True Crime Files — 2026-08-31

Breaking Today

Chicago Homicide Tracker Update — Chicago, IL

• What happened: The Chicago Tribune’s weekly homicide tracker was updated on August 31, 2026, confirming that 288 people have been slain in Chicago so far this year. The data is current through August 29, 2026.
• Status: Ongoing investigation into multiple cases.
• Why it stands out: This running tally provides critical context for public safety trends and police resource allocation in one of the nation's largest cities.

Northeast Austin Homicide — Austin, TX

• What happened: Authorities are investigating a homicide that occurred on Saturday in northeast Austin. Police confirmed one person is dead and one suspect is in custody.
• Status: Suspect in custody; investigation ongoing.
• Why it stands out: Rapid arrest following a weekend shooting highlights effective local response protocols.

Corpus Christi Domestic Homicide — Corpus Christi, TX

• What happened: A 22-year-old man, identified as Nickolas C. Lara, was shot dead outside a home in the early hours of August 25, 2026. The victim had allegedly shown up at his ex-girlfriend's home after sending threatening messages.
• Status: Under investigation.
• Why it stands out: The case underscores the lethal potential of domestic violence escalations, with digital evidence playing a key role in the narrative.

Trials & Verdicts

Lindsay Clancy — First-Degree Murder

• Courtroom today: Jurors are currently deliberating in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial. Closing arguments have concluded, and the jury is weighing charges of first-degree murder, which involves "deliberate premeditation and extreme atrocity," against lesser manslaughter charges. No verdict was reached as of the latest reports.
• Background: The case has drawn national attention due to its complex legal arguments regarding intent and mental state.
• What's next: Jury deliberations continue; a verdict is expected soon.

  

3 sources

nbcnews.com

Lindsay Clancy trial finishes closing arguments; jury now deliberates murder vs. manslaughter

media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com

media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com

nbcnews.com

Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years after murder conviction in Texas high school stabbing

Tupac Shakur Case — Murder Trial Deliberations

• Courtroom today: High-profile murder trials are in the deliberation phase this week, including cases involving figures related to Tupac Shakur. Legal analysts are breaking down possible outcomes for these closely watched proceedings.
• Background: These trials involve historical or high-profile allegations with significant public interest.
• What's next: Juries are reviewing evidence and testimony to reach a verdict.

  

1 sources

cnn.com

Jury deliberations this week in high-profile murder trials, Lindsay Clancy and Tupac Shakur | CNN

Cold Case Breakthroughs

Deanna Ogg Murder (1986) — Montgomery County, TX

• The break: DNA technology identified Bobby Charles Taylor, Sr. as the suspect in the 1986 murder of 16-year-old Deanna Ogg. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Texas Rangers and FBI, announced the arrest as a definitive milestone in the nearly four-decade-old case.
• The crime: Deanna Ogg was found dead miles from a convenience store she was walking to in 1986. The case remained unsolved for decades.
• Impact: This breakthrough brings closure to the family and demonstrates the power of modern forensic techniques in solving historical crimes.

  

Armes Henry Lahti Identification (1965) — Oregon

• The break: New genealogy technology helped identify remains found in 1972 as those of Navy veteran and fisherman Armes Henry Lahti, who disappeared in 1965 after a bar dispute.
• The crime: Lahti, known for his gentle yet strong personality, vanished over half a century ago. His remains were discovered years later but remained unidentified until recently.
• Impact: While the identification solves the mystery of his identity, Oregon authorities are still seeking information to solve the underlying homicide and bring justice to Lahti and his family.

  

Watch & Listen

• Variety Confidential Podcast (Podcast) — A special episode dives into the business of true crime storytelling, featuring producers and executives behind shows like “Quiet on Set,” “The Fall of Diddy,” and “House of Hammer.”

Pattern Watch

• DNA Technology Solving Decades-Old Cases: Recent arrests in Texas and identifications in Oregon highlight the growing efficacy of investigative genetic genealogy and DNA profiling in resolving cold cases that were previously deemed unsolvable.
• High-Profile Jury Deliberations: The simultaneous deliberation phases of the Lindsay Clancy trial and cases involving Tupac Shakur indicate a period of intense public interest in major murder trials, with national media coverage focusing on the nuances of murder vs. manslaughter distinctions.

Reader Action Items

• Follow this case: Lindsay Clancy Trial. Watch for the jury verdict, which could set precedents regarding premeditation and extreme atrocity in similar domestic violence-related homicides.
• Do your part: If you have information regarding the 1965 disappearance and subsequent death of Armes Henry Lahti in Oregon, contact local authorities to assist in solving the half-century-old homicide.