From High School Dreams to Solving Cold Cases: Mike Hammond's Detective Journey
Episode Overview
Mike Hammond's journey from high school to becoming a detective. The influence of Truman Capote's 'In Cold Blood' on Mike's career choice. Details of solving Magdalena Idzikowska's 15-year-old case. Challenges faced with unsolved cases like Becky Breedlove's murder. Insights into the gut instincts developed by detectives.
I got the privilege of getting subpoenaed on a forensic case.
In this episode of 'Unpause Your Life', Dr. Cali Estes and Master Coach Jenny Fontana sit down with retired homicide detective Mike Hammond. With 22 years in the Chicago Police Department, Mike shares his intriguing journey from high school to becoming a detective. He recounts how an English teacher and Truman Capote's 'In Cold Blood' sparked his interest in criminology.
Mike's career highlights include solving the 15-year-old case of Magdalena Idzikowska and dealing with the complexities of cold cases like Becky Breedlove's unsolved murder from 1974. The conversation touches on the gut instincts detectives develop, the challenges of working with reluctant witnesses, and the emotional toll of unsolved cases. Mike also discusses the difficulties of prosecuting certain cases and the frustration of seeing guilty individuals walk free due to jury decisions.
The episode is filled with fascinating anecdotes, including Mike's interactions with gang members and serial offenders. It's a captivating listen for anyone interested in the inner workings of detective work and the personal stories behind some of Chicago's most challenging cases. If you're curious about the life of a homicide detective and the intricacies of solving crimes, this episode is a must-listen.