by: Michelle Blauman
If you’ve found yourself here, you probably know that there is no shortage of true-crime content on the internet, and no shortage of fans looking for more. But what if I told you that you could get your true crime fix AND make a positive impact? Well, good news, you absolutely can!
In December of 2020, the Cold Case Foundation (CCF) launched Cold Case Live, a new platform with podcasts, articles, and training from their experts. This platform is membership-based and directly supports the work that CCF does. In conjunction with the platform launch, Cold Case Live launched the investigative podcast Out of the Cold.
Without a doubt, this is something that you’re going to want to subscribe to. Out of the Cold is presented by James Patrick, Director of Intelligence at the Cold Case Foundation. Patrick’s background is incredibly interesting and could be a podcast of its own.
As a former police officer and Scotland Yard whistleblower, Patrick exposed mass under-recording of serious sexual offenses and acquisitive crimes. Now, not only is he working with the Foundation, but he also provides specialty analytical and intelligence products and services for clients globally.
On Out of the Cold, Patrick is currently covering the serial killer Robert Ben Rhoades who is better known as the Truck Stop Killer. Rhoades was a long-haul truck driver who preyed on hitchhikers and truck-stop sex workers starting in the 1970s and continuing all the way until 1990. He is currently serving a life sentence without the chance of parole for killing 14-year-old Regina Kay Walters and her boyfriend, Ricky Lee Jones.
Though Rhoades was convicted of the two murders, it may be nearly impossible to know how many victims can be traced back to him. He lived a transient lifestyle and it’s assumed that most of his victims did as well. Law enforcement suspects that Rhoades could be connected to at least 50 unsolved murders.
Throughout the first season of Out of the Cold, James Patrick takes a deep dive into the murders, including Regina’s, but he also includes interviews with survivors. In episode one, Patrick chases down an old photograph and finds the First Nations Canadian woman who hitched a ride with Rhoades.
Throughout Out of the Cold, Patrick brings on expert guests to take an even closer look. These experts include forensic psychologist, Dr. Allison Schechter, retired Medical Examiner, Dr. Todd Grey, behavioral expert, Dr. Lawrence J. Simon, and more.
Now, you’re probably thinking, “Okay, but how does this help? And how can I help?”
Out of the Cold was created to support CCF and spread the word about the Foundation’s important work. Just listening to this podcast is getting the word out. There are more ways to support the Foundation beyond just listening. You can donate on their website or become a member of Cold Case Live and access exclusive content.
Between 1980 and 2008 alone, police forces across America amassed some 185,000 cold cases. The Cold Case Foundation actively participates in assisting law enforcement agencies in bringing offenders to justice and providing crucial support to the loved ones of victims.
Hunt A Killer is proud to partner with the Cold Case Foundation. A portion of our proceeds from every episode we deliver is donated directly to the foundation.