Podcast Title: 48 Hours
Episode: A Trust Betrayed
Host/Author: CBS News
Release Date: June 26, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled “A Trust Betrayed” from CBS News’ award-winning series 48 Hours, listeners are taken deep into the heart of a chilling murder investigation that shook the Palm Beach community. The episode meticulously unravels the complexities surrounding the tragic death of Linda Fishman, exploring the intricate web of relationships, motives, and the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement.

Background: Linda Fishman’s Life

Linda Fishman was a vibrant and generous woman, known for her confidence and active social life. At 55, after undergoing gastric bypass surgery and losing 70 pounds, Linda was thriving both personally and professionally. She was the chief court administrator in Hartford, Connecticut, and a widow who had relocated to Florida to start anew after the untimely death of her husband, Superior Court Judge Milton Fishman, who died of heart failure just eight years into their marriage.

Linda’s life in Florida was marked by her dedication to charity work and her prominent presence in the Palm Beach social scene. She was beloved by her extended family, often regarded as the matriarch who cared for nieces, nephews, and friends alike.

The Tragic Night

On the night of February 7, 2003, tragedy struck when Linda Fishman was found dead in her Boca Raton home. Firefighters responded to a fire alarm and discovered Linda with deep ligature marks around her neck, indicating a strangulation facilitated by a six-inch piece of brown twine—a method requiring time and determination to execute (00:15:30).

Detective Eric Keith (timestamp 00:05:20) recounted, “Most homicides are committed by people known to the victim. That's where we start.”

Initial Investigation and Suspect: Michael Jamrock

The investigation initially focused on Michael Jamrock, Linda’s nephew and a radio disc jockey with a tumultuous past. Michael had a history of substance abuse, legal troubles, and had borrowed substantial sums of money from Linda without repayment (00:08:45).

Michael was identified as a suspect due to his proximity to the crime scene and his questionable alibi. Detectives discovered that on the night of the murder, Michael was at a bar, approximately a mile away from Linda's home—placing him within a 15-minute window of the crime. Additionally, a polygraph test revealed deception when Michael denied involvement (00:12:10).

Detective Keith (00:12:30) stated, “A shaky alibi, a failed lie detector test, and a possible motive. Together, it was shaping up to be a powerful case against Michael Jamrock.”

Family members expressed growing concerns about Michael’s behavior following the murder, noting his isolation and the perception that he might have used Linda solely for financial gain (00:15:00).

Expanding the Investigation: Linda’s Love Life

As the case against Michael began to lose steam, detectives shifted their focus to Linda’s personal life, particularly her relationships. Linda was known to seek companionship, often dating younger men, which raised questions about her judgment in choosing partners (00:18:20).

One key individual was James Bell, a man with a criminal history including a guilty plea for attempted second-degree murder. He had met Linda shortly before her death and was questioned by authorities. However, Bell was eventually released due to lack of concrete evidence linking him to the crime (00:22:15).

The investigation hit several dead ends until an anonymous letter provided a breakthrough (00:35:00).

The Anonymous Letter and Fred Kretzmer’s Involvement

Four months after the murder, an anonymous tip pointed investigators toward Fred Kretzmer, a man significantly younger than Linda and with a troubled past. Fred had a history of substance abuse, legal issues, and had been previously questioned in an unsolved murder case in Las Vegas. His connection to Linda was rekindled when he had sought financial assistance from her, further alarming those close to her (00:30:45).

Giselle Espina, Fred’s former girlfriend, wrote the pivotal letter revealing that Fred had been driving Linda’s car and was in possession of her jewelry the night she was killed (00:40:10).

Confrontation and Confession

Pressured by mounting evidence and testimonies, Fred was apprehended and faced charges of first-degree murder, first-degree arson, and robbery. Despite the lack of direct forensic evidence linking him to the crime, the prosecution built a strong case based on circumstantial evidence.

During the trial, Fred confessed to the murder, detailing how his dependency issues led him to take Linda’s life when she refused his financial demands. He admitted to strangling her and attempting to cover up the crime by setting the house on fire and stealing valuables (01:05:20).

Fred Kretzmer during his confession stated, “I was caught very, very emotionally, and I didn't know what to do. So I went at her and took her from behind. I strangled her.” (00:55:50)

Vindication and Aftermath

With Fred’s confession, Michael Jamrock was exonerated after four years of maintaining his innocence. The wrongful suspicion severely impacted Michael and his family, highlighting the devastating effects of a misdirected investigation.

Michael Jamrock expressed his relief and gratitude: “I was vindicated after four years of everyone believing my son did it. It was awful. I lost so much more than just my aunt that night. I lost my family.” (01:10:35)

Prosecutor Angela Miller reflected on the case, emphasizing the dedication and resilience of the investigative team: “Our work was cut out for us, but we knew we could secure a conviction based on the evidence we had.” (01:12:00)

Conclusion

“A Trust Betrayed” serves as a compelling narrative of betrayal, diligent investigation, and the pursuit of truth. It underscores the importance of thorough investigative work and the profound impact wrongful accusations can have on innocent lives. Through meticulous reporting and in-depth interviews, 48 Hours sheds light on the dark facets of human relationships and the relentless quest for justice.

Notable Quotes:

• Detective Eric Keith (00:05:20): “Most homicides are committed by people known to the victim. That's where we start.”

• Detective Keith (00:12:30): “A shaky alibi, a failed lie detector test, and a possible motive. Together, it was shaping up to be a powerful case against Michael Jamrock.”

• Fred Kretzmer (00:55:50): “I was caught very, very emotionally, and I didn't know what to do. So I went at her and took her from behind. I strangled her.”

• Michael Jamrock (01:10:35): “I was vindicated after four years of everyone believing my son did it. It was awful. I lost so much more than just my aunt that night. I lost my family.”

• Prosecutor Angela Miller (01:12:00): “Our work was cut out for us, but we knew we could secure a conviction based on the evidence we had.”

This episode of 48 Hours not only narrates a harrowing true crime story but also highlights the resilience of those seeking the truth and the profound consequences of trust and betrayal within a family.