Solving Cases Across Decades: Pete Hughes on Cold Case Investigations

From Fed Time Stories by David Brant & John Gill

October 9, 2025 · 1h 1m · Episode 17

About this episode

Pete Hughes discusses his extensive experience in law enforcement and the unique challenges of cold case investigations.

Cold cases test the patience, persistence, and creativity of any investigator. Few know this better than Pete Hughes. In this episode of Fed Time Stories, hosts Dave Brant and John Gill talk with Pete about his four decades in law enforcement, from his early years as a patrol officer to his leadership role at NCIS. Pete shares how he helped shape the agency’s cold case program and the unique methods investigators use when re-examining unsolved crimes years later. He also reflects on one of hi...

People in this episode

Hosts: Dave Brant, John Gill

Guest: Pete Hughes

Topics covered

cold case investigations
law enforcement
unsolved crimes
investigative methods
agency leadership

Keywords

cold cases
law enforcement
NCIS
investigation techniques
unsolved crimes
Pete Hughes

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NCIS