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Artwork for Murder in the Hollywood Hills

Murder in the Hollywood Hills

NBC News
Kristi Johnson
Dateline
Murder
Missing Persons
Los Angeles
Denita Smith
Robert Roberson
Nikki Roberson
James Bond
True Crime
Hollywood
Trace Of Suspicion
California
Victor Palaiologos
James Bond Movies
Susan Murphy
Grief and Loss
North Carolina Central University
Michael Skakel
Los Angeles, United States

Kristi Johnson was shopping at a mall in Los Angeles when a man invited her to a photo shoot for the next Bond film. That afternoon, the 21-year-old got into her little white sportscar and drove to the shoot location up in the Hollywood Hills. She was never seen alive again. In Dateline’s latest podcast, Keith Morrison takes us to the city of dreams for the story of a smooth-talking predator who l... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes9Founded2 years ago
Categories
NewsTrue Crime

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Murder in the Hollywood Hills

Latest Episodes

Hey Dateline fans! As a bonus, we’re giving you a special preview clip of our new podcast series, Trace of Suspicion.

After seemingly healthy 23-year-old Marine Todd Sommer dies unexpectedly, his widow Cindy’s lavish spending, cosmetic surgery, and ... more

Hey Dateline fans! As a bonus for you, we’re sharing the trailer for Trace of Suspicion, an all-new original podcast series from Dateline and Josh Mankiewicz.

After seemingly healthy 23-year-old Marine Todd Sommer dies unexpectedly, his widow Cindy’... more

Hey, Dateline fans! As a bonus, we’re giving you a special preview clip of our new podcast series, Something About Cari. Keith Morrison takes us to America’s heartland, where single mom Cari Farver disappears just weeks into a new romance. What follo... more

Hey, Dateline fans! As a bonus for you, we’re sharing the trailer for Something About Cari, an all-new original podcast series from Dateline and Keith Morrison. 

In this podcast Keith Morrison takes us to America’s heartland, where single mom Cari F... more

Hey Dateline fans! As a bonus for you, we’re sharing the trailer for Dead Certain: The Martha Moxley Murder an all-new original podcast series from NBC News Studios. 

Hosted by veteran journalist Andrew Goldman, Dead Certain: The Martha Moxley Murde... more

Hey Dateline fans! As a bonus for you, we’re sharing a special preview clip of The Last Appeal, an all-new original podcast series from Dateline and Lester Holt. 

In this series, Lester Holt takes listeners inside the urgent case of Robert Roberson,... more

Hey Dateline fans! As a bonus for you, we’re sharing the trailer for The Last Appeal an all-new original podcast series from Dateline and Lester Holt.

In this series, Lester Holt takes listeners inside the urgent case of Robert Roberson, a Texas fat... more

Hey, Dateline fans! As a bonus, we’re giving you a special preview clip of our new podcast series, Deadly Engagement. It’s the story of Denita Smith, a promising young photographer with a bright future and engagement ring from the man she loved. But ... more

Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host

Recent Guests

Kathy Di Bono
Documentary filmmaker and psychotherapist who investigates Victor Palaiologos' background and advocates for justice for victims.
Episode: 6 – Sisterhood
Terri Hall
Mother of Kristi Johnson and advocate against the parole of Victor Palaiologos.
Episode: 6 – Sisterhood
Victor Palaiologos
Central figure in Kristi Johnson's disappearance, with a history of manipulating women under false pretenses.
Episode: 4 – A Bad Actor
Christine Clujian
A survivor of Palaiologos’ previous assault, whose story provides context for his predatory behavior.
Episode: 4 – A Bad Actor
Susan Murphy
Part-time magician with showbiz experience and key witness
Episode: 2 – The Man at the Mall
Terry Hall
Mother of Kristi Johnson, speaking on behalf of her missing daughter
Episode: 2 – The Man at the Mall
Kirk Johnson
Father of Kristi Johnson, expressing his concerns about his daughter's case on media
Episode: 2 – The Man at the Mall
Detective Virginia Obenshain
Lead detective on Kristi Johnson's case
Santa Monica Police Department
Episode: 2 – The Man at the Mall
Douglas Kirkland
Celebrity photographer and witness to Kristi's encounter
Episode: 1 – Bond Girl

Host

Josh Mankiewicz
Host with a Dateline-centric perspective and experience covering complex cases.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 1.1k ratings
  • Great!

    Keith Morrison is a master!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Hearthsmart
    United Statesa year ago
  • Good

    Good but drags on a little at the end. Also how many time can I hear him say the perpetrator’s name.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    M_A_Cross1997
    United Statesa year ago
  • Could only listen to three minutes

    Keith The Morrisons over the top, overly dramatic made up and fake delivery turned me off completely. Couldn’t listen to more than 3 minutes.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    CalCCCCXXXCCC
    United States2 years ago
  • KEITH MORRISON ROCKS!!

    I could listen to Keith Morrison talking all day!

    You can tell he cares about what he’s doing. This new podcast is fabulous. Intriguing!! Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Sclarkknapik
    United States2 years ago
  • Excitement and questioning

    Over all this crime literally shocks me because I’ve been to Beverly Hills and learning about this murder reminds me about my trip to the states for a vacation and this podcast is my first one listening and I always wonder of what’s the deal with the photographer who could have something to do with kristis death

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Topgameroscar
    Canada2 years ago
  • Highly Recommend

    Fantastic Podcast!! I was glued to every word!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Caligirl1201
    United States2 years ago
  • My mom was almost his victim

    My mother was in LA in 1989. She always told us a story about feeling like someone was following her when she was on my dad’s business trip at the West Bonaventure Hotel. When she turned around, she saw a man. As she started walking faster, so did he. She was overwhelmed with fear and sprinted and somehow made it to an elevator before he could get to her. She was able to find a group of men and hysterically explained to them what had happened, and they brought her to security. Security also call... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RachScorpioGemLeo
    United States2 years ago
  • The voice

    I’d listen to Keith Morrison read a shopping list!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    djdflp
    United States2 years ago
  • Good listen

    Well laid out and unlike other reviews I found the host to make the series much more enjoyable. Not my usual subject but got hooked, recommended.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Chris9907
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Host’s melodramatic voice and phrasings ruin it

    Interesting story. Insufferable host.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    kryptosam
    United States2 years ago
  • Very well written and produced. Gripping story, kept me entertained for an entire road trip. And I could listen to Keith Morrison narrate anything!

    Podcast Addict
    5
    MeepsLabs
    2 years ago
  • Terrible host

    Such a shame, this podcast had so much potential but the host is insufferable…not sure if it’s because I’m from the UK and generally find American hosts pretty cringey but this guy takes the biscuit. Couldn’t listen.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    iretips6575
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Love listening to this mans voice! Sooooooo soothing!

    Podchaser
    5
    sherrihart74
    2 years ago
  • Another great Dateline podcast series!

    I remember this case when it happened, I lived in LA at the time. I had no idea of how things have unfolded since then. I can’t believe such a violent sex offender will have continuous chances for parole, that’s terrifying. Thank you for waking people up to this, I hope California is paying attention.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JanBonJovi
    United States2 years ago
  • My least favorite Dateline series

    Sadly, this was a disappointing series compared to others done by Keith and Dateline. The story, while incredibly sad, just did not have the robustness and meat required for a 6-episode series. The final episode felt completely disconnected from the main story and was more about an ego trip for the main female contributor.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    vine515
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some listeners feel the host's style can be melodramatic or overemphatic, depending on episode and personal taste.
Listeners praise the host's storytelling ability and in-depth reporting, with many noting the engaging, suspenseful delivery.
The show is seen as a high-quality source for case background and researching perspectives from victims' communities and investigators.
A few reviews highlight improvements in pacing and structure over time, while others prefer shorter, more concise formats.
Episodes are described as thorough and compelling, often generating discussions about justice and advocacy in true crime cases.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#242
South Africa/True Crime

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

4 – A Bad Actor
Q: Did you know Kristi Johnson?
Palaiologos denies having met Kristi Johnson at the mall, though he later admits he went to the mall later that day.
4 – A Bad Actor
Q: What was your life like before this case began?
Palaiologos mentions that it was tough for him, especially after the loss of his mother and refers to a difficult childhood.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Murder in the Hollywood Hills

What is Murder in the Hollywood Hills about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Explores high-profile true crime cases rooted in Hollywood glamour and ambition, with a focus on predatory tactics, investigative persistence, and the networks that help bring criminals to justice. Central threads across episodes include careful recounting of victim experiences, the evolving role of grassroots advocacy, and the courtroom or investigative arcs that shape public perception. The host's narrative style—dramatic and immersive—helps illuminate how victims and allies banded together to pursue accountability, making it a compelling listen for fans of true crime, investigations, and justice-focused storytelling. The show is likely to appeal to listeners who value thorough storytelling, nuance in investigative timelines, and the huma... more

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How many episodes of Murder in the Hollywood Hills are there?

Murder in the Hollywood Hills launched 2 years ago and published 9 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Murder in the Hollywood Hills?

Recent guests on Murder in the Hollywood Hills include:

1. Kathy Di Bono
2. Terri Hall
3. Victor Palaiologos
4. Christine Clujian
5. Susan Murphy
6. Terry Hall
7. Kirk Johnson
8. Detective Virginia Obenshain

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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