Shows
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsTen Years From Killing - The Murder of Robin EnocksonThis Case Snapshot examines the 1990 murder of Robin Enockson in rural North Dakota. Beginning with an escape from a state hospital a decade earlier, the episode lays out the crime, the investigation, and how the case was ultimately resolved years later after a confession.
Archival news audio courtesy of the State Historical Society of North Dakota.
Produced by James Wolner. Research assistance by Mari Zoerb Hansen.
Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/
Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight...
2026-01-2225 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsA Christmas MessageJames shares a Christmas message with Dakota Spotlight listeners. A moment to pause, say thank you, and reflect before the year comes to a close, with appreciation for everyone who listens, supports the show, and makes this work possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2025-12-2501 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsMeanwhile in Mankato (6): Reckoning in Rapidan — The Truth That EnduredIn the season’s final chapter, Dakota Spotlight returns to Rapidan, Minnesota—to the classmates, friends, and families still living in the shadow of Ray Dahms’s murder. Host James Wolner traces the final years of Brian Lee Hendrickson, from later crimes and manipulation to his eventual downfall.
This episode also brings together two people whose lives he forever changed—Mark Hendrickson, the killer’s brother, and Michelle, one of his victims—for a conversation decades in the making. From courtrooms and archives to quiet Minnesota cemeteries, this conclusion reflects on truth, forgiveness, and the slow turning of justice.
2025-12-1858 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsMeanwhile in Mankato (5): The Acquittal That Exposed Minnesota’s Blind SpotBy the early 1980s, Brian Lee Hendrickson was still working at the Minnesota Home School in Sauk Centre, supervising teenage girls. When one of them—Michelle—spoke up, she was dismissed as unstable and her accusation brushed aside. Hendrickson walked free again.
In this episode, Michelle tells her story, while Hendrickson’s brothers and Michelle’s husband reflect on how this could have happened. Dakota Spotlight revisits a Minnesota courtroom case where no one seemed to realize that the man on trial had already been convicted of murder years earlier.
Through careful investigative journalism, this true cri...
2025-12-1145 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsMeanwhile in Mankato (4): The Parole Experiment That Failed at Sauk CentreThis episode looks inside Minnesota’s prison and parole system during the years when Brian Lee Hendrickson was behind bars—and how shifting attitudes toward rehabilitation vs punishment helped lead to his early release. We hear from Brian’s brothers, Mark and Gary, about the shock of seeing him walk free after just five years for murder, and how he soon ended up working for the State of Minnesota at the Minnesota Home School in Sauk Centre.
Through interviews, records, and careful investigative journalism, Dakota Spotlight examines the Minnesota parole experiment that failed to protect the vulnerable and re...
2025-12-0440 min
FreepCastFreepCast, Episode 71 — James Wolner, the creator of "Meanwhile in Mankato"Hey guys, we're pretty stoked about this episode. James Wolner, the mind behind a podcast enterprise called Dakota Spotlight, joins us to discuss at length the latest season of his true crime podcast empire: "Meanwhile in Mankato." In six episodes Wolner takes a deep dive on the 1965 murder of Ray Dahms at the hands of Brian Hendrickson. But it's not just a story of a murder. It's also the story of a system that failed dramatically when it let Hendrickson go free after just a few years in prison, leaving him free to commit more crimes.
2025-11-2238 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsMeanwhile in Mankato (3): The Trial That Collided with MirandaEpisode 3 follows Brian Lee Hendrickson’s case through late 1965 and 1966, as court procedures, psychiatric evaluations, and a Minnesota trial unfold under the state’s Youth Conservation Commission. At the same time, a new Supreme Court ruling on Miranda rights reshapes the very laws surrounding confession and sentencing.
We meet Hendrickson’s brothers, Mark and Gary, whose memories of that era reveal a family story caught between denial and discovery, and we open a parallel thread on Michelle’s early life — the beginnings of a second tragedy yet to come.
Through careful investigative journalism, Dakota Spotlight continues...
2025-11-2049 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsMeanwhile in Mankato (2): Inside the Murder InvestigationIn the aftermath of Ray Dahms’s killing, Blue Earth County investigators launch a Minnesota murder investigation that soon points to a local teenager, Brian Lee Hendrickson. When they finally bring him in for questioning, Hendrickson shocks officers with a murder confession that seems to close the case almost as quickly as it began with the justice system.
Episode 2 of Meanwhile in Mankato revisits those first tense hours of the Mankato Gas Station Murder and the community’s mourning for Ray Dahms, whose death left Rapidan searching for answers. Through careful investigative journalism, Dakota Spotlight explores how a sma...
2025-11-1343 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsMeanwhile in Mankato (1): Lies, Silence & Murder in MinnesotaIn 1965, seventeen-year-old Brian Hendrickson committed a small-town murder when he walked into a gas station outside Mankato, Minnesota, and shot clerk Ray Dahms twice at close range. Sentenced to forty years, he served just over five.The case would later be remembered as the Mankato Gas Station Murder.
In this opening episode of Dakota Spotlight’s twelfth season, host James Wolner takes us back to 1965 and the small town of Rapidan, Minnesota. We meet the classmates and friends of Ray Dahms, shot down at the age of 18 in this Minnesota murder case — people who have never forgotten him...
2025-11-0648 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsA Halloween Throwback – Unresolved: The Murder of Joel LovelienOn October 27, 2007, Joel Lovelien stepped outside the Broken Drum Bar in Grand Forks, North Dakota, during a night filled with costumes, celebration, and heavy drinking. Moments later, he was found in the parking lot, gravely injured. Despite a rapid emergency response, Joel did not survive.
For this Halloween throwback, Dakota Spotlight revisits the first episode of Unresolved: The Murder of Joel Lovelien — a true story that began with a party bus, a crowd in costume, and a tragedy that left behind more questions than answers.
Through interviews, trial evidence, and police reports, journalist James Wolner re...
2025-10-3043 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsBarbara Cotton Cold Case Update: New Witness Insights on Williston's Unsolved DisappearanceIn this gripping update on the Barbara Cotton cold case, we delve into new testimony surrounding one of North Dakota's most enduring unsolved disappearances. Barbara Louise Cotton vanished from Williston in 1981, and after decades of silence, a man who worked with Stacey Werder in Montana shares critical insights about seeing him with Barb in Williston. This episode, hosted by James Wolner and Lisa Jo of #FindBarbCotton, explores the troubling behaviors of Stacey Werder, his movements across Scobey and Miles City, and his tragic suicide weeks after Barb's disappearance. With renewed investigative journalism and fresh leads, we aim to uncover...
2025-09-1146 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsThe Real Catch Me If You Can: Javier Leiva on Debunking Frank AbagnaleWhat if 90% of Frank Abagnale’s claims are totally made up? In this special Dakota Spotlight episode, host James Wolner talks with Javier Leiva, creator of PRETEND, about his season The Real Catch Me If You Can. In this series, Javier debunks Abagnale’s extraordinary con-man story using court and prison records, while also bringing forward new victim testimonies. After the interview, hear the full Episode 1 as Leiva begins dismantling Abagnale’s legend and follows the trail all the way to Las Vegas, where he confronts Abagnale himself. This is the real-life Catch Me If You Can.
Listen...
2025-08-2853 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsThe Disappearance of Sharon Bald Eagle: A South Dakota Cold CaseIn this Case Snapshot, Dakota Spotlight investigates the 1984 disappearance of 12-year-old Sharon Bald Eagle, who vanished while traveling from South Dakota to Idaho. This unsolved mystery devastated her family and community and led to the capture of Royal Russell Long, a predator who stalked rodeos, carnivals, and highways for years. Through careful research and respectful storytelling, investigative journalist James Wolner explores the lasting impact on those who knew Sharon and why her story remains a significant South Dakota cold case in the history of Midwest crime.
If you have any information related to the disappearance of Sharon...
2025-08-2131 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsWho Killed Joseph Anderson? The Unsolved Jamestown MurderIn September 1991, Joseph “Joe” Anderson, a millionaire cattleman, was found murdered under mysterious circumstances in Jamestown, North Dakota. His body was discovered in the trunk of his own Buick at the Gladstone Inn parking lot, sparking one of the city’s most troubling cold cases. More than three decades later, the murder of Joe Anderson remains unsolved, with lingering questions about who wanted him dead and why justice has never been served in this small town mystery.
If you have information about the murder of Joseph “Joe” Anderson, please contact the Jamestown Police Department at 701-252-2414 or the Nor...
2025-08-0738 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsVanished in Alexander - The Mystery of Talmadge PattonIn 1995, 75-year-old retired truck driver Talmadge “Pat” Patton vanished from his home in the rural town of Alexander, North Dakota. When his daughter came to check on him, she found clues that pointed to a troubling disappearance but no clear answers. Nearly three decades later, the case of Pat Patton remains unsolved, raising lingering questions about what happened in those final days and why this North Dakota cold case continues to puzzle investigators and the community.
If you have any information about the disappearance of Talmadge “Pat” Patton, please contact the McKenzie County Sheriff’s Department at 701-444-3654...
2025-07-2421 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsDead Cold Drop (5) - by James WolnerPart 5 (Chapters 23–27): As the story draws to a close, Doug Rolfstad faces the full weight of his choices, with each moment tightening the grip of consequences. What began with a mysterious manila envelope of cash now races toward a chaotic and unexpected conclusion, testing bonds of family, trust, and survival in North Dakota.
Dead Cold Drop by James Wolner is told across five gripping episodes in the signature Friday Night Fiction style.
About Friday Night Fiction: Written and narrated by James Wolner, Friday Night Fiction delivers original crime stories set in North Dakota and the Up...
2025-06-1433 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsDead Cold Drop (4) - by James WolnerPart 4 (Chapters 17–22): With tensions simmering, Doug Rolfstad follows through on key parts of the plan as new information surfaces and close calls tighten the grip of fear. As pressure builds and alliances prove uncertain, Doug must navigate the weight of choices that cannot be undone, pulling him further into danger.
Dead Cold Drop by James Wolner is told across five gripping episodes in the signature Friday Night Fiction style.
About Friday Night Fiction: Written and narrated by James Wolner, Friday Night Fiction delivers original crime stories set in North Dakota and the Upper Midwest. Inspired by...
2025-06-0736 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsDead Cold Drop (3) - by James WolnerPart 3 (Chapters 12–16): Tension rises as Doug Rolfstad is pulled further from his life as a Bismarck plumber into a world of fear, paranoia, and uncertainty. With unsettling discoveries piling up and new layers of danger emerging, Doug must confront how much—and whom—he can really trust.
Dead Cold Drop by James Wolner is told across five gripping episodes in the signature Friday Night Fiction style.
About Friday Night Fiction: Written and narrated by James Wolner, Friday Night Fiction delivers original crime stories set in North Dakota and the Upper Midwest. Inspired by The Alfred Hitchc...
2025-05-3133 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsDead Cold Drop (2) - by James WolnerPart 2 (Chapters 6–11): Returning to Bismarck, Doug Rolfstad puts a plan in motion to protect his daughter Mandy and make sense of the manila envelope full of cash. With each cautious step, the pressure mounts, the danger sharpens, and an unsettling sense of unease suggests there is far more at play than they first imagined.
Dead Cold Drop by James Wolner is told across five gripping episodes in the signature Friday Night Fiction style.
About Friday Night Fiction: Written and narrated by James Wolner, Friday Night Fiction delivers original crime stories set in North Dakota and th...
2025-05-2436 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsDead Cold Drop (1) - by James WolnerPart 1 (Chapters 1–5): In the opening chapters of Dead Cold Drop, Bismarck plumber Doug Rolfstad meets his daughter Mandy at a Valley City truck stop after her urgent request. There, she reveals a manila envelope filled with cash, drawing father and daughter into a situation they do not fully understand. As unsettling news follows, their choices propel them into a suspenseful story of family bonds, dangerous secrets, and survival in North Dakota.
Dead Cold Drop by James Wolner is told across five gripping episodes in the signature Friday Night Fiction style.
About Friday Night Fiction: Written an...
2025-05-1733 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsPark Like a Fargonian - by James WolnerIn this debut installment of Friday Night Fiction, a harmless social media group turns sinister in Fargo, North Dakota. When a local banker’s carefully planned Friday night is derailed by a group of self-appointed parking vigilantes, what begins as a minor inconvenience escalates into something far more dangerous. Written and narrated by James Wolner, Park Like a Fargonian is a modern noir story about how quickly judgment can masquerade as justice—and how easily control can slip away.
About Friday Night Fiction: Written and narrated by James Wolner, Friday Night Fiction delivers original crime stories set in N...
2025-04-1253 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsIntroducing Friday Night Fiction - by James WolnerWe introduce you to our new series of original crime-inspired short stories, all set in North Dakota and the Upper Midwest. If you're a fan of true crime but curious to explore fictional tales with the same tension, twists, and emotional depth—this series is for you.We’ll walk you through what to expect from future episodes, how often they’ll drop, and why true crime fans will feel right at home in these moody, mysterious, and distinctly Midwestern settings.Welcome to Friday Night Fiction—your weekly escape into the dark side of the North.
2025-04-1113 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsVanished in Vermillion: Interview with Lou RaguseIn May 1971, Pam Jackson and Sherri Miller were two seventeen-year-olds driving to an end-of-the-school-year party in a rundown Studebaker Lark when they seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth. In this episode James interviews author Lou Raguse, author of the riveting book Vanished in Vermillion: The Real Story of South Dakota’s Most Infamous Cold Case. Check out Lou's website: https://vanishedinvermillion.com/Purchase the book on Amazon https://www.amazon.se/-/en/Lou-Raguse/dp/1637587252Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/Get all ep...
2025-03-2734 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsMoonlight Feels Right: A Valentine’s Conversation with Bruce BlackmanContinuing a Dakota Spotlight Valentine’s tradition, this special episode features an interview with Bruce Blackman, the mastermind behind the 1976 hit Moonlight Feels Right by Starbuck. James chats with Bruce about the song’s romantic charm, its iconic marimba solo, and the stories behind its creation. Whether it’s part of your Valentine’s playlist or a nostalgic favorite, don’t miss this heartfelt conversation celebrating love, music, and the magic of the ’70s.Homicide at House of Bottles PLUS Bonus Material Free Preview https://dakotaspotlight.com/bottles/Season 3: The House on Sweet and Seventh https://bit...
2025-02-2033 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsHomicide at House of Bottles (Postscript): The Bismarck Murder of Robbie RahrichIn this postscript to Homicide at House of Bottles, we revisit key moments from the 1999 Bismarck murder of Robbie Rahrich through archival news reports recorded immediately after the homicide and following the arrest of a suspect. Former detective Bob Haas shares additional insights, reflections, and his perspective on the missing shell casing, offering listeners a deeper understanding of one of North Dakota’s most haunting murder cases.
Videos of the original news coverage:
News segment immediately after the crime
News segment after a suspect was arrested
Check out the full catalog an...
2025-02-1333 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsHomicide at House of Bottles (6): The Bismarck Murder of Robbie RahrichIn the final scheduled episode of Homicide at House of Bottles, we reflect on the profound impact of Robbie Rahrich’s life and death while exploring themes of justice, rehabilitation, and accountability. This episode features conversations with Shawn Helmenstein, who has spent 25 years in prison for the 1999 Bismarck murder. Helmenstein shares new insights about the missing shell casing, his evolving perspective on the crime, and his frustrations with the uncertainty of parole. Robbie’s family and friends express their enduring pain and strong opposition to Shawn’s efforts for early release. Most importantly, this episode celebrates Robbie’s kindness, energy...
2025-02-0641 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsHomicide at House of Bottles (5): The Bismarck Murder of Robbie RahrichIn Episode 5 of Homicide at House of Bottles, the case of Shawn Helmenstein moves toward resolution. After confessing to the 1999 murder of Robbie Rahrich, Helmenstein participates in a videotaped walkthrough of the crime scene, calmly recounting his actions in chilling contrast to the brutality of the homicide. At trial, prosecutors dismantle his defense of emotional duress with confessions, the murder weapon, and witness testimony, while the judge condemns the killing as premeditated and calculated, sentencing Helmenstein to life in prison with parole eligibility only after serving 85% of his life expectancy. Beyond the courtroom, Robbie’s family and friends share th...
2025-01-3043 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsHomicide at House of Bottles (4): The Bismarck Murder of Robbie RahrichIn Episode 4 of Homicide at House of Bottles, the story intertwines poignant memories with pivotal breakthroughs in the investigation of the 1999 Bismarck murder of Robbie Rahrich. In Clinton, Montana, Detectives Haas and Wooten close in on primary suspect Shawn Helmenstein, while interviews with Robbie’s sister Casey and friends Angie and Mike shed light on his humor, warmth, and generosity. Their recollections honor Robbie’s memory and reveal the devastating impact of his loss, even as investigators pursue justice in one of North Dakota’s most haunting homicide cases.
Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotli...
2025-01-2337 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsHomicide at House of Bottles: Mid-Season Update and Spotlight PLUS PreviewIn this special mid-season update, listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at Season 11, Homicide at House of Bottles. Along with reflections on the investigation so far, this episode includes a Spotlight PLUS preview with exclusive materials from Episodes 1 and 2, including photographs, videos, and bonus details that bring the case to life. You’ll also learn about the benefits of a Spotlight PLUS subscription, from ad-free binge listening to subscriber-only newsletters and bonus content. Get ready for the second half of the season and more insight into the 1999 Bismarck murder of Robbie Rahrich.
Season 11 Spotlight PLUS Bonus Material Free Pr...
2025-01-1610 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsHomicide at House of Bottles (3): The Bismarck Murder of Robbie RahrichIn Episode 3 of Homicide at House of Bottles, the investigation into the 1999 murder of Robbie Rahrich expands across North Dakota and Montana. Detectives pursue leads tied to the House of Bottles, including former employees with complicated histories, while a 9mm pistol known as the “Baby Eagle” emerges as a critical clue. Witnesses describe sightings of suspicious figures near the crime scene, including a man in a FUBU jacket, and attention turns to Shawn, Travis’ freeloading tenant who skipped town under questionable circumstances. With every new detail, investigators edge closer to answers in a Bismarck homicide that shattered Robbie Rahrich’s family...
2025-01-0948 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsHomicide at House of Bottles (2): The Bismarck Murder of Robbie RahrichIn Episode 2 of Homicide at House of Bottles, the investigation into the 1999 murder of Robbie Rahrich intensifies. Detectives arrived at the liquor store crime scene in the early hours of February 21, processing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and confronting one puzzling detail — the missing shell casing. Through archival audio and present-day interviews with retired officers, we retrace their steps as they canvassed neighborhoods, tested friends of the victim for gunshot residue, and uncovered a link to a mysterious figure. The search for answers in this Bismarck homicide was only beginning.
Trigger Warning: This episode includes content that may be di...
2025-01-0239 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsHomicide at House of Bottles (1): The Bismarck Murder of Robbie RahrichWelcome to Season 11 of Homicide at House of Bottles, an investigation into the 1999 murder of Robbie Rahrich at the House of Bottles liquor store in Bismarck, North Dakota. In Episode 1, we set the stage during a bustling winter weekend filled with out-of-town visitors for the state wrestling tournament, leading up to a harrowing discovery that ignited a homicide investigation. Featuring interviews with detectives, loved ones, and even convicted killer Shawn Helmenstein, this season explores memory, justice, and the lasting impact of violence on a community.
Trigger Warning: This episode includes content that may be disturbing, including a 911...
2024-12-2647 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsSeason 11 Official Trailer - Homicide at House of BottlesDakota Spotlight’s six-part podcast series, Homicide at House of Bottles, delves into the 1999 murder of a promising young man, whose life was tragically cut short in Bismarck, North Dakota. Featuring immersive soundscapes and interviews with detectives, family, friends, and even the convicted killer, this season examines the layers of a crime that shook a community—and the enduring questions of justice, rehabilitation, and forgiveness. More than a true crime story, Homicide at House of Bottles is about the lives forever changed by it.
Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/
Ge...
2024-12-1903 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsIntroducing - The Sleep Retreat by James WolnerThis episode, "Gull Harbor: Warren Commission Report Part 1," is from the new podcast "The Sleep Retreat" by James Wolner.Drift off to sleep on a warm screened in porch while listening to a part of American history on a small transistor radio. In this episode, from Part 1 of the Warren Commission Report, a summary of the events of Nov 22, 1963 and the apprehension of Lee Harvey Oswald. Oswald’s life is explored up until the point of his curious defection to The Soviet Union.About Gull Harbor: At Gull Harbor, a youthful and tranquil summ...
2024-11-142h 11
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsBroad Knowledge, Potentially Deceptive: My Interview with AI - Part 2Part 2 of 2 - James continues his intriguing yet sometimes exhausting conversation with the AI chatbot. In Part 2, they delve into notable crimes near James' hometown, covering the Santa Rosa Hitchhiker Murders, Steven Stayner, and the Zebra Killings, with the AI's often inaccurate responses leading James to ask, "Do you lie?".Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/Get episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/Support the show on PayPal https://bit.ly/3wDhonMSign up for the Dakota Spotlight...
2024-10-1042 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsTough Questions, Sudden Silence: My Interview with AI - Part 1Part 1 of 2 - In an attempt to deepen his understanding of AI, James interviews an expert who, interestingly enough, happens to be an AI chatbot. The interview proves challenging, as the AI often becomes evasive, stalls, or even "walks out" of the conversation. In Part 1, the AI shares its perspectives on true crime, discusses the Dakota Spotlight podcast, explores the cases that sparked James' fascination with true crime, delves into AI's own motives, and reveals how it generates its responses.Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/Get episodes early...
2024-10-0342 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsInside You Killed Chris with Mari Zoerb HansenJames interviews researcher Mari Zoerb Hansen. Mari, a UW grad, played a crucial role in creating “You Killed Chris.” They share behind-the-scenes details and how the story became part of Dakota Spotlight. They also take a walk around the UW campus, visiting key locations from the Season 10 story.Sterling Hall bombing content mentioned in this episode https://dakotaspotlight.com/SterlingHallBombing/Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/Get episodes 1 week early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/Support the show on PayP...
2024-09-2631 min
The Mandan MurdersThe Mandan Murders Trailer"The Mandan Murders" by Dakota Spotlight delves into the shocking 2019 quadruple homicide at RJR Maintenance and Management in Mandan, North Dakota. The podcast follows the intense investigation that eventually led to the arrest of a local individual, even though no clear motive was apparent. Through interviews and a detailed narrative, the series explores the crime's profound impact on the community, the challenges law enforcement faced, and the pursuit of justice in a small town deeply shaken by the tragedy.Dakota Spotlight isn't your average true crime podcast. Creator James Wolner delves headfirst into unsolved mysteries and forgotten...
2024-09-2001 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsMessage from JamesA short message from the host of Dakota Spotlight.Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/Get episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/Support the show on PayPal https://bit.ly/3wDhonMSign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes info@sixhorsemedia.comEmail: dakotaspotlight@gmail.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlightX/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight
2024-07-1801 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsMid-Season UpdateIn this episode, James previews the upcoming Spotlight PLUS Bonus Episode.Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/Get episodes 1 week early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/Support the show on PayPal https://bit.ly/3wDhonMSign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes info@sixhorsemedia.comEmail: dakotaspotlight@gmail.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlightX/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight
2024-06-2009 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsMid-Season UpdateIn this episode, James shares what it is like to be an independent podcaster and a preview of the upcoming Spotlight PLUS Bonus Episode with Mari Zoerb Hansen.Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/Get episodes 1 week early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/Support the show on PayPal https://bit.ly/3wDhonMSign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes info@sixhorsemedia.com...
2024-05-2311 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsYou Killed Chris (1): The Unsolved Murder of Christine Rothschild at UW–MadisonEpisode 1 of You Killed Chris: A Friend’s Fight for Justice begins with the shocking and unsolved 1968 murder of 18-year-old freshman Christine Rothschild outside Sterling Hall on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. Journalist James Wolner introduces listeners to Christine’s classmate and friend Linda, whose memories reflect on their friendship, the promise of youth, and the upheaval of campus life during the 1960s counterculture. Through Linda’s perspective, we begin to understand Christine’s life, the impact of her loss, and the haunting mystery that still surrounds her cold case.
Two Good Books about Christine Rothschild:
Murd...
2024-05-0951 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsYou Killed Chris (Trailer): The Unsolved Murder of Christine Rothschild at UW-MadisonSeason 10 of Dakota Spotlight, You Killed Chris: A Friend’s Fight for Justice, revisits one of Madison, Wisconsin’s most haunting cold cases: the unsolved 1968 murder of 18-year-old college freshman Christine Rothschild. Hosted by James Wolner, this season explores the turbulent 1960s counterculture, shifting societal norms, and the impact of violence on the University of Wisconsin–Madison community. Going beyond the headlines of the Manson murders, You Killed Chris highlights a lesser-known case, focusing on Christine’s friend Linda and her decades-long fight to keep the truth alive.
Two Good Books about Christine Rothschild:
Murder on the 5...
2024-05-0203 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsNowhere To Be Found: Interview with "The Disappearance of Belinda Van Lith" creator and host Trisha TaurinskasIn this episode, James interviews Trisha Taurinskas, creator and host of "The Disappearance of Belinda Van Lith"; a podcast detailing the events surrounding the 1974 cold case in Eagle Lake, MN. Trisha's investigation into Belinda's disappearance exposed significant early investigative failures and missed opportunities to probe the main suspect.Check out "The Disappearance of Belinda Van Lith", by Trisha Taurinskas at https://www.inforum.com/people/belinda-van-lith/?utm_source=dakota_spotlight.Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight true crime podcasts at https://dakotaspotlight.com where you can sign up for a newsletter, subscribe to...
2024-04-1850 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsA Body in the Ditch: Interview with "Short Walk" host Lee Strubinger of SDPBIn this episode James interviews Lee Strubinger, creator of "Short Walk", a nine-episode podcast, detailing the events surrounding former South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg. The story covers the period from when Ravnsborg struck and killed pedestrian Joe Boever in September 2020, through the investigations, public reactions, and political ramifications, leading to Ravnsborg's impeachment and removal from office in 2022. The podcast examines the complexities and implications of the case, highlighting the legal and political struggles involved.Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight true crime podcasts at https://dakotaspotlight.com where you can sign up for a ne...
2024-03-211h 01
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsTaking the Leap: A new chapter for Dakota Spotlight, and JamesIn this brief announcement, James explains the leap he is taking in January of 2024. He has returned to producing the show 100% independently, has created The PorchLight Podcast Network, and plans to create brand new shows (not just True Crime). Also announcing Spotlight PLUS, a tier-based subscription offering for fans, loaded with exclusive access and content.Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight true crime podcasts at https://dakotaspotlight.com where you can sign up for a newsletter, subscribe to the new and exciting Spotlight PLUS ad-free experience and much more. Head over to https://dak...
2024-01-2803 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsThe Mandan Murders (8): Murder and Justice in North DakotaEpisode 8 of The Mandan Murders provides a preview of upcoming episodes in Season 9 of Dakota Spotlight. Host James Wolner also shares a Thanksgiving greeting with listeners, reflecting on the importance of community, support, and remembrance while investigating the 2019 RJR murders in Mandan, North Dakota.
Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/
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2023-11-2204 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsThe Mandan Murders (2): Murder and Justice in North DakotaThe morning of April 1, 2019, unfolded in chaos as the bodies of four RJR Maintenance employees were discovered in Mandan, North Dakota. Episode 2 takes listeners minute by minute through Bockheim’s discovery, the 911 call, and the arrival of first responders. Host James Wolner interviews paramedics, law enforcement, and grieving families, capturing the shock of a community devastated by violence.
Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/
Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/
Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://da...
2023-10-1151 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsThe Mandan Murders (1): Murder and Justice in North DakotaOn April 1, 2019, four people were killed inside RJR Maintenance and Management in Mandan, North Dakota. Episode 1 recalls the shocking discovery of Robert Fakler, William Cobb, Lois Cobb, and Adam Fuehrer, and host James Wolner shares his perspective from attending the first police press conference that morning. This episode marks Wolner’s first step into true crime podcasting as he begins to re-examine the murders, the investigation, and the search for justice.
Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/
Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://da...
2023-10-0435 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsSummer Extra: Don Allard and the 1977 Epping Eagles - rebroadcastI'm still between Dakota Spotlight seasons, so today I am rebroadcasting for you one of my earliest pieces of audio work - an episode of a show I created to basically learn how to podcast in the first place - before Dakota Spotlight even existed. In fact, what follows was only the 5th podcast episode I ever put together – back when I was still figuring out how to work a microphone.This is not a true-crime story, and if you are an avid fan of Dakota Spotlight, you may have heard this once before between seasons one an...
2023-07-1754 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsSummer 2023 - Loyal LundstromIt's summer 2023. Finally!Dakota Spotlight is in between seasons and in research mode. Meanwhile here is a story by Trisha Taurinskas at The Vault. Check out The Vault podcast email - James at jwolner@forumcomm.comFacebook: facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2023-06-2825 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsUnresolved, The Murder of Joel Lovelien (7): 15 Years LaterEpisode 7, 15 Years Later, reflects on the unresolved 2007 murder of Joel Lovelien outside the Broken Drum Bar in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Host James Wolner interviews Travis Stay’s defense attorney, Peter Wold, and speaks with Heather (Holter) Keena, who was on the party bus that night and later married Jon “The Clown.” Sgt. Suby of the Grand Forks Police Department also shares the current status of the case.
Do you have information about Joel Lovelien’s murder? Submit a tip through the tip411 app (anonymous tips allowed) or call the Grand Forks Police Department non-emergency line at (701) 787-8000. I...
2023-04-1243 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsUnresolved, The Murder of Joel Lovelien (6): Travis on TrialEpisode 6, Travis on Trial, takes a close look at the 2008 trial of Travis Stay, who was accused of murdering Joel Lovelien outside the Broken Drum Bar in Grand Forks, North Dakota. After 14 days of testimony, Stay was found not guilty. Host James Wolner speaks with Archie Ingersoll, the reporter who covered the trial, and Nancy Yon, the lead prosecutor, to explore how the case was presented in court and why the jury reached its decision. This episode unpacks the pivotal courtroom moments of an unresolved North Dakota homicide.
Intro and outro music by HandTurner (https://handturner.bandcamp...
2023-04-0542 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsUnresolved, The Murder of Joel Lovelien (5): The Evidence Against Travis StayEpisode 5, The Evidence Against Travis Stay, examines what investigators and prosecutors believed tied Travis Stay to the 2007 murder of Joel Lovelien outside the Broken Drum Bar in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Through interviews with detectives and the legal team, host James Wolner asks: What was the evidence against Stay, and why did a jury later acquit him? This episode unpacks the state’s case, the trial, and the unresolved questions that linger more than a decade later.
Intro and outro music by HandTurner (https://handturner.bandcamp.com) and Wowza in Kalamazoo (https://wowzainkalamazoo.bandcamp.com/).
Ch...
2023-03-2930 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsEvidence Ignored - introducing the Refugio Rodriguez story by Trisha Taurinskas at The VaultHello Dakota Spotlight followers: I have a bit of a holiday treat for you today, which I am very excited to share with you.A few weeks ago, I traveled to the town of Montevideo, Minnesota. I was there to take part in a meeting with three of my colleagues to plan and discuss work for The Vault - which is Forum Communication’s online catalog of great stories about Midwest history, mysteries and, of course, true crime.Why did we convene in Montevideo, Minnesota?Montevideo was purely a logistical destination as we al...
2022-12-2330 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsCall Me Shelly (10): Follow the Red Dirt Road – The Mysterious Disappearance of Michele JulsonEpisode 10, Follow the Red Dirt Road, asks whether the unusual red dirt on Shelly Julson’s car is a key clue in her 1994 disappearance. By connecting details in her cold case file to this overlooked evidence, host James Wolner questions if investigators missed a lead that could shed light on The Mysterious Disappearance of Michele Julson.
Archival audio provided by The State Historical Society of North Dakota https://www.history.nd.gov/
Music by Wowza in Kalamazoo https://wowzainkalamazoo.bandcamp.com/
Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/...
2022-11-2425 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsCall Me Shelly (1): Fly on the Wall – The Mysterious Disappearance of Michele JulsonThe 1994 disappearance of Michele “Shelly” Julson in Bismarck, North Dakota, begins in Episode 1, Fly on the Wall. With unprecedented access to her cold case file, host James Wolner examines the early investigation and the troubling events leading up to her vanishing — harassment, vandalism, and mystery men. Featuring new interviews with law enforcement, family, and friends, this episode launches Dakota Spotlight’s search for answers in The Mysterious Disappearance of Michele Julson.
Archival audio provided by The State Historical Society of North Dakota https://www.history.nd.gov/
Music by Wowza in Kalamazoo https://wowzainkalamazoo.bandcamp.com/...
2022-07-2049 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsOut Sick - Covid-19 COVID-19 got to Dakota Spotlight host James Wolner, so the show is out of commission this week, as well. Never fear -- James is on the mend and thankful for being vaccinated. Please join him and co-producer Jeremy Fugleberg and get fully vaccinated against COVID-19. It's the best way to ensure you don't get seriously ill, hospitalized or worse. Take the week to catch up on this season, or encourage someone to binge all this season's episodes and catch up to you. Meanwhile, to see documents, photos, videos and more about this case vi...
2022-04-2001 minDakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsIntroducing The Vault: What Happened to Carla Beth Anderson?Next week Dakota Spotlight will be back with Episode 11 of Season 6. Thirty four years ago, Carla Beth Anderson, age 23, had just been told she was employee of the month at her fast food job in Wadena, Minnesota. Then, she vanished. Police, family and community members have sought in vain to find out what happened to her, and wonder if a mysterious nearby fire and a missing car may have had something to do with it. Introducing The Vault, a sister podcast to Dakota Spotlight. The Vault podcast features reporting from Forum Communications journalists across the Upper Midwest...
2022-04-1314 min
The VaultSecrets of his storytelling: Interview with Dakota Spotlight creator James WolnerIn this episode co-producer Jeremy Fugleberg interviews the creator and host of Dakota Spotlight James Wolner Jeremy talks to James about Dakota Spotlight, true-crime, storytelling, a bit about his life and his favorite music and more. Dakota Spotlight is available on all podcast streaming platforms. https://www.inforum.com/podcasts/dakota-spotlight-podcast
2022-03-031h 00
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsVanishing Act (5): Secrets of Storytelling – Interview with James Wolner – The Untold Story of Kristin Joy Diede and Bob AndersonEpisode 5, Secrets of Storytelling: Interview with James Wolner, pauses the live investigation into The Untold Story of Kristin Joy Diede and Bob Anderson for an update and behind-the-scenes conversation. Jeremy Fugleberg interviews Dakota Spotlight creator and host James Wolner about his approach to true crime reporting, storytelling, and music, while also sharing important clarifications about Seasons 5 and 6 and dates for upcoming developments. Featuring music by SleepyDriver (https://sleepydriver.bandcamp.com) and James’s personal playlist (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0VCLKw-qRZlrHlD82bhhWxjB3mP4GdtV).
If you know what happened to Kristin and Bob or have in...
2022-03-021h 03
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsVanishing Act (2): Last Days – The Untold Story of Kristin Joy Diede and Bob AndersonEpisode 2, Last Days, traces the final movements of Kristin Joy Diede and Robert Michael “Bob” Anderson before their 1993 disappearance in North Dakota. Host James Wolner and co-producer Jeremy Fugleberg speak with the last people to see and talk with Kristin and Bob, asking why they traveled together, what they were trying to accomplish, and the conflict they faced on the day they vanished. This chapter of Vanishing Act confronts troubling questions about domestic violence and the moments leading up to a mystery that has gone unsolved for decades.
Content Warning: This episode discusses domestic violence. If you’ve bee...
2022-02-0943 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsVanishing Act (1): Surprised By Secrets – The Untold Story of Kristin Joy Diede and Bob AndersonThe 1993 vanishing of Kristin Joy Diede and Robert Michael “Bob” Anderson begins with Episode 1, Surprised By Secrets. The two set out on a North Dakota road trip and were never seen again. Authorities believe Kristin and Bob were murdered, yet decades later, no one has been held accountable. Host James Wolner teams up with journalist Jeremy Fugleberg to reexamine this cold case, uncovering hidden details and raising new questions about what really happened.
If you know what happened to Kristin and Bob or have information for law enforcement, call the Logan County, ND Sheriff’s Office: (701) 754-2495.
...
2022-02-0234 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsThe Man From Un Part 2 - Sajid Hussain and Karima BalochPart 2 of 2 - Host James Wolner and his daughter head to a small apartment in Sweden to learn more about the lives and deaths of Sajid Hussain and Karima Baloch. Music by Väsen Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight true crime podcasts at https://dakotaspotlight.com where you can sign up for a newsletter, subscribe to the new and exciting Spotlight PLUS ad-free experience and much more. Head over to https://dakotaspotlight.com to learn more. Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes by sending email to info@sixhors...
2021-12-231h 03
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsSummer Update 2021Hey there, This is James, host and producer of Dakota Spotlight podcast. This is just a quick update on what's going on with the podcast this summer. I have some important dates to tell you about and some other news.You can reach me at dakotspotlight@gmail.comThank you so much for listening to Dakota Spotlight! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2021-06-2509 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsA Murder in MinotA kindergarten teacher masterminds a brutal murder and shows no remorse.In this special, stand-alone episode we learn about a macabre crime from the true north. In 2015, Angila Wilder was brutally murdered in her home while her 2 year old child slept just down the hall. True crime author C.J. Wynn meets with Dakota Spotlight to discuss this crime.links:Dakota Spotlight online https://www.inforum.com/dakota-spotlight/Podcast newsletter: https://register.inforum.com/dakotaspotlight/C.J. WYNN's book https://www.amazon.com/Wilder-Intentions-Murder-North-Dakota/dp/193491293XMu...
2020-09-0838 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsThe House on Sweet and Seventh (6): Escape to the Movies – The Erickstad Family Murder in BismarckThe murders of Barbara and Gordon Erickstad in 1998 shocked Bismarck, North Dakota, and left lasting scars on all connected. Episode 6, Escape to the Movies, introduces Misty Jones — remembered as the girl with the little red car — who, in a 2020 interview, tells her story in full for the first time. Misty shares her early path to a party lifestyle, her personal struggles since the Erickstad homicides, and her memories of that fateful night. She also sheds light on Rick Storhaug, Ryan Werner, and what unfolded inside the house on Sweet and Seventh. Dakota Spotlight continues this documentary style true crime inve...
2020-08-1643 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsThe House on Sweet and Seventh (5): A Sick Salute – The Erickstad Family Murder in BismarckThe murders of Barbara and Gordon Erickstad in 1998 remain one of Bismarck, North Dakota’s darkest true crime stories. Episode 5, A Sick Salute, follows the arrest of Robert Lawrence and Brian Erickstad after a bloody shoe linked them to the killings. While the fugitives awaited trial, the East Sweet crew ramped up their support in disturbing, “Manson-like” fashion — with sick salutes, love letters, and shocking disrespect toward the victims’ families. Former detectives Bob Haas and Lloyd Halvorson reflect on what this crime meant, who may have been involved that night, and whether others still hold answers. Dakota Spotlight continues its invest...
2020-08-1550 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsThe House on Sweet and Seventh (4): One of These Days – The Erickstad Family Murder in BismarckThe murders of Barbara and Gordon Erickstad in 1998 exposed a tangled web of loyalty, secrecy, and violence in Bismarck, North Dakota. Episode 4, One of These Days, follows detectives Bob Haas and Steve Lundin as they press forward — one piecing evidence together with the medical examiner, the other facing a frustrating interview with Misty’s boyfriend, Rick Storhaug. The timeline of September 16th, 1998, emerges hour by hour, showing the antics of the East Sweet crew in the last 12 hours before the crime. Police records and new interviews reveal the darker side of Robert Lawrence. Dakota Spotlight continues this investigative journalism seri...
2020-08-1433 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsThe House on Sweet and Seventh (3): Patience Pays Off – The Erickstad Family Murder in BismarckIn September 1998, Barbara and Gordon Erickstad’s murders shattered the quiet community of Bismarck, North Dakota. Episode 3, Patience Pays Off, follows how police questioning of a key witness gradually revealed the truth about what happened. That same weekend, much of the Bismarck Police force traveled south of Mandan in search of two homicide victims, as a terrified woman rushed into the station at 4 a.m. with even more information. Dakota Spotlight continues its documentary style true crime investigation into the Erickstad family murder, a case that forever changed Bismarck’s sense of safety.
Check out the full cata...
2020-08-1338 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsThe House on Sweet and Seventh (2): Never Ever Narc – The Erickstad Family Murder in BismarckThe murders of Barbara and Gordon Erickstad shocked Bismarck, North Dakota in 1998. Episode 2, Never Ever Narc, follows detective Lloyd Halvorson as he zeroes in on 18-year-old Brian Erickstad and 27-year-old Robert Lawrence. With the suspects on the run, police turned to their circle of teenage friends, hoping someone would talk. The answers could reveal who was involved — and most urgently, where Barbara and Gordon’s bodies were. Dakota Spotlight investigates this heartbreaking North Dakota true crime story of loyalty, silence, and unimaginable violence.
Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/
Get...
2020-08-1249 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsThe House on Sweet and Seventh (1): A Little Red Car – The Erickstad Family Murder in BismarckIn September 1998, Barbara and Gordon Erickstad were brutally murdered in their Bismarck, North Dakota home. Episode 1, A Little Red Car, begins the story when 17-year-old Aimee walked into the police station with a chilling suspicion: her boyfriend, Brian, might have hurt his parents. A welfare check was meant to set things straight — but it only deepened the mystery. What had really happened inside the house on Sweet and Seventh, and where were Barbara and Gordon? Dakota Spotlight investigates this shocking small town murder through documentary style true crime reporting and interviews with those who lived it.
Check ou...
2020-08-1144 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsComing Soon!Join me, James Wolner, and Forum Communications for Dakota Spotlight Season 3, as we take a closer look into one the most puzzling crimes in North Dakota history. Hear first-hand accounts, original police interviews and much more. Scheduled for release later this summer, Season 3 will be available anywhere you get your podcasts. AND be on the lookout for additional content, video footage and other extras exclusively at InForum.comhttps://www.forumcomm.com/https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2020-06-1102 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsZeeland (9): Sebastian Speaks Out – The Wade and Ellen Zick Murder in North DakotaThe 1976 murders of Wade and Ellen Zick shocked the small town of Zeeland, North Dakota, and remain one of the region’s most disturbing true crime cases. Episode 9, Sebastian Speaks Out, features a telephone interview with Sebastian Feist from federal prison. After years of silence, Feist discusses his time in Zeeland, the crime, and his perspective on why the Zicks were killed. This rare conversation offers insight into the people, decisions, and violence that turned a rural crime into one of North Dakota’s most haunting unsolved murder stories.
Music by Peter Hicks – performed by Sleepy Driver: https...
2020-03-1039 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsZeeland (8): Update – Love Letters & Murder Ballads – The Wade and Ellen Zick Murder in North DakotaThe 1976 murders of Wade and Ellen Zick in Zeeland, North Dakota inspired Season 2 of Dakota Spotlight, one of the state’s most haunting true crime stories. Episode 8, Update – Love Letters & Murder Ballads, shifts focus to music as host James Wolner interviews Peter Hicks of Sleepy Driver. Peter generously allowed his music to be featured throughout the season and here shares his thoughts on songwriting, inspiration, and how stories of tragedy and memory influence his work. This update offers a creative reflection tied to a cold case that still lingers in rural North Dakota.
Music by Peter Hicks – perfor...
2020-02-0930 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsZeeland (7): Crossing the Street – The Wade and Ellen Zick Murder in North DakotaThe 1976 murders of Wade and Ellen Zick devastated the small town of Zeeland, North Dakota, leaving behind one of the region’s most haunting true crime cases. Episode 7, Crossing the Street, examines chapters Guns and Piggy Banks, California Dreaming, No Different Than You, and Crossing the Street. These stories reveal the pressures, choices, and shifting realities faced by those connected to the crime. Zeeland continues its investigative journalism approach, uncovering how rural crime and small town murder shattered lives and reshaped a community.
Music by Peter Hicks – performed by Sleepy Driver: https://sleepydriver.bandcamp.com/
‘To God be...
2020-01-2243 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsZeeland (6): Flip a Coin – The Wade and Ellen Zick Murder in North DakotaThe 1976 Zeeland murders of Wade and Ellen Zick remain one of North Dakota’s most disturbing cold cases. Episode 6, Flip a Coin, explores the events that followed with chapters including Valentine’s Day, County Jail, Strong Coffee and Nazis, Worse than Death, and David Feist. These moments reveal surprising conversations, community dynamics, and the people whose actions reshaped the investigation. Zeeland continues its documentary style true crime storytelling, uncovering how small town murder and rural crime left a permanent mark on the community.
Music by Peter Hicks – performed by Sleepy Driver: https://sleepydriver.bandcamp.com/
‘To God be th...
2020-01-2146 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsZeeland (5): Caramel Rolls – The Wade and Ellen Zick Murder in North DakotaThe 1976 murders of Wade and Ellen Zick remain one of North Dakota’s most haunting true crime cases. Episode 5, Caramel Rolls, continues the story with chapters Caramel Rolls, Say Something, and It’s About Time. These moments reveal the community’s uneasy conversations, shifting loyalties, and the long silence that often surrounds small town murder. Zeeland blends investigative journalism and documentary style true crime storytelling to explore how rural crime devastated Zeeland and why this cold case still resonates nearly half a century later.
Music by Peter Hicks – performed by Sleepy Driver: https://sleepydriver.bandcamp.com/
‘To God be...
2020-01-2048 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsZeeland (4): Pink Slip – The Wade and Ellen Zick Murder in North DakotaThe brutal 1976 murders of Wade and Ellen Zick in Zeeland, North Dakota left investigators and neighbors chasing every possible lead. Episode 4, Pink Slip, moves deeper into the story with chapters including Sunland, The House on Third Street, Sour Cream and Salsa, Standing Room Only, Pink Slip, and Two Brothers and a Friend. These moments reveal the shifting suspicions, whispered rumors, and growing fear inside a small town trying to understand what happened. Zeeland is a documentary style true crime series investigating how rural crime devastated a tight-knit community and became one of North Dakota’s most haunting cold cases....
2020-01-1942 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsZeeland (3): Z is for Zick – The Wade and Ellen Zick Murder in North DakotaOn July 11, 1976, Wade and Ellen Zick were murdered in their Zeeland, North Dakota home, leaving a community devastated. Episode 3, Z is for Zick, revisits that night with chapters including Until Dawn, Z is for Zick, First Daylight, Hitchhiker, and Windows of Darkness. These accounts paint a chilling picture of fear, suspicion, and shock as neighbors and investigators confronted the brutal crime. Zeeland continues its documentary style true crime investigation into how a small town murder left lasting scars on rural North Dakota.
Music by Peter Hicks – performed by Sleepy Driver: https://sleepydriver.bandcamp.com/
‘To God be t...
2020-01-1850 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsZeeland (2): No Banker Tomorrow – The Wade and Ellen Zick Murder in North DakotaThe 1976 murders of Wade and Ellen Zick left Zeeland, North Dakota shaken and desperate for answers. Episode 2, No Banker Tomorrow, continues the investigation with chapters including Party Line, We Think We Found Something, No Banker Tomorrow, and Ellen Thompson. These moments reveal how neighbors, police, and community members pieced together new details about what happened that night. Zeeland is a documentary style true crime series that investigates how a small town murder devastated rural North Dakota and continues to echo as one of the state’s most haunting cold cases.
Music by Peter Hicks – performed by Sleepy Driv...
2020-01-1746 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsZeeland (1): A Deed Without a Name – The Wade and Ellen Zick Murder in North DakotaOn July 11, 1976, Wade and Ellen Zick were murdered in their home in Zeeland, North Dakota, leaving the small town reeling. Episode 1, A Deed Without a Name, begins the investigation into this shocking crime. Chapters include Sunday Morning Sidewalks, Unmade Beds, and Search Party, recounting the first clues that emerged after the murders. Through eyewitness accounts, law enforcement records, and interviews with community members, Zeeland examines a true crime story that continues to haunt rural North Dakota.
Music by Peter Hicks – performed by Sleepy Driver: https://sleepydriver.bandcamp.com/
‘To God be the Glory‘ sung by the Sunday...
2020-01-1649 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsBonus – The little town that couldWhile waiting on Season 2 to be released, I’m releasing an edited version of a story I did in 2015 about a young boy with a dream, and the town that got behind him in 1976.Also a short word on Season 2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2019-11-1654 minDakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsDakota Oil Protests – CorrectionHello Everyone, This is just a very quick message to listeners to make a correction, or at the very least offer an apology and explanation for something that was brought to my attention regarding Season One, The story of Victor Newberry. I received some criticism which I think is well founded, now that I’ve gone back and listened, and understand how a particular segment was received. I really botched something, and I want to explain. In episode three, You’re a dead man, I described the area where Victor Newberry lived, Glen Ulli...
2019-11-1104 minDakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsVictor Newberry UpdateIn this update about Victor Newberry I share the difficulties I experienced when attempting to speak with anyone at the Morton County State’s attorney’s office about Victor’s case. I also interview Andy Zachmeier, Morton County Commissioner (And Police officer) who shares his thoughts on Victor’s death. Music by Julia Kent Send tips or ideas Newsletter and Updates Support Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/support dakotaspotlight.com
2019-10-0524 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsZeeland (Trailer 2) – Investigating the Zick Family Murder in North DakotaSeason 2 of Dakota Spotlight, Zeeland, tells the untold story of the 1976 murder of Wade and Ellen Zick. This trailer introduces the season’s focus on the crime that shocked the small town of Zeeland, North Dakota, and the impact it had on friends, family, and neighbors. Combining investigative journalism, eyewitness accounts, and reflections more than 45 years later, this series is a documentary style true crime investigation into small town murder, rural crime, and the long-lasting effects of violence on a close-knit community.
Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/
Get al...
2019-09-2405 minDakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsUpdate 1 - Victor's fileIn this update/bonus episode. A little about Season Two – Zeeland We hear some feedback from listeners who share their varying opinions about Tiffany’s behavior. James interview’s Gabrielle Goter, Morton County assistant state’s attorney about preservation of evidence, open records requests, who decides if a person will be prosecuted and who might have reviewed Victor’s file before it was closed. Interview with Kyle Kirchmeier about medical examiners and transparency of the Sheriff’s Dept. Sponsored by my friend Sarah at Kinfauns Vintage – https://www.etsy.com/shop/kinfauns/ Kinfauns Vintage features over 200 pieces o...
2019-05-1938 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsZeeland (Trailer 1) – The Untold Story of Wade and Ellen ZickOn July 11, 1976, Wade and Ellen Zick were murdered in their Zeeland, North Dakota home, leaving a community shaken. In Zeeland, Season 2 of Dakota Spotlight, investigative journalist James Wolner revisits this true crime story through interviews with family, law enforcement, neighbors, and even the perpetrators themselves. This trailer previews the season’s exploration of an unsolved murder that devastated a small town and left questions about how such violence could erupt in rural North Dakota.
Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/
Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Sp...
2019-05-1502 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsVictor Newberry (10): A Bar Named Heaven – The Mysterious Death of a Glen Ullin BartenderEpisode 10, A Bar Named Heaven, concludes Season 1 of Dakota Spotlight. Host James Wolner offers his own theory — along with evidence — about the events that may have contributed to the mysterious 2014 death of Victor Newberry, a Glen Ullin bartender whose story began this podcast.
This episode is dedicated to Victor Newberry and his family, with special thanks to everyone in Glen Ullin who shared their memories, and to listeners who followed along on this journey.
Featuring music by Flyte, PopUp Chorus, and Julia Kent.
Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dako...
2019-05-0147 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsVictor Newberry (9): B.L.O.O.D. – The Mysterious Death of a Glen Ullin BartenderEpisode 9, B.L.O.O.D., dives deeper into the unanswered questions surrounding Victor Newberry’s mysterious 2014 death. Why doesn’t the autopsy note blood on Victor’s clothing? Host James Wolner reviews the toxicology report, introduces a “bartender with a van,” and shares the detailed list of questions he submitted to the Morton County Sheriff’s Department — along with their responses. We also hear Tiffany’s side of the story, adding another perspective to a case filled with contradictions and missing details.
Music by Julia Kent: https://juliakent.com
Check out the full catalog and everything D...
2019-04-2452 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsVictor Newberry (8): Blue Christmas – The Mysterious Death of a Glen Ullin BartenderEpisode 8, Blue Christmas, highlights contradictions and new questions in the investigation of Victor Newberry’s death. Why don’t early media reports match the police report? For Victor, the holiday season was never tied to joy and celebration, and this year it turned tragic. A DUI police report reveals unusual movements by two of the three “strangers” who were around after the bar closed. Host James Wolner also looks at how law enforcement secured — or failed to secure — crucial evidence in the mysterious 2014 death of a Glen Ullin bartender.
Music by Julia Kent: https://juliakent.com
Check out...
2019-04-1752 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsVictor Newberry (7): Left For Dead – The Mysterious Death of a Glen Ullin BartenderEpisode 7, Left For Dead, uncovers troubling gaps in the investigation of Victor Newberry’s mysterious 2014 death. Two days after Victor was found next to his running vehicle, a stranger entered the sheriff’s office claiming he had been with Victor at his car on the night he died. Yet the audio and video recording of that interview is missing from police files. Why was Victor’s wallet lying on the ground beside him? With more questions than answers, this episode highlights the inconsistencies and overlooked evidence that continue to cloud the case of the Glen Ullin bartender.
Music...
2019-04-1056 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsVictor Newberry (5): Boys and Girls – The Mysterious Death of a Glen Ullin BartenderEpisode 5, Boys and Girls, brings forward new voices and perspectives on the night Victor Newberry died in Glen Ullin, North Dakota. Host James Wolner meets four of Victor’s friends, who provide fresh information that reshapes the story of his final hours. The investigation also takes a turn as James examines the possible criminal pasts of Victor and his friend Henry, adding new complexity to the case. As the circle widens, so do the questions surrounding the mysterious 2014 death of this small-town bartender.
Music by Julia Kent: https://juliakent.com
Check out the full catalog an...
2019-03-2738 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsVictor Newberry (4): Better Left Alone – The Mysterious Death of a Glen Ullin BartenderEpisode 4, Better Left Alone, highlights the challenges host James Wolner faced while navigating North Dakota’s open records laws in his investigation of Victor Newberry’s death. At the Glen Ullin Times newspaper, we learn more about the small town where Victor lived and died. Local music legends Francis and Harvey Tibor recall that Victor’s death was not the only perplexing crime to trouble western North Dakota, sharing chilling stories that place his case in a broader context of violence and mystery. From bizarre tales like a human skull at “show and tell” to the frustrations of public record roa...
2019-03-2038 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsVictor Newberry (3): You’re a Dead Man – The Mysterious Death of a Glen Ullin BartenderEpisode 3, You’re a Dead Man, takes listeners deeper into western North Dakota, the place where Victor Newberry lived and died. Glen Ullin is a small town where, as some say, “everybody knows everybody” and people are “accountable” to one another. While reflecting on those statements, host James Wolner meets two of Victor’s friends who share why he might have felt the need to look over his shoulder. Victor, known as a somewhat quiet and private man, may have been caught up in more than he let on. Documentation of an altercation also surfaces, raising new questions in the mysterio...
2019-03-1336 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsVictor Newberry (2): Forensic Garbage – The Mysterious Death of a Glen Ullin BartenderEpisode 2, Forensic Garbage, explores whether Victor Newberry’s autopsy report should be trusted — or tossed aside as meaningless. After Victor, a Glen Ullin bartender, was found dead next to his running vehicle on a freezing December morning in 2014, authorities ruled out foul play. But was the medical examiner’s report reliable? From Virginia to Washington, D.C., to Bismarck and Minot, host James Wolner digs into the questions surrounding Victor’s autopsy and examines what such reports can and cannot reveal about a mysterious death.
Music by Julia Kent: https://juliakent.com
Check out the full cat...
2019-03-0656 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsVictor Newberry (1): Everybody Knows – The Mysterious Death of a Glen Ullin BartenderEpisode 1, Everybody Knows, introduces the story that launched Dakota Spotlight. In a rural North Dakota bar, host James Wolner hears an outlandish tale about the perplexing death of Victor Newberry, a well-known Glen Ullin bartender found dead beside his running vehicle on a frigid December morning in 2014. What starts as local chatter soon drives Wolner to separate fact from rumor and to uncover why so many in this small town believe Victor’s death was no accident.
Music by Julia Kent: https://juliakent.com
Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.co...
2019-02-2741 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsVictor Newberry (Trailer 2): A North Dakota Small Town MysteryVictor Newberry’s death in 2014 shocked the rural town of Glen Ullin, North Dakota. Found next to his running car on a freezing December morning, his case was quickly dismissed as non-criminal by authorities. But townspeople told a different story — one of murder, mafia rumors, and unanswered questions. In this second trailer for Season 1: Victor Newberry, Dakota Spotlight host James Wolner introduces the case that set him on a path of uncovering hidden truths in small town America.
Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/
Get all episodes early, ad-free, and...
2019-02-2302 min
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case InvestigationsVictor Newberry (Trailer 1): The 2014 Glen Ullin Bartender DeathSeason 1 of Dakota Spotlight begins with the puzzling case of Victor Newberry, a Glen Ullin bartender discovered dead next to his running vehicle on December 27, 2014. Despite authorities ruling out foul play, locals whispered of murder, mafia ties, and unanswered questions. In this trailer, host James Wolner introduces the case that launched the podcast and his investigation into one of North Dakota’s most talked-about small town mysteries.
Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/
Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/
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2019-02-0703 min
The DakotaBall PodcastSTATE – DBP12Congrats to the Killdeer Cowboy's girls squad headed to state!
I have been on the road due to some life changes - here is a quick update regarding the girls regionals and state tourney in 2018.
To listen to the girls state B tournament visit http://740thefan.com/
I am also working on a brand new podcast series which is also related to small town basketball. Look for that in the coming months.
2018-03-0100 min