Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheila Wysocki.
Hi Sheila, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into the world of private investigation wasn’t planned—it was born out of tragedy, purpose, and a refusal to look away when something was wrong. When I was in college, my roommate, Angela Samota, was murdered. Her case went cold for more than 25 years, but I never stopped pushing for answers. Eventually, that persistence helped solve her murder, and it changed the trajectory of my life forever.
After that, I founded Without Warning: Fight Back, a nonprofit dedicated to helping victims and their families. What started as a personal mission quickly grew into a full-time career when families from all over the country began reaching out with their own cold cases. Although I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of people asking for help, I couldn’t ignore them—especially Lauren Agee’s case, which I took on after an unforgettable call from her heartbroken mother. That case later inspired my investigative podcast, Without Warning Podcast.
My agency is unique because I go the extra mile and truly walk alongside the families I represent. These aren’t quick cases—I spend years working them, guiding families through the emotional roller coaster of the justice system. I also approach investigations differently. I call dyslexia my “secret weapon,” because it allows me to see patterns and information in ways others might miss. What some consider a disability has become one of my strongest investigative tools.
Over the years, my work has been featured in The Washington Post, and I’ve appeared on Anderson Cooper, Dateline, Katie Couric, A&E Biography’s “I Solved a Murder,” ABC’s 20/20, Crime Watch Daily, Criminal, and many other programs. My cases and methods have gained worldwide attention, but at the heart of everything I do is still the same mission: seek truth, fight for victims, and supply families answers.
I also love teaching others about the investigative process. I’ve brought people behind the scenes by giving them the chance to walk through active casework—from analyzing 911 calls and police statements to reviewing details that investigators typically piece together privately. It’s important to me that the public understands both the complexity of these cases and the humanity within them.
Today, I’m proud to mentor other female investigators, helping them navigate the highs and lows of this demanding industry. My advice to anyone entering the field is simple: *surround yourself with investigators who care about your success, who care about the industry, and who work with integrity.*
When I’m not deep into a cold case or producing my investigative podcast, I stay connected with a trusted circle of investigators who remind me of the importance of support and humor in such a heavy line of work. The relationships we build in this field are essential—they help us stay grounded, motivated, and resilient.
My current podcast, Without Warning Podcast is available on iTunes and Stitcher. Each week, listeners can follow the twists and turns of true crime in real time.
I never imagined this would be my life’s work, but today, I can’t imagine doing anything else. Every case, every family, every truth uncovered—that’s what drives me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely *not* been a smooth road. Nothing about the work I do is easy—emotionally or professionally. I often say that no one chooses this line of work; it chooses you. And when it does, it brings challenges that push you in ways you never expected.
One of the biggest struggles was getting people to take me seriously in the beginning. I wasn’t a traditional private investigator coming out of law enforcement. I entered this world because my college roommate was murdered, and the system had failed her. When I started asking questions, doors didn’t just stay closed—they slammed shut. I had to fight for every scrap of information, every conversation, every step forward. That persistence often came with resistance and criticism.
Another challenge has been the emotional weight of the cases themselves. These investigations are heartbreaking and complex. You’re constantly navigating incomplete information, conflicting narratives, and systems that don’t always prioritize truth. These aren’t cases solved in weeks or months—they take years, and during that time, you’re exposed to the darkest sides of human behavior.
I’ve also faced pushback from institutions that don’t always welcome outside questions or scrutiny. When you challenge established narratives, when you refuse to accept “that’s just how it is,” you make people uncomfortable. I’ve been dismissed, ignored, and even attacked for pushing too hard. But pushing is often the only way to create movement on a stagnant case.
And of course, there’s the sheer amount of work involved: managing investigations, reviewing thousands of documents, conducting interviews, piecing together timelines, and producing an investigative podcast simultaneously. The workload is demanding, relentless, and unforgiving—but necessary for the results I aim to achieve.
So no, the road hasn’t been smooth. It’s been difficult, emotionally taxing, and at times incredibly frustrating. But it has also been meaningful and purpose-driven. The challenges have shaped me into the investigator—and advocate—I am today.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My organization, Without Warning Private Investigation, focuses on taking a second, deeper look at cases that have gone cold or never received the attention they deserved. My work centers on case review, cold-case analysis, and victim advocacy, and I’m known for approaching investigations from angles others often overlook. I credit a lot of that to my “secret weapon”—my dyslexia—which allows me to see patterns and inconsistencies in a very different way.
What truly sets my work apart is persistence and transparency. I ask difficult questions, I examine every detail, and I give each case the time and care it deserves. My goal is always to uncover the truth, whether I’m working directly on a case, consulting, or educating others through my podcast, Without Warning Podcast.
One thing I’m especially excited about is the True Crime Conference I’m organizing for May 2026 with MTSU. It will bring investigators, experts, families, and the true crime community together in one place. The conference is designed to educate, empower, and give people an honest look at how real investigations unfold. It’s something I’m incredibly proud of and a natural extension of the work I do—opening doors, sharing knowledge, and creating a space where truth and justice are the focus.
What I want people to know about my brand is simple: I’m committed to clarity, integrity, and giving overlooked cases another chance. Whether through investigations, my podcast, or the upcoming conference, everything I do is about shining light where answers are still missing.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The quality that has contributed most to my success is relentless persistence. Cold cases don’t move quickly, and answers rarely come easily. You must persist well beyond the point at which others have ceased, and this is a principle I have upheld from the very outset.
I also credit my success to seeing things differently. My dyslexia allows me to process information in a unique way, noticing patterns and inconsistencies that might otherwise be missed.
Above all, I rely on integrity—asking hard questions, staying transparent, and staying committed to the truth. Persistence, perspective, and integrity guide everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sheilawysocki.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withoutwarningpi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WithoutWarningPI/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-wysocki/
- Twitter: @scrappymomPI
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WITHOUTWARNINGBYSHEILAWYSOCKI
