Murder in Illinois

Murder in Illinois

In 2007, Chris Vaughn was arrested during a funeral for his wife and three children. He would be tried and convicted of their murders. To this day he maintains no memory of what occurred that tragic day 20 years ago. Murder in Illinois follows the complicated circumstances that led to Vaughn’s conviction, as well as the forensic evidence his supporters believe proves his innocence- in attempt to answer one question: Who killed the Vaughn family?

Episodes

September 9, 2025 42 mins

We’re celebrating Dr. David Fajgenbaum and revisiting one of our most impactful stories. David was just named to the TIME100 Health list and has a powerful new TED Talk—milestones that reflect the empathy, curiosity, and determination at the heart of his work.

Once a college quarterback and competitive weightlifter, David became critically ill at 25. When standard treatments failed to keep him out of the ICU, he and his...

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The final episode, subject to future updates, of Murder on Songbird Road invites listeners and former interviewees to reflect on their thoughts and opinions regarding the case against Julia Bevely. Additionally, Bevely's legal team provides an update on the current status of her appeal process.

Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com

CONTACTS:

The Illinois Attorney Gene...

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February 27, 2025 42 mins

Bob and Lauren return to Marion, knocking on doors once again. This time, however, they uncover crucial footage that reveals significant flaws in the investigation’s hasty rush to judgment.

Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com

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February 20, 2025 46 mins

The infamous Huck’s footage exposes critical flaws in the prosecution’s theory, reinforced by a criminologist’s analysis of stabbing murders—setting the stage for Innocence activist Jason Flom to intervene and alter the course of Bevely’s legal battle.

Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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February 13, 2025 45 mins

The access to the interrogation video and the collection of Bevely’s DNA raise concerns about official protocol and the broader objectives of the investigation. Additionally, the prosecution’s influence on the case comes under scrutiny.

Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com

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February 6, 2025 42 mins

The State’s Attorney claimed Bevely’s account of encountering an armed assailant was proven false within days of the murder but a closer look into call records raises questions about other possible suspects.

Wrongful Conviction Podcast Episodes:

Julie Rae

Michelle Murphy

Melissa Lucio

Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat...

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January 30, 2025 45 mins

The family of Jade’s father share their remembrances of a life tragically ended and thoughts on the woman they believe took it. Speculation as to what could have motivated the murder takes an unlikely turn, leading to Salem, Massachusetts.

Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com

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January 23, 2025 42 mins

Weeks after she was arrested for the murder of her step-daughter, Julia Bevely realized she was expecting her fourth child. Her subsequent treatment during pregnancy, birth and postpartum as a pre-trial detainee remain, next to the murder, the most disturbing aspects of the case.

Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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January 16, 2025 40 mins

The day of the sentencing, Bob and Lauren retrace the route Julia Bevely claims to have taken the morning of the murder with surprising results. Her increasingly polarizing fate is then decided in a packed Marion courtroom filled with contrasting emotions.

Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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January 9, 2025 38 mins

Bob and Lauren connect in Marion, Illinois for Julia Bevely’s sentencing. Through a jailhouse visit with Bevely- and interviews with her family- a narrative emerges that is at odds with key elements of the prosecution theory in terms of the murder and the woman convicted of having committed it. 

Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com.

 

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January 2, 2025 36 mins

Just days after the murder, the Williamson County State’s Attorney announced the death of Jade Beasley- and the arrest of Julia Bevely- in the same press conference. He claimed a thorough investigation had already been conducted, but glaring questions remain to this day. 

Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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January 2, 2025 39 mins

On December 5th of 2020, a blended family was ripped apart when police responded to a 911 call placed from a rural area in Marion, Illinois. At the scene, they would find an 11-year-old girl, brutally murdered and her hysterical 32-year old stepmother. 

Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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December 26, 2024 3 mins

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December 17, 2024 28 mins

Trent was a vibrant and successful insurance assessor when his life took an unexpected turn. While working under a car, he sensed something was off. It wasn’t until later that day -- when his legs stopped responding while driving -- that the severity of the situation hit him. What followed was a baffling health crisis that turned his world upside down. With two newborn twins at home, Trent's sudden immobility brought his wors...

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December 3, 2024 43 mins

When Sumaira was 24, what seemed like a routine wisdom teeth extraction quickly set off a series of unexpected health issues. Soon after, her vision in her right eye began to fade—a small nuisance she tried to ignore. But as her eyesight continued deteriorating, it became clear this wasn’t a passing problem. Eventually, doctors uncovered a deeper issue, revealing a diagnosis that would change everything she thought she ...

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November 26, 2024 40 mins

Mik’s health challenges began at an early age, with unusual symptoms like recurring staph infections from small cuts—signs that both doctors and her family brushed aside. Later, she experienced rapid early-onset puberty, facing changes far earlier than most kids. But as these symptoms intensified, her parents soon realized this was something far more serious.

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November 12, 2024 39 mins

In her mid-20s and thriving in a fast-paced communications job, Mila began experiencing symptoms reminiscent of those her mom had managed with diabetes for years. However, as time went on, it became clear that this was different. Little did she know, her life was about to take a significant turn, leading her on an unexpected journey with a chronic illness she never saw coming.

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November 5, 2024 38 mins

In peak health, Scott's life took a drastic turn when a rare disease nearly claimed it all. Initially misdiagnosed and dismissed, his symptoms escalated into a near-fatal episode, revealing the true extent of his condition. Forced to confront challenges affecting his heart, lungs, and more, Scott’s journey became one of resilience and survival against all odds.

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October 22, 2024 36 mins

In her early 30s, Kelly was suddenly plagued by a series of inexplicable health issues, from severe heartburn to rapid weight gain, leaving doctors utterly baffled. Misdiagnosed and even subjected to brain surgery, Kelly’s journey took a shocking turn with an unexpected genetic revelation.

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To find out more about polymorphism or the work of the Mayo Cl...

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October 15, 2024 37 mins

At 18, Jose faced a whirlwind of hospital visits, severe abdominal pain, and debilitating fatigue. Having already given up his dream of becoming a professional boxer and now risking his education, Jose was desperate for answers. At his lowest point, the fighter in him emerged, pushing him and his mom to seek solutions before the unknown illness could take even more from his life.

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