Exploring the Search for Jimmy Hoffa
In March 2018, producer Dan Cohen and I took on a challenging project—investigating the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. Hosted by Eric Sean, a seasoned correspondent known for his reporting, this endeavor, titled Riddle: Search for James R. Hoffa, has unfolded into something I never quite anticipated. Initially, I thought this might be a straightforward documentary, but it turned out to be anything but that.
Over the past seven years, our work has become one of the most significant undertakings in my journalism career. During that first spring and summer, we made several trips to Detroit to connect with past lawyers, reporters, and experts in the field. We even interviewed Charles Blunt, the author of I Heard You Paint Houses, sifting through Temple University’s photo archives and diving deep into Hoffa-related documents. The first season, released in November 2018 on Fox Nation, felt satisfying—like we had really accomplished something. Still, we knew that it was just the beginning.
There were simply too many unresolved leads and conflicting theories out there. Many families, especially Hoffa’s, still sought answers. So, we persisted.
Eric, with his solid journalistic credentials, was the perfect person for this task. He’s the same reporter who conducted exclusive interviews with notable figures like Bernhard Goetz and Joey Buttafuoco. He doesn’t just follow stories; he digs into them, asking tough questions until the truth emerges.
With the help of producer Bud Knapp, we expanded our investigation beyond Michigan to explore longstanding theories about Hoffa potentially being buried in New Jersey. We spoke with the sons of former dump owners in Jersey City and examined claims suggesting Hoffa was murdered in Detroit and moved across state lines.
Our search even took us to various counties in New Jersey, where we explored rumors that Hoffa might be buried under a backyard pool linked to a suspect from 1975. As seasons progressed, Eric challenged several theories, but Hoffa’s children remained hopeful that our work might someday provide clarity regarding their father’s fate.
In a remarkable turn of events, our reporting led the FBI to excavate areas beneath the Pulaski Skyway in 2021. I still recall being at the site and how it felt to witness our investigation yielding real results. Although nothing was found, the fact that the FBI acted on our findings indicated that our research was making an impact.
Despite that progress, we continued to analyze theories and exposed weaknesses in various narratives. Some claims we encountered were based on dubious sources, particularly a felon whose credibility was questionable at best.
So, we returned to Detroit. With the assistance of Scott Burnstein, we revisited the roots of our investigation. By season six, we cleared some names associated with the case and raised questions about long-standing claims made by a prominent author who had, in part, relied on those same untrustworthy sources.
Finally, in early 2025, we reached a major milestone: an interview with James P. Hoffa, Hoffa’s son. After all these years, it was a moment full of heartbreak and frustration, emotions that his family knows all too well. Eric’s interview was respectful yet pointed, focused not on sensationalism but on finding the truth.
The work extended beyond mere documentary filmmaking; it became a mission driven by empathy, persistence, and a sense of responsibility. Eric never lost sight of the human cost involved, and even during difficult periods, he maintained his commitment to uncovering the truth.
If you decide to check out Riddle: Search for James R. Hoffa, do so not just for the mystery. Observe how true investigative journalism unfolds, powered by dedication and integrity.
