MANDAN, N.D. 鈥� The Mandan Murders is about more than a crime that took the lives of four innocent people on an April morning in North Dakota.
The most recent season of the from Forum Communications Co. takes listeners on a journey through the complexities of the human experience when faced with the ultimate tragedy.
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The nine-part series centers around the four people who were murdered as they began their workday at RJR Maintenance and Management Company in Mandan.
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In addition to examining the investigation into the tragedy, "Dakota Spotlight" host James Wolner tosses the true crime playbook aside and dives into the many facets of grief 鈥� from those whose loved ones were taken by the hands of a killer, and from those whose loved one killed.
Through the eyes of those who knew them best, memories of Robert Fakler, Adam Fuehrer and William and Lois Cobb are woven throughout the storyline with heartwarming and, at times, heart-wrenching interviews with children, co-workers, parents and friends.
This season explores who the victims were before their lives were taken 鈥� and how the loss of their lives forever shaped the existence of so many within the tight-knit community of Mandan, and beyond.
This season also provides exclusive interviews with the family of the convicted killer, Chad Isaak.
For the first time, Isaak's mother and sisters speak out.
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With tremendous detail, each woman shares her experience, from the moment they learned about the killings at RJR.
They give insight into their experience grappling with the reality that their son and brother had killed four innocent people.
Listeners are faced with the challenge of juggling, and, perhaps, sharing compassion for all the families who were affected, including those who called the killer their loved one.
Aside from the layers of grief explored, listeners are given access to the intricacies of the investigation.
Through interviews with detectives who worked the case, the hunt for Isaak is brought to life. From the first hours of the manhunt to the questioning, arrest, trial and conviction, listeners are given a front-row seat every step of the way.
Wolner also examines the big question at the heart of this story: Why?
New insight provides possible motivations that have not otherwise been examined publicly. The information does not provide a definitive answer, but it does give the public another angle to try to make sense of it all.
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Ultimately, this season is defined by its storytelling. Listeners walk away with critical facts regarding the murders at RJR, yet they're also left with a deeper understanding of how it changed a corner of the world.
Wolner鈥檚 delivery leaves room for the listener to reflect not only on the tragedy of the Mandan murders, but also on the topic of grief itself.
Don鈥檛 be surprised if this season stirs up deep emotions, as listeners are brought closer and closer to the shoes of each person impacted by the RJR tragedy.
It鈥檚 certainly a season that sticks.
"Dakota Spotlight" can also be found wherever you listen to podcasts.
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