Elgin Detectives Crack Case with True Crime Podcast

Elgin Police Department detectives Andrew Houghton and Matthew Vartarian discovered the unexpected investigative power of podcasting. Initially assigned to a new cold case unit in 2024, they were tasked with creating a podcast, a prospect they initially found unappealing. However, the process of structuring episodes naturally helped them organize their theories and the investigation into a missing 23-year-old woman.

The podcast, titled 'Somebody Knows Something,' generated new leads and tips from social media users recalling details. This public engagement proved instrumental in advancing the case. The detectives ultimately solved the mystery through diligent police work, including a theory that the individual had crashed into the Fox River.

Utilizing old newspaper reports about past searches, the department employed a search company with advanced sonar technology and divers. In March 2025, they successfully located the missing person and her car at the bottom of the river. This success has led the department to embark on its third season of the podcast, exploring another missing persons case.

As other police departments grapple with resources, podcasting is recognized as an emerging investigative tool. Experts suggest that if departments can allocate staff, podcasts can also aid in recruitment and retention by offering a realistic view of policing. Furthermore, younger officers, more comfortable with digital media, are expected to drive this trend.