Tackling True Crime, One Podcast at a Time: A Conversation With M. William Phelps
Digest
M. William Phelps, host of the podcasts "Paper Ghosts" and "Crossing the Line", joins the show to discuss his investigative journalism background and the latest cases he's covering. He shares his experience in solving cold cases, including the recent identification of a killer in the "Ozarks" season of "Paper Ghosts". Phelps also discusses the Karen Reed case, highlighting the incompetence and misogyny of the Massachusetts state police detectives involved. He expresses his outrage at the investigators' behavior and believes Karen Reed will likely be acquitted. Phelps also discusses the Long Island serial killer case, Rex Heuermann, and his thoughts on the investigation and potential future arrests. He emphasizes that serial killers are not always the stereotypical monsters portrayed in media and that Heuermann's case highlights the importance of DNA and forensic genealogy in catching criminals.
Outlines
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Introduction
This Chapter introduces M. William Phelps, host of the podcasts "Paper Ghosts" and "Crossing the Line", and his background in investigative journalism. He discusses his experience working on the show "Deadly Women" with the host, Candice.
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Paper Ghosts and Crossing the Line
This Chapter delves into the two podcasts hosted by M. William Phelps. "Paper Ghosts" is a limited series that investigates missing and murdered people, while "Crossing the Line" covers contemporary and old cases, including missing person cases. Phelps highlights his 25 years of investigative experience and his passion for bringing answers to unsolved cases.
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The Karen Reed Case
This Chapter focuses on the Karen Reed case, a trial currently ongoing in Massachusetts. Phelps criticizes the incompetence and misogyny of the Massachusetts state police detectives involved in the investigation. He expresses his outrage at their behavior and believes Karen Reed will likely be acquitted.
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Future Cases and Serial Killers
This Chapter discusses upcoming cases that Phelps will be covering on "Crossing the Line", including the Karen Reed case and the Long Island serial killer case. He shares his thoughts on the Long Island serial killer case, Rex Heuermann, and the importance of DNA and forensic genealogy in catching criminals. He also debunks the stereotypical image of serial killers often portrayed in media.
Keywords
Paper Ghosts
A limited series podcast hosted by M. William Phelps that investigates missing and murdered people. Each season focuses on a specific case, with Phelps conducting in-depth investigations and interviewing key individuals involved. The podcast aims to bring answers to unsolved cases and provide closure to families.
Crossing the Line
A weekly podcast hosted by M. William Phelps that covers contemporary and old cases, including missing person cases. Phelps brings his 25 years of investigative experience to the show, offering his insights and opinions on the cases. The podcast often highlights the incompetence and misogyny of law enforcement agencies and advocates for victims' rights.
M. William Phelps
An investigative journalist and award-winning author with years of experience in the world of true crime. He is the host of the podcasts "Paper Ghosts" and "Crossing the Line". Phelps is known for his in-depth investigations, his willingness to challenge authority, and his commitment to bringing justice to victims and their families.
Karen Reed Case
An ongoing trial in Massachusetts involving Karen Reed, who is accused of killing a Boston police officer. The case has been marred by the incompetence and misogyny of the Massachusetts state police detectives involved in the investigation. Phelps believes that Reed will likely be acquitted due to the questionable evidence and the detectives' biased actions.
Long Island Serial Killer Case
An ongoing investigation into the murders of several women on Long Island, New York. Rex Heuermann has been arrested and charged with the murders of three women. Phelps believes that there may be more arrests in the case and that Heuermann's case highlights the importance of DNA and forensic genealogy in catching criminals.
Serial Killers
Individuals who commit multiple murders, often with a pattern or signature. Phelps discusses the common misconceptions about serial killers and emphasizes that they are not always the stereotypical monsters portrayed in media. He highlights the importance of understanding the motivations and behaviors of serial killers to effectively investigate and apprehend them.
Investigative Journalism
A type of journalism that focuses on in-depth investigations of specific events, issues, or individuals. Phelps uses his investigative journalism skills to uncover the truth behind unsolved cases and hold those responsible accountable. He emphasizes the importance of thorough research, source verification, and ethical reporting in investigative journalism.
True Crime
A genre of media that focuses on real-life crimes and their investigations. Phelps' podcasts fall under the true crime genre, providing listeners with insights into the world of crime and justice. The genre often explores the motivations behind crimes, the impact on victims and their families, and the complexities of the criminal justice system.
Q&A
What are the main topics covered in M. William Phelps' podcasts, "Paper Ghosts" and "Crossing the Line"?
"Paper Ghosts" is a limited series that investigates missing and murdered people, while "Crossing the Line" covers contemporary and old cases, including missing person cases. Phelps brings his 25 years of investigative experience to both shows, offering his insights and opinions on the cases.
What is the Karen Reed case and why is it significant?
The Karen Reed case is an ongoing trial in Massachusetts involving Karen Reed, who is accused of killing a Boston police officer. The case has been marred by the incompetence and misogyny of the Massachusetts state police detectives involved in the investigation. Phelps believes that Reed will likely be acquitted due to the questionable evidence and the detectives' biased actions.
What are Phelps' thoughts on the Long Island serial killer case and Rex Heuermann?
Phelps believes that there may be more arrests in the Long Island serial killer case and that Heuermann's case highlights the importance of DNA and forensic genealogy in catching criminals. He also debunks the stereotypical image of serial killers often portrayed in media.
How does Phelps' investigative journalism background help him tell the stories he covers in his shows?
Phelps' investigative journalism background allows him to conduct in-depth investigations, gather firsthand information, and provide authentic and insightful accounts of the cases he covers. He brings his personal experiences and empathy to the stories, making them relatable and impactful for listeners.
What are some of the upcoming cases that Phelps will be covering on "Crossing the Line"?
Phelps will be covering the Karen Reed case and the Long Island serial killer case, both of which are highly publicized and controversial. He is also interested in other cases that involve misogyny, incompetence, and the complexities of the criminal justice system.
Show Notes
For more than 20 years, bestselling author and investigative journalist M. William Phelps has been immersed in the world of true crime. As the host of the podcast Paper Ghosts, he seeks answers in unsolved cases. And in his podcast Crossing the Line with M. William Phelps, he sheds light on stories of the missing and murdered from the past – and the present. In today’s Headlines, Phelps joins Candice to dive deeper into his investigative process, and discuss some of the headline-grabbing cases he’s been covering.
Listen to Crossing the Line with M. William Phelps: http://www.crossingtheline.biz/
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