Want to listen to a true-crime podcast artfully interweaving small-town dynamics with professional investigative journalism?  You're in the right place!

Murder on Songbird Road is the new show that won't make you miss other great stories we've reviewed before, such as Deadly Mirage, Radioactive: The Karen Silkwood Mistery or Extrasensory: the Milkman's Prophecy.

Murder on Songbird Road deepens listeners in the heart of Southern Illinois, where a horrific crime divides a community and raises serious questions about the justice system.

What is this show about?

Murder on Songbird Road is the latest must-listen podcast from iHeartMedia, the world's leading podcast publisher.

This dark true-crime series unfolds the shocking murder of 11-year-old Jade Marie Beasley in Southern Illinois, in 2020.

Hosted by veteran true-crime expert Lauren Bright Pacheco and criminal defense attorney Bob Motta, this podcast focuses on the conviction of the father's fiancée, trying to discover if it was truly just or if an innocent woman was wrongfully accused.

Through detailed investigations, the duo uncovers the case's flaws that range from questionable leads to potential corruption.

It also puts into light the devastating impact the case had on a small rural community: tearing apart families and leaving many questions unanswered.

What makes this show different

For fans of true-crime podcasts that take listeners beyond the headlines, Murder on Songbird Road is an in-depth look, full of insight and a fresh perspective, on a case that has haunted Southern Illinois for years.

Unlike many true crime podcasts, Murder on Songbird Road marries the skills of one accomplished investigative journalist with those of a seasoned criminal defense attorney.

This dual perspective allows for thorough examination of human elements and expert analysis of the legal proceedings that led to what might be a wrongful conviction.

This podcast delivers professional-level production without losing a sense of urgency from active investigation.

When are new episodes released?

Out weekly since January 2, 2025, every Thursday, each episode builds on previous revelations to explore new angles of this controversial case.

Must-Listen Episodes

Since this podcast focuses on a single case, there aren’t “better” or “worse” episodes — you’ll need to listen to them all. However, here’s a brief overview of the first three episodes:

"Episode 1: Tragedy on Songbird Road" (January 2, 2025)

The series does a great job in setting the case, introducing the sad death of one-year-old Jade Marie Beasley and the shocking arrest of her father's fiancée. The series sets up very well the commitment to looking at all sides of this polarizing investigation.

"Episode 2: A Rush to Judgment?" (January 2, 2025)

This pivotal installment begins questioning the investigation's thoroughness and potential issues with how the case was handled from the start.

"Episode 3: The Trial" (January 9, 2025)

Delves deeply into the trial that resulted in conviction; shining a light on potential issues with evidence and procedure.

Where to listen

You can find Murder on Birdsong Road Podcast on PodcastAi Chart, where you can track its daily rankings as well as its historical performance.

You can listen to it on all major podcast platforms or on the IHeart Media Website.

If you want to discover more exciting shows, read our ultimate guide to the top true crime podcasts of 2025.

Who are the hosts?

Lauren Bright Pacheco is an Emmy Award-winning storyteller, best known for impactful work in true-crime podcasting.

As a writer, producer, and host, she has brought gripping stories to life in such acclaimed series as Happy Face, Murder in Oregon, Murder in Illinois, and Murder in Miami.

She also contributes to the ongoing Wrongful Conviction series from Lava for Good.

Lauren's work dives into the deeper impacts of violent crimes, shedding light on the victim experience while continuing to advocate for a more fair legal system.

With a news, radio, and television background, Lauren crafts content that inspires empathy, human connection, and social justice.

Bob Motta is a trial attorney in criminal defense, practicing in the Chicagoland area for over 20 years.

A graduate of Chicago-Kent School of Law, Bob left the practice of law for podcasting in 2021 to form the highly acclaimed Defense Diaries.

This serialized podcast takes the listener behind the curtain, showing the intricacies of trial work and the inner mechanics of the system.

Bob also co-hosts a show with his wife and law partner, Alison, called The Docket, in which they discuss current cases and breaking news in the true-crime world.

Knowledgeable and passionate about justice, Bob continues to entertain and enlighten audiences while bringing valued perspective into the legal field.

Who Should Listen

The podcast appeals to:

- True crime enthusiasts interested in ongoing investigations

- Listeners concerned with criminal justice reform

- Legal professionals and students

- Those interested in small-town dynamics and justice

- Fans of investigative journalism

You May Also Like

Up and Vanished

This true investigative podcast series delves into unsolved cases and puts an equal amount of balance on small-town dynamics and real miscarriages of justice.

Find it here on PodcastAI Chart

Atlanta Monster

Examining another community-changing crime, this series shows how tragedy can reveal deeper problems within local justice systems.

Find it here on PodcastAI Chart

Read our review here!

To Live and Die in LA

Neil Strauss's investigative series has a similar dedication to finding new evidence and challenging official narratives.

Find it here on PodcastAI Chart

The Bottom Line

Murder on Songbird Road pulls together professional journalism with experienced legal analysis in this new podcast series that dives into a case that still haunts Southern Illinois.

It raises profound questions into the nature of country justice, neighborly relationships, and the possibility of innocence lost.

While Murder on Songbird Road continues to uncover new evidence and questions regarding this controversial conviction, it shows the vital role podcasting can play in looking into potential miscarriages of justice while giving voice to affected communities.

Still unsure about what to listen to? Here are some ideas:

Best News Podcasts 2025: Your Essential Guide to Keep Informed

Top 15 Music Podcasts in 2025: All The Shows You Cannot Miss!

17 Best Art Podcasts You’ll Love in 2025: Design, Culture, & More

Top Erotica Podcasts of 2025: Best Reviews!

40 Apple Podcasts That Talk About Books: Your Next Literary Listen

Best Tech Podcasts to Start the Year (2025)

Author's Note

Have you ever wanted to create a podcast but didn’t have the time or resources? PodcastAI is here to make that dream come true.

With our AI-powered software, you can easily transform your blog posts, newsletters, or favorite news articles into podcast episodes—using your own voice, with almost no effort.

PodcastAI handles every detail: it writes episodes, generates show notes, creates eye-catching cover art, and adds chapters and transcripts.

It even automatically publishes your podcast to Apple, Spotify, and other platforms, while also providing social media clips and a custom website for your show.

Whether you're a content creator, business owner, or agency, PodcastAI saves you time and helps you connect with your audience in a whole new way.