The FOX True Crime Podcast w/ Emily Compagno

Emily revisits her conversation with Retired NYPD Detective and Co-Host of the Gold Shields podcast Tom Smith to discuss his role in a heart-racing hostage rescue operation. In 2008, a journalist had been taken hostage by an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group. Tom reflects on the strategic coordination of the various law enforcement agencies involved in the case, and how they were able to locate the hostages and safely bring them home successfully. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, law enforcement officers returned to the home of suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann in the aftermath of uncovering a chilling piece of evidence. As investigators searched through the dilapidated Massapequa Park house, they discovered that the Heuermann family was still in possession of a book that featured gruesome and disturbing crime scene photos. Attorney and retired NYPD Inspector Paul Mauro lays out the chilling developments within the case and explains what new evidence investigators may be searching for. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For years, Alexis Moore was followed by a dark shadow that consumed every aspect of her life. Whether it was relationships with family and friends, a steady job, finances, or shelter, Alexis's abusive ex did everything in his power to destroy her life. But one encounter with this monster forced Alexis to take matters into her own hands to take back control of her story. Attorney Alexis Moore details her harrowing experience with her stalker and discusses why she sees herself not as a victim, but as a strong survivor instead. Later, Alexis exposes how the dark and devastating reality of stalking and domestic violence differs from how it's glamorized in the media. Alexis Moore is an attorney, author, and advocate for other survivors of stalking and abuse. In her book, Surviving A Cyberstalker, she provides a framework for readers to protect themselves, as well as the resources needed to fight back. If you or a loved one has experienced domestic violence, visit The National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 800.799.SAFE (7233). 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On February 24th, 2020, Jorge Torres Jr. suffered one of the most horrifying deaths imaginable. The 42-year-old suffocated to death inside a suitcase at his home in Winter Park, Florida. The chilling circumstances of his death are attributed to an alleged drunken game of hide and seek with his girlfriend, Sarah Boone. Boone claims that she passed out, only to wake up and find him unresponsive. However, a video allegedly recorded from her cell phone tells a different story. FOX 35 Orlando Reporter Stephanie Buffamonte lays out the disturbing details of this case. Later, she discusses the legal battles that Boone faces and what listeners can expect as her trial approaches. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During her 27 years with the Central Intelligence Agency, Jonna Mendez worked her way up from secretary, all the way to Chief of Disguise. Her creativity, intelligence, and independence propelled her through the ranks, and her proficiency with cameras, photography, and disguise impressed her colleagues. It wasn't an easy journey, but Jonna paved the way for other strong, intelligent, and talented women in male-dominated fields. Former CIA Chief of Disguise Jonna Mendez reflects on her illustrious career and details dangerous, impactful, and hilarious stories from her time with the agency. In 1993, Jonna Mendez was awarded the CIA's Intelligence Commendation Medal for her incredible work within the agency. Now an author, speaker, lecturer, and teacher, she details her high-stakes position and the impact and legacy she leaves behind in her new memoir, In True Face: A Woman's Life in the CIA, Unmasked. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During his prolific career in law enforcement, Peter Forcelli has made over one thousand arrests. Yet at the same time, he has also been involved in the exoneration of eight people wrongfully convicted of crimes they did not commit. One of those individuals was a man Peter helped to arrest who always maintained his innocence. When Peter reinvestigated the case, he found evidence that proved those claims. Retired ATF Deputy Assistant Director and former NYPD Homicide Detective Peter Forcelli reviews the wrongful conviction of Edward Garry. He discusses the sensitivity of the justice system and explains why these problems persist today. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're a fan of shows like The Sopranos, you may find the mob lifestyle alluring. But when you're watching from the comfort of your own home, you're only getting one version of the story. New Jersey's DeCavalcante crime family inspired the popular TV show and became a target of the FBI. One man was tasked with infiltrating the formidable family, and it altered the course of his life and career. Former FBI Agent Giovanni Rocco details his undercover experience with the DeCavalcante crime family - from close calls to almost becoming a "made" member. Later, he explains why Operation Charlie Horse ultimately forced him into retirement and hiding. After spending 26 years as an undercover law enforcement officer, Giovanni Rocco now represents Lakeview Health, where he advocates for mental health services for first responders suffering from trauma and substance abuse issues. In his book, Giovanni's Ring: My Life Inside The Real Sopranos, he writes about his harrowing experience with the mafia. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tensions are heating up in a Boston courtroom, and the focus is on the defendant at the center of the case: Karen Read. Read has been charged with the second-degree murder of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe. Read has pleaded not guilty and alleges that she has been framed as part of a police cover-up. FOX 25 Reporter Ted Daniel unpacks the bombshell accusations during the trial and looks at the polarizing reactions the case has garnered. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During the late hours of December 14th, 2010, U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was killed in the line of duty by a rip crew in Arizona. The ensuing investigation into the murder of Agent Terry led to the discovery of a gun-walking scandal known as Operation Fast and Furious. The revelation exposed the dangerous decisions made by the federal government, and that it wasn't just cartels with blood on their hands. Retired ATF Deputy Assistant Director Peter Forcelli reveals how he became a whistleblower in Operation Fast and Furious, and the lengths he was forced to go through to clear his name for telling the truth. After retiring from his career in law enforcement, Peter Forcelli became an author, public speaker, and advocate for government accountability. He details the dangers and backfires of Operation Fast and Furious in his book, The Deadly Path. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily looks back at her conversation with Damsel Director with Damsel In Defense Nancy Abercrombie to explore the many ways people can listen to their intuition to defend themselves against outside dangers. Damsel In Defense is an organization that works to educate women on how to defend themselves when exposed to danger, while also empowering them to possess the confidence they need to do so. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The night of January 26th, 1988, was a frigid and suspiciously quiet night at the Indianapolis Police Department. Before Sgt. Judd Green could say anything to jinx it, he was notified about a gruesome triple homicide. While out drinking with three of his friends, Kevin Conner ended the night by killing each of them in cold blood. Retired Indianapolis Police Department Sgt. Judd Green shares the details about the chilling case and explains why over 36 years later, he's still haunted by the killer's confession. In his book, Stories From The Streets: Drug Dealers, Hostages, and Killers, Sgt. Green looks back at his 41-year-long career in law enforcement and provides detailed stories from some of the most chilling, heartwarming, and even humorous cases he was assigned. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cracking a case isn't always easy, especially when it involves a false allegation. Unfortunately, they've become a relatively common occurrence within the criminal justice system. While the contexts and reasonings behind false allegations vary from case to case, the harm they cause is universal. Forensic Psychiatrist Dr. Park Dietz sheds light on the prevalence of false allegations, explains how they're handled in court, and discusses the damage they inflict on the pursuit of truth. Later, he looks back at some of the high-profile cases he worked on throughout his career. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily revisits her conversation with Retired FBI Agent Eddie Freyer to discuss his investigation into the 1993 kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Polly Klaas. During a slumber party at her own home, Polly was abducted at knifepoint by intruder Richard Allen Davis. A 60-day search for Polly ensued which captivated the nation. Davis was sentenced to death for his crimes in 1996, however, he's now seeking to have his death sentence recalled. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On April 10th, 2024, O.J. Simpson passed away from cancer at his home in Las Vegas. At the height of his football career, Simpson was widely regarded as one of the best athletes of all time. However, his fame and popularity turned into infamy and controversy following the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. Simpson was arrested for their murders, but after a high-profile trial that captivated the country, he was acquitted of the slayings. Former NFL Sideline Reporter Michele Tafoya reacts to the news of Simpson's death and reflects on his controversial legacy. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Tuesday, April 9th, Jennifer and James Crumbley, parents of Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley, were separately sentenced to 10-15 years in prison. Both Crumbley parents were convicted of four counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection to the 2021 attack conducted by their son which killed four students. WJR Senior News Analyst Marie Osborne lays out the details of the Crumbleys' sentencing and provides a look at the statements given in court this week. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On December 22, 2000, three individuals entered the Swedish National Museum at gunpoint and stole three paintings, two by Renoir, and one my Rembrandt. The thieves delayed the arrival of law enforcement by detonating car bombs and made their escape via speedboat. The total value of the heist was $42 million. Retired FBI Special Agent Robert Wittman provides a glimpse into the world of art and property crime. He shares the story of his undercover mission to recover the stolen art. During his time in the FBI, Robert played a key role in the creation of the Bureau's Art Crime Team. He is now the President of Robert Wittman Inc., a consulting firm dedicated to helping galleries, museums, and properly protect their cultural assets. He details thrilling stories that defined his illustrious career in his memoir, Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A federal appeals court in Boston has ordered that the case of the Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev be returned to a lower court. In a 2-1 vote, the three-judge panel concluded that claims of juror bias from Tsarnaev's legal team had not been adequately probed. Depending on the investigation of the lower court, a new penalty phase could overturn Tsarnaev's death sentence. Retired FBI Special Agent Kyle Vowinkel recounts how he was able to use his experience with the Crisis Negotiation Unit and the Hostage Rescue Team to secure Tsarnaev's peaceful surrender. Later, he reacts to the latest news surrounding Tsarnaev. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Out of the many disturbing images in Karen Stitt's case file, one photo stands out: 15-year-old Karen is seen sitting on a sunny beach, her smile as warm and bright as her surroundings. On September 2nd, 1982, Karen's lifeless body was found thrown behind a restaurant wall. She had been raped and stabbed 59 times. For over forty years, investigators were unable to find answers to the mystery of Karen's murder. However, one officer was determined to bring justice to the happy, sunny teenager pictured in the photograph. Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety Detective Matt Hutchison details how he was able to close the decades-old cold case. He explains how through creative thinking and savvy investigative skills, he was able to use genetic genealogy to arrest the suspected murderer. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

November 13th, 2022 will forever be remembered as the day four innocent lives were brutally ended in Moscow, Idaho. University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin were found violently killed in their off-campus home. Today, Bryan Kohberger faces four counts of first-degree murder and one felony burglary charge in connection to the killings. However, no trial date has been set. FOX News Crime Scene and Forensic Expert Mark Fuhrman is the host of three new FOX Nation specials about the Idaho murders. He describes the chilling details covered in Digital Shadows, Savage Instincts, and Moscow Murders, all streaming now. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For a time, Amy Ballon felt like she was living in a fairytale - she was an accomplished realtor living a fabulous life. One day, Amy met a man who treated her like a princess. However, it wasn't until she married him that red flags began to appear. One night Amy was attacked by her abusive husband. She called the police, yet when first responders arrived at the scene, she was the one placed in handcuffs. Author, advocate, and realtor Amy Ballon discusses how her abuser framed her for a crime she did not commit. She shares how she fought for her innocence. Later, she delves into the shocking twists that arose afterward. In her book, Fabulous To Framed, Amy details her story of survival and advocacy. Today, Amy is a board trustee of the Domestic Violence Advocacy Center and founded her nonprofit, Raising Awareness For The Innocent. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices