Podcast Summary: One of Their Own – Trailer

Host: KPBS
Date: October 31, 2025
Episode: One of Their Own Trailer

Overview

This trailer introduces One of Their Own, a new investigative podcast exploring the mysterious death of San Diego police officer Ciara Estrada. The story questions the official ruling of suicide by her own department and shares emotional insights from her family and friends, who suspect a cover-up and demand a more thorough investigation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Night of Ciara Estrada’s Death

• The trailer sets an emotional tone by referencing the events of New Year’s Eve 2017 leading into New Year’s Day 2018.
• Ciara attended a party with her police officer boyfriend and friends (00:03–00:18).
• “A picture of her in her dress where she's happy, smiling and obviously drinking…” (B, 00:18)
• Her high blood alcohol content is noted, but family and friends are shocked by her sudden death just hours later (B, 00:18–00:32).

2. Initial Discovery and Department Response

• Ciara is found dead, with a gun in her lap and a bullet wound between her eyes (C, 00:32–00:51).
• “They just said she was shot. She shot herself, that's all. They said she shot herself.” (D, 00:42)
• The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) – her own colleagues – are the ones to investigate (C, 00:59).

3. Doubts and Division Over the Cause of Death

• Family members voice strong suspicions about the ruling of suicide:
  • “Was it possible? Yes. Is it probable? No.” (B, 00:51)
  • “Something's never been right here. Something doesn't settle right.” (D, 00:55)
• They criticize SDPD for the lack of impartiality and potential conflict of interest in investigating one of their own (D & C, 01:02).
  • “You don't take care of your own. You don't handle cases of a police officer. There's too much conflict of interest here.” (D, 01:02)
• The death is almost immediately called a suicide, which some view as suspiciously hasty (C, 01:10; A, 01:13).

4. Enduring Grief and Unanswered Questions

• Years later, the people close to Ciara remain divided:
  • “I will tell you flat out to your face and anybody, that my daughter did not kill herself. She did not kill herself.” (A, 01:24)
  • “She was suicidal. 100%. There was no doubt in my head.” (B, 01:31)
• The family points out persistent red flags and maintains that the full story is still hidden (A, 01:36).
  • “How she died. Gunshot to the head does not explain why she died.” (B, 01:43)
• The unresolved pain is evident:
  • “I want to know more about that night. I still have so many questions, I don't even know what to ask.” (B, 02:06)

5. Allegations of Mishandled Evidence

• The family expresses concerns about possible evidence destruction:
  • “They're destroying evidence.” (A, 02:10)
• The fact that Ciara was “one of their own” may have influenced the handling and outcome of the investigation (C, 02:11).

6. A Mother’s Ongoing Fight

• Ciara’s mother, still seeking answers after six years, demands proof of the official ruling:
  • “It's been six years, and I still want proof that my daughter killed herself. I don't believe she did. And I want proof.” (A, 02:17)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the sudden and shocking loss:
  • “How is she dead two hours later?” (B, 00:18)
• On the pain of an unanswered tragedy:
  • “Man, talk about your stomach just dropping to the floor.” (B/C, 00:38)
• On the conflicts in the investigation:
  • “You don't handle cases of a police officer… There's too much conflict of interest here.” (D, 01:02)
• On ongoing doubts:
  • “Something's never been right here. Something doesn't settle right.” (D, 00:55)
  • “There’s just too many red flags... I’m just never going to believe that she killed herself.” (A, 01:36)
• On emotional urgency, years later:
  • “It's been six years, and I still want proof that my daughter killed herself. I don’t believe she did. And I want proof.” (A, 02:17)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening and Emotional Scene-Setting: 00:03–00:18
• New Year's Eve Photos and BAC Mention: 00:18–00:32
• Discovery of Ciara’s Body: 00:32–00:42
• Family’s Anguish and Department's Response: 00:42–01:13
• Enduring Disagreements and Red Flags: 01:19–01:43
• Demand for Answers and Hints at Cover-Up: 01:55–02:17

Conclusion

The trailer for One of Their Own introduces a gripping, emotionally charged podcast investigating Ciara Estrada’s mysterious death and the controversy around how it was handled by her police department. The podcast promises to ask tough questions about loyalty, accountability, and the search for truth when “one of their own” is lost under suspicious circumstances.

Follow One of Their Own, a new podcast from KPBS, wherever you listen.