Oxygen True Crime turns its focus to ‘City of Brotherly Love’ cases for new docuseries Homicide in Philly. Lt. Chris McMullin of the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office hosts the show, which looks at the twists and turns of some of the Philadelphia region’s most gruesome cases. McMullin and other former and current detectives from the area provide first-hand accounts that accompany archival footage as each episode investigates robberies, assaults, sex crimes and murders. With a career spanning over 30 years, most of that time as a detective.

The premiere focuses on the detectives who want to bring the killer of a veteran police officer, Michael Beverly, who it was shot in 2001. From there, future episodes include the mysterious death of a hospital employee and the discovery of who was responsible for hitting a beloved chiropractor. McMullin helped bring the perpetrator featured in the last episode to justice.

Here, the 54-year-old previews what’s to come on the show and his surprising acting career.

What does hosting this Philidelphia-centric show mean to you?

Lt. Chris McMullin: I am very lucky and excited. This idea came up a few years ago. For me, I want to be able to honor the victims and their families. I want to show how hard these detectives work and how tirelessly they dig. An idea of ​​how these cases sometimes become personal for them in their pursuit of justice for the victims. They work hard.

Given your long career, you’re the perfect one to host this.

I’ve been around for a while. I was just lucky. My Producer Molly ( Mayock) heard me do a podcast a few years ago. There’s a story I always come back to that I told on the podcast that resonated with her. That’s why he called me. It was “The Starfish Story” ( how sending a starfish home can have a ripple effect and provide symbolism for the dedication to solving cold cases). I’m very happy to be a part of it. I hope it shows how hard law enforcement works in these cases to bring closure to families.

Corporal Michael Beverly and Family_Family (Oxygen)

Were there any cases you weren’t familiar with?

There was one from East Norriton that I don’t remember ever hearing about. Although I am friends with one of the investigators. It was taken care of. There are several cases where I wasn’t involved or wasn’t from my department, but I know the people involved.

In which following cases have you intervened?

There are two cases this season in which I intervened. In Dr. James Sowa vOK, I wasn’t the main investigator, but I was involved. The Sowa case was when the perpetrator in that case was actually known to one of the detectives. He was coaching him in basketball. There is a personal relationship there. There was a case in 2005. The victim’s name was Christian Rojas. I was very involved in this case.

The show really shows how dangerous the job can be and what happens when you pull departments together to get answers.

In Beverly’s case, the gang in that town had bullied almost everyone. There was no one who wanted to talk to the police for fear of reprisals. In a way, they were holding the city hostage. The only detective involved wouldn’t quit. He promised Corporal Beverly that he would find this murderer and he did. The relentless work and how it gets personal is shown.

Is there anything about Philadelphia that stands out?

Philadelphia is a unique city. The people here are genuine people and wear their hearts on their sleeves. Philadelphia is sometimes considered the underdog city, especially when it comes to professional sports. I think it’s a great area. People are very passionate and resilient.

What role do you think the evolution of technology has played in some cases?

Technology has certainly influenced the way crimes are investigated. It helped in many ways. Returning to the case of Dr. Sowa. There were security cameras from other businesses in the area where Dr. Sowa’s office was located that helped solve this case. On the other hand, technology can get in the way. If the information is stored on the phone but locked, it may be difficult to get into the phone. Sometimes you have to use a lab and tools to get into it. The detectives in the second episode on a shell casing end up informing the police that they are not dealing with someone who has not only offended once, but there are links to several cases. The technology told them they were looking at a prolific criminal at that moment.

You’ve also played just as well over the years. How did this come about?

Actually, it’s law enforcement’s fault that I got into this. Around 1998, it was the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office along with the Victim Assistance Network. They were producing industry videos and training videos on how to properly testify in court. How to properly investigate and things like that. Another officer and I were asked if we would train police officers in these various training videos. We did it. I was about 28 years old then. I had a lot of fun. The director encouraged me to continue it and I did.

Where would people recognize you?

I’ve had some good parts over the years. I didn’t quit my day job, but I had a small part Unlimited. I did a scene with Bradley Cooper. That was really cool. I played with a fireman Law and Order SVU a few years ago. I had a small role in the television show Servant. They were leading roles with dialogue. I’d probably audition for a 100 and 97, I wouldn’t get a callback, but I’ve done a lot of background roles. Still, I worked my way up and got a few lead roles. It was a lot of fun.

Do you like playing in your home turf or venturing out more?

I’m definitely comfortable playing in my area of ​​expertise. If given the chance, I would love to branch out. I would like to try different roles. I would love to play a lawyer or a victim or maybe even play the bad guy. We’ll see what comes.

Do they ever bring you on set just to bring another level of authenticity?

I remember being on the set of Unlimited and director Neil Burger was asking me if that happens, how would you do that. They would ask me from my perspective how I would do it in real life. There was a bit of technical advice there.

What do you want to tell viewers before watching? Homicide in Philly?

I want them to see that we have a lot of respect for the victims and their families. I just want them to see how hard these investigators work. Some of these episodes, like the one with the serial killer and rapist in Center City, where you will see these detectives at work. These guys are the real deal. You talk about sentencing and investigating a case. They are the best of the best.

Homicide in Philly premieres Oct. 26, 9/8c, Oxygen True Crime