Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold C...
Dakota Spotlight is a true crime series investigating unsolved murders, cold cases, and missing persons in North Dakota and the Midwest. Hosted by investigative journalist James Wolner, each season takes a deep dive into one case, from rural crime and small town murders to decades-old disappearances. Through meticulous research, exclusive interviews, and on-the-ground reporting, Dakota Spotlight brings forgotten crimes back into the public eye and gives voice to victims and their families. Alongside full investigative seasons, the show also features shorter standalone episodes that explore individual mysteries in a single sitting. If you are drawn to investigative journalism, small town true crime, and real crime stories based on actual events, Dakota Spotlight offers gripping and respectful storytelling you will not forget.
76
Homicide at House of Bottles (2): The Bismarck ...
Episode 2 follows detectives as they investigate the 1999 murder of Robbie Rahrich in Bismarck, uncovering missing evidence, key witnesses, and the first troubling leads.
33 min
77
Homicide at House of Bottles (1): The Bismarck ...
In 1999, Robbie Rahrich was murdered at the House of Bottles liquor store in Bismarck, North Dakota, a crime that shocked the community and launched a high-stakes investigation.
41 min
78
Season 11 Official Trailer - Homicide at House ...
Season 11 Official Trailer - Homicide at House of Bottles
3 min
79
Season 11 Teaser & Revisiting The Bowraville Mu...
Dan Box discusses Bowraville, his podcast on three unsolved child murders in one Australian town.
43 min
80
Wilder Intentions: Revisiting A Murder in Minot
A kindergarten teacher masterminds a brutal murder and shows no remorse.
29 min
81
Introducing - Disturbed
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.
30 min
82
A Disturbing Confession
Police interrogation of Jesse Huy from March 2021, revealing his confession and the disturbing reasons behind the murders of his three family members.
22 min
83
Throwback: Unresolved, the Murder of Joel Lovelien
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?
45 min
84
Broad Knowledge, Potentially Deceptive: My Inte...
James discusses hometown crimes like the Santa Rosa Hitchhiker Murders with the AI chatbot, whose inaccuracies prompt him to ask, "Do you lie?".
37 min
85
Tough Questions, Sudden Silence: My Interview w...
James interviews an AI chatbot about true crime, Dakota Spotlight, his interest in the genre, and how the AI generates responses.
37 min
86
Inside You Killed Chris with Mari Zoerb Hansen
Interview with Dakota Spotlight researcher Mari Zoerb Hansen, behind-the-scenes of You Killed Chris, and a walk around UW-Madison campus.
25 min
87
Revisiting a Mysterious Death: The Man From Un ...
Part 2 investigates the suspicious deaths of Sajid Hussain and Karima Baloch, exiled activists whose stories reveal the risks faced by those who challenge powerful forces.
64 min
88
Revisiting a Mysterious Death: The Man From Un ...
Part 1 explores the mysterious death of Sajid Hussain, a Pakistani journalist in exile in Sweden whose disappearance and drowning continue to raise suspicions of intelligence involvement.
51 min
89
Throwback: Season 5 - A Better Search for Barbara
A Better Search for Barbara is a deep, investigative dive into one of North Dakota's longest running cold cases.
45 min
90
Introducing - Ohio Mysteries
The Great Locomotive Chase Part 1
36 min
91
Introducing - Supernatural Circumstances
Paranormal researcher Morgan Knudsen and true crime writer Mike Browne sit down with journalist and author Matt Baglio.
87 min
92
Throwback: Season 3 - The House on Sweet and Se...
September 1998, a 17 year old girl named Aimee walked into the Police Department in Bismarck, ND and said she had a hunch that her boyfriend might have hurt his mother and father.
40 min
93
Message from James
A short message from the host of Dakota Spotlight.
1 min
94
Throwback: Commercialized Killings - Interview ...
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? Interview with Paul McNally, host of the Alibi podcast.
25 min
95
Celebrating a Milestone
Dakota Spotlight reaches 10-season milestone, and it all began with Victor Newberry.
36 min
96
You Killed Chris (6): The Unsolved Murder of Ch...
In the season finale, friends and colleagues reflect on Linda’s pursuit of justice, and a college student confronts Niels Jorgensen in a phone call, accusing him of being Christine Rothschild’s murderer and a serial killer.
57 min
97
Mid-Season Update
James previews the upcoming Spotlight PLUS Bonus Episode.
4 min
98
You Killed Chris (5): The Unsolved Murder of Ch...
In Episode 5, Linda uncovers Niels Jorgensen’s long history of lies, organizes a memorial for Christine at UW, and confronts Niels directly as the killer while learning of a friend who may hold key evidence.
29 min
99
You Killed Chris (4): The Unsolved Murder of Ch...
In Episode 4, UW–Madison police seek public help, interview surgeon Niels Jorgensen, and Linda intensifies her focus on him by reaching out to colleagues and family for answers.
38 min
100
You Killed Chris (3): The Unsolved Murder of Ch...
In Episode 3, Christine Rothschild is found murdered near Sterling Hall, the UW–Madison investigation begins, and Linda reveals Christine’s fear of an older man who had been harassing her.
38 min