Podcast Summary: Cold Case Files – REOPENED: Blood on the Badge

Podcast: Cold Case Files
Host: Paula Barros / Brooke Giddings
Episode Title: REOPENED: Blood on the Badge
Release Date: November 20, 2025

Overview

This episode of Cold Case Files revisits the chilling 1971 murder of Atlanta police officer James "Jim" Richard Green. With a blend of investigative narration, survivor memories, and law enforcement interviews, the episode walks listeners through decades of frustration, the involvement of the Black Liberation Army (BLA), and modern breakthroughs that finally brought the officer’s killer to justice 30 years later. The narrative balances historical context and personal impact, ultimately showing both the devastation of unsolved crime and the persistence of justice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Murder of Officer Jim Green (01:27–04:21)

• Scene Setting: Officer Jim Green, working a night shift in Atlanta, stopped for food during his break and was murdered while eating in his car.
• Immediate Details:
  • Discovered dead with his lunch still in hand.
  • His gun and badge were stolen.
  • Charlotte Moore, an eyewitness, described seeing suspicious men and their “wild-eyed” appearance ([02:09]).
• Forensic Analysis:
  • Jim Green was shot three times by two different guns (.38 caliber and .30 caliber, based on groove markings) ([03:22–04:05]).
• Crime Theory: Investigation concluded it was an assassination (“definitely an execution”). No evidence Green drew his weapon.

"Oh, it was definitely an execution. One person firing from the driver's side with the 8 groove .38 special revolver. Another person firing from the passenger side window with a sixth groove of .38 Special." — Kelly Feit, Criminalist ([04:05])

Early Investigation and Suspects (04:21–07:27)

• Lack of Personal Enemies: Both investigators and Green's family believe the motive was anti-police, not personal.
• BLA Connection: Focus turns to The Black Liberation Army, a radical offshoot of the Black Panthers linked to bank robberies and violence against police.
• Notable Quote:

"Why would you kill a police officer and take his weapon and tear his badge from his chest? I mean that really stuck with me throughout the whole investigation." — Sgt. Lewis Graham ([04:38])

• Suspect List: Five BLA members suspected — John Leo Thomas, Samuel Cooper, Joanne Chesmar, Twyman Myers, Freddy Hilton.
• Complications: Key suspects escape from jail; their safe house is raided but suspects remain at large ([07:11–07:27]).

A Break in the Case: Samuel Cooper Talks (07:27–09:10)

• Interview in Florida (1972): Cooper, a recently arrested BLA member, is cooperative and implicates Myers and Hilton in the murder. He says they presented Green’s badge and gun to BLA leader John Leo Thomas.

"I really suspected he wouldn't talk to us, but what I found out was he talked very freely. He was just a young kid... really ready to give it all up." — Sgt. Lewis Graham ([08:10])

• Legal Setback: Despite new evidence and a willing witness, the District Attorney declines prosecution. The case goes cold.

"I was shocked. I couldn't believe it. I was hurt." — Sgt. Lewis Graham ([09:18])

Decades Later: The Case Reopens (12:07–15:01)

• 2001 Brooklyn: Freddie Hilton, by then known as Kamau Siddiqui, is arrested for child sexual abuse. While investigating Hilton, Detective Chris Karakowski discovers his real identity and old warrant connected to Officer Green’s case.

“He told me that his real name was Freddie Hilton... he wanted to start over and leave Freddie Hilton in the past.” — Detective Karakowski ([13:25])

• Reopened Investigation: Atlanta’s Detective Jim Rose, with MC Cox, revisits the BLA casefiles, seeking witnesses.

Witness Cooperation and Corroboration (15:15–19:25)

• Witnesses Revisited:
  • Avon White: Former BLA member now a pastor, recounts how BLA leader John Leo Thomas trained him and confirms details from Cooper’s testimony.
  • Bobby Brown: Identifies Myers and Hilton as the killers; recalls the phrase "they took care of business" referring to Green’s murder.
  • Ron Anderson: Confirms Hilton’s involvement, describes handling the murder weapon.

“After he shot him, I think they took his gun and his badge from him... that was their proof that they had killed him.” — Avon White ([17:29])

“They said they took care of business.” — Bobby Brown ([18:29])

• Emotional Reflection: Avon White expresses both relief and remorse, stating, “I just told him what I knew and leave it in the hands of the Lord...”

The Trial and Verdict (19:25–21:51)

• Indictment and Arrest: Hilton is extradited from New York to Georgia in 2002.
• Trial Evidence: Witnesses testify consistently. The prosecution finds their remorse and truthfulness credible.

“I think they were genuinely sorry about the fact that an officer had been killed. And...the last thing they really wanted to do was to have to come down here and testify.” — Prosecutor Al Dixon ([20:32])

• Verdict: Hilton is convicted of murder, sentenced to life plus 18 years.

"It was very emotional. I think it was justice served, but long overdue. And there was a lot of relief in my case. I guess it was like taking a thousand pound weight off my back." — Det. Jim Rose ([21:06])

• Victim’s Family Response: Jim Green’s friend Larry King feels partial relief, wishing the penalty matched the loss ([21:26]).

Legacy and Final Reflections (21:51–22:15)

• Institutional Change: Success leads to the formation of an Atlanta Police Department team dedicated to solving cold cases.

“We have to send a strong message to people that... we're gonna track you down and we're gonna continue to work on those cases if it takes forever.” — Chief Pennington ([22:02])

• Current Status: Freddie Hilton remains incarcerated in Georgia at age 68.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Motive:
  “They shot the uniform and not Jim.” — Larry King ([05:11])

• On BLA Radicalism:
  “The east coast faction wanted to be more radical, you know, wanted to be more physical, more violent...” — Former BLA Member ([06:24])

• On Justice:
  “That could have been me...I look back on it now and I thank God that he never gave me such an order.” — Avon White ([19:54])

Important Timestamps

• 01:27: Case begins; Officer Green’s murder
• 03:22: Forensic findings
• 05:11: Testimony about Jim Green’s character
• 07:11–07:27: Jail escape, suspects go underground
• 08:10: Cooper turns, provides names and details
• 13:25: Hilton’s true identity revealed during unrelated arrest
• 15:15–19:25: BLA witnesses confirm details, case rebuilt
• 19:54: Emotional witness testimony on reflection and regret
• 21:06: Conviction and justice, emotional release
• 22:02: Formation of Cold Case Unit

Summary

This episode meticulously tracks a decades-old investigation — from the shocking murder of Officer Jim Green to years of frustration and ultimate closure with a conviction aided by new witness testimony and dogged detective work. It highlights the social context of the early 1970s, the deep scars left on a victim’s family, and how time, conscience, and persistent inquiry can finally bring resolution. With strong testimony and emotional candor from both law enforcement and former radicals, it’s an engrossing look at the rare 1% of cold cases that finally, painfully, get solved.