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Jac Vanek

Alexis Linkletter

Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be friends with a murderer? Or escape a kidnapping? Or have a father who was a serial killer? Join Jac Vanek and Alexis Linkletter on a chilling ride into the darkest corners of your worst nightmares. Murders, cults, kidnappings, and conspiracies—all told through the eyes of a guest who is one degree of separation from the story itself. From infamous serial killers to the unbelievable unknown murder in your own backyard, The First Degree delivers a new perspective to the already fascinating true crime landscape. And who knows... you may be our next guest. (Plus, join them every Thursday for Killing Time, the light-hearted, true crime-adjacent aftershow!)

The First Degree

Today we’re stepping back to examine a case that has swept the nation — and shaken public trust in places meant to be sacred. At the center of it is Jonathan Gerlach, a man prosecutors say was involved in the systematic theft and trafficking of human remains, allegedly targeting hundreds of graves across multiple states. Much of the investigation focuses on Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Pennsylvania — one of the largest historic cemeteries in the country — but the scope of the alleged crimes extends far beyond a single location. As details have emerged, Gerlach has been dubbed a “modern-day Ed Gein.” In today's episode, Jac and Lex take you through all the information available so far tied to a rapidly expanding case. Buckle up. 

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Episode 387: Jonathan Gerlach

Man, 2026 is off to a bizarre start. This week a group of people were locked up in jail for posting tweets about Brigitte Macron (yep, you can get arrested for “online bullying”…who knew!). Plus, we share the story of Sascha Riley, an Epstein adjacent survivor who’s story is getting squashed by mainstream media, and dive into Hailey Bieber sending a cease and desist to a TikToker simply sharing their opinion. Moral of the story: rich and powerful people are once again above the law!

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DEEP DIVE: STOP BULLYING ME!

On March 30, 1981, the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, is just two months into his presidency when he attends a speaking engagement at the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. As the president exits the building and makes his way towards his limousine, six shots ring out. Members of the public and the Secret Service pounce on a 25-year-old man wielding a handgun nearby. In the affray, the president has been struck, along with three others. All recover, but when the motivation for the attack is revealed to be not about politics, but instead an obsession with a Hollywood star, the questions around the would-be assassin deepen. In episode 386, Jac and Alexis detail the bizarre attempted assassination of President Reagan by John Hinckley Jr, and ponder whether someone who acts on their obsession in such an extreme way can -or should - ever really go on to live a life without scrutiny.

🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:

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Episode 386: John Hinckley Jr.

There’s a hell of a lot going on in the world right now, but we are hyper obsessing about Ashley Tisdale being booted from her mom group (it’s not an airport you don’t need to announce your departure!). Plus we give you updates on D4VD, Nick Reiner, David Harbor, Justin v Blake and more. 

🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:

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DEEP DIVE: HOW WILL MOMTOK SURVIVE THIS???

In January 2023, a 36-year-old man is found shot inside his vehicle outside his Fort Lauderdale apartment in the early morning hours. As detectives investigate, the case quickly stalls. With no arrests and no clear motive, the man’s family is left grappling not only with his sudden loss, but with the silence that follows. Living hundreds of miles away, they struggle to advocate from afar, returning to Florida year after year to keep his case from being forgotten. In episode 385, Jac and Alexis examine the unsolved murder of Jason Marous, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and son that continues long after his death.

🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:

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Episode 385: Jason Marous

Happy 2026! It’s a new year but we are still obsessing over the same ole shit. We’re deep diving into the latest Epstein files, and why doesn’t anyone talk about Bill Gates?? We chat about Epstein island and all of the lame ass Lolita quotes. Plus, what the HELL is going on with Riley Keough and John Travolta??

🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:

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DEEP DIVE: NEW YEAR, SAME BULLSHIT

On this New Year’s installment of The First Degree, Jac and Lex take you through the crime stories that defined 2025. From trials that dominated Court TV to investigations that exposed deep institutional failures, this episode revisits the cases that captured national attention and forced difficult conversations about accountability, justice, and trust in the system. As the year comes to a close, we reflect on what has changed, what still hasn’t, and why staying informed remains one of the most powerful tools we have.

🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:

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Episode 384: The Crimes That Defined 2025

It’s time to reflect on the past year and break down all of the celebrity scandals, cultural moments and conspiracies that shaped this year. We’re diving into UFO sightings, the Blake and Justin saga, the Diddy trial and aftermath, the Epstein files, and everything in between. It’s been a wild year and we can only imagine how batshit next year will be!

🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:

patreon.com/thefirstdegree

📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree

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DEEP DIVE: BYE BYE 2025

This week, we are stepping outside our usual format to bring you a rare combination in true crime. First, we revisit a case we covered in episode 326. The 1981 disappearance of Lonene “Lonnie” Rogers, a young mother who vanished during a blizzard in rural Pennsylvania. For decades, her family lived with questions and silence. Now, after years of tireless advocacy by Lonnie’s daughter, there has been a major and unexpected development that may finally bring accountability.

Then, we turn overseas to a case that stunned us to learn about for the first time. An American student living in London finds himself at the center of a brutal homicide investigation after a young woman is found murdered in her apartment. What followed was an international trial, a disturbing defense strategy, and a verdict that has sparked intense conversation about power, control, and violence. Two cases. Two very different paths. One episode that reminds us how long justice can take, and why telling these stories still matters.

🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:

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Episode 383: An Arrest & Murder Trial Abroad

This week we delve into the shocking events surrounding the tragic deaths of Rob and Michelle Reiner, exploring the complex family dynamics, and the chilling accusations against their son Nick. Plus, we’ve got Diddy and D4VD updates and spoiler alert: it’s not looking good. 

🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:

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📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree

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DEEP DIVE: RIP ROB REINER

On July 29th of 1994 24-year-old Adrian Marshall was senselessly murdered. While there were early suspects, the leads fizzled out, which devastated Adrian’s parents. While the case went an unexpected call would breathe new life into the case more than 10 years later. While justice for Adrian seemed to be inching closer, the case was derailed in the 11th hour. On episode 254, Jac and Alexis speak candidly with the person who was closest to the main suspect- his wife at the time the murder occurred.
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:
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🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:
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📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree
🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee
👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree
 
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Episode 254: Adrian Marshall

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