The FOX True Crime Podcast

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The Making Of A Police Dog: Inside K9 Training Sep 28, 2023

Show notes

For two weeks, the country closely followed the manhunt for escaped convict, Danelo Cavalcante. Finally, on September 13th, authorities were able to close in on Cavalcante and arrest him, all thanks to one four-legged member: K9 Yoda. When the armed Cavalcante attempted to flee, Yoda was released, allowing law enforcement to successfully apprehend the convict without any shots fired or injuries to officers.

Police dogs are one of law enforcement's greatest assets, but what goes into the making of a K9 unit?

Retired Navy SEAL and Special Warfare Operator James Hatch founded Spike's K9 Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to training police dogs and providing them with proper care and resources. James discusses what inspired him to establish the fund and what goes into training dogs such as Yoda to become such skilled partners.

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An Inherited Tragedy: The Murder Of Jennifer McKinley Sep 26, 2023

Show notes

Jennifer McKinley's life began and ended with violence. At just 2 years old, young Jennifer was found alone in a Houston apartment alongside three bodies that had been shot to death, one of which was her mother. Years passed and the homicide case eventually went cold. Jennifer grew up and had a son of her own. But just like her mother, Jennifer was murdered in the same apartment as her own child. Jennifer's live-in boyfriend, 44-year-old Erick Erminger strangled and killed her while her son was asleep in a nearby room.

Retired Homicide Detective with the Houston Police Department Fil Waters explains the coincidental murder of Jennifer McKinley and details his bizarre interrogation with Erminger. Later, Fil opens up about his faith and explains how it guided him throughout his career.

After working hundreds of cases during his 24 years as a detective with the Houston Police Department, Fil Waters now serves as the President and CEO of Kindred Spirits Investigations & Security. Fil is the star of the true-crime series The Interrogator, where he recounts some of his most famous cases.

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A Tragedy In Marple: Author Reflects On Hometown Case Sep 22, 2023

Show notes

For almost 50 years, the community of Marple Township, Pennsylvania was haunted by the horrific murder of a young local girl. In 1975, 8-year-old Gretchen Harrington disappeared and was later found murdered in a nearby state park. Gretchen's case went cold, and for decades, her family went without answers. However, on July 24th, 2023, retired pastor David Zandstra was arrested for her murder.

Editor-in-Chief of the Baltimore Business Journal Joanna Sullivan grew up in Marple Township and was only 9 years old when Gretchen was killed. With her childhood friend, Mike Mathis, she co-authored a book about the case, titled,

Marple’s Gretchen Harrington Tragedy: Kidnapping, Murder and Innocence Lost in Suburban Philadelphia. She provides her reaction to this tragic case and reflects on the investigative work she conducted when writing the book.

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The Lone Survivor Of The River Valley Killer Shares Her Story Sep 21, 2023

Show notes

It was a hot and sticky night on August 6th, 1988, when 22-year-old Jane Boroski's life was changed forever. At seven months pregnant, she stopped at a convenience store that evening to get a drink, when she was approached by a violent stranger. He began making bizarre accusations at Jane and forced her out of her car. When Jane fought back, he tackled her and stabbed her 27 times. This man was none other than the infamous Connecticut River Valley serial killer.

Host of the Invisible Tears Podcast Jane Boroski tells the story of how she and her baby survived the vicious attack, and how the encounter altered the course of her life. She discusses the status of the cold case and shares how she works to advocate for victims and families alike.

The Invisible Tears Podcast is a platform dedicated to telling stories of trauma, healing, and survival. Jane uses the show to not only voice her own experience but to provide amplification for other unsolved cases throughout the state.

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Closure For A Cobb County Cold Case Sep 20, 2023

Show notes

On January 13th, 1972, 9-year-old Debbie Lynn Randall was abducted, raped, and strangled on her walk home from a nearby laundromat. Debbie's tragic murder sent shockwaves through her community as law enforcement launched an investigation to find the monster responsible for the sickening crime. Eventually, the case went cold, and for over fifty years the question remained: who would kill an innocent child?

Cobb County District Attorney Flynn Broady Jr. reveals the identity of the suspect in the rape and murder case of Debbie Lynn Randall and shares how forensic testing aided law enforcement in their search for answers.

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How To Catch A Spy: Saving The U.S. From A Soviet Attack Sep 19, 2023

Show notes

The year was 1988, and the United States was in the midst of heightened geopolitical turmoil with the Soviet Union. When retired U.S. Army Sergeant Clyde Conrad was suspected of espionage and arrested by German authorities, the FBI began interviewing Roderick Ramsay as a witness. However, one nervous tic would lead investigators to uncover that Ramsay was a co-conspirator, and provided the Soviet Union with confidential military secrets that could have changed the course of the Cold War.

Former FBI Special Agent Joe Navarro was able to detect Rod Ramsay's lies. He reflects back on the 42 interviews he conducted with him and shares how he was able to bring down the dangerous Cold War spy ring. Later, Joe debunks common myths and misconceptions when it comes to reading body language.

Joe Navarro spent 25 years with the FBI and remains one of the world's leading experts when it comes to body language and nonverbal communication. An author, speaker, and educator, Joe has written many books about his career and expertise. In his book, Three Minutes to Doomsday, Joe details the riveting story behind the espionage case of Rod Ramsay.

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Finding An Escaped Murderer: The Search For Danelo Cavalcante Sep 18, 2023

Show notes

On August 31st 2023, 34-year-old convict Danelo Cavalcante escaped Pennsylvania's Chester County Prison by crab-walking between two walls, pushing through razor wire, and fleeing from the roof. For two weeks, Pennsylvania residents lived in fear as authorities worked tirelessly to track down the escaped convict. Cavalcante had been convicted of murdering his girlfriend in 2021 and was wanted in Brazil for a 2017 killing. Finally, on September 13th, Cavalcante was apprehended by Pennsylvania State Police and a Border Patrol tactical unit.

FOX News National Correspondent Nate Foy closely covered the manhunt for Cavalcante for the FOX News Channel. Nate provides an in-depth look at the timeline of the manhunt and details the explosive capture of Danelo Cavalcante.

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Could BTK Be Connected To A Cold Case? Sep 14, 2023

Show notes

Years after the arrest of Dennis Rader, the infamous "Bind, Torture, Kill" serial killer, a new investigation could link him back to a cold case dating back to almost 50 years ago. In 1976, 16-year-old Cynthia Kinney disappeared and was last seen at a laundromat at which she worked in Pawhuska, OK. Osage County Sheriff Eddie Virden is investigating how Rader's writings and sketches could possibly link him to Cynthia's disappearance. However, Osage County District Attorney Mike Fisher has disputed Sheriff Virden's claims, saying there is insufficient evidence to link Rader to the crime.

FOX 23 Anchor Rick Maranon has been following the feud between the Osage County Sheriff and District Attorney. He discusses the new BTK Task Force created by Sheriff Virden and shares the impact Cynthia's death has had on the local community.

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The Cold Case Murder Of A Mother And Daughter Sep 12, 2023

Show notes

On September 2nd, 1994, a horrific crime sent shockwaves through the hardworking community of Williamsport, PA. 23-year-old Gail Matthews was found holding her 5-year-old daughter, Tamara Berkheiser, the pair bloodied, strangled, and stabbed. Gail was well-liked by everyone in her community, making the grisly murder all the more shocking. Years passed, and the investigation eventually went cold.

Retired Detective with the Lycoming County District Attorney's Office Ken Mains reflects back on his decade-long search for answers in the cold case murders of Gail and Tamara. He discusses the many twists and turns of the case, the suspects he investigated, and the impact the killings continue to have on the Williamsport community today.

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The Dark Side Of Dating Apps Sep 07, 2023

Show notes

Dating apps have become one of the most popular ways for people to meet and connect in the modern age. But as users swipe through options to find a romantic match, they expose themselves to additional risks and threats. As reports about dating violence and sexual assaults from dating apps surface in the news, many question whether or not these tech companies are doing enough to protect users.

Professor and Researcher Dr. Julie Valentine discusses her research on the correlation between dating apps and sexual violence and explains why there's such a prevalence of predators on the platforms. Later, President and Founder of the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) Scott Berkowitz shares tips for staying safe on dating apps and offers resources available for survivors of sexual assault and violence as well.

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the United States. If you or a loved one has experienced sexual violence, visit the website or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673).

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If you have a story or topic we should feature on the FOX True Crime Podcast, send us an email at: truecrimepodcast@fox.com

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