Police Turn to Podcasting to Crack Unsolved Murders

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:10:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

US police departments are using podcasts to engage audiences, gather tips, and solve cases, from the murder of Peter Chadwick to Chelsea Yasser in Aurora.

Law enforcement departments across the United States are turning to podcasts as a new investigative tool, combining narrative storytelling with case details to reach a wider audience and solicit fresh leads. The initiative has already impacted cold cases such as the Newport Beach murder of Peter Chadwick and the Aurora homicide of Chelsea Yasser, producing new evidence, tips, and, in Chadwick’s case, a swift arrest. Critics raise concerns about legal implications and journalistic accuracy, while proponents cite the tactic’s ability to keep the public informed and engaged. Early results suggest that podcasting can generate actionable tips, but the method requires significant staff time and technical investment. As this trend grows, police may use podcasts to improve recruitment, retention, and transparency in their operations.

How Police in the U.S. Use Podcasts to Solve Silent Murders

Law‑enforcement agencies across the country are becoming unlikely allies of the true‑crime genre. By turning their investigations into episodic audio stories, police hope to tap a global community of listeners, keeping cold cases alive and generating fresh leads.

From the Desert to Denver: Real‑World Cases

In Newport Beach, California, the press conference‑pinned podcast about Peter Chadwick was first aired in 2023. Peter Chadwick had been on the run for nearly four years after murdering his wife in 2012. The podcast highlighted the case’s details, which finally culminated in his capture in Mexico ten months later. Chadwick was subsequently convicted of second‑degree murder and sentenced to 15 years to life.

Meanwhile, in Aurora, Colorado, the White Whale podcast focused on 21‑year‑old Chelsea Yasser’s unsolved stabbing in 2016. The show combined grainy surveillance footage, DNA analysis, and new forensic genealogy findings, inspiring a wave of reports from around the country. The podcast’s increased visibility translated into over 7,000 downloads by July and at least one tip that investigative teams are still pursuing.

In Illinois, the Elgin Police Department also started a podcast, “Somebody Knows Something,” to reopen the missing‑persons case of 23‑year‑old Karen Schepers. The story, lacking obvious leads for 40 years, found its breakthrough when reporters and listeners helped confirm submerged remains and a recovered vehicle in the Fox River.

Benefits and Challenges

Chiefs and officers note the broad reach of the medium. Joe Moylan, APD’s public‑information officer, said, “The true‑crime genre is wildly popular, and we deliberately tapped into that audience.”

However, producers must navigate legal, ethical, and practical concerns. Retired NYPD Detective Michael Alcazar warned that “true crime podcasts can air inaccurate information,” and that agencies must ensure their content remains factual and defensible. Some departments have faced criticism for labeling suspects without using “alleged” or “accused” phrasing, though they defend such tactics as necessary to generate lead pressure.

Resource‑Intensive and Time‑Consuming

Producing a podcast demands staff time, technical equipment, and knowledge of audio‑production. “It takes a lot of work – it takes a lot of time and effort,” said Andrey Houghton of the Elgin Cold Case Unit. Departments often recruit retired broadcasters or partner with local radio stations to fill gaps.

The Outlook

Early adoption has shown promising results, with law enforcement reporting that podcasts broaden the net of witnesses and tips. Yet sustaining such projects requires adequate budgets and personnel. Academics speculate that podcasting could improve recruitment by exposing the day‑to‑day reality of policing to younger audiences, while also fortifying retention of existing officers who find purpose in storytelling.