https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/behind-the-verdict--6414846
Meet the Hosts:

Myrene Koch - a seasoned Prosecuting Attorney with nearly 25 years of experience in criminal prosecution. She gained national attention as the lead prosecutor in the high-profile Dennis Bowman case, a 30-year-old cold case homicide featured in the Netflix documentary "Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter." Specializing in cases involving vulnerable victims, Myrene has extensive expertise in handling complex and sensitive criminal cases, including adult and child sexual assault, child abuse, child pornography, domestic violence, and homicide. Her deep commitment to justice is matched by her passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of advocates and legal professionals

Jon Horford - With a strong desire to learn and grow, Jon is especially focused on using podcasting as a tool to educate himself and others about the legal system. Whether it’s demystifying courtroom procedures or breaking down high-profile cases, Jon is committed to providing insightful and thought-provoking content that helps listeners better understand the law, its impact on society, and the pursuit of justice.]]>enTrue CrimeCopyright Spotlight Media Studioshttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6527ee4d6f633e4d5cd32dd1f956b478.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/behind-the-verdict--6414846Wed, 11 Mar 2026 22:08:41 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochSpotlight Media Studiosteamspotlight@spotlightmediastudios.comWelcome to Behind the Verdict, a gripping podcast that takes you behind the scenes of high-profile criminal cases, delving deep into the investigation, prosecution, and ultimately, the pursuit of justice. Each episode takes you through the untold...
Meet the Hosts:

Myrene Koch - a seasoned Prosecuting Attorney with nearly 25 years of experience in criminal prosecution. She gained national attention as the lead prosecutor in the high-profile Dennis Bowman case, a 30-year-old cold case homicide featured in the Netflix documentary "Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter." Specializing in cases involving vulnerable victims, Myrene has extensive expertise in handling complex and sensitive criminal cases, including adult and child sexual assault, child abuse, child pornography, domestic violence, and homicide. Her deep commitment to justice is matched by her passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of advocates and legal professionals

Jon Horford - With a strong desire to learn and grow, Jon is especially focused on using podcasting as a tool to educate himself and others about the legal system. Whether it’s demystifying courtroom procedures or breaking down high-profile cases, Jon is committed to providing insightful and thought-provoking content that helps listeners better understand the law, its impact on society, and the pursuit of justice.]]>falseepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-rebecca-park-case--69422331https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69422331Tue, 13 Jan 2026 17:00:09 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochRebecca Park was a 22 year-old pregnant woman from Michigan, who was allegedly murdered by her biological mother and stepfather in 2025. We go over what is known so far, and why her family would end this pregnant young womans life in such a gruesome way.2053false50fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-peterson-family-case--69326241https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69326241Tue, 06 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochKathleen Peterson was found dead at the bottom of a staircase in 2001. What followed became one of the most debated murder cases in American history. In this episode of Behind the Verdict, we break down the evidence, the theories, and the legal...2478false49fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-harmony-montgomery-case--69121543https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69121543Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWe examine the heartbreaking case of Harmony Montgomery and the failures that allowed a vulnerable child to vanish without intervention. From repeated warnings about her safety to custody decisions that placed her in danger, Harmony’s story exposes...3062false48fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/aileen-wuornos-america-s-first-female-serial-killer--68743150https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68743150Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:57:16 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochAileen Wuornos is remembered as America’s first female serial killer—but her story is tangled in trauma, survival, and contradiction. This episode breaks down her claims of abuse, the killings, and the legal decisions that shaped one of the most...2738false47fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/wrongful-incarceration-in-the-united-states--68631133https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68631133Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochAmerica’s justice system gets it right most of the time — but when it fails, the consequences are devastating. From the Central Park Five to ICE detention centers, this episode of Behind the Verdict examines how the absence of accountability and...2565false46fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-murdaugh-murders-pt-2--68557255]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68557255Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWas the Alex Murdaugh case really as simple as it seemed? In this episode, we explore some of the conspiracy theories floating through our comments and the internet—from cartel ties and second shooter claims to boat accident revenge rumors. We’re not...]]>2954false45fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-ed-gein-case--68416126https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68416126Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochA quiet Wisconsin farmer was hiding a nightmarish secret: murdered women, grave-robbed corpses, and human remains turned into household objects. We break down the crimes, the psychological unraveling, and the shocking legacy of Ed Gein, the real-life...3469false44fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-temujin-kensu-case--68365795https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68365795Fri, 31 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochA 1986 parking-lot murder leads to life in prison for Temujin Kensu. Prosecutors say he was a jealous ex who threatened the victim and could have secretly flown 400 miles to kill him. Supporters argue the case relied on a biased photo lineup, a...3629false43fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-thabo-bester-case--68231464https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68231464Tue, 21 Oct 2025 20:30:07 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWe dive into the jaw-dropping saga of Thabo Bester, a convicted criminal who faked his own death in prison, and Dr. Nandipha Magudumana, the celebrity doctor allegedly entwined in his escape plan. Was Magudumana the mastermind helping him slip away,...1421false42fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-tony-earls-jr-case--68128237https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68128237Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:13:39 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWe unpack the tragic and controversial case of Tony Earls Jr., who was recently convicted of manslaughter in the 2022 shooting death of 9-year-old Arlene Alvarez. we discuss the sentencing, the impact on Arlene’s family, and the broader questions this...1858false41fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-chappaquiddick-incident--68066309https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68066309Wed, 08 Oct 2025 17:54:36 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochIn 1969, Senator Ted Kennedy’s car plunged off a bridge, killing 28-year-old Mary Jo Kopechne. What really happened that night on Chappaquiddick Island — and how did power and privilege shape the outcome?2259false40fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/america-s-school-shooting-crisis--67881493https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67881493Wed, 24 Sep 2025 20:47:40 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochSchools should be safe havens—but in America, they’ve become the scene of unthinkable violence. In this episode of Behind the Verdict, we examine the rise of school shootings, the devastating impact on students and families, and the hard questions...2998false39fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-annunciation-school-shooting--67774939https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67774939Tue, 16 Sep 2025 10:00:08 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochA sanctuary shattered. In this episode of Behind the Verdict, we break down the Annunciation School shooting in Minnesota—who the victims were, what drove the gunman, and whether this tragedy could have been prevented.2090false38fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-markel-adelson-murder--67705425https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67705425Wed, 10 Sep 2025 17:00:08 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochA bitter custody battle turned deadly. In this episode of Behind the Verdict, we uncover how prosecutors say Donna Adelson and her family plotted the murder of FSU law professor Dan Markel—and the shocking trail of evidence that unraveled the case.2685false37fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-murdaugh-murders--67623477https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67623477Wed, 03 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochThe Murdaugh murders shook South Carolina’s Lowcountry—an influential family, a double homicide, and a tangled web of power, corruption, and crime. When Maggie and Paul Murdaugh were found murdered on their family estate in 2021, suspicion soon turned...2096false36fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-idaho-college-murders-pt-3--67521260https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67521260Tue, 26 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWe plunge into the chilling aftermath of the sentencing, uncovering the haunting details that surfaced in its wake. We’ll explore the intriguing theories swirling around the murders and take a closer look at the formidable challenges the killer now...2345false35fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-epstein-files-pt-2--67432022https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67432022Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:00:08 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWe explore intriguing theories surrounding Epstein's mysterious death. Who might be pulling the strings behind the scenes? How involved could Donald Trump be? And what about the possibility that Epstein had connections to the CIA?2883false34fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-epstein-files-pt-1--67337590
From Epstein's rise through elite social circles and his suspicious 2008 plea deal, to the brave survivors who came forward and the explosive arrest that shook the world in 2019. We dive deep into the unanswered questions surrounding his death in a Manhattan jail cell, the conviction of Ghislaine Maxwell, and the silence that still protects those who may have been involved.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67337590Tue, 12 Aug 2025 10:00:08 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochJeffrey Epstein was a billionaire financier with no clear source of wealth, a private island, a jet nicknamed the "Lolita Express," and a network of connections reaching the highest levels of politics, business, and royalty. But behind the luxury and...
From Epstein's rise through elite social circles and his suspicious 2008 plea deal, to the brave survivors who came forward and the explosive arrest that shook the world in 2019. We dive deep into the unanswered questions surrounding his death in a Manhattan jail cell, the conviction of Ghislaine Maxwell, and the silence that still protects those who may have been involved.]]>1876false33fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-idaho-college-murders-pt-2--67254151https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67254151Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:00:08 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWe break down the timeline of events, the forensic evidence that led to Kohberger’s arrest, and the controversial plea deal that allowed him to avoid the death penalty. Why did he do it? Why were two roommates spared? And was justice truly served?3111false32fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-idaho-college-murders-pt-1--67172137https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67172137Tue, 29 Jul 2025 10:00:08 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochOn a quiet November morning in 2022, four University of Idaho students were found brutally murdered in their off-campus home—no signs of forced entry, no cries for help, and two roommates left unharmed. The shocking crime gripped the nation, sparking...1789false31fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-sandra-birchmore-case--67087067https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67087067Tue, 22 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWhen 23-year-old Sandra Birchmore was found dead in her apartment, police ruled it a suicide. But behind the scenes was a disturbing truth — Sandra had been groomed by a Stoughton police officer since she was 15. She was pregnant, and he didn’t want...2157false30fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-january-6th-insurrection--66898049https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66898049Tue, 15 Jul 2025 10:00:07 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochThe events of January 6th sent shockwaves through our democracy, challenging one of its fundamental principles: the peaceful transfer of power. But what fueled this extraordinary insurrection, and why have those who incited it largely evaded...2530false29fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/project-ajax-and-the-destruction-of-iran-s-democracy--66891755https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66891755Tue, 08 Jul 2025 10:00:08 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochProject Ajax led to the coup that put Iran on a path to form the country it is today. What happened in 1953, and why were the United States and Great Britain involved?2185false28fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-george-floyd-case--66717844https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66717844Tue, 24 Jun 2025 10:00:09 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochThe George Floyd case centers around the tragic events of May 25, 2020, when George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man, died in Minneapolis, Minnesota, while being apprehended by police officers. The incident, which began after Floyd was...2960false27fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-media-distorts-public-understanding-of-the-law--66584235https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66584235Tue, 17 Jun 2025 10:00:12 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochOne of Myrene's biggest issues with the media is how influential it can be in shaping people's opinions about the law. In this episode, she shares stories that highlight why that becomes an issue in real life and tests Cristina and Jon as if they are...2924false26fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-crisis--66481593https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66481593Tue, 10 Jun 2025 10:00:08 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWe dig into the staggering statistics that illuminate the tragic and devastating crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women. We shine a light on the heart-wrenching stories behind the numbers, revealing the profound impact on families and...2163false25fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/gabby-petito-case--66376228https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66376228Tue, 03 Jun 2025 10:00:10 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWe dive deep into the tragic Gabby Petito case. We explore pivotal moments where law enforcement interventions might have changed the outcome, delve into intriguing theories surrounding her mysterious death, and even ponder the unsettling question of...2137false24fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cassie-ventura-and-sean-combs-case-pt-1--66298871https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66298871Tue, 27 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWe dig into details of the Cassie Ventura and Sean Combs case, and Myrene provides perspective on Sean Combs's charges and her opinion of the eventual outcome. 2519false23fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/karen-read-case-pt-3--66163559https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66163559Tue, 20 May 2025 10:00:08 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWe return to the Karen Read Case again and bring on a guest to help us comb through the details. We also discuss if any opinions on Karen's innocence or guilt have shifted now that the second trial is well underway. Myrene also gives us an update on...2097false22fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/casey-anthony-case-pt-2--66064602https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66064602Tue, 13 May 2025 10:00:09 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWe discuss the defenses arguments and how they influenced the jury to not charge Casey Anthony in her daughters murder. We also highlight Child Abuse Awareness month and what to do if a child you know is being abused.2063false21fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/casey-anthony-case-pt-1--65929736https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65929736Tue, 06 May 2025 10:00:08 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWe give an overview of the Casey Anthony Case and discuss details that make it seem impossible that she wasn’t convicted of child abuse and murder.1721falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/karen-read-case-pt-2--65787175https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65787175Tue, 29 Apr 2025 10:00:21 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochFor the first time, Jon and Myrene find themselves on opposite sides of a case, and the tension is palpable. As they prepare to present their arguments, Jon firmly believes that Karen is innocent, while Myrene is equally convinced of her guilt.2493false19fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/karen-read-case-pt-1--65658615https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65658615Tue, 22 Apr 2025 10:00:08 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWe give and overview of the Karen Read Case, and for the first time, Jon and Myrene are not on the same side.1497false18fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/nicole-brown-simpson-case-pt-3--65572823https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65572823Tue, 15 Apr 2025 10:00:08 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWe discuss details of the crime scene, the infamous car chase, and specifics regarding how the defense used the prosecution's and law enforcement's missteps to OJ’s advantage.2751false17fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/nicole-brown-simpson-case-pt-2--65413443https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65413443Tue, 08 Apr 2025 10:00:08 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWe discuss the history of turbulence that led to Nicole's death, details about how the murder likely happened, and how the defense was able to convince the jury that OJ was innocent. 1741false16fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/nicole-brown-simpson-case-pt-1--65095649https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65095649Tue, 25 Mar 2025 10:00:08 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWe give an overview of the Nicole Brown Simpson/OJ Simpson case and discuss some of the details that have had Myrene worked up about this case since her college days. 2134false15fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jonbenet-ramsey-case-pt-2--64943548https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64943548Tue, 18 Mar 2025 10:00:07 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochIn this episode, we explore startling statistics, theories related to the case, and the JonBenet cases connection to another famous case. 2057false14fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jonbenet-ramsey-case-pt-1--64809986https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64809986Tue, 11 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWe give an overview of the JonBenét case, and talk about some of the most puzzling details of this unsolved murder.2501false13fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/laci-peterson-case-pt-2--64683090https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64683090Tue, 04 Mar 2025 11:00:08 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWe discuss the evidence that actually got Scott Peterson sent to prison, a few theories regarding what actually happened to Laci, and why the Innocence Project is working to get Scott's conviction overturned.2601false12fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/laci-peterson-case-pt-1--64552967https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64552967Tue, 25 Feb 2025 11:00:07 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWe give an overview of the case, including background about the couple, and what drove Scott to kill his wife and unborn son.1986false11fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/brandon-mitchner-case-pt-2--64422174https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64422174Tue, 18 Feb 2025 11:00:07 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochIn this episode we continue the discussion about the unsolved death of Brandon Mitchner. Myrene tells us about her conversation with a prosecutor involved in the case directly, we go over details from the police report that stand out, and we discuss...1563false10fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/brandon-mitchner-case-pt-1--64174395https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64174395Tue, 04 Feb 2025 11:00:07 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochIn this episode we discuss the unsolved death of Brandon Mitchner.3399false9fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/menendez-brothers-case-pt-3--63940916https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63940916Tue, 28 Jan 2025 11:00:07 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochIn this episode, we discuss the implications of freeing people who have committed violent crimes back into society, and we answer listener questions.1944false8fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/menendez-brothers-case-pt-2--63768684https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63768684Tue, 21 Jan 2025 11:00:07 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochIn this episode, we bring on a guest that shares more details that favor the belief that the brothers had been sexually assaulted, and that's what caused them to brutally murder their parents.1723false7fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/menendez-brothers-case-pt-1--63679786https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63679786Tue, 14 Jan 2025 11:00:07 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochIn this episode, we give a brief overview of the Menéndez Brothers Case, and share some of our opinions regarding their motivations for committing such a heinous crime.2179false6fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/aundria-bowman-and-kathleen-doyle-cases-pt-5--63593034https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63593034Tue, 07 Jan 2025 11:00:08 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWhy does it matter that the murderer was prosecuted in two states? Why did Myrene talk about Aundria in terms of "nevers"? What questions did listeners submit for our first Q&A?1955false5fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/aundria-bowman-and-kathleen-doyle-cases-pt-4--63517094https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63517094Tue, 31 Dec 2024 11:00:08 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWhat was the strategy used to prosecute the murderer? What was in his "Go Bag"? What forensic obstacles did authorities face in determining Aundria's cause of death?2658false4fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/aundria-bowman-and-kathleen-doyle-cases-pt-3--63242707https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63242707Tue, 24 Dec 2024 11:00:07 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochHow was justice finally served in the Bowman/Doyle case? This episode unpacks the pivotal breakthroughs, the cross-state challenges of extraditing Bowman, and the emotional impact of delayed justice for Aundria Bowman’s family. We reveal untold...1896false3fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/aundria-bowman-and-kathleen-doyle-cases-pt-2--63242262https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63242262Tue, 17 Dec 2024 11:05:00 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochWho were Aundria Bowman and Kathleen Doyle, and what connects their tragic stories? We examine Bowman's violent past, his manipulative lies, and the systemic failures that allowed his crimes to go unnoticed for so long. From victim silences to...1524false2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/aundria-bowman-and-kathleen-doyle-cases-pt-1--63242261https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63242261Tue, 17 Dec 2024 11:00:06 +0000Jon Horford & Myrene KochBehind the Verdict explores true crime from a prosecutor’s perspective, offering deeper insights into the Bowman/Doyle murders. In this episode, we discuss how media shapes public perception, the balance between coverage and justice, and why diving...1538false1full