True Crime Reporter

Robert Riggs
True Crime Reporter

My deep dive into reporting real-life criminal cases began in 1991 with an investigation into corruption within the Texas Parole Board. This started a ten-year journey that took me into the darkest corners of the prison system, from maximum security units to Texas death row and the Texas Death Chamber. I sat across the table from some of the most violent and reprehensible criminals in Texas history to expose widespread corruption in the state’s criminal justice system. Throughout these inquiries, I built a reputation for uncovering wrongdoing, regardless of where it led. I developed a vast network of trusted sources, including law enforcement officers, prosecutors, criminal justice experts, crime victims, and convicted criminals. In my podcast and audiobooks, you'll hear exclusive interviews in police procedurals as I unravel the complexity and gravity of each case. I am deeply fascinated not just by the 'what' and the 'who' but by the often elusive 'why' behind criminal acts. This fascination drives me to dig deeper into each case. Additionally, I feature interviews with true crime authors and reporters about their books and stories. I draw from my extensive archive of reporters' notebooks to tell true crime stories that might seem familiar at first glance but reveal unexpected and often overlooked aspects of these stories. I take great pleasure in bringing these historical stories back to life, adding a new dimension to the understanding of these cases. As the creator of the True Crime Reporter® podcast, Texas Crime Stories Audiobooks, and the "Freed To Kill" Television documentary series, I employ an immersive, investigative, and deeply human storytelling style. Here are the key elements of his approach: Immersive Reporting - I take my audience inside the crime scene tape, providing a vivid, first-hand investigation experience. My storytelling is detailed and descriptive, allowing listeners and viewers to feel as if they are part of the unfolding story. Investigative Depth—Drawing on my extensive background as an investigative reporter, I delve deeply into each case. I meticulously uncover details, often exposing corruption, procedural failures, or overlooked evidence. My thorough research ensures that the stories are comprehensive and well-supported by facts. Human Focus—I emphasize the human element in my stories. I explore the lives of victims, their families, law enforcement officers, and even the criminals themselves. This approach adds emotional depth and relatability, helping my audience connect with the people behind the headlines. Police Procedurals – Many of my stories follow the format of police procedurals, detailing the step-by-step process of how investigators solve cases. I provide insights into the methods and technologies used by law enforcement, offering an educational aspect to my storytelling. Psychological Exploration – I am fascinated by what drives serial killers and criminal psychopaths. I delve into the "why" behind the crimes, exploring the psychological and sociological factors contributing to criminal behavior. Exclusive Interviews – My access to key figures, including law enforcement officers, prosecutors, crime victims, and even convicted criminals, allows me to provide authenticity and depth, enriching the narrative with diverse perspectives. Historical Context – I often bring historical stories back to life, providing context and background that enhance the understanding of contemporary cases. My storytelling connects past and present, showing how historical events influence modern criminal justice issues. Engaging Narrative—Listeners and viewers say my style is engaging and compelling. It is often characterized by a narrative drive that keeps the audience hooked.

  1. AUG 13

    A Funeral Home Murder Mystery: Joe Pulizzi’s Bold Leap into Crime Writing

    Joe Pulizzi, the Godfather of Content Marketing, takes an audacious leap into crime fiction, delivering a story that is as mesmerizing as it is chilling.  Set within the haunting confines of a funeral home, "The Will To Die" unravels a dark and twisted narrative brimming with suspense, secrets, and a touch of macabre. Pulizzi's protagonist, a marketing professional, finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and danger. He is compelled to uncover the mysteries buried deep within the family-run funeral home he unexpectedly inherits. Since I grew up in East Texas, I was drawn to Pulizzi’s crime novel because of the real-life case of Bernie Tiede. The chubby-cheeked mortician befriended the widow of a wealthy oilman at his funeral.  Bernie became her personal assistant and sole heir to her multi-million dollar estate. And in 1996, he carried out one of the most bizarre murders in Texas history.  Pulizzi is on to something by incorporating the morticians and embalmers into his story. They are typically seen as caretakers of the dead, but their presence confronts the unnerving possibility that death has taken on a new, more sinister dimension within their midst. JOE PULIZZI - LINKS "The Will To Die" "The Content Entrepreneur" The Orange Effect Foundation - Help children with speech disorders receive the speech therapy and technology they need. FOLLOW the True Crime Reporter® Podcast  SIGN UP FOR my True Crime Newsletter THANK YOU FOR THE FIVE-STAR REVIEWS ON APPLE - Please leave one – it really helps. TELL ME about a STORY OR SUBJECT  that you want to hear more about Read The Story

    36 min
4.8
out of 5
241 Ratings

About

My deep dive into reporting real-life criminal cases began in 1991 with an investigation into corruption within the Texas Parole Board. This started a ten-year journey that took me into the darkest corners of the prison system, from maximum security units to Texas death row and the Texas Death Chamber. I sat across the table from some of the most violent and reprehensible criminals in Texas history to expose widespread corruption in the state’s criminal justice system. Throughout these inquiries, I built a reputation for uncovering wrongdoing, regardless of where it led. I developed a vast network of trusted sources, including law enforcement officers, prosecutors, criminal justice experts, crime victims, and convicted criminals. In my podcast and audiobooks, you'll hear exclusive interviews in police procedurals as I unravel the complexity and gravity of each case. I am deeply fascinated not just by the 'what' and the 'who' but by the often elusive 'why' behind criminal acts. This fascination drives me to dig deeper into each case. Additionally, I feature interviews with true crime authors and reporters about their books and stories. I draw from my extensive archive of reporters' notebooks to tell true crime stories that might seem familiar at first glance but reveal unexpected and often overlooked aspects of these stories. I take great pleasure in bringing these historical stories back to life, adding a new dimension to the understanding of these cases. As the creator of the True Crime Reporter® podcast, Texas Crime Stories Audiobooks, and the "Freed To Kill" Television documentary series, I employ an immersive, investigative, and deeply human storytelling style. Here are the key elements of his approach: Immersive Reporting - I take my audience inside the crime scene tape, providing a vivid, first-hand investigation experience. My storytelling is detailed and descriptive, allowing listeners and viewers to feel as if they are part of the unfolding story. Investigative Depth—Drawing on my extensive background as an investigative reporter, I delve deeply into each case. I meticulously uncover details, often exposing corruption, procedural failures, or overlooked evidence. My thorough research ensures that the stories are comprehensive and well-supported by facts. Human Focus—I emphasize the human element in my stories. I explore the lives of victims, their families, law enforcement officers, and even the criminals themselves. This approach adds emotional depth and relatability, helping my audience connect with the people behind the headlines. Police Procedurals – Many of my stories follow the format of police procedurals, detailing the step-by-step process of how investigators solve cases. I provide insights into the methods and technologies used by law enforcement, offering an educational aspect to my storytelling. Psychological Exploration – I am fascinated by what drives serial killers and criminal psychopaths. I delve into the "why" behind the crimes, exploring the psychological and sociological factors contributing to criminal behavior. Exclusive Interviews – My access to key figures, including law enforcement officers, prosecutors, crime victims, and even convicted criminals, allows me to provide authenticity and depth, enriching the narrative with diverse perspectives. Historical Context – I often bring historical stories back to life, providing context and background that enhance the understanding of contemporary cases. My storytelling connects past and present, showing how historical events influence modern criminal justice issues. Engaging Narrative—Listeners and viewers say my style is engaging and compelling. It is often characterized by a narrative drive that keeps the audience hooked.

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada