City of Lights

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 the lives of Al, Mary Ann, and others in Aurora who were affected by Jeff's murder. Instead of asking "whodunnit?" or "how?" or "why?," the question he seeks to answer is "what now?" All six episodes of City of Lights drop on February 4th, 2026.

Last refreshed: February 19th, 2026 at 12:49 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

What Now? | 6

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: Jeff Signorelli (1984-2002): 18-year-old man from Aurora, IL. Recent graduate of Aurora Central Catholi...

Feb 04, 2026•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Aurora Kids | 5

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 Signorelli: Jeff's mother. Third-generation native of Aurora, IL. Has been involved in historic preservat...

Feb 04, 2026•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 5

A Seat at the Table | 4

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 11, 2002. The case remains unsolved. Mary Ann Signorelli: Jeff's mother. Third-generation native of ...

Feb 04, 2026•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Single-Issue Candidate | 3

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 July 11, 2002. The case remains unsolved. Mary Ann Signorelli: Jeff's mother. Third-generation native ...

Feb 04, 2026•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 3

The Culture of the Department | 2

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 School. Murdered on July 11, 2002. The case remains unsolved. Mary Ann Signorelli: Jeff's mother. Third-...

Feb 04, 2026•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 2

It Could Be A Thick Book | 1

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 on July 11, 2002. The case remains unsolved. Mary Ann Signorelli: Jeff's mother. Third-generation n...

Feb 04, 2026•38 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Introducing: City of Lights

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 Jeff's murder grew cold, their grief was amplified by a growing frustration. City of Lights is a true c...

Jan 06, 2026•2 min

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