It’s a cruel sociological experiment. Lock up a 13-year-old boy for a murder that he swore he didn’t commit. Release him as a 30-year-old man. Then, give him $25 million. New from WBEZ Chicago, Motive is a true crime podcast hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Frank Main, with original reporting from the Chicago Sun-Times.Find via Apple Podcasts  | Pocket Casts | RSS

It’s a cruel sociological experiment. Lock up a 13-year-old boy for a murder that he swore he didn’t commit. Release him as a 30-year-old man. Then, give him $25 million. New from WBEZ Chicago, Motive is a true crime podcast hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Frank Main, with original reporting from the Chicago Sun-Times. Find via <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/motive/id1479220905" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>  | <a href="https://pca.st/bzn1z253" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pocket Casts</a> | <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/wbez-motive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RSS</a>

'Motive' Season 1 Podcast Trailer

While driving a Mercedes convertible, multi-millionaire T.J. Jimenez shoots a man in the legs. It's all captured on video. We begin our story outside the jail in downtown Chicago. See photos, video, court documents and more of the reporting behind this episode by visiting the Motive page at the Chicago Sun-Times.

While driving a Mercedes convertible, multi-millionaire T.J. Jimenez shoots a man in the legs. It's all captured on video. We begin our story outside the jail in downtown Chicago. See photos, video, court documents and more of the reporting behind this episode by visiting <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/9/20/20854262/motive-podcast-episode-1-download-listen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the Motive page</a> at the Chicago Sun-Times.

1: A Shooting From A Mercedes

A fellow gang member and T.J.'s mom describe the young T.J. before the arrest that put him away for so long. And we hear T.J.'s version of the night of the murder. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #555555; -webkit-text-stroke: #555555}span.s1 {font-kerning: none}p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Calibri; color: #042eee}span.s1 {text-decoration: underline ; font-kerning: none}

A fellow gang member and T.J.'s mom describe the young T.J. before the arrest that put him away for so long. And we hear T.J.'s version of the night of the murder.  p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #555555; -webkit-text-stroke: #555555} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Calibri; color: #042eee} span.s1 {text-decoration: underline ; font-kerning: none}

2: Violated Into The PeeWees

T.J. is charged with murder and sent to juvenile jail. Although only 13 when arrested, he's prosecuted as an adult.For photos, video, court documents and more, visit the Motive page at the Chicago Sun-Times.

T.J. is charged with murder and sent to juvenile jail. Although only 13 when arrested, he's prosecuted as an adult.For photos, video, court documents and more, visit <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/10/4/20854405/motive-podcast-episode-3-download-listen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the Motive page</a> at the Chicago Sun-Times.

3: A Boy Enters And A Man Leaves

In 1993, a young man was murdered in front of a Honey Baked Ham store on Belmont Avenue. We return to the scene of the crime to find out what happened on the night that put T.J. in prison for 16 years. For photos, video, court documents and more, visit the Motive page at the Chicago Sun-Times.

In 1993, a young man was murdered in front of a Honey Baked Ham store on Belmont Avenue. We return to the scene of the crime to find out what happened on the night that put T.J. in prison for 16 years. For photos, video, court documents and more, visit <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/10/11/20854551/motive-podcast-episode-4-download-listen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the Motive page</a> at the Chicago Sun-Times.

4: What Really Happened At The Honey Baked Ham

After his conviction is overturned, T.J. leaves prison and begins enjoying his freedom. Meanwhile, Frank receives some emails from a mysterious man telling him he's got the story all wrong.For photos, video, court documents and more, visit the Motive page at the Chicago Sun-Times.

After his conviction is overturned, T.J. leaves prison and begins enjoying his freedom. Meanwhile, Frank receives some emails from a mysterious man telling him he's got the story all wrong.For photos, video, court documents and more, visit <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/10/18/20914374/motive-podcast-episode-5-download-listen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the Motive page</a> at the Chicago Sun-Times.

5: The Fairytale Ending

Brian Nelson was the leader of T.J.'s gang: The Simon City Royals. Nelson spent almost thirty harrowing years in prison. What was left when he came out?For photos, video, court documents and more, visit the Motive page at the Chicago Sun-Times.

Brian Nelson was the leader of T.J.'s gang: The Simon City Royals. Nelson spent almost thirty harrowing years in prison. What was left when he came out?For photos, video, court documents and more, visit <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/motive-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the Motive page</a> at the Chicago Sun-Times.

6: Mousey Is Dead

In prison, T.J. becomes a part of the gang hierarchy and dives deep into religion. Not long after inmate number K51114 is released, cracks start to appear.   For photos, video, court documents and more visit the Motive page at the Chicago Sun-Times.

In prison, T.J. becomes a part of the gang hierarchy and dives deep into religion. Not long after inmate number K51114 is released, cracks start to appear.   For photos, video, court documents and more visit <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/11/1/20940446/motive-podcast-episode-7-download-listen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the Motive page</a> at the Chicago Sun-Times.

7: Inmate K51114

T.J. gets angry watching a heavyweight match between two persuasive Chicago lawyers. One side claims the police framed T.J. for a murder. The other side claims that T.J. is a murderer. For photos, video, court documents and more visit the Motive page at the Chicago Sun-Times.

T.J. gets angry watching a heavyweight match between two persuasive Chicago lawyers. One side claims the police framed T.J. for a murder. The other side claims that T.J. is a murderer. For photos, video, court documents and more visit <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/11/8/20948705/motive-podcast-episode-8-download-listen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the Motive page</a> at the Chicago Sun-Times.

8: T.J. Versus The City Of Chicago

Now a multi-millionaire, T.J. could have done anything. But he called himself Batman and started a violent gang war.For photos, video, court documents and more visit the Motive page at the Chicago Sun-Times.

Now a multi-millionaire, T.J. could have done anything. But he called himself Batman and started a violent gang war.For photos, video, court documents and more visit <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/11/15/20964943/motive-podcast-episode-9-download-listen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the Motive page</a> at the Chicago Sun-Times.

9: Batman On The West Side

Chicago gangs: Real people. Real stories. A way forward. The new season of Motive explores violence on the streets of Chicago and the former gang members working to stop it.

The big question is ... why?For photos, video, court documents and more visit the Motive page at the Chicago Sun-Times.

The big question is ... why? For photos, video, court documents and more visit <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/11/22/20974949/motive-podcast-episode-10-download-listen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the Motive page</a> at the Chicago Sun-Times.

10: Mother's Day

A story of years of silence, how it was broken, and the young women who are finally coming forward to seek justice. A preview of WBEZ’s new season of Motive, coming soon. 

A story of years of silence, how it was broken, and the young women who are finally coming forward to seek justice. A preview of WBEZ’s new season of Motive, coming soon.

'Motive' Season 2 Podcast Trailer

Lauren Bajorek

A college student dies on her 21st birthday in Spain. Authorities rule her death an accident. Years later, questions arise after a TV segment airs about someone she was with that night.

A college student dies on her 21st birthday in Spain. Authorities rule her death an accident. Years later, questions arise after a TV segment airs about someone she was with that night.

1: Lauren Bajorek

Gabrielle Vega

Gabrielle Vega alleges her tour guide raped her in 2013. Nearly five years later, she learns she’s not the only one and decides to do something about it. 

Gabrielle Vega alleges her tour guide raped her in 2013. Nearly five years later, she learns she’s not the only one and decides to do something about it.

2: Gabrielle Vega

“If you’re robbed while you’re drunk everyone still understands that’s a robbery,” says a former prosecutor. “Or if you’re beaten up while you’re drunk, everyone still understands that’s an assault.”In today’s episode, we look at the double-standard often applied in cases of sexual assault.

“If you’re robbed while you’re drunk everyone still understands that’s a robbery,” says a former prosecutor. “Or if you’re beaten up while you’re drunk, everyone still understands that’s an assault.”In today’s episode, we look at the double-standard often applied in cases of sexual assault.

3: Blackout

Most of the women in this story did not go to the police. And while some told a friend, family member or therapist what happened, most say they tried to bury it and move on. Why? And what made these women decide to finally break their silence?

Most of the women in this story did not go to the police. And while some told a friend, family member or therapist what happened, most say they tried to bury it and move on. Why? And what made these women decide to finally break their silence?

4: Can’t Tell Anyone

While studying abroad in Spain, Hayley McAleese and Carly Van Ostenbridge reported to both the police and their school that they had been sexually assaulted. It didn’t go as expected. 

While studying abroad in Spain, Hayley McAleese and Carly Van Ostenbridge reported to both the police and their school that they had been sexually assaulted. It didn’t go as expected.

5: Did Anyone Know?

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Calibri}p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 48.0px; text-indent: -48.0px; font: 11.0px Calibri}span.s1 {font-kerning: none}The powerful investigative work of the Motive podcast is directly supported by WBEZ members.Your donation today is critical to the future of Motive — and all of the investigative reporting that comes from WBEZ.Plus, when you donate, you’ll be invited to join us for a virtual Q&amp;A after this season wraps. Submit your questions in advance and then join us live to get a behind the scenes look at Season 2 — along with updates on any new developments.Make your donation today and get all the details at wbez.org/support.

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Calibri} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 48.0px; text-indent: -48.0px; font: 11.0px Calibri} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} The powerful investigative work of the Motive podcast is directly supported by WBEZ members.Your donation today is critical to the future of Motive — and all of the investigative reporting that comes from WBEZ.Plus, when you donate, you’ll be invited to join us for a virtual Q&amp;A after this season wraps. Submit your questions in advance and then join us live to get a behind the scenes look at Season 2 — along with updates on any new developments.Make your donation today and get all the details at <a href="https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/wbezmotive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wbez.org/support</a>.

Preview: Season 2 Q&A

A Spanish prosecutor opened a criminal investigation in the spring of 2018. Almost two years have passed. We go to Spain to see what’s happening.

A Spanish prosecutor opened a criminal investigation in the spring of 2018. Almost two years have passed. We go to Spain to see what’s happening.

6: The Investigation

The verdict in a 2016 gang rape case known as La Manada, or “The Wolfpack,” ignited mass protests across Spain. It kicked off Spain’s #MeToo movement and prompted a call for change to the country’s sexual assault laws.On today’s episode, the case and the fierce debate that followed.

The verdict in a 2016 gang rape case known as La Manada, or “The Wolfpack,” ignited mass protests across Spain. It kicked off Spain’s #MeToo movement and prompted a call for change to the country’s sexual assault laws.On today’s episode, the case and the fierce debate that followed.

7: La Manada, The Wolfpack

Fantastic listen!  Engaging and raw. I highly recommend.

Season 1 and 2

Both seasons were so well done and reported and researched well. Definitely give them a listen.

5 stars

Motive

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OwlTail

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