on your first Color Kit when you go to Madison-Reed.com and use code COURT.  Best Fiends - Download Best Fiends FREE on the Apple App Store or Google Play. BLUblox - Get high quality, blue light glasses at BLUblox with free shipping worldwide and 15% off by going to BLUblox.com/COURTJUNKIE or enter code COURTJUNKIE at check out. Please consider support

On July 10, 2018, the lives of Lori McConnell’s children were changed forever. The system that was supposed to save her, didn’t.  Thank you to Ryan VanDoren and Lora Bennett for sharing their story with us.  Sponsors in this episode: 1800-CONTACTS - Order online at 1800Contacts.com. Literati - Head to Literati.com/COURT for 25% off your first two orders. Madison Reed - Get 10% off plus free shipping on your first Color Kit when you go to Madison-Reed.com and use code COURT.  Purely Elizabeth - Get 25% off your first order on all Purely Elizabeth products by using code: COURTJUNKIE at checkout on purelyelizabeth.com.  BLUblox - Get high quality, blue light glasses at BLUblox with free shipping worldwide and 15% off by going to BLUblox.com/COURTJUNKIE or enter code COURTJUNKIE at check out. This episode was researched and written by Gabrielle Russon.  Please consider supporting Court Junkie with as little as $3 a month via Patreon.com/CourtJunkie to receive ad-free episodes. Help supp

It’s a case that has been covered and picked apart for years, yet there are still many questions that linger. In December 2012, Houston police responded to a brutal murder scene - Jim Melgar was found dead in his bedroom, while his wife of 32 years, Sandra Melgar, was tied up in a bathroom closet. Sandra told investigators she had suffered a seizure and didn’t know who killed her husband and locked her up. Investigators didn’t believe her, and she was charged and later convicted of his murder.  Is Sandra a cold-blooded killer, or is an innocent person in prison? Sponsors in this episode: Care/Of - Court Junkies can get 50% off your first Care/of Order. Go to TakeCareOf.com and enter code junkie50.  Madison Reed - Get 10% off plus free shipping on your first Color Kit when you go to Madison-Reed.com and use code COURT.  Rothys - Check out all the amazing shoes, bags and masks available right now at Rothys.com/COURT. Talkspace - Get $100 off your first month and show your support for the show by

In this first episode of Sidebar, Jillian and Brittnee discuss the most recent Court Junkie cases, including: - Skylar Nemetz Joel Guy Jr. David Dooley Jillian also goes over some updates in past Court Junkie cases: - Jamarion Lawhorn - Anita Smithey Then, Jillian and Brittnee discuss the death of Phil Spector and how the media covered it, before diving into cases they are currently following. Those cases include a man who survived multiple attempts on his life, a heroic waitress, and the tragic murder of a college student.  To see a video recording of this episode, make sure to subscribe to youtube.com/CourtJunkie. Follow Jillian and Brittnee on Instagram @JillianJalali and @BrittneeKlicic. Got any questions, comments or case suggestions for us? Send them to podcast@CourtJunkie.com and include Sidebar in the subject line. NOTE: Jillian’s 4-year-old microphone was giving her some difficulties, so a new one is on the way! You can expect better sound in next month’s Sidebar. Thanks for your patience! 

In October 2014, two deputies with the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office left for Arizona on a work trip. After a night filled with drinking and arguing, only one would return home alive.  Sponsors in this episode: Straight Talk Wireless - With Straight Talk Wireless, you can get a Samsung Galaxy A51 for just $199. Plus, get the $45 unlimited talk, text, and data plan with NO contract on America’s best networks for up to 50% less. 1-800-CONTACTS - Order online at 1800contacts.com, download their free app, or call 1-800 Contacts (1-800-266-8228).  BLUblox - Get high quality, blue light glasses at BLUblox. Get free shipping worldwide and 20% off by going to BLUblox.com/COURTJUNKIE or enter code COURTJUNKIE at check out. EveryPlate - Get started with EveryPlate for just $1.99 per meal plus an additional 20% off another 2 weeks by going to EveryPlate.com and entering code courtjunkie199. Madison Reed - Get 10% off plus free shipping on your first Color Kit when you go to Madison-Reed.com and use code CO

After 42-year-old Michelle Mockbee was found dead at her work in May 2012, investigators zeroed in on the janitor, David Dooley. He was convicted of murder just two years later, and sentenced to life in prison. But in 2016, David would be granted a new trial. Would new evidence come to light and prove his innocence, or would he be convicted again? Sponsors in this episode: Madison Reed - Get 10% off plus free shipping on your first Color Kit when you go to Madison-Reed.com and use code COURT.  Best Fiends - Download Best Fiends FREE on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Talkspace - Get $100 off your first month and show your support for the show by using the code COURT at talkspace.com. Straight Talk Wireless - With Straight Talk Wireless, you can get a Samsung Galaxy A51 for just $199. Plus, get the $45 unlimited talk, text, and data plan with NO contract on America’s best networks for up to 50% less. The Jordan Harbinger Show - Subscribe anywhere you listen to podcasts. This episode was researched and

On Thanksgiving weekend in 2016, the home of Lisa and Joel Guy Sr. became a horror scene, after their bodies were found inside their home. Prosecutors would later be tasked with proving that their son, Joel Guy Jr, was the killer.  NOTE: This episode contains details and facts that are especially gruesome. Listener discretion is advised. Sponsors in this episode: Aurate - Get 15% off your first purchase when you go to AurateNewYork.com/courtjunkie , and use promo code COURTJUNKIE at checkout.  Literati - Go to LITERATI.com/COURT for 25% off your first two orders and pick your kids book club today. Madison Reed - Get 10% off plus free shipping on your first Color Kit when you go to Madison-Reed.com and use code COURT.  Rothys - Check out all the amazing shoes, bags and masks available right now at Rothys.com/COURTRothys.com/COURT . The Jordan Harbinger Show - Subscribe anywhere you listen to podcasts Straight Talk Wireless - With Straight Talk Wireless, you can get a Samsung Galaxy A51 for jus

What a year! In this End of the Year Recap, I introduce a really good friend of mine, Brittnee, to the show. We chat about what 2020 was like for Court Junkie, what my top 10 episodes of the year were, and answer listener questions.  I’m also excited to announce that Brittnee and I will be doing monthly recap episodes on the main feed, starting in 2021. Make sure to follow @CourtJunkie on Instagram to submit listener questions or comments for each episode. You can also submit questions and comments to Podcast@CourtJunkie.com.  Follow us on Instagram @JillianJalali, and @BrittneeKlicic, and subscribe to us on YouTube YouTube.com/CourtJunkie.  Please consider supporting Court Junkie with as little as $3 a month via Patreon.com/CourtJunkie to receive ad-free episodes. Help support Court Junkie with $6 a month and get access to bonus monthly episodes.

It was supposed to be a happy day of homecoming for 20-year-old Skylar Nemetz, and his wife, Danielle. But on October 16, 2014, after Skylar returned home from a month-long training, tragedy struck, and Danielle lost her life. Had Skylar intentionally murdered her? NOTE: I will be taking a holiday break and will be back with a new regular episode on Monday, January 18. Happy holidays, everyone!  Sponsors in this episode: The RealReal - Download The RealReal app today to shop and sell your favorite luxury brands and get 20% off select items with code REAL. Plus, new shoppers get $25 off their first purchase.  Nutrafol - Go to Nutrafol.com and use promo code COURT to get 20% off your first month of subscription. Policygenius - Find out how much you could save on home and auto insurance at Policygenius.com.  Madison Reed - Get 10% off plus free shipping on your first Color Kit when you go to Madison-Reed.com and use code COURT.  Pluto TV - Download the free Pluto TV app for Android, iPhone,

How does a family of four just disappear, seemingly off the face of the Earth? That’s what happened in Fallbrook, California in February 2010, when the McStay family suddenly disappeared from their home. In Part 2, we take a deep dive into the trial of the accused, Chase Merritt.  Sponsors in this episode: Man Crates - Now through December 23, buy one item and get a second item for 50% off at ManCrates.com/COURT. Policygenius - Find out how much you could save on home and auto insurance at Policygenius.com.  The RealReal - Download The RealReal app today to shop and sell your favorite luxury brands and get 20% off select items with code REAL. Plus, new shoppers get $25 off their first purchase.  Talkspace - Get $100 off of your first month by using the code COURT at Talkspace.com or download the app. Madison Reed - Get 10% off plus free shipping on your first Color Kit when you go to Madison-Reed.com and use code COURT.  This episode was researched and written by Gabrielle Russon, with add

How does a family of four just disappear, seemingly off the face of the Earth? That’s what happened in Fallbrook, California in February 2010, when the McStay family suddenly disappeared from their home. This episode covers the circumstances of their disappearance and the investigation that followed.  Sponsors: Madison Reed - Get 10% off plus free shipping on your first Color Kit when you go to Madison-Reed.com and use code COURT.  Best Fiends - Download Best Fiends FREE on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Ritual - Get 10% off during your first 3 months. Visit Ritual.com/COURT today to get started.  Policygenius - Policygenius makes finding the right life insurance a breeze. In minutes you can compare quotes from the top insurers to find your best price. Visit policygenius.com. NetSuite - Let NetSuite show you how they’ll benefit your business with a FREE Product Tour at NetSuite.com/COURT. This episode was researched and written by Gabrielle Russon, with additions by Jillian Jalali. Please

Prosecutors dubbed it a “real life horror movie” after a brutal home invasion attack in Hobart, Wisconsin left two people dead and one injured in January 2016. Years later, 26-year-old Jacob Cayer would face murder charges in court.  Sponsors in this episode: Madison Reed - Get 10% off plus free shipping on your first Color Kit when you go to Madison-Reed.com and use code COURT.  The Real Real - Download the Real Real app today to shop and sell your favorite luxury brands and get 20% off select items with code REAL. Plus, new shoppers get $25 off their first purchase.  Rothys - Check out all the amazing shoes, bags and masks available right now at Rothys.com/COURT . Do No Harm - Subscribe to Do No Harm on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or listen ad-free by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app. NetSuite - Let NetSuite show you how they’ll benefit your business with a FREE Product Tour at NetSuite.com/COURT.  This episode was researched and written by Jennifer Tintner from the Law and Crime Tr

In 2019, Keith Raniere, one of the founders of NXIVM, a self-proclaimed self-help organization, went to trial for federal crimes including, extortion, forced labor, sex trafficking, fraud, and the production and the possession of child pornography. There have been numerous articles and documentaries made about this scandal, but in today’s episode, we look at the testimony of Lauren Salzman, who struck a deal with prosecutors and agreed to testify against Keith.  Note: Everything in this episode is based on what the jury heard from Lauren’s testimony. In my haste, I mispronounced the secret society, DOS. It's been quite a hectic week, so pelase forgive me.  Sponsors in this episode: Talkspace - To match with your perfect therapist, go to Talkspace.com or download the app. Make sure to use the code COURT to get $100 off your first month. Madison Reed - Get 10% off plus free shipping on your first Color Kit when you go to Madison-Reed.com and use code COURT.  Man Crates - Check out an endless se

In October 2018, the body of 21-year-old Lauren McCluskey, a college student at the University of Utah, was found on campus. An investigation into her death would reveal her numerous complaints to university police about her dangerous ex-boyfriend - all of which went unanswered.  A special thank you to Jill McCluskey, for sharing her daughter’s story with us.  Sponsors in this episode: Madison Reed - Get 10% off plus free shipping on your first Color Kit when you go to Madison-Reed.com and use code COURT.  Best Fiends - Download Best Fiends FREE on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Do No Harm - Subscribe to Do No Harm on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or listen ad-free by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app. Nutrafol - Go to Nutrafol.com and use promo code COURT to get 20% off. Pluto TV - Download the free Pluto TV app for Android, iPhone, Roku, and Fire TV and start streaming now. This episode was researched and written by Gabrielle Russon.  Please consider supporting Court Junkie with a

In January 2005, 16-year-old Adrianne Reynolds went missing from East Moline, Illinois. Investigators quickly uncovered that Adrianne’s friends knew more than they were saying. What happened to Adrianne Reynolds would shock nearly everyone in their community.  Thank you to everyone who shared this story with us, including Joanna Reynolds, Nicole Lally, and Toria Wilson. Please check out Toria’s podcast, Missing and Murdered in the Midwest for even more in-depth info on this case.  Sponsors in this episode: Madison Reed - Get 10% off plus free shipping on your first Color Kit when you go to Madison-Reed.com and use code COURT.  The Jordan Harbinger Show - Subscribe anywhere you listen to podcasts Care/of - Get 50% off your first Care/of order by going to TakeCareOf.com and entering the code junkie50.  NetSuite - Let NetSuite show you how they’ll benefit your business with a FREE Product Tour at NetSuite.com/COURT . This episode was researched and written by Gabrielle Russon.  Please

While firefighters were putting out a fire at a Tennessee pawn shop in May 2016, they found the body of the shop’s owner, Jerry Ridge, inside. Who could have murdered Jerry and then set his shop on fire? Sponsors in this episode: Madison Reed - Get 10% off plus free shipping on your first Color Kit when you go to Madison-Reed.com and use code COURT.  Policygenius - Policygenius makes finding the right life insurance a breeze. In minutes you can compare quotes from the top insurers to find your best price. Visit policygenius.com. Native Deodorant - Give the gift of Native by going to NativeDeo.com/junkie or use the promo code “Junkie” at checkout, and get 20% off your first order.  NetSuite - Let NetSuite show you how they’ll benefit your business with a FREE Product Tour at NetSuite.com/COURT. This episode was researched and written by Jennifer Tintner from the Law & Crime Trial Network. Follow Jennifer on Twitter @JenniferTintner. Please consider supporting Court Junkie with as little as $3 a

In December 2010, 28-year-old Aaron Scheerhoorn was murdered in a bar parking lot in Houston, Texas. Investigators quickly zeroed in on a suspect - 33-year-old Lydell Grant. But nearly 10 years later, even after all parties agree that he’s innocent, why has Lydell still not been exonerated? Sponsors in this episode: Best Fiends - Download Best Fiends FREE on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Madison Reed - Get 10% off plus free shipping on your first Color Kit when you go to Madison-Reed.com and use code COURT.  Ritual - Ritual is offering Court Junkies 10% off during your first 3 months. Visit Ritual.com/COURT today to get started.  Talkspace - Get $100 off your first month on Talkspace. Go to Talkspace.com or download the app and use the code COURT.  NetSuite - Let NetSuite show you how they’ll benefit your business with a FREE Product Tour at NetSuite.com/COURT. This episode was researched and written by Matt Keyser. Follow Matt on Twitter @byMattKeyser, and read more of his work at mattke

In one of the first trials to start up again after COVID-19, 21-year-old Andrew Vrba faces charges for the bizarre murder of his roommate.  Sponsors in this episode: Madison Reed - Get 10% off plus free shipping on your first Color Kit when you go to Madison-Reed.com and use code COURT.  The Jordan Harbinger Show - Subscribe anywhere you listen to podcasts Policygenius - Policygenius makes finding the right life insurance a breeze. In minutes you can compare quotes from the top insurers to find your best price. Visit policygenius.com. This episode was researched and written by Jennifer Tintner, from the Law & Crime Trial Network. Follow her on Twitter @JenniferTintner. Support & Follow Court Junkie: Please consider supporting Court Junkie with as little as $3 a month via Patreon.com/CourtJunkie to receive ad-free episodes. Help support Court Junkie with $6 a month and get access to bonus monthly episodes. Follow me on Twitter @CourtJunkiePod or Instagram at CourtJunkie.