Cold Case Files: The Rifkin Murders Part 4

Air Date: February 17, 2026
Host: Marisa Pinson

Episode Overview

This episode delves into the ongoing investigation into several of serial killer Joel Rifkin’s unidentified victims, focusing on two major storylines:

• The identification of Rifkin’s first victim, who remained nameless for decades.
• The persistent search for the remains and identities of additional victims ("Victim #6" and "Victim #9") using modern forensic technology and painstaking investigative work.

Through interviews with detectives, forensic experts, family members, and those who have corresponded with Rifkin, the episode captures the heartbreak, determination, and slow-burning hope that are hallmarks of cold case investigation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Identification of Rifkin’s First Victim: Heidi Balch

• Initial Discovery & Long Search

  • In 1989, police in New York discovered the dismembered remains of Rifkin’s first victim. Her head was found in New Jersey, her legs elsewhere—a challenging start (01:28).
  • Lieutenant Bruce Carnall recalls his decades-long effort to uncover her identity:

    “She’s someone’s daughter, someone’s sister, and some relative out there that may not have never known what happened to her… Don’t let it go. Don’t give up.” (02:23-02:47)

• Passing of the Torch & New Leads

  • In 2013, Lt. William Springer reopens the case, employing modern technology and new databases (03:00-06:15).
  • He scoured New York City arrest records, focusing on women arrested for prostitution matching Rifkin’s description. The name "Susan Spencer" stands out, with 30 arrests and a timeline aligning with the timing of the murder. A mugshot reveals a distinctive scar and mole—crucial identifiers.
  • Persistence in running aliases and cross-referencing leads to a missing persons report for "Heidi Balch," reported by her aunt. DNA comparison with her parents confirms the match.

    “She went by Susie for the longest time. At that point, we were 99% sure we had it. Now you have to prove it forensically.” (08:58)

• Validation & Impact

  • After 24 years, the victim is finally identified as Heidi Balch (10:01).

    “To identify something 24 years after it happened is pretty remarkable. For me, this is the greatest accomplishment of my career.” —Lt. William Springer (10:14)

2. Challenges of Investigating Other Unidentified Victims (Victims #6 and #9)

• Rifkin’s Reluctance

  • TV producer Peter Rice, who has communicated extensively with Rifkin, notes his hesitance to fully confirm victim identities, offering only a “probably.”

    “He wants to get close, but he’s reluctant to go all the way. And without a body and without DNA, it’s very difficult for police to conclusively say…” (10:39)

• The Search for Victim #6

  • Major Crimes Investigator Tiffany Attai picks up the hunt using DNA and genealogy, tirelessly seeking leads despite setbacks (06:15, 11:32).
  • The focus turns to Starlight Park in the Bronx. Investigators believe Rifkin dumped Victim #6, potentially Denise Griffin, in a barrel in this area based on his descriptions and old maps (14:41-18:24).
  • Historian Steven De Villo helps them narrow down possible dump sites by linking historical features with Rifkin’s recollections.
  • A major operation is launched: the NY State Police Dive Team conducts sonar and diver searches for the barrel (20:30-24:05).

• Search Outcome

  • Multiple promising sonar hits turn out to be logs or debris. As daylight wanes, hope fades.

    “Could have been buried under all this debris and silt for the last 30 years. Could have stayed on the surface and gone out to the ocean by now.” —Investigator, reflecting on possible scenarios (28:44)

  • The dive search ends without finding the barrel or remains, but police affirm their commitment:

    “I know I’m gonna be able to sleep better. And the thing, too, that I was thinking about, of the four back, all three were floating. And for some reason, this one was never found. So either it never occurred or it made its way out and it was never discovered in time.” —Investigator Attai (29:25)

3. The Role of Forensic Technology and Genetic Genealogy

• DNA testing is central to identifying remains and confirming missing persons’ identities—a theme repeated throughout as both a source of hope and frustration due to limitations (e.g., insufficient DNA from a snake bracelet for Victim #9; partial DNA from earrings for Victim #6) (25:25, 31:00).
• Investigators are beginning to use advanced genetic genealogy, and continuously seek family members willing to provide DNA to tie down uncertainties.

4. The Human Impact

• Family Voices
  • Moving interviews with family members of victims like Judith Veloz and Marilyn Mera highlight their enduring pain and hope.

    “I will never stop looking for my mother.” —Tanya Papajianikis, Marilyn Mera’s daughter (33:23) “I do believe answers are out there. I just wish someone would come forward and say what it is.” —Sue Ona, Judith Veloz’s sister (33:11)

  • Investigators align with families’ longing for closure, underscoring their mission:

    “You can never bring a victim back… But it is our duty in law enforcement to give answers to crimes. Your job as an investigator is to have that person’s voice to tell their story…” —Investigator Attai (33:46)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Persistence:

  “Don’t let it go. Don’t give up.” —Lt. Bruce Carnall to his detectives (02:47)

• On Getting Closure:

  “For me, this is the greatest accomplishment of my career. It was not only rewarding for myself, but I’m glad I could bring closure to the family.” —Lt. William Springer (10:14)

• On Rifkin’s Reluctance:

  “He knew the police knew it was her, but he didn’t go all the way to say that this is my first victim. He just said probably…” —Peter Rice (10:36)

• On Investigative Frustration and Hope:

  “Everybody wants to see the pretty. Not every case is pretty. Sometimes you think you’re going to get an answer and you don’t.” —Investigator Attai (30:10)

• On Unfinished Business:

  “Like I said, I don’t think this is the end. I think it’s just the beginning.” —Peter Rice (29:57)

Timeline of Important Segments

• 01:25: Confirmation that Joel Rifkin is linked to multiple murders.
• 02:23-03:00: Det. Carnall describes the initial investigation and his deep frustration at not solving the victim’s identity.
• 03:09-06:15: Springer’s renewed investigation using old arrest and missing persons records.
• 06:15-10:14: Forensic reconstruction, DNA comparison, and the ultimate identification of Heidi Balch.
• 14:41-18:24: Exploration and rationale behind the chosen search area for Victim #6.
• 20:30-24:05: Dive team’s operation and false alarms in the search for the barrel.
• 28:44: Discussion of possible outcomes and the enduring mystery—has the evidence washed away or remained hidden?
• 31:00: Explanation of ongoing efforts using DNA from victim possessions and the need for potential familial matches.
• 32:54-33:46: Family testimonies and investigators’ renewed commitments to giving these victims a voice and finding closure.

Conclusion

Despite advanced technology and decades of effort, the search for Rifkin’s remaining unidentified victims continues. The episode underscores both the challenges and rewards of cold case work—a calling marked by persistence, empathy, and faith that every story deserves an ending, and every victim deserves a name.

If you have information about victims #6, #9, Judith Veloz, or Marilyn Mera, contact NY State Police: 631-756-3300.