A refugee or more? New podcast examines investigation into a local man who leads a double life

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The true life of an Ohio man remains a mystery even to his family years after his death.

Why did the man known as Joseph Newton Chandler abandon his family, steal the identity of a young boy, and hide from his past for decades?

In the latest episode of our true crime podcast “Dark Side of the Land,” investigator Sara Goldenberg gives you insight into the case.

We examine the theories investigators have pursued, from the Alcatraz escapee to the Zodiac Killer.

An unusual case

The mystery for the police began in 2002 in Eastlake.

A man with an Ohio driver’s license bearing the name Joseph Newton Chandler was found dead in his apartment. He had committed suicide.

But the evidence for his identity was incorrect.

What would it take to uncover this man’s true identity?

To find out more, we’ll take you on our journey through Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and all the way to California.

We spoke with Eastlake police and the U.S. Marshal who is trying to solve the case.

“People aren’t going to live in a nondescript apartment complex or a simple studio apartment without much means for no reason. There just has to be something more to it,” said Eastlake Police Chief Larry Reik.

“The question is why. Why do you come to Cleveland in 1978? Why do you live under the name of an eight-year-old boy who died in a car accident in 1945?” said U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott.

Will uncovering his identity provide investigators with answers?

19 Investigates shows you how new DNA technology and a groundbreaking technique by investigative genetic genealogists revealed this man’s true identity.

We also tracked down one of his sons, whose whole world was turned upside down.

“Running From Robert” is available on all major podcast platforms including SoundCloud, Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

You can also watch our true crime documentary about the case here.

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