
About this episode
On October 8th, 2000, 44-year-old Chris Northon is camping in Oregon with his wife, 38-year-old Liysa, and their 3-year-old son. After four years of marriage, Chris and Liysa were no longer happy. Both Chris and Liysa hoped that this weekend getaway could help mend their relationship’s troubles. But when Liysa confronts Chris about his poor behavior and substance abuse, the couple trade harsh words—and blows. That night, Liysa uses her .38-caliber revolver to shoot Chris in the head while he is asleep in his sleeping bag. At trial, Liysa reveals that Chris abused her, physically and emotionally, for years. But when unexpected evidence appears mid-trial, Liysa goes to prison for 12 years with a plea deal. Controversy is sparked years later when prolific true crime author Ann Rule covers the case in her best-selling novel Heart Full of Lies. In episode 219, Jac and Alexis explore the tangled web of lies surrounding Chris Northon’s death.
🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon:
patreon.com/thefirstdegree
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree
🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee
👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time The First Degree publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from The First Degree

DEEP DIVE: THE BUTT SNIFFER STRIKES AGAIN
The First Degree
Sep 3, 202647:01completed

Episode 418: Bigger Than the Trial
The First Degree
Sep 2, 20261:12:58pending

DEEP DIVE: WHAT IS WRONG WITH EVERYONE?
The First Degree
Aug 27, 202648:20pending

Episode 417: Stozek/McBrien
The First Degree
Aug 26, 202640:05pending