Murder in Miami

Murder in Miami

By iHeartPodcasts

In the 1980s crime journalist Phil Stanford dove into the decadent and dangerous world of Miami just as the city was becoming the cocaine- and murder- capital of the United States. His path would place him in the crosshairs of a federal investigation focusing on a mysterious and controversial drug smuggling pilot who claimed to be an operative of the American government- all while flaunting his extensive illicit activity. Murder in Miami traces the connection between the murder of a missing Miami private investigator to the sprawling roots of an international money laundering scheme as Stanford tries to make sense of his role in a surreal story of spies, smugglers, killers and corruption. All reaching to the highest levels on both sides of the law.

Episodes

Shadow Wars Blowback - MIM B9

Bonus 9: Lesley Bickerton shares her thoughts on how politics, power and shadowy ties to the international drug trade have had negative impacts- on a global scale- before, during and since the Lonestar era. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28/03/2311m 10s

Placing the Pieces - MIM E10

Detective Denmark deep dives into Clay Williams' medical case file and the main players of Murder in Miami contemplate their current thoughts in light of past perceptions and recent revelations about Lamar, Lonestar and loyalty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23/03/2348m 10s

Murder in Miami Soundtrack - MIM B8

Bonus 8: Murder in Miami's original music and soundscaping was crafted by our audio editors and sound designers (Nikolas Harter, Evan Tyor and Taylor Chicoine) and plays an enormous role in bringing the show's era to life. In this week's bonus episode we wanted to share the uninterrupted singular Murder in Miami soundtrack created- and featuring music- by Evan Tyor, Phil Mayer, John Murchison and Taylor Chicoine. We hope you enjoy! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/03/2331m 52s

The Crash - MIM E9

Ron Elliott spent the night before the crash at Lamar Chester’s farm in Cleveland, Georgia. He shared his memories and thoughts about the events leading up to Chester’s death with Phil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16/03/2351m 25s

A Smuggler’s Loyalty - MIM B7

Bonus 7: In 1979, a joint DEA/FBI task force in Miami busted the Black Tuna Gang, a major marijuana smuggling ring responsible for bringing 500 tons of marijuana into the United States over a 16-month period. Black Tuna’s leader, Bobby Platshorn, shares the set-up that led to his serving twenty-nine years in federal prisons- and Ron ‘The Astronaut’ Elliott’s role in it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14/03/235m 26s

Witness - MIM E8

After being told by Chester that her life was in danger, Lesley flees Cleveland, Georgia only to find herself further ensnared in a federal investigation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/03/2347m 28s

The Bare Truth About the Cocaine Snorting Bear - MIM B6

Bonus 6: A movie about a cocaine snorting bear going on a brutal killing spree hits home with CB Hackworth, although it misses the mark when marketed as non-fiction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/03/238m 38s

Crosshairs - MIM E7

After attempting for months to locate the mysterious woman caught up with Lamar and Lonestar, Lauren finally makes contact with Lesley Bickerton, Chester’s controversial former accountant.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02/03/2336m 58s

Cops, Corruption & Clever Cons - MIM B5

Bonus 5: The late 80s were loaded with ramifications of the unprecedented influx of drugs in Miami and the officers trying to police it. Former Miami Dade Detective Jeff Lewis sheds light on one of the infamous era’s most malignant periods of crime and out of control corruption for Miami’s law enforcement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28/02/237m 29s

Graymail - MIM E6

Phil agrees to travel to Georgia to assist Chester in assembling his graymail defense. Questions about Clay William’s unsolved murder arise when it’s linked to testimony in Operation Lonestar. Covering the sprawling investigation pulls a young reporter named CB Hackworth into Chester’s corrupting orbit and the presence of Happy Miles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23/02/2342m 24s

The Cocaine Kid Meets the Genius Smuggler - MIM B4

Bonus 4: Lauren shares an early childhood memory laced with cocaine and celebrity before seeking the insight of Jerry Lee Wilson- a fascinating former dope pilot who made millions as a marketing-savvy inventor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/02/237m 15s

Inquiry - MIM E5

Cocaine further ups the ante as the Coconut Grove group pops up on the radar of multiple levels of law enforcement. As the attention intensifies, so does the focus on ties the group- especially Chester- has with the Bahamas and its government.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16/02/2348m 59s

The Commodore of Cocaine - MIM B3

Bonus 3: Mr. Happy Miles shares the surprising inspiration that took him from The Commodore to eventually working with the cartel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14/02/235m 18s

Happy - MIM E4

Chester was part of an elite circle of prolific smuggling pilots who ruled the air in the early 80s. A man known as Happy Miles was also one of the power players that sprang from Coconut Grove - and he recalls some of the incredible and illicit adventures they shared. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/02/2350m 1s

Cartel in the Kitchen - MIM B2

Bonus 2: Phil's former girlfriend Ruth shares the strangest murder she remembers from her days as a newspaper reporter in early 80s Miami.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/02/232m 12s

Induction - MIM E3

Stanford’s path finally crosses with the man behind Intercept’s operations, dashing drug smuggler Lamar Chester. Their encounter raises serious questions as to Intercept’s underlying interest in Stanford- and their understanding of who is really employing him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02/02/2338m 24s

Cougars on Cocaine Alley - MIM B1

Bonus 1: Detectives Denmark and Lewis share stories about the surreal level of gruesome crime in early 80s Miami- with interesting overlap.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
31/01/235m 39s

Intercept - MIM E2

Phil finds himself stepping into the private detective position vacated by the killing of Clay Williams. Questions remain about Clay, his murder and Intercept agency- leading Phil to wonder whether the men he’s working for- and their biggest client- could be tied to much more than just routine investigations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26/01/2341m 18s

Miami - MIM E1

Phil Stanford leaves political reporting in Washington D.C. to cover crime stories and stumbles directly into the dangerous, cocaine-fueled world of Miami in the early 1980s. In the process he finds himself intertwined with an unsolved murder after a chance encounter at a dive bar with a private detective named Clay Williams. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/01/2341m 0s

Introducing: "Murder in Miami"

In the 1980s crime journalist Phil Stanford dove into the decadent and dangerous world of Miami just as the city was becoming the cocaine- and murder- capital of the United States. His path would place him in the crosshairs of a federal investigation focusing on a mysterious and controversial drug smuggling pilot who claimed to be an operative of the American government- all while flaunting his extensive illicit activity. Murder in Miami traces the connection between the murder of a missing Miami private investigator to the sprawling roots of an international money laundering scheme as Stanford tries to make sense of his role in a surreal story of spies, smugglers, killers and corruption. All reaching to the highest levels on both sides of the law.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/01/232m 47s

Update: Frank Gable’s Conviction Vacated - MIO Bonus

Three years ago the Murder in Oregon podcast posed the question ‘Who Killed Micheal Francke?’ and on September 29th, 2022 a court answered: NOT the man who was convicted of his murder and spent nearly 30 years in prison. Reactions from journalist Phil Stanford and Michael Francke's brothers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30/09/224m 7s

Epilogue - MIO E12

In the final episode of Murder in Oregon, Phil, the Francke brothers and Mike’s friends and colleagues share their thoughts on Michael Francke, his murder and the individuals who’ve avoided justice for the past thirty years.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/01/2040m 9s

Habeas Corpus - MIO E11

The past ten episodes have been driven by the question: Who killed Michael Francke? Here is a recapitulation of the players, timeline, evidence covered... And a huge development regarding Frank Gable’s fight for freedom.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02/01/2042m 49s

Victims - MIO E10

Throughout this podcast we've seen the victimization of people caught in the crosshairs of politics and corruption. Lives twisted or destroyed by those with great power and little accountability. This episode addresses one of the darkest political scandals in Oregon's history - a woman deeply damaged as a result of a childhood disrupted, by a man who became one of the most powerful men in Oregon...and how that scandal played into the investigation of Mike Francke's murder.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26/12/1933m 21s

Darkness - MIO E9

A sworn statement, unearthed in 2004, presents some very damning information involving one of Michael Francke's former co-workers. It also could have greatly aided in the defense of Frank Gable, were it presented during his trial. That document, along with others, sparks renewed interest in the Francke murder and once again places Phil at odds with his former employer.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/12/1942m 11s

Judgement - MIO E8

More than two years after Michael Francke's murder, a small time drug dealer named Frank Gable would be tried for the crime. The basis for the case and the outcome of the trial would shock and outrage many- including Kevin Francke.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/12/1933m 19s

Patsy - MIO E7

More than a year after Michael Francke's death, public and political pressure is mounting to capture his killer. Then, in April of 1990, a small time Salem drug dealer named Frank Gable is arrested and indicted for his murder. But the case the state mounts against him raises serious questions and concerns.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
05/12/1943m 32s

Rooster - MIO E6

Many people, including those closest to him, believe Tim 'Rooster' Natividad was involved in the murder of Michael Francke. His former girlfriend - and mother of his son - lays out the terrifying timeline of their relationship and the period leading up to, and after, Francke's murder. And it links to the mysterious man in the pinstripe suit.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28/11/1936m 22s

Depravity - MIO E5

The search for Mike's killer leads to a woman whose dysfunctional upbringing in Salem's drug scene was closely linked to corruption in Corrections. And the staggering violence and trauma she experienced is peppered with names closely tied to the Francke murder investigation.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/11/1936m 20s

Corruption - MIO E4

A deep dive into the history of corruption in Salem reveals a long and sordid relationship between criminal and political powers. It also leads to a troubled and violent man some believe murdered Michael Francke.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14/11/1936m 26s

Breaking Point - MIO E3

Months after Mike's murder, the official investigation seems to stall. Frustrated, Pat and Kevin link up with newspaper columnist Phil Stanford. Their combined efforts lead them to a controversial confession, a mysterious sketch of a possible suspect and the fury of Salem government officials.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/11/1932m 50s

Discrepancies - MIO E2

Inconsistencies in the narrative bring about issues as the official investigation into Michael Francke’s murder unfolds. The Francke family raise concerns that Mike was targeted and are met with resistance from state officials. By the time they get his autopsy report, all bets are off.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
31/10/1936m 35s

The Murder - MIO E1

In January of 1989 the director of Oregon’s Department of Corrections, Michael Francke, was brutally stabbed to death outside his office building in Salem. His killing was quickly ruled a “car burglary gone wrong”, but inconsistencies soon called the official investigation into question. Was Michael Francke murdered...or assassinated?   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/10/1939m 59s

Who Killed Michael Francke?

Trailer 2 - On October 24th we'll re-open the Michael Francke Murder case, shining new light on those who escaped justice.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
17/10/191m 53s

Introducing Murder in Oregon

The premiere trailer for Murder in Oregon.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/10/191m 35s
-
-
Heart UK
Mute/Un-mute