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What Happened to Libby Caswell

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In 2017, Libby Caswell was found dead in a motel room in Independence, Missouri. Police quickly ruled her death a suicide. But her mother Cindy thinks she was murdered — and she believes she has proof the crime scene was staged. Award-winning investigative reporter Melissa Jeltsen dives deep into Libby’s final days, finding new evidence that unravels the official story and threatens to implicate more than just those in the motel room that day. In her search for answers, Jeltsen exposes the web of failures that left Libby vulnerable, and explores how her story fits into one of America’s most deadly epidemics.

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13 episodes
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Avg 31 min
English

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August 24 · 1 min
Introducing: The Survivor Files with Elizabeth Smart
Hosted by famed abduction survivor turned advocate Elizabeth Smart, The Survivor Files is a true crime podcast featuring firsthand accounts from ordinary people who were thrust into impossible circumstances. Targeted by serial killers, held-hostage, stalked, attacked, and controlled – their stories reveal what survival really looks like. Guided by Elizabeth’s uniquely personal perspective, each conversation explores the choices, instincts, and strength that helped survivors make it out alive and rebuild their lives. Listen here or on the iHeartRadio app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Feb 28, 2024 · 28 min
The Survivors — Libby Caswell BONUS
Libby Caswell is unable to share her experience of domestic violence in her own words. In this bonus episode, four anonymous women tell their stories of domestic abuse- the details they remember, the ones they wish they could forget, and how they eventually got out. If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline for help at 1-800-799-7233. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Feb 8, 2024 · 21 min
Nuisance laws — Libby Caswell BONUS
The nuisance law in Independence, Missouri played a pivotal role in Libby's story. In this bonus episode, hear Melissa's extended conversation with Sandra Park, former ACLU lawyer and current head of the Civil Rights Bureau of the NY State Attorney General’s Office, as they discuss what nuisance laws are, how they're often misused and what's being done about them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jan 19, 2024 · 26 min
Melissa in Conversation — Libby Caswell BONUS
Go behind the scenes on the making of What Happened to Libby Caswell. Host Melissa Jeltsen talks to fellow journalist and podcaster Emma Gray (MSNBC columnist, host of the Love To See It podcast, and co-author of the Rich Text Substack) about what drew Melissa to Libby's case, what she looks for when considering a new investigative project, why she focuses on stories about violence against women, and what she hopes both seasons of What Happened To tell us about how we, as a culture, view women's lives and deaths. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S2 · E8
Dec 22, 2023 · 48 min
Epiphany — Libby Caswell E8
In the final episode, a new witness comes forward with details that raise tantalizing questions. Cindy becomes a national advocate for changes in how domestic violence is handled. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S2 · E7
Dec 15, 2023 · 44 min
Black Shadows — Libby Caswell E7
Family members defend Libby’s boyfriend and help shed light on his actions over the years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S2 · E6
Dec 8, 2023 · 44 min
The Twist — Libby Caswell E6
A forensic expert discovers evidence that upends the official narrative about Libby’s death and points to a coverup. Local police defend their work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S2 · E5
Nov 30, 2023 · 41 min
The Fight Of Your Life — Libby Caswell E5
Libby’s mom Cindy hires a private investigator to uncover new clues. Investigative journalist Melissa Jeltsen visits the motel for herself. And Libby’s friends open up about the last week of her life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S2 · E4
Nov 22, 2023 · 34 min
Toxic — Libby Caswell E4
We learn more about the secrets in Libby’s life that threatened to endanger it, and the tumultuous cycle that led Cindy to a difficult decision. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S2 · E3
Nov 16, 2023 · 40 min
Domestic Disturbance — Libby Caswell E3
Investigative journalist Melissa Jeltsen explores Libby’s complicated relationship with her boyfriend and their interactions with police. And, a witness comes forward with a harrowing story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S2 · E2
Nov 9, 2023 · 36 min
Undetermined — Libby Caswell E2
Libby’s boyfriend is interviewed by police. The medical examiner isn’t sure exactly how Libby died — but the police close the case as a suicide anyway. Libby’s mom, Cindy, questions the official report. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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S2 · E1
Nov 2, 2023 · 38 min
The Girl In Room 319 — Libby Caswell E1
In 2017, Libby Caswell was found dead in a motel room in Independence, Missouri with her boyfriend’s belt around her neck. Her grieving mom Cindy is left with more questions than answers. Award-winning investigative journalist Melissa Jeltsen digs into the circumstances surrounding Libby’s death. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Oct 25, 2023 · 3 min
What Happened to Libby Caswell — TRAILER
In 2017, Libby Caswell was found dead in a motel room in Independence, Missouri. In Season Two of "What Happened To...", investigative journalist Melissa Jeltsen exposes the web of failures that left Libby vulnerable, and explores how her story fits into one of America’s most deadly epidemics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
- Transcript

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