When medicine turns into a murder weapon, even the most trusted doctor can become the ultimate threat. In this episode of The Medicine Murders, we uncover the chilling true crime story of Dr. Richard J. Schmidt, a respected Louisiana physician whose twisted need for control led to an unprecedented act of biological warfare.
This groundbreaking case shocked the world and changed forensic science forever. Using cutting-edge viral RNA sequencing, investigators unraveled a horrifying tale of obsession, betrayal, and a crime carried out with surgical precision.
Join us as we explore: š¬ The calculated plan involving an HIV- and hepatitis C-contaminated syringe āļø The groundbreaking forensic science that exposed the truth š Janice Trahanās harrowing fight for survivalāand for justice
Stay tuned for our signature Talk Nerdy segment, where we explain how HIV works, its impact on the immune system, and how science has advanced in the fight against this deadly virus.
Follow Us for More Medical True Crime Stories: š„ YouTube: The Medicine Murders š¦ BlueSKy: The Medicine Murders šļø Spotify: The Medicine Murders
š§ Case tips or personal stories? Email usācontact info and sources are in the show notes.
Listen now ā because in the hands of the wrong person, even medicine can become a weapon.
Ā
Sources
- Wikipedia - Richard J. Schmidt Case Overview https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_J._Schmidt
- The New York Times - Landmark HIV Forensic Case Coverage https://www.nytimes.com (Search for articles on Dr. Richard J. Schmidt's trial and forensic breakthrough)
- CNN Archives - Legal Case Reports https://www.cnn.com (Search for Richard J. Schmidt HIV trial)
- Baylor College of Medicine - Forensic Science Studies https://www.bcm.edu (Research articles on viral RNA sequencing)
- The Journal of Forensic Sciences - Case Analysis and Use of Viral RNA Sequencing https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com (Search for HIV forensic case reports)
- Science Direct - Molecular Virology and Forensic Applications https://www.sciencedirect.com
- FindLaw Legal Database - Trial Summaries and Court Transcripts https://www.findlaw.com (Search for court documents on Louisiana v. Richard J. Schmidt)
- Louisiana Supreme Court Archives - Case Files https://www.lasc.org
Ā
Popular Podcasts
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Iām Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and Iām so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood youāre able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and lifeās ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them weāve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I donāt take it for granted ā click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I canāt wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com