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

Teacher & aides force crying and screaming autistic children into dark bathrooms alone, blow loud whistle in child’s ear with sensory issues: Police

 Teacher & aides force crying and screaming autistic children into dark bathrooms alone, blow loud whistle in child’s ear with sensory issues: Police
Child Abuse

A Florida teacher and two aides were charged last Monday for allegedly abusing three autistic children at the Silver Sands School in Okaloosa County. Miami Herald reports that teacher Margaret Wolthers, 48, along with aides Carolyn Madison and Diana LaCroix, are accused of blowing a whistle in the ear of an autistic child who wears earphones due to …

Jonbenet Ramsey
Famous Murder Cases
February 3, 2019

Convicted pedophile who admitted to killing JonBenét Ramsey apparently wanted to eat her body, according to a friend

A convicted pedophile who reportedly admitted to killing JonBenét Ramsey apparently revealed additional details to a friend that surfaced during an interview on the “Dr. Oz” show. Music publicist Michael Vail, a high school friend of convicted pedophile, Gary Oliva, appeared on the “Dr. Oz” show with Nancy Grace, where he explained that Olivia wrote …

BREAKING: Missing newborn case is a hoax; suspect in custody after starting fake kidnapping story for donation money: Police
February 1, 2019

BREAKING: Missing newborn case is a hoax; suspect in custody after starting fake kidnapping story for donation money: Police

A strange and confusing story that surfaced Friday about a possible infant abduction in North Carolina has turned out to be a hoax, authorities confirm. *Update* ABC 11 previously reported that both mom and baby had been found safe, according to a statement provided by the Scotland County Sheriff’s Office on Friday night. Upon additional investigation, the …

Missing Tennessee teen girl found safe 700 miles from home has incriminating evidence against accused rapist father: Police
Child Abuse
February 1, 2019

Missing Tennessee teen girl found safe 700 miles from home has incriminating evidence against accused rapist father: Police

A Tennessee man charged with the rape of his 14-year-old adopted daughter was apparently caught after the girl had incriminating evidence against him. ABC 6 reports that 41-year-old Randall Pruitt is behind bars on one count of rape after authorities found “explicit photos and videos” on the teen girl’s cellphone. His first court hearing is scheduled …

14-year-old girl who disappears with bedsheets missing, window screen slashed FOUND ALIVE, stepdad under arrest
January 31, 2019

14-year-old girl who disappears with bedsheets missing, window screen slashed FOUND ALIVE, stepdad under arrest

A Tennessee girl who disappeared over two weeks ago has been found safe, according to authorities. ABC 6 reports that the 14-year-old Monroe County girl Savannah Pruittwas located in Wisconsin on Thursday. The news comes shortly after her adoptive father, Randall Lee Pruitt, 41, was arrested and charged with rape on Thursday afternoon. On Thursday night, authorities …

BREAKING: Disturbing arrest made in case of missing teen girl
Missing
January 31, 2019

BREAKING: Disturbing arrest made in case of missing teen girl

Authorities with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee confirmed an arrest has been made in connection with a missing 14-year-old from Madisonville. ABC 11 reports that Rick Lavoie, spokesperson for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, announced that an arrest was made at around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, in connection with the teen’s disappearance. Lavoie didn’t expand …

‘I’m going to watch!’: Niece tries to kill disabled aunt by driving around for hours until her oxygen tank is used up [Police]
Elderly Abuse
January 31, 2019

‘I’m going to watch!’: Niece tries to kill disabled aunt by driving around for hours until her oxygen tank is used up [Police]

A Pennsylvania woman is facing attempted murder charges after police claim she drove around for hours with her 77-year-old aunt, hoping the elderly woman’s oxygen would run out and cause her to die. ABC 16 reports 55-year-old Carrie Trowbridge is facing several felony charges after allegedly trying to kill her aunt, Josephine Delucia, in November. According …

Charles Manson cult member Leslie Van Houten recommended for parole, takes ‘full responsibility’ for stabbing wealthy couple
Famous Murder Cases
January 31, 2019

Charles Manson cult member Leslie Van Houten recommended for parole, takes ‘full responsibility’ for stabbing wealthy couple

A California panel recommended Leslie Van Houten, the young member of Charles Manson’s former “family,” for parole on Wednesday. Associated Press reports that the latest parole recommendation for 69-year-old Van Housen marks the third in more than 40 years the parole board has recommended her for a chance at freedom. She’s been behind bars since …