The FOX True Crime Podcast

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Investigating With Empathy: Carol Daly Reflects On The Golden State Killer May 25, 2023

Show notes

Before he was known as the Golden State Killer, Joseph DeAngelo was known as the "East Area Rapist" by law enforcement. From 1976-1979, the Sacramento Sheriff's Department received various reports of home invasions and sexual assaults conducted by an unknown man. As a result of the serial attacks, a task force was soon formed in order to identify the attacker and bring an end to his horrific crimes.

As the sole female investigator on the case, retired Undersheriff in the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, Carol Daly understood the importance of bringing empathy to those who suffered from the traumatic attacks. She discusses her role in the investigation of the "East Area Rapist," her close relationship with the victims, and her reaction to Joseph DeAngelo's arrest all these years later.

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Unmasking The Golden State Killer May 23, 2023

Show notes

Throughout the 1970s and 80s, an unidentified man terrorized families across California. Responsible for more than 100 burglaries, over 50 rapes, and at least 13 homicides, the suspect was dubbed the "Golden State Killer." For decades, law enforcement worked tirelessly to uncover the identity of the murderer. In 2018, justice was served when former police officer Joseph DeAngelo was finally arrested at 74 years old. Retired FBI Agent and lead profiler on the Golden State Killer case Julia Cowley shares how she was brought onto the case, the work that went into creating Joseph DeAngelo's profile, and how her work played a pivotal role in the investigation.

Julia Cowley served as a Forensic Scientist and Special Agent with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Upon joining the FBI, Julia was assigned to the Boston Division where she investigated various violent crime cases and later rose to become the leader of their Evidence Response Team. In 2010, she was promoted to FBI Headquarters, where she worked in their Behavioral Analysis Unit.

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Prime Suspect In Natalee Holloway's Disappearance Extradited May 18, 2023

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In 2005, 18-year-old Natalee Holloway went missing while on a graduation trip to Aruba with her fellow classmates. According to her peers, Natalee was last seen leaving a club with Joran van der Sloot, a man who would soon become the prime suspect in her disappearance. While serving a 28-year prison sentence in Peru for the murder of 21-year-old Stephany Flores, van der Sloot is to be extradited to the United States where he faces charges of extortion and wire fraud.

WBRC Anchor Jonathan Hardison has been covering the story from Birmingham, AL for years now. He discusses the timeline of events in the Natalee Holloway case, as well as the extradition and trial awaiting van der Sloot. Later, he shares the impact Natalee's disappearance has left on the community of Birmingham 18 years later.

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Life As The Daughter Of BTK: How Kerri Rawson Overcame Her Trauma May 16, 2023

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When thinking back to her childhood, Kerri Rawson is able to recall fond memories with her father, Dennis Rader. To other residents of Wichita, KS, Rader seemed like a model citizen. Little did they know the darkness he held within. Over the course of three decades, the infamous serial killer dubbed BTK ("Bind, Torture, Kill") murdered 10 innocent victims to satisfy his chilling sexual fantasies. It wasn't until Rader was arrested in 2005 that his family made the connection. Author and daughter of Dennis Rader, Kerri Rawson shares details from her childhood with a serial killer father, the impact the revelation had on her life, and how she learned to overcome the traumatic discovery.

In her memoirs, A Serial Killer's Daughter: My Story Of Faith, Love, And Overcoming, and Breaking Free: Overcoming The Trauma Of My Serial Killer Father, Kerri Rawson discusses how she navigated through the traumatic discovery of her father's secret life. With the help of therapy, faith, and family, Kerri could forgive her father for what he did to her, and ultimately learned to become herself again. Now, she works to help others by providing a voice for victims of trauma, crime, and abuse.

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Girls Fight Back May 11, 2023

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On April 29th, 2023, 29-year-old Lauren Heike was killed in broad daylight while hiking on a community trail in Phoenix, Arizona. Lauren was chased and stabbed 15 times by her attacker and ultimately died from her injuries. Less than a week later, authorities arrested 22-year-old Zion William Teasley, a convicted felon, in connection with Lauren's murder. Lauren's death sent shockwaves across the country and has left hikers with a sense of unease as they continue to pursue the hobby. CEO of Girls Fight Back Nicole Snell shares important tips for bettering personal safety and boundary-setting skills. She also explains how self-defense classes can be a source of empowerment. Later, Nicole discusses an instance in which she was forced to use these skills in order to stand her ground.

Self-defense expert Nicole Snell is the CEO of Girls Fight Back, a personal safety and empowerment program designed to give women and girls the tools they need to protect themselves and prevent violence. The company places an emphasis on helping young women cultivate confidence by providing them with necessary self-defense strategies and techniques and reminding them that they're worth fighting for. Nicole is also the founder of Outdoor Defense, a video series that educates viewers about defense strategies so that they can feel secure when pursuing outdoor activities.

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A Story Of Survival: Yolanda Silvera's Escape From A Serial Killer May 09, 2023

Show notes

On the night of July 8th, 2006, Yolanda Silvera was carjacked, sexually assaulted, and shot by New Jersey serial killer Noah Cuebas. After being left to die, Yolanda was found the following morning just barely alive. She was rushed to a hospital where she remained in a coma for six months. Doctors were unsure whether or not Yolanda would ever wake up, walk, or even talk again. Despite all odds, Yolanda has made a remarkable recovery and is able to share her story almost 17 years later.

Retired East Orange Detective Joseph Juliano worked on the case and discusses details from the attack, the arrest of Cuebas, and how Yolanda helped law enforcement link his violent crimes. Later, Yolanda Silvera shares what it meant for her to testify against Cuebas, her incredible recovery, and the goals she's currently working towards in her physical therapy.

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Finding A Fugitive: The Texas Killer May 04, 2023

Show notes

On Tuesday night, the four-day-long manhunt for the suspect involved in a mass shooting was brought to an end. The suspect, 38-year-old Mexican immigrant Francisco Oropesa is accused of killing five of his neighbors in a mass shooting in Cleveland, Texas Friday night. Oropesa opened fire after one of his neighbors asked him to stop firing his gun so that his children could sleep. Retired Chief Inspector and Commander of the U.S. Marshals' New York/New Jersey Fugitive Task Force Lenny DePaul shares details of the manhunt and explains what goes into law enforcement's intensive search for fugitives.

As one of the Regional Fugitive Task Force's original members, Lenny DePaul oversaw hundreds of arrests and investigated some of the U.S. Marshals' most-wanted fugitives. During his time with the Marshals Service, DePaul was given numerous awards, including the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation's Investigator of the Year award, as well as the Attorney General's Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement.

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Breaking Omertà: The Son Of A Mob Underboss Tells All May 02, 2023

Show notes

Sonny Franzese was one of the most formidable mobsters in America. With a career spanning over the course of 80 years, Franzese rose through the ranks of the Colombo Crime Family, ultimately earning the title of "underboss." Much of the family's success was due to the oath of Omertà, a sacred vow of silence which new recruits were ordered to take to prove their loyalty. When Sonny Franzese was sentenced to 50 years in prison, his son, Michael took it upon himself to make that vow and enter into the Colombo syndicate. Former Colombo Caporegime Michael Franzese shares the details of his life in the mafia, the impact it had on his family, and why he ultimately chose to walk away from the life of crime.

After leaving behind his career with the Colombo Crime Family, Michael Franzese has since become an author and motivational speaker. In his book, I'll Make You An Offer You Can't Refuse, Franzese shares business lessons he learned during his time as a mob boss.

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Bonus Episode: Using DNA To Solve High-Profile Cold Cases Apr 27, 2023

Show notes

While genetic genealogy is typically used to reveal more details about one's ancestry, it can also be incredibly helpful in aiding law enforcement with their criminal investigations. With just one piece of DNA, scientists can identify both violent criminals and human remains, bringing answers to even the most mysterious cold cases. Chief Genetic Genealogist at Parabon Nanolabs CeCe Moore explains the background behind the genetic genealogy field, how DNA databases operate, and how the science has evolved to provide more details about criminals and victims alike. Later, she shares details from some of the cases she's worked on alongside enforcement.

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Catching A Serial Killer: Connecting The Crimes Of Jorge Avila-Torrez Apr 25, 2023

Show notes

In the middle of the night in February 2010, a young woman was raped, strangled, and left to die in a snowy Virginia forest. After flagging down a couple driving by, the woman recounted the horrific story of the night before. Later that day, law enforcement would arrest Jorge Avila-Torrez for the attack. Little did they know that upon collecting his DNA, a string of previous assaults and murders connected to Avila-Torrez would be revealed. Former Federal and State Prosecutor Jonathan Fahey led the case. He shares the full story behind Jorge Avila-Torrez's crimes, how a confession was obtained, and details from the trial in the case against him.

Jonathan Fahey worked at the United States Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of Virginia, where he served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, leading various grand jury investigations. He would go on to serve as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, and would later become the Acting Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Now, Fahey works with Brown Rudnick LLP as Counsel in the firm's Litigation and Arbitration practice group.

For his work prosecuting the case against Jorge Avila-Torrez, Fahey was given the Attorney General's John Marshall Award for Trial of Litigation.

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