The FOX True Crime Podcast

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The Monster Behind The Screen: Ending Online Exploitation Sep 05, 2023

Show notes

To her peers, 12-year-old Breighanna Vigor appeared to seamlessly balance school, dance, and her social life. When elected class representative, she familiarized herself with her fellow classmates through social media by following them. One day, Breighanna accidentally connected with someone she thought to be a fellow student. However, that stranger soon revealed himself to be a predator and unleashed a 3-year-long nightmare for young Breighanna.

CEO and President of Stopping Traffick Breighanna Vigor shares the story of how she became a victim of online sexual exploitation and how she works as a survivor to prevent these threats from harming others as well. Later, Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) outlines how she's working to protect children and hold big tech companies accountable with her bipartisan legislation, the "Kids Online Safety Act."

Stopping Traffick is an organization dedicated to highlighting the dangers of exploitation that our children face. Through advocation, awareness, and action, the nonprofit aims to educate families in order to prevent those most vulnerable from facing these threats.

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Updates In The Search For Rachel Morin's Killer Aug 31, 2023

Show notes

August 5th, 2023, was the last time that 37-year-old Rachel Morin would be seen alive before she was found murdered along a popular hiking trail in Maryland. While authorities have been tirelessly investigating the case, new information related to Rachel's murder has been uncovered. DNA found at the crime scene indicated the suspect responsible for her killing matched a suspect wanted for the home invasion and assault of a young girl in Los Angeles.

Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler shares the latest information surrounding the ongoing investigation and discusses how listeners can help participate in the active search for Rachel's killer.

If you have any information about this case, please contact Harford County Sheriff’s Office, email the tip line at RMTips@harfordsheriff.org, or call the tip line at (410) 836-7788.

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Deadly Delivery: Inside The Collar Bomb Case Aug 29, 2023

Show notes

On August 28th, 2003, the quiet town of Erie, Pennsylvania garnered local and national attention following a bizarre bank heist. With a cane gun in his hands and a collar-bomb attached to his neck, 46-year-old Brian Wells had unsuccessfully attempted to steal $250,000 from a local PNC Bank earlier that afternoon. Police quickly arrested him and cleared the area, but it would soon be too late. The bomb detonated at 3:18 PM that day, turning what should've been a routine pizza delivery fatal for Brian Wells. Retired FBI Special Agent Jerry Clark was the lead investigator on Major Case #203 - The Collar-Bomb. He shares how he was first introduced to the case and describes the many twists and turns behind this infamous investigation.

Jerry Clark's career in law enforcement spanned over the course of 27 years at both local and federal levels. Prior to his career with the FBI, he served as an agent at both the NCIS and the DEA. Jerry Clark currently serves as an Associate Professor and Chair of the Criminal Justice Department at Gannon University. In his book co-authored with Ed Palattella entitled, Pizza Bomber: The Untold Story of America’s Most Shocking Bank Robbery, Jerry details the true and bizarre story behind one of the country's most shocking heists.

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The Mission To Bring Them Home: Saving Children From The Streets Aug 24, 2023

Show notes

Each year, thousands of children go missing. The first 48 hours are critical for ensuring the return of a child. Whether they go missing from running away, kidnapping, or trafficking, children are especially vulnerable to exploitation and harm when away from home. Private Investigator and Founder of the Bringing Them Home Project Joe Carrillo understands the importance of that critical window and discusses how his organization works to locate children and explains what dangers pose the biggest threats to vulnerable children today. Later, Joe's granddaughter, Madison Ginebra discusses how she's working to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking with her club, MAS Awareness.

The Bringing Them Home Project is an organization dedicated to removing children from dangers they may face on the streets. By providing families with reunification services and counseling resources, the Bringing Them Home Project ensures the protection of vulnerable children.

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The Oklahoma City Bombing: The Unseen Impact Aug 22, 2023

Show notes

On the morning of April 19th, 1995, residents of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma were awoken by tragedy. At 9:02 AM, a massive explosion occurred at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building which damaged over 300 buildings, injured hundreds of people, and took the lives of 168 men, women, and children. Two anti-government extremists, Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, were later arrested for the bombing. The incident is remembered as the deadliest domestic terrorist attack in United States history.

Former FBI Agent John Iannarelli outlines the details of the case and explains how authorities apprehended McVeigh and Nichols. Former Oklahoma City Firefighter Chris Fields discusses the horrors he witnessed as a first responder to the explosion and the emotional impact it has on him to this day. Later, Chris shares resources available for people struggling with their mental health to get the help they need.

Trauma Behind the Badge is an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the trauma experienced by first responders and veterans. By starting the conversation and destigmatizing mental health, the organization works to provide first responders and their families with the resources needed in order to properly work through their trauma.

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Victim In Gilgo Beach Murders Identified Aug 17, 2023

Show notes

Just weeks after Long Island Serial Killer suspect Rex Heuermann was arrested in connection to the killing of three women near Gilgo Beach, authorities announced a groundbreaking new discovery in another murder victim. The remains discovered in 1996 of a woman who had long been dubbed "Fire Island Jane Doe" have now been identified as Karen Vergata.

Attorney and retired NYPD Inspector Paul Mauro breaks down some of the latest developments out of the Long Island Serial Killer case and discusses what he's watching out for as Rex Heuermann's trial looms.

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A Search For A Mother Leads To A Shocking Discovery Aug 15, 2023

Show notes

At ten years old, Cheryl Gyant learned she was adopted, thus beginning her search for answers about her biological mother. After years of asking questions about her mother's identity, Cheryl received the shocking and devastating news that her mother was Sheri Okoro. Sheri had become one of the first victims of Leonard Lake and Charles Ng, two of California's most notorious serial killers. Although Lake and Ng took Sheri's life, they could not take away her voice. Cheryl Gyant shares the story of how she learned the news of her mother's tragic death and how she dedicated herself to telling Sheri Okoro's story. Later, Cheryl discusses how her nonprofit, Shaniya Rose CDC, works to make a difference for children in the foster care community.

Inspired by her mother's own words, Cheryl Gyant authored A Letter From Sheri, a book in which she details the life story her mother never got to tell. Cheryl is also the founder of the nonprofit, Shaniya Rose CDC, which works to provide assistance and resources for children who have been impacted by the foster care system.

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The Murder Of Rachel Morin: Updates In The Investigation Aug 10, 2023

Show notes

On Sunday, August 6th, the body of 37-year-old Rachel Morin was found along a popular hiking trail in Bel Air, Maryland. Rachel had been reported missing by her boyfriend the night before when she failed to return home from her walk on the Ma and Pa trail earlier that day. Authorities are investigating Rachel's death as a homicide and are urging the public to come forward with any information they may have.

FOX News Digital Reporter Audrey Conklin provides an overview of what we know about the case so far. Later, Chief Deputy at the Harford County Sheriff's Office Colonel William Davis discusses recent updates in their investigation. He shares the impact Rachel's shocking death has had on the Maryland community and explains what listeners can do to help aid authorities as they carry out their investigation.

If you have any information about this case, please contact Harford County Sheriff's Office or call the tip line at (410) 836-5430.

Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno

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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Closing A Cold Case Nearly 48 Years Later: The Murder Of Gretchen Harrington Aug 08, 2023

Show notes

Almost 48 years ago, eight-year-old Gretchen Harrington went missing after leaving her home in Marple Township, PA. Gretchen was last seen walking to her vacation Bible school, yet she never made it there. On October 14th, 1975, nearly two months after her disappearance, Gretchen's remains were found in Ridley Creek State Park. For decades, the identity of Gretchen's killer remained a mystery. However, on July 24th, 2023, 83-year-old retired pastor David Zandstra was charged with her murder.

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer breaks down the timeline of events and explains how police were led to examine Zandstra as a suspect. Later, he shares why bringing justice to Gretchen and her family all these years later was so important to him.

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Suspect In Gilgo Beach Murders Rex Heuermann Appears In Court Aug 03, 2023

Show notes

On Tuesday, Long Island serial killer suspect Rex Heuermann appeared in court for the first time since his arraignment. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney will serve as the lead prosecutor on the case. He revealed during a press conference after the hearing that a "massive amount" of evidence was collected during the investigation. Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to the six counts of murder with which he's charged.

Attorney and Retired NYPD Inspector Paul Mauro discusses what we know about the timeline of the events and reveals which pieces of evidential information were key to the investigation. He explains the technological limitations of the time and shares how new investigative techniques were used to name Heuermann as a suspect. Later, Paul discusses why he's skeptical that Rex Heuermann can be connected to other bodies that have been found.

Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno

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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