Crimes of Passion

Crimes of passion are typically unplanned and may involve violent or aggressive behavior towards a romantic partner or family member. Such crimes consider many aspects of the crime committed, including their legal definition, psychological factors, and potential consequences.


Judge John Niedrach sentences Brandon Christopher Risner, a haunted house scare actor, for maliciously killing Aaron William Davis, a friend he'd known since high school.
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Vinnie Politan stands in Winn Dixie parking lot
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FL v. Malarik: The Winn Dixie Murder

When Sherri Malarik was found dead in a Winn Dixie parking lot, suspicion fell on her husband Greg. 20 years later, a former lover's confession... More

July 1, 2024

Ali Abulaban sits in court
Defendant in orange jumpsuit in court.
Gabby Petito's father, Joe Petito, mother, Nicole Schmidt and stepmother, Tara Petito join Court TV and discuss the release of the FBI's Gabby Petito case file.
Thurman Martin
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Ali Abulaban looks at the camera as the verdict was read.
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Ali Abulaban cries after hearing the verdict
Ali Abulaban sits in court
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Ali Abulaban and his attorneys sit in court
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Ali Abulaban points at the prosecutor
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At one point, Abulaban turned to the judge to protest a question, asking,
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Ali Abulaban cries while testifying
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Ali Abulaban looks down as he testifies
Ali Abulaban testifies in court
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Gene Smith testifies in court
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Blake Scanlon sits at defense table
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Blake Scanlon's defense attorney delivers closing arguments.
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Detective testifies in court
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Suzanne Verrill testifies
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Jeffrey Verrill testifies
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Dr. Thomas Andrews
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Cola Beale looking at camera in courtroom
screenshot from bodyworn camera footage of Deputy Ben Wheeler
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jesse alvarez testifies
A jury deliberated before returning a verdict for Jesse Alvarez, who's accused in the 2021 shooting death of his ex-girlfriend's new fiancé.
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Jesse Alvarez took the stand and told jurors that undiagnosed autism played a part in his obsession with ex-girlfriend.
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Jesse Milton Alvarez's apparent obsession with ex-girlfriend Amy Gembara led to him killing her fiancé.
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