True Crime Garage: Charlotte Fimiano Part 2 – Detailed Summary

Release Date: January 13, 2025

In the second part of the "Charlotte Fimiano" episode, hosts Nick and the Captain delve deeper into the perplexing case of Charlotte Fimiano, exploring intricate details, potential connections to other unsolved murders, and scrutinizing the investigative processes undertaken by law enforcement.

Introduction to the Case

Nick introduces listeners to the unresolved homicide of Charlotte Fimiano, a 40-year-old real estate agent who was found dead in a vacant home on September 11, 1997. The discussion begins by comparing Charlotte's case to that of Sherry L. Lewis, another real estate agent who was brutally murdered in Decatur, Illinois, in 1994.

Nick states, “Sherry L. Lewis, a realtor from Decatur, Illinois who was murdered on August 5, 1994...[she] was found deceased in a Macon county residence...”

Potential Connection Between Cases

The hosts explore the possibility of a connection between the two cases, noting similarities in the victims' professions and the nature of their deaths. However, they acknowledge the skepticism surrounding such links due to statistical improbabilities.

Nick remarks, “I think you're going to hear me say two things in this episode that you've never heard me say in almost 700 episodes of True Crime Garage...but...the number. Numbers don't pan out. It's almost never true.”

Despite initial impressions that the cases might be connected, further investigation by authorities found no direct links.

Analyzing the Evidence

The conversation shifts to the specifics of Charlotte’s case, particularly focusing on the phone calls that led to her meeting at the vacant home. The Captain speculates on the nature of these calls, considering whether they were part of a targeted attack or a crime of opportunity.

The Captain posits, “...there's a sexual component to them,” referring to the possibility of a sexually motivated crime.

Nick elaborates, “...a lot of killers have told us it is surprisingly difficult at times to strangle someone to death... and I think that's when the gun comes into play.”

Investigative Insights

The hosts discuss the challenges faced by investigators, especially concerning the tracing of phone calls made from payphones in 1997. They highlight the limitations of technology at the time and how it impacts the ability to locate perpetrators.

Nick points out, “...the payphone obviously is not a free call. Somebody... called from a residential location in that same area code where there was no long distance calling needed.”

The Role of the Husband

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Charlotte's husband, who was ruled out as a suspect due to his verified alibi. However, the hosts grapple with the implications of this ruling and its timing relative to the appointment that led to Charlotte's death.

Nick states, “If someone were to set up a hit and it were a husband to take out his wife, what time am I scheduling it for? When I'm at work? When I'm accounted for?”

Despite these musings, they acknowledge that there is no substantial evidence implicating the husband, and he maintained a cooperative stance with law enforcement.

Theories and Speculations

The hosts present multiple theories, ranging from the involvement of a complete stranger with possible criminal sophistication to the deeply unsettling possibility of a hit orchestrated by someone familiar to Charlotte.

The Captain suggests, “You going to hear me say two things in this episode that you've never heard me say in almost 700 episodes of True Crime Garage.”

Meanwhile, Nick contends, “I think that there's too many connecting factors. I think that the stranger would have to know too much.”

Open Questions and Unresolved Mysteries

As the episode progresses, Nick emphasizes the numerous unanswered questions that continue to shroud the case in mystery. He calls on listeners to contribute any new information that might shed light on the circumstances surrounding Charlotte's death.

Nick urges, “If anybody can, can send us a link to that, hit us up on Twitter, Instagram, or put it on our blog on truecrimegarage.com that's information that we need to know.”

Conclusion and Call to Action

In wrapping up, the hosts reiterate the complexities and the fragmented nature of the case, highlighting the ongoing search for answers and justice for Charlotte Fimiano. They also mention the availability of a reward for information, although it appears to be outdated.

Nick concludes, “This case is incredibly interesting. There's a lot of, a lot of problems and a lot of puzzle pieces missing from this case. We want to hear what you think and what your thoughts are.”

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the podcast's online platforms to provide information or seek further details about the case.

Notable Quotes

• [04:56] Nick: “I think you're going to hear me say two things in this episode that you've never heard me say in almost 700 episodes of True Crime Garage.”

• [05:46] Nick: “The only reason why this rattled me a little bit...they look very similar.”

• [11:29] Nick: “I am very glad that you started to go down this road. What I wanted to point out here.”

• [16:01] Nick: “What do we know about the killer? We know only two things, in my opinion.”

• [29:50] The Captain: “All right, we are back. Cheers, mates. Onward and upward. Cheers to you, Colonel.”

Final Thoughts

The "Charlotte Fimiano Part 2" episode of True Crime Garage offers a compelling exploration of a cold case, highlighting the intricacies of criminal investigations and the profound impact of unresolved crimes on communities and families. Through thoughtful analysis and open-ended questioning, Nick and the Captain encourage listeners to engage critically with the case, fostering a collaborative search for truth and closure.