Former Kansas City, Kansas, detective Roger Golubski is accused of putting an innocent man in jail, exploiting vulnerable Black women, and terrorizing the community for decades. How did he get away with it for so long, and what does justice look like for his victims? From KCUR Studios and the NPR Midwest Newsroom, Overlooked is an investigative podcast about the systemic problems long left unaddressed throughout the Midwest.
On Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022, FBI agents arrested Roger Golubski — a retired Kansas City, Kansas, Police detective — on charges that he raped, sexually assaulted and kidnapped two women in the 1990s. Golubski's indictment and arrest was a big deal in the community.
But it’s far from over. These federal charges are just a tiny piece of a decades-long story.
In 1994, Golubski put an innocent man, Lamonte McIntyre, in prison for 23 years. And it wasn’t until 2017, when McIntyre was exonerated and a list of murdered women appeared, that people in power started to realize how deep the problem went.
Golubski had been using his badge to exploit women for decades — and it was an open secret. How could this have happened for so long, and what does justice look like for his alleged victims?
From KCUR Studios and the NPR Midwest Newsroom, Overlooked is an award-winning investigative podcast about the systemic problems long left unaddressed throughout the Midwest.
Hosted by veteran reporter Peggy Lowe, Overlooked features never-before-heard details about the ongoing federal investigation into Golubski and the KCKPD, and interviews with the people who have been wronged by their actions.
We hear what it’s been like for Golubski's accusers to live with decades of pain — and how they’re still seeking answers and asking for accountability.
Listen to the full season now.
Praise for Overlooked
Public Media Journalists Association Awards 2023: Best Narrative/Produced Podcast (First Place) and Best Investigative Reporting (Second Place)
Investigative Reporters & Editors Awards 2023: Best Audio Project (Small Market)
Crime Writers On: "A great example of what great local public radio reporting can do to elevate stories to a national audience."
Kansas Reflector: “'Overlooked' is its own thing: a blend of thorough reporting, vibrant writing and narrative storytelling."
NPR: "15 binge-worthy podcasts to check out"
Current: "Overlooked walks the line between true crime and public media. While some parts are certainly jaw-dropping, it is never sensational."
Overlooked is a production of KCUR Studios and the NPR Midwest Newsroom, and a member of the NPR Podcast Network.
It’s hosted by Peggy Lowe, with reporting by Peggy Lowe, Steve Vockrodt and Dan Margolies. Mackenzie Martin and Suzanne Hogan produced, mixed, and did the sound design for the podcast, with editing by CJ Janovy and mixing help from Paris Norvell and Trevor Grandin. Digital editing by Gabe Rosenberg. Social media promotion by Allison Harris.
Photos by Carlos Moreno and Julie Denesha. Artwork by Crysta Henthorne and Chandler Johnson of Kalimizzou. Music from Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Genevieve Des Marteau, Lisa Rodriguez and Holly Edgell.