Revisiting Axes & Auto Pilot- Chris Porco Discussion with Christina

·1 hr 17 min·5 clips

A meteorologist explains how she passes the house where Chris Porco murdered his parents and looked it up on Google Maps.

This episode revisits the 2004 murder of Peter Porco and assault of Joan Porco in Delmar, New York. Hosts Matt and Lisa are joined by guest Christina, a meteorologist and true crime enthusiast living in New York's Capital District. Christina has a personal connection to the region where the crime occurred. The case centers on the couple's son, Christopher Porco, who was convicted of using an axe in the attacks. Peter Porco survived the initial assault for several hours, performing tasks like writing a check before succumbing to his catastrophic injuries. Joan Porco was found clinging to life, having lost an eye. Christopher was a student at Hudson Valley Community College and had a history of forging his father's signature for loans and credit cards. Prosecutors presented evidence that his E-ZPass transponder recorded a trip from Rochester to Albany and back on the night of the murder, a five-hour round trip. A thruway toll collector identified his distinctive yellow Jeep Wrangler. Christopher's mother initially identified him as the attacker but later recanted that statement. His defense suggested possible mob involvement through an uncle, but this was investigated and refuted. The trial featured largely circumstantial evidence, and he was found guilty of second-degree murder and attempted murder in 2006. Judge Jeffrey Berry sentenced him to 50 years to life, expressing fear the crime could happen again. The family home on Brockley Drive sold for $260,000 in 2005 and has not been resold since. A surprising detail is that Peter Porco wrote a check to his son, Christopher, on the morning he was killed. Christina notes the local sentiment is that Christopher is guilty, partly because the digital E-ZPass evidence provided a clear timeline. The hosts find it perplexing that the attack occurred on a Saturday night when a college student might typically be socializing. Christina contrasts this case with another local tragedy, the 2018 Schoharie limousine crash, which led to stricter transportation regulations. The episode's tone is conversational and analytical, blending case details with personal anecdotes from the hosts and guest. The style is informal, featuring tangents about local geography, weather, and true crime media. Listeners interested in detailed revisits of infamous crimes with a regional perspective would enjoy this episode. Those sensitive to graphic descriptions of violence or frustrated by a lack of definitive physical evidence might prefer to skip it.

As heard by us

A familiar case gets a more personal, looser pass, with the show's usual wandering edge.

The episode revisits the Porco case with a guest who has a personal connection, and that gives the conversation more bite than a routine recap.

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Why you'd press play

You want a case revisit with a personal connection and familiar hosts.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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