Santana True Crime

Cameron Santana, Eric Tansey
  • 4.5 (17)
  • True Crime
  • Updated Weekly

Deep dive into true crime and real investigations Cameron Santana is a veteran law enforcement officer with over 18 years of experience. He holds an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate and spent his first 16 years with the Raleigh Police Department. Explore real cases and real investigations with an insider perspective you can find nowhere else.

  1. Aug 27

    Deep Undercover: Infiltrating the Mob, Domestic Extremists & Hunting a Serial Killer | Matt Pitcher

    What does it cost to spend years pretending to be someone you're not—knowing that being exposed could get you killed? Retired Detective Matt Pitcher joins Santana True Crime to tell the incredible story of his more than two decades in law enforcement. Matt takes us back to his early years with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, including the devastating loss of fellow officers and friends Sean Clark and Jeff Shelton. He explains how he found his way into undercover work and eventually took on assignments that would consume years of his life. Matt discusses infiltrating individuals connected to Greek organized crime, living under an assumed identity, working alongside federal authorities, and the tremendous toll deep-cover work took on his family. Then, shortly after finally coming home, Matt was asked to disappear again. This time, the investigation centered on extremists and a potential domestic-terrorism threat surrounding the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte—an operation that would ultimately lead to Matt receiving the Medal of Valor. But his career wasn't finished. Matt later moved to the Florida Keys and joined the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, where his work included major crimes, homicide investigations and the case of convicted murderer Steven Matthew Wolf, a man Matt came to believe could be responsible for additional murders. We also discuss the part of a law-enforcement career that doesn't always make the headlines: family, sacrifice, physical and mental health, and what happens when the badge finally comes off. Finally, Matt explains why his story has come full circle as he returns to one of his earliest passions—acting. This is a conversation about undercover police work, but more importantly, it's about the cost and meaning of a life spent in service. 🎙️ Santana True Crime

  2. Aug 22

    The Liz Barraza Murder: What Does the Killer’s Behavior Tell Us? | Dr. David Haynes

    On January 25, 2019, Liz Barraza was shot outside her home in Tomball, Texas, while setting up for a garage sale. More than seven years later, her murder remains unsolved. In this episode of Santana True Crime, I’m joined by Dr. David Haynes to take a closer look at the offender’s behavior and some of the biggest unanswered questions surrounding Liz’s murder. We discuss the killer’s brief interaction with Liz before the shooting, the apparent need for control, the decision to approach her at close range, and the final shot fired after Liz had fallen. We also question some of the assumptions that have developed around the case. Was the offender really wearing an elaborate costume, or could it have been something as ordinary as a house coat or bath robe? And how certain can we be about the exact make and model of the suspect truck when eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage have limitations? Rather than starting with a suspect and working backward, we focus on the evidence and ask what the offender’s actions may tell us about the person responsible. Who killed Liz Barraza — and what can the killer’s behavior tell us about why she was targeted? #LizBarraza #SantanaTrueCrime #TrueCrime #UnsolvedMurder #ColdCase #DavidHaynes #CriminalBehavior #CriminalPsychology #UnsolvedCases

  3. Aug 16

    Lizzie Borden: What If She Was Innocent? | Rich Little & Seth Rosczewski

    “Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother forty whacks…” More than 130 years later, Lizzie Borden is still remembered as a murderer—even though a jury found her not guilty. But what if the story history remembers isn't the whole story? On this episode of Santana True Crime, I'm joined by Rich Little, author of Cold Case to Case Closed: Lizbeth Borden — My Story, and Seth Rosczewski, host of The Seth Rosczewski Show, to examine the case from a different perspective: the evidence and circumstances that point toward reasonable doubt and Lizzie's possible innocence. We discuss the August 4, 1892 murders of Andrew and Abby Borden, the timeline established through their autopsies and stomach contents, Lizzie's relationship with her stepmother, and claims that the story of hostility between Lizzie and Abby may have developed after the murders. Rich also discusses a side of Lizzie that rarely makes it into the popular story—her involvement with her church, charitable work, and community. Then we examine some of the biggest problems surrounding the case: the handling and security of the crime scene, the lack of eyewitnesses, questions surrounding the alleged murder weapon, Lizzie's demeanor, and the fact that she was being given morphine during an important period of the investigation. We also explore the inquest, grand jury proceedings and murder trial, along with the enormous role that newspapers, Victorian expectations and public opinion played in shaping the image of Lizzie Borden that survives today. Finally, we look at Lizbeth's life after her acquittal and ask the question at the center of this episode: Did the evidence actually prove that Lizzie Borden murdered Andrew and Abby—or did history convict a woman that a jury acquitted? This is only one side of the debate. In future episodes, we'll continue examining the Borden murders—including the evidence and arguments that point toward Lizzie's guilt. Santana True Crime

  4. Aug 13

    Frank Sheeran’s Lawyer: The Truth Behind The Irishman & Jimmy Hoffa

    Did Frank “The Irishman” Sheeran really kill Jimmy Hoffa? Attorney Glenn Zeitz, who personally represented Sheeran in federal racketeering cases, joins Santana True Crime to separate the man he knew from the mythology that developed around him. Glenn takes us inside his early career defending figures connected to organized crime, his relationship with Sheeran, and the stories that never made it into Hollywood. He also challenges some of the most famous claims surrounding Sheeran—including the idea that “I heard you paint houses” was commonly used mob terminology and, most importantly, Sheeran’s alleged confession to killing Jimmy Hoffa. Glenn explains what he says Frank actually told him about Hoffa’s disappearance, why he believes Sheeran was involved but was not Hoffa’s killer, and what he thinks really happened that day. We also discuss Glenn’s remarkable courtroom career, his rule against representing informants—or “rats”—his experiences with the FBI, threats surrounding Sheeran, and what it was like to eventually watch his former client’s story become Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman. This is the Frank Sheeran story from someone who actually knew him, represented him, and was there long before Hollywood came calling. Santana True Crime

  5. Aug 11

    Bryan Kohberger: What We Know Now | Former FBI Profiler Julia Cowley & Jayson Blair

    Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—but his guilty plea did not answer many of the biggest questions surrounding the Idaho murders. In this episode of Santana True Crime, Cameron Santana is joined by former FBI profiler and Behavioral Analysis Unit member Julia Cowley, host of The Consult, and investigative journalist Jayson Blair, host of The Silver Linings Handbook. We examine the new information that has emerged since Kohberger’s guilty plea, including his attempt to withdraw his plea, what his recent statements may reveal about his personality and mindset, and the fascinating new analysis of cellphone data by defense expert Sy Ray. Could Kohberger have encountered one of the victims before the murders? What can the cellphone evidence actually tell us? Was there a specific target? And now that more information is becoming public, are we beginning to understand how and why these murders happened? Julia Cowley brings the perspective of a former FBI profiler, while Jayson Blair examines the case through the lens of an investigative journalist as we separate established facts from speculation and discuss what the evidence may tell us about Bryan Kohberger.

  6. Aug 2

    Elizabeth "Liz" Waddell: Examining the Facts, the Search, and the Questions That Remain

    In this episode of Santana True Crime, I am joined by my brother and co-author, Dr. Brian Santana, as we examine the disappearance of Elizabeth "Liz" Waddell using verified reporting and publicly available information. We discuss the timeline leading up to Liz's disappearance, the multinational search effort, and one of the most debated details in the case—the report that jet skiers saw a woman "off shore" who gave two thumbs up, indicating she was okay. Could they have seen Liz? How far from shore was the person they observed, and what impact could that have on the investigation? We also examine what is known about the search efforts, the physical environment, witness reports, and the questions investigators continue to work to answer. Throughout the discussion, we separate verified facts from speculation and explain why seemingly small details may become significant as the investigation progresses. If you enjoy evidence-based true crime discussions that focus on facts rather than sensationalism, be sure to follow Santana True Crime and leave a rating and review. Your support helps us continue producing in-depth interviews and analysis of criminal investigations and missing person cases. Topics Covered: Verified timeline of Elizabeth "Liz" Waddell's disappearanceThe search efforts and resources involvedThe reported jet skier sightingWhat "off shore" may mean in contextQuestions investigators are still working to answerFact vs. speculation in an active investigation

  7. Jul 29

    Bryan Kohberger Wants to Withdraw His Guilty Plea | New Trial? Death Penalty? & What His Petition Really Says

    Bryan Kohberger has filed a petition for post-conviction relief, seeking to withdraw his guilty plea just one year after admitting responsibility for the murders of four University of Idaho students. In a surprising turn, Kohberger now claims he is actually innocent, alleges ineffective assistance of counsel, and argues that his plea was induced by false promises, misinformation, and coercion. Joining me is Dr. Brian Santana, co-author of A Murder on Campus, as we break down Kohberger's handwritten petition and separate the legal claims from the headlines. In this episode we discuss: Bryan Kohberger's statement declaring his innocence.The legal standard for withdrawing a guilty plea after sentencing.The Strickland v. Washington standard for ineffective assistance of counsel.His claims that attorneys failed to disclose or investigate potentially exculpatory evidence, including the unknown hair referenced in his petition.Whether allegations about prison conditions and death row could support his constitutional claims.Why some victims' families wanted a public trial instead of a guilty plea.The unanswered questions about victim selection and offender decision-making.Why, despite the headlines, the legal hurdles to obtaining a new trial remain extremely high.We also explore what this filing may reveal about Kohberger's current thinking, his willingness to risk the death penalty again, and what happens next in one of the most closely watched criminal cases in America. If you enjoy thoughtful, fact-based true crime analysis, be sure to follow Santana True Crime and leave a rating and review. New episodes are released every week covering major criminal investigations, legal developments, and criminal psychology.

  8. Jul 15

    Leigh Occhi: Missing During a Storm | The Mystery That Endures

    On August 27, 1992, 13-year-old Leigh Marine Occhi disappeared from her home in Tupelo, Mississippi, as the remnants of Hurricane Andrew swept through the area. When her mother returned home, Leigh was gone, leaving behind a puzzling crime scene that has baffled investigators for more than three decades. In this episode of Santana True Crime, Cameron Santana is joined by his brother and co-author of A Murder on Campus, Dr. Brian Santana, to examine the verified timeline, the physical evidence, the mysterious mailing of Leigh's eyeglasses, and the latest developments—including renewed investigative activity in 2025. Together, they separate established facts from decades of speculation while exploring one of Mississippi's most enduring unsolved disappearances. Was Leigh abducted by someone she knew? Was the storm an opportunity for an offender? And why are investigators still actively pursuing this case more than 33 years later? Join us as we take a fresh look at the disappearance of Leigh Occhi.

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About

Deep dive into true crime and real investigations Cameron Santana is a veteran law enforcement officer with over 18 years of experience. He holds an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate and spent his first 16 years with the Raleigh Police Department. Explore real cases and real investigations with an insider perspective you can find nowhere else.

Information

  • Creator
    Cameron Santana, Eric Tansey
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    89
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Cameron Santana, Eric Tansey
  • Show Website
    Santana True Crime