Episode 400: Father Robert Hoeffner

Episode 400: Father Robert Hoeffner

From The First Degree by Alexis Linkletter, Jac Vanek

April 29, 2026 · 38 min

About this episode

Episode 400 discusses the murder of Father Robert Hoeffner and the disturbing secrets revealed during the investigation.

On January 28th, 2024, a 76-year-old man and his 69-year-old sister are murdered at their home in Palm Bay, Florida. The killer flees, engaging the police in a dramatic shootout that ends in more tragedy, with additional lives lost and officers risking their lives to bring an end to the carnage. The shooting of the initial male victim, a retired priest, stuns locals, who mourn his loss. How could a well-respected pillar of the community become the victim of such senseless violence? As the investigation continues, dark and disturbing secrets are exposed about the man everyone thought they knew. The shocking revelations cast a whole new light not just on the motivation behind his death, but the complicity of a system that actively protects predators. In episode 400, Jac and Alexis detail the case of Father Robert Hoeffner and discuss how, when evil goes unpunished in powerful institutions, it’s the victims who continue to suffer as their alleged abusers walk free. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jac Vanek, Alexis Linkletter

Topics covered

  • murder
  • investigation
  • community
  • violence
  • secrets
  • abuse
  • true crime

Keywords

  • Father Robert Hoeffner
  • murder
  • Palm Bay
  • investigation
  • violence
  • community
  • secrets
  • true crime

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Palm Bay, Florida

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