Who’s the popular Omaha news commentator featured in BODY OF PROOF?

Tom Becka of Omaha’s FOX 42

Midway through writing my draft of BODY OF PROOF: Tainted Evidence in the Murder of Jessica O’Grady? an idea popped in my head.

Why not interview a journalist with strong familiarity with the tragedy? Sure, I lived in Omaha, Nebraska, for nine years, but I don’t have the same pulse in the community as I did from 2003 through 2012. Nowadays, I live in Appleton, Wisconsin.

For BLOODY LIES, I interviewed Nebraska public television journalist Bill Kelly. For DIXIE’S LAST STAND, I interviewed Joe Jordan, a long-time Omaha television journalist.

But who could fill the role for BODY OF PROOF? wbp.bz/bop

Then it dawned on me. Famous Omaha newsman Tom Becka. For years, Becka was Omaha’s most listened to AM news talk radio show host, first at KFAB and then over at KOIL. He was not afraid to pull any punches with the high and mighty big dogs and powerful politicians. Nowadays, Becka is nightly news commentator on Omaha’s FOX 42 television station.

When I reached out to him, Becka was more than gracious. He answered all of my questions in great detail. I weaved many of his comments into BODY OF PROOF.

Here’s two examples of the several questions I sought Becka’s input in reference to my latest book via WildBlue Press.

Me: What was it about the Jessica O’Grady murder case that seemed to strike a chord with the Omaha community at large?

Becka: I think it had all of the factors. There was a murder, a missing victim, sex, a girlfriend who had a baby with the defendant, and parents who would never admit their son might be guilty. It was a real life made for TV cop show.

Me: What kind of read or pulse of the community have you gotten in light of the Kofoed evidence planting debacle?

Becka: Although it’s starting to change a bit, I still think cops and law enforcement always get the benefit of the doubt. I think they look at the Kofoed situation as a one time standalone affair that has been taken care of. Today, I think if you asked 100 people in Omaha who David Kofoed was, 99 wouldn’t have a clue…”

Becka’s candid commentary about the O’Grady-Christopher Edwards murder case is featured throughout different parts of BODY OF PROOF. To learn more about Becka including his podcasts, please visit his website at http://www.tombecka.com/