Former Lexington Homicide Detective Turns True Crime Passion Into New Book and Podcast

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY — After more than two decades solving murders as part of the Lexington Police Department, retired homicide commander David Lyons is taking his crime-solving expertise from the field to the bookshelf. His new true crime book dives deep into how public fascination with murder cases — and the booming true crime genre — affects real-life police investigations.

Five years into retirement, Lyons says he’s been watching the rise of amateur sleuths online and wanted to help both educate enthusiasts and set the record straight on what really goes on behind the scenes of major cases.

From Real Homicides to True Crime Media

Lyons co-hosts The Murder Police Podcast with his wife Wendy Lyons, a true crime enthusiast. Together, they’ve combined their passions to bridge the gap between the entertainment side of true crime and the reality of criminal investigation.

“I think just more knowledge about how the system works — what goes on in a police department, what goes on in a homicide investigation — helps people understand why things happen the way they do,” Lyons said in an interview with LEX 18.

The book explores whether true crime media helps or harms real-world cases, offering perspective from both the detective’s chair and the viewer’s seat.

‘Enthusiasts Can Help — If They Follow the Rules’

While some online detectives have helped uncover missing persons or solve cold cases, Lyons cautions that reckless speculation can backfire.

“True crime fans can absolutely contribute to solving crimes — but only if they follow proper guidelines,” he explained. That means not approaching suspects, avoiding public accusations, and respecting police boundaries.

“The other thing too,” Lyons said, “is that when people start pointing fingers online, they can remind the bad guys to go underground — and that’s the last thing investigators need.”

Community Involvement Still Matters

Despite his warnings, Lyons said that community involvement remains vital in cracking cases.

“I saw so many homicides get solved because of something small — a scrap of information, a single photo, even a rumor that led us to what we needed,” he said. “Ordinary people can make a difference.”

His goal with the book, he added, is to educate readers on how to help responsibly — and to give them a real sense of what life as a homicide detective is truly like.

Live Event and Book Giveaway

To celebrate the book’s release, David and Wendy Lyons are hosting a live recording of The Murder Police Podcast on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Mirror Twin Annex on National Avenue in Lexington.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the show starts at 6:15 p.m., and the event is free to the public. The first 20 attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the book.

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