The FOX True Crime Podcast

On the morning of April 19th, 1995, residents of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma were awoken by tragedy. At 9:02 AM, a massive explosion occurred at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building which damaged over 300 buildings, injured hundreds of people, and took the lives of 168 men, women, and children. Two anti-government extremists, Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, were later arrested for the bombing. The incident is remembered as the deadliest domestic terrorist attack in United States history. 

Former FBI Agent John Iannarelli outlines the details of the case and explains how authorities apprehended McVeigh and Nichols. Former Oklahoma City Firefighter Chris Fields discusses the horrors he witnessed as a first responder to the explosion and the emotional impact it has on him to this day. Later, Chris shares resources available for people struggling with their mental health to get the help they need.

Trauma Behind the Badge is an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the trauma experienced by first responders and veterans. By starting the conversation and destigmatizing mental health, the organization works to provide first responders and their families with the resources needed in order to properly work through their trauma.

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Just weeks after Long Island Serial Killer suspect Rex Heuermann was arrested in connection to the killing of three women near Gilgo Beach, authorities announced a groundbreaking new discovery in another murder victim. The remains discovered in 1996 of a woman who had long been dubbed "Fire Island Jane Doe" have now been identified as Karen Vergata.

Attorney and retired NYPD Inspector Paul Mauro breaks down some of the latest developments out of the Long Island Serial Killer case and discusses what he's watching out for as Rex Heuermann's trial looms.

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At ten years old, Cheryl Gyant learned she was adopted, thus beginning her search for answers about her biological mother. After years of asking questions about her mother's identity, Cheryl received the shocking and devastating news that her mother was Sheri Okoro. Sheri had become one of the first victims of Leonard Lake and Charles Ng, two of California's most notorious serial killers. Although Lake and Ng took Sheri's life, they could not take away her voice. Cheryl Gyant shares the story of how she learned the news of her mother's tragic death and how she dedicated herself to telling Sheri Okoro's story. Later, Cheryl discusses how her nonprofit, Shaniya Rose CDC, works to make a difference for children in the foster care community.

Inspired by her mother's own words, Cheryl Gyant authored A Letter From Sheri, a book in which she details the life story her mother never got to tell. Cheryl is also the founder of the nonprofit, Shaniya Rose CDC, which works to provide assistance and resources for children who have been impacted by the foster care system.

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On Sunday, August 6th, the body of 37-year-old Rachel Morin was found along a popular hiking trail in Bel Air, Maryland. Rachel had been reported missing by her boyfriend the night before when she failed to return home from her walk on the Ma and Pa trail earlier that day. Authorities are investigating Rachel's death as a homicide and are urging the public to come forward with any information they may have.

FOX News Digital Reporter Audrey Conklin provides an overview of what we know about the case so far. Later, Chief Deputy at the Harford County Sheriff's Office Colonel William Davis discusses recent updates in their investigation. He shares the impact Rachel's shocking death has had on the Maryland community and explains what listeners can do to help aid authorities as they carry out their investigation.

If you have any information about this case, please contact Harford County Sheriff's Office or call the tip line at (410) 836-5430.

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Almost 48 years ago, eight-year-old Gretchen Harrington went missing after leaving her home in Marple Township, PA. Gretchen was last seen walking to her vacation Bible school, yet she never made it there. On October 14th, 1975, nearly two months after her disappearance, Gretchen's remains were found in Ridley Creek State Park. For decades, the identity of Gretchen's killer remained a mystery. However, on July 24th, 2023, 83-year-old retired pastor David Zandstra was charged with her murder. 

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer breaks down the timeline of events and explains how police were led to examine Zandstra as a suspect. Later, he shares why bringing justice to Gretchen and her family all these years later was so important to him.

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On Tuesday, Long Island serial killer suspect Rex Heuermann appeared in court for the first time since his arraignment. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney will serve as the lead prosecutor on the case. He revealed during a press conference after the hearing that a "massive amount" of evidence was collected during the investigation. Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to the six counts of murder with which he's charged.

Attorney and Retired NYPD Inspector Paul Mauro discusses what we know about the timeline of the events and reveals which pieces of evidential information were key to the investigation. He explains the technological limitations of the time and shares how new investigative techniques were used to name Heuermann as a suspect. Later, Paul discusses why he's skeptical that Rex Heuermann can be connected to other bodies that have been found.

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On July 15th, 1976, in Chowchilla, CA, the largest kidnapping for ransom in United States history took place. Kidnappers Fred Woods IV, James Schoenfeld, and Richard Schoenfeld took bus driver Ed Ray and 26 children hostage, later driving them to a quarry and burying them alive inside a box truck. After spending hours underground, the driver and children were able to escape captivity and return to safety. FOX News Senior Correspondent and Host of the Nightmare In Chowchilla podcast Claudia Cowan discusses the timeline of events and breaks down the prosecution and aftermath of the case.

Jennifer Brown Hyde lived the nightmare. At 9 years old, she and her older brother, Jeff were two of the children taken hostage on that very bus. Jennifer provides a first-hand account of what it was like to survive the kidnapping and opens up about the impact the events had on her life to this day.

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On July 13th, 25-year-old Carlee Russell allegedly went along an Alabama interstate missing after placing a 911 call. During the call, she described seeing a toddler along the side of the road, but by the time authorities arrived at the scene, there was no trace of Carlee or the child. Two days after her initial disappearance, Carlee returned home and told investigators that she had been kidnapped. During a press conference on Monday, authorities announced that Carlee's disappearance was a hoax and that she admitted to lying about the ordeal.

WBRC Anchor and Reporter Brittany Dionne explains the timeline of this shocking case and discusses the emotional impact it had on the Birmingham community. Later, she shares how people can elevate other missing persons cases and give them the resources they deserve.

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The Bonanno crime family was one of the most feared crime syndicates within the New York City mafia scene. In 1976, a low-level jewel thief by the name of Donnie Brasco caught the attention of Lefty Ruggerio, a Bonanno family soldier. He took Donnie under his wing, taught him the Bonanno way of life, and even opened the door for him to become a "made man" for the family. Unbeknownst to the family, Donnie had a secret of his own. Former FBI Agent Joe Pistone reflects on his famous undercover work under the Donnie Brasco alias, separates fact from fiction when it comes to the mafia, and discusses the hardships associated with his line of work.

Joe Pistone joined the FBI in 1969 and became a pioneer in the bureau's undercover work. Joe was recognized for his successful work within the FBI, receiving the U.S. Attorney General’s J. Edgar Hoover Award, as well as the FBI Medal of Valor. Pistone wrote several books detailing his experiences with the mafia, including Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life In The Mafia, and The Way Of The Wise Guy. Joe Pistone's infiltration of the Bonanno crime family later became the basis for the 1997 film, Donnie Brasco.

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As we go about our everyday lives, it's easy to forget the possible dangers we face on a daily basis. Although we're often told to fear the unfamiliar and unknown, sometimes threats to our personal safety fall closer to home than we realize. However, with the right preparation and planning, we can protect ourselves from being the victim of a crime. Retired Supervisory Special Agent with the United States Secret Service Jeff James shares the importance of situational awareness and gives listeners tips for street crime prevention and self-defense.

In 1996, Jeff James was sworn in as a United States Secret Service Special Agent, beginning his 22-year-long career within the federal government. During his time in the Secret Service, he was promoted to Assistant Special Agent in Charge and also served as the Liaison to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Now, he works as the President of Capitol Security Consultants, as well as the Chief of Police at Robert Morris University.

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