What is the episode about?
Arne Woythal, one of Denmark's most prominent former homicide investigators, takes to the studio in this special edition of a href='/krimidex/danske-drabssager'>Danske Drabssager /a>. The episode, released on August 19, 2025, marks a shift from traditional case reviews to an in-depth portrait of the man behind the investigation. Hosts Stine Bolther and Thea Pedersen facilitate a conversation that spans several decades of experience from both the Copenhagen Police and the legendary Rejseholdet. Arne Woythal explains how an investigation is actually structured when the first critical hours after the discovery of a victim tick away. He touches on the ethical dilemmas of balancing public demands for quick answers with the need for a methodically sound case construction that can hold up in court.
The case behind the episode
Although this episode does not focus on a single criminal case, Arne Woythal draws on examples from his long career, which has involved some of the most talked-about cases in recent Danish history. As a former operational leader, Woythal has led complex investigations where mysterious disappearances and cold-blooded murders required a special combination of technical skill and human understanding. In a href='/krimidex/danske-drabssager'>Danske Drabssager /a> he elaborates on how working with a href='/krimidex/rejseholdet'>Rejseholdet /a> differed from daily work in police districts, and why this unit was so effective in solving cases across the country. He also discusses the developments in DNA technology and digital traces, which have revolutionized police work since he joined the force. Listeners gain a unique insight into the psychological mechanisms that come into play when an investigator must interview a suspect or deliver the worst news to the bereaved.
About the podcast
The podcast a href='/krimidex/danske-drabssager'>Danske Drabssager /a> is known for its factual and respectful approach to the true crime genre. By bringing experts like Arne Woythal into the studio, the podcast raises the bar for the genre by focusing on professionalism rather than sensationalism. Hosts Stine Bolther and Thea Pedersen both have backgrounds as legal journalists and authors, ensuring that the questions are always sharp and relevant. The series 'Meet the True Crime Experts' has become a popular addition to the main program, as it provides listeners with the necessary tools to understand the legal and technical aspects of the cases they only hear about in headlines.
