The Consult: Real FBI Profilers

In this episode, Alyssa and Michael McFarland, hosts of Tragedy: A True Crime Podcast join the show. We discuss the unsolved murder of George “Jody” Kilgore, who was shot and killed in his driveway, in broad daylight, on October 6, 2014. He was 50 years old.For Michael, this case is deeply personal—Jody was his relative—and both he and Alyssa have devoted an entire season of their podcast to telling Jody’s story. In our conversation, we talk about the events surrounding his murder, Jody's life, and why this case deserves far more attention than it has received.Nearly a decade later, there are still no answers. Someone knows something. You can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagramFacebook For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/99-tragedy-a-conversation-with-alyssa-and-michael-mcfarland/ Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2025

In this third episode on the unsolved murder of Karina Holmer, geographic profiler Doug MacGregor joins the show. Doug takes a close look at the locations tied to Karina’s case and what they might reveal about the offender, his comfort zones, and the behaviors behind his choices. We also talk about how geographic profiling and behavioral analysis work together to help narrow the focus in an investigation. To learn more about Doug MacGregor's work, please visit: https://www.irisinvestigativestrategies.com You can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagramFacebook For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/98-the-unsolved-murder-of-karina-holmer-a-geographic-profile/ Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2025

We continue our analysis of the case of Karina Holmer, a 20-year-old au pair from Sweden who was last seen outside a nightclub in Boston in the early morning hours of June 22, 1996. On the afternoon of June 23, the upper half of her body was found in a trash bag in a dumpster about a mile from where she was last seen. We continue our review of the case facts, discuss victimology, and offer our observations about the offender. You can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagramFacebook For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/97-the-unsolved-murder-of-karina-holmer-part-2/ Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2025

In this episode, we begin our examination of the June 1996 murder of Karina Holmer, a young au pair from Sweden working in the United States. Karina was last seen alive in the early morning hours of Saturday, June 22, in downtown Boston. The next day, her torso was discovered in a trash bag inside a dumpster, about a mile from where she was last seen. She had been severed at the waist. We discuss the known facts and the evidence recovered in this still-unsolved case.If you have any information about Karina's murder, please call the Boston Police Department Unsolved Homicide Unit at (617) 343-4470. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call the CrimeStoppers tip line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS (8477) or text the word "TIP" to CRIME (27263). You can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagramFacebookFor additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/96-the-unsolved-murder-of-karina-holmer-part-1/Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2025

In this episode, Investigator Rita Curley from the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Equal Opportunity Office joins the show. In addition to her role as an investigator, Rita draws on her background in law enforcement and her experience as a mother to a child with autism to train officers on recognizing and appropriately responding to individuals who may be neurodivergent. She dispels common misconceptions about autism and behavior, offering practical guidance to help law enforcement improve communication, reduce misinterpretations, and ensure safer, more informed interactions.You can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagramFacebook For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/95-autism-behavior-and-law-enforcement/ Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2025

We continue our discussion of the murders of four University of Idaho students: Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. The students were killed in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13, 2022. The offender pleaded guilty on July 2, 2025. We continue to explore motive, discuss how we would classify the killer behaviorally, and consider whether he was likely to kill again. Part 2 of 2.You can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagram FacebookFor additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/94-profiling-bryan-kohberger-part-2/Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2025

We discuss the murders of four University of Idaho students: Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. The students were killed in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13, 2022. We are covering this case now because Bryan Kohberger recently pleaded guilty on July 2, 2025. We review the known facts of the crime and analyze what they suggest about the offender’s behavior and possible motive. Part 1 of 2. You can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagramFacebook For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/93-profiling-bryan-kohberger-part-1/ Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2025

In this episode of The Consult, I talk with Jill, host of Murder Shelf Book Club Podcast, a true crime book club in podcast format. Jill has a passion for digging into true crime stories through books, and she brings a thoughtful, well-researched approach to every case she covers.We talk about how she chooses the books for her show, how our understanding of crime has changed over time, and how those shifts are reflected in the stories we read. We also discuss how true crime books can educate us on a wide range of topics and why they can be such a powerful tool for learning. Jill shares some of her all-time favorite titles, and we talk about the stories that have stuck with us the most.If you're a true crime reader, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. You can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagramFacebook For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/92-murder-shelf-bookclub-podcast/ Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2025

In this final installment, we continue our consultation with cold case investigator Jennifer Bucholtz and arson expert Alan Haskins from the American Military University Cold Case Team. We focus on understanding more about Linda Malcom in an effort to better understand her killer and complete our assessment of this unsolved 2008 murder.You can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagramFacebook For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/91-the-unsolved-murder-of-linda-malcom-part-3/ Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2025

Cold case investigator Jennifer Bucholtz and arson investigator Alan Haskins return for Part 2 of our discussion about the 2008 unsolved murder of Linda Malcom in Port Orchard, Washington. In this episode, we continue examining the crime scene and discuss Linda’s victimology to better understand the offender’s potential motivations and opportunities.You can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagramFacebookFor additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/90-the-unsolved-murder-of-linda-malcom-part-2/Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2025

Cold case investigator Jennifer Bucholtz and arson investigator Alan Haskins join us to discuss the 2008 unsolved murder of 47-year-old Linda Malcom. Linda was found dead in the early morning hours of April 30, 2008, after a suspicious fire was reported at her home in Port Orchard, Washington. It was ultimately determined that Linda had been stabbed multiple times. In this episode, Jennifer and Alan walk us through the early investigation and details of the crime scene. You can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagramFacebook For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/89-the-unsolved-murder-of-linda-malcom-part-1/ Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2025

Retired FBI profiler Julia Cowley is joined by Detectives Andrew Houghton and Matt Vartanian from the Elgin Police Department Cold Case Unit. Elgin PD recently launched a podcast titled Somebody Knows Something, which follows one of their active cold case investigations. We talk about the case, what led them to start the podcast, and how they balanced investigative integrity, public outreach, and storytelling. It’s a rare look at how detectives are using new platforms to generate leads and keep cases in the public eye.For more information about the Elgin Police Department Cold Case Unit, please visit their website: https://epdopendata-cityofelgin.hub.arcgis.com/pages/cold-casesYou can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagramFacebookFor additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/88-somebody-knows-something-the-detectives-behind-the-podcast/Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2025

We’re joined once again by Ashland Oregon Police Chief Tighe O'Meara to discuss the 2011 unsolved murder of David Michael Grubbs. This time, we present our profile of the offender. Some of the characteristics in this profile are unique, and we believe that individuals who knew the offender may recognize them.You can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagramFacebookFor additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/87-the-unsolved-murder-of-david-grubbs-part-2/Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2025

In this episode, we talk with Ashland Oregon Police Chief Tighe O'Meara about the 2011 unsolved murder of David Michael Grubbs. Chief O'Meara discusses the facts of the case, the challenges investigators have faced, and how the department continues to seek justice for David and his family. We also examine aspects of victimology to better understand David’s risk level.You can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagramFacebookFor additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/86-the-unsolved-murder-of-david-grubbs-part-1/Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2025

In this episode, retired FBI profiler Julia Cowley talks with geographic profiler Douglas MacGregor about his background and how geographic profiling can aid investigations. They discuss the types of cases that benefit most from this approach and take a closer look at the Rachel Morin case and the Zodiac Killer.To learn more about Douglas MacGregor and his work, please visit https://www.irisinvestigativestrategies.com You can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagramFacebook For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/85-geographic-profiling-with-douglas-macgregor/ Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2025

Writer and researcher Michael Butterfield joins retired FBI profiler Julia Cowley to answer listener questions about the Zodiac Killer case.Michael is the host of the podcast Zodiac: A to Z and the author of the new book The Zodiac Killer: The Story of America's Most Elusive Murderer. You can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagramFacebookFor additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/84-profiling-the-zodiac-killer-part-listener-questions/Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2025

In Part 4 of our series on the Zodiac Killer, we continue our discussion with Zodiac expert Michael Butterfield for a deep-dive discussion into the personality and behavioral characteristics of the infamous, unidentified serial killer. We explore what may have been beneath the mask of calculated manipulation and deadly intent.Michael is the host of Zodiac: A to Z and the author of a new book The Zodiac Killer: The Story of America’s Most Elusive Murderer. You can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagramFacebook For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/83-profiling-the-zodiac-killer-part-4/ Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

Writer, researcher, and podcaster Michael Butterfield returns for Part 3 of our discussion on the Zodiac case. In this episode, we discuss the murder of Paul Stine, a cab driver who was shot and killed by the Zodiac on October 11, 1969, in San Francisco.Michael is the host of the podcast Zodiac: A to Z and the author of the upcoming book The Zodiac Killer: The Story of America’s Most Elusive Murderer, scheduled for release on May 6, 2025.You can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagramFacebookFor additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/82-profiling-the-zodiac-killer-part-3/Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

Writer, researcher, and podcaster Michael Butterfield returns for Part 2 of our discussion on the Zodiac case. In this episode, we focus on the chilling attack at Lake Berryessa on September 27, 1969. The victims were college students Cecelia Shepard and Bryan Hartnell. While Bryan survived, Cecelia tragically succumbed to her injuries.Michael walks us through the details of this attack and how it differed from the earlier shootings. We discuss what the killer’s behavior may reveal, and how it fits within the broader pattern of attacks attributed to the Zodiac.Michael is the host of Zodiac: A to Z and the author of the upcoming book The Zodiac Killer: The Story of America’s Most Elusive Murderer, scheduled for release on May 6, 2025. You can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagramFacebook For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/81-profiling-the-zodiac-killer-part-2/ Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

Writer, researcher, and podcaster Michael Butterfield joins us to examine the series of murders attributed to the person who called himself the Zodiac. Michael has dedicated 30-plus years to investigating this case. In this episode, we discuss the earliest known attacks: the December 20, 1968, murders of Betty Lou Jensen and David Faraday on Lake Herman Road in Benicia, California, and the July 4, 1969, shooting of Darlene Ferrin and Michael Mageau at Blue Rock Springs Park in Vallejo, California. (Michael survived.)You can listen to Michael's podcast, Zodiac: A to Z, a deep-dive series that methodically examines the Zodiac Killer case, exploring each suspect, clue, and theory with a focus on separating fact from speculation. Michael also has an upcoming book titled The Zodiac Killer: The Story of America's Most Elusive Murderer, scheduled for release on May 6, 2025. You can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagramFacebook For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/80-profiling-the-zodiac-killer-part-1/ Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2025

We answer listener questions about our analysis of the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee. You can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagramFacebook For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/79-profiling-the-murderer-of-hae-min-lee-listener-questions/ Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

We continue our analysis of the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee, exploring her victimology and risk level. We then conclude with our assessment of the offender’s characteristics and motive.You can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagramFacebook For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/78-profiling-the-murderer-of-hae-min-lee-part-2/ Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

We begin our examination of the murder of 18-year-old Hae Min Lee, who disappeared after school on January 13, 1999. Nearly a month later, on February 9, her body was discovered in Baltimore’s Leakin Park. In this episode, we break down the circumstances of her disappearance, the crime scene, and the autopsy. Through an in-depth discussion of behavior, we analyze what it reveals about the offender and their possible motive. Part 1 of 2.You can follow The Consult on social media: X/TwitterInstagramFacebook For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/77-profiling-the-murderer-of-hae-min-lee-part-1/ Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

Retired FBI agent and senior polygraph examiner George Olivo joins The Consult to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the polygraph. With years of experience administering polygraphs, he explains how they really work, their strengths and limitations, and the myths that have surrounded them.For more information about George Olivo and his services, please visit his website: https://georgeolivo.com/ You can follow The Consult on social media:X/TwitterInstagramFacebook For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/76-the-polygraph-with-retired-fbi-agent-george-olivo/ Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2025

Jason Usry, host of the new podcast Inconceivable: The Story of Temujin Kensu, joins The Consult to discuss his investigation into the 1986 murder of Scott Macklem. Temujin Kensu was convicted of the crime, but many believe he was wrongfully convicted. Jason approached this case with an open mind, initially assuming Kensu’s innocence before uncovering more complex truths. This episode explores his journey, his visits to Michigan, and conversations with those involved. You can follow The Consult on social media: X/Twitter Instagram Facebook  For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/75-inconceivable-with-jason-usry/   Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.   If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025

In this episode, we discuss Ellen Greenberg’s victimology and give our final thoughts. You can follow The Consult on social media: X/Twitter Instagram  Facebook    For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/74-the-death-of-ellen-greenberg-part-4/   Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.   If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025

We continue our examination of Ellen Greenberg’s death. In this episode, we discuss the 911 call.   You can follow The Consult on social media: X/Twitter  Instagram Facebook  For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/73-the-death-of-ellen-greenberg-part-3/   Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.   If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2025

We continue our in-depth examination of Ellen Greenberg’s death. In this episode, we analyze and debate the autopsy findings, exploring the key findings and their implications. Part 2 of 4.    You can follow The Consult on social media: X/Twitter  Instagram  Facebook    For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/72-the-death-of-ellen-greenberg-part-2/   Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.   If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2025

In this episode of The Consult, we begin our examination of the death of Ellen Greenberg, a 27-year-old teacher found dead in her Philadelphia apartment in 2011. Initially ruled a homicide, her manner of death was later changed to suicide - despite 20 stab wounds, including injuries to the back of her neck. This controversial case has led to ongoing legal battles and lingering questions. We begin by breaking down the crime scene and key case facts, in our quest to answer whether Ellen’s death was truly self-inflicted. Part 1 of 4.    You can follow The Consult on social media: X/Twitter Instagram  Facebook    For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/71-the-death-of-ellen-greenberg-part-1/   Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.   If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2025

In this episode, retired FBI profiler Julia Cowley talks with Heidi Miller and Erin Ryan of the Sherry Black Foundation. Heidi’s mother, Sherry Black, was brutally murdered in 2010, and her case remained unsolved for years. Through perseverance and forensic advancements, justice was finally served. Now, Heidi and her family are dedicated to helping others find answers through their foundation.  Erin Ryan, the Executive Director of the foundation, discusses their mission to support law enforcement through advanced training, resources, and advocacy for families of violent crime victims. We explore how investigative genetic genealogy, law enforcement collaboration, and community engagement are shaping the future of solving cold cases.   Learn more about the Sherry Black Foundation here: www.sherryblackfoundation.org. You can follow The Consult on social media: X/Twitter Instagram Facebook  For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/70-the-sherry-black-foundation/ Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber. 

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2025

In this episode, FBI profiler Julia Cowley is joined again by Detective Ben Pender of the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Department to discuss the 2010 murder of Sherry Black in South Salt Lake City, Utah. Ben provides a step-by-step account of the investigation, sharing how Sherry’s killer was ultimately identified and brought to justice.   You can follow The Consult on social media: X/Twitter  Instagram  Facebook    For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/69-the-murder-of-sherry-black-part-2/   Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.   If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2025

In this episode of The Consult, retired FBI profiler Julia Cowley is joined by Detective Ben Pender of the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Department to discuss the 2010 murder of Sherry Black in South Salt Lake City, Utah. Sherry, the owner of a local bookstore, was found stabbed and beaten to death by her husband, Earl, in her store. Julia and Ben discuss his background in law enforcement, the details of this haunting case, and the victimology surrounding Sherry's life and tragic death. This is Part 1 of a two-part series.   You can follow The Consult on social media: X/Twitter Instagram Facebook  For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/68-the-murder-of-sherry-black-part-1/   Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.   If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2025

In this episode of The Consult, retired FBI profiler Julia Cowley talks with former FBI Assistant Director Frank Figliuzzi to discuss his book, Long Haul: Hunting the Highway Serial Killers. They explore the chilling reality of transient predators operating along America's highways, the behavioral patterns that define these offenders, and the victimology. Frank shares fascinating insights into the collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies that led to critical breakthroughs, as well as the challenges and triumphs of pursuing justice for these often-overlooked victims. To learn more about Frank and his work, please visit his website: FrankFigliuzzi.com. You can also purchchase Long Haul: Hunting the Highway Serial Killers here: Amazon. You can follow The Consult on social media: X  Instagram  Facebook    For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/67-long-haul-hunting-the-highway-serial-killers-with-frank-figliuzzi/ Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.   If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2025

We conclude our discussion with writer Jeffrey Cintolo about the unsolved murder of 19-year-old Theresa Corley. Theresa’s body was found on December 8, 1978, in a gully alongside Interstate 495 in Bellingham, Massachusetts.   If you have any information about Theresa Corley’s murder, please contact the Bellingham Police Tip Line at (508) 657-2863 or email [email protected].   You can follow The Consult on social media: X/Twitter  Instagram  Facebook  For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/66-the-unsolved-murder-of-theresa-corley-part-3/   Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.   If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

Transcribed - Published: 8 January 2025

We continue our discussion with writer Jeffrey Cintolo about the unsolved murder of 19-year-old Theresa Corley. Theresa’s body was found on December 8, 1978, in a gully alongside Interstate 495 in Bellingham, Massachusetts. Jeffrey is writing a book about Theresa's case. Part 2 of 3.    You can follow The Consult on social media: X/Twitter  Instagram  Facebook    For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/65-the-unsolved-murder-of-theresa-corley-part-2/   Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.   If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

Transcribed - Published: 31 December 2024

In this episode of The Consult, we delve into the unsolved murder of Theresa Corley, a 19-year-old woman whose body was discovered on December 8, 1978, in a gully alongside Interstate 495 in Bellingham, Massachusetts. Joining us is writer Jeffrey Cintolo, who is currently working on a book about Theresa’s case. We discuss the facts surrounding her murder, the investigation, and the lingering questions that remain over four decades later. Part 1 of 3.    You can follow The Consult on social media: Twitter  Instagram  Facebook    For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/64-the-unsolved-murder-of-theresa-corley-part-1/   Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.   If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2024

Jack Fox, the host of Never A Truer Word on YouTube, joins Julia Cowley for an in-depth discussion on statement analysis. They discuss its significance, Jack’s methodology, common indicators of truthfulness and deception, and the challenges involved in applying the technique. The conversation also delves into Jack’s analysis of The Watcher case, and he offers some of his fascinating insights.   You can follow The Consult on social media: X/Twitter  Instagram  Facebook    For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/63-statement-analysis-with-jack-fox/   Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.   If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber. 

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2024

In this episode, we profile the murderer of John and Geraldine Magee, who were found shot to death in their Andover, Massachusetts home on December 14, 2011. The Magee’s Lexus SUV was also stolen and found on fire in the North End of Boston.   You can follow The Consult on social media:  X/Twitter Instagram  Facebook  For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/62-the-mansion-murders/   Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Please Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2024

Brett Talley, co-host of The Prosecutors and Legal Briefs podcasts, joins Julia Cowley for an insightful discussion on ethics in true crime. We explore the responsibilities of creators when presenting sensitive cases, the balance between storytelling and respecting victims, and the impact of true crime content on the justice system.   You can follow The Consult on social media: X/Twitter  Instagram  Facebook    For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/61-true-crime-ethics-with-brett-talley/   Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.   If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2024

In Part 2 of our analysis of the JonBenét Ramsey case, we continue our look at this infamous unsolved murder. We explore victimology, behavioral analysis concepts, and examine the offender profile. Part 2 of 2.  You can follow The Consult on social media: X/Twitter  Instagram  Facebook    For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/60-the-murder-of-jonbenét-ramsey-part-2/   Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify .   If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2024

One of our most requested cases, the murder of six-year-old JonBenét Ramsey, has sparked endless debate and sensational reporting over the years. In this episode, we strip away the noise, speculation, and media frenzy to get back to the basics. Join us as we take a fresh look at the facts, analyze the behavioral elements of the case, and discuss key profiling concepts. Our goal is to provide clarity and perspective on one of the most infamous unsolved cases in modern history. Part 1 of 2.   You can follow The Consult on social media: Twitter  Instagram  Facebook    For additional information and sources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/59-the-murder-of-jonbenét-ramsey-part-1/   Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.   If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2024

In 2014, the Broaddus family purchased what they thought was their dream home in Westfield, NJ, only to be terrorized by an anonymous letter writer known as “The Watcher.” In this episode, we do a behavioral analysis of The Watcher letters to examine the possible motives and characteristics of their mysterious author. Part 2 of 2.   You can follow The Consult on social media: X/Twitter  Instagram  Facebook  For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/58-the-watcher-part-2/   Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.   If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber. 

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2024

We tell the eerie story of "The Watcher" case, an unsettling true crime mystery. In 2014, the Broaddus family purchased what they thought was their dream home in Westfield, New Jersey, only to find themselves targeted by an unknown letter-writer calling themselves The Watcher. The letters quickly turned from bizarre to terrifying, as the anonymous writer revealed details about the family and made veiled threats. In our next episode, we’ll be conducting a behavioral analysis of The Watcher letters to examine the possible motives and characteristics of their mysterious author.   You can follow The Consult on social media: X/Twitter  Instagram  Facebook    For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/57-the-watcher-part-1/   Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.   If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2024

In this episode, retired FBI profilers Julia Cowley, Angela Sercer, Susan Kossler Drew, and Bob Drew are joined by Josiah Ward and Daniel Bright, the hosts of Next of Kin: The Untold Story of Jim Duckett. This is part 2 of 2 of our analysis of the 2008 murder of Jim Duckett in Shelbyville, Kentucky. If you have any information about the murder of Jim Duckett, please call the Kentucky State Police at (502) 227-2221. You can also text a tip to 67283 by typing "KSPTIP" in the message field, leave a space, and then enter the information you wish to provide.    You can follow The Consult on social media: X/Twitter Instagram  Facebook  For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/56-the-murder-of-jim-duckett-part-2/   Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2024

In this episode, retired FBI profilers Julia Cowley, Angela Sercer, Susan Kossler Drew, and Bob Drew are joined by the hosts of "Next of Kin: The Untold Story of Jim Duckett." Josiah Ward and Daniel Bright provide an overview of the crime, and we review the autopsy report and begin our analysis of Jim Duckett’s victimology. This is Part 1 of a 2-part series.   You can follow The Consult on social media: X/Twitter  Instagram  Facebook    For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/55-the-murder-of-jim-duckett-part-1/   Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.   If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2024

Retired FBI profiler Julia Cowley sits down with cold case detective Ken Mains to explore the 1995 abduction of Jodi Huisentruit, a popular Mason City, IA news anchor. Ken recently visited the crime scene, and shares his theory as to who took Jodi. Julia and Ken also discuss the challenges of working on cold cases, the importance of fresh perspectives, and the techniques that Ken employs to bring justice to victims.   You can follow The Consult on social media: X/Twitter Instagram  Facebook  For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/54-cold-case-insights-with-ken-mains/   Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.   If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2024

This is the second and final part of retired FBI profiler Julia Cowley’s discussion with retired Sergeant Dan Kraus of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and Senior Investigator John Krummenacker of the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office. They delve into the 2009 murder of Joe Haley in Milwaukie, Oregon, sharing how the case was solved and the key lessons learned along the way.   You can follow The Consult on social media: X/Twitter Instagram Facebook    For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/53-the-murder-of-joe-haley-part-2/   Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.   If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

Transcribed - Published: 7 October 2024

In this episode, retired FBI profiler Julia Cowley is joined by retired Sergeant Dan Kraus of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and Senior Investigator John Krummenacker of the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office. Together, they discuss the 2009 murder of Joe Haley in Milwaukie, Oregon, providing a case overview and examining victimology. This is Part 1 of a two-part series.    Follow The Consult on social media: X/Twitter Instagram  Facebook  For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/52-the-murder-of-joe-haley-part-1/   Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.   If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2024

Crystal Merrill, a key witness in Temujin Kensu's 1987 trial for the murder of Scott Macklem, recently shared a transcript of Kensu's 2010 commutation hearing with us. She believed it would be useful in further "profiling" Kensu. Although we hadn't planned another episode on this case, we felt it was important to review this new material and its potential impact on the original profile. You can follow The Consult on social media: X/Twitter   Instagram  Facebook  For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/51-additional-insights-into-temujin- kensu/. Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify. If you enjoy The Consult, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit Patreon.com/theconsultpod to become a subscriber.

Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2024

In this episode, retired FBI agent Julia Cowley talks with retired Detective Lieutenant Herb Welser of the Port Huron Police Department. Following his retirement, Herb delved into the investigation of Scott Macklem’s murder, uncovering several red flags in the police files and trial transcripts that ignited his interest in the case.    You can follow The Consult on social media: X/Twitter Instagram  Facebook  For additional information and resources, please visit our episode website: https://www.truecrimeconsult.com/50-scott-macklems-murder-an-interview-with-herb-welser/ Music “Light in the Basement” by John Hanske. Listen to more of John’s music on Spotify.   If you enjoyed this episode, consider supporting us on Patreon for early and ad-free episodes. Visit https://www.patreon.com/theconsultpod.

Transcribed - Published: 17 September 2024