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. 5d ago

    Christopher Matthew Kerze: Vanished Without a Trace

    On April 20, 1990, 17-year-old Christopher Matthew Kerze told his parents he wasn't feeling well and stayed home from school. By the end of the day, he had withdrawn $200 from his savings account, left behind a series of cryptic notes, driven more than 200 miles into northern Minnesota, and disappeared without a trace. More than three decades later, Christopher's fate remains one of America's most enduring missing person mysteries. Many people first learned of his case when his photograph appeared in Soul Asylum's iconic Runaway Train music video, bringing national attention to his disappearance—but no definitive answers ever came. In this episode, Cameron Santana is joined by Dr. Brian Santana to examine the complete timeline, analyze the known evidence, and discuss the leading theories surrounding Christopher's disappearance. Was he planning to start over? Did he become lost in the Minnesota wilderness? Or is there another explanation that has yet to be uncovered? This episode focuses on the documented facts while exploring the questions that continue to make Christopher Kerze's case one of the most compelling unsolved disappearances in America. If you have thoughts on this case, we'd love to hear from you. Follow Santana True Crime on Spotify and leave a rating to help us continue bringing attention to unsolved cases and the people behind them.

    58 min

  2. Jun 29

    Nancy Guthrie Updates: New Evidence, Ransom Letters & The FBI's Investigation

    In this episode of Santana True Crime, retired Raleigh Police Officer Cameron Santana is joined by Dr. Brian Santana to examine the latest developments in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. We discuss several important updates that have emerged, including Savannah Guthrie's revelation that the back door of Nancy's home was found propped open when family members arrived, and why that detail immediately suggested something was terribly wrong. We also break down the reported ransom letters, including the initial $4 million demand, the increase to $6 million, and the later message claiming Nancy died shortly after she was taken. We discuss what has been publicly reported, what remains unverified, and how investigators may evaluate these communications. The conversation also explores the FBI's role in the investigation, including why they announced they are pursuing investigative genetic genealogy and what that process could indicate about the current stage of the case. Finally, we examine the growing number of unverified claims circulating online about potential suspects and discuss the impact that rumors and speculation can have on active investigations, innocent people, and Nancy's family. This episode focuses on verified facts, investigative analysis, and responsible true crime discussion. Follow Santana True Crime on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms for new episodes every week.

    1h 16m

  3. Jun 20

    Ashley Loring Heavyrunner: The Timeline, Investigation & the MMIW Crisis | Jayson Blair & Michele Wood

    Ashley Loring Heavyrunner vanished from the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana in June 2017. Nearly nine years later, her family is still searching for answers. In this episode of Santana True Crime, host Cameron Santana is joined by investigative journalist Jayson Blair, who has spent years researching Ashley's disappearance, and recently retired Chicago homicide detective Michele Wood, who brings 25 years of investigative experience to the discussion. Together, we examine: Ashley's confirmed timeline leading up to her disappearanceThe investigation and where it stands todayCommon misconceptions about missing person investigationsThe challenges of investigating cases on tribal landsThe Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movementWhy public awareness is critical to solving cold casesThis conversation goes beyond one case. It explores the systemic challenges facing Indigenous communities, the importance of timely investigations, and why continuing to share these stories matters. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Santana True Crime on Spotify and subscribe on YouTube for weekly true crime investigations, interviews with experts, and in-depth discussions on unsolved cases. Guests:• Jayson Blair – Investigative Journalist• Michele Wood – Retired Chicago Police Department Homicide Detective (25 years) Thank you for listening, and remember: someone, somewhere, knows the truth.

    1h 22m

  4. Jun 16

    Nancy Guthrie: New Evidence, Timeline & The Questions Investigators Still Need to Answer

    More than four months after Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her Arizona home, investigators continue to search for answers. In this episode, Cameron Santana and Dr. Brian Santana examine the confirmed timeline of Nancy's disappearance, discuss the latest developments in the investigation, and separate verified facts from online speculation. We explore: The complete timeline of Nancy's disappearanceThe masked individual captured on surveillanceThe significance of Nancy's pacemaker missing its scheduled transmissionThe ongoing DNA and forensic testingThe recent search efforts in MexicoWhether investigators may have additional surveillance footageWhere the investigation appears to be headingAs always, our discussion is based on publicly available information and investigative analysis. Any opinions expressed regarding possible scenarios are clearly identified as analysis and not established fact. If you enjoy in-depth, fact-based true crime discussions, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review. #NancyGuthrie #TrueCrime #MissingPerson #Investigation #CrimePodcast

    1h 8m

  5. Jun 10

    Sent Away: Inside America's Troubled Teen Industry | Survivor "A" Speaks Out

    For decades, thousands of teenagers have been sent to wilderness camps, religious boarding schools, behavioral programs, and residential treatment facilities as part of what has become known as the "Troubled Teen Industry." Supporters argue these programs help struggling youth. Critics and survivors say some facilities have operated with little oversight, resulting in allegations of emotional, physical, and psychological abuse. In this episode of Santana True Crime, I sit down with "A," a survivor of one of these programs. She shares her personal story, what life was like inside the facility, the impact the experience has had on her life, and what she wishes parents knew before sending their children away. We also discuss warning signs parents should look for when researching programs, questions every family should ask, and alternatives that may provide support without removing children from their homes. Topics Covered:• The Troubled Teen Industry• Survivor testimony• Allegations of abuse in youth programs• Warning signs for parents• Religious and behavioral programs• Long-term effects on survivors• Mental health and family intervention• Safer alternatives for struggling teens ⚠️ This episode contains discussions of abuse, trauma, and mental health that some viewers may find disturbing. If you enjoy thoughtful true crime and investigative content, please subscribe, like, and share. Your support helps Santana True Crime continue telling important stories.

    1h 8m

  6. Jun 5

    Kent McGowen Speaks Out: The Susan White Shooting, Prison, and Fighting to Clear His Name

    In 1992, Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Kent McGowen was involved in the fatal shooting of Susan White while serving an arrest warrant in Texas. The case resulted in a criminal conviction, years in prison, and a controversy that continues more than three decades later. In this exclusive interview, Kent joins Santana True Crime to discuss the events of that day, the investigation, the trial, his time behind bars, and the personal toll of losing his freedom, career, and reputation. We explore the evidence, the questions that still surround the case, and Kent's ongoing efforts to clear his name. Whether you believe the justice system got it right or wrong, this conversation provides a rare opportunity to hear directly from the man at the center of one of Texas' most debated law enforcement cases. If you would like to support Kent's legal efforts, a link to his GiveSendGo fundraiser is included in the show notes. https://www.givesendgo.com/G31TC?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=G31TC Subscribe to Santana True Crime for in-depth interviews, cold cases, wrongful conviction investigations, law enforcement perspectives, and the stories behind some of the most controversial cases in America.

    2h 38m

  7. Jun 3

    A Trail Run Turned Into a Nightmare

    A trail run near Asheville, North Carolina turned into a terrifying encounter that has captured national attention. In this episode of Santana True Crime, retired police officer Cameron Santana is joined by military veteran, use-of-force expert, and law enforcement trainer Eric Scott to examine the attack on trail runner Emily Sutherland and the criminal charges filed against Dillon James Curtis. Together, they break down the known facts of the case, discuss the investigative process, explore how Iryna's Law applies to crimes committed on trails and greenways, and provide practical safety advice for hikers, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts. One of the most important discussions centers on the actions of the mountain bikers who encountered the incident in progress. Most people prepare to protect themselves—but what should you do if you suddenly find yourself in a position to help someone else? Topics Include:• The attack on Emily Sutherland• Charges against Dillon James Curtis• Investigative steps taken by law enforcement• Understanding Iryna's Law• Situational awareness and trail safety• Hiking and running alone• What witnesses should do during an emergency• Lessons learned from this case If you enjoy in-depth true crime discussions, expert analysis, and practical safety conversations, be sure to subscribe to Santana True Crime. 📚 Check out Cameron Santana's book:"A Murder on Campus: The Professor, the Cop, and North Carolina's Most Notorious Cold Case" 👍 Like, Subscribe, and Share🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode #SantanaTrueCrime #EmilySutherland #EricScott #TrueCrime #Asheville #NorthCarolina #TrailSafety #HikingSafety #PersonalSafety #SituationalAwareness #IrynasLaw #CrimeAnalysis #OutdoorSafety

    52 min

  8. May 30

    Execution Halted: Tennessee's Failed Execution of Tony Carruthers | Dr. Bill Kimberlin

    A Tennessee execution was stopped at the last minute after officials were unable to establish the IV lines required to carry out the lethal injection of death row inmate Tony Carruthers. Carruthers was convicted of the 1994 kidnapping and murders of Marcellos Anderson, Delois Anderson, and Frederick Tucker—three victims who prosecutors said were beaten, shot, and buried alive. In this episode of Santana True Crime, Cameron Santana is joined by Dr. Bill Kimberlin, author of Watch Me Die, and Abby from On Being a Police Officer to examine what happened inside the execution chamber, why the procedure was halted, and the broader questions surrounding capital punishment in America. The discussion explores:• Tennessee's execution protocol• Why a backup IV line is required• The failed attempt to establish a central line• The emotional impact on victims' families• Tennessee's history of execution-related controversies• Lethal injection versus nitrogen gas• Whether modern execution methods are designed more for public perception than reality Dr. Kimberlin also shares firsthand experiences attending executions and explains why he was not surprised by the outcome. Subscribe to Santana True Crime on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts. Consider becoming a channel member to support independent true crime content and gain access to exclusive member-only content. #TrueCrime #TonyCarruthers #DeathPenalty #LethalInjection #Execution #Tennessee #DrBillKimberlin #CrimeNews #CriminalJustice #SantanaTrueCrime #DeathRow #JusticeSystem #Podcast #TrueCrimePodcast

    1h 4m
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4.5
out of 5
17 Ratings

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
    80
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Cameron Santana, Eric Tansey
  • Show Website
    Santana True Crime

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