Episode 11- Featuring Retired Missing Persons Detective, Stuart Somershoe
Today’s guest is someone who has devoted his career to finding those who could no longer find their way home and bringing hope to families who refused to give up. Stuart Somershoe is a retired Arizona law enforcement detective whose work in missing persons investigations has made him one of the state's most respected voices on long-term missing and unidentified person cases.
Throughout his distinguished career, Stuart investigated some of Arizona’s most complex and emotionally challenging disappearances, combining relentless investigative work with compassion for the families left searching for answers. His expertise extends beyond traditional investigations, embracing advances in forensic science, DNA technology, and collaborative efforts that have transformed the way missing persons cases are solved.
Today, we’ll discuss the unique challenges of missing persons investigations, the cases that have stayed with him throughout his career, and how perseverance, evolving technology, and unwavering dedication continue to reunite families and provide long-awaited answers. We’ll also explore why these cases are so much more than files on a shelf—they represent real people, real families, and the enduring belief that every missing person deserves to be found.
30 Apr 2026
Episode 10- U of A Chief of Police, Chris Olson Session 2
12 Feb 2026
Episode 9 - High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, Executive Director, Dawn Mertz
Join Dawn Mertz, Executive Director of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program (HIDTA), as she leads powerful conversations at the intersection of public safety, prevention, and collaboration.
With decades of experience working alongside federal, state, local, and tribal partners, Dawn brings a frontline perspective to the evolving challenges of drug trafficking, substance misuse, and community safety. This podcast explores the strategies, partnerships, and innovations that are driving measurable impact across jurisdictions — from intelligence-sharing and enforcement coordination to prevention and treatment initiatives.
Through candid discussions with law enforcement leaders, policymakers, public health professionals, and community stakeholders, Dawn highlights what is working, where we must improve, and how cross-sector collaboration strengthens our collective response.
This is more than a conversation about enforcement — it’s a platform for advancing smarter strategies, supporting communities, and building safer futures.
13 Jan 2026
Episode 8 - Featuring Cold Case Detective and "Zombie Killer" Author, Troy Hillman
Today’s guest is someone who has spent his career giving a voice to the forgotten and answers to the unanswered. Troy Hillman is a veteran cold case detective and accomplished author whose work has helped bring clarity, accountability, and—most importantly—justice to cases long left in the shadows.
With decades of investigative experience, Troy has dedicated his career to unraveling complex homicide cases, reexamining overlooked evidence, and proving that time does not erase truth. As an author, he takes readers behind the scenes of real investigations, including his gripping book on the infamous “Zombie Killer” case, a disturbing and highly publicized homicide that captured national attention. Through his writing, Troy explores not just the crime itself, but the investigative process, the human toll, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Today, we’ll talk about the cases that never left him, what it’s like to revisit the darkest moments years later, and why cold cases—and the stories behind them—still matter deeply to families, law enforcement, and the communities waiting for answers.
19 Nov 2025
Episode 7 - Dr. Thaddeus Johnson - Senior Fellow for the National Council on Criminal Justice
Dr. Thaddeus L. Johnson is a nationally recognized criminologist, former law enforcement leader, and expert on policing policy, violence reduction, and criminal justice reform. A Senior Fellow at the Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ), Dr. Johnson’s research focuses on evidence-based public safety strategies, trends in crime and enforcement, and the impacts of policing practices on communities.
Before entering academia and policy research, Dr. Johnson served as a police officer and major felony detective for nearly a decade, bringing frontline experience to his scholarship and national advisory work. His research has been widely featured in major media outlets and used by policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations to inform data-driven approaches to crime reduction and community trust-building.
Dr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice and serves as an Assistant Professor at Georgia State University, where he teaches courses on policing, criminal justice systems, and quantitative research methods. He continues to work closely with national partners to advance innovative, equitable, and effective criminal justice solutions.
14 Aug 2025
Criminal Justice Spotlight featuring ACJC's New Executive Director, Tony Vidale
In this episode of the Criminal Justice Spotlight podcast, media host, Pete Cummings interviews ACJC's New Executive Director, Tony Vidale.
29 Jul 2024
Criminal Justice Spotlight with Special Guest John Bauters
In this episode of the Criminal Justice Spotlight podcast, hosts, Tony Vidale, Deputy Director and media host Pete Cummings at the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission interview John Bauters, Arizona State Director for the Alliance for Safety and Justice.
21 Apr 2023
Victim Compensation Program in Arizona - Special Guest Shawna Michie
In this episode of the Criminal Justice Spotlight podcast, Tony Vidale, Deputy Director at the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, and Heather Bohnet, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission’s Crime Victim Services Program Manager, are joined by Shawna Michie, Victim Compensation Bureau Chief for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, to discuss the Victim Compensation Program in Arizona.
The Victim Compensation Program is designed to provide financial assistance to victims of crime who are in need. Heather and Shawna explain how the program works, the types of expenses that can be covered, and the process of applying for compensation. They also talk about the importance of the program in providing justice for victims, especially those who may not have the resources to cover expenses related to their victimization.
We also discuss Crime Victim Rights Week, a special week of recognition for victims of crime and those who work in victim compensation programs around the state. They highlight the critical work that victim compensation programs do and the impact that they have on the lives of victims and their families.
Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of providing support and resources for victims of crime and the role that victim compensation programs play in achieving that goal. They encourage listeners to get involved in their local victim compensation programs and to support victims in their communities.
3 Mar 2023
Show Introduction
Each episode of Criminal Justice Spotlight will feature interviews with experts in the field, as well as individuals who have been impacted by the justice system. We will explore the successes and challenges of various criminal justice initiatives, and learn about the strategies that are working to create positive change.
3 Mar 2023
Capital Punishment in Arizona - Special Guest Rick Unklesbay
Hosts Molly Edwards and Tony Vidale talk with former Pima County Prosecutor Rick Unklesbay about his experiences with capital punishment in Arizona and what led to his book about the arbitrary nature of the death penalty. Rick speaks about significant Supreme Court cases, shares his thoughts on Arizona's death penalty, and discusses the impact of politics on capital punishment.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 6 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
11
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
Contact Criminal Justice Spotlight
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Criminal Justice Spotlight?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
