Leigh Egan

Leigh Egan is a crime-fighting journalist and editor who specializes in breaking news and investigative true crime coverage. With more than a decade of experience under her belt, Leigh’s work can be found in a number of high-profile national publications. For Leigh, learning didn’t stop after college. She considers herself a lifelong learner who frequently takes media and journalism courses to keep abreast of the latest happenings and innovations in her field. Tips: legan@crimeonline.com

Accused Tot Killer Shifts Blame on 3-Year-Old’s Mother, Lawyer Claims She ‘Perpetrated’ Beating Death
Murder

A Maine man accused of murdering a toddler is reportedly shifting blame to the child’s mother, something prosecutors described as “character assassination,” according to the Portland Press-Herald. Tyler Witham-Jordan, 30, appeared in Lincoln County Superior Court on Tuesday for a hearing focused on evidence requests ahead of his December trial. As CrimeOnline previously reported, Witham-Jordan …

Court
September 26, 2024

Accused Idaho Killer Bryan Kohberger to Make First Appearance in Boise Court Today

Accused Idaho killer Bryan Kohberger is set to appear in a new court for the first time after successfully securing a venue change. Thursday’s hearing in Boise, while expected to be a brief session to update the new judge, signals the start of a new phase in Kohberger’s case. He could face the death penalty …

Celebrity Justice
September 25, 2024

Reailty TV Star Julie Chrisley Gets 7-Year Prison Sentence for Bank Fraud, Tax Evasion Reinstated

On Wednesday, a federal judge reaffirmed Julie Chrisley’s seven-year prison term for her involvement in bank fraud and tax evasion, dismissing her request for a reduced sentence. Chrisley, along with her husband Todd, gained fame through their reality series “Chrisley Knows Best,” which showcased their family’s lavish lifestyle. In 2022, they were found guilty of …

Court
September 25, 2024

Madeleine McCann’s Suspected Killer Admits to ‘Taking Child in Portugal’

Christian Brueckner, a suspect in the Madeleine McCann case, reportedly told a former prison cellmate that he abducted a child from a Portuguese apartment during a break-in. Brueckner, 47, is currently standing trial for alleged sexual offenses that are not connected to the disappearance of 3-year-old Madeleine, who was abducted in 2007 from her family’s …

Missing
September 25, 2024

BOLO: Police Seeks Tips on Missing Michigan Boy Who Hasn’t Been Seen in Days

Police in Michigan are asking the public to be on the lookout for a missing 16-year-old Detroit teen. Jacob Thompson was last seen leaving his home in the 15800 block of Gilchrist Street on Monday without notifying anyone and has not returned since. Detroit police are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to come …

Elijah Lewis
Murder
September 24, 2024

Mother Who Compared 5-Year-Old Son to Ted Bundy Before He Was Beat Dead to Take Plea Deal

Danielle Dauphinais, the mother of a 5-year-old New Hampshire boy found buried in Massachusetts in 2021, will plead guilty and is expected to receive a lengthy prison sentence. According to NECN, Dauphinais initially pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and witness tampering, in connection with her son Elijah Lewis’ death. On …

Murder
September 24, 2024

Minnesota Man Who Killed Co-Worker After She Rejected His Constant Advances Learns Fate

A Minnesota man has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2022 murder of a co-worker who repeatedly refused his sexual advances. Michael Jordan Carpenter received life without the possibility of parole last week after a jury found him guilty of first-degree premeditated murder and second-degree intentional murder, Carpenter, 38, was convicted in August …

Unsolved
September 24, 2024

Mother Says Child Found Buried in a Kansas Back Yard is Her Daughter, Investigation Underway

A Kansas mother says a child’s remains found buried in a back yard is likely her daughter, According to KSN, Christa Helm said she lost custody of her three daughters after she experienced homelessness, drug use, and financial problems five years ago. Police discovered a child’s remains in a Rose Hill backyard earlier this month …

Missing
September 24, 2024

BOLO: Police Seek Tips on Missing Alabama Woman, Last Seen at Rest Area

Police in Covington County, Alabama, are searching a 36-year-old woman. According to Covington County Sheriff Blake Thurman, Brandy Crouch was last seen on foot at the U.S. 331, close to County Road 18 in Florala, at a rest area. She’s described as standing 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighing between 125-130 pounds. Anyone with …

Bennett Brown
Suicide
September 23, 2024

Colorado Father Pushes for Ban on Sodium Nitrate After 17-Year-Old Son Takes His Own Life

A Colorado father, whose son died by suicide using an easily accessible substance purchased online, is pushing for a law to ban the substance nationwide. According to USA Today, Bruce Brown recounted that in November 2022, a UPS package containing a yellowish-white, odorless powder arrived for his 17-year-old son, Bennett. Believing it to be a …