For more than three decades, 48 Hours correspondent Erin Moriarty has reported on murder cases across the country, and she believed she had seen and heard it all. Until this one.
Fifteen: Inside the Daniel Marsh Murders was created to take listeners inside one of California’s most chilling and confounding cases, beginning with the brutal 2013 murders of Claudia and Chip Maupin, a beloved couple in Davis, California. In the early morning hours of April 14, their 17-year marriage came to a violent end inside their own home. Police had no physical evidence and spent months chasing leads, even scrutinizing the victims’ family. Then, two months later, a tip pointed to an unlikely and terrifying suspect, a fifteen-year-old boy.
Our goal was to create a gripping, meticulously reported six-episode series that keeps listeners engaged while offering clarity, context, and compassion. Hosted by Moriarty, the podcast follows the case from its baffling beginnings through investigative dead ends and breakthroughs. Ultimately, the objective was not simply to recount a shocking crime but to deliver a responsible, immersive listening experience that informs, provokes reflection, and stays with the audience long after the final episode.
Fifteen: Inside the Daniel Marsh Murders was created as a deeper dive into a case Erin Moriarty first reported for 48 Hours. The original broadcast episode introduced audiences to the shocking murders of Claudia and Chip Maupin and the unexpected suspect at the center of the investigation. Years later, new attention around the case put it back in the headlines, prompting an opportunity to revisit the reporting with more space, more context, and an update on where things stand now.
The podcast expands beyond the constraints of a single television hour and builds a serialized narrative that could do three things: re-examine the case with greater detail, include material that never made it to air, and bring audiences up to date on the latest developments. Execution combined Erin’s firsthand reporting and perspective with careful research and interviews that could deepen understanding of the case.
Fifteen, hosted by Erin Moriarty, successfully expanded our true-crime slate with a deeply reported, serialized investigation that strengthened the brand’s reputation for rigorous, emotionally intelligent storytelling. The series delivered a compelling narrative while upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity and sensitivity, reinforcing listener trust in our editorial approach.
The podcast resonated strongly with audiences, charting on top true-crime lists and demonstrating its broad appeal within a competitive genre. Its sustained performance reflected meaningful listener engagement and retention across episodes, as audiences followed the case’s complex developments.
Extending the life of the series beyond the feed, Erin Moriarty moderated a featured panel at CrimeCon 2025, bringing together individuals highlighted in the podcast to discuss the case in greater depth. The live event deepened audience engagement, fostered direct dialogue around the investigation, and underscored the project’s cultural relevance within the true-crime community.
By combining meticulous reporting, chart success, and impactful live programming tied directly to the series, Fifteen met both our editorial and strategic objectives, demonstrating its resonance across platforms and its strength within the true-crime landscape.
