48 Hours

48 Hours

“48 Hours” uncovers the narrative behind crime and justice cases that have left a lasting mark on society. Award-winning CBS News correspondents thoughtfully examine the complexities of each crime by transporting you to the heart of the investigation through key evidence and gripping interviews with critical figures from the case. The unmatched reporting has made a tangible difference in countless lives, leading to the exoneration of wrongly convicted individuals and the reopening — and resolution — of previously closed cold cases.Listen to a new “48 Hours” episode every Monday and then go deeper into the case on Tuesdays with the immersive “Post Mortem” series — producers and correspondents join host Anne-Marie Green to discuss key evidence, dead ends, mishaps, and stranger-than-fiction twists they faced in the field. Also available on the 48 Hours YouTube channel. Plus, every Wednesday and Thursday, we’ll revisit a classic “48 Hours” episode. Get ad-free access to 48 Hours podcasts by subscribing to 48 Hours+. Subscribe at 48HoursPodcasts.com, then listen in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or use your private link in your favorite podcast app.
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Episode's summary

Legal analyst Caroline Polisi and correspondent Chanel Call examine the trial of Lindsay Clancy, who is accused of murdering her three children. The discussion explores the legal complexities surrounding a postpartum psychosis defense, the prosecution's argument for premeditation, and the challenges of jury selection in such a high-profile case. The episode also details the emotional testimony of Patrick Clancy, focusing on his perspective on Lindsay's mental health, medication, and diagnosis. The conversation covers the intense courtroom atmosphere, including the profound impact of playing the 911 call from the night of the killings, and the defense strategy aimed at portraying the defendant as a mother struggling with severe mental illness.

Chapters

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Highlights

postpartum psychosis is a mental health condition that can certainly occur soon after giving birth. And it's categorized by the medical community as a mental health emergency that can cause hallucinations, delusions, paranoia and other behavioral changes.

00:03:14 · The segment provides a clinical definition of postpartum psychosis to explain the core of the legal defense.

This was not a woman in the throes of psychosis on January 24th, 2023. This was a woman who acted intentionally and rationally and swiftly to accomplish a very specific goal, to kill.

00:07:59 · This quote represents the prosecution's argument that the defendant's actions were premeditated rather than a result of mental illness.

I wasn't married to a monster. I was married to someone who got sick.

00:14:13 · This quote from Patrick Clancy illustrates his perspective on the tragedy and his support for the defense's mental health argument.

I think this was for sure the most traumatic and painful moment inside the court since this trial began.

00:25:12 · The speaker describes the profound emotional impact of playing the 911 call in front of the jury and the public.

It's not a question of if Lindsay Clancy killed her three children. It's why she did it and whether or not she's going to be held criminally responsible for it.

00:32:58 · The speaker clarifies that the central issue of the trial is motive and criminal responsibility rather than identity.

Episodes

1218-

Lindsay Clancy Trial: Patrick Clancy Takes the Stand

Legal analyst Caroline Polisi and correspondent Chanel Call examine the trial of Lindsay Clancy, who is accused of murdering her three children. The discussion explores the legal complexities surrounding a postpartum psychosis defense, the prosecution's argument for premeditation, and the challenges of jury selection in such a high-profile case. The episode also details the emotional testimony of Patrick Clancy, focusing on his perspective on Lindsay's mental health, medication, and diagnosis. The conversation covers the intense courtroom atmosphere, including the profound impact of playing the 911 call from the night of the killings, and the defense strategy aimed at portraying the defendant as a mother struggling with severe mental illness.

31 Jul 2026
1217-

To Hell and Back

This episode recounts the harrowing kidnapping and survival story of Jackie Maris and Tamara Brooks, who were abducted at gunpoint by fugitive Roy Dean Ratliff. After enduring hours of terror and sexual assault while held captive in a car, the girls managed to overpower their attacker using a knife and a whiskey bottle. The ordeal reached a violent climax in the Mojave Desert during a tense standoff involving a high-speed pursuit and a deadly gunbattle with Kern County deputies. Following the fatal shooting of Ratliff, the girls were rescued unharmed. The episode explores the aftermath of the event, including the psychological impact on the survivors and the profound support they received from their community.

29 Jul 2026
1216-

The Lost Daughter

This episode explores the 1989 disappearance of Tiffany Sessions and the massive, organized search effort led by her father, Pat Sessions. The investigation faced numerous false leads, including fake confessions and extortion attempts, while navigating a complex landscape of local serial murders. As investigators focused on Paul Rolls, a potential link found in an address book led to a significant excavation attempt. Although the dig failed to recover remains due to the challenges of detecting older skeletal remains, Sheriff Darnell's identification of Rolls as a suspect provided a sense of justice. The episode concludes with Pat Sessions' dedication to advocating for other families of missing children to honor Tiffany's memory.

29 Jul 2026
1215-

Post Mortem | Justine's Voice for Justice

This episode explores the 2003 disappearance and murder of Justine Vandershoot, focusing on the investigation into her boyfriend Danny Bessemer and his roommate Brandon Fernandez. The hosts detail the discovery of the burial site by an equestrian guide and examine the suspects' disturbing fascination with violence. The discussion also covers the legal complexities surrounding Brandon's attempt to seek resentencing under a changed California law and the profound emotional toll on Justine's family. In response to their tragedy, the Vandershoots have turned to advocacy, working to raise awareness for teen dating violence and educate others on recognizing red flags in relationships.

28 Jul 2026
1214-

Justine's Voice for Justice

This episode explores the 2003 disappearance and murder of 17-year-old Justine Vandershoot in Auburn, California. The investigation reveals a toxic and possessive relationship between Justine and her boyfriend, Danny Bessemer, and uncovers how a confession from his friend, Brandon Fernandez, led to the discovery of her body. The narrative follows the shifting roles and conflicting statements between Bessemer and Fernandez, detailing the legal battles regarding sentencing under changing California laws. It also covers the prosecution's efforts to prove direct involvement, the impact of the trial on the Vandershoot family, and the legacy of 'Justine's Law' in the fight against dating violence.

27 Jul 2026