Our true crime experts pick the most chilling cases of 2025 in the FREE The Crime Desk newsletter
From a breakthrough in the Zodiac Killer case that has haunted the U.S. for decades to a new hope in the JonBenet Ramsey murder, here are the stories that gripped the last 12 months.
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By RACHEL SHARP, CRIME CORRESPONDENT
Published: 18:28 GMT, 30 December 2025 | Updated: 18:32 GMT, 30 December 2025
In 2025, cold cases were cracked back open, major murder trials dominated headlines, and long-whispered theories roared back into the mainstream.
From shocking arrests and courtroom bombshells to disturbing new evidence and voices silent for decades, The Crime Desk followed every twist in the world’s most gripping and chilling stories.
Our true crime experts have chosen the top stories that defined The Crime Desk in 2025.
To see our yearly round-up, sign up for the free, weekly The Crime Desk newsletter.
There was a breakthrough in the Zodiac Killer caseas investigative consultant Alex Baber revealed a new suspect in a The Crime Desk world exclusive.
JonBenét Ramsey’s father revealed why he is more hopeful than ever that the 1996 slaying of his daughter will finally be solved
There was a breakthrough in the Zodiac Killer case as investigative consultant Alex Baber revealed a new suspect in a The Crime Desk world exclusive.
Criminology student Bryan Kohberger finally admitted to the savage murders of four University of Idaho students, without revealing his motive.
JonBenét Ramsey’s father revealed why he is more hopeful than ever that the 1996 slaying of his daughter will finally be solved.
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Police in Boulder, Colorado, are retesting DNA evidence found at the scene of the six-year-old pageant queen's murder.
We also revisit the podcasts and videos that brought new life into the most chilling cases.
There is even more for true crime fans to get excited about in 2026, with the trial of Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect Rex Heuerman and the case of Kouri Richins, the Utah grief author and mother charged with murdering her husband.