Cold Case Unsealed

Cold Case Unsealed

By AC WilsonTrue Crime
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Cold Case Unsealed episodes

  • The 1985 Doorway Slaying That Fooled a Small Town
    In May 1985, Julie McCroy was brutally murdered inside her Andalusia, Alabama, home, launching a decades-long legal battle for her husband, Charles McCroy. Although investigators quickly targeted Charles due to a prior extramarital affair and his lack of outward emotion at the crime scene, the state's case heavily relied on flawed bite-mark testimony from a prominent forensic dentist. Despite Charles maintaining his innocence and alternative suspects existing in the neighborhood, a jury convicted him of murder in late 1985, sentencing him to life in prison. Decades later, as the scientific community discredited bite-mark analysis, the expert witness recanted his original claims and signed an affidavit renouncing his testimony. Ultimately, a federal judge vacated Charles's conviction in 2026 after more than forty years behind bars, leaving the original murder case officially unresolved.

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    59 min
  • 1987 cold case murder solved, linked to ‘one of Colorado’s most prolific serial killers’
    Law enforcement officials in Colorado recently announced the resolution of the 1987 murder of Rhonda Marie Fisher, a case that remained a mystery for nearly four decades. Through advanced DNA testing and forensic analysis, investigators successfully linked the crime to Vincent Darrell Groves, an individual recognized as one of the state's most frequent serial offenders. Although the suspect died in prison in 1996 while serving time for other killings, this discovery provides definitive answers regarding his responsibility for at least twelve separate homicides. The breakthrough occurred after specialists re-examined evidence from the original crime scene, specifically matching genetic material found on paper bags to the deceased killer. This development offers a sense of closure to the victim’s family and highlights the persistence of cold case units in seeking justice regardless of how much time has passed. The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that this achievement reflects a commitment to identifying violent predators who targeted vulnerable women during the late twentieth century.

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    27 min
  • San Francisco Police Seek Public’s Help to Solve 2010 Cold Case
    The San Francisco Police Department is currently requesting public assistance to solve the 2010 homicide of Philip DiMartino, a cold case that has remained open for sixteen years. On August 2nd, 2010, authorities discovered the 36-year-old victim fatally stabbed in his Herman Street residence after he failed to arrive at work. Investigation details reveal that DiMartino was last seen at a Castro District bar and was known to use dating applications to meet new people. His family describes him as a brilliant and adventurous man whose life was tragically cut short, leaving a lasting void in their community. Detectives from the Cold Case Unit are urging anyone with information, no matter how minor, to contact them via their anonymous tip lines. This appeal aims to finally identify those responsible for the violent crime and provide closure to the grieving DiMartino family.

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    32 min
  • Arrest Made In 1991 Arlington Murder Cold Case
    This report details a major breakthrough in a 34-year-old cold case murder from Arlington, Texas, involving the 1991 death of Cynthia Gonzalez. The investigation was revitalized through a unique partnership between local police and criminology students at the University of Texas at Arlington. By revisiting old files and asking critical questions, the students helped detectives uncover new witness statements that linked the victim’s former friend, Janie Perkins, to the crime. Although Perkins was recently taken into custody for capital murder, a grand jury ultimately declined to move forward with the charges. This collaboration highlights how academic programs can provide fresh perspectives to help law enforcement solve decades-old mysteries.

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    30 min
  • FBI Offers $25,000 Reward To Solve 2 Cold Cases Involving Tribal Citizens In Oklahoma
    The FBI has launched the Voices Not Forgotten initiative to address the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons by offering standardized $25,000 rewards for information on unsolved crimes. This campaign specifically highlights the cases of Angel Beach and Thomas Fultz, two Muscogee citizens whose deaths occurred on reservation land in Oklahoma. Due to the McGirt v. Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling, these investigations fall under federal jurisdiction, necessitating a coordinated response between tribal and federal authorities. The program utilizes an interactive map and increased financial incentives to encourage witnesses to overcome historical distrust and provide crucial tips. While advocates acknowledge the importance of this publicity strategy, they note that it must coexist with deeper structural changes to solve long-standing jurisdictional challenges. Ultimately, the effort seeks to generate new leads in cold cases by signaling that the government remains committed to seeking justice for Native communities.

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    37 min
  • DNA Evidence Solves 2 Austin Cold Cases; Man Sentenced To 15 Years
    The episode details the conviction of Michael Lance Gamez, who was sentenced to fifteen years in prison for two cold cases involving attempted sexual assault in Austin, Texas. Authorities originally linked the two separate attacks through DNA profiles in 2000, though the suspect's identity remained unknown for decades. Due to technological advancements in forensics, investigators finally identified Gamez in 2023 and confirmed the match through a modern lab analysis. The incidents, which occurred in 1999 and 2000, were resolved through the diligent preservation of evidence by the Austin Police Department. While celebrating this legal victory, officials also highlighted the ongoing need for grant funding to continue processing long-standing forensic backlogs. This success story underscores the power of genetic science in bringing justice to victims of historical crimes.

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    29 min
  • Douglas County Sheriff’s Cold Case Awareness Month
    In observance of National Cold Case Awareness Month, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is utilizing social media to spotlight unsolved homicides and generate fresh leads. The initiative focuses on decades-old tragedies, including the 1986 disappearance and death of eleven-year-old Richard Chadek III. Another highlighted case involves Mary Cronin, whose remains were discovered in a state park over a year after she vanished in 1992. Despite conducting hundreds of interviews and following recent tips, investigators have yet to identify suspects in either matter. Law enforcement officials emphasize that these public updates aim to reassure grieving families that their loved ones are not forgotten. By increasing public visibility, authorities hope to finally secure the information needed to close these long-standing investigations.

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    22 min
  • Texas Rangers Seek New Tips in 45-Year-Old Salinas Christmas Cold Case
    The Texas Department of Public Safety is currently seeking fresh leads to resolve the 1980 Christmas Day murders of Estella Salinas and her teenage son, Andrew. Found strangled in a Houston bayou after failing to arrive at a family gathering, the victims were last seen in their vehicle before it was discovered abandoned with their belongings still inside. Although the case has remained unsolved for forty-five years, investigators are now utilizing modern DNA technology to analyze original evidence in hopes of a breakthrough. Law enforcement officials have increased the cash reward to $6,000 for any information that leads to an arrest in this featured cold case. To qualify for the payout, tipsters must contact Texas Crime Stoppers via their hotline or specialized website before a new case is highlighted. This renewed push for justice reflects a broader commitment by the Texas Rangers to pursue violent crimes until every viable investigative lead is exhausted.

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    35 min
  • Fairfax police hope renewed attention will crack 20-year-old cold case
    The Fairfax County Police Department is seeking public assistance to solve the twenty-year-old cold cases of Marion Marshall and Marion Newman, who were both murdered in 2006. DNA evidence has linked the same unidentified suspect to both Springfield homicides, with forensic technology suggesting the perpetrator is a male of Latino descent. Despite the passage of two decades and the release of composite sketches, the killer remains at large. Local authorities and the victims' families are offering financial rewards for any information that could finally lead to an arrest. Investigators are currently utilizing genetic genealogy and community tips to bring long-awaited justice to the grieving families.

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    33 min
  • Rebecca McMahan Identified in 1974 California Cold Case Murder
    After half a century, California law enforcement has successfully identified a cold case murder victim as Rebecca Jean McMahan using modern DNA testing. Her remains were originally discovered in 1974 within the Desert Hot Springs area, roughly six months after she was reported missing. Authorities are now reaching out to the public for new leads regarding her death, specifically targeting residents of Bellingham, Washington, and several California cities where she previously resided. McMahan was identified by matching genetic samples to a close relative, confirming the identity of the 19-year-old woman who vanished during a summer trip. To assist in the ongoing investigation, officials have released physical descriptions of her distinctive tattoos, including a butterfly and personal initials. Efforts continue as investigators hope these new details will finally uncover the circumstances surrounding her homicide.

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    29 min

About Cold Case Unsealed

From the publisher's feed

Cold Case Unsealed is a gripping true crime podcast that reopens forgotten investigations, unsolved murders, and mysterious disappearances that never received the answers they deserved. Each episode…