rant · moment 21 of 21
Questioning the Detectives' Motives
from The Smiley Face Killers · #132
Audio-only archive episode — no video to seek.
5 minTim examines controversy around detectives Gannon and his partner, including families' frustration over money requests, an alleged sexual assault accusation, and the tension between genuine belief in the theory and possible self-interested opportunism.
- 1:21:17Tim praises the guest's story as mind-blowing and clear, admitting he expected something mundane.
- 1:21:31The caliber of guest suggestions Tim usually receives is his uncle who knows about vague topics.
- 1:22:27Tim's answer to the mystery: be a fat, unsuccessful pig when you're out at a bar.
- 1:22:52The two New York detectives investigating the theory have frustrated families by over-promising and under-delivering on suspects.
- 1:23:21Detectives constantly asked families for money and one sold interview rights to NBC, acting as a broker.
- 1:23:55One detective refinanced his house in a 20-year search for the group, and journalist Christy Peel distanced herself from them over opportunism concerns.
- 1:24:41Tim suspects the detectives genuinely believe the theory is real while also pursuing questionable methods and recognition.
- 1:25:31Detectives have frustrated many families and one was accused of sexual assault by a college student.
- 1:25:57When evaluating these claims, you need to examine the sources of information and why they might be providing it.
- 1:26:24Some relatives of the deceased appreciate the detectives and appear on TV with them, while others are frustrated with their work.
NBCThe Daily BeastChristy PeelOxygenGannonDartmouth