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

00:00:00

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.

00:02:52

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.

00:05:18

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.

00:10:49

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

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