Mind Over Murder

BONUS: FBI Profiler James Fitzgerald's New Book

5 snips
Jan 15, 2026
Guest
James R. Fitzgerald
James R. Fitzgerald, a retired FBI profiler renowned for his work on cases like the Unabomber and anthrax investigations, shares insights from his new book, covering high-profile cases and his role as a technical advisor for TV shows like Criminal Minds. He discusses the challenges of profiling under media pressure, the impact of 24-hour news cycles on investigations, and his personal process of documenting his experiences. Fitzgerald also reveals his involvement with cold cases, including a poignant pledge to help solve his friend's murder.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Longitudinal Casework Led To Arrest

  • James R. Fitzgerald described the Center City Rapist case linking Philadelphia and Fort Collins via DNA after years of dormancy.
  • He narrated his role and emotional interviews with victims and investigators on the Cold Red podcast.
INSIGHT

Round-The-Clock Media Changes Investigations

  • Fitzgerald explained how 24-hour media altered investigations and sometimes pressured profilers to speak publicly.
  • Media statements can shape public perception and even affect investigative directions or task-force dynamics.
ANECDOTE

Anthrax Case Media Missteps

  • He recounted the anthrax case presser where his profile later matched the suspect and the Wall Street Journal criticized his domestic lone-wolf assessment.
  • Fitzgerald described on-air misattribution where a chyron falsely added technical claims under his name.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app