The FOX True Crime Podcast

Latest Episodes:

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

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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

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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

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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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Bonus Episode: Who Are The U.S. Marshals? Apr 20, 2023

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The United States Marshals Service is a federal agency responsible for the arrests of federal fugitives. With origins dating back to the nation's beginnings, the U.S. Marshals continue to serve the country by protecting the federal judiciary. Retired U.S. Marshal Bill Sorukas discusses the history of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Apprehension Program, how the group operates, and some of its high-profile cases.

After working as an undercover officer in Indiana, Bill Sorukas became a Deputy U.S. Marshal in the Southern District of California. He would soon become a Chief Inspector within the Investigative Operations Division. Bill also served as a Senior Fellow at the International Association of Chiefs of Police, where he helped establish the Center for the Prevention of Violence Against the Police. Now, he works as a Project Alert Consultant at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Bill was given many honors throughout his career, including the National Association of Police Organizations' "Top Cop" award for his work on the Beltway Snipers case, as well as the Attorney Generals Award for Distinguished Service for Investigative Excellence for his involvement with the investigation of Ed and Elaine Brown. In his book, Chasing Evil: Pursuing Dangerous Criminals with the U.S. Marshals, Sorukas details various high-profile cases on which he worked.

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The Hunt For The Beltway Snipers Apr 18, 2023

Show notes

In October 2002, a series of sniper attacks terrorized residents of Washington D.C. and the surrounding area. For three weeks, civilians were shot at random, sporadically injured, and killed while completing mundane activities in their day-to-day routine. As the shootings continued to unfold, people within the D.C. communities were paralyzed with fear, too afraid to step outside and live their lives. With virtually no actionable leads, law enforcement was tasked with the difficult mission of hunting down the Beltway Snipers. Retired U.S. Marshal Bill Sorukas was the Chief Inspector within the Investigative Operations Division at the time of the attacks. He shares how he became involved in the Beltway Sniper case, the sensitivity of the investigation, and how he was able to track down the shooters.

Bill Sorukas spent 28 years with the United States Marshals Service, managing program areas among various branches. For his work with the Beltway Snipers investigation, Bill was given the National Association of Police Organizations' "Top Cop" award. Sorukas now works with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as a Project Alert Consultant. In his book, Chasing Evil: Pursuing Dangerous Criminals with the U.S. Marshals, Sorukas details various high-profile cases on which he worked.

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Bonus Episode: The Search For Ashley Eiffert 20 Years Later Apr 13, 2023

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To everyone that knew her, Ashley Eiffert was a ray of sunshine in her hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. At 19 years old, Ashley was pregnant with her first child with her boyfriend at the time, Joe Hill. During one of her prenatal doctor's appointments, Ashley met a woman named Nicole Johnson. Nicole, who had just lost a child, offered to donate baby clothes and furniture to Ashley. Shortly after arriving at her house, Nicole claimed Ashley had gotten into an argument with Joe on the phone, and soon left to go to a gas station. 20 years later, Ashley's family is still looking for answers. Ashley Eiffert's cousin Madeline Ludwick discusses the details of Ashley's disappearance, her efforts to revive the investigation, and how Hurricane Katrina hindered the case's progress.

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The Infiltration Of Hells Angels: Tales Of An Undercover Agent Apr 11, 2023

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The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club became the face of the rebellion against the status quo during the midpoint of the 20th century. Known for their leather jackets and Harley-Davidson-riding packs, the group developed notoriety for their involvement in various violent crimes, including drug trafficking, extortion, assault, and homicide. Becoming a member of the mysterious organization is a feat that's as difficult as it is dangerous. Retired ATF Special Agent Jay "Jaybird" Dobyns discusses his involvement in a two-year-long undercover operation to infiltrate Hells Angels, the dangers he faced during his assignment, and how he was able to bring justice by taking down some of the most dangerous members.

After conducting over 500 undercover investigations spanning over 20 years, Jay Dobyns retired from his career with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. For his bravery and service, Dobyns has been decorated with numerous awards, including the ATF Distinguished Service Medal for Outstanding Investigative Accomplishment, the International Narcotics Officers Association Medal of Valor, the National Association of Police Officers "Top Cop" Award, and the U.S. Attorney General's Medal of Valor. In his best-selling book, No Angel, My Harrowing Undercover Journey to the Inner Circle of the Hells Angels, Dobyns details his treacherous mission of infiltrating Hells Angels.

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Bonus Episode: How A Secret Service K-9 Protected The President Apr 06, 2023

Show notes

One of the Secret Service's greatest assets is its K-9 units. The teams consist of highly-trained Belgian Malinois and their handlers, who together, detect and prevent threats while providing the highest levels of protection to the country's political leaders. One K-9 hero, Hurricane, was recognized for his immense bravery when protecting President Obama and the first family from an intruder who jumped the White House fence.

Retired U.S. Secret Service Special Operations Officer and Hurricane's Handler Marshall Mirarchi discusses how he became involved in the Secret Service's K-9 SWAT unit, the story of Hurricane's heroism, and how his nonprofit organization, K-9 Hurricane's Heroes, works to ensure subsidized veterinary care to retired law enforcement and military dogs.

Recognized for the fearlessness exhibited when protecting the President, Hurricane received honors including the Secret Service's Award for Meritorious Service, the Department of Homeland Security's Secretary's Award for Valor, the Animal Medical Center in New York City's Top Dog Award, and Great Britain's PDSA Order of Merit. Hurricane was also awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, making him the first dog to ever receive the award.

After retiring from the Secret Service, Marshall Mirarchi founded K-9 Hurricane's Heroes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing Handlers with the financial resources needed to ensure that retired law enforcement and military dogs receive medical care after their retirement.

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Buyer Beware: The Secrets Of A Former Art Forger Apr 04, 2023

Show notes

The art of Ken Perenyi is remarkable, but it's extremely difficult to detect which pieces are his. As a teenager, Ken entered New York City's art scene, admiring famous pieces alongside artists and celebrities alike. Feeling inspired to learn the craft, he taught himself how to paint. Ken soon learned that not only was he a talented artist, but a talented forger as well. With his remarkable ability to reproduce the art of well-known painters, Ken began a 34-year career of forgery, tricking some of the world's most famous art experts along the way.

Author of Caveat Emptor: The Secret Life of an American Art Forger Ken Perenyi discusses how he discovered his talent, how he was able to dupe some of the world's most well-known galleries, and the close encounters he had with the FBI throughout his career.

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