Episode 8: The Finish Line | Valley of Shadows

Episode 8: The Finish Line | Valley of Shadows

From Examined: The Backfire Effect by Western Sound and Pushkin Industries

March 2, 2026 · 53 min · Season 5 · Episode 8

About this episode

The episode focuses on a reunion of retired detectives that sheds light on the Aujay investigation and recent tragic events linked to deputy Engels.

A reunion between two retired detectives brings new focus to the Aujay investigation, just as Hayley and Betsy find out about another tragedy in the Punchbowl area. When a woman and her father are shot dead in deputy Engels’ home, the fatalities should’ve prompted the sheriff’s department to take a harder look at the alleged dirty deputy. But, instead, the LASD tries to bury the matter and — just like in the Aujay case — the deaths are ruled suicides. Hayley and Betsy press the department for answers about these and other suspicious deaths that occurred in Engels’ jurisdiction. Hear the full Valley of Shadows soundtrack here . Binge the entire season of Valley of Shadows, ad-free, by subscribing to Pushkin+. Sign up on the Valley of Shadows show page on Apple Podcasts or at Pushkin.fm/plus . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Topics covered

  • investigation
  • true crime
  • detectives
  • suspicious deaths
  • law enforcement
  • tragedy

Keywords

  • Aujay investigation
  • deputy Engels
  • Punchbowl area
  • suspicious deaths
  • Valley of Shadows
  • LASD
  • tragedy

Sponsors

Pushkin+

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: LASD

Books & works: Valley of Shadows

Places: Punchbowl area

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