Banfield Full Episode: Grandma Gotti Verdict, Cheerleader's Infant & CrimeCon 2025

Grandma Gotti Convicted in Murder-for-Hire

• 🎯 Donna Adelson, known as "Grandma Gotti," was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy, and solicitation in the murder-for-hire of her daughter's ex-husband, Dan Markel.
• 🎭 Adelson displayed an emotional outburst upon hearing the verdict, which some guests suggested was performative, noting her previous attempts to elicit sympathy.
• ⚖️ The victim's father, Phil Markell, expressed a wish for Adelson to live to 120 alone in her jail cell, asking the court for the maximum possible sentence.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Donna Adelson is the fifth person convicted in Dan Markel's murder, and the second member of the Adelson family, following her son Charlie.

Cheerleader Charged in Infant's Death

• 💔 A former high school classmate described the accused, Laken Snelling, as an "appearance obsessed bully" who took her anger out on others.
• 👶 Snelling's newborn son was found dead in a trash bag inside a closet; the cause of death remains unknown.
• 🚨 Snelling is charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing a birth, and is out on bond, ordered to stay with her parents.
• 📱 Investigators may look into Snelling's digital devices and social media for clues about her state of mind regarding the pregnancy.
• 👗 Snelling's choice of a red cocktail dress for her first court appearance drew criticism, contrasting with Adelson's attempt to appear frumpy.

CrimeCon 2025 Highlights and Discussions

• 🎤 The episode features segments from CrimeCon in Denver, Colorado, described as the "Super Bowl, World Cup, and Oscars" for true crime fans.
• 🤝 CrimeCon is highlighted as a community event where fans, investigators, advocates, victims, and survivors gather.
• 🐾 K9 officers from Aurora, Colorado, demonstrated their skills in apprehending suspects and finding evidence like guns and currency, with commands given in German.
• 🐶 A viral story of a woman being handcuffed while rushing her dying dog to the vet was discussed, with guests agreeing the officer should have prioritized the animal's life.
• 🏥 A hospital nurse, Autumn Bardisa, who allegedly practiced without a license for years and treated thousands of patients, faces charges, though no harm has been reported yet.
• 💰 A $167 million Powerball winner, James Farthing, who allegedly assaulted a patron and kicked a deputy, faces new charges and a potential parole violation.

Brian Coburger Case and DNA Technology

• 📄 The unsealing of court documents in the Brian Coburger case has been both illuminating and traumatizing for victims' families.
• 🧬 Stacy Chapen, Ethan Chapen's mother, is partnering with the forensics company Aram to advocate for greater transparency and the use of advanced DNA technology in investigations.
• 🗣️ Chapen expressed frustration over the gag order that prevented families from having open conversations and sharing information during the investigation.
• 🔬 The company Aram developed the DNA technology used to identify Brian Cobberger from a knife sheath, emphasizing the scientific certainty of their findings.
• ⚖️ Stacy Chapen believes victims' families should have the right to information early in investigations to provide certainty and aid healing.

Unusual Crimes Discussed

• 🩺 A surgeon, Dr. Neil Hopper, who specialized in amputations, was sentenced for insurance fraud and possession of extreme pornography after intentionally causing himself to have both legs amputated to collect insurance money.
• 💸 Hopper allegedly spent some of the insurance payout on mutilation porn, which led to his discovery.