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.
126
The Mandan Murders (3): Murder and Justice in N...
Episode 3 follows investigators as they use surveillance video to track the masked man in orange behind the RJR murders, while also sharing the story of victim Adam Fuehrer.
53 min
127
The Mandan Murders (2): Murder and Justice in N...
Episode 2 recounts the discovery of four murder victims at RJR Maintenance in Mandan, North Dakota, with minute-by-minute details and voices from responders and grieving families.
45 min
128
The Mandan Murders (1): Murder and Justice in N...
In April 2019, four people were murdered at RJR Maintenance in Mandan, North Dakota. Episode 1 recalls the morning of the crime and host James Wolner’s first step into true crime reporting.
29 min
129
Announcing - The Mandan Murders Starting October 4
A short announcement and teaser about season 9 starting October 4, 2023. Homepage - Check out The Vault - Email - Facebook -
2 min
130
Summer Extra: Don Allard and the 1977 Epping Ea...
I'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...
48 min
131
Summer 2023 - Loyal Lundstrom
It'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 email - at Facebook:
19 min
132
Unresolved, The Murder of Joel Lovelien (7): 15...
Episode 7 marks 15 years since Joel Lovelien’s murder, with insights from defense attorney Peter Wold, party bus rider Heather Keena, and Sgt. Suby of the Grand Forks Police Department.
36 min
133
Unresolved, The Murder of Joel Lovelien (6): Tr...
Episode 6 covers the 2008 trial of Travis Stay, who was found not guilty of Joel Lovelien’s murder after 14 days of testimony, with insights from reporter Archie Ingersoll and prosecutor Nancy Yon.
34 min
134
Unresolved, The Murder of Joel Lovelien (5): Th...
Episode 5 explores the evidence investigators and prosecutors presented against Travis Stay, who was arrested for Joel Lovelien’s 2007 murder but acquitted in court a year later.
23 min
135
Unresolved, The Murder of Joel Lovelien (4): A ...
Episode 4 remembers Joel Lovelien through the voices of his family and friends, who share stories of his generosity, humor, and the lasting joy he brought to those around him.
26 min
136
Refugio Rodriguez part 3: Story by Trisha Taur...
Hey Everyone, I'm working hard on the next episode of Season 8, Unresolved, the murder of Joel Lovelien. Meanwhile, here is part 3 of my colleauge Trisha Taurinska's investigation into the death of Refugio Rodriguez in Montevideo, Minnesota. ...
21 min
137
Unresolved, The Murder of Joel Lovelien (3): Tr...
Episode 3 follows Travis Stay and his friends during the Halloween weekend before Joel Lovelien’s death, tracing his movements and trial, where he was later found not guilty in 2008.
32 min
138
Gigs & Updates: 3/13/2023
This is not a full episode, but rather just a quick little update and request for some assistance. Also a quick chat with Wowza in Kalamazoo. Today is March 13th, 2023 and episode 3 of Season 8 will be out in two days–that's season 8, Unresolved the...
14 min
139
Unresolved, The Murder of Joel Lovelien (2): Th...
Episode 2 examines the first hours of the Joel Lovelien murder investigation, when costumed figures — the clown, the cowboy, and the hunter — added confusion to an already chaotic crime scene.
41 min
140
Unresolved, The Murder of Joel Lovelien (1): Ha...
Episode 1 revisits the Halloween 2007 night when Joel Lovelien was found beaten outside the Broken Drum Bar in Grand Forks, North Dakota, sparking an unresolved homicide case.
44 min
141
Season 8 update & Refugio Rodriguez part 2
A sneak peak at Season 8 coming March 1st and titled Unresolved - The Murder of Joel Lovelien. Also part 2 of Trisha Taurinska's investigation into the death of Refugio Rodriguez in Montevideo, Minnesota. See a video trailer of season 8: To...
21 min
142
Evidence Ignored - introducing the Refugio Rodr...
Hello 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...
24 min
143
Call Me Shelly (10): Follow the Red Dirt Road –...
Episode 10 investigates the red dirt found on Shelly Julson’s car after her disappearance, connecting this overlooked clue with her cold case file for possible new leads.
19 min
144
Call Me Shelly (9): Frightened, Followed, Haras...
Episode 9 investigates harassment Shelly Julson reported before vanishing, including claims against Bismarck officer Donald Schaffer, whose violent past raised deeper concerns.
34 min
145
The Lady Vanishes: Interview with Alison Sandy
In this stand-alone episode we do a follow up interview with , journalist and producer of the Australian podcast about the fascinating and captivating news being uncovered in the investigation into Marion Barter's disappearance. To date The...
32 min
146
Call Me Shelly (8): A Missing Mother’s Son – Th...
Episode 8 shares the perspective of Shelly Julson’s son Jaden, who reflects on life without his mother, his family, and the lingering impact of her disappearance in 1994.
37 min
147
Call Me Shelly (7): Interview with Tony – The M...
Episode 7 features Tony Hulm, Shelly Julson’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, who recalls their relationship, alleged harassment, and the theory she may have left to start a new life.
34 min
148
Call Me Shelly (6): Vacation Update – The Myste...
Episode 6 pauses the investigation with a preview of an upcoming interview with Tony Hulm, known as “Burnt Creek Tony,” and the full theme song Magelena by Wowza in Kalamazoo.
5 min
149
Call Me Shelly (5): Don’t Give Up – The Mysteri...
Episode 5 shares memories from Shelly Julson’s parents, Wes and Linda, and retired officer Rob Carvell, who responded to the original 1994 call and later reopened the cold case in 2016.
44 min
150
Call Me Shelly (4): Stones Unturned – The Myste...
Episode 4 features retired detective Bill Connor reflecting on Shelly Julson’s case, from the We Fest sighting to her car at the Comfort Inn and the men police considered possible suspects.
40 min