Unraveling the Mystery of Jimmy Hoffa: A Deep Dive into an Enduring Enigma

In March 2018, experienced producer Dan Cohen and I faced a daunting challenge: uncover the truth behind the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. Our guide through this investigative journey was Eric Shawn, a seasoned Fox News senior correspondent renowned for his persistent and principled reporting. The project eventually evolved into Riddle: The Search for James R. Hoffa, a documentary series on FOX Nation that I initially believed would merely encapsulate the mystery and mythology surrounding Detroit’s labor legacy and Hoffa’s renowned 1975 vanishing. However, my assumptions proved misguided, as Eric ensured we would delve much deeper.

What unfolded over the next seven years became some of the most significant work in my three-decade journalistic career. In the spring and summer of that first year, we journeyed to Detroit three times, seeking insights from former attorneys, reporters, historians, and experts in the field. Our exploration included interviews with Charles Brandt, the author of I Heard You Paint Houses, and extensive reviews of Temple University’s photo archives and the heavily redacted HOFFEX memo. We even revisited the notorious house on Beaverland Street, rumored to be the location where mob hitman Frank Sheeran allegedly took Hoffa’s life. This diligent investigation resulted in a meticulously researched first season that felt meaningful when FOX Nation debuted in November 2018. Yet we recognized our quest was far from over.

Despite our progress, numerous leads remained unverified, and conflicting theories proliferated. Families—most prominently the Hoffas—were still searching for answers. Consequently, we resolved to continue our inquiry.

The Unyielding Pursuit of Truth

Eric’s journalistic prowess is no coincidence. He is the same reporter that secured exclusives with individuals like Bernhard Goetz and Joey Buttafuoco, covering high-profile figures such as O.J. Simpson and John Gotti with the same grit he applied to the Hoffa investigation. Not only does he report on a story—he chases it, interrogates it, and does not relent until the truth comes to light.

Working alongside producer Bud Knapp, we expanded our investigation beyond Detroit, exploring the longstanding theory that Hoffa was transported to New Jersey and laid to rest at Moscato’s Dump in Jersey City. We interviewed the sons of the original dump owners—Phil Moscato Jr. and Frank Cappola—who presented compelling assertions that Hoffa was killed in Detroit, moved across state lines, and buried near the Pulaski Skyway. Their convictions stemmed from what their fathers had entrusted to them.

Our probes took us all around Essex, Bergen, and Morris Counties in New Jersey, as we drove extensively and engaged anyone who possessed relevant information. We explored every theory, even one suggesting that Hoffa might be buried under a backyard pool in East Rutherford, a property owned by Gabriel Briguglio, a New Jersey resident in 1975 and the last purported suspect with alleged mob ties. By the conclusion of Season 3 and 4 of Riddle, Eric had dismantled various prevailing theories, all while keeping Jimmy’s children, James P. and Barbara, respectfully informed, hopeful that our pursuit might one day offer them some semblance of closure.

Unforeseen Developments and New Directions

Then an extraordinary turn of events occurred. In 2021, based on our investigative leads, the FBI initiated a dig beneath the Pulaski Skyway. I have vivid memories of visiting the site before it drew media attention, observing disturbed earth and security cameras installed above. The FBI later confirmed that a dig took place in October 2021, revealing no trace of Hoffa. Nevertheless, the outcome underscored that our research was having a significant impact.

Yet we pressed on, our findings illuminating flaws in the New Jersey theory. This theory, which suggested that the Briguglio brothers, Sal and Gabe, along with the Andrettas, Thomas and Steven, traveled to Detroit in 1975 to execute Hoffa, proved dubious after closer scrutiny. Our investigation revealed that much of this narrative relied upon the testimony of Ralph Picardo, a convicted felon and pathological liar seeking reduced prison time. His dubious assertions about the Briguglio and Andretta brothers lacked credibility.

With this revelation, we turned our attention back to Detroit.

A Return to the Beginning

Guided by Scott Burnstein from Gangster Report, Eric led our team back to the origins of the investigation. By Season 6, our comprehensive study effectively cleared Gabriel Briguglio’s name, casting doubt on the long-held claims made by author Dan Moldea. Moldea, once perceived as the expert on Hoffa’s case, seemed to rely heavily on faulty sources like Picardo. Our series Riddle showcased how outdated and unreliable this information had become.

Eric’s dedication continued as he meticulously sifted through FBI files, revisited cold leads, and engaged in firsthand interviews. Eventually, we had the opportunity to speak with Gabriel Briguglio, the last living suspect, who shared his story candidly—finally liberated from decades of suspicion. In early 2025, we achieved a crucial milestone: we connected with the Hoffa family during a phone call that ultimately paved the way for an interview with James P. Hoffa for Season 7.

A Legacy of Empathy and Integrity

Fifty years after Jimmy Hoffa’s disappearance, we stood face-to-face with his son, James P. Hoffa, absorbing the sorrow and frustration only a family can endure. Eric’s respectful, pointed, and impactful interview transcended mere sensation-seeking; it aimed to pursue the truth. He posed the essential questions because, after all, this story still holds immense significance. We felt a profound connection to James P., as he remarked that “Fox has followed this all the way,” granting us an implicit approval to continue seeking closure for their family within this extensive mystery.

This project represents more than just a documentary. It is a mission steeped in empathy, perseverance, and journalistic ethics. Eric never lost sight of the human dimensions of this narrative. He remained devoted to unveiling the truth while sustaining his resolve, even during moments when leads grew cold. His determination exemplifies the essence of dedicated journalism.

From 2004, examining the floorboards of the Beaverland house for blood, to Season 7 of Riddle, currently streaming on FOX Nation, Eric Shawn has embodied the spirit of this investigation. The professionalism, dignity, and meticulousness he injected into this pursuit are unparalleled.

So when you engage with Riddle: The Search for James R. Hoffa, consider viewing it not merely for the mystery but also as a testament to what investigative journalism should embody.