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The Fall Line: True Crime

The Fall Line: True Crime

The Fall Line® 268 Episodes Oct 14, 2026

The Fall Line® is an investigative true crime podcast that focuses on cold cases, unsolved murders, and missing persons. It shines a light on under-investigated and under-covered cases, diving deep into unsolved homicides, disappearances, and unidentified John and Jane Does. Through interviews with law enforcement, forensic experts, victim advocates, and families, the podcast investigates what happened and why these cases remain unsolved. It also addresses current issues in forensic science, DNA evidence, and criminal justice, highlighting disparities that leave underrepresented victims without headlines or justice. The podcast is victim-centered, not drama-driven, emphasizing real cases, real families, and real justice.

Episodes

Finding Becca Doe: The Butterfly Effect
Finding Becca Doe: The Butterfly Effect Oct 14, 2026 49:10 For 30 years, a young woman found in an Albuquerque motel room in 1991 was known only as Albuquerque Jane Doe, and later as Becca Doe. Her death was ruled a suicide, yet a photo-booth picture and a locked door kept online sleuths asking questions for decades. In March 2026, Ramapo College's genetic genealogists identified her as 18-year-old Becca Mallekoote. Maxine Spellman, a civilian researcher
After Ancestry: How TreeScope Is Changing IGG Casework
After Ancestry: How TreeScope Is Changing IGG Casework Sep 9, 2026 36:12 We continue our coverage of the ways in which Accredited Investigative Genetic Genealogists (AIGG) C are approaching the massive changes in the field of  Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG/IGG) following the update in the language of Ancestry.com's TOS regarding access to historical records and family trees. In this episode, we speak with Tracie Boyle, a longstanding and talented AIGG
Constantine: The Murder of Lavern Chupp
Constantine: The Murder of Lavern Chupp Sep 2, 2026 27:57 Lavern "Vern" Chupp was a well-known figure in St Joseph County, Michigan, where his Old Order Amish family had deep roots, and his skill at construction and carpentry meant he'd worked with just about everyone in the various townships surrounding his home. A devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Lavern was a popular man--but like anyone else, he had difficult business dealings and p
Precious Child: The Murder of Sylvia Lou Dowdell, Part 3
Precious Child: The Murder of Sylvia Lou Dowdell, Part 3 Aug 26, 2026 30:25 We continue our coverage of the unsolved murder of Opelika, Alabama mother Sylvia Lou Dowdell, whose remains were discovered in Tuskegee just after Mother's Day 1998. Her daughter, Precious, still has questions--especially about the insurance police taken out on her mother before her death.  Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and menta
Tuskegee: The Murder of Sylvia Lou Dowdell, Part 2
Tuskegee: The Murder of Sylvia Lou Dowdell, Part 2 Aug 19, 2026 29:47 We continue our coverage of the unsolved murder of Opelika, Alabama mother Sylvia Lou Dowdell, whose remains were discovered in Tuskegee just after Mother's Day 1998. This episode, we examine the crime scene, the forensic evidence, and the investigation.  Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in yo
Opelika: The Murder of Sylvia Lou Dowdell
Opelika: The Murder of Sylvia Lou Dowdell Aug 12, 2026 36:02 In 1998, a 38-year-old mother of seven, Sylvia Lou Dowdell, was murdered in Tuskegee, Alabama. Her body was left under a bridge, and her family in her hometown of Opelika waited to hear word of an arrest in her case. After all, a history of violence against Sylvia indicated what might have happened. But nearly 30 years later, her homicide remains unsolved, and two of her adult children, Precious a
Elma, Washington: The Grays Harbor Jane Doe
Elma, Washington: The Grays Harbor Jane Doe Jul 29, 2026 54:29 In October of 1988, the remains of a homicide victim were found in a rural area of Grays Harbor County, just outside Elma, Washington. A dedicated detective worked her case for years—first in his role with the sheriff's office, and then as coroner. Even now, in his retirement, he's followed the case. Despite thousands of hours of investigation, her identity remained elusive; but then, in 2018, for
A Long Fight: The Disappearance of Melissa Ann Montoya, Part 2
A Long Fight: The Disappearance of Melissa Ann Montoya, Part 2 Jul 22, 2026 40:46 We continue our coverage of the disappearance of Melissa Ann Montoya. On St. Patrick's Day 2001, 42-year-old Melissa Montoya joined her loved ones at the Apache House of Liquor in Dulce, New Mexico—a town located in the Jicarilla Apache Nation Reservation. It was the last time that her friends and family ever saw her. Since then, lawyer and  advocate Darlene Gomez has been fighting alongside her f
Dulce: The Disappearance of Melissa Ann Montoya: New Mexico
Dulce: The Disappearance of Melissa Ann Montoya: New Mexico Jul 15, 2026 35:22 On St. Patrick's Day 2001, 42-year-old Melissa Ann Montoya joined her loved ones at the Apache House of Liquor in Dulce, New Mexico—a town located in the Jicarilla Apache Nation Reservation. It was the last time that her friends and family ever saw her. Since then, lawyer and  advocate Darlene Gomez has been fighting alongside her family for justice for Melissa--and for resolution in her case.  20
Come Home: The Disappearance of Calvin Willie Martinez, Part 2
Come Home: The Disappearance of Calvin Willie Martinez, Part 2 Jul 8, 2026 44:05 In today's episode, we continue the story of Calvin Willie Martinez.  Mothers Day 2019 was the last time Calvin Willie Martinez's family heard from him. After suffering an immense loss in 2014, Calvin had struggled with depression and alcohol dependence.  But he always stayed in contact with his loved ones—so when he called them from a truck stop in Albuquerque, NM, and promised he was heading hom
An Aching Heart: The Disappearance of Calvin Willie Martinez
An Aching Heart: The Disappearance of Calvin Willie Martinez Jul 1, 2026 43:14 Mothers Day 2019 was the last time Calvin Willie Martinez's family heard from him. After suffering an immense loss in 2014, Calvin had struggled with depression and alcohol dependence.  But he always stayed in contact with his loved ones—so when he called them from a truck stop in Albuquerque, NM, and promised he was heading home, they believed him. But Calvin never arrived.  Ever since, his siste
Unsolved Michigan: Cold Cases
Unsolved Michigan: Cold Cases Jun 24, 2026 42:22 We sit down with podcaster and author Nina Innsted to discuss her coverage of and investigation into Michigan's unsolved missing persons cases and unresolved homicides—many of which are detailed in her new true-crime book.  Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/fallli

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