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Detective Story: True Crime Insights with Mike Hammond and Chris Kafcas
Detective Story: True Crime Insights with Mike Hammond and Chris Kafcas episodes
- Detective Story – Episode 27: An Interview with Former Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson
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Former Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson rarely sits for interviews. We got him for a candid, hour-plus conversation — and it's the most open he's been since leaving CPD. Mike Hammond worked under Eddie back when he was a Sergeant in Area 4 Homicide, and that history shows: this is two coppers talking straight, not a press-conference Q&A.
Topics include:
— How Rahm Emanuel personally recruited him for the job (Eddie never applied)
— Growing up in Cabrini Green
— Why he became a Chicago police officer
— Community policing and the three constituencies a Superintendent serves
— His views on the SAFE-T Act and recent line-of-duty murders of police officers
— The work behind 31 years on the job
🌐 detectivestory.net
🎙️ Patreon: www.patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammond
☕ Coffee partner: Gun Barrel Coffee — use code DETECTIVE10 for 10% off at gunbarrelcoffee.com
Recorded at The Content Club, Chicago, Illinois
Content and Creator: Mike HammondSupport the show
The Engine that Makes Detective Story Run:
Featuring co-host Chris Kafcas.
Patreon Link for Insider Conversations and Direct contact with us:
https://patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammond
Big thank you to our Patrons who keep us rolling:
Jenn and Drew Hammond
Colonel Samuel E. Manto
Core Natural Gas Services, Midland/Odessa, Texas
Strategic Partners:
Gun Barrel Coffee
Blue Knight Security Solutions
Co-Host: Chris Kafcas
Video and Audio Editing:
Micah Mabey
Original Musical Score: Jared May
Original Studio Artwork: Drew DeMaria
Season 3 Score: "Dead and Gone Blues" by Peter Crosby (Epidemic Sound)
Original Show Artwork and Logos: Eric Rovegno
https://www.thenorthcreative.com/
Los Angeles, California
(Do yourself a favor and check out his work on his website)
Security and Investigative assistance provided by:
Blue Knight Security Solutions
blueknightsecuritysolutions.com
773-706-4920
Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @detectivestorymikehammond
Email Detective Hammond at: [email protected]1 hr 15 min - Episode 26-The Grimes Sisters: Chicago's Infamous Cold Case And A Suspect Who Can Still Be Held Accountable
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In 1956, Barbara and Patricia Grimes vanished after seeing an Elvis Presley film in Chicago. Their disappearance generated so much national attention that Elvis Presley himself recorded a personal radio message urging the girls to come home. Their bodies were found weeks later in unincorporated Cook County. Nearly 70 years later the case remains unsolved — but may not be unsolvable.
In this episode of Detective Story, retired CPD Homicide Detective Mike Hammond and co-host Chris Kafcas sit down with documentarian and researcher Michael Weber, who has spent years investigating the Grimes Sisters case. Weber has identified a living individual — now in his 80s — who she believes had direct contact with the sisters and has never been formally interviewed by investigators.
Mike Hammond brings his own firsthand knowledge to this conversation, having worked the Grimes Sisters case as part of CPD's Cold Case Homicide Unit with his then partner Jim Hennigan.
Together, Hammond, Kafcas, and Weber lay out the evidence, the witnesses, unanswered questions in the investigation, and the question that the Grimes family — including a surviving sister — still deserves an answer to after nearly seven decades.
Justice has no expiration date.Support the show
The Engine that Makes Detective Story Run:
Featuring co-host Chris Kafcas.
Patreon Link for Insider Conversations and Direct contact with us:
https://patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammond
Big thank you to our Patrons who keep us rolling:
Jenn and Drew Hammond
Colonel Samuel E. Manto
Core Natural Gas Services, Midland/Odessa, Texas
Strategic Partners:
Gun Barrel Coffee
Blue Knight Security Solutions
Co-Host: Chris Kafcas
Video and Audio Editing:
Micah Mabey
Original Musical Score: Jared May
Original Studio Artwork: Drew DeMaria
Season 3 Score: "Dead and Gone Blues" by Peter Crosby (Epidemic Sound)
Original Show Artwork and Logos: Eric Rovegno
https://www.thenorthcreative.com/
Los Angeles, California
(Do yourself a favor and check out his work on his website)
Security and Investigative assistance provided by:
Blue Knight Security Solutions
blueknightsecuritysolutions.com
773-706-4920
Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @detectivestorymikehammond
Email Detective Hammond at: [email protected]1 hr 13 min - A Warrior's Path: A Tribute to Rick Coyle and John Bartholomew
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In this special audio edition, I reflect on the recent losses of two dedicated officers: Deputy Rick Coyle of the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department (retired CPD) and Officer John Bartholomew of the Chicago Police Department.
I served with Rick on the Chicago Police Department years ago. After he retired Rick moved to Kentucky and eventually joined the Crittenden County Sheriff's Department to serve that community. On Friday May 8, 2026, I traveled to Kentucky to attend his memorial. At the same time back in Chicago services were being held for Officer John Bartholomew who had also been killed in the line of duty.
This episode discusses the powerful impact both men had on their communities and my thoughts on the differences and similarities of the big-city and small-town loss, and the "instinctual awareness" that defines the best in this profession.
This is a tribute to the reality of the sacrifice, the pride of the uniform, and the weight carried long after the stars are put away.
Rest easy, Rick and John.
Support the show
The Engine that Makes Detective Story Run:
Featuring co-host Chris Kafcas.
Patreon Link for Insider Conversations and Direct contact with us:
https://patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammond
Big thank you to our Patrons who keep us rolling:
Jenn and Drew Hammond
Colonel Samuel E. Manto
Core Natural Gas Services, Midland/Odessa, Texas
Strategic Partners:
Gun Barrel Coffee
Blue Knight Security Solutions
Co-Host: Chris Kafcas
Video and Audio Editing:
Micah Mabey
Original Musical Score: Jared May
Original Studio Artwork: Drew DeMaria
Season 3 Score: "Dead and Gone Blues" by Peter Crosby (Epidemic Sound)
Original Show Artwork and Logos: Eric Rovegno
https://www.thenorthcreative.com/
Los Angeles, California
(Do yourself a favor and check out his work on his website)
Security and Investigative assistance provided by:
Blue Knight Security Solutions
blueknightsecuritysolutions.com
773-706-4920
Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @detectivestorymikehammond
Email Detective Hammond at: [email protected]23 min - Episode 25- Former Chief of Detectives Melissa Staples
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This Episode is dedicated to Rick Coyle, John Bartholomew and Nelson Crespo. Show us the way home, warriors.
In This Episode #25:
Melissa Staples rose through the ranks to become only the second female Chief of Detectives for the second-largest police department in the country.
We sit down to discuss the immense responsibility of that position, the realities of leadership, and the unvarnished truth about policy and Chicago's streets. Nobody articulates the stance of a detective and a leader better than Melissa.
Note: The interview portion of this episode was recorded on April 1, 2026. The cold open addresses the tragic loss of our brothers since that date.
Support the Show & Access Unedited Interviews:
Join the Patreon to support the preservation of Chicago's institutional memory and get full, unedited access to these legacy interviews.Patreon: patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammond
Website: www.detectivestory.net
Deputy Rick Coyle (Crittenden County Sheriff's Dept. / Retired CPD)
In lieu of flowers, the Coyle family requests donations be made to:
Supporting Heroes:www.SupportingHeroes.org
Chicago Police Memorial Foundation:www.CPDmemorial.org
Officer John Bartholomew (Chicago Police Department)
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the John Bartholomew Memorial Fund, handled by the credit union:
John Bartholomew Memorial Fund
c/o Police Federal Credit Union
1407 West Washington Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60607
Please continue to keep Officer Nelson Crespo, his family, and his brothers and sisters in the department in your prayers as he fights for his recovery.Support the show
The Engine that Makes Detective Story Run:
Featuring co-host Chris Kafcas.
Patreon Link for Insider Conversations and Direct contact with us:
https://patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammond
Big thank you to our Patrons who keep us rolling:
Jenn and Drew Hammond
Colonel Samuel E. Manto
Core Natural Gas Services, Midland/Odessa, Texas
Strategic Partners:
Gun Barrel Coffee
Blue Knight Security Solutions
Co-Host: Chris Kafcas
Video and Audio Editing:
Micah Mabey
Original Musical Score: Jared May
Original Studio Artwork: Drew DeMaria
Season 3 Score: "Dead and Gone Blues" by Peter Crosby (Epidemic Sound)
Original Show Artwork and Logos: Eric Rovegno
https://www.thenorthcreative.com/
Los Angeles, California
(Do yourself a favor and check out his work on his website)
Security and Investigative assistance provided by:
Blue Knight Security Solutions
blueknightsecuritysolutions.com
773-706-4920
Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @detectivestorymikehammond
Email Detective Hammond at: [email protected]1 hr 34 min - Episode 24- Michele Wood "Model Detective" & Marco Garcia , Lead Hostage Negotiator: Chicago PD's Power Couple
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In this episode, we sit down with Chicago PD's power couple: Homicide Sergeant Michele Wood and her husband, Lead Hostage Negotiator Marco Garcia to discuss her new book and the art of crisis negotiation. We discuss Michele’s upcoming book release "Model Detective" and the high-stakes world of hostage negotiation and de-escalation techniques
📘 ORDER "MODEL DETECTIVE" HERE: https://a.co/d/0gGAI1Ok
Visit and join our Patreon page for cool extra content at: https://patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammondSupport the show
The Engine that Makes Detective Story Run:
Featuring co-host Chris Kafcas.
Patreon Link for Insider Conversations and Direct contact with us:
https://patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammond
Big thank you to our Patrons who keep us rolling:
Jenn and Drew Hammond
Colonel Samuel E. Manto
Core Natural Gas Services, Midland/Odessa, Texas
Strategic Partners:
Gun Barrel Coffee
Blue Knight Security Solutions
Co-Host: Chris Kafcas
Video and Audio Editing:
Micah Mabey
Original Musical Score: Jared May
Original Studio Artwork: Drew DeMaria
Season 3 Score: "Dead and Gone Blues" by Peter Crosby (Epidemic Sound)
Original Show Artwork and Logos: Eric Rovegno
https://www.thenorthcreative.com/
Los Angeles, California
(Do yourself a favor and check out his work on his website)
Security and Investigative assistance provided by:
Blue Knight Security Solutions
blueknightsecuritysolutions.com
773-706-4920
Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @detectivestorymikehammond
Email Detective Hammond at: [email protected]1 hr 13 min - Season 3 Begins! Episode 23 - The Murder of 6-Year-Old Allen Kalfus
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Season 3 begins with the case that started it all.
In February 2001, my partner Sam Manto and I worked our first murder as lead detectives: 6-year-old Allen Kalfus, tortured to death by his foster mother, Flora Stewart.
Sam and I sit down 25 years later to revisit this case. What we remember. What surprised us. And what still haunts us.
This is the story of Allen Kalfus.
Visit us for direct contact, updates and news at our website:
www.detectivestory.netSupport the show
The Engine that Makes Detective Story Run:
Featuring co-host Chris Kafcas.
Patreon Link for Insider Conversations and Direct contact with us:
https://patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammond
Big thank you to our Patrons who keep us rolling:
Jenn and Drew Hammond
Colonel Samuel E. Manto
Core Natural Gas Services, Midland/Odessa, Texas
Strategic Partners:
Gun Barrel Coffee
Blue Knight Security Solutions
Co-Host: Chris Kafcas
Video and Audio Editing:
Micah Mabey
Original Musical Score: Jared May
Original Studio Artwork: Drew DeMaria
Season 3 Score: "Dead and Gone Blues" by Peter Crosby (Epidemic Sound)
Original Show Artwork and Logos: Eric Rovegno
https://www.thenorthcreative.com/
Los Angeles, California
(Do yourself a favor and check out his work on his website)
Security and Investigative assistance provided by:
Blue Knight Security Solutions
blueknightsecuritysolutions.com
773-706-4920
Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @detectivestorymikehammond
Email Detective Hammond at: [email protected]1 hr - 2026 Season Update: We're Back.
Send us Fan Mail
https://www.patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithmikehammond
Support the show
The Engine that Makes Detective Story Run:
Featuring co-host Chris Kafcas.
Patreon Link for Insider Conversations and Direct contact with us:
https://patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammond
Big thank you to our Patrons who keep us rolling:
Jenn and Drew Hammond
Colonel Samuel E. Manto
Core Natural Gas Services, Midland/Odessa, Texas
Strategic Partners:
Gun Barrel Coffee
Blue Knight Security Solutions
Co-Host: Chris Kafcas
Video and Audio Editing:
Micah Mabey
Original Musical Score: Jared May
Original Studio Artwork: Drew DeMaria
Season 3 Score: "Dead and Gone Blues" by Peter Crosby (Epidemic Sound)
Original Show Artwork and Logos: Eric Rovegno
https://www.thenorthcreative.com/
Los Angeles, California
(Do yourself a favor and check out his work on his website)
Security and Investigative assistance provided by:
Blue Knight Security Solutions
blueknightsecuritysolutions.com
773-706-4920
Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @detectivestorymikehammond
Email Detective Hammond at: [email protected]2 min - Episode 22- Interview with Chicago Police Narcotics Detective Josh Weitzman
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On Episode 22 of Detective Story we have the distinct honor to host former Chicago Police Narcotics Detective Josh Weitzman. Josh, a long time friend and colleague of Mike Hammond, has a very interesting personal and professional story. He started his police career with the Kansas City Police Department but eventually returned to his native Chicago and the Chicago Police Department. During a decorated career Josh became a narcotics investigation expert and tactical specialist. His personal story equally fascinating, from his parents to his close relationship with musical legends Morris "Magic Slim" Holt and Art Neville. Josh is never one to shy from speaking openly and frankly doesn't disappoint with Detective Story.
Thank you for listening please leave us a comment and go to our website, and leave us your thoughts, opinions or questions
Please visit our website @www.detectivestory.net
For insights bio's and to connect with us directly! We love the feedback!
Support the show
The Engine that Makes Detective Story Run:
Featuring co-host Chris Kafcas.
Patreon Link for Insider Conversations and Direct contact with us:
https://patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammond
Big thank you to our Patrons who keep us rolling:
Jenn and Drew Hammond
Colonel Samuel E. Manto
Core Natural Gas Services, Midland/Odessa, Texas
Strategic Partners:
Gun Barrel Coffee
Blue Knight Security Solutions
Co-Host: Chris Kafcas
Video and Audio Editing:
Micah Mabey
Original Musical Score: Jared May
Original Studio Artwork: Drew DeMaria
Season 3 Score: "Dead and Gone Blues" by Peter Crosby (Epidemic Sound)
Original Show Artwork and Logos: Eric Rovegno
https://www.thenorthcreative.com/
Los Angeles, California
(Do yourself a favor and check out his work on his website)
Security and Investigative assistance provided by:
Blue Knight Security Solutions
blueknightsecuritysolutions.com
773-706-4920
Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @detectivestorymikehammond
Email Detective Hammond at: [email protected]1 hr 25 min - Detective Story-Episode #21- Richard Cain Part 2, Chicago Outfit Gray Man, Assassin and Enigma
Send us Fan Mail
Visit our Station page and join the Detective Story community. Vote in a poll about the Richard Cain saga at:
www.https://station.page/detectivestory
Gangster, police officer, hitman, international criminal, right hand to notorious Chicago Outfit Boss Sam Giancana, would be Fidel Castro assassin, JFK assassination conspirator, Anti-Castro rebel coordinator and trainer, linguist, wiretapper, polygraph examiner, Barry Goldwater bodyguard, FBI Informant and CIA operative. In his 20 plus years run in the public eye, Richard Cain was reported to have been all of these things.
Chris Kafcas and Detective Mike Hammond are excited to be back and bring you Part 2 joined by author of the true crime biography, Tangled Web, Michael Cain. Tangled Web is the detailed story of Chicago Outfit member, former Chicago Police Officer Richard Cain. More than just his biographer Michael Cain is Richard Cain's half brother born to the same father. He graciously joined Detective Hammond in a conversation about his book and his journey to try and get to the bottom of the endless stories, legends and rumors about his brother.
Now up, the final, Part 2. We conclude the interview with author Michael Cain and then try and come to some conclusions about Richard Cain. Who was he really? Could he have been involved in some of the most dramatic moments in modern American history? Why was he murdered and by whom? We will discuss it all in this episode. Please give it a listen and then leave us a comment and go to our Station page, take the poll and leave us your thoughts, opinions or questions
https://station.page/detectivestory
A special thank you to our pal Bryan Leturgez for acting as videographer, director and support crew for these episodes.
Link to buy a copy of Michael's book Tangled Web
https://a.co/d/68A1aSJ
Alejandro Galindo's Film:
https://youtu.be/w13iAS6JK90?si=HlREfyj92EC4MDaB
Purchase Michael's book at:
https://a.co/d/0DsZFNsSupport the show
The Engine that Makes Detective Story Run:
Featuring co-host Chris Kafcas.
Patreon Link for Insider Conversations and Direct contact with us:
https://patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammond
Big thank you to our Patrons who keep us rolling:
Jenn and Drew Hammond
Colonel Samuel E. Manto
Core Natural Gas Services, Midland/Odessa, Texas
Strategic Partners:
Gun Barrel Coffee
Blue Knight Security Solutions
Co-Host: Chris Kafcas
Video and Audio Editing:
Micah Mabey
Original Musical Score: Jared May
Original Studio Artwork: Drew DeMaria
Season 3 Score: "Dead and Gone Blues" by Peter Crosby (Epidemic Sound)
Original Show Artwork and Logos: Eric Rovegno
https://www.thenorthcreative.com/
Los Angeles, California
(Do yourself a favor and check out his work on his website)
Security and Investigative assistance provided by:
Blue Knight Security Solutions
blueknightsecuritysolutions.com
773-706-4920
Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @detectivestorymikehammond
Email Detective Hammond at: [email protected]1 hr 26 min - Season 2- Episode #20-Part 1- The Story of Richard Cain, Chicago Criminal and Cultural Enigma
Send us Fan Mail
Welcome back for the start of season two of Detective Story!
Gangster, police officer, hitman, international criminal, right hand to notorious Chicago Outfit Boss Sam Giancana, would be Fidel Castro assassin, JFK assassination conspirator, Anti-Castro rebel coordinator and trainer, linguist, wiretapper, polygraph examiner, Barry Goldwater bodyguard, FBI Informant and CIA operative. In his 20 plus years run in the public eye, Richard Cain was reported to have been all of the things listed above.
Chris Kafcas and Detective Mike Hammond are excited to be back and bring you a 2 part series joined by author of the true crime biography, Tangled Web, Michael Cain. Tangled Web is the detailed story of Chicago Outfit member, former Chicago Police Officer Richard Cain. More than just his biographer Michael Cain is Richard Cain's half brother born to the same father. He graciously joined Detective Hammond in a conversation about his book and his journey to try and get to the bottom of the endless stories, legends and rumors about his brother.
First up in Part 1. Who was Richard Cain and how Michael began his quest.
Join us on our new Podcast interaction site, Station where you can interact directly with us @
https://station.page/detectivestory
A special thank you to our pal Bryan Leturgez for acting as videographer, director and support crew for these episodes.
Link to buy a copy of Michael's book Tangled Web
https://a.co/d/68A1aSJ
Support the show
The Engine that Makes Detective Story Run:
Featuring co-host Chris Kafcas.
Patreon Link for Insider Conversations and Direct contact with us:
https://patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammond
Big thank you to our Patrons who keep us rolling:
Jenn and Drew Hammond
Colonel Samuel E. Manto
Core Natural Gas Services, Midland/Odessa, Texas
Strategic Partners:
Gun Barrel Coffee
Blue Knight Security Solutions
Co-Host: Chris Kafcas
Video and Audio Editing:
Micah Mabey
Original Musical Score: Jared May
Original Studio Artwork: Drew DeMaria
Season 3 Score: "Dead and Gone Blues" by Peter Crosby (Epidemic Sound)
Original Show Artwork and Logos: Eric Rovegno
https://www.thenorthcreative.com/
Los Angeles, California
(Do yourself a favor and check out his work on his website)
Security and Investigative assistance provided by:
Blue Knight Security Solutions
blueknightsecuritysolutions.com
773-706-4920
Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @detectivestorymikehammond
Email Detective Hammond at: [email protected]1 hr 3 min
About Detective Story: True Crime Insights with Mike Hammond and Chris Kafcas
From the publisher's feed
Mike Hammond, a retired Chicago Police Homicide Detective, leads this True Crime podcast that discusses cold cases, missing persons, and law enforcement insights.