Is There a Crisis in Crisis Communication? Douglas Levy on Missteps, Media Pressure, & the Golden Hour

Rex Heuermann’s Defense Attorney Explains the Strategy | Michael J. Brown on the Long Island Serial Killer Case

What is it like to defend one of the most high-profile murder suspects in modern American history? In this episode of True Crime with the Sarge: The Audio Files, retired NYPD Sergeant Joseph Giacalone and filmmaker Josh Zeman, director of The Killing Season, sit down with defense attorney Michael J. Brown, who represented Rex Heuermann, the accused Long Island Serial Killer. Attorney Brown provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the legal strategy used in the case, discussing the defense’s approach, the controversial planning document, jurisdictional issues, constitutional protections, media attention, and the challenges of representing a client at the center of one of the nation’s most closely followed criminal investigations. This conversation offers listeners a deeper understanding of how complex homicide cases are defended and why the legal process often differs from public perception. In this episode, you’ll hear about:  • The defense strategy in the Rex Heuermann case  • The significance of the planning document  • Jurisdictional and venue issues  • Evidence, discovery, and trial preparation  • The role of defense counsel in high-profile criminal cases  • Media coverage versus courtroom reality  • Lessons from one of America’s most significant serial homicide investigations Whether you’re a true crime fan, law enforcement professional, attorney, student, or simply interested in the criminal justice system, this episode delivers an insightful and balanced discussion you won’t want to miss. If you enjoy True Crime with the Sarge: The Audio Files, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with others interested in true crime, criminal investigations, and the law. Support the show [https://buymeacoffee.com/jgiacalone]

The Cold Case of Carmen Vargas | Found on Long Island’s Meadowbrook Parkway

In this episode of True Crime with the Sarge - The Audio Files, retired NYPD Sergeant Joseph Giacalone examines the cold case of Carmen Vargas, whose body was discovered along the southbound lanes of the Meadowbrook Parkway near Freeport, Long Island. Who was Carmen Vargas? What happened in the hours leading up to her death? Why has this case remained unsolved, and what investigative questions still linger today? Join us as we explore the known facts, timeline, evidence, and investigative challenges surrounding one of Long Island’s enduring unsolved homicide cases. From the initial discovery to the search for answers decades later, this episode takes a closer look at the victim, the investigation, and the importance of keeping cold cases alive in the public eye. If you’re interested in cold case investigations, unsolved murders, Long Island crime history, criminal investigations, and victim-focused true crime storytelling, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Subscribe to True Crime with the Sarge - The Audio Files for expert analysis, exclusive interviews, and in-depth discussions on some of the most compelling criminal cases in America. Support the show [https://buymeacoffee.com/jgiacalone]

Is There a Crisis in Crisis Communication? Douglas Levy on Missteps, Media Pressure, & the Golden Hour

What happens when the people responsible for controlling the message become part of the problem? In this episode of True Crime with the Sarge – The Audio Files, I sit down with crisis communication expert and author Douglas Levy [https://douglevy.com/] (The Communications Golden Hour) to break down a growing issue in modern policing: Is there a crisis in crisis communication? From high-profile investigations to breaking news moments, we examine real cases where police executives stepped in front of the microphone—only to later walk back critical information. What went wrong? And more importantly, how does it impact public trust, investigations, and the victims’ families? We dive into: * The concept of the “Golden Hour” in crisis communication * Why law enforcement messaging often unravels under pressure * The risks of speaking too soon vs. staying silent * Real-world examples of communication breakdowns in major cases * How media cycles and social media amplify mistakes * What agencies should be doing differently right now This is a must-listen for anyone following true crime, law enforcement leadership, or the evolving intersection of media and investigations. 🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review True Crime with the Sarge – The Audio Files for more insider analysis and expert interviews. Support the show [https://buymeacoffee.com/jgiacalone]

No Body Murder Cases Explained: Ex-AUSA Tad DiBiase on Prosecuting Without a Victim

How do you prove a murder when there’s no body, no crime scene, and sometimes no clear cause of death? In this gripping episode of True Crime with the Sarge, retired NYPD Sergeant Joseph Giacalone sits down with former Assistant U.S. Attorney Tad DiBiase [https://www.nobodycases.com/], author of No Body Cases, to break down one of the most challenging aspects of the criminal justice system: investigating and prosecuting homicide cases without a victim’s remains. DiBiase shares insider knowledge from decades of federal prosecution, revealing how circumstantial evidence, behavioral patterns, forensic science, and digital footprints come together to build a case beyond a reasonable doubt. From missing persons to covert homicides, this episode explores how law enforcement and prosecutors overcome the absence of a body to secure convictions. We also examine real-world no-body murder cases, jury psychology, legal strategy, and the critical mistakes that can make or break a prosecution. If you’re interested in true crime investigations, courtroom strategy, or the evolving science behind solving murders, this is a must-listen episode. Key Topics Covered: * What defines a “no body” homicide case * How prosecutors prove murder without physical remains * The role of circumstantial and forensic evidence * Behavioral analysis and suspect patterns * Challenges in convincing a jury beyond a reasonable doubt * Real case insights from former AUSA Tad DiBiase Support the show [https://buymeacoffee.com/jgiacalone]

Rex Heuermann’s Wife Speaks: Josh Zeman on Asa Ellerup & Peacock Special Breakdown

In this gripping episode of True Crime with the Sarge, retired NYPD Sergeant Joseph Giacalone sits down with acclaimed director Josh Zeman to unpack the story behind Asa Ellerup, the wife of accused Long Island Serial Killer Rex Heuermann. Following the buzz around the latest special on Peacock, this episode cuts through speculation and headlines to analyze Ellerup’s perspective, her public statements, and the broader implications for one of the most notorious serial killer investigations in recent history. Zeman, known for his deep investigative storytelling, offers unique insight into the making of the documentary and what viewers may have missed. Together, we explore key questions: What did Asa Ellerup know? How does her story fit into the timeline of the Gilgo Beach murders? And what does this reveal about the personal lives surrounding alleged serial offenders? This episode delivers expert analysis, insider perspective, and a no-nonsense breakdown of a case that continues to captivate the nation. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * Key takeaways from the Peacock special on Asa Ellerup * Analysis of Rex Heuermann’s case and the evidence timeline * Behind-the-scenes insight from director Josh Zeman * The ongoing impact of the Gilgo Beach serial killings investigation Support the show [https://buymeacoffee.com/jgiacalone]