Crime reporter Dan Box joins us to discuss Bowraville, his podcast about the tragic murders of three Aboriginal children in a small Australian town. Teaming up with The Australian, Dan investigates how all three vanished from the same street and searches for answers in this haunting case. 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...
Dec 05, 2024•54 min•Season 99Ep. 57
A 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 two-year-old child slept just down the hall. True crime author C.J. Wynn meets with Dakota Spotlight to discuss this crime. C.J. WYNN's book https://www.amazon.com/Wilder-Intentions-Murder-North-Dakota/dp/193491293X Music in this episode: https://drjmart.bandcamp.com/ Ch...
Nov 07, 2024•40 min•Season 99Ep. 55
I Woke Up To A Girl Watching Me Sleep - The Driftwood Drifter - Creepy Guy On A Bus - The Dam Man - Accidentally Stumbled Into A Christian Cult - This is Disturbed. Featuring narration by: Kyra Cornett Elizabeth Flood Brian Jeffords Kat Carter Terra Ashe Disturbed is a production of Killer Podcasts, a part of the Evergreen network. For more paranormal and true crime shows, visit KillerPodcasts.com. Follow our social channels, @disturbedpodcast on instagram or disturbed_pod on twitter. If you enj...
Oct 31, 2024•40 min•Season 99Ep. 54
We share the full audio of a police interrogation from March 2021 with Jesse Huy, who killed three family members and then turned himself in. This recording includes a full confession and reveals the disturbing reasons behind the murders, offering a rare insight into the "Why". 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 Pa...
Oct 24, 2024•33 min•Season 99Ep. 53
Joel Lovelien was just 38-years-old when he was found beaten to death outside of the Broken Drum Bar in Grand Forks, North Dakota on a Halloween-themed Saturday night in 2007. Who killed Joel Lovelien? Music by HandTurner and Wowza in Kalamazoo 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/3wDhonM Sign u...
Oct 17, 2024•55 min•Season 99Ep. 52
Part 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://dakotas...
Oct 10, 2024•47 min•Season 99Ep. 51
Part 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....
Oct 03, 2024•47 min•Season 99Ep. 50
James 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 epis...
Sep 26, 2024•36 min•Season 99Ep. 49
Part 2 of 2 - Exiled Pakistani journalist Sajid Hussain and activist Karima Baloch, both of whom fled Pakistan, were later found dead under suspicious circumstances, raising concerns of politically motivated killings. Their deaths highlight the dangers faced by Baloch activists, cast doubt on the investigation into Sajid's death, and underscore the broader risks for journalists who challenge powerful forces. Music by Väsen https://spoti.fi/4cLw57h Originally published December 2021. Get the free...
Sep 12, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 99Ep. 48
Part 1 of 2 - Sajid Hussain, a Pakistani journalist in exile in Sweden after facing threats for his work on human rights abuses in Balochistan, went missing and was later found dead in the Fyris River. Although Swedish police concluded there was no foul play, suspicions persist that his death may have been linked to his investigative reporting, potentially involving Pakistani intelligence. The case underscores the risks faced by exiled journalists and leaves unanswered questions about the true c...
Sep 05, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 99Ep. 47
Season 5, Episode 1 - Five Blocks From Home 15 year old Barbara Louise Cotton vanished from the streets of Williston, North Dakota on April 11, 1981 five blocks from her home. What happened to Barbara Cotton? In episode 1, while others called Barbara a 'runaway', a frustrated yet unyielding Sandee Evanson refuses to stop looking for her childhood friend. A Better Search for Barbara is a deep, investigative dive into one of North Dakota's longest running cold cases. Music: Wowza in Kalamazoo http...
Aug 29, 2024•55 min•Season 99Ep. 46
Ohio Mysteries: The Great Locomotive Chase Pt 1 In 1862, 23 Ohio soldiers, led by a Kentucky union spy, stole deep into the south with the intent of stealing a train and using it to destroy telegraph lines, railroad tracks and bridges and cripple the south. They ultimately got caught and nearly half of them hanged, but the survivors were given the very first Medals of Honor by a grateful US Congress. In this first episode, we meet the intrepid Ohioans and follow them on their dangerous four-day ...
Aug 22, 2024•46 min•Season 99Ep. 45
In this riveting, must-listen interview, award-winning paranormal researcher Morgan Knudsen and true crime writer Mike Browne sit down with journalist and author Matt Baglio (THE RITE, ARGO, HOSTAGE TO THE DEVIL) to delve into Matt's firsthand experiences investigating ritual exorcism. Join us as Matt discusses his remarkable eyewitness testimony and first-hand accounts from Father Gary Thomas, the Exorcist who inspired the Anthony Hopkins film "THE RITE." Get Matt's book here: https://www.amazo...
Aug 08, 2024•1 hr 37 min•Season 99Ep. 44
Season 3, Episode 1. On a quiet Friday morning in September of 1998 a 17 year old girl named Aimee walked into the Police Department in Bismarck, North Dakota. The young woman said she wasn’t exactly sure, but she had a hunch that her 18 year old boyfriend Brian might have hurt his mother and father. Not a problem, said Bismarck Police, a simple welfare check would set this story straight. ‘The story’ wasn’t set straight though. But what exactly had happened? And where were the boy’s parents? Pe...
Jul 25, 2024•51 min•Season 99Ep. 43
A 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/3wDhonM Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes [email protected] Email: [email protected]...
Jul 18, 2024•5 min•Season 99Ep. 42
In South Africa, a school teacher was assassinated in front of her class by hit-men. Who would take out a contract on a school teacher? That's what Paul McNally wanted to find out with Season 2 of his gripping podcast Alibi. Dakota Spotlight spoke with Paul from his home in South Africa. Originally broadcast Summer 2021. Listen to the Alibi podcast https://developaudio.co.za/alibi Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get episodes early, ad-free,...
Jul 11, 2024•36 min•Season 99Ep. 41
Dakota Spotlight has reached the 10 season milestone, and we look back to where it all began with Victor Newberry. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get new episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Support the show on PayPal https://bit.ly/3wDhonM Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotli...
Jul 04, 2024•46 min•Season 99Ep. 40
In the season finale, others reflect on Linda’s theories and determination. We hear a phone conversation where a college student confronts Niels, accusing him of being Christine’s murderer and a serial killer. Check out the music of MVLL CRIMES https://mvllcrimes.bandcamp.com/ Two Good Books about Christine Rothschild: Murder on the 56th Day: Linda Schulko. Get the Kindle version of Linda’s great book. Linda donates all proceeds to charity. Get Linda’s book on Amazon https://amzn.to/4cX0DEe Cold...
Jun 27, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 10Ep. 6
In 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/3wDhonM Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes [email protected] E...
Jun 20, 2024•13 min•Season 99Ep. 39
In episode 5, Linda becomes an expert on Niels' family history and uncovers his long-standing lies. On the 40th anniversary of Christine's death, she organizes a memorial at UW, inviting Niels as the keynote speaker. In ongoing conversations, Linda confronts him as the killer and learns of a friend who might have evidence. Two Good Books about Christine Rothschild: Murder on the 56th Day: Linda Schulko. Get the Kindle version of Linda’s great book. Linda donates all proceeds to charity. Get Lind...
Jun 13, 2024•40 min•Season 10Ep. 5
In episode 4, the police seek public help and interview Niels Jorgensen, the surgeon Linda reported harassing Christine. Linda intensifies her focus on Niels, discreetly contacting hospital staff and his family. Insights from colleagues and family reveal more about the true story of Niels. Two Good Books about Christine Rothschild: Murder on the 56th Day: Linda Schulko. Get the Kindle version of Linda’s great book. Linda donates all proceeds to charity. Get Linda’s book on Amazon https://amzn.to...
Jun 06, 2024•48 min•Season 10Ep. 4
In episode 3, Christine takes her usual morning walk, and her body is later found in the bushes near Sterling Hall. The UW-Madison police conduct an investigation, but the case soon goes cold. Linda informs UWPD about an older man who had been harassing Christine, someone she feared. Two Good Books about Christine Rothschild: Murder on the 56th Day: Linda Schulko. Get the Kindle version of Linda’s great book. Linda donates all proceeds to charity. Get Linda’s book on Amazon https://amzn.to/4cX0D...
May 30, 2024•48 min•Season 10Ep. 3
In 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/3wDhonM Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ ...
May 23, 2024•11 min•Season 99Ep. 38
In episode 2, friends recall dorm life at Ann Emery Hall and Christine's struggles with being at UW-Madison. Meanwhile, the campus is shaken by the Dow Day protest, and Linda recounts the days leading up to Christine's tragic fate. Two Good Books about Christine Rothschild: Murder on the 56th Day: Linda Schulko. Get the Kindle version of Linda’s great book. Linda donates all proceeds to charity. Get Linda’s book on Amazon https://amzn.to/4cX0DEe Cold: The Unsolved Murders of Seven Young Women: K...
May 16, 2024•41 min•Season 10Ep. 2
In episode 1, 18-year-old freshman Christine Rothschild was found brutally murdered outside Sterling Hall at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1968. We are introduced to her classmate, Linda, who reflects on their friendship and campus life amidst the 1960s counterculture. Two Good Books about Christine Rothschild: Murder on the 56th Day: Linda Schulko. Get the Kindle version of Linda’s great book. Linda donates all proceeds to charity. Get Linda’s book on Amazon https://amzn.to/4cX0DEe Col...
May 09, 2024•54 min•Season 10Ep. 1
Season 10 of Dakota Spotlight, "You Killed Chris: A Friend's Fight for Justice" is set against the backdrop of the 1960s US counterculture and delves into the unresolved murder of 18-year-old college freshman Christine Rothschild. Hosted by James Wolner, “You Killed Chris” goes beyond the well-known Manson murders to explore this lesser-known case, focusing on the victim's friend’s relentless pursuit of the truth and the impact the crime had on the University of Wisconsin-Madison community. Two ...
May 02, 2024•7 min
In 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....
Apr 18, 2024•55 min•Season 99Ep. 37
Originally broadcast Summer 2021. When Kirra McLoughlin died her boyfriend said she must have overdosed on prescription drugs. That didn't explain the over one hundred bruises on her body however. And yet, nobody has been charged with Kirra's death. That didn't sit well with Jamie Pultz. He had met Kirra once at his former job, back when he was a police officer in Queensland Australia. When he heard that Kirra had died and nobody had been held accountable, he decided to do something about it. Th...
Apr 11, 2024•34 min•Season 99Ep. 36
Telephone interview with Sebastian Feist from federal prison. I was recently contacted by Sebastian Feist who had previously declined to speak with me about this story. In this episode I speak with Feist over the telephone. I ask him about his time in Zeeland, the crime, why the Zicks needed to be killed and many other things. To view a video of 18 year old Sebastian Feist (and his brother Dave) being led into the county jail (and hundreds of photos) become a PLUS subscriber at https://dakotaspo...
Apr 04, 2024•43 min•Season 99Ep. 35
Chapter 28 – Guns and Piggy Banks Chapter 29 – California Dreaming Chapter 30 – No Different Than You Chapter 31 – Crossing the Street Music by Peter Hicks, performed by Sleepy Driver Check out Sleepy Driver on sleepydriver.bandcamp.com ‘To God be the Glory’ sung by the Sunday School kids at St Peter’s church, Chaffee, North Dakota Dakota Spotlight is produced by Everything Midwestern LLC in North Dakota Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight true crime podcasts at https://dakotaspotligh...
Mar 28, 2024•49 min•Season 99Ep. 34
