Special Episode 140: Expert Witness Dr Ann Burgess speaks!
Murder Shelf Book Club Podcast
Release Date: 10/15/2025
Murder Shelf Book Club Podcast
In this special episode, discover the gripping new true crime book, 'Dog O’ War,' which is indeed stranger than fiction! Author Aphrodite Jones unravels the chilling circumstances surrounding the mauling death of 33-year-old lacrosse coach Diane Whipple, who was attacked by a presa canario, a rare breed of dog. Jones reveals how this tragic incident became intertwined with the sinister motives of the Aryan Brotherhood, a ruthless group driven by white supremacy and greed. Additionally, the book explores a twisted love triangle and the legal fallout that resulted from this case. Listen,...
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Judith A. Yates, an award-winning author and criminologist, brings a unique perspective to true crime with her latest project, her book, Shadows in Fire. For the past seven years, she has been in communication with Shirley Winters, a little-known serial killer and serial arsonist. As one of the rare female serial killers, Shirley has never shared her story outside of law enforcement—until now. Discussing Judith's forthcoming book, Shadows in Fire, she and Jill discuss the chilling details of Shirley Winters' crimes, her troubled childhood, mental health challenges, motivations, and her...
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Part 3: As Jill Cahill teeters at death’s door, her family is engulfed in grief, reeling from the sudden tragedy that has shattered their world and deeply affected her children. Investigators are diligently unraveling the intricate details of the murder plot, all while a pivotal trial looms on the horizon. Her parents braced themselves for a fierce custody battle, determined to secure their grandchildren, while they fervently prayed for justice. When the verdict finally arrives, its shockwaves resonate throughout New York State, triggering significant judicial changes that are still...
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Part 2: Nearly beaten to death, Jill fights for her life as she endures a grueling cycle of comas, surgeries, and infections, fluctuating between hope and despair. A fierce custody battle erupts over her children, coinciding with the investigation into the brutal assault. Meanwhile, Jeff Cahill finds his life shattered, unaware that his choices will lead him down a more devastating path, leaving a wider trail of destruction that no one could anticipate, forever altering the laws of the State of New York. (Be sure to listen to Part 1, Ep 159 before this episode! Context is crucial!) BUY...
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In 1982, a wave of terror swept across the Chicago area and the rest of the United States as seven people suddenly died; the manner of death was homicide; the cause: POISON! Tampering, someone had spiked Tylenol capsules with cyanide and American changed overnight. This shocking crime left the public in fear; anyone could have been targeted! For 44 years, an extensive investigation aimed to uncover the truth, but the case grew cold, leading many to believe that the cunning killer had escaped justice. Now, however, there is a startling revelation. Forensic psychologist Joseph Cibelli has...
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Part I: A boy meets a girl, and love ignites. They marry, craft a life together, and welcome their son and daughter, a perfect family. But as time unfolds, pressures rise, people evolve, and dreams unravel. While divorces are part of many people's stories, Jeff and Jill Cahill's tale is far from ordinary. It's a nightmare that shocks and devastates at every turn. When their lives take a dark twist, disastrous choices have ripple effects that devastate those around them. Families are shattered, hearts are left in ruins, and overwhelming confusion leaves us questioning: “How can anyone treat...
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It's time to start a conversation! The amazing David Lyons, a retired homicide detective and co-host of The Murder Police podcast, is Jill’s guest. These podcast hosts have an important discussion about David's new book, True Crime and Consequence. In it, David Lyons examines the increasing influence of the true crime community on real-life investigations. This timely work raises important questions about how podcasts, social media, and amateur sleuthing impact investigations, for better or worse. How can everyday citizens ethically, legally, and compassionately contribute to solving cases?...
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Spoiler Alert! Be sure to listen to Parts 1 and 2, Ep 152 and 154, before listening to this conclusion! Part 3: In this gripping conclusion, after a lengthy 16-year manhunt, the Mad Bomber, George Metesky, is finally apprehended in Waterbury, Connecticut, long after he unleashed a wave of terror across New York City with his dangerous bombings. The palpable relief among NYPD Captain Kinney and the Bomb Squad echoes through the halls of ‘The Tombs,’ a notoriously grim jail in Lower Manhattan, where Metesky is held. In the courtroom, a fierce contest unfolds between the...
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Part 6- Lost Girls by Robert Kolker. Retired NYPD Sergeant Joe Giacalone, known from Crimecon, the Hamptons Whodunit, and "True Crime with the Sarge," joins Jill to discuss the latest intriguing developments in the Long Island Serial Killer case. What formidable challenges does Rex Heuermann's defense team face in light of the evidence that has emerged? What complexities confront Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney as he personally spearheads the prosecution, especially given the troubling history of missteps and corruption associated with this case? The recent revelation...
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PART 4: Best-selling author Leslie Rule joins Jill for an engaging discussion about the unforgettable case she explores in her gripping book, A Tangled Web. Leslie offers her keen insights into the mind of the perpetrator, delving into her motivations and sharing a groundbreaking new development that sheds light on many of our lingering questions. Plus, she’s excited to unveil her next project, which is bound to excite true crime enthusiasts! Spoiler Alert: To fully enjoy this episode, be sure to listen to Jill’s A Tangled Web trilogy—Episodes 137, 138, and 141—first! PLANNING...
info_outlineDr. Ann Wolbert Burgess, an original Mindhunter, joins Jill for an engaging conversation about her newest book, Expert Witness: The Weight of Our Testimony When Justice Hangs in the Balance, co-authored with Steven Matthew Constantine. In this thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Burgess delves into a range of high-profile cases, including the complex narratives surrounding the Menendez brothers, the shocking revelations involving Bill Cosby, and the harrowing prosecution of Larry Nassar. She shares her insights into the process of criminal investigations, highlighting the criteria for selecting significant cases that can impact justice. Dr. Burgess elaborates on her pivotal role as an expert witness, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how her testimony can influence court proceedings. Additionally, she discusses on recent research concerning indigenous communities and the unique challenges they face within the legal system. The conversation also explores the significant shifts in how sexual assault and rape cases are prosecuted today, emphasizing how Dr. Burgess’s dedicated advocacy has contributed to these important changes in the pursuit of justice. And they talk CRIMECON 2025!
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Sources and photographs can be found on Jill’s Blog: October 2025. Contact: jill@murdershelfbookclub.com, or X, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.
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