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Nightwatch High-Speed Pursuit
In a high-speed car chase, Randy and Devin pursue men suspected of committing an armed robbery in these scenes from "Mardi Gras."
This day in crime
10.01.1993
12-year-old Polly Klaas kidnapped
![Polly Klaas [Misc.]](https://res.cloudinary.com/aenetworks/image/upload/c_fill,w_3840,h_2441,g_auto/dpr_auto/f_auto/q_auto:eco/v1/50596230_knmiq9?_a=BAVAZGID0)
10.01.1993
Polly Klaas, 12, was abducted at knifepoint during a slumber party in her Petaluma, Calif., home. When her abductor and killer, Richard Allen Davis, was apprehended and her remains discovered two months later, the case led to nationwide changes in child safety laws, including the passaging of California’s “three strikes” law for repeat violent offenders like Davis, who was sentenced to death for his crimes in 1996.
Notorious Cases
Notorious Cases
Richard Allen’s Confessions Led to His Delphi Murders Conviction
Authorities say Allen incriminated himself 61 times.
The Controversy Surrounding John Wayne Gacy’s Paintings
The “Killer Clown" did most of his artwork behind bars.
Ed Gein's Childhood: 'The Butcher of Plainfield' Fixated on His Domineering Mother
In 1957, the notorious Wisconsin killer was arrested for murdering two women and digging up corpses. What influenced his gruesome behavior?
Crime on the Screen
Crime on the Screen
5 Films About Crime in Gritty 1970s NYC
For filmmakers and audiences in the 1970s, the city’s dark side held appeal for its authenticity and intensity.
The Staircase Murder of Kathleen Peterson: What Really Caused Her Death?
When a North Carolina woman's body was discovered in a pool of blood at the foot of stairs in her home, her husband, Michael Peterson, became the prime suspect in her murder. But what really happened to her has been the subject of debate.
Real-Life Murders and Crimes Inspired by Fictional Characters
From Slender Man to Robocop to Freddy Krueger and more, read how some killers were inspired by the gruesome actions of fictional villains.
Crime Solving & Forensics
Why a Case Goes Cold—and What It Takes to Reopen It
September marks National Cold Case Month.
Crime Solving & Forensics
The Crime Solving Detectives of America's National Parks
We speak with Christopher Kuvlesky, an agent with the Investigative Services Branch (ISB) of the National Park System about what it's like investigating violent crimes within our vast national parks.
Why Aren't Police Solving More Murders With Genealogy Websites?
Since the Golden State Killer suspect was arrested after being tracked down via a DNA database, more crimes are being solved that way.
The Two Montana Murders That Started the FBI's Work in 'Criminal Profiling'
Ron Franscell, author of 'ShadowMan,' speaks with us about the first case in which the profiling technique, often used by the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit, successfully apprehended a suspect.
Law & Justice
Law & Justice
What Are the Legal Issues Around the Unauthorized Release of Sex Tapes?
From Pamela Anderson & Tommy Lee to AI deepfakes—nonconsensual porn has evolved, but the fight for justice is only just catching up.
What Does It Mean to Be in Contempt of Court?
Judges can find anyone in contempt if they are disrespectful.
How a Murder Case Resulted in the Supreme Court Restoring a Tribe's Sovereignty
In 2020's McGirt v. Oklahoma case, the Supreme Court upheld the Muscogee Nation's reservation status, restoring tribal land rights and shifting criminal cases to federal or tribal courts in Oklahoma.
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