DAKOTA SPOTLIGHT SWEET AND SEVENTH

Dakota Spotlight 'House on Sweet and Seventh' documentary available on streaming service

Trisha Taurinskas — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 16:02:00 GMT

Forum Communication’s Emmy award-winning documentary, “The House on Sweet and Seventh,” is now available to stream from your big screen through Tubi, with plans for availability on additional platforms in the near future.

The true crime documentary, which tells the twisted tale of a 1996 Bismarck double homicide, takes viewers through a chilling journey of how the crime was committed — and how the case was pieced together and solved by investigators.

Barbara and Gordon Erickstad were gruesomely killed in their Bismarck home by their 18-year-old son, Brian Erickstand, along with at least one accomplice, 27-year-old Robert Lawrence. Central to the case — and documentary — are the questions: Who was present at the time of the murder, and who knew the crime had been committed by Brian Erickstand and Robert Lawrence?

The answer will likely stun viewers.

Interviews with those who were present at the time of the gruesome crime, along with insight from investigators, paints the picture of a tight knit group of friends who placed loyalty above morality.

The creator, Dakota Spotlight podcast host James Wolner, first told the story through a six-part series on the Dakota Spotlight podcast. Based on the series, the documentary was created with WDAY photographer Derek Fletcher. While the video started out as bonus content for podcast listeners, Wolner and Fletcher quickly realized they were capturing something special.

“Derek and I, from the very beginning, worked really well together,” Wolner said. “We had the same vision, ideas and passion. He’s an excellent photographer.”

The teamwork and storytelling led to the 2021 regional Emmy award, following its airing on WDAY.

Now, with it available on Tubi, podcast listeners – and all those interested in true crime content – can stream it for free on the Tubi app.

The documentary’s debut on Tubi comes after behind-the-scenes work by those within Forum Communications to create and deliver content on an array of platforms. Jim Manney, director of video content at Forum Communications, has been working with interested parties to make the documentary available through streaming services.

He says the documentary’s availability on Tubi is just the start. It’s slated to become available on additional streaming platforms.

“The availability of ‘The House on Sweet and Seventh’ on prominent streaming services is in line with Forum Communication’s goal of delivering great content on platforms that serve our audience,” Manney said.

Tubi is a free streaming service available for download on smart TVs and Roku.

To listen to the podcast series on which the documentary was based, visit this site.

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Dakota Spotlight bonus content: Robert Lawrence police video

James Wolner — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 11:46:00 GMT

In this members-only bonus segment: A video of Robert Lawrence in custody, previously unpublished photos and a police document.

Video

Robert Lawrence and Brian Erickstad were arrested in Grand Prairie, Texas, five days after the murders of Erickstad's parents, Barbara and Gordon in Bismarck, N.D.

While the suspects' friends had been concerned about not 'narcing' or telling on each other, Robert Lawrence didn't waste much time telling the police that Brian killed his parents.

Previously unpublished photos

Original Police Document

Three weeks after the homicides, Brian Erickstad's girlfriend, Aimee Werner, and five others were arrested for breaking into the Erickstad couple's house on Laredo drive, the scene of the murders.

Forced Entry on Laredo Drive by inforumdocs on Scribd

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Escape to the movies: Dakota Spotlight Season 3, episode 6

James Wolner — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 06:04:00 GMT

The girl with the little red car tells all, or does she? You be the judge.

Learn about Misty Jones, her early path to a party life and her personal struggles since the murder of the Erickstads.

We get answers about Rick Storhaug, Ryan Werner and what went on inside the Bismarck house where a loyal group of friends lived.

Finally, nearly 22 years later, Misty recounts and explains that fateful night in 1998.

Listen to the final episode of "The House on Sweet and Seventh," the third season of true crime podcast Dakota Spotlight.

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Escape to the movies, Part 2: Dakota Spotlight Season 3, video episode 7

James Wolner — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 06:03:00 GMT

With its third season, Dakota Spotlight podcast host James Wolner unravels the mystery behind the 1998 double homicide of a Bismarck couple.

Watch the video below and listen to "The House on Sweet and Seventh," available first on Forum Communications' websites in North Dakota. You can also download the podcasts from your favorite podcast service starting Aug. 11, with a new episode released each day.

For all of the Dakota Spotlight content, including exclusive videos, documents, insight and analysis, bookmark Dakota Spotlight and sign up for the newsletter.

Escape to the movies, Part 2: Dakota Spotlight Season 3, video episode 7

James Wolner, host of the Dakota Spotlight podcast

Escape to the movies, Part 2: Dakota Spotlight Season 3, video episode 7

James Wolner, host of the Dakota Spotlight podcast

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Escape to the movies, Part 1: Dakota Spotlight Season 3, video episode 6

James Wolner — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 06:02:00 GMT

With its third season, Dakota Spotlight podcast host James Wolner unravels the mystery behind the 1998 double homicide of a Bismarck couple.

For all of the Dakota Spotlight content, including exclusive videos, documents, insight and analysis, bookmark Dakota Spotlight and sign up for the newsletter. Right now, members can listen and watch to the full season without waiting for future episodes to release.

Scroll below the photos below for still images from this video episode.

Escape to the movies, Part 1: Dakota Spotlight Season 3, video episode 6

Robert Lawrence - convicted of murdering Barbara and Gordon Erickstad

Brian Erickstad - North Dakota State Penitentiary

Brian Erickstad - Convicted of killing his parents, North Dakota State Penitentiary

Misty (Jones) Gibree outside The Lighthouse Church, Fargo, ND - June 2020

Today Misty is a peer support specialist for the state of North Dakota

Misty Jones - the girl with the little red car

Misty (Jones) Gibree in downtown Fargo, ND

James Wolner - host of Dakota Spotlight podcast

James Wolner - Host of Dakota Spotlight

Podcast host James Wolner - near 'The Rapids' in Mandan, ND

Escape to the movies, Part 1: Dakota Spotlight Season 3, video episode 6

Robert Lawrence - convicted of murdering Barbara and Gordon Erickstad

Brian Erickstad - North Dakota State Penitentiary

Brian Erickstad - Convicted of killing his parents, North Dakota State Penitentiary

Misty (Jones) Gibree outside The Lighthouse Church, Fargo, ND - June 2020

Today Misty is a peer support specialist for the state of North Dakota

Misty Jones - the girl with the little red car

Misty (Jones) Gibree in downtown Fargo, ND

James Wolner - host of Dakota Spotlight podcast

James Wolner - Host of Dakota Spotlight

Podcast host James Wolner - near 'The Rapids' in Mandan, ND

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A sick salute: Dakota Spotlight Season 3, episode 5

James Wolner — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 06:05:00 GMT

Not unlike Cinderella’s slipper, a bloody shoe fits and Robert Lawrence and Brian Erickstad are apprehended and returned to North Dakota for trial.

The search for the fugitives may be over but the insanity is just beginning. ‘Manson-like’ and disturbing, the East Sweet crew ramp up their support for the killers ten-fold with sick salutes, love letters and an inconceivable act of disrespect towards the victims’ families.

Former Bismarck police detectives Bob Haas and Lloyd Halvorson shake their heads and give us their own, present-day thoughts on what this crime meant:

What was this thing, really?

What may have actually happened that night and who was actually all in the know?

What was the girl with the little red car thinking? Is she still alive? Can she give us answers today?

Listen to the fifth episode of "The House on Sweet and Seventh," the third season of true crime podcast Dakota Spotlight

Right now, members can listen to the full season without waiting for future episodes to release.

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Eternal loyalty: Dakota Spotlight Season 3, video episode 5

James Wolner — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 06:04:00 GMT

With its third season, Dakota Spotlight podcast host James Wolner unravels the mystery behind the 1998 double homicide of a Bismarck couple.

Eternal loyalty: Dakota Spotlight Season 3, video episode 5

Robert Lawrence - arrest photo 1998

James Wolner, host of the Dakota Spotlight podcast

Eternal loyalty: Dakota Spotlight Season 3, video episode 5

Robert Lawrence - arrest photo 1998

James Wolner, host of the Dakota Spotlight podcast

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One of these days: Dakota Spotlight Season 3, episode 4

James Wolner — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 06:07:00 GMT

While Bismarck Police Det. Bob Haas and the medical examiner start putting the pieces together, another detective, Steve Lundin, begins a very frustrating second interview with Brian Erickstad’s buddy, a memory-challenged Rick Storhaug.

Follow along in episode four of "The House on Sweet and Seventh" as we dissect the many antics the East Sweet crew were up to on Wednesday, September 16th, 1998 -- the last 12 hours before the Erickstad's parents were brutally murdered.

A darker side of Robert Lawrence’s character emerges from original police interviews and a present day interview with one of the runaways.

Right now, members can listen to the full season without waiting for future episodes to release.

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Filling in the blanks: Dakota Spotlight Season 3, video episode 4

James Wolner — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 06:06:00 GMT

With its third season, Dakota Spotlight podcast host James Wolner unravels the mystery behind the 1998 double homicide of a Bismarck couple.

Scroll below the photos below for still images from this video episode.

Filling in the blanks: Dakota Spotlight Season 3, video episode 4

Retired detective Bob Haas - first to respond to the crime scene on Laredo Drive

Retired Detective Bob Haas outside of the Bismarck police station, May 2020

"The House" - 701 East Sweet Avenue, Bismarck, North Dakota

The Erickstads lived at 245 Laredo Drive in the southern end of Bismarck

Robert Lawrence and Brian Erickstad stabbed the Erickstads to death on Sept 17th, 1998

State Capital building, Bismarck, North Dakota

The Missouri River, Bismarck N.D.

James Wolner, host of the Dakota Spotlight podcast

Filling in the blanks: Dakota Spotlight Season 3, video episode 4

Retired detective Bob Haas - first to respond to the crime scene on Laredo Drive

Retired Detective Bob Haas outside of the Bismarck police station, May 2020

"The House" - 701 East Sweet Avenue, Bismarck, North Dakota

The Erickstads lived at 245 Laredo Drive in the southern end of Bismarck

Robert Lawrence and Brian Erickstad stabbed the Erickstads to death on Sept 17th, 1998

State Capital building, Bismarck, North Dakota

The Missouri River, Bismarck N.D.

James Wolner, host of the Dakota Spotlight podcast

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Patience pays off: Dakota Spotlight Season 3, episode 3

James Wolner — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 06:09:00 GMT

As a key witness is patiently questioned by Bismarck police, the awful truth finally floats to the surface and, in a way, the innocence of North Dakota's capital city begins to slowly drown.

For many, it's never been quite the same since half of the Bismarck Police Department traveled 40 miles south of Mandan in search of two homicide victims.

Listen to the third episode of "The House on Sweet and Seventh," the third season of true crime podcast Dakota Spotlight.

Right now, members can listen to the full season without waiting for future episodes to release.

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