Shadows of the City: New York in the 1970s•Sep 21, 2025 12:25:08 PM

The Detective's Ledger: Death, Deception, and the Code of Silence

In this episode, Michael and Vanessa unravel the mysterious death of Detective Frank Malloy and the coded notebook he left behind. As they decode his cryptic entries, they expose a web of corruption that persisted even after the Knapp Commission's investigation into NYPD misconduct. Follow the journey of a young Village Voice reporter determined to reveal the truth about framed suspects and the officers who betrayed their badges in 1970s New York.

About the Show

Shadows of the City: New York in the 1970s is a narrative investigative historical podcast series that delves into the darker side of New York during one of its most turbulent decades. Each episode uncovers forgotten stories of corruption, crime, and the people who navigated a city on the brink, bringing to light the complex realities that shaped modern New York.

Meet Your Hosts

Michael Donovan

A former crime reporter for the New York Times in the 1990s, Michael brings decades of journalistic experience and personal connections to New York's law enforcement community through his uncle, who served as an NYPD detective during the 1960s-70s. His deep, measured delivery and meticulous research provide historical context that grounds each episode in authentic detail.

Vanessa Rodriguez

An accomplished investigative journalist specializing in police reform and criminal justice, Vanessa offers incisive analysis that bridges past and present. As a first-generation New Yorker whose parents lived through the city's turbulent 1970s, she brings both professional expertise and personal connection to the stories, challenging listeners to see the systemic patterns that connect historical corruption to contemporary issues.

Untold Streets: America's Hidden Histories•September 21, 2025

The Vanished Witness: When Justice Disappeared in Harlem

In this episode, Marcus and Elena uncover the troubling case of Terrell Jackson, a young man convicted of a 1973 Harlem bodega robbery based solely on one eyewitness's testimony. When that witness, Mrs. Loretta Wilson, recants her identification and then mysteriously vanishes before she can testify, the case exposes the darker side of 1970s policing practices. Against the backdrop of a city in fiscal crisis, this forgotten injustice reveals how easily the scales of justice could be tipped in an era of unchecked police power.

About the Show

Untold Streets: America's Hidden Histories is a deep-dive narrative podcast that uncovers forgotten stories from America's urban past, focusing on cases of injustice, corruption, and the individuals caught in systems larger than themselves. Each episode blends atmospheric storytelling with meticulous historical research, transporting listeners to pivotal moments that shaped our cities but never made the history books.

Meet Your Hosts

Marcus Reynolds

Former investigative journalist with 15 years at the Chicago Tribune, Marcus Reynolds brings firsthand understanding of urban dynamics from his upbringing in the Bronx during the 1980s. With a master's degree in Criminal Justice and years interviewing witnesses and victims of wrongful convictions, Marcus left mainstream media to pursue stories that weren't getting attention, combining his journalist's eye for detail with a passion for uncovering hidden truths.

Dr. Elena Suarez

Cultural historian Dr. Elena Suarez specializes in 20th-century urban America with a focus on marginalized communities. After teaching at Columbia University for a decade, she joined the podcast full-time, bringing academic rigor and compassionate analysis. Her doctoral work focused on witness testimony reliability in high-profile cases from 1960-1990, and as a first-generation American whose parents emigrated from Cuba, she offers unique perspectives on American urban history.

In this episode, Marcus and Eliana uncover the disturbing legacy of Commander Jon Burge and his 'midnight crew' who systematically tortured suspects in Chicago's Area 2 police district from the 1970s to 1990s. From electric shock to suffocation, these brutal tactics led to countless false confessions and wrongful convictions. Discover how brave whistleblowers, community activists, and victims fought through decades of cover-ups to expose the truth, eventually leading to landmark reparations and police reforms that continue to shape Chicago today.

About the Show

After Dark: Chicago Confidential is a true crime podcast that explores the shadowy underbelly of Chicago's history, focusing on corruption, conspiracy, and criminal justice. Each episode delves into cases where the line between law enforcement and lawbreakers blurred, examining police corruption scandals that shaped the city's reputation. With its soothing yet compelling storytelling style, After Dark: Chicago Confidential delivers hard-hitting investigative content perfect for nighttime listening.

Meet Your Hosts

Marcus Reed

A former Chicago Tribune investigative journalist with 15 years of experience covering the city's crime beat. Marcus grew up in Chicago's South Side and brings historical context and journalistic rigor to the show, along with personal connections to many neighborhoods affected by police corruption.

Eliana Cortez

A former public defender turned criminal justice reform advocate with firsthand experience in Chicago's legal system. Eliana brings both legal expertise and compassion to the stories they cover. Her family immigrated from Mexico to Chicago when she was young, giving her a unique perspective on community-police relations.