Cops and Writers Podcast
Cops and Writers is a podcast hosted by retired police sergeant and author, Patrick O'Donnell. The podcast provides valuable insights and humor for crime writers who want to create accurate and believable police stories. O'Donnell conducts in-depth interviews with members of law enforcement and civilian experts, discussing police procedures and culture. He also interviews crime fiction writers and writers from different genres, discussing what works in the ever-changing landscape of book sales and publishing. The podcast offers candid stories told with cop humor and technical details about the world of law enforcement.
Cops and Writers Podcast
Former California State Assemblyman Mike Gatto-Trying To Solve His Father's Murder.
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Hey cops and writers, thanks for being here with us today for another episode of the Cops and Writers podcast! I’m Patrick O’Donnell, and I will be your host for today’s show.
Before I start, can I ask you all a favor? If you are enjoying this podcast, could you please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? It is so important, thank you.
This show is listener-supported, so thanks to all of you who keep this show going!
I would especially like to thank those of you who are patrons of the show. Most notably, Frances Sheldrick, Kathleen Donnelly, Frank Cross, Katherine Kovacic, Richard Towles, Ryan Ta, Carl Vonderau, Melinda Colt, Jodi Burnett, and Richard Rybicki.
Your generosity helps pay for the software, equipment, and my time producing this show. Yes, you too can become a patron for less than a cup of coffee or a pint of Guinness. Just go to patreon.com/copsandwriters.
Welcome everyone, for my interview with attorney, author, former California State Assemblyman, and son of a murdered father, Mike Gatto.
Mike Gatto served four terms in the California Legislature, representing Los Angeles. He chaired the Appropriations Committee, served as Assistant Speaker, and authored several pieces of landmark legislation.
On November 13, 2013, his father, Joseph Gatto, was brutally murdered in a home-invasion robbery, which remains unsolved.
Mike wrote the book, Noir by Necessity: How My Father's Unsolved Murder Took Me to Dark Places, which documents his father’s brutal murder and the investigation that took place. Mike takes the reader along with him, witnessing Mike’s frustration, anger, and grief.
It was indeed an honor to talk with Mike. He was honest and sincere, taking me to places during the interview I didn’t expect. I hope and pray that someday soon the killer in this case is brought to justice and the Gatto family can get some much-deserved answers.
In today’s episode, we discuss:
What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?
My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.
That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.
Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon.
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