The Fall Line: True Crime

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Latest Episodes:

After Ancestry: How TreeScope Is Changing IGG Casework Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

We continue our coverage of the ways in which Accredited Investigative Genetic Genealogists (AIGG) C are approaching the massive changes in the field of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG/IGG) following the update in the language of Ancestry.com's TOS regarding access to historical records and family trees. In this episode, we speak with Tracie Boyle, a longstanding and talented AIGG whose experience includes work with DNA Doe Project and at Ramapo College. Tracie's new program, TreeScope, looks to help close the gaps, and to provide researchers with a tool that will make identifying John and Jane Does and suspects, as well as non-forensic casework, easier.

Treescope: https://boylegenealogy.com/tools/treescope/overview.html

Season 27 covers unsolved homicides across the United States and tracks updates in the ongoing focus on alternative resources for Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogists.

The Fall Line® is an investigative true crime podcast focused on cold cases, unsolved murders, missing persons, and unidentified John and Jane Does in the United States. We deliver in-depth reporting and interviews with law enforcement and forensic experts, examining unsolved homicides, disappearances, serial crimes, and the evidence behind them. Victim-centered and research-driven, we focus on cases still seeking answers.

Learn more about our cold-case coverage at our Episode Guide

Submit a case to The Fall Line: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/case-submissions

Laurah's book LAY THEM TO REST: https://www.hachettebooks.com/titles/laurah-norton/lay-them-to-rest/9780306828805/

Sources at our website: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/sources

Join us on Patreon to fund therapy initiatives: https://www.patreon.com/thefalllinepodcast

We work with Amplitude Media Partners (AMP) to power our advertising and grow with the right sponsors. Contact AMP with any ad inquiries; sales@amplitudemediapartners.com.

Constantine: The Murder of Lavern Chupp Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

Lavern "Vern" Chupp was a well-known figure in St Joseph County, Michigan, where his Old Order Amish family had deep roots, and his skill at construction and carpentry meant he'd worked with just about everyone in the various townships surrounding his home. A devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Lavern was a popular man--but like anyone else, he had difficult business dealings and personal conflict. He lived alone, and his family sometimes worried that he was on his own; however, they never expected that he'd face violence at the hands of an unknown attacker.

Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/fallline #rulapod

Elevate your summer wardrobe. Go to Quince.com.fallline for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.

Anyone with information regarding Lavern Chupp's murder is encouraged to contact the Michigan State Police at (269) 558-0500.

Season 27 covers unsolved homicides across the United States and tracks updates in the ongoing focus on alternative resources for Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogists.

Learn more about our cold-case coverage at our Episode Guide

Submit a case to The Fall Line: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/case-submissions

Laurah's book LAY THEM TO REST: https://www.hachettebooks.com/titles/laurah-norton/lay-them-to-rest/9780306828805/

Sources at our website: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/sources

Join us on Patreon to fund therapy initiatives: https://www.patreon.com/thefalllinepodcast

We work with Amplitude Media Partners (AMP) to power our advertising and grow with the right sponsors. Contact AMP with any ad inquiries; sales@amplitudemediapartners.com.

Precious Child: The Murder of Sylvia Lou Dowdell, Part 3 Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

We continue our coverage of the unsolved murder of Opelika, Alabama mother Sylvia Lou Dowdell, whose remains were discovered in Tuskegee just after Mother's Day 1998. Her daughter, Precious, still has questions--especially about the insurance police taken out on her mother before her death.

Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/fallline #rulapod

Elevate your summer wardrobe. Go to Quince.com.fallline for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.

Anyone with information regarding Sylvia's murder is encouraged to contact the Macon County Sheriff's Office at (334) 724-0669. Her family is offering a 5,000-dollar reward in her case.

Season 27 covers unsolved homicides across the United States and tracks updates in the ongoing focus on alternative resources for Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogists.

Learn more about our cold-case coverage at our Episode Guide

Submit a case to The Fall Line: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/case-submissions

Laurah's book LAY THEM TO REST: https://www.hachettebooks.com/titles/laurah-norton/lay-them-to-rest/9780306828805/

Sources at our website: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/sources

Join us on Patreon to fund therapy initiatives: https://www.patreon.com/thefalllinepodcast

We work with Amplitude Media Partners (AMP) to power our advertising and grow with the right sponsors. Contact AMP with any ad inquiries; sales@amplitudemediapartners.com.

Tuskegee: The Murder of Sylvia Lou Dowdell, Part 2 Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

We continue our coverage of the unsolved murder of Opelika, Alabama mother Sylvia Lou Dowdell, whose remains were discovered in Tuskegee just after Mother's Day 1998. This episode, we examine the crime scene, the forensic evidence, and the investigation.

Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/fallline #rulapod

Elevate your summer wardrobe. Go to Quince.com.fallline for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.

Anyone with information regarding Sylvia's murder is encouraged to contact the Macon County Sheriff's Office at (334) 724-0669. Her family is offering a 5,000-dollar reward in her case.

Season 27 covers unsolved homicides across the United States and tracks updates in the ongoing focus on alternative resources for Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogists.

Learn more about our cold-case coverage at our Episode Guide

Submit a case to The Fall Line: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/case-submissions

Laurah's book LAY THEM TO REST: https://www.hachettebooks.com/titles/laurah-norton/lay-them-to-rest/9780306828805/

Sources at our website: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/sources

Join us on Patreon to fund therapy initiatives: https://www.patreon.com/thefalllinepodcast

We work with Amplitude Media Partners (AMP) to power our advertising and grow with the right sponsors. Contact AMP with any ad inquiries; sales@amplitudemediapartners.com.

Opelika: The Murder of Sylvia Lou Dowdell Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

In 1998, a 38-year-old mother of seven, Sylvia Lou Dowdell, was murdered in Tuskegee, Alabama. Her body was left under a bridge, and her family in her hometown of Opelika waited to hear word of an arrest in her case. After all, a history of violence against Sylvia indicated what might have happened. But nearly 30 years later, her homicide remains unsolved, and two of her adult children, Precious and Steve, are heading up a renewed push for answers.

Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/fallline #rulapod

Elevate your summer wardrobe. Go to Quince.com.fallline for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.

Anyone with information regarding Sylvia's murder is encouraged to contact the Macon County Sheriff's Office at (334) 724-0669. Her family is offering a 5,000-dollar reward in her case.

Season 27 covers unsolved homicides across the United States and tracks updates in the ongoing focus on alternative resources for Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogists.

Learn more about our cold-case coverage at our Episode Guide

Submit a case to The Fall Line: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/case-submissions

Laurah's book LAY THEM TO REST: https://www.hachettebooks.com/titles/laurah-norton/lay-them-to-rest/9780306828805/

Sources at our website: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/sources

Join us on Patreon to fund therapy initiatives: https://www.patreon.com/thefalllinepodcast

We work with Amplitude Media Partners (AMP) to power our advertising and grow with the right sponsors. Contact AMP with any ad inquiries; sales@amplitudemediapartners.com.

Elma, Washington: The Grays Harbor Jane Doe Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

In October of 1988, the remains of a homicide victim were found in a rural area of Grays Harbor County, just outside Elma, Washington. A dedicated detective worked her case for years—first in his role with the sheriff's office, and then as coroner. Even now, in his retirement, he's followed the case.

Despite thousands of hours of investigation, her identity remained elusive; but then, in 2018, forensic investigative genetic genealogy became a possibility, and The DNA Doe Project took on the case of the Grays Harbor Jane Doe. But her case has proved incredibly difficult, and genealogists and investigators need your help to reconnect her to her identity, and solve her murder.

Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/fallline #rulapod

If you have any information, please contact (360) 964-1742.

In July, we are revisiting cold cases that still need your attention. Season 18 covers four unsolved homicides in four states and across three decades: all are in need of local and national attention to be resolved.

To learn more about uploading your DNA: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/news-1/2022/7/11/guide-to-uploading-to-gedmatch

To support DNA Doe Project: https://dnadoeproject.org/donate/

Learn more about our cold-case coverage at our Episode Guide

Submit a case to The Fall Line: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/case-submissions

Laurah's book LAY THEM TO REST: https://www.hachettebooks.com/titles/laurah-norton/lay-them-to-rest/9780306828805/

Sources at our website: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/sources

Join us on Patreon to fund therapy initiatives: https://www.patreon.com/thefalllinepodcast

We work with Amplitude Media Partners (AMP) to power our advertising and grow with the right sponsors. Contact AMP with any ad inquiries; sales@amplitudemediapartners.com.

A Long Fight: The Disappearance of Melissa Ann Montoya, Part 2 Jul 22, 2026

Show notes

We continue our coverage of the disappearance of Melissa Ann Montoya. On St. Patrick's Day 2001, 42-year-old Melissa Montoya joined her loved ones at the Apache House of Liquor in Dulce, New Mexico—a town located in the Jicarilla Apache Nation Reservation. It was the last time that her friends and family ever saw her. Since then, lawyer and advocate Darlene Gomez has been fighting alongside her family for justice for Melissa--and for resolution in her case.

2026 Update: The unidentified person considered as a possible match for Melissa has been ruled out. However, law enforcement is seeking to speak with anyone who was with her on the night she disappeared.

Shopify: You don't need anyone's approval to make a living. Build your own business with a free trial at shopify.com/fall

In July, we are revisiting cold cases that still need your attention.

If you have any information regarding Melissa's case, please contact the Jicarilla Apache Nation Police Department at 575-759-3222.

Season 19 focused on New Mexico and on the cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons/Missing/ Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIP/MMIWR) whose loved ones are still fighting for resolution in their cases.

Darlene Gomez's nonprofit: https://www.mmiwr.org/

Angels' Voices Silenced No More: https://www.angelsvoicesnm.org/

Learn more about our cold-case coverage at our Episode Guide

Submit a case to The Fall Line: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/case-submissions

Laurah's book LAY THEM TO REST: https://www.hachettebooks.com/titles/laurah-norton/lay-them-to-rest/9780306828805/

Sources at our website: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/sources

Join us on Patreon to fund therapy initiatives: https://www.patreon.com/thefalllinepodcast

We work with Amplitude Media Partners (AMP) to power our advertising and grow with the right sponsors. Contact AMP with any ad inquiries; sales@amplitudemediapartners.com.

Dulce: The Disappearance of Melissa Ann Montoya: New Mexico Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

On St. Patrick's Day 2001, 42-year-old Melissa Ann Montoya joined her loved ones at the Apache House of Liquor in Dulce, New Mexico—a town located in the Jicarilla Apache Nation Reservation. It was the last time that her friends and family ever saw her. Since then, lawyer and advocate Darlene Gomez has been fighting alongside her family for justice for Melissa--and for resolution in her case.

Shopify: You don't need anyone's approval to make a living. Build your own business with a free trial at shopify.com/fall

In July, we are revisiting cold cases that still need your attention.

If you have any information regarding Melissa's case, please contact the Jicarilla Apache Nation Police Department at 575-759-3222.

Darlene Gomez's non profit: https://www.mmiwr.org/

Angels' Voices Silenced No More: https://www.angelsvoicesnm.org/

Learn more about our cold-case coverage at our Episode Guide

Submit a case to The Fall Line: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/case-submissions

Laurah's book LAY THEM TO REST: https://www.hachettebooks.com/titles/laurah-norton/lay-them-to-rest/9780306828805/

Sources at our website: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/sources

Join us on Patreon to fund therapy initiatives: https://www.patreon.com/thefalllinepodcast

We work with Amplitude Media Partners (AMP) to power our advertising and grow with the right sponsors. Contact AMP with any ad inquiries; sales@amplitudemediapartners.com.

Come Home: The Disappearance of Calvin Willie Martinez, Part 2 Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

In today's episode, we continue the story of Calvin Willie Martinez.

Mothers Day 2019 was the last time Calvin Willie Martinez's family heard from him. After suffering an immense loss in 2014, Calvin had struggled with depression and alcohol dependence. But he always stayed in contact with his loved ones—so when he called them from a truck stop in Albuquerque, NM, and promised he was heading home, they believed him. But Calvin never arrived.

Ever since, his sister Becky Martinez has been advocating for her brother. And as she discovered in late 2023, that persistence was vital: otherwise, his case would have remained erroneously closed.

Shopify: You don't need anyone's approval to make a living. Build your own business with a free trial at shopify.com/fall

In July, we are revisiting cold cases that still need your attention.

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Calvin Willie Martinez, please call the Farmington Police Department 505-599-1070.

Season 19 focuses on New Mexico and on the cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons/Missing/ Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIP/MMIWR) whose loved ones are still fighting for resolution in their cases.

Darlene Gomez's nonprofit: https://www.mmiwr.org/

Angels' Voices Silenced No More: https://www.angelsvoicesnm.org/

Learn more about our cold-case coverage at our Episode Guide

Submit a case to The Fall Line: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/case-submissions

Laurah's book LAY THEM TO REST: https://www.hachettebooks.com/titles/laurah-norton/lay-them-to-rest/9780306828805/

Sources at our website: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/sources

Join us on Patreon to fund therapy initiatives: https://www.patreon.com/thefalllinepodcast

We work with Amplitude Media Partners (AMP) to power our advertising and grow with the right sponsors. Contact AMP with any ad inquiries; sales@amplitudemediapartners.com.

An Aching Heart: The Disappearance of Calvin Willie Martinez Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

Ever since, his sister Becky Martinez has been advocating for her brother. And as she discovered in late 2023, that persistence was vital: otherwise, his case would have remained erroneously closed.

Shopify: You don't need anyone's approval to make a living. Build your own business with a free trial at shopify.com/fall

In July, we are revisiting cold cases that still need your attention.

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Calvin Willie Martinez, please call the Farmington Police Department 505-599-1070.

Darlene Gomez's nonprofit: https://www.mmiwr.org/

Angels' Voices Silenced No More: https://www.angelsvoicesnm.org/

Learn more about our cold-case coverage at our Episode Guide

Submit a case to The Fall Line: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/case-submissions

Laurah's book LAY THEM TO REST: https://www.hachettebooks.com/titles/laurah-norton/lay-them-to-rest/9780306828805/

Sources at our website: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/sources

Join us on Patreon to fund therapy initiatives: https://www.patreon.com/thefalllinepodcast

We work with Amplitude Media Partners (AMP) to power our advertising and grow with the right sponsors. Contact AMP with any ad inquiries; sales@amplitudemediapartners.com.

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