True Crime With The Sarge: The Audio Files

Joseph Giacalone

Join Joseph Giacalone, retired NYPD Sergeant SDS, author, and professor, as he takes listeners behind the badge for a real-world look at true crime and criminal investigations. In this audio extension of his popular YouTube channel, the Sarge breaks down cold cases, missing persons, forensic evidence, and investigative strategy with unmatched experience and credibility. Each episode dives into the truth behind some of the most haunting unsolved cases—bringing facts, not speculation. If you’re passionate about justice, forensics, and the pursuit of truth, this podcast belongs in your library. Listen, learn, and uncover what really happens when detectives chase the evidence

  1. 5 days ago

    Sandra Birchmore Case: Michele McPhee Updates Us on the Federal Murder Case Against Matthew Farwell

    What is it like to report on a high-profile federal murder case day after day? Investigative journalist Michele McPhee, Senior Editor at LA Magazine, joins Joseph L. Giacalone, the Sarge, on True Crime with the Sarge to discuss her ongoing reporting on the federal case against former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell, who is charged in connection with the death of Sandra Birchmore. In this in-depth interview, McPhee provides insight into the daily realities of covering a complex federal criminal case, the challenges of following court proceedings, and the investigative details that matter as the case moves through the justice system. We examine the Sandra Birchmore case, the allegations against Matthew Farwell, the role of federal investigators and prosecutors, and the importance of careful, persistent journalism when reporting on a case that has drawn widespread public attention. As an experienced journalist covering major criminal investigations, McPhee offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on how reporters track developments, evaluate evidence presented in court, and help the public understand complicated legal proceedings. In this episode of True Crime with the Sarge: Michele McPhee’s day-to-day reporting on the federal case against Matthew FarwellThe death of Sandra Birchmore and the criminal investigation surrounding the caseHow journalists cover federal murder prosecutions and courtroom developmentsThe challenges of reporting on allegations involving a former police officerThe importance of evidence, accountability, and transparency in criminal justice reportingHosted by Joseph L. Giacalone, retired NYPD sergeant, criminal investigations expert, and author of The Cold Case Handbook, True Crime with the Sarge delivers informed analysis of homicide investigations, criminal cases, cold cases, and the justice system. Subscribe to True Crime with the Sarge for expert perspectives on criminal investigations, breaking true crime developments, and the cases making headlines. Support the show

  2. 20 Oct

    Is There a Serial Killer in Lansing, Michigan? | True Crime with the Sarge

    Is there a serial killer operating in Lansing, Michigan? On this episode of True Crime with the Sarge , former NYPD Sergeant SDS Joseph L. Giacalone examines the reported cases raising questions about a possible connection between incidents in the Lansing area. What does it take for investigators to determine whether separate crimes are linked to a serial offender? We break down the investigative questions, crime patterns, forensic evidence, victimology, timelines, and behavioral similarities that detectives must evaluate when examining the possibility of a serial killer. In this episode, we explore: The Lansing Serial Killer Question: What reported cases have raised concerns, and what is known versus still unknown?Linking Separate Crimes: How investigators compare crime scenes, methods of operation, victim profiles, timelines, and forensic evidence.The Role of Forensic Evidence: How DNA, trace evidence, and other investigative leads can help establish or rule out connections between cases.Investigative Challenges: Why similarities between crimes do not automatically mean they were committed by the same person.Separating Facts from Speculation: What evidence investigators need before concluding that a serial offender may be responsible.As a former NYPD Sergeant SDS and criminal investigations expert, Joseph L. Giacalone brings an investigative perspective to the questions surrounding the possibility of a serial killer in Lansing, Michigan. Are investigators dealing with connected crimes, or are separate incidents creating a misleading pattern? Listen to the episode for a closer look at the evidence, the unanswered questions, and the investigative process behind identifying potential serial offenses. Subscribe to True Crime with the Sarge on Apple Podcasts for expert analysis of serial killings, homicide investigations, cold cases, forensic evidence, and criminal investigations. This episode examines investigative questions and reported concerns. The existence of a serial killer connection should not be assumed without supporting evidence. Support the show

  3. 13 Oct

    I Took Raymond R.C. Horsch to Lunch and This is What He Told Me: Reporter Peter Crimmins

    Peter Crimmins, the Arts and Culture Reporter for WHYY in Philadelphia, conducted two recorded interviews with Raymond R.C. Horsch for an Adult Film Festival in 2014. After years of forgetting about it, Peter Crimmins found the interviews and wrote the essay, “I took an alleged Philly killer to lunch 12 years ago. Here’s what I learned about a self-proclaimed ‘sociopath.”  I had the opportunity to interview Peter about his encounters for True Crime with the Sarge, and not only did he discussed what he reported, but also revealed some new details that were never revealed before! Support the show

  4. 3 Oct

    Sandra Birchmore Case: Matthew Farwell Murder Charges | Michele McPhee

    What happened to Sandra Birchmore? On this special episode of True Crime with the Sarge, Joseph L. Giacalone sits down with investigative journalist Michele McPhee, Senior Editor at Los Angeles Magazine, to examine the death of Sandra Birchmore and the federal murder case against former Stoughton, Massachusetts police officer Matthew Farwell. Birchmore’s death has raised serious questions about her relationships with members of law enforcement, the circumstances surrounding her death, and the investigation that ultimately led to federal murder charges against Farwell. Michele McPhee brings her investigative journalism experience to the case as we examine what is publicly known about Sandra Birchmore, the investigation into her death, the allegations against Matthew Farwell, and the unanswered questions surrounding the case. In this episode, we explore: • Who was Sandra Birchmore?  • What is known about the circumstances surrounding her death?  • What led federal investigators to focus on Matthew Farwell?  • What are the federal allegations against the former Stoughton Police officer?  • What does the investigative timeline tell us about the case?  • What questions remain unanswered?  • What happens next in the federal prosecution of Matthew Farwell? Join the Sarge and Michele McPhee for an in-depth look at the Sandra Birchmore case, the investigation into her death, and the federal murder charges facing Matthew Farwell. Matthew Farwell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. True Crime with the Sarge brings listeners investigative analysis, cold cases, homicide investigations, forensic science, law enforcement perspectives, and conversations with journalists, investigators, attorneys, and subject-matter experts. Support the show

  5. 28 Sept

    The RC Horsch Case: Can You Prove Murder Without a Body? | Tad DiBiase

    What does it take to prove a murder when there is no body? On this special episode of True Crime with the Sarge, Joseph Giacalone welcomes Tad DiBiase, former Assistant U.S. Attorney and author of No-Body Homicide Cases, to examine the unfolding investigation surrounding Eugene and R.C. Horsch in Philadelphia. Philadelphia investigators are examining a massive collection of digital evidence recovered from the Horsch property. Authorities believe some videos may depict five women who were no longer alive, but investigators have not recovered human remains and the circumstances surrounding the images remain under investigation. That raises a critical question for law enforcement and prosecutors: Can you prove a homicide beyond a reasonable doubt when there is no body? Tad DiBiase is one of the leading legal authorities on no-body homicide cases, and he explains how investigators can build a murder case using circumstantial evidence, forensic evidence, digital evidence, witness testimony, victimology and other investigative findings when human remains have not been located. The Sarge and Tad break down: • The Eugene and R.C. Horsch investigation in Philadelphia  • What investigators can and cannot establish from video evidence  • The challenges of investigating a suspected homicide without a body  • What constitutes proof that a missing person is deceased  • How circumstantial evidence can establish a murder  • The role of digital evidence in modern homicide investigations  • What prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt  • How investigators corroborate disturbing or ambiguous video evidence  • The difference between suspicion, investigative leads and admissible evidence  • Previous no-body homicide prosecutions and what investigators can learn from them  • What the Horsch investigation could ultimately mean for a potential homicide prosecution As the investigation continues, True Crime with the Sarge examines the case from an investigative and prosecutorial perspective without jumping to conclusions about what the evidence ultimately proves. Listen now and learn what it really takes to prosecute a homicide when there is no body. Follow True Crime with the Sarge for expert discussions about homicide investigations, cold cases, missing persons, forensic science, digital evidence, criminal investigations and the criminal justice system. Support the show

  6. 9 Sept

    Richard Gabriel: The Jury Consultant Behind OJ Simpson and Casey Anthony Weighs in on Lindsay Clancy

    What really happens inside the jury room when a high-profile criminal case goes to trial? On this episode of True Crime with the Sarge, Joseph Giacalone sits down with Richard Gabriel, nationally recognized jury consultant and author of Acquittal: An Insider Reveals the Stories and Strategies Behind Today’s Most Infamous Cases. Gabriel takes us behind the scenes of some of America’s most infamous criminal trials, revealing how jury selection, courtroom strategy, witness testimony, evidence, persuasion, and juror psychology can shape the outcome of a case. How do jurors decide who they believe? What makes a prosecutor’s case persuasive? How can a defense attorney create reasonable doubt? And why do seemingly overwhelming criminal cases sometimes end with an acquittal? We’ll examine the science and strategy behind jury selection and trial advocacy, the importance of opening and closing arguments, witness credibility, how jurors process evidence, and the factors that can ultimately determine whether a defendant is convicted or walks out of the courtroom. Richard Gabriel brings decades of experience studying juries and high-profile trials, providing an insider’s perspective on what happens when prosecutors, defense attorneys, evidence, and jurors collide. In this episode: • Jury selection and voir dire • Juror psychology and decision-making • Prosecutor and defense trial strategies • Opening and closing arguments • Witness credibility and testimony • How jurors evaluate evidence • Reasonable doubt and acquittals • Lessons from infamous criminal trials • The role of a professional jury consultant Whether you follow true crime, criminal trials, courtroom strategy, jury selection, high-profile murder cases, or criminal justice, this conversation offers a fascinating look at what really happens before a jury reaches its verdict. Listen to True Crime with the Sarge for expert interviews, investigative insights, cold cases, criminal trials, and an insider’s perspective on the cases making headlines. AUTHOR Richard Gabriel, Acquittal: An Insider Reveals the Stories and Strategies Behind Today’s Most Infamous Cases Support the show

  7. 1 Sept

    National Cold Case Awareness Month: Why Cases Go Cold

    September is National Cold Case Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the thousands of unsolved murders, missing persons cases, unidentified remains, and unresolved investigations that remain open across the country. In this episode of True Crime with the Sarge: The Audio Files, former NYPD Sergeant Commanding Officer of the Bronx Cold Case Squad, Joseph Giacalone takes a closer look at what happens when a criminal investigation goes cold. Why do some cases remain unsolved for years or even decades? What causes investigative leads to disappear? And what role do evidence, witnesses, technology, resources, investigative priorities, and time play in solving a cold case? Joseph Giacalone is also the author of The Cold Case Handbook, 2nd Edition published by Blue 360 Media. It is a one of a kind book that not only includes law enforcement, the media, but suggestions for family members as well.  We’ll examine the reasons why cases go cold, including lack of physical evidence, unidentified suspects, unreliable or unavailable witnesses, lost investigative leads, limited resources, changing investigative priorities, and cases where critical evidence simply wasn’t available when the crime occurred. But a cold case is not necessarily a dead case. Advances in DNA testing, forensic genealogy, fingerprint technology, digital evidence, databases, surveillance footage, artificial intelligence, and modern investigative techniques are giving detectives new tools to revisit old evidence and generate new leads. Join the Sarge as we kick off National Cold Case Awareness Month and explore what it takes to breathe new life into an unsolved case. 🎙️ True Crime with the Sarge: The Audio Files Topics include: National Cold Case Awareness Month, cold case investigations, unsolved homicides, missing persons, unidentified remains, homicide clearance rates, forensic evidence, DNA testing, forensic genealogy, investigative leads, cold case detectives, and solving decades-old crimes. Support the show

  8. 24 Aug

    Nancy Guthrie Disappearance: Investigative Reporter Michael Ruiz on the Arizona Investigation

    NOTE: This was first streamed live on YouTube What happened to Nancy Guthrie? On this episode of True Crime with the Sarge, Fox News Digital investigative reporter Mike Ruiz joins Joseph Giacalone to discuss his boots-on-the-ground investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie from her home in Pima County, Arizona. Mike Ruiz was there from the beginning, reporting from the ground as investigators, law enforcement and search teams worked to uncover what happened to Nancy. He brings firsthand insight into the early days of the investigation, the search for Nancy, the evidence and developments that have shaped the case. In this in-depth true crime interview, we examine the Nancy Guthrie missing person investigation, what investigators know, the unanswered questions surrounding her disappearance, Nancy’s background, and the latest developments in the case. In this episode: • The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie from her Arizona home • Mike Ruiz’s firsthand, boots-on-the-ground reporting • The initial investigation and search efforts • Key evidence and investigative developments • The background of the Nancy Guthrie case • Unanswered questions surrounding her disappearance • What investigators are looking at now • The latest updates from Pima County, Arizona If you’re following the Nancy Guthrie case, missing persons investigations, Arizona crime news or major true crime stories, this episode provides an inside look at the investigation from a journalist who was there from the beginning. Subscribe to True Crime with the Sarge for true crime investigations, missing persons cases, cold cases, law enforcement analysis and exclusive interviews with investigators, journalists and true crime experts. Support the show

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Join Joseph Giacalone, retired NYPD Sergeant SDS, author, and professor, as he takes listeners behind the badge for a real-world look at true crime and criminal investigations. In this audio extension of his popular YouTube channel, the Sarge breaks down cold cases, missing persons, forensic evidence, and investigative strategy with unmatched experience and credibility. Each episode dives into the truth behind some of the most haunting unsolved cases—bringing facts, not speculation. If you’re passionate about justice, forensics, and the pursuit of truth, this podcast belongs in your library. Listen, learn, and uncover what really happens when detectives chase the evidence

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