Journal entry: Following the trail of Jimmy Hoffa's disappearance
In the world of investigative journalism, few cases have captivated the public's imagination quite like that of Jimmy Hoffa, the labour union leader who vanished without a trace in 1975. The FOX Nation documentary series, "Riddle: The Search for James R. Hoffa", offers a comprehensive look into Hoffa's life, disappearance, and the enduring mystery surrounding his fate.
Led by veteran senior correspondent Eric Shawn, the documentary team has been at the forefront of this investigation since 2018. Shawn, who has been the soul of this investigation, has been instrumental in guiding the series from its inception in Season 1 to the current airing of Season 7.
The series takes viewers on a journey, visiting significant locations such as Hoffa’s lake house in Lake Orion, revisiting the house on Beaverland Street, which is allegedly the site where mob hitman Frank Sheeran killed Hoffa, and conducting numerous interviews in Detroit and various counties in New Jersey.
One of the key interviews was with Gabriel Briguglio, the last living suspect in the disappearance of James R. Hoffa, who was interviewed in early 2025. By Season 6, the investigation had cleared Briguglio's name, casting doubt on author Dan Moldea's long-held assertions.
The team also interviewed James P. Hoffa, the son of Jimmy Hoffa, in a phone call that ultimately led to a face-to-face interview in Season 7. Other notable interviews include Charles Brandt, author of "I Heard You Paint Houses", and Phil Moscato Jr. and Frank Cappola, sons of the original dump owners.
The theory that Hoffa was transported to New Jersey and buried at Moscato's Dump in Jersey City was also entertained by the team, expanding their investigation beyond Detroit.
The heavily redacted HOFFEX memo was also studied, providing insight into the FBI's early investigations. In 2021, the FBI conducted a dig under the Pulaski Skyway based on the reporting of the documentary series. However, the dig did not find Hoffa, but it was proof that the work of the documentary team was resonating.
Robert Monaco, an executive producer for Fox Nation, has been instrumental in bringing this series to life. The series has been praised for its meticulous research and its ability to present the complexities of the case in a clear and accessible manner.
The series has not only captured the public's imagination but has also sparked calls for action. Jimmy Hoffa's family has called on President Trump to release FBI files related to his disappearance, hoping that new evidence might come to light.
As of 2025, the investigation into Hoffa’s disappearance remains officially open and active. The FBI, particularly the Detroit Field Office, continues to pursue all credible leads on the case, even 50 years after Hoffa vanished on July 30, 1975. The case remains one of the most high-profile missing person investigations in FBI history, with authorities encouraging the public to share any relevant information.
"Riddle: The Search for James R. Hoffa" portrays the investigation as ongoing, with law enforcement still committed to resolving the mystery, while also emphasizing the enduring personal and cultural impact of Hoffa’s disappearance. The series is currently airing exclusively on Fox Nation, offering viewers a chance to delve into this captivating mystery.
- Despite the FBI's 2021 dig not finding Jimmy Hoffa, the ongoing investigation into his disappearance remains active, with the Detroit Field Office still pursuing credible leads.
- The FOX Nation documentary series, "Riddle: The Search for James R. Hoffa", has been praised for its meticulous research and ability to present the complexities of the case in a clear and accessible manner, making it a popular choice for those interested in investigative journalism, politics, crime-and-justice, general-news, and entertainment.
- The series has sparked calls for action, with Jimmy Hoffa's family urging President Trump to release FBI files related to Hoffa's disappearance, showing the enduring impact of the case in the world of movies-and-tv and politics.
