Murders go unsolved. Killers slip through the cracks. With the passage of time, families lose hope and another unsolved homicide file settles into obscurity. The pattern is familiar, but changing, thanks to the efforts of a special breed of detectives. Cold Case Files tells the story of their work.

Listen to Episodes

The Grim Sleeper Part 2

In 1980s Los Angeles, a killer is terrorizing South Central, murdering African American women and discarding their bodies in the street. As the victim count rises-but suspects are few-fear and anger take hold in a community often overlooked by the police.

The Grim Sleeper Part 1

In 1980s Los Angeles, a killer is terrorizing South Central, murdering African American women and discarding their bodies in the street. As the victim count rises-but suspects are few-fear and anger take hold in a community often overlooked by the police.

Taken In Tacoma

When 13-year-old Jennifer Bastian is abducted and murdered in August of 1986, residents of Tacoma panic. This is the second young girl killed in five months. Convinced a predator is loose, Police embark on a 32-year inquiry to catch the killer.

Vanished In Virginia

When a 30-year-old mother, Lisa Gaudenzi, fails to report for duty in Virginia, the Army lists her as AWOL. Her family immediately suspects foul play. They embark on a 13-year quest for answers before an eyewitness blows the case wide open.

Death Of A Hero

A fire in January 2007 claims the life of WWII vet Bennie Angelo. A closer look at the crime scene reveals Bennie was dead before the fire, bumping an arson case up to homicide. Leads are few and the case sits on ice--until a key witness comes forward.

Murder In The Midwest

When the body of Lori Nesson is found in a ditch in 1974, her death is not ruled as a homicide. Her sister knows that there was foul play, but it takes 40 years for the cause of death to be changed to homicide. Investigators now have to catch a killer with a four decade head start.