In this episode, Marcus and Diana investigate a deadly tenement fire that claimed five lives in the South Bronx and the wrongful conviction of Carlos Vega. As they unravel the true story, they expose the sinister practice of 'arson for profit' during New York's fiscal crisis, revealing how property owners, insurance companies, and city officials were complicit in the destruction of entire neighbourhoods.

About the Show

"Shadows of the City: New York in the 1970s" is a narrative investigative podcast series that explores the darker side of New York City during the turbulent 1970s, examining forgotten crimes, systemic injustices, and the human stories behind the headlines. Each episode delves into a different case that reveals the complex social and political landscape of a city on the brink.

Meet Your Hosts

Marcus Rivera

A former crime reporter for the New York Daily News who grew up in the Bronx during the 1970s-80s. Marcus brings firsthand knowledge of the city's darkest era, combining journalistic rigor with personal insight as someone whose family directly experienced the housing crisis and neighborhood deterioration that defined the decade.

Diana Chen

A social historian and author specializing in urban studies and housing policy. As a second-generation Chinese-American whose parents owned a small business in Chinatown during the fiscal crisis, Diana provides academic context and systemic analysis to the personal stories, with a particular focus on giving voice to marginalized communities.