True Crime News Roundup: This Week’s Biggest Cases, Arrests & Must-Watch Docs (Week of July 6, 2025)

This Week in True Crime

Each week, I pull together the stories that cut through the chatter—the cases making headlines, the ones slipping through the cracks, and the fresh leads that have seasoned investigators raising their eyebrows. The true crime world never sits still. This week, we’ve got a bombshell guilty plea in the Idaho murders, new docs dropping from the big streaming players, and a handful of cases that just got a shot of adrenaline thanks to some dogged detective work. Whether you’re chasing the latest twists or hunting for your next late-night documentary fix, you’ll find what you need right here.

Major True Crime Updates: Kohberger Case and Beyond

Kohberger Investigation: Media Challenges to Gag Order

In true crime updates related to the Kohberger case, media organizations continue to challenge the gag order that has been in place since 2022. These organizations are pushing for increased transparency in the proceedings, arguing that the public interest in the case warrants greater access to information.

The guilty plea has prompted renewed discussions about evidence that had previously been withheld from public view. Legal analysts suggest that some of this evidence may now become available, potentially providing new insights into the investigation and the case against Kohberger.

Donna Adelson Murder Trial Set for August

Among the major true crime updates this week is the scheduling of the Donna Adelson murder trial for August 2025. The defense team is currently seeking additional discovery materials, indicating intensive preparation for what promises to be a high-stakes legal battle with significant implications.

The case has attracted substantial media attention due to its complex nature and the prominence of the individuals involved. Court documents reveal that the prosecution has assembled an extensive evidence portfolio, though specific details remain sealed pending the trial.

Maine Paddleboarder Investigation Classified as Homicide

This week’s crime news includes troubling developments in the case of Sunshine Stewart, whose body was discovered at Crawford Pond. Initially treated as a suspicious death, authorities have now officially classified the case as a homicide investigation.

The reclassification has sparked considerable community safety concerns in the area, with local residents expressing anxiety about the circumstances surrounding Stewart’s death. Law enforcement officials have increased patrols in the vicinity while urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

Brooks Houck Found Guilty in Crystal Rogers Murder

After a decade-long investigation, Brooks Houck has been found guilty in the Crystal Rogers murder case. This verdict represents a significant resolution to a case that has captivated true crime enthusiasts for years and brings some measure of closure to Rogers’ family.

The investigation faced numerous challenges over the years, including limited physical evidence and changing witness testimonies. Prosecutors ultimately built their case on a combination of circumstantial evidence and digital forensics that proved compelling to the jury.

Breaking Crime News From Around the Country

The latest true crime news also includes several other notable cases developing across the country:

• The Justin Mohn case in Pennsylvania has seen new developments, with Mohn being found guilty of patricide. The case has gained particular attention due to its social media aspects, raising questions about online radicalization and the role of digital evidence in modern criminal investigations.
• Colorado dentist James Craig, accused of poisoning his wife, now faces additional allegations including involvement in an affair and a jailhouse murder plot. The case continues to generate significant media coverage as new details emerge about the complex motivations potentially behind the crime.

These cases highlight the evolving nature of criminal investigations in the digital age, with social media evidence and digital forensics playing increasingly central roles in building cases and securing convictions.

Community Impact of High-Profile Cases

The true crime stories dominating headlines this week have had measurable impacts on their communities. There has been increased public awareness of cold cases, with law enforcement agencies reporting higher numbers of tips and information related to previously stalled investigations.

Growing concern over domestic violence cases has also been noted, with advocacy groups citing the high-profile nature of several recent cases as catalysts for increased reporting and support-seeking behavior. The enhanced focus on digital evidence in investigations has similarly influenced public behavior, with greater awareness of digital footprints and their potential role in criminal cases.

The rising influence of social media in criminal investigations represents another significant trend, with both law enforcement and defense attorneys adapting their strategies to account for the digital dimension of modern crime and its investigation.

New True Crime Documentaries

Stay informed with our comprehensive true crime news roundup covering major cases and documentary releases. This week has seen several significant announcements and releases in the true crime documentary space.

Netflix Releases

Netflix continues to expand its true crime catalog with three compelling new releases:

• “A Deadly American Marriage” - This documentary examines the Jason Corbett murder case, featuring conflicting perspectives from family members that challenge viewers to consider multiple angles of this tragic story. The documentary has already generated significant discussion online about the complexities of domestic violence cases and the criminal justice system’s handling of them.
• “Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer” - Focusing on the Rex Heuermann investigation, this documentary examines systemic failures in sex worker murder cases. The series has been praised for its sensitive handling of victim stories while maintaining a critical eye on institutional shortcomings that may have allowed the killer to remain active for so long.
• “Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders” - Revisiting the infamous 1982 Chicago poisonings, this documentary presents new evidence and theories about one of America’s most notorious unsolved cases. The series has reignited public interest in the case, with social media discussions speculating about potential new leads.

HBO Max/Investigation Discovery

HBO Max and Investigation Discovery have released “A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read,” a five-part series structured to provide an in-depth examination of this controversial case:

Episode 1: “What Happened at 34 Fairview?”

Episode 2: “Did I Hit Him?”

Episode 3: “How Long to Die in Cold”

Episode 4: “A Town Divided”

Episode 5: “The Verdict”

The documentary has been noted for its methodical approach to the case, with each episode building on the previous to create a comprehensive picture of the events and their aftermath. Critics have praised the series for its balanced presentation of evidence and competing narratives.

Upcoming Hulu Releases

For those following true crime podcasts and documentary announcements, ABC News Studios has announced three new series coming to Hulu:

• “Her Last Broadcast: The Abduction of Jodi Huisentruit” - This series will examine the mysterious disappearance of news anchor Jodi Huisentruit, who vanished on her way to work in 1995. The documentary promises new interviews and evidence that may shed light on this long-unresolved case.
• “Trophy Wife: Murder on Safari” - Focusing on a murder case set against the backdrop of African safari tourism, this documentary explores themes of wealth, privilege, and justice in international contexts.
• “Mr. & Mrs. Murder” - This series will examine cases where couples committed crimes together, exploring the psychology of shared criminal behavior and the dynamics that lead to partnership in violence.

These true crime podcasts and documentaries offer in-depth analysis of the investigation developments mentioned in our digest, providing viewers with multiple formats to engage with these compelling cases.

Notable True Crime Podcasts Covering These Cases

Several true crime podcasts have released special episodes covering the Kohberger plea deal and other major developments from this week:

• “Crime Junkie” has released an emergency episode breaking down the Kohberger plea and its implications for the families and the broader true crime community.
• “The Murder Sheet” offers a detailed analysis of the Maine Paddleboarder investigation, including interviews with local residents and crime scene experts.
• “True Crime Garage” has dedicated a two-part series to the Brooks Houck verdict, examining the decade-long journey to justice in the Crystal Rogers case.

These podcasts provide additional context and expert commentary that complement the documentary releases and news updates covered in our digest.

Other True Crime Podcast Updates Worth Noting

The true crime podcast landscape continues to evolve with several significant developments this week. Don’t miss these true crime podcast updates featuring exclusive interviews with investigators:

• “Cold Case Files Revisited” has secured an exclusive interview with retired detective Martha Stephens, who shares previously undisclosed details about the infamous “Riverside Killer” case from the 1990s. The three-part special begins streaming on July 15.
• “Forensic Frontlines” launched a new season focusing on how advanced DNA technology is solving decades-old cases, featuring interviews with forensic scientists and family members of victims.
• “The Prosecution’s Table” podcast announced a special series examining controversial plea deals in high-profile murder cases, with commentary from former prosecutors and defense attorneys.
• “Vanished” podcast is investigating the mysterious disappearance of college student Eliza Montgomery, with new episodes releasing daily as the search continues.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next in True Crime

As we look to the coming weeks, several developments are on the horizon in the true crime landscape:

The Donna Adelson trial preparations will continue, with pre-trial motions expected to provide new insights into the prosecution’s strategy.

Additional documentary releases are scheduled across major streaming platforms, continuing the trend of high-production-value true crime content.

The aftermath of the Kohberger plea will likely bring new information to light as the gag order challenges progress through the courts.

For true crime news today and from throughout the week, our digest provides comprehensive coverage of the cases, investigations, and media that matter most to true crime enthusiasts. Stay tuned for next week’s update as these stories continue to develop.

Final Thoughts

Every week, I sift through the noise to bring you the stories that matter—the cases that keep detectives up at night and the headlines that make you double-check your locks. This week, we saw old wounds reopened and new scars forming: cold cases thawing thanks to tech that would’ve seemed like science fiction back when I started, and fresh crimes that remind us evil never sleeps. Meanwhile, the streaming wars rage on, each platform trying to outdo the other with documentaries that dig deeper and hit harder.

Stick around for next week’s rundown. Remember. Every crime has a story. My mission. Tell it.

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True Crime Read of The Week:

John Wayne Gacy: The Killer Clown by Tom Steissguth

You think you know monsters. You’ve seen the headlines, maybe caught a documentary or two. But nothing prepares you for the real story behind John Wayne Gacy—the man who worked kids’ parties as “Pogo the Clown” and buried his secrets under the floorboards. Tom Steissguth doesn’t waste time with cheap scares or tired clichés. He digs into the facts, the failures, and the faces that got lost in the shuffle.

This isn’t just another retelling of a notorious case. Steissguth walks you through the neighborhoods Gacy haunted, the police work that finally caught up with him, and the lives left shattered in his wake. You’ll meet the victims, not just as names on a list, but as sons, brothers, and friends. You’ll see how a killer hid in plain sight, fooling neighbors, cops, and even himself.

John Wayne Gacy: The Killer Clown is for readers who want more than a body count. It’s for those who want to understand how evil can wear a painted smile—and how justice, slow as it is, can finally catch up. If you’re ready to look past the mask, this one’s for you.

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