A tragic Halloween night and the start of 'The Murder Squad'

A Halloween party. A young woman dead. A Black man imprisoned for nine years without convincing evidence. And a podcast that refuses to forget what the justice system prefers to ignore. 'Jensen & Holes: The Murder Squad' is a groundbreaking podcast breaking the traditional mold by not just uncovering but actively engaging its listeners in unsolved cases. The series, which began in April 2019, is created by seasoned cold case investigator Paul Holes and journalist Billy Jensen. Together, they combine their expertise in forensic science and journalism to shed light on seemingly cold cases. With 161 episodes available on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, 'The Murder Squad' has achieved extensive global reach.

Advanced technology and audience involvement in investigations

The podcast excels by blending advanced technological research, such as DNA evidence usage, with detective work and involving a wide audience in the pursuit of justice. It serves as a reminder of the complexity of criminal cases, notably when a listener's contribution on GEDmatch enabled the resolution of a case over 40 years old by linking James Curtis Clanton to the crime. Jensen and Holes effectively draw attention to cases like the 'I-70/I-35 Killer,' encouraging tips through social media and the public, demonstrating their ability to shake up both old and new leads. While critical voices have been few, the series' deep insights into both the victims' perspectives and technical methods have been highly valued, securing nominations as the best true crime podcast.

Active listener participation reshapes true crime landscape

'Jensen & Holes: The Murder Squad' marks a significant development in the true crime genre by encouraging listeners to become active participants in the hunt for criminals—a style that not only attracts passionate listeners but also inspires civic participation. Even as the arrest of the Golden State Killer showcased the podcast's impact, it exposed widespread dissatisfaction with the inadequacy of traditional investigative methods. Although the series abruptly ended in 2022, it laid the groundwork for several new true crime projects aimed at activating the broader public rather than just informing them passively.

Listen to the first episode at podcasts.apple.com and follow KrimiNyt for more revealing true crime insights.