What happened to Sandra Birchmore? On this special episode of True Crime with the Sarge, I’m joined by investigative journalist Michele McPhee, Senior Editor at Los Angeles Magazine, for an in-depth discussion of the Sandra Birchmore case and the federal murder charges against former Stoughton, Massachusetts police officer Matthew Farwell. Sandra Birchmore was a young Massachusetts woman whose death initially raised questions that have since led to a major federal investigation and murder prosecution. Farwell, a former Stoughton Police officer, has been federally charged in connection with Birchmore’s death. Michele McPhee brings her investigative journalism experience to the case as we examine the known timeline, the allegations against Farwell, the investigation into Birchmore’s death, and the questions that remain unanswered. In this episode, we’ll discuss: • Who was Sandra Birchmore, and what is known about her life and death? • What led investigators to focus on former Stoughton Police officer Matthew Farwell? • What are the federal murder allegations against Farwell? • What does the evidence and investigative timeline reveal? • What role did the Stoughton Police Department and other law enforcement agencies play in the case? • What questions remain surrounding Sandra Birchmore’s death? • What happens next in the federal case against Matthew Farwell? Join Joseph L. Giacalone, the Sarge, and investigative journalist Michele McPhee as we take a closer look at one of Massachusetts’ most closely watched true crime cases. Important: Allegations discussed in this program are allegations unless and until proven in court. Matthew Farwell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Subscribe to True Crime with the Sarge for true crime analysis, cold cases, criminal investigations, law enforcement perspectives, forensic science, breaking developments, and conversations with investigators, journalists, attorneys, and other experts. 🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss new episodes and live shows. #SandraBirchmore #MatthewFarwell #TrueCrime #MicheleMcPhee #StoughtonMassachusetts #StoughtonPolice #MassachusettsTrueCrime #FederalMurderCase #SandraBirchmoreCase

What does it take to prove a homicide when there is no body? On this special episode of True Crime with the Sarge, retired NYPD Sergeant Joseph Giacalone sits down with former Assistant U.S. Attorney and No-Body Homicide Cases author Tad DiBiase to examine one of the most difficult questions facing investigators and prosecutors in the unfolding Eugene and R.C. Horsch investigation in Philadelphia. Philadelphia police and the FBI are examining more than one million photographs and videos recovered from the Olney home connected to Eugene Horsch and his late father, Raymond “R.C.” Horsch. Investigators have said digital evidence appears to show five women who may have been injured, unconscious or deceased. However, no bodies have been recovered, and authorities continue to investigate exactly what happened. (NBC10 Philadelphia) So how do you build a homicide case when the victim’s remains have never been found? Tad DiBiase, author of No-Body Homicide Cases: A Practical Guide to Investigating, Prosecuting, and Winning Cases When the Victim Is Missing, brings his experience as a former federal prosecutor to the discussion. His book examines how investigators and prosecutors can establish that a homicide occurred through circumstantial evidence, forensic evidence, digital evidence, behavioral evidence and other investigative findings when a body is missing. (Google Books) In this episode, the Sarge and Tad discuss: 🔎 The Eugene and R.C. Horsch investigation 🔎 What investigators can establish from digital evidence 🔎 The difference between disturbing video evidence and proof of a homicide 🔎 How prosecutors approach a no-body homicide case 🔎 What evidence can establish that a missing person is actually deceased 🔎 Circumstantial evidence and proving a homicide beyond a reasonable doubt 🔎 The importance of corroborating digital evidence 🔎 How investigators can move from suspicion to admissible evidence 🔎 The challenges prosecutors face when there are no human remains 🔎 What the Horsch investigation could teach investigators about no-body homicide cases The Horsch investigation is still unfolding, and authorities continue to analyze the enormous volume of digital evidence recovered from the Philadelphia property. Recent reporting indicates investigators are still working to determine what portions of the material depict actual events versus staged or fictional content. (NBC10 Philadelphia) This is not about jumping to conclusions. It is about understanding what investigators need to prove a homicide when there is no body. Subscribe to True Crime with the Sarge for expert analysis of cold cases, homicide investigations, missing persons, forensic evidence, courtroom strategy and the criminal justice system. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 03:15 The Core Challenge of No-Body Murder Cases 12:40 Tad DiBiase on Prosecutorial Strategies and Past Precedents 24:50 Analyzing the R.C. Horsch Investigation 38:20 Overcoming the Defense When a Corpse is Missing 50:10 Q&A and Final Thoughts #TadDiBiase #EugeneHorsch #RCHorsch #HorschCase #PhiladelphiaCrime #NoBodyHomicide #NoBodyMurder #MissingPersons #HomicideInvestigation #TrueCrime #ColdCases #CriminalInvestigation #Philadelphia

🚨 ROLL CALL WITH THE SARGE IS LIVE EVERY FRIDAY AT 8 AM ET! Retired NYPD Detective Michael Alcazar joins Joseph L. Giacalone, the Sarge, for another edition of Roll Call with the Sarge, breaking down the biggest true crime, homicide and cold case developments of the week. This week, we examine four major cases generating questions across the country: 🔴 TOMASZ KOSOWSKI FOUND GUILTY A Pinellas County judge found former plastic surgeon Tomasz Kosowski guilty of first-degree murder in the death of attorney Steven Cozzi. Kosowski represented himself and waived his right to a jury trial. We break down the evidence, the prosecution’s case, the fact that Cozzi’s body was never recovered, and what comes next in the sentencing phase. (Bay News 9) 🔎 NOLAN WELLS GRAND JURY DECISION A Mississippi grand jury declined to indict anyone in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, whose body was recovered after he disappeared following a Fourth of July outing on Horn Island. The grand jury found no credible evidence of criminal conduct, while questions remain surrounding the circumstances of Wells’ death and the determination of the cause and manner of death. We examine what the grand jury decision means and what questions remain. (Reuters) 🏠 THE R.C. HORSCH INVESTIGATION IN PHILADELPHIA What is the latest in the investigation surrounding the Olney property connected to Raymond “R.C.” Horsch and his son Eugene Horsch? Investigators are continuing to examine a massive collection of digital evidence, with authorities linking seven missing women to the investigation and five feared dead. No homicide charges have been filed, and investigators continue working to determine what the evidence actually proves. (CBS News) 💊 ARE THE CHICAGO TYLENOL MURDERS REALLY SOLVED? A stunning new development has renewed interest in one of America’s most infamous cold cases. Idaho investigators identified the man previously known as the “Unknown Wanderer” as Dr. Mathew Francis Betkouski, who died from cyanide poisoning in Boise in 1982. Authorities have identified a possible connection to the Chicago Tylenol murders, but they are NOT officially naming Betkouski as a suspect, and Chicago police continue to treat the 1982 murders as an open cold case. So, after 44 years, are we any closer to knowing who killed seven people with cyanide-laced Tylenol? (NBC Chicago) 👮 ROLL CALL WITH THE SARGE Every Friday at 8 AM ET, the Sarge and retired NYPD Detective Michael Alcazar take you inside the week’s biggest true crime stories from a law enforcement and investigative perspective. We’ll separate the facts from the speculation, examine the evidence, and ask the questions that matter. Subscribe to True Crime with the Sarge and turn on notifications so you don’t miss Roll Call every Friday morning. 00:00 Introduction and RC Horsch Case Overview 04:47 RC Horsch Crematorium and Art Exhibit Links 09:25 Chew Avenue Search Warrant and Neighborhood Impact 17:03 Caleb Flynn Murder Trial and Text Messages 21:55 Tomasz Kosowski Guilty Verdict Analysis 33:04 Tylenol Murders Cold Case Update 40:35 Nolan Wells Grand Jury Decision 51:07 Richard Allen and General Q&A #RollCallWithTheSarge #TrueCrime #TomaszKosowski #StevenCozzi #NolanWells #RCHorsch #TylenolMurders #ChicagoTylenolMurders #ColdCase #ColdCases #NYPD #MichaelAlcazar #TrueCrimeNews #CrimeNews #HomicideInvestigation

What does it take to solve a cold case years, or even decades, after the trail has gone cold? In recognition of September as National Cold Case Awareness Month, the Sarge goes behind the scenes with the Elgin Police Department Cold Case Squad for an exclusive interview with the three detectives who make up the unit. Founded in 2023, the Elgin Police Cold Case Squad has taken an innovative approach to investigating cold case missing persons cases and unidentified human remains. The detectives explain how they are using modern investigative tools and public engagement to generate new leads, including social media, podcasting, a dedicated cold case kiosk, and a brand-new website. In this special episode of True Crime with the Sarge, we discuss: • How the Elgin Police Department Cold Case Squad was created • What happens when a missing persons or unidentified remains case becomes a cold case • How detectives reexamine old cases with fresh eyes • The role of social media in generating new tips and investigative leads • How podcasting can help bring renewed attention to unsolved cases • The purpose of the Cold Case Squad’s public information kiosk • How the new Elgin Police cold case website is helping investigators connect with the public • Investigating unidentified human remains and missing persons cases • Why public tips can be critical to solving cases that have remained unsolved for years • The challenges detectives face when working cases with limited evidence or witnesses • What law enforcement agencies can learn from Elgin’s approach to cold case investigations The Sarge also talks with the detectives about what motivates them to continue pursuing answers for victims and their families, and why every cold case deserves another look. If you’re interested in cold case investigations, missing persons, unidentified human remains, homicide investigations, forensic science, investigative techniques, law enforcement, true crime, and how police departments are using technology and social media to solve unsolved cases, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 🔔 Subscribe to True Crime with the Sarge for investigative analysis, cold cases, missing persons, homicide investigations, interviews with law enforcement professionals, and the stories behind the cases. 📌 September is National Cold Case Awareness Month. Help keep these cases in the public eye. #coldcases #coldcasesolved #MissingPersons #UnidentifiedRemains #coldcaseinvestigation #ElginPolice #policeinvestigation #TrueCrime #LawEnforcement

🚨 LIVE FROM THE R.C. HORSCH HOUSE IN PHILADELPHIA 🚨 This afternoon on True Crime with the Sarge, I’m reporting live from the home on the 400 block of West Chew Avenue in Philadelphia’s Olney section, the center of an extraordinary and still-active criminal investigation that began in June 2026. The property, associated with the late Raymond “R.C.” Horsch and his son Eugene Horsch, has been searched repeatedly by Philadelphia police and federal investigators. Authorities have obtained more than 95 search warrants as investigators work through an enormous amount of physical and digital evidence. (NBC Philadelphia) Investigators have recovered more than 1 million digital images and videos, along with firearms, weapons-related evidence, drugs, chemicals and other materials from the property. Police say they have identified 58 people in the digital evidence and are working to determine what happened to several women who have been reported missing. (CBS News) Some of the recovered videos and images reportedly appear to show women who are unconscious, injured or possibly lifeless. Investigators have emphasized that they still need corroborating evidence to determine exactly what happened in those recordings. No human remains belonging to a victim have been confirmed at the property. (CBS News) Tonight, we’ll take you inside the investigation from the scene itself and examine: • What happened at the Chew Avenue home • Why the investigation began in June 2026 • The significance of the nearly 100 search warrants • The massive digital evidence collection • What investigators have learned about the women identified in the images and videos • The difference between staged material and evidence of an actual crime • The firearms, drugs, chemicals and other evidence recovered from the property • What investigators still need to establish • The role of Philadelphia Police and the FBI • The forensic challenges involved in processing more than one million digital files • What this investigation could mean for missing-person and homicide investigations This is an active investigation, and many critical questions remain unanswered. We will separate what authorities have confirmed from what is alleged, reported or still being investigated. Join me live and bring your questions. ⚠️ WARNING: This investigation involves disturbing allegations, violence against women, missing persons and potentially graphic evidence. Viewer discretion is strongly advised. Subscribe to True Crime with the Sarge for expert analysis of major criminal investigations, cold cases, missing persons, forensic evidence, police investigations and the criminal justice system. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss future LIVE investigations and episodes. 00:00 Introduction at the Olney Scene 01:46 Upcoming Warrants and Media Presence 03:20 How the Case Started Near the Liberty Bell 04:18 Death Investigation vs. Homicide Status 05:11 Barrels, Self-Labeled Serial Killer Claims, and Video Review 06:26 Breakdown of 58 Identified Individuals 07:27 2009 Federal Case and Female IDs Handed to DA 09:09 Difficulty Naming a Perpetrator and Property Excavation 10:52 Known Victims Overview 14:00 Static B-Roll Plan and Urn Identification 15:20 Tip Line Information and Exceptional Clearance 17:48 House Exterior and Surveillance Camera Details 19:40 Surrounding Area and Traffic/Parking Observations 21:18 Shift Change and Sign-Off #RCHorsch #EugeneHorsch #Philadelphia #Olney #ChewAvenue #TrueCrime #MissingPersons #PhiladelphiaCrime #HomicideInvestigation #TrueCrimeWithTheSarge #ColdCases #CrimeScene #FBI #PhiladelphiaPolice

🚨 ROLL CALL | TRUE CRIME WITH THE SARGE Retired NYPD Detective Michael Alcazar joins the Sarge for another edition of Roll Call, breaking down two complex and developing homicide investigations that raise important questions about evidence, investigative strategy, motive and the challenges facing detectives. First, we examine the disturbing investigation surrounding the Horsch family home in Philadelphia’s Olney section. Investigators have recovered a massive amount of digital evidence from the property and have identified numerous women appearing in videos and images. Authorities now say several women are feared dead, as investigators continue working to determine what happened and whether the evidence can establish criminal responsibility. The investigation remains active, and no homicide charges have been filed in connection with those deaths. (CBS News) Then we turn to Florida and the Tomasz Kosowski trial involving the disappearance and alleged murder of attorney Steven Cozzi. Kosowski is accused of killing Cozzi after a legal dispute involving litigation against Cozzi’s law firm. Prosecutors are presenting a circumstantial and forensic case despite the fact that Cozzi’s body has never been recovered. Kosowski is representing himself in the first-degree murder trial, which is currently underway. (People.com) Michael Alcazar brings his experience as a retired NYPD detective to the cases as we examine: 🔎 How homicide detectives approach complicated and evolving investigations 🔎 The significance of digital evidence in modern homicide investigations 🔎 What investigators can learn from crime scenes, forensic evidence and victimology 🔎 The challenges of investigating a potential homicide when a body has not been recovered 🔎 The prosecution’s evidence in the Steven Cozzi case 🔎 What the Kosowski trial tells us about building a no-body homicide case 🔎 Investigative mistakes, challenges and unanswered questions 🔎 What detectives and investigators should be looking for as these cases develop This is Roll Call, where we put the headlines aside and look at the cases through the eyes of experienced investigators. Subscribe to True Crime with the Sarge for true crime analysis, homicide investigations, cold cases, forensic science, criminal investigations and interviews with investigators, attorneys and experts. 00:00:00 Introduction and Show Setup 00:00:36 Mike Joins Late and Nightbot Discussion 00:01:10 Philadelphia Homicide Investigation Overview and Stats 00:06:33 Disturbing Video Evidence and Snuff Film Rumors 00:11:29 Victim Profile Breakdown (Blair Tanzelli, Amy McCale, Gabrielle Amirando, Marabel Friesus, Nicole Fisaro) 00:15:17 Former Police Chief Reveals 2009 Schwenksville Case and ID Cards 00:19:07 ME Ruling Challenges, Sewers, and Basement Urns 00:22:23 Crime Stoppers Tip Line and Neighborhood Return Plans 00:29:10 Interim Thoughts and Transition to Florida Trial 00:30:17 Tomasz Kosowski Pro Se Trial Overview 00:32:49 The Magic Paper Towel and Luminal Findings 00:33:55 Impact Spatter and Prosecution Murder Kit Discovery 00:39:47 Body Photos, Dumpster Landfill Issues, and Final Verdict Speculation 00:50:41 Delphi Update, National Cold Case Awareness Month Talks, and Savannah Georgia Festival #TrueCrime #RollCall #MichaelAlcazar #Horsch #PhiladelphiaCrime #Olney #TomaszKosowski #StevenCozzi #HomicideInvestigation #MurderInvestigation #TrueCrimeNews #ColdCases #CriminalInvestigation

What happens when a high-profile true crime investigation moves from the criminal arena into the courtroom? On this special episode of True Crime with the Sarge, attorney Richard Schoenstein, Vice Chair of Litigation Practice at Tarter Krinsky & Drogin, joins the Sarge to break down two developing legal stories attracting national attention. We examine the civil litigation surrounding the death of Celeste Rivas and the D4vd case, including what a civil lawsuit can establish, how civil and criminal proceedings differ, the potential legal theories involved, and what plaintiffs and defendants must prove in civil court. Richard will also break down the impending defamation litigation involving Nolan Wells, including what constitutes defamation, the difference between defamation, opinion and protected speech, the burden of proof, potential damages, and the legal challenges that can arise when allegations involving a criminal case become the subject of public discussion. As an experienced litigation attorney, Richard provides insight into how attorneys evaluate these cases, what happens before a lawsuit reaches trial, discovery, evidence, damages, settlement considerations, and the potential consequences of statements made publicly or through social media. In this episode: • The civil litigation involving the D4vd case and Celeste Rivas • Civil liability versus criminal responsibility • What plaintiffs must prove in a civil lawsuit • The potential impact of discovery and evidence • The Nolan Wells defamation case • What legally constitutes defamation • Fact versus opinion and protected speech • The burden of proof in defamation litigation • Potential damages and legal remedies • How high-profile criminal cases can lead to civil litigation • What viewers should understand before drawing legal conclusions Join Joseph L. Giacalone, the Sarge, for an in-depth conversation about the intersection of true crime, civil litigation, defamation law, evidence, and the courtroom. True Crime with the Sarge brings investigative experience and legal analysis to the cases making headlines, separating the facts, the law and the unanswered questions. This program is for informational and educational purposes and is not legal advice. Allegations discussed are allegations unless and until established in court. 00:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:00:52 Civil Litigation vs Criminal Trial Timing in the David Burke (D4VD) Case 00:04:41 Expanding Defendants: Mother, Security Guard, and Shell Companies 00:07:48 Detailing Egregious Allegations and Power Dynamics 00:11:53 Motion to Dismiss and Civil Discovery Realities 00:13:12 Monetary Claims, Damages, and Punitive Guardrails 00:22:00 Duty to Preserve Evidence and Spoliation 00:26:00 International Travel, Counterclaims, and Defense Strategy 00:30:12 Switching Gears: Nolan Wells Case and Defamation Threats 00:33:45 Defining Defamation, Opinions vs. Facts, and the Truth Defense 00:36:50 Third-Party Interference and Holding Investigation Phones 00:41:19 Switching Gears: Patrick Clancy and Social Media Commentary 00:44:50 Broader Health/Mental Care Discourse vs. Clickbait Conspiracies 00:50:58 Synthesis of Criminal Undercurrents and Civil Aftermath #D4vd #CelesteRivas #NolanWells #Defamation #CivilLitigation #TrueCrime #CrimeNews #LegalAnalysis #RichardSchoenstein

What happens to criminal cases when the forensic evidence used to investigate or prosecute them is compromised? In this special episode of True Crime with the Sarge, the Sarge is joined by Retired NYPD Detective Dave Sarni to examine the 10-year prison sentence handed down to former Colorado DNA analyst Yvonne Woods, and the potentially far-reaching consequences of misconduct inside a forensic DNA laboratory. What does Woods’ conviction and sentence mean for the criminal cases connected to her work? Could defendants seek new trials, challenge DNA evidence, or have convictions reconsidered? How should prosecutors and law enforcement identify cases that may have been affected? We’ll also look beyond the Woods case at the bigger questions facing modern forensic science: • What happens when a forensic analyst violates laboratory protocols or falsifies evidence? • How many criminal cases could potentially be affected by compromised DNA analysis? • What safeguards should forensic laboratories have in place to prevent misconduct? • How can police, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and courts verify the reliability of forensic evidence? • What does this mean for the future of DNA evidence and forensic laboratories? • Could incidents like this undermine public confidence in forensic science? • What lessons can law enforcement and forensic laboratories learn from the Woods case? • How can agencies protect the integrity of evidence while still using DNA technology to solve cold cases? DNA has become one of the most powerful tools in modern criminal investigations, from identifying suspects and victims to solving decades-old cold cases. But with that power comes an enormous responsibility to ensure that forensic evidence is collected, analyzed, documented, and reported accurately. Join True Crime with the Sarge for an important conversation about Yvonne Woods, DNA evidence, forensic laboratory misconduct, criminal investigations, wrongful convictions, quality control, and the future of forensic science. Subscribe to True Crime with the Sarge for expert analysis of cold cases, criminal investigations, DNA evidence, forensic science, law enforcement, and the latest developments in true crime. 00:00:00 Introduction and Yvonne Woods DNA CBI Scandal 00:18:49 Colorado Court Fallout and Dismissed Cases 00:38:43 San Francisco Sexual Assault Clearance Rates and DA Discretion 01:00:00 Wrap-up and Upcoming Show Preview #YvonneWoods #DNAEvidence #ForensicScience #TrueCrime #DNAAnalysis #ForensicLabs #WrongfulConvictions #CriminalInvestigations #ColdCases