Rex Heuermann's Burlap, Hair, and Pizza: The Forensic Breaks That Nailed the Gilgo Suspect

Welcome to the "Week In Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.       This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.       Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.  Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

2 Sep 20239min

Welcome to the "Week In Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.       This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.       Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.  Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

2 Sep 20238min

Welcome to the "Week In Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.       This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.       Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.  Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

2 Sep 202312min

Welcome to the "Week In Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.       This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.       Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.  Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

2 Sep 20234min

In a recent episode of the popular podcast "Hidden Killers," Tony Brueski sat down with retired FBI Special Agent and daily contributor, Jennifer Coffindaffer, to dissect the chilling case of Rex Heuermann and the newly emerged implications surrounding former Police Chief James Burke.    Rex Heuermann, whose case has ensnared attention over recent times, is alleged to have solicited sex workers and subsequently murdered them. More shockingly, Police Chief James Burke was recently arrested on similar charges, with additional accusations pointing towards potential obstruction of investigations during his tenure.    Tony Brueski rightly pointed out, "It appears, it really didn't have to be a cold case for so long when there was apparently quite a bit of information and evidence that would've pointed them to Erman much earlier." Coffindaffer added, noting the overlooked evidence: "Even though we know back in that time mitochondrial DNA couldn't be used to make the links, there was so much other evidence there."    The most damning revelation was the history of Burke. "He was arrested after beating a junkie who broke into his truck and stole sex toys and pornographic items, and served over 40 months in federal prison for that," Coffindaffer recounted. This was followed by another recent arrest related to soliciting sex workers. Such a pattern of behavior, Coffindaffer hints, might have influenced Burke to "close down this investigation" to prevent his own sexual proclivities from coming to light.    A point of contention raised during the conversation was the decision of jurisdictions, like the one under Burke, to exclude the FBI from certain investigations. In response to Brueski's inquiry about this practice, Coffindaffer remarked that sometimes it is due to a lack of rapport between the local authority and the FBI. However, she emphasized, "yes, it is a red flag in my opinion."    Further discussion shed light on the power dynamics within police organizations. When questioned about Burke's ability to act unilaterally, Coffindaffer explained the quasi-military structure of these organizations, "when your boss says, go out in that intersection and stand on your head, the idea is that you do it without question." She continued, pointing to Burke’s authority: “So, no, the buck stopped with him.”    Brueski wrapped up the discussion by touching upon the potential legal repercussions facing Burke. Depending on the findings of the task force, should evidence of "willful ignorance" or cover-ups be found on Burke's part, Coffindaffer highlighted that "there's public corruption statutes and federal public corruption statutes" that could lead to legal consequences.    The revelation that someone in a position of authority, like Chief James Burke, may have been involved in nefarious activities, potentially obstructing justice or overlooking crucial evidence, paints a disturbing picture. This case serves as a potent reminder of the deep-seated issues in some law enforcement agencies and the pressing need for transparency and accountability.    As investigations continue and the task force delves deeper, many hope for a resolution not only in the Heuermann case but also in potentially overlooked cases that took place under Burke's administration. As Brueski concluded, with a hint of cautious optimism, it's a "very interesting new direction" in an already complex case. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

1 Sep 20239min

In a gripping episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers," hosted by Tony Brueski, listeners were given an intimate look into the mind of a diagnosed psychopath. M.E. Thomas, author of Confessions of a Sociopath: A Lifespan Hiding in Plain Sight, discussed the complexities of living with this misunderstood personality disorder.   Tony Brueski begins by referencing Rex Heuermann, who, though unconfirmed, he speculates might be a sociopath or psychopath based on his behaviors. The primary discussion revolves around the art of mask-wearing, a metaphor for the sociopath's habit of presenting different personalities to different individuals.   “I'd imagine that must be exhausting, trying to compartmentalize things that way,” Brueski remarked, probing Thomas about the strain of living multiple realities.   Thomas revealed that the challenges of managing these “masks” varied over her life. During her younger years, where life was transient – moving from junior high to high school to college – it was more about reinvention. The real pressure mounted when she stepped into a stable career. One misstep, one moment of inconsistency in these masks could lead to significant consequences. Thomas noted, “It only became more difficult when I became a little bit more stable… there was more of a serious consequence, I guess, if I dropped the ball on something.”    She further elaborated on the toll of juggling these personas, saying that maintaining a career and long-term relationships became incredibly draining. "Being around people, talking to people was really draining," Thomas shared.   In a particularly candid moment, Thomas described how she navigated relationships. She explained that when she couldn't maintain the personality she had built with someone, she would typically abandon the relationship. "It wasn't a reflection on them really," she clarified, highlighting that the burden of living up to another's expectations while adapting to new situations was just too much.   Brueski then pivoted the conversation back to Rex Heuermann, asking Thomas to speculate on his mental state now that he's potentially been caught for crimes. Thomas, emphasizing that it's purely speculative, said that Heuermann might feel relief initially. He would be free from the taxing burden of pretending. Yet, as time moves on, she theorizes that he might begin to miss the intimacy and connection from his past life, saying, "Even people with personality disorders want an intimate connection with people."   When asked about regret, Thomas dissected the difference between regretting the crimes versus regretting getting caught. She opined that for someone like Heuermann, it might not be about sloppiness. "I don't think he would see it necessarily as sloppiness. He'd just be like that was just me taking more risks, but also getting more reward," she speculated.   The enlightening conversation on "Hidden Killers" provides a unique perspective into the minds of individuals who, by their very nature, live in the shadows of society. Through M.E. Thomas’s candid sharing, listeners gain a deeper understanding of sociopathy's intricacies and the continuous dance between revealing and concealing one’s true self. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

31 Aug 202310min

The National Offender database, which contains the DNA profiles of offenders, has more than 13 million profiles, almost double since 2009. However, there is growing concern about the accuracy of DNA matches and the potential for human error in the system. Forensic scientist and professor Dan Krane revealed alarming error rates in DNA test results on the "Hidden Killers" podcast with Tony Brueski.    Krane, who has extensive experience working with DNA databases, expressed his excitement about the potential to identify error rates or determine errors in DNA test results. He cited his involvement in an investigation for the state of Victoria in Australia, where he had access to about 15,000 DNA profiles. "When you did all possible pairwise comparisons of those 15,000 people, what you found is that there were a fair number that matched perfectly at 14 out of 18," Krane explained. "There were fewer that matched at 15 out of 18, but still some, fewer that matched at 16 out of 18, but still some, and then a whole bunch that matched at 17 out of 18, more than matched at 14 out of 18, and then a whole bunch that matched at 18 out of 18."    Krane explained that the only explanation for the ones that matched at 18 out of 18 was that these were people who were entered into the system twice, possibly under an alias. However, the ones that matched at 17 out of 18 indicated that there was a mistake in one of the two times their DNA got entered into the system. This translated into an error rate of one in 300. "And when you're talking about chances of a coincidental match in the quintillions or the bazillions, if you prefer, yet you make a mistake every 300th time that you try to generate a DNA profile, the bazillion number doesn't matter anymore. It gets swapped out by that chance of making a mistake," Krane said.    This error rate is particularly concerning as it means that opportunities to generate useful investigative leads are missed. If a DNA sample is collected from a crime scene and there is no suspect, authorities search the CODIS database to find a match. However, every 300th time this is done, a lead is not generated, which Krane believes is an unacceptably high failure rate given the consequences of having a rapist or a murderer go without being apprehended.    Krane suggested that one way to correct this could be by doing a pairwise comparison of the 13 million profiles in the federal database to determine if errors happen more frequently at one of the locations than others. "Maybe one of those loci just is more error-prone than others. Maybe the biology just doesn't work as well for that one locus. That one location. And when you do your database search, maybe you don't include that one, right? Or maybe you include it and this, but you factor in that you discount it because that one is just more prone to having a mistake," Krane suggested.    Krane also expressed concern about the secrecy surrounding the CODIS database and suggested that more people in the correct positions should have access to it to identify more criminals and solve more cases. He also mentioned the development of probabilistic genotyping systems, expert systems used to interpret test results that human analysts find too complicated. These systems, while not openly shared due to stringent non-disclosure agreements, can distinguish between signal and noise, which is particularly useful when dealing with a small amount of DNA or a sample with many different contributors.    While the expert systems may not explicitly use artificial intelligence (AI), they involve serious computer science undertakings with hundreds of thousands of lines of computer code. These systems may help reduce human error and improve the accuracy of DNA database searches, ultimately helping to catch more criminals and solve more cases.    Krane's insights highlight the need for more transparency and improvement in the system to ensure that DNA databases are used to their fullest potential in solving crimes and catching criminals. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

31 Aug 202312min

In a shocking revelation on the podcast "Hidden Killers," new details have emerged linking James Burke, a former police chief, with the infamous Long Island Serial Killer, Rex Heuermann. Host Tony Brueski and Defense Attorney Bob Motta delve deep into the mysterious ties between the two men.    Heuermann, a man charged with the heinous Gilgo Beach murders, was allegedly active for several years. Intriguingly, James Burke was responsible for the police work in the area during Heuermann's active years. But a recent arrest has shed light on Burke's less than honorable personal life. He was arrested for patronizing sex workers, raising concerns about his integrity.    Brueski notes, "He's a corrupt police chief...The question a lot of us have right now is, why did he not go after the individual that was clearly outlined to him as being the possible Gilgo Beach murderer?" It's a question that gnaws at the conscience of the public who want justice for the victims.    Bob Motta, echoing Brueski's concerns, states, "It could be that he was frequenting establishments or he was paying for sex with sex workers at that time, and he was seriously concerned that an in-depth investigation might reveal things about him."    Another worrying theory is Burke's sheer indifference to the crimes. Motta emphasizes the gravity of either scenario: "Either way it's bad." Whether it's Burke's personal involvement with sex workers or simply looking the other way due to internal politics, the victims deserve a thorough investigation.    Drawing parallels to another controversial case, Brueski references Scott Peterson, the officer involved in a school shooting who was criticized for his lack of action. Although the two cases are vastly different, Brueski points out the underlying theme of inaction by law enforcement officers when their duty calls.    Motta sympathizes with the human side of Peterson's case but asserts that if an officer is sworn in to protect, it's their duty to act, even if it means risking their reputation or life. He brings the conversation back to Burke, highlighting that, unlike Peterson, Burke's actions were driven by self-preservation, noting that exposing the truth could tarnish his reputation, legacy, and even end his career.    The two also discuss the broader implications of such negligence. "How many other cold cases are out there?" Brueski asks, emphasizing the possibility that several leads and potential suspects might have been ignored or brushed under the rug in similar cases.    Motta highlights another alarming pattern in Chicago, referencing the mysterious waterway deaths. Despite being dismissed as accidents by authorities, Motta is convinced there's more to the story, hinting at a possible serial killer on the loose.    The podcast's core message revolves around the changing dynamic between the public and law enforcement due to social media. Online sleuthing and activism have pressured authorities to revisit cold cases and prioritize justice over city image. As Motta puts it, "People deserve justice."    However, with the advantages of online activism come disadvantages. The duo warns against baseless accusations and urges the public to be responsible with information.    In conclusion, while the ties between Burke and Heuermann are chilling, they spotlight the dire need for transparency, integrity, and accountability in law enforcement. The victims and their families deserve nothing less. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

31 Aug 202312min