Best Detective Trapp Podcasts (2025)

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Featuring: Rebuilding L.A. 1:08:26

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1d ago1:08:26

1:08:26

Please enjoy this specially featured episode of LA Times Studio's Rebuilding LA. What’s next for L.A. in the wake of its recent wildfires? In “Rebuilding Los Angeles,” broadcast journalist Kate Cagle examines the systems that failed us, the path forward and the innovative fire recovery efforts making L.A. more resilient. This episode features promi…

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“The Trials of Frank Carson” Update 27:12

8d ago27:12

27:12

Attorney Frank Carson spent decades defending the accused in California's Central Valley. He made powerful enemies among law enforcement. When they put him on trial for murder, he insisted he was being framed. He was acquitted after a lengthy trial, but his widow says the ordeal destroyed his health and hastened his death. As part of a malicious pr…

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Killer with a Badge: How the LAPD Missed a Murderer in its Ranks 26:20

22d ago26:20

26:20

In 1986, 29-year-old Sherri Rasmussen was just starting her married life when she was brutally murdered in her Van Nuys home. The LAPD called it a “burglary gone bad,” ignoring red flags pointing to one of their own for years. Detective Stephanie Lazarus might have gotten away with it if she hadn’t left behind a key piece of evidence.…

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Death on the Set of the Twilight Zone Movie 28:25

29d ago28:25

28:25

When a helicopter crash killed actor Vic Morrow and two children on the set of Twilight Zone: The Movie, the filmmakers called it an unforeseeable accident. An LA County Sheriff’s detective saw something else: broken laws, reckless risks, and an A-list director who ignored warnings.By L.A. Times Studios

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Satanic Panic: A Death in the Manson Tunnel 26:26

1M ago26:26

26:26

On the summer solstice in 1990, a UCLA student with an interest in the occult was stabbed to death in a railway tunnel in the San Fernando Valley. Rumors of ritual violence swirled in the era of the so-called Satanic Panic. Police investigating the murder of Ronald Baker found his killers knew him well. One of them had even carried his casket.…

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Tinker, Tailor, Stoner, Spy 28:20

1M ago28:20

28:20

When 21-year old college dropout Christopher Boyce got a job as a clerk at the TRW Defense and Space Systems complex in Redondo Beach, he was given access to some of the country’s biggest government secrets. And under a Robin Hood-like ethos, he and his childhood pal Andrew Daulton Lee began sharing those secrets with the Soviet Union. Their story …

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I Killed John Belushi 30:23

2M ago30:23

30:23

When comic John Belushi died of a speedball overdose at Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont, it wasn’t clear there had been a crime—until the National Enquirer got involved. This episode follows the tabloid reporter who hunted down Belushi’s dealer, coaxed a confession, and transformed a drug overdose into a homicide investigation.…

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The Other Side of the Door: The Case Against Lee Baca 32:28

2M ago32:28

32:28

James Sexton endures weeks of solitary confinement in federal prison, as prosecutors finally gear up to take Lee Baca to trial. Baca’s lawyers claim he has Alzheimer’s Disease. It’s late 2016, and the recent presidential race has made the FBI unpopular in liberal Los Angeles. Sexton testifies for the government and is released early, a humbled man,…

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The Generals: Power, Deception and a Cover-Up that Goes to the Top 27:36

2M ago27:36

27:36

By L.A. Times Studios

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Inside Man: A Jailer Turns Informant 28:09

2M ago28:09

28:09

James Sexton thinks Operation Pandora’s Box is behind him. When he reports a superior officer for misconduct, he is branded a snitch and treated as a pariah. Ostracized and scared, he does what he once thought unthinkable: he begins feeding information about the Sheriff’s Department to the FBI, and tells a grand jury about the scheme to hide Anthon…

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Gunning Up: L.A. County’s Top Cop Versus the Feds 26:20

3M ago26:20

26:20

When Lee Baca took over the LA County Sheriff’s Department in 1998, he inherited a scandal-plagued agency. He built a reputation as a progressive reformer, and his jail-education programs were celebrated. But the feds notice that investigations into his agency always seem to evaporate when he gets involved. By 2011, he is 70 years old and has run t…

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The Ghost: An Inmate Disappears in L.A. County Jail 30:16

3M ago30:16

30:16

After an inmate sucker-punches James Sexton, he defies the jail’s unwritten rules by failing to exact violent retribution, and finds himself ostracized by his peers. But he becomes an expert in the antiquated jail computer system and eventually wins promotion to an elite jail-intelligence unit. Leah Marx has a cell phone smuggled to inmate-informan…

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The Dungeon: Inside Men’s Central Jail 30:16

3M ago30:16

30:16

A young FBI agent named Leah Marx arrives in Los Angeles and receives a tip in 2010 about brutal conditions at Men’s Central Jail downtown. Such complaints have gone nowhere for years, since they pit the allegations of inmates against the word of jail deputies. But she finds informants, including a wily bank robber, Anthony Brown, who is facing lif…

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Introducing Pandora's Box: The Fall of L.A.'s Sheriff 2:36

4M ago2:36

2:36

Pandora’s Box: The Fall of L.A.’s Sheriff is a six-part podcast exploring the crisis that toppled one of the country’s most prominent lawmen, Lee Baca. Rising from humble beginnings, he presented himself as a reformer when he took over the scandal-plagued agency in 1998. He vowed that he would be sheriff as long as he lived, and voters seemed to ap…

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Featuring: The Trials of Frank Carson, Episode 8 Bonus 25:21

4M ago25:21

25:21

In this special feature bonus episode, our host Christopher Goffard is joined by his editor, Steve Clow to discuss the aftermath of the case.By L.A. Times Studios

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Featuring: The Trials of Frank Carson, Episode 8 54:47

4M ago54:47

54:47

In this featured episode, The fates of Frank Carson and his co-defendants are decided, and jurors explain their reasoning. An interview with the state’s star witness, now out of lockup, raises troubling questions about the state’s handling of the case.By L.A. Times Studios

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Featuring: The Trials of Frank Carson, Episode 7 Bonus 23:06

4M ago23:06

23:06

In this special feature bonus episode, our host Christopher Goffard is joined by his editor, Steve Clow, to examine the evidence against Carson and his co-defendants as the longest California criminal trial in decades staggers to its conclusion.By L.A. Times Studios

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Featuring: The Trials of Frank Carson, Episode 7 46:39

4M ago46:39

46:39

In this specially featured episode, defense attorneys offer alternate theories to explain Korey Kauffman’s death, and the trial becomes an endurance test. As Frank Carson’s health deteriorates, he wonders whether he will live to see a verdict.By L.A. Times Studios

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Featuring: The Trials of Frank Carson, Episode 6 Bonus 21:04

5M ago21:04

21:04

In this specially featured bonus episode, our host Christopher Goffard is joined by his editor, Steve Clow, to discuss the implications of Frank Carson's trial on the criminal-justice system.By L.A. Times Studios

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Featuring: The Trials of Frank Carson, Episode 6 44:06

5M ago44:06

44:06

In this special-feature episode, Frank Carson hits rock bottom, and offers his co-defendants a way out. During the marathon preliminary hearing, the prosecution belatedly reveals a cache of undisclosed evidence — with major consequences.By L.A. Times Studios

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Featuring: The Trials of Frank Carson, Episode 5 Bonus 21:52

5M ago21:52

21:52

In this special-feature bonus episode, our host Christopher Goffard is joined by his editor, Steve Clow, to discuss how detectives zeroed in on Frank Carson’s wife and stepdaughter.By L.A. Times Studios

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Featuring: The Trials of Frank Carson, Episode 5 43:16

5M ago43:16

43:16

In this specially featured episode, a series of wiretaps lead to criminal charges against Frank Carson’s wife and stepdaughter, an art student.By L.A. Times Studios

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Featuring: The Trials of Frank Carson, Episode 4 Bonus 21:02

6M ago21:02

21:02

In this special-feature bonus episode, our editor Steve Clow and our host Christopher Goffard discuss how three California Highway Patrol officers fell into the District Attorney’s crosshairs.By L.A. Times Studios

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Featuring: The Trials of Frank Carson, Episode 4 41:08

6M ago41:08

41:08

In this special-feature episode, Frank Carson and his co-defendants are accused of a complicated murder conspiracy after a three-year investigation. Among the accused: three cops.By L.A. Times Studios

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Featuring: The Trials of Frank Carson, Episode 3 Bonus 20:31

6M ago20:31

20:31

In this special-release bonus episode, our host Christopher Goffard talks with false-confession expert Richard Leo, who questions the credibility of the government’s star witness.By L.A. Times Studios

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Featuring: The Trials of Frank Carson, Episode 3 50:18

6M ago50:18

50:18

In this special featured episode, the discovery of Korey Kauffman’s remains gives the investigation new impetus, and a man named Robert Woody offers a methamphetamine-fueled “confession.” But his story changes again and again.By L.A. Times Studios

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Featuring: The Trials of Frank Carson, Bonus Episode 2 28:31

6M ago28:31

28:31

In this special-released bonus episode, our host Christopher Goffard is joined by his editor, Steve Clow, to talk about how authorities linked the disappearance of Korey Kauffman to Frank Carson.By L.A. Times Studios

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Featuring: The Trials of Frank Carson, Bonus Episode 1 33:47

6M ago33:47

33:47

In this special-release bonus episode, our host Christopher Goffard is joined by his editor, Steve Clow, to discuss the origins of The Trials of Frank Carson.By L.A. Times Studios

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Introducing: Rebuilding L.A. 35:29

6M ago35:29

35:29

Please enjoy the first episode of the latest from L.A. Times Studios, Rebuilding L.A. L.A. Times reporter Liam Dillon joins us to talk about where we are in the moment as residents assess the path forward. How are people grappling with the decision to rebuild and, ultimately, what factors are playing into those plans? Also, Altadena resident and la…

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Featuring: The Trials of Frank Carson, Episode 2 43:12

6M ago43:12

43:12

In this special-release episode, investigators confront a defiant Frank Carson about the disappearance of a scrap-metal thief with a reputation for making enemies.By L.A. Times Studios

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Featuring: The Trials of Frank Carson, Episode 1 43:49

6M ago43:49

43:49

In Season 2 of Crimes of the Times, host Christopher Goffard revisits one of the longest and most bizarre murder trials in U.S. history. This special podcast rerelease will include fresh insights, bonus content and a new episode with the latest news on this fascinating case. The story follows the rise and subsequent downfall of one of Stanislaus Co…

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Featuring: Man in the Window 37:22

7M ago37:22

37:22

Please enjoy a special feature of the first episode of L.A. Times Studios production, Man in the Window. In this episode, Phantom in the Fog, investigative reporter Paige St. John discusses how a series of brutal dog killings in a small town in California acted as the prelude for the coming danger and violence committed by one of California's deadl…

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Featuring: Detective Trapp 38:05

7M ago38:05

38:05

Please enjoy a special feature of my show, Detective Trapp’s first episode, All the Missing. In this episode, Detective Julissa Trapp fights her way onto the homicide unit in her hometown of Anaheim, California — and strives amid personal struggles to understand God’s plan for her. At the same time in a nearby city, women begin vanishing.…

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Featuring: Dirty John 42:25

7M ago42:25

42:25

Please enjoy a special featured episode of my show Dirty John. In this episode, Debra Newell, an interior designer in Southern California, meets John Meehan on an over-50 dating site. His profile looks exciting: Anesthesiologist, divorced, Christian. She falls in love fast. But her children dislike him and warn her that his stories don’t add up. A …

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The Arsonist in the Crowd 32:44

8M ago32:44

32:44

John Orr was a renowned fire investigator who was also a prolific arsonist, and whose thinly veiled novel helped to convict him. In this episode we hear from the fire captain who first suspected him—and from Orr himself. New episodes every Tuesday. To read more about these cases, visit Crimes of the Times at latimes.com Video episodes will be avail…

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The Execution of Barbara Graham 35:14

8M ago35:14

35:14

The case of Barbara Graham, known in the 1950s as “Bloody Babs” after the murder of a Burbank widow. Former prosecutor Marcia Clark joins us to reexamine the questionable tactics that sent Graham to death row. New episodes every Tuesday. To read more about these cases, visit Crimes of the Times at latimes.com Video episodes will be available on Spo…

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The Cult, The Lawyer, and the Snake 34:53

8M ago34:53

34:53

The story of Synanon, the drug rehabilitation group once known as “the miracle on the beach,” and the rattlesnake attack on the crusading Los Angeles lawyer who made an enemy of the group’s leader. New episodes every Tuesday. To read more about these cases, visit Crimes of the Times at latimes.com Video episodes will be available on Spotify and You…

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The Final Word on Manson: Part 2 32:39

9M ago32:39

32:39

Former Manson prosecutor Stephen Kay recounts the strange story of Ronald Hughes, the “hippie lawyer” who enraged the cult leader and vanished mysteriously in the middle of trial. New episodes every Tuesday. To read more about these cases, visit Crimes of the Times at latimes.com Video episodes will be available on Spotify and Youtube…

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The Final Word on Manson: Part 1 41:33

9M ago41:33

41:33

The last living prosecutor of Charles Manson gives an inside account of the trial and the cult leader’s deadly vision. Stephen Kay recalls the case that still haunts America. New episodes every Tuesday. To read more about these cases, visit Crimes of the Times at latimes.com Video episodes will be available on Spotify and Youtube.…

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The Black Dahlia 29:51

9M ago29:51

29:51

The Black Dahlia mystery: Wild theories, enduring myths and a long-overlooked suspect. New episodes every Tuesday. To read more about these cases, visit Crimes of the Times at latimes.com Video episodes will be available on Spotify and Youtube.By L.A. Times Studios

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Patty Hearst 38:37

9M ago38:37

38:37

The kidnapped heiress who became an “urban guerrilla” and embraced her captors. New episodes every Tuesday. To read more about these cases, visit Crimes of the Times at latimes.com Video episodes will be available on Spotify and Youtube.By christopher goffard

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The Pentagon Papers Trial 36:40

10M ago36:40

36:40

Smuggled out of a Santa Monica safe, the top-secret documents that changed American history. New episodes every Tuesday. To read more about these cases, visit Crimes of the Times at latimes.com Video episodes will be available on Spotify and Youtube.By Christopher Goffard

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George Franklin 30:41

10M ago30:41

30:41

A childhood memory sent her father to prison for murder. Was it real? New episodes every Tuesday. To read more about these cases, visit Crimes of the Times at latimes.com Video episodes will be available on Spotify and Youtube.By Christopher goffard

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McMartin Preschool 34:30

10M ago34:30

34:30

Wild claims of mass child molestation rocked an L.A. beach town. Truth was the first casualty. New episodes every Tuesday. To read more about these cases, visit Crimes of the Times at latimes.com Video episodes will be available on Spotify and Youtube.By L.A. Times Studios

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John DeLorean 26:39

10M ago26:39

26:39

A maverick from Detroit, John DeLorean built the “car of the future.” Then came the briefcase full of cocaine. New episodes every Tuesday. To read more about these cases, visit Crimes of the Times at latimes.com Video episodes will be available on Spotify and Youtube.By L.A. Times Studios

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Rebecca Schaeffer 30:07

11M ago30:07

30:07

A young actress, an obsessed stalker and a Hollywood murder that changed America. New episodes every Tuesday. To read more about these cases, visit Crimes of the Times at latimes.com Video episodes will be available on Spotify and Youtube.By L.A. Times Studios

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Introducing: Crimes of the Times 1:00

11M ago1:00

1:00

L.A. Times reporter Christopher Goffard of “Dirty John” is back with another riveting podcast from L.A. Times Studios. In “Crimes of the Times,” Goffard goes deep behind the scenes of a new story each week, cutting through common myths and misconceptions to uncover what really happened in the most compelling cases from L.A. and beyond.…

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Aftershow bonus 2 | A disappearance 26:15

4+ y ago26:15

26:15

Our host Christopher Goffard is joined by his editor, Steve Clow, to talk about how authorities linked the disappearance of Korey Kauffman to Frank Carson. This is a subscriber-exclusive bonus episode of “The Trials of Frank Carson.” Subscribe now to unlock all eight of these exclusive bonus episodes — and also enjoy our award-winning journalism an…

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Aftershow bonus 1 | The lawyer and the thief 31:32

4+ y ago31:32

31:32

Our host Christopher Goffard is joined by his editor, Steve Clow, to discuss the origins of The Trials of Frank Carson.By Abbie Fentress Swanson, Mike Heflin, Steve Clow, Christopher Goffard

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Verdicts | 8 51:45

4+ y ago51:45

51:45

The fates of Frank Carson and his co-defendants are decided, and jurors explain their reasoning. The DA’s office is sued for malicious prosecution, but prosecutors stand by their case. An interview with the state’s star witness, now out of lockup, raises troubling questions about the state’s handling of the case. If you like podcasts like Dirty Joh…