Detective Story: True Crime Insights with Mike Hammond and Chris Kafcas

Mike Hammond

Mike Hammond, a retired Chicago Police Homicide Detective, leads this True Crime podcast that discusses cold cases, missing persons, and law enforcement insights.

  1. Episode 26-The Grimes Sisters: Chicago's Infamous Cold Case And A Suspect Who Can Still Be Held Accountable

    May 21

    Episode 26-The Grimes Sisters: Chicago's Infamous Cold Case And A Suspect Who Can Still Be Held Accountable

    Send us Fan Mail 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: Patreon Link for Insider Conversations and Direct contact with us: https://patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammond Big thank you to our sponsors that keep us rolling: Jenn and Drew Hammond Colonel Samuel E. Manto Core Natural Gas Services, Midland/Odessa, Texas  Blue Knight Security Solutions  Season 3-Recorded at The Content Club, Chicago, Illinois  Content and Creator-Mike Hammond  Co-Host-Chris Kafcas Video and Audio Editing by Mike Hammond and Content Club, Chicago 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 Logo's: 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 Contact information: blueknightsecuritysolutions.com 773-706-4920 Find us on the Socials Facebook, Instagram and TikTok: @detectivestorymikehammond email Detective Hammond at: mike@detectivestory.net

    1h 14m
  2. A Warrior's Path: A Tribute to Rick Coyle and John Bartholomew

    May 15

    A Warrior's Path: A Tribute to Rick Coyle and John Bartholomew

    Send us Fan Mail 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: Patreon Link for Insider Conversations and Direct contact with us: https://patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammond Big thank you to our sponsors that keep us rolling: Jenn and Drew Hammond Colonel Samuel E. Manto Core Natural Gas Services, Midland/Odessa, Texas  Blue Knight Security Solutions  Season 3-Recorded at The Content Club, Chicago, Illinois  Content and Creator-Mike Hammond  Co-Host-Chris Kafcas Video and Audio Editing by Mike Hammond and Content Club, Chicago 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 Logo's: 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 Contact information: blueknightsecuritysolutions.com 773-706-4920 Find us on the Socials Facebook, Instagram and TikTok: @detectivestorymikehammond email Detective Hammond at: mike@detectivestory.net

    23 min
  3. Episode 25- Former Chief of Detectives Melissa Staples

    May 5

    Episode 25- Former Chief of Detectives Melissa Staples

    Send us Fan Mail 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: Patreon Link for Insider Conversations and Direct contact with us: https://patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammond Big thank you to our sponsors that keep us rolling: Jenn and Drew Hammond Colonel Samuel E. Manto Core Natural Gas Services, Midland/Odessa, Texas  Blue Knight Security Solutions  Season 3-Recorded at The Content Club, Chicago, Illinois  Content and Creator-Mike Hammond  Co-Host-Chris Kafcas Video and Audio Editing by Mike Hammond and Content Club, Chicago 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 Logo's: 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 Contact information: blueknightsecuritysolutions.com 773-706-4920 Find us on the Socials Facebook, Instagram and TikTok: @detectivestorymikehammond email Detective Hammond at: mike@detectivestory.net

    1h 36m
  4. Episode 24- Michele Wood "Model Detective" & Marco Garcia , Lead Hostage Negotiator: Chicago PD's Power Couple

    Mar 24

    Episode 24- Michele Wood "Model Detective" & Marco Garcia , Lead Hostage Negotiator: Chicago PD's Power Couple

    Send us Fan Mail 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/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammond Support the show The Engine that Makes Detective Story Run: Patreon Link for Insider Conversations and Direct contact with us: https://patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammond Big thank you to our sponsors that keep us rolling: Jenn and Drew Hammond Colonel Samuel E. Manto Core Natural Gas Services, Midland/Odessa, Texas  Blue Knight Security Solutions  Season 3-Recorded at The Content Club, Chicago, Illinois  Content and Creator-Mike Hammond  Co-Host-Chris Kafcas Video and Audio Editing by Mike Hammond and Content Club, Chicago 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 Logo's: 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 Contact information: blueknightsecuritysolutions.com 773-706-4920 Find us on the Socials Facebook, Instagram and TikTok: @detectivestorymikehammond email Detective Hammond at: mike@detectivestory.net

    1h 14m
  5. Feb 23

    Season 3 Begins! Episode 23 - The Murder of 6-Year-Old Allen Kalfus

    Send us Fan Mail 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.net Support the show The Engine that Makes Detective Story Run: Patreon Link for Insider Conversations and Direct contact with us: https://patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammond Big thank you to our sponsors that keep us rolling: Jenn and Drew Hammond Colonel Samuel E. Manto Core Natural Gas Services, Midland/Odessa, Texas  Blue Knight Security Solutions  Season 3-Recorded at The Content Club, Chicago, Illinois  Content and Creator-Mike Hammond  Co-Host-Chris Kafcas Video and Audio Editing by Mike Hammond and Content Club, Chicago 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 Logo's: 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 Contact information: blueknightsecuritysolutions.com 773-706-4920 Find us on the Socials Facebook, Instagram and TikTok: @detectivestorymikehammond email Detective Hammond at: mike@detectivestory.net

    1h 2m
  6. 08/12/2025

    Episode 22- Interview with Chicago Police Narcotics Detective Josh Weitzman

    Send us Fan Mail 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: Patreon Link for Insider Conversations and Direct contact with us: https://patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammond Big thank you to our sponsors that keep us rolling: Jenn and Drew Hammond Colonel Samuel E. Manto Core Natural Gas Services, Midland/Odessa, Texas  Blue Knight Security Solutions  Season 3-Recorded at The Content Club, Chicago, Illinois  Content and Creator-Mike Hammond  Co-Host-Chris Kafcas Video and Audio Editing by Mike Hammond and Content Club, Chicago 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 Logo's: 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 Contact information: blueknightsecuritysolutions.com 773-706-4920 Find us on the Socials Facebook, Instagram and TikTok: @detectivestorymikehammond email Detective Hammond at: mike@detectivestory.net

    1h 27m
  7. 08/03/2025

    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/0DsZFNs Support the show The Engine that Makes Detective Story Run: Patreon Link for Insider Conversations and Direct contact with us: https://patreon.com/DetectiveStorywithMikeHammond Big thank you to our sponsors that keep us rolling: Jenn and Drew Hammond Colonel Samuel E. Manto Core Natural Gas Services, Midland/Odessa, Texas  Blue Knight Security Solutions  Season 3-Recorded at The Content Club, Chicago, Illinois  Content and Creator-Mike Hammond  Co-Host-Chris Kafcas Video and Audio Editing by Mike Hammond and Content Club, Chicago 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 Logo's: 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 Contact information: blueknightsecuritysolutions.com 773-706-4920 Find us on the Socials Facebook, Instagram and TikTok: @detectivestorymikehammond email Detective Hammond at: mike@detectivestory.net

    1h 28m
4.9
out of 5
45 Ratings

About

Mike Hammond, a retired Chicago Police Homicide Detective, leads this True Crime podcast that discusses cold cases, missing persons, and law enforcement insights.

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