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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Resumen del episodio

This episode investigates the brutal murder of Bakersfield prosecutor Steve Tauser and the subsequent arrest of Chris Hillis. The narrative explores the complex, conflicting relationship between Tauser and Lance Hillis, whose methamphetamine addiction led to a deep rift between Tauser and Lance's father, Chris. As Tauser's efforts to save Lance from addiction culminated in a fatal confrontation, the investigation uncovered motives rooted in allegations of scandal and the use of microscopic DNA evidence. The episode further details the legal proceedings, including Hillis's guilty plea for voluntary manslaughter. It reflects on the tragic death of Lance Hillis and examines how personal convictions regarding addiction and morality led to a violent crime that shook the community.

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Destacados

He had like a mandate to become a savior in the world almost.

00:00:15 · The narrator describes the driving force behind Steve Tauser's personality and career.

The brutality of his murder is just unthinkable to me.

00:04:09 · Janet Crosby expresses her shock regarding the violent nature of the prosecutor's death.

Chris Hillis was convinced the only way to save Lance was to send him to prison to dry out.

00:11:50 · The segment explains the fundamental disagreement between Chris Hillis and Steve Tauser regarding how to handle Lance's addiction.

The notion that he was a sexual predator, that's bad enough. The notion that he might be gay, that's a whole other issue.

00:21:11 · A close friend of Tauser expresses the community's reaction to the rumors regarding Tauser's sexuality and alleged misconduct.

In this case, we're dealing with picograms, trillions of grams, totally invisible, smaller than the smallest thing you can imagine, and that's what they're hanging their hat on.

00:26:06 · The attorney criticizes the prosecution's reliance on microscopic amounts of DNA evidence to convict Hillis.

Episodios

1251-

Who Killed the Prosecutor?

This episode investigates the brutal murder of Bakersfield prosecutor Steve Tauser and the subsequent arrest of Chris Hillis. The narrative explores the complex, conflicting relationship between Tauser and Lance Hillis, whose methamphetamine addiction led to a deep rift between Tauser and Lance's father, Chris. As Tauser's efforts to save Lance from addiction culminated in a fatal confrontation, the investigation uncovered motives rooted in allegations of scandal and the use of microscopic DNA evidence. The episode further details the legal proceedings, including Hillis's guilty plea for voluntary manslaughter. It reflects on the tragic death of Lance Hillis and examines how personal convictions regarding addiction and morality led to a violent crime that shook the community.

16 sep. 2026
1250-

Post Mortem | Tracker Dakota Black On The Hunt

This episode investigates the disappearance of Michaela Maiavi in Oklahoma and the subsequent investigation led by Lieutenant Dakota Black and Deputy Dustin Richardson. The case explores the suspicious behavior and manipulative history of her husband, Frank Byers, as investigators uncovered forensic evidence pointing toward homicide. The investigation progressed through the discovery of digital evidence on Byers' phone and critical forensic links, such as blood found on his boots, which ultimately led to his arrest. The episode concludes with the legal resolution via a plea deal and how Michaela's family established a nonprofit to combat domestic violence.

15 sep. 2026
1249-

Tracker Dakota Black On The Hunt

This episode investigates the disappearance and murder of Mikayla Byers. Led by Detective Dakota Black, the investigation begins with suspicious reports from her husband, Frank Byers, and eventually leads to the discovery of Mikayla's body in a drainage pipe. Detectives uncover evidence of Frank's infidelity and his use of technology to impersonate Mikayla. Forensic evidence, specifically blood found on Frank's work boots, led to his arrest via a SWAT takedown. While Frank pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty, his family remains convinced he had an accomplice.

14 sep. 2026
1248-

Showdown in the Bedroom

This episode explores the complex and violent case of Charlene Hill, who was charged with the murder of her husband, Danny Hill. The narrative presents conflicting perspectives from family members regarding whether the shooting was an act of self-defense against a violent man or a calculated murder motivated by financial gain. The investigation covers the second trial, focusing on forensic evidence and ballistic analysis used by prosecutors to argue that Danny was no longer a threat. The episode concludes with the dramatic conclusion of the trial, where Charlene reached a plea deal for no prison time just moments before a guilty verdict was returned, followed by reflections on her life and family relationships in the aftermath.

11 sep. 2026
1247-

Caged Kids

This episode explores the complexities of juvenile justice through the stories of individuals sentenced as adults for violent crimes. It details the cases of Josh Phillips, who received a life sentence for murder, and Sean Pica, a former convict turned counselor who reflects on his rehabilitation and the long-term impact of incarceration. The narrative further examines the experiences of young offenders like Lisa, involved in armed robbery, and the legal battle of Rebecca Hopfer. Following years of fighting for clemency, Hopfer's life sentence was overturned by Governor Bob Taft, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding rehabilitation, legislative efforts for parole eligibility, and the lasting consequences of harsh sentencing laws.

10 sep. 2026