In 2013, Ken Tekiela, a firefighter and paramedic whose life seemed picture-perfect to those around him, revealed a shocking secret to his son Kyle after keeping it hidden for over two decades. Ken had been leading a double life as a hitman for the Chicago Outfit, one of the most infamous organized crime syndicates in the country. For years, he had balanced his role as a respected first responder with his dangerous work for the mob, all while hiding his true identity from his family. But as his heroin addiction spiraled out of control and his relationship with Kyle grew strained, Ken finally confessed his past in a moment that would forever change their lives.
Kyle, who had long admired his father as a local hero, was stunned by the revelation. He had always known his dad worked long hours as a firefighter, but he had no idea that Ken’s time away from home was often spent carrying out orders for the mob. Ken’s journey into organized crime began when he was just 17, after he robbed a drug dealer who turned out to be the nephew of a high-ranking mafia figure. Despite the danger, Ken was drawn into the Outfit and earned the nickname “The Kid” for his daring and loyalty. Over the years, he climbed the ranks, becoming a trusted enforcer who carried out hits for the organization. But Ken’s dual life was not without its costs, and the weight of his secrets would eventually take a devastating toll on both him and his family.
Kyle has since chosen to share his father’s extraordinary and troubling story through a true-crime podcast called “Crook County,” a collaboration between iHeartPodcasts and Tenderfoot TV. The podcast explores Ken’s rise within the Chicago Outfit, his role as a hitman, and the ripple effects of his actions on those closest to him. Through candid interviews with Ken and other family members, the series offers a raw and unflinching look at the consequences of living a life shrouded in secrets and violence. For Kyle, the decision to bring this story to light was far from easy. “These are family secrets that probably should have stayed buried,” he admitted, but he ultimately felt compelled to confront the truth and share it with the world.
Growing up, Kyle saw his father as a hero, a man dedicated to saving lives and serving his community. Ken’s job as a firefighter required him to work long, grueling shifts, often leaving him away from home for 24 or even 48 hours at a time. What Kyle didn’t realize was that this schedule provided the perfect cover for Ken’s double life. Ken’s wife, Kyle’s mother, was also kept in the dark, believing her husband’s stories about his whereabouts without question. The family lived a seemingly normal life in the suburbs, far removed from the chaos and danger of the mob world Ken inhabited. But as Kyle entered his teenage years, he began to notice disturbing changes in his father’s behavior. Ken’s addiction to heroin, which began after a workplace injury left him dependent on painkillers, spiraled out of control, leading to erratic behavior, strained relationships, and ultimately, a complete breakdown of the family unit.
Despite his father’s addiction and the estrangement that followed, Kyle never stopped caring for Ken. In 2013, when Ken’s health began to decline, Kyle intervened, checking him into a detox facility to help him get clean. Ken’s recovery was a long and arduous process, marked by multiple relapses, but Kyle remained by his side, offering support and encouragement. It was during this time of rebuilding their relationship that Ken finally found the courage to reveal the truth about his past. The confession was both shocking and painful for Kyle, but it also marked a turning point for both men. For Ken, unburdening himself of his secrets brought a sense of relief, while for Kyle, it provided answers to questions he had grappled with for years.
Today, Kyle views his father’s story as a complex and multifaceted journey, one that is marked by both regret and resilience. While Ken’s past actions are undeniably flawed, Kyle believes that sharing his father’s story offers a valuable lesson about the importance of honesty and the dangers of keeping secrets. “As soon as you start keeping secrets, that’s when it all falls apart,” Kyle said, reflecting on the damage that Ken’s double life caused. By openly discussing their experiences, Kyle hopes to help others confront their own difficult truths and seek healing. The podcast “Crook County” is more than just a true-crime story; it is a deeply personal exploration of family, redemption, and the enduring power of love, even in the face of immense pain and dysfunction.
For Ken, the process of opening up about his past has been a form of therapy, allowing him to confront the shame and guilt that haunted him for decades. While he still struggles with addiction and the consequences of his choices, he expressed a sense of relief and acceptance about his life. Kyle, too, has found healing in this process, learning to separate his father’s past actions from the man he is today. “I still love him,” Kyle said. “And I respect him more now that he finally told me everything.” Their journey is a testament to the human capacity for growth, forgiveness, and the importance of confronting even the hardest truths.
