Willy Nast

City of Lights

Society EN ↓ 7 episodes

City of Lights is a true crime podcast about real life after the crime. In 2002, in the city of Aurora, Illinois, an 18-year-old named Jeff Signorelli was killed in a completely random act of violence. His murder remains unsolved. In the years following Jeff's murder, his parents Al and Mary Ann led efforts to make Aurora a safer place. But those efforts often put them at odds with leaders in Aurora, including the mayor and chief of police. As the investigation into Jeff's murder grew cold, their grief was amplified by a growing frustration. Host Willy Nast (born and raised in Aurora) examines...

Author

Willy Nast

Episodes

What Now? | 6 04.02.2026 1:13:00

In a final interview with Al and Mary Ann, Willy aims to answer unresolved questions. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains a description of suicide (from a work of fiction). This begins at 6 minutes 30 seconds and ends at 7 minutes. DONATE : If you feel this podcast is worth your time, please consider donating $3. CONTACT : Send Willy an email at wn@willynast.com Key figures in this episode: Jef...

Aurora Kids | 5 04.02.2026 1:01:54

Al and Mary Ann drive to the hospital to find Jeff. DONATE : If you feel this podcast is worth your time, please consider donating $3. CONTACT : Send Willy an email at wn@willynast.com Key figures in this episode: Jeff Signorelli (1984-2002): 18-year-old man from Aurora, IL. Recent graduate of Aurora Central Catholic High School. Murdered on July 11, 2002. The case remains unsolved. Mary Ann Signo...

A Seat at the Table | 4 04.02.2026 1:13:09

A promising anti-violence program comes to Aurora. Mary Ann makes moves to keep it from falling apart. DONATE : If you feel this podcast is worth your time, please consider donating $3. CONTACT : Send Willy an email at wn@willynast.com Key figures in this episode: Jeff Signorelli (1984-2002): 18-year-old man from Aurora, IL. Recent graduate of Aurora Central Catholic High School. Murdered on July...

Single-Issue Candidate | 3 04.02.2026 1:02:55

Al runs for city council. He finds himself up against more than his opponents in the election. DONATE : If you feel this podcast is worth your time, please consider donating $3 on Patreon. CONTACT : Send Willy an email at wn@willynast.com Key figures in this episode: Jeff Signorelli (1984-2002): 18-year-old man from Aurora, IL. Recent graduate of Aurora Central Catholic High School. Murdered on Ju...

The Culture of the Department | 2 04.02.2026 1:03:47

Al and Mary Ann meet with Aurora's new chief of police, which sets the tone for their relationship with the APD. DONATE : If you feel this podcast is worth your time, please consider donating $3 at Patreon. CONTACT : Send Willy an email at wn@willynast.com Key figures in this episode: Jeff Signorelli (1984-2002): 18-year-old man from Aurora, IL. Recent graduate of Aurora Central Catholic High Scho...

It Could Be A Thick Book | 1 04.02.2026 37:34

Willy visits Al and Mary Ann for the first time. He learns more about his hometown than he expected. DONATE : If you feel this podcast is worth your time, please consider donating $3 at Patreon. CONTACT : Send Willy an email at wn@willynast.com Key figures in this episode: Jeff Signorelli (1984-2002): 18-year-old man from Aurora, IL. Recent graduate of Aurora Central Catholic High School. Murdered...

Introducing: City of Lights 06.01.2026 2:03

In 2002, in the city of Aurora, Illinois, an 18-year-old man named Jeff Signorelli was killed in a completely random act of violence. His murder remains unsolved. In the years following Jeff's murder, his parents Al and Mary Ann led efforts to make Aurora a safer place. But those efforts put them at odds with leaders in Aurora, including the mayor and chief of police. As the investigation into Jef...