
Unconventional romance or sexual assault? A complicated story of consent.
When Derrick Johnson was a toddler, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He never developed the ability to speak. Instead, he would communicate with his eyes and his hands, and his family would do their best to interpret his gestures.
That was until they met a Rutgers professor named Anna Stubblefield.
Anna thought that with the right technique and coaching Derrick could learn to say exactly what was on his mind.
But what began as an attempt to expand Derek's horizons quickly turned into a nightmare. One that ended with Derrick’s family accusing Anna of sexual assault.
In his documentary Tell Them You Love Me, director Nick August Perna explores Anna and Derrick’s relationship – and the complicated questions it forces us to confront.
For ad-free listening to Crime Story, subscribe to CBC's True Crime Premium channel on Apple Podcasts.
Feedback for us? You can email us directly at [email protected].
Crime Story
This is true crime with journalistic integrity — and a curious, conversational edge. Each Monday, Crime Story dives into gripping cases of every kind: from white-collar scandals and high-profile trials to under-the-radar stories you’ve never heard before.
At the heart of each episode is a deep, intimate interview with someone who knows the case inside and out — the journalists, documentarians, and storytellers who’ve reported on these crimes, chased leads for years, and lost sleep uncovering the truth. Their insights cut through the noise, revealing not just what happened, but why it matters.
Hosted by award-winning journalist Kathleen Goldhar — a true crime devotee with more than 20 years of experience and a track record of critically-acclaimed podcasts — the show blends sharp reporting with an authentic love for the genre.
- No. of episodes: 94
- Latest episode: 2025-06-30
- True Crime