New Podcast: Murder Squad with Billy Jensen and Paul Holes

April 2019

I finished reading I’ll Be Gone in the Dark just days before Joseph James Deangelo was arrested at his Citrus Heights home last April on “suspicion” of being Golden State Killer (DNA doesn’t lie, bucko). When I opened up my phone that morning and logged into my Reddit app, I immediately began screaming. My husband was alarmed, sure that something was wrong. When he finally saw my face he could see that it was indeed drenched with tears. But not of sadness: of joy. Excitement. A man who terrorized a state I had never lived in and committed crimes I had no connection to had been caught—it was the happiest day of my life.

Though I knew no one involved with the case, I felt a deep connection, partially because of McNamara’s book. I got to know victims better, which was great,* but I also got to know the investigation team better. I had read about the EARONS case in the past, so I was familiar with the likes of Paul Holes, Carol Daly, Larry Pool and all those folks. McNamara’s book was my formal introduction to the world of internet sleuthing and where I learned about Billy Jensen.

After McNamara’s death, Paul Holes and Billy Jensen found that the close circle of people working the GSK case was getting smaller. Dealing with the unexpected death of a colleague can be quite emotional and intimate. I imagine both knowing her and connecting over the investigation created a bond between them. I felt that reading the end of the book, and in public appearances they’ve made. Both of these guys are passionate about fighting for justice. That’s why this podcast has me so excited.

After three episodes, I must say I’m completely hooked. Murder Squad is different from many true crime podcasts in that it is proactive. For example, people are encouraged to reach out on social media with these images so technology can help finally identify the victims in these decades-old photographs. Holes and Jensen believe they can make a difference with this podcast, and I think they’re right. Additionally, Murder Squad offers a unique insight into the mind of a detective. The things that Holes notices and the way he looks at evidence are fascinating. And we get to hear from real people in LE who interacted with the actual victims and perpetrators they’re discussing.

The first episode focuses on serial killer William Bradford who took hundreds of photographs of women in the 1960s–80s, some of whom he raped and murdered. I’ve had an interest in these cases for a while. He is one of the serial predators on whom I based the main antagonist in my novel Death Drive ’73. The stories they’re able to share and the people they’ re able to talk to provide a unique podcast experience. This guy passed himself off as a fashion photographer for years. Look at these images. Make sure your mother isn’t in them, and if she is, contact:

I was cracking up so hard at Georgia’s joke about taking a look at your mother’s butt for a “Don’s Slave” tattoo. Not sure Paul and Billy appreciated it though.

The second episode is a quick overview of the Bear Brook case and the crimes of Terry Rasmussen, a living, breathing, piece of shit. Well, until he died in 2010. For people who’ve listened to the Bear Brook podcast, you’ve probably noticed that this episode barely scratches the surface of this case. And if you’re a Billy Jensen fan, you’ve probably listened to the Bear Brook podcast. Some stories just can’t be told in in sixty minutes. I would say that within the time they allot themselves, they dig deeper into Terry Rasmussen than they do into William Bradford. It’s very interesting to hear from the woman who questioned Rasmussen over the Soon Jun case. I’ll never forget that “none of your goddamn business” clip.

Episode three is on Jeffery Willis. This is a case I wasn’t as familiar with, and Holes and Jensen provide fascinating insight. I won’t tell you about it. You should listen. Serial killer takes the stand. That’s all I’m going to say.

I definitely recommend Murder Squad. These guys understand how things really work. It’s comforting to hear Holes explain how sex crimes aren’t punished today the same way they were in the 70s and 80s. As a cold case specialist, he understands the missteps that have been taken by law enforcement incredibly well. He knows what is still broken and what they’ve tried to fix. Real information from real people who have worked on the cases they’re discussing. It’s a one of a kind podcast.

#themurdersquad #billyjensen #paulholes #exactlyright #hotforholes