The FOX True Crime Podcast

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Enduring The Nightmare: The Chowchilla Bus Kidnapping Aug 01, 2023

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On July 15th, 1976, in Chowchilla, CA, the largest kidnapping for ransom in United States history took place. Kidnappers Fred Woods IV, James Schoenfeld, and Richard Schoenfeld took bus driver Ed Ray and 26 children hostage, later driving them to a quarry and burying them alive inside a box truck. After spending hours underground, the driver and children were able to escape captivity and return to safety. FOX News Senior Correspondent and Host of the Nightmare In Chowchilla podcast Claudia Cowan discusses the timeline of events and breaks down the prosecution and aftermath of the case.

Jennifer Brown Hyde lived the nightmare. At 9 years old, she and her older brother, Jeff were two of the children taken hostage on that very bus. Jennifer provides a first-hand account of what it was like to survive the kidnapping and opens up about the impact the events had on her life to this day.

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Carlee Russell Admits Kidnapping Was A Hoax Jul 27, 2023

Show notes

On July 13th, 25-year-old Carlee Russell allegedly went along an Alabama interstate missing after placing a 911 call. During the call, she described seeing a toddler along the side of the road, but by the time authorities arrived at the scene, there was no trace of Carlee or the child. Two days after her initial disappearance, Carlee returned home and told investigators that she had been kidnapped. During a press conference on Monday, authorities announced that Carlee's disappearance was a hoax and that she admitted to lying about the ordeal.

WBRC Anchor and Reporter Brittany Dionne explains the timeline of this shocking case and discusses the emotional impact it had on the Birmingham community. Later, she shares how people can elevate other missing persons cases and give them the resources they deserve.

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Being Donnie Brasco: Joe Pistone Tells All Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

The Bonanno crime family was one of the most feared crime syndicates within the New York City mafia scene. In 1976, a low-level jewel thief by the name of Donnie Brasco caught the attention of Lefty Ruggerio, a Bonanno family soldier. He took Donnie under his wing, taught him the Bonanno way of life, and even opened the door for him to become a "made man" for the family. Unbeknownst to the family, Donnie had a secret of his own. Former FBI Agent Joe Pistone reflects on his famous undercover work under the Donnie Brasco alias, separates fact from fiction when it comes to the mafia, and discusses the hardships associated with his line of work.

Joe Pistone joined the FBI in 1969 and became a pioneer in the bureau's undercover work. Joe was recognized for his successful work within the FBI, receiving the U.S. Attorney General’s J. Edgar Hoover Award, as well as the FBI Medal of Valor. Pistone wrote several books detailing his experiences with the mafia, including Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life In The Mafia, and The Way Of The Wise Guy. Joe Pistone's infiltration of the Bonanno crime family later became the basis for the 1997 film, Donnie Brasco.

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Personal Safety Tips From The Secret Service Jul 20, 2023

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As we go about our everyday lives, it's easy to forget the possible dangers we face on a daily basis. Although we're often told to fear the unfamiliar and unknown, sometimes threats to our personal safety fall closer to home than we realize. However, with the right preparation and planning, we can protect ourselves from being the victim of a crime. Retired Supervisory Special Agent with the United States Secret Service Jeff James shares the importance of situational awareness and gives listeners tips for street crime prevention and self-defense.

In 1996, Jeff James was sworn in as a United States Secret Service Special Agent, beginning his 22-year-long career within the federal government. During his time in the Secret Service, he was promoted to Assistant Special Agent in Charge and also served as the Liaison to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Now, he works as the President of Capitol Security Consultants, as well as the Chief of Police at Robert Morris University.

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Hidden In Plain Sight: The Spokane Serial Killer Jul 18, 2023

Show notes

For years, the state of Washington was shrouded in mystery as bodies of women began appearing across the state. Between 1996 and 1998, it became apparent to the police that they had a serial killer on their hands. In 2000, a break was finally made when Robert Lee Yates, a veteran and family man, was arrested for the murders. Retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent Mark Safarik worked on the case as part of the bureau's elite Behavioral Analysis Unit. He discusses the victimology of the case, the evolution of Yates's crimes, and his experience testifying in Yates's trial.

Mark Safarik now serves as the President of Forensic Behavioral Services International, a company that provides expert consultations and services to clients, including criminal and civil litigation, lectures, and training. After his 23 years with the FBI, Mark's unparalleled expertise has been used by various television shows, attorneys, investigators, and law enforcement agencies worldwide.

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BREAKING: Long Island Serial Killer Suspect Arrested Jul 14, 2023

Show notes

Friday, July 14th, 2023 police arrested Rex Heuermann in Massapequa Park, Long Island, in connection with the infamous Gilgo Beach murders. In 2010 and 2011, human remains were found along the south shore of Long Island. Suffolk County Police have announced a press conference that will take place Friday afternoon in which they will share significant details and developments related to the case.

Attorney and Retired NYPD Paul Mauro discusses his participation in the investigation and provides insight into the case, as well as the killer's evolution. Later, Paul shares what listeners can expect from the upcoming arraignment of the suspect.

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Bombshell Revelations In The 'Disappearance' Of Rudy Farias Jul 13, 2023

Show notes

In 2015, 17-year-old Rudy Farias reportedly vanished while walking his dogs in Houston, Texas. Rudy's mother, Janie Santana, had reported his disappearance to the police. Eight years later, Rudy was found sleeping outside of a church in Houston. Although his safe return was celebrated by the community, shocking revelations within the case began to arise. Details reported by the Houston Police Department revealed they believe Rudy was only missing for one day and spent the rest of his 'disappearance' within his own home while his mother provided false information to investigators. In an interview with KRIV Houston, Rudy shared details about the time he spent 'missing' to the public.

FOX 26 Reporter Matthew Seedorff sat down with Rudy for the interview. He breaks down the bombshell details tied to the case, details from his interview with Rudy, and what questions remain as new allegations continue to surface.

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A Miracle In Cleveland: Kidnapping, Captivity & Survival Jul 11, 2023

Show notes

On August 23rd, 2002, 21-year-old Michelle Knight was kidnapped, making her the first victim of Ariel Castro. She, along with Gina DeJesus and Amanda Berry, was held captive in a deteriorating and dilapidated house on Seymour Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio. For years, the girls lived an unthinkable nightmare as Castro chained, starved, beat, and raped them. But on May 6th, 2013, everything changed. The trio made headlines across the country when they were finally rescued from Castro. Their story was dubbed the 'miracle in Cleveland.'

Michelle, who now goes by Lily Rose Lee, discusses her time in captivity and shares the remarkable story of her rescue. Later, she explains how the experience led her to create Unleashed Animal Rescue, a shelter dedicated to providing animals with love and protection by finding them forever homes.

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Unsealed Documents Shed New Light On Delphi Murders Case Jul 06, 2023

Show notes

On February 13th, 2017, 13-year-old Abby Williams and 14-year-old Libby German went missing during what should've been a fun hiking trip in Delphi, Indiana. The following day, their bodies were found along that very trail, launching a double-homicide investigation of the two young girls. The case garnered national media attention but remained unsolved for years. In October 2022, a significant breakthrough was made when 50-year-old Richard Allen was arrested in connection with the murders. Court documents were later unsealed on June 28th, 2023, revealing that Allen allegedly confessed to the crimes during jailhouse calls.

Journalist Áine Cain and Attorney Kevin Greenlee, co-hosts of The Murder Sheet podcast, have closely been following the case. They discuss details surrounding the Delphi murders and explain why so much information has long been withheld from the public. Later, they share what listeners can expect as they continue to report on the trial.

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Demystifying The Mafia With Chazz Palminteri Jul 04, 2023

Show notes

Hollywood is no stranger to the romanticization of the mafia. With the gangster genre producing some of the industry's most well-liked movies, it's not hard to see how audiences' perceptions of criminals and mob bosses have been easily influenced. While many notable films are based on fictitious accounts, A Bronx Tale was born from a real-life mobster shooting.

Famed actor and writer Chazz Palminteri shares how he drew inspiration from his encounters with the mafia growing up in order to write the beloved film. He takes a look at Hollywood's portrayal of the mob in movies and discusses what the industry gets wrong when it comes to the mafia. Later, Chazz examines the values held by the mafia and breaks down the mob in its current state.

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