Crook County: Episode 7 – "The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone"
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Host: Kyle Tekiela
Produced by Tenderfoot TV and iHeartPodcasts
Introduction
In Episode 7 of Crook County, titled "The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone," Kyle Tekiela delves deeper into the tumultuous life of his father, Ken Tekiela—a revered Chicago firefighter who simultaneously led a clandestine existence as a hitman for the Chicago mafia. This episode unpacks the intricate web of deception, violence, and corruption that plagued Ken's life and profoundly impacted his family.
A New Beginning and Family Life
The episode opens with reflections on Ken's transition to civilian life. After surviving a tragic plane crash—the worst commercial air disaster in U.S. history—Ken found a new direction, deciding to become a paramedic firefighter. This career change marked the beginning of his attempt to leave his violent past behind and focus on building a stable family life.
Ken Tekiela [04:58]: "I really wanted to get back into civilian life. I was ready for it, man. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with this girl... start having a normal life, you know?"
Ken quickly married his wife, Honey, and welcomed two sons, Kyle and Corey. Their suburban life appeared idyllic, filled with ordinary family joys like hockey games and weekend trips. However, beneath this veneer of normalcy lurked the shadows of Ken's unresolved past.
Under the Surface: First Signs of Violence
Despite the outward appearance of stability, occasional incidents hinted at Ken's lingering connection to his criminal life. One notable event from Kyle’s childhood involved Ken violently disciplining an opponent’s parent during a hockey game confrontation.
Kyle Tekiela [08:43]: "I saw Dad lay the motherfucker out. Imagine that. And don't attack him."
Another disturbing revelation came when Ken returned home with visible gunshot wounds, contradicting his supposed departure from the mob life.
Ken Tekiela [10:11]: "I got shot... Small caliber gunshot. It was a gunshot."
These incidents were isolated yet critical indicators that Ken’s past was far from over, despite his attempts to shield his family from his violent dealings.
Covering Up for Corrupt Cops
As Ken settled into his role as a firefighter, he found himself entangled once again with law enforcement corruption. The Chicago Outfit had deeply infiltrated the police department, enabling Ken to cover up murders and other illicit activities orchestrated by crooked cops.
Violent Cover-Ups
Ken was often called upon to manipulate crime scenes and reports to protect his mafioso associates. This moral compromise was a direct threat to his aspirations of a peaceful, family-oriented life.
Ken Tekiela [13:08]: "I'm covering up murders that these cops are doing... It’s the devil. It’s following me wherever I go."
The consequences of these actions were severe. Ken recounted harrowing stories of police brutality, including incidents where off-duty officers tortured and killed innocent civilians, demanding that Ken alter his official reports to conceal these atrocities.
Holly Fry [23:19]: "They forced him to eat out of a feed bag and tortured him, leading to his death... Your dad was furious that they bullied that kid and basically killed him."
Impact on the Family
Kyle and his family were largely oblivious to these dark undertakings, living blissfully unaware of the constant danger looming over them. The revelation of Ken’s double life shattered their perception of safety and trust.
Maria Tremarchi [12:59]: "It's so unsafe for your family, being in a world like that and doing things like that and jeopardizing your family and our safety."
Mike's Testimony: A Glimpse into Ken’s True Nature
A pivotal section of the episode features testimonies from Ken's former partner, Mike—a close friend who worked with him at a private ambulance company and various fire departments over 18 years. Mike provides an unfiltered look into Ken's aggressive and protective nature.
Ken’s Temper and Loyalty
Mike illustrates Ken's confrontational demeanor and unwavering loyalty, traits that made him both respected and feared among peers.
Mike [16:23]: "Your dad was the one person I really felt comfortable with... Doesn't matter what happens because we can handle anything that comes down the pipe."
He recounts an incident where Ken violently subdued a disruptive paramedic partner, demonstrating his capacity for extreme measures to maintain control and protect his interests.
Holly Fry [19:16]: "Ken grabbed him by the neck and started choking him... The guy's head turned purple, and he passed out."
Unyielding Partnership
Despite the resulting tensions and the eventual directive from their fire department chief to cease working together, Mike and Ken's bond remained unbreakable, reinforcing Ken's dual existence as a family man and a mob enforcer.
The Inescapable Darkness of Organized Crime
The episode further explores the pervasive corruption within Cook County's police force, highlighting how deeply the Chicago Outfit had embedded itself within law enforcement. This entanglement made it nearly impossible for Ken to fully detach from his criminal responsibilities.
Holly Fry [27:21]: "They had operatives all the way up... running their own jewel theft ring. Major corruption."
The influence extended to the judicial system, where even judges would dismiss cases involving Outfit members, ensuring a cycle of impunity and protection for organized crime figures.
Struggles and Regrets
Ken’s internal conflict is palpable as he grapples with his inability to escape the criminal world. His acknowledgment of the devil's persistent presence signifies his torment and the inescapable pull of his past deeds.
Ken Tekiela [13:08]: "The devil. It’s following me wherever I go. I can't shake this son of a, he won't leave me alone."
His struggle was not just professional but deeply personal, as he had to reconcile his role as a protector of his family with his obligations to the mafia and corrupt officials.
Conclusion: A Life of Deception and Its Aftermath
"The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone" paints a vivid picture of Ken Tekiela's complex dual life, illustrating how his relentless ties to organized crime undermined his efforts to maintain a normal family existence. The episode underscores the profound and lasting impact of Ken's actions on his family, revealing the heartbreaking reality of living with secrets and the constant threat of violence.
Kyle Tekiela's exploration in this episode serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate balance between personal desires and external obligations, and the devastating consequences when the two clash irreconcilably.
Notable Quotes with Timelines
- Ken Tekiela [04:58]: "I really wanted to get back into civilian life..."
- Kyle Tekiela [08:43]: "I saw Dad lay the motherfucker out..."
- Ken Tekiela [13:08]: "The devil. It’s following me wherever I go..."
- Holly Fry [19:16]: "Ken grabbed him by the neck and started choking him..."
- Maria Tremarchi [12:59]: "It's so unsafe for your family..."
"The Devil Won't Leave Me Alone" is a gripping installment of Crook County, offering listeners an unflinching look into the shadowy intersections of familial love, loyalty, and the inescapable past. Through personal anecdotes, firsthand testimonies, and raw emotion, Kyle Tekiela masterfully unravels the layers of his father's enigmatic life, leaving listeners both captivated and contemplative.