In Season 3 of New York Homicide, shocking crime scenes are all over the map — when it comes to both the types of cases highlighted, and the boroughs they took place in.

“We have two serial-murder investigations, two murder-for-hire cases. We have an organized crime-related investigation,” Robert K. Boyce, who hosts the series and was formerly Chief of Detectives for the New York City Police Department, told , deals with a high-profile murder set in the underground world of New York City nightlife. A news article was a key to resolving that investigation.

“If you’re a smart detective, you understand that reporters may be talking to people that you haven’t talked to yet,” Boyce explained. “When you read the papers, make sure that person that they spoke with is part of your case.”

Just as Boyce is in contact with detectives who worked cases covered by New York Homicide, he also hears from victims’ loved ones whose perspectives add depth and understanding to episodes of the true crime series. 

“Their contributions are important to us,” said Boyce of the family members and friends of victims who speak out on behalf of their loves ones. “When you have a family broken and really in pain, that’s what drives detectives.”

New York Homicide airs new episodes on Saturdays at 9/8c p.m. on Oxygen.