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. Jun 11

    The Cold Case of Carmen Vargas | Found on Long Island’s Meadowbrook Parkway

    In this episode of True Crime with the Sarge - The Audio Files, retired NYPD Sergeant Joseph Giacalone examines the cold case of Carmen Vargas, whose body was discovered along the southbound lanes of the Meadowbrook Parkway near Freeport, Long Island. Who was Carmen Vargas? What happened in the hours leading up to her death? Why has this case remained unsolved, and what investigative questions still linger today? Join us as we explore the known facts, timeline, evidence, and investigative challenges surrounding one of Long Island’s enduring unsolved homicide cases. From the initial discovery to the search for answers decades later, this episode takes a closer look at the victim, the investigation, and the importance of keeping cold cases alive in the public eye. If you’re interested in cold case investigations, unsolved murders, Long Island crime history, criminal investigations, and victim-focused true crime storytelling, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Subscribe to True Crime with the Sarge - The Audio Files for expert analysis, exclusive interviews, and in-depth discussions on some of the most compelling criminal cases in America. Support the show

    16 min

  2. May 13

    Is There a Crisis in Crisis Communication? Douglas Levy on Missteps, Media Pressure, & the Golden Hour

    What happens when the people responsible for controlling the message become part of the problem? In this episode of True Crime with the Sarge – The Audio Files, I sit down with crisis communication expert and author Douglas Levy (The Communications Golden Hour) to break down a growing issue in modern policing: Is there a crisis in crisis communication? From high-profile investigations to breaking news moments, we examine real cases where police executives stepped in front of the microphone—only to later walk back critical information. What went wrong? And more importantly, how does it impact public trust, investigations, and the victims’ families? We dive into: The concept of the “Golden Hour” in crisis communicationWhy law enforcement messaging often unravels under pressureThe risks of speaking too soon vs. staying silentReal-world examples of communication breakdowns in major casesHow media cycles and social media amplify mistakesWhat agencies should be doing differently right nowThis is a must-listen for anyone following true crime, law enforcement leadership, or the evolving intersection of media and investigations. 🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review True Crime with the Sarge – The Audio Files for more insider analysis and expert interviews. Support the show

    38 min

  3. May 7

    No Body Murder Cases Explained: Ex-AUSA Tad DiBiase on Prosecuting Without a Victim

    How do you prove a murder when there’s no body, no crime scene, and sometimes no clear cause of death? In this gripping episode of True Crime with the Sarge, retired NYPD Sergeant Joseph Giacalone sits down with former Assistant U.S. Attorney Tad DiBiase, author of No Body Cases, to break down one of the most challenging aspects of the criminal justice system: investigating and prosecuting homicide cases without a victim’s remains. DiBiase shares insider knowledge from decades of federal prosecution, revealing how circumstantial evidence, behavioral patterns, forensic science, and digital footprints come together to build a case beyond a reasonable doubt. From missing persons to covert homicides, this episode explores how law enforcement and prosecutors overcome the absence of a body to secure convictions. We also examine real-world no-body murder cases, jury psychology, legal strategy, and the critical mistakes that can make or break a prosecution. If you’re interested in true crime investigations, courtroom strategy, or the evolving science behind solving murders, this is a must-listen episode. Key Topics Covered: What defines a “no body” homicide caseHow prosecutors prove murder without physical remainsThe role of circumstantial and forensic evidenceBehavioral analysis and suspect patternsChallenges in convincing a jury beyond a reasonable doubtReal case insights from former AUSA Tad DiBiase Support the show

    33 min

  4. Apr 27

    Rex Heuermann’s Wife Speaks: Josh Zeman on Asa Ellerup & Peacock Special Breakdown

    In this gripping episode of True Crime with the Sarge, retired NYPD Sergeant Joseph Giacalone sits down with acclaimed director Josh Zeman to unpack the story behind Asa Ellerup, the wife of accused Long Island Serial Killer Rex Heuermann. Following the buzz around the latest special on Peacock, this episode cuts through speculation and headlines to analyze Ellerup’s perspective, her public statements, and the broader implications for one of the most notorious serial killer investigations in recent history. Zeman, known for his deep investigative storytelling, offers unique insight into the making of the documentary and what viewers may have missed. Together, we explore key questions: What did Asa Ellerup know? How does her story fit into the timeline of the Gilgo Beach murders? And what does this reveal about the personal lives surrounding alleged serial offenders? This episode delivers expert analysis, insider perspective, and a no-nonsense breakdown of a case that continues to captivate the nation. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Key takeaways from the Peacock special on Asa EllerupAnalysis of Rex Heuermann’s case and the evidence timelineBehind-the-scenes insight from director Josh ZemanThe ongoing impact of the Gilgo Beach serial killings investigation Support the show

    1h 12m

  5. Apr 12

    Gilgo Beach Murders Solved: Former SCPD Commissioner Rodney Harrison on LISK Rex Heuermann Case

    How did law enforcement finally solve the Gilgo Beach murders after more than a decade? In this gripping episode of True Crime with the Sarge, former Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison joins us to reveal how the Gilgo Beach Task Force, formed with DA Ray Tierney, helped identify and arrest Long Island Serial Killer Rex Heuermann. We go inside the investigation that changed everything—breaking down the strategy, leadership, and forensic advancements that led to Heuermann pleading guilty to the murders of eight women: Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Amber Lynn Costello, Sandra Costilla, Valerie Mack, Jessica Taylor, and Karen Vergata. Commissioner Harrison shares never-before-heard insights into reopening cold cases, the role of digital evidence, and the importance of collaboration across agencies. This episode also highlights the victims, the pursuit of justice, and what this case means for the future of true crime investigations. 🎙️ In This Episode: • The formation of the Gilgo Beach Task Force • How Rex Heuermann was identified • Key investigative breakthroughs • Leadership under pressure in a high-profile case • Lessons for solving cold cases nationwide If you’re interested in true crime, cold cases, and the evolution of modern policing, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 👉 Follow True Crime with the Sarge for more expert interviews and in-depth analysis of the biggest cases in the headlines. #TrueCrime #GilgoBeach #LISK #RexHeuermann #ColdCase #Podcast #RodneyHarrison #RayTierney Support the show

    1h 10m

  6. Apr 6

    Cold Case Breakthrough: ADA Kim D’Avignon on the Carla Walker Murder, DNA Evidence & the Glen McCurley Guilty Plea

    In this powerful episode of True Crime with the Sarge: The Audio Files, we go inside one of Texas’ most haunting cold cases: the murder of Carla Walker and the stunning guilty plea that finally brought long-awaited answers. Host Joseph Giacalone is joined by Tarrant County Assistant District Attorney Kim D’Avignon, who played a pivotal role in securing the conviction of Glen McCurley decades after the crime. This in-depth conversation unpacks how modern forensic science helped crack a case once thought unsolvable. We explore the evolution of DNA technology, the impact of forensic genetic genealogy on cold case investigations, and the relentless work of Fort Worth Police Department detectives who never gave up. ADA D’Avignon also shares insight into the unexpected guilty plea, what it means for victims’ families, and how justice can still be achieved years later. Plus, we discuss the launch of the Tarrant County Cold Case Task Force and the significance of the Carla Walker Act which is legislation aimed at advancing cold case investigations and ensuring no victim is forgotten. If you’re interested in cold cases, forensic breakthroughs, and the pursuit of justice, this is a must-listen episode. Topics Covered: The Carla Walker cold case and investigation timelineHow Glen McCurley was identified and chargedThe role of DNA evidence and forensic genetic genealogyInside the unexpected guilty pleaFort Worth PD’s cold case effortsThe Tarrant County Cold Case Task ForceThe impact of the Carla Walker ActFollow & Subscribe for more deep dives into today’s most compelling true crime cases, expert interviews, and investigative insights. Support the show

    31 min

  7. Mar 29

    Rex Heuermann Guilty Plea? LISK Case Update with Director Josh Zeman & Attorney Bob Motta

    A major shift may be coming in the Long Island Serial Killer investigation. Reports suggest that Rex Heuermann is expected to plead guilty on April 8, 2026, in connection with the murders of seven women. In this audio-only episode of True Crime with the Sarge, retired NYPD Sergeant Joseph Giacalone sits down with acclaimed director Josh Zeman and attorney Bob Motta of the Defense Diaries to break down what this reported plea could mean for the case, the victims, and the future of the investigation. As co-creator of The Killing Season, Zeman brings a unique, insider perspective on the Long Island Serial Killer case, including the evidence, investigative missteps, and lingering unanswered questions. In this episode: What a potential guilty plea could reveal about the LISK caseWhy this development may be happening nowThe impact on victims’ families and unresolved casesKey insights from years of investigating Gilgo BeachWhat questions may never be answeredIf you’ve followed the Long Island Serial Killer case, this is a must-listen episode packed with expert analysis and real investigative insight. Follow, rate, and review True Crime with the Sarge on Apple Podcasts for more in-depth true crime coverage. #TrueCrime #LISK #RexHeuermann #ApplePodcasts #JoshZeman #ColdCase #TrueCrimePodcast #truecrimewiththesarge #defensediaries #sinisterwithjoshzeman  Support the show

    1h 7m

  8. Mar 23

    Solving Cold Cases with DNA: Inside Forensic Genetic Genealogy with Dr. Colleen Fitzpatrick

    On this episode of True Crime with the Sarge, host Joseph Giacalone sits down with Colleen Fitzpatrick, one of the pioneers of Forensic Genetic Genealogy. Learn how forensic genetic genealogy is helping solve cold cases using DNA and family tree analysis This powerful investigative technique has helped law enforcement identify unknown suspects and victims in decades-old cold cases by combining DNA analysis with traditional genealogical research. Dr. Fitzpatrick explains: • What a forensic genetic genealogist actually does • How investigators build family trees from DNA matches • How the technique helps solve cold cases • What it costs for law enforcement agencies to use • How someone can enter the field of forensic genetic genealogy If you’re interested in DNA investigations, cold case breakthroughs, forensic science, and modern investigative techniques, this episode provides a clear look at one of the most important tools now transforming criminal investigations. Learn more about Indentifinders International  If you enjoyed this episode on how DNA is helping solve cold cases, please follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps more people interested in true crime investigations find the show. Support the show

    37 min
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4.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

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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