Lt. Chris McMullin, host of ‘Philadelphia Homicide,’ on how detectives deal with shocking cases

Oxygen In his new True Crime documentaries, he focuses on cases from the “City of Brotherly Love”. Murder in Philadelphia. Lt. Chris McMullin of the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office hosts a program that explores the intricacies of some of the most harrowing cases in the Philadelphia region. McMullin and other former and current area detectives provide first-hand accounts that accompany archival footage as each episode investigates crimes such as robberies, assaults, sex crimes and homicides. With a career spanning over 30 years, most of it as a detective.

The premiere focuses on detectives looking to catch the killer of veteran police officer Corporal Michael Beverly, who was shot in 2001. Subsequent episodes include the mysterious death of a hospital employee and the discovery of who was responsible for bludgeoning a beloved chiropractor. McMullin was instrumental in bringing the perpetrator from episode two to justice.

Here, the 54-year-old announces future events in the series and his surprising acting career.

What does it mean to you to be the host of this Philadelphia-centric show?

Lieutenant Chris McMullin: I am very happy and excited. The idea appeared a few years ago. I want to be able to honor the victims and their families. I want to show how hard these detectives work and how relentlessly they dig. The idea of ​​how these cases sometimes become personal for them in their pursuit of justice for the victims. They work hard.

Given your long career, you are the perfect host for this event.

I’ve been here for some time now. I just got lucky. My producer Molly ( Majock) I heard myself doing a podcast a few years ago. There’s a story I always come back to that I told on the podcast that particularly touched her. That’s why she called me. It was “The Starfish Story” ( how sending one starfish home can create a domino effect and symbolize commitment to solving unsolved cases). I’m very happy to be a part of it. I hope it shows how hard law enforcement works in these cases to bring closure to the families.

Were there any cases you didn’t know about?

There was one in East Norriton that I don’t remember ever hearing about. Although I am friends with one of the researchers working on this case. It was neat. There are some cases that I wasn’t involved in or weren’t from my department, but I know the people involved.

What issues have you had a hand in?

I’ve had my hand in two things this season. IN Doctor James Sowa cAlso, I wasn’t the principal investigator, but I was involved. The Sowa case took place when the perpetrator in this case was actually known to one of the detectives. He coached him in basketball. There is a personal relationship there. The case took place in 2005. The victim’s name was Christian Rojas. I was very involved in this case.

The series really shows how dangerous this job can be and what happens when departments come together to get answers.

In the Beverly case, the gang from this city intimidated almost everyone. No one wanted to talk to the police for fear of retaliation. In one sense, they were holding the city hostage. The only detective involved in the case did not give up. He promised Corporal Beverly that he would find this killer and he did. It shows tireless hard work and how it becomes personal.

Is there anything that makes Philadelphia stand out?

Philadelphia is a unique city. The people here are genuine people and wear their hearts on their sleeves. Philadelphia is sometimes considered an underdog city, especially when it comes to professional sports. I think it’s a great area. People are very passionate and resilient.

What role do you think the development of technology has played in some cases?

Technology has certainly impacted the way crime is investigated. It helped in many ways. Coming back to the case of Dr. Sowa. Near Dr. Sowa’s office, third-party security cameras helped solve the case. On the other hand, technology can get in the way. If information is stored on your phone but is locked, access to your phone may be difficult. Sometimes you have to use the lab and tools to get there. In the second episode, a forensic technique involving a bullet casing informs the police that they are not dealing with a person who has not only committed a single crime, but that there are connections with several cases. The technology told them that at this point they were dealing with a prolific killer.

You’ve played just as well over the years. How did it happen?

It’s actually law enforcement’s fault that I got myself into this. Around 1998, it was the Bucks County District Attorney’s office and the Victim Assistance Network. They produced industrial films and training films on how to properly testify in court. How to properly conduct research and the like. I and another officer were asked if we would train police officers through various training videos. We did it. I was about 28 years old then. I had a great time. The director encouraged me to continue with the film and so I did.

Where would people recognize you?

I’ve had some good parts over the years. I didn’t quit my day job, but I had a small part in it Boundless. I did a scene with Bradley Cooper. It was really cool. I played a fireman Law & Order SVU a few years ago. I had a small role in a TV show Servant. These were main roles with dialogue. I probably would have auditioned for 100 and 97. I wouldn’t have gotten a call back, but I played a lot of supporting roles. However, I managed to get promoted and take on several leading roles. It was great fun.

Do you like to play on your home field or do you prefer to go to other areas?

I certainly feel comfortable playing in my field. If I had the opportunity, I would gladly expand my business. I’m willing to try different roles. I would love to play a lawyer or a victim, or maybe even a bad guy. We’ll see what comes.

Do they ever bring you on set just to bring a different level of authenticity?

I remember being on set Boundless and director Neil Burger asked me if this was happening, how would you do it? He asked me from my perspective how I would do it in real life. There was some technical advice there.

What do you want to tell viewers before watching? Murder in Philadelphia?

I want them to see that we have a lot of respect for the victims and their families. I just want them to see how hard these investigators work. Some of these episodes, like the one with the Center City Serial Killer and Rapist, where you’ll see detectives at work. These guys are the real deal. You’re talking about conviction and digging deeper into the case. They are the best of the best.

Murder in Philadelphia premiere, October 26, 9/8c, Oxygen True Crime