About

About the Podcast

Forensic Tales is a weekly true crime podcast with a forensic science twist. Join host Courtney Fretwell as she covers a new case each week on the show. Each episodes takes a deep dive into the facts of the case, the investigation, and how forensic science was used. Some of the cases are famous stories we all know and followed, while other cases are less known. Some cases have turned completely cold and are just waiting for forensic science to crack them wide open. 

Forensic Tales podcast discusses many sub-fields of forensic science from forensic psychology, familial DNA, fingerprints, firearms, trace evidence, and so much more. 

The mission behind Forensic Tales podcast is to bring awareness to how important the field of forensics is to solving cases and bringing justice to crime victims. 

About the Host

Courtney Fretwell

Producer and Host

I’ve had a passion for true crime and forensic science from the second I was introduced to it while in college. As a college freshman at California State University, Long Beach, I was introduced to my first criminology class: Intro to Criminal Justice. From the moment I walked into the classroom on Day 1, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in criminal justice. At CSULB, I had the opportunity to study abroad with the University of Leicester in Leicester, England and work with the Northamptonshire Police Department in their criminal laboratory. While working in the crime lab, I gained experience in fingerprint identification and blood spatter.

After graduating CSULB with a B.S. in Criminal Justice and minor in Forensic Studies, I started working for the Orange County Superior Court in Orange County, CA. I worked in various positions including Collaborative Court which is a specialized court that offers alternative sentences and treatment to offender’s suffering from serious mental illness and drug/alcohol misuse. My work with the Collaborative Court was one of the most rewarding aspects to my career with the court.

 In 2019, I graduated from Arizona State University with a M.S. in Forensic Psychology. In grad school, I conducted research on violent crimes, mass shooters, and the death penalty. My research on violent crimes focused on the causes and risk factors associated with violent behavior. I also conducted research on the causes of mass shooting incidents and policy. 

Outside of true crime and forensic science, I’m a dog momma to a golden retriever, Kona, and I’m engaged to my best friend, Tony. I’m an avid marathon runner, Ironman triathlete, indoor cycling instructor, and NASM certified personal trainer. 

Listeners Rating

Based on 121 Podcast Reviews

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Rockefeller Audio

Support for Forensic Tales podcast is also provided by Tony Arreola.