In this gripping true crime edition of The Dirty Verdict, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden are joined by criminal law expert Anthony Osso to dissect one of the most disturbing cases Houston has seen in years—the murder of Cameron Smith by his own son, Ryan Mitchell Smith. From a shocking crime spree to an insanity defense, the episode unpacks the legal twists, mental health implications, and courtroom drama surrounding this tragic and violent case.
Was justice served? Could this crime have been prevented? And what happens when someone who stabs a police dog gets released—only to escalate to murder?
Show Highlights:
• 00:01:00 – Introduction of guest expert Anthony Osso
• 00:02:22 – Breakdown of the timeline leading up to the murder
• 00:03:45 – Dog stabbing and legal implications for harming police K-9s
• 00:04:52 – Bail, bonding out, and the magistrate process explained
• 00:06:13 – Ryan Smith evades police twice, raising questions about public safety
• 00:07:02 – Discovery of the body and the brutal method of murder
• 00:08:30 – Discussion on whether bond was appropriate given the charges
• 00:09:12 – Legal explanation of entitlement to bail under Texas law
• 00:10:55 – Insanity as a legal defense: what qualifies, and why it’s rarely successful
• 00:12:23 – Signs of premeditation and efforts to cover up the crime
• 00:13:02 – Lack of motive and its role in jury deliberation
• 00:14:01 – The deer meat ruse and how it factored into proving premeditation
• 00:15:03 – How Ryan fled to Bellville and how police eventually caught him
• 00:16:16 – Choosing between insanity and alternative defenses
• 00:17:12 – Expert testimony on drug-induced insanity
• 00:18:18 – Why the case wasn’t streamed, but could have been
• 00:19:22 – Competency vs. insanity: legal distinctions explained
• 00:21:16 – Prosecutor strategy and potential use of the injured police dog in sentencing
• 00:22:20 – Life sentence in Texas and parole eligibility
• 00:24:01 – Prison logistics: what life behind bars looks like in Texas
• 00:25:17 – Forensic details: dumbbell as murder weapon, cause of death
• 00:26:26 – Prosecutors Kim and Lindsey praised for navigating an emotional trial
• 00:28:25 – Possible appeal issues: suppressed evidence, insanity plea, ineffective counsel
• 00:29:34 – Appeal process and what happens to Smith during it
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream—and don’t forget to like and subscribe.
The Dirty Verdict
This week on The Dirty Verdict, Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert (filling in while Bill Ogden mourns the loss of his grandfather—our condolences, Bill) dive into the world of court-appointed receiverships—where judgments get enforced, zebras get seized, and helicopters in backyards are fair game.
Peter and Kyle are joined by two of the most notorious (and effective) receivers in Texas: Robert Berleth and Derek Loetzerich. These legal bounty hunters share jaw-dropping stories of chasing down debtors, collecting everything from luxury cars to exotic animals, and navigating the wild west of fraudulent transfers and business divorces.
Whether you’ve got a judgment to enforce or just want to hear how someone found nearly $1 million in cash in a closet—this one’s for you.
🔍 Show Notes:
00:00–01:12 – Opening tributes to Bill Ogden’s grandfather and legendary lawyer Darryl Barger
01:12–02:46 – What is a court-appointed receiver? Legal context and real-world impact
02:46–06:13 – Meet Robert and Derek: how they got into receivership work
06:13–10:34 – From paramedic to collections attorney and the case of the zebras 🦓
10:34–14:11 – How they get paid: contingency fees, judgment stacking, and more
14:11–18:20 – When should lawyers call a receiver? (Spoiler: before it’s too late)
18:20–22:28 – Chapter 64 receiverships explained (aka legal hitmen with court orders)
22:28–27:05 – Powers of a receiver and why they’re way better than garnishment
27:05–30:00 – Yes, they’ve been shot at. Here’s what not to do when you owe money
30:00–34:35 – Famous debtors: Vince Young, Moses Malone Jr., and Adrian Peterson
34:35–38:09 – Liquidating jewelry, boats, and classic cars (some worth far less than expected)
38:09–42:00 – Offshore asset chases and international enforcement
42:00–46:00 – Cold hard cash: $983,000 in a duffel bag + COVID fraud
46:00–50:00 – Why receivers don’t publish addresses and how they protect themselves
50:00–55:00 – The psychology of judgment enforcement: fear, fraud, and fast settlements
55:00–57:12 – Acting as unofficial mediators to help resolve impossible cases
57:12–End – Final thoughts, shoutouts to Suriname, and why you don’t want these guys showing up at your door
💼 Takeaway: If you’re a lawyer with a tough judgment to collect, skip the paperwork and call a receiver. These guys get it done.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. And if you’re in Suriname… we’re sorry.
In what might be the most unfiltered and entertaining episode yet, The Dirty Verdict crew welcomes their most requested guest: Houston trial lawyer Jason Webster. From calling out inflated verdict marketing to breaking down how hedge funds are quietly reshaping the plaintiff’s bar, Jason pulls no punches.
You’ll hear why Jason is every plaintiff lawyer’s favorite Facebook truth-teller, what really went down in the Sutherland Springs litigation, and how a train explosion in a small Canadian town became the biggest personal injury settlement in Canadian history—all thanks to Jason’s hustle and a little local TV.
Along the way: bear hunting in Russia, deposition warfare, FLSA cases, Texas football, and an all-time great plane favor story involving a bear-hugger expert and the Jewish holidays.
Show Notes:
• 00:00:38 – Peter promotes Bill to full-time host and teases their “greatest guest yet”
• 00:01:15 – Enter Jason Webster: internet legend and Facebook flamethrower
• 00:02:33 – Unfiltered lawyer talk and why “posting checks” isn’t the flex people think
• 00:04:46 – Inside the Sutherland Springs verdict drama
• 00:06:01 – The VC invasion: how hedge funds are distorting plaintiff law
• 00:09:32 – From Vioxx to mass tort marketing: how the game has changed
• 00:15:39 – Jason breaks down his current mass tort focus: Depo-Provera brain tumors
• 00:20:19 – A hard pivot: Jason’s other passion—big game hunting (including Russia stories)
• 00:26:11 – Jason’s Texas roots, Friday night lights, and Tarleton State football
• 00:30:09 – Falling into law: the moment Jason knew he was built to be a trial lawyer
• 00:31:03 – What it’s like taking depositions for abused children and fighting for real victims
• 00:43:57 – Advanced depo strategies, cross-notices, and using taxes to rattle a witness
• 00:51:05 – Jason’s proudest case: Lac-Mégantic train disaster and rewriting Canadian legal history
• 01:00:00 – Taking on the most powerful railroad companies in America—and winning
• 01:04:01 – Who Jason respects (and who he doesn’t) in the defense bar
• 01:05:35 – Wrapping it up and teasing Jason’s next visit to roast more plaintiff lawyers
Subscribe & Follow:Don’t miss the next episode of The Dirty Verdict—follow us on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
In this riveting episode of the Dirty Verdict Podcast, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert and Bill Ogden are joined by special guest attorney Anna Greenberg for an in-depth discussion of high-stakes sexual assault litigation. The conversation spans groundbreaking cases—from the evolving legal battles against Massage Envy following recent changes in binding arbitration clauses, to a harrowing Hilton hotel case that culminated in a multi‐million dollar verdict, and a disturbing rideshare assault involving a Lyft driver. With frank insights into trial strategy, jury selection, and the challenges of holding powerful corporations accountable, this episode lays bare the systemic issues and safety failures that have left survivors fighting for justice. Whether you’re a legal professional or simply curious about the intersection of corporate policy and personal safety, this episode offers a compelling look at the evolving landscape of sexual assault litigation.
Topics Discussed
• Massage Therapy Industry Cases: Litigation against Massage Envy and issues arising from previously enforced binding arbitration clauses.
• Federal Statute Changes: The 2022 law that renders binding arbitration clauses unenforceable in sexual assault or harassment cases.
• Franchisor Liability: Legal debates over the national franchise’s duty to control local operations and ensure safe practices.
• Hilton Hotel Case: Detailed breakdown of a landmark sexual assault case at a Hilton property, including trial strategy, jury dynamics, and the $44.6M verdict.
• Trial Strategies & Jury Selection: Insights into courtroom tactics, the role of aggressive defense strategies, and jury questioning focused on the MeToo movement.
• Rideshare Safety Concerns: Discussion of a disturbing Lyft case involving kidnapping and assault, highlighting corporate safety failures and the legal responsibility of rideshare companies.
• Systemic Reform: Commentary on the need for tighter safety protocols, enhanced training, and stronger accountability from large organizations.
• Personal Legal Journeys: Anna Greenberg’s background, her inspiration from her father’s legacy in mass tort litigation, and her commitment to representing survivors.
Welcome back to another riveting edition of The Dirty Verdict Podcast! In this episode, hosts Peter Taaffe, trial lawyers Kyle Herbert and Bill Ogden, along with co-producer Amanda, sit down with acclaimed true crime author Katherine Casey to explore some of the most complex and chilling cases in recent history. With over 100 episodes under their belt, the team delves into a detailed discussion about cases that blur the lines between legal intrigue and genuine human drama. Katherine takes us deep into the notorious Celeste Beard case—with its twisted tale of financial ambition, betrayal, and a high-profile trial—and offers insights into the enigmatic stiletto case as well as the harrowing murder of Kari Baker, featured in her book Dirty Little Secrets. Discover how behind-the-scenes research, lengthy trial sessions, and the raw emotions of those involved have shaped some of the most talked-about true crime stories. Whether you’re a legal professional, a true crime aficionado, or simply fascinated by the darker corners of human nature, this episode reveals why truth can indeed be stranger than fiction.
Show Notes
Welcome by mediator Peter Taaffe, joined by trial lawyers Kyle Herbert and Bill Ogden
◦ Special appearance by co-producer and PR director, Amanda
• The Celeste Beard Case
◦ Background: Celeste, a waitress at the Austin Country Club, and her financially motivated marriage to a wealthy founder
◦ The dramatic relationship with her husband and the involvement of Tracy Charlton
◦ Details of the murder plot, including the staged suicide threat and the subsequent trial
◦ Media frenzy: From the Nancy Grace tent outside the courthouse to live court TV coverage
◦ Testimonies from key witnesses, including the twin daughters
• Other Notable Cases Mentioned
◦ Brief discussion on the enigmatic stiletto case
◦ Overview of the Waco pastor case (last name Baker) and its intriguing twists
• Exploring Dirty Little Secrets: The Kari Baker Murder
◦ The tragic life of Kari Baker, a young mother with two daughters entangled in a relationship with a Baptist minister
◦ Investigation challenges: The missing autopsy, the dubious suicide note, and the exhumation that turned the case around
◦ Pivotal witness testimonies that broke the case open
• Katherine Casey’s Research Process & Trial Experiences
◦ Preparation: Reaching out to legal teams, interviewing witnesses, and attending lengthy trial sessions
◦ Behind-the-scenes anecdotes: Quirky personal stories and the emotional toll of covering high-profile cases
◦ Balancing the role of a journalist with the inherent dangers of true crime reporting
• True Crime in Today’s Media Landscape
◦ Reflections on how true crime has evolved into mainstream documentaries and books
◦ The challenges and responsibilities of reporting on cases that touch so many lives
• Closing Thoughts & Call to Action
◦ Final reflections from Katherine Casey on the nature of truth in true crime
◦ Reminder to follow The Dirty Verdict Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, Instagram, and TikTok for more in-depth legal and true crime discussions
Join us for a deep dive into the murky world of true crime, where every case is a puzzle and every testimony a clue to understanding the human condition.
In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, we sit down with renowned headshot photographer and former attorney, Chris Gillett. Chris shares his journey from a 19-year career in commercial litigation to becoming one of the most sought-after photographers for legal professionals. We discuss the importance of headshots in legal marketing, the psychology behind facial expressions, and why so many professional photos miss the mark. Along the way, Chris critiques our own headshots, offers invaluable tips for looking your best in photos, and even shares some of the strangest client requests he’s encountered. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a great professional headshot—or if you’re just here for the banter—this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
Show Notes:
00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest, Chris Gillett
00:41 – Co-hosts Bill, Peter, and Kyle introduce Chris and talk about their own legal headshot experiences
02:08 – Chris shares his background as a former attorney and how he transitioned to photography
03:27 – The business of legal headshots: How Chris built his brand and why lawyers need great photos
04:47 – The psychology behind headshots: Confidence vs. likability in professional photos
08:14 – The worst headshots lawyers take and common mistakes to avoid
12:36 – Chris critiques the hosts’ headshots (and Peter’s questionable yellow tie)
16:05 – The impact of AI-generated headshots: Are they worth it?
20:31 – Weirdest client requests and horror stories from the studio
24:46 – Why lighting, camera angles, and posture are more important than the camera itself
29:55 – Leaving the law: Chris talks about the challenges and rewards of switching careers
35:10 – Advice for lawyers looking to improve their online presence
40:06 – Closing thoughts and how to book a session with Chris
42:30 – Outro and where to follow The Dirty Verdict for more episodes
Guest Links:
📸 Chris Gillett’s Website: LikeTheRazor.com
📷 Instagram: @6illett
Follow The Dirty Verdict:
🎙️ YouTube: Subscribe Here
🎧 Spotify & Apple Podcasts: Listen Here
📱 Instagram, TikTok, Facebook: @TheDirtyVerdict
Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more candid legal industry conversations with top professionals!