Crime and Coffee Couple — Episode 229

The Lost Boys of Bucks County

Release Date: January 25, 2026
Hosts: Allison and Mike

Episode Overview

In this episode, Allison and Mike investigate the tragic case of the "Lost Boys of Bucks County," detailing the disappearance and murder of four young men in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, during the summer of 2017. Through their signature blend of light marital banter and compassionate storytelling, the hosts explore how the cases unfolded, the resulting investigation, and the community response to a crime that shocked an entire region.

Key Topics & Chronological Breakdown

Intro and Listener Suggestion

• 02:25 Allison introduces the case as a listener suggestion from Amber.
  • The case revolves around four young men who disappeared within days of one another.
  • The only initial link between them: a pair of friends among the four; the rest were strangers.

Background: Bucks County and the Victims

• 09:20 Bucks County contextualized: a populous, historic region in eastern Pennsylvania.

• Jimmy Patrick (19) [09:21–12:54]

  • Last seen July 5, 2017, by his grandmother (loving and high-achieving college student).
  • Raised by grandparents, close-knit, hardworking—“He even bought his grandma her Prius.” [12:10]
  • Did not return home or respond to texts—immediately concerning.

• Family and Police Response [12:55–16:49]

  • Family frustrated by law enforcement's slow initial response.
  • Jimmy’s last cell ping traced to an unexpected area; confusion and distress for his family.

• Dean Finocchiaro (19) [16:49–21:23]

  • Disappeared July 7; adventurous, fearless, recently “getting his life…more in line.”
  • Close to parents; last seen after dinner with his father before telling him he’d be back “in 15 minutes.” He never returned.

• Tom Mayo (21) & Mark Sturgis (22) [27:41–31:17]

  • Best friends, last seen July 7 at 7:30pm, after work together.
  • Mark characterized as “the peacemaker of the family”; Tom as selfless, affectionate.

Early Investigation and Common Links

• 32:34–36:58 Private investigation efforts, family networking, and police slowly linking cases.
  • Noted: All four families exceptionally loving and attentive.
  • The name "Cosmo DiNardo" emerges—a local, erratic young man with a troubling reputation.
  • Surveillance footage links Cosmo’s truck leaving the neighborhood at key times.
  • Discovery of Tom’s car in a shed on the DiNardo property.

Cosmo DiNardo as Suspect

• 36:58–43:22
  • Initial police interview: Cosmo admits seeing Dean but claims they argued and he dropped Dean off.
    • “He was sitting there in the police station maintaining that he had no idea…” [36:58–37:50]
  • Media scrutiny reveals DiNardo’s affluent background, frequent run-ins with police, and a history of mental health issues.
  • Patterns of odd, aggressive social media behavior; friends found his demeanor increasingly disturbing.

Breakthroughs and Search of Property

• 43:34–45:43
  • Police secure a search warrant; find blood in the DiNardo barn.
  • Discovering phones, cars, and blood evidence leads to deepening concern.

Discovery of the Bodies

• 45:43–46:17
  • Police find a makeshift grave: “Investigators found multiple human remains under 12ft of ground.” [45:43]

Confession and Motives

• 46:17–52:35
  • Cosmo strikes a deal—reveals burial of Jimmy in exchange for avoiding the death penalty.
    • Details chillingly callous motives and actions.
    • Claims “drug deal gone wrong” stories, but evidence suggests violence for its own sake.
  • Cosmo's cousin, Sean Kratz, implicated; conflicting confessions, but both found to share guilt.
    • “Authorities believe that Cosmo killed these four boys simply because he could, because he had a sick and twisted mind, and he wanted to hunt people...for sport.” [52:36]

Aftermath: Legal & Emotional Fallout

• 54:09–55:18
  • Both perpetrators sentenced to life in prison.
  • Families file a wrongful death lawsuit against DiNardo’s parents for granting him access to weapons and equipment despite mental illness.
    • “They alleged...negligence by Cosmo's parents, who provided their mentally unstable child access...” [54:19]
• Documentary Resource: "The Lost Boys of Bucks County" (2020) is recommended for deeper insights.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Victims’ Families:
  • “All these kids came from very, very loving families. Each indication was like, ‘We love you, we’ll see you later.’ And then they don’t come home.” — Allison [31:17]
• On Police and Privilege:
  • “My least favorite thing to hear in all these stories…people that are big in their communities can get away with stuff.” — Mike [38:52]
• On Motive:
  • “Authorities believe Cosmo killed these four boys simply because he could, because he had a sick and twisted mind…” — Allison [52:36]
• On Parental Responsibility:
  • “Why in the world would he have access to guns?” — Allison [56:43]
• On Family Grief:
  • “Regardless of the fact that justice has been served, life will never be the same for four deeply grieving families.” — Allison [55:35]

Host Banter & Tone

• Sweet, sarcastic marital exchanges offset the heavy story:
  • “The only drug I need is your love.” — Mike [58:12]
  • “Oh, geez, that is really, really corny.” — Allison [58:18]
• Both hosts stress the randomness of the crime and the importance of close family ties:
  • “These were all very involved families. Loving. It’s just truly heartbreaking, really. That’s all I can say…” — Allison [58:32]
• Express deep sadness and frustration about systemic failures (privilege, inadequate bail, gun access).

Timestamps for Major Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|---------| | 02:25 | Case Introduction and Listener Suggestion | | 09:20 | Bucks County background & Intro to Jimmy Patrick | | 16:49 | Dean Finocchiaro’s disappearance | | 27:41 | Tom Mayo and Mark Sturgis disappearances | | 36:58 | Investigation zeroes in on Cosmo DiNardo | | 43:34 | Search of DiNardo property & blood evidence | | 45:43 | Discovery of bodies in buried oil tank | | 46:17 | Cosmo’s confession and the murder sequence | | 52:36 | Law enforcement interpretation of motives | | 54:09 | Aftermath, sentencing, wrongful death suit | | 55:35 | Reflections on family grief, lasting impact | | 56:50–end | Host banter, closing thoughts |

Summary Insights

• The Lost Boys of Bucks County case is a devastating example of random, senseless violence compounded by systemic privilege and missed opportunities for intervention.
• The four victims, all deeply loved and on promising paths, were lured to their deaths by someone in their social periphery.
• The case spotlights the intersection of mental illness, access to weapons, and the enduring pain of families left behind.
• Allison and Mike’s empathetic approach gives space for the victims’ stories, blending meticulous research with a respectful, conversational tone.

Resource Mentioned:

• The Lost Boys of Bucks County — 2020 Documentary

For full episode notes, references, and more, visit:
https://crimeandcoffeecouple.com/