Who Killed Roxanne? How a podcast helped solve a 44-year-old Louisiana murder
Summary
Host Jed Lapinsky profiles Charles Dowdy, a Louisiana radio host who created the podcast *Who Killed Roxanne* to investigate the 1982 murder of a local teenager. The series explores how the case was overshadowed by serial killer Henry Lee Lucas’s false confessions and how renewed DNA analysis helped revive the investigation. Dowdy’s podcast generated crucial community tips, leading to the arrest of four men in 2025. The episode highlights the tension between active law enforcement investigations and true crime storytelling, ultimately celebrating the podcast’s role in solving a 44-year-old …
Topics discussed
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Charles Dowdy's background and discovery of the case
The 1982 murder of Roxanne Sharp
Podcast launch and the 2025 arrests
Who was Roxanne Sharp? Her life and personality
The Ozone neighborhood and community dynamics
Discovery of the body and crime scene details
Early investigation obstacles and lack of DNA tech
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Henry Lee Lucas's false confessions and impact
Robert Lee Willey and local criminal connections
Officer Joyner's briefcase and reinvestigation
Challenges of podcasting an active cold case
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Interviews with locals and crime scene recreation
FBI profile and suspect theories
Production process and gathering witness tips
The press conference and identification of suspects
The role of DNA evidence in the arrests
Reflections on justice and future seasons
Outro and show credits
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