Podcast Summary: 20/20 – Mountain of Lies Host: ABC News
Release Date: March 1, 2025

Introduction and Background

In the gripping episode titled Mountain of Lies, ABC News’ 20/20 delves deep into the tragic and mysterious deaths of two women—Tony Henthorne and Harold Henthorn’s first wife, Lynn—revealing a sinister pattern behind seemingly accidental deaths. The podcast intertwines investigative reporting with personal narratives, uncovering layers of deception, control, and calculated motives.

The Tragic Incident in Rocky Mountain National Park

The episode opens with the harrowing account of Tony Henthorne’s fatal fall from a mountaintop in Rocky Mountain National Park.

• David Muir introduces the incident:
  “[00:21] Park rangers recovering the body of a woman who fell to her death while hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park.”

• Detective questions Harold Henthorn:
  “[00:26] Detective: Did you realize at that point that your mother was dead?”

• The initial reports describe Tony’s fall as an accident, yet inconsistencies begin to surface.

Notable Quote:
Haley Bertolet (Tony’s daughter) reflects on the aftermath:
“They told me, you need some assistance doing some CPR. [00:40] We anybody normal is okay after the passing of their mom. And I certainly wasn't.”

Investigation of Tony's Death

As investigators delve into Tony's death, discrepancies in Harold’s account raise suspicions.

• David Muir recounts Harold’s distressing call:
  “[02:26] David Muir: I filed it as undetermined. Homicide cannot be entirely excluded.”

• Detective highlights the significance of Tony’s camera:
  “[09:00] Detective: There were small things that didn't totally add up... and there's a shoe that was there, an untied boot.”

Notable Quote:
Detective:
“There was a shoe that was there, an untied boot. Usually in the course of a fall, shoes tend not to untie themselves.” [09:17]

Discovery of Harold's Past and First Wife

The investigation takes a deeper turn when similarities between Tony’s death and the mysterious demise of Harold’s first wife, Lynn, emerge.

• Detective connects the two cases:
  “[24:13] Deborah Roberts: Most people didn't know that Harold was married before, but I thought, oh my gosh, you know, this is two wives for Harold that have died.”

• Haley Bertolet provides emotional insights:
  “[22:42] Haley Bertolet: We thought there was plenty of money.”

Notable Quote:
Deborah Roberts:
“We couldn't find any concrete evidence of his work. There was no online presence... he didn't have a job, that he had been lying, and that he would probably lose custody of Haley.” [23:34]

The Pattern and Motive

Investigators uncover a disturbing pattern of Harold benefiting financially from his wives’ deaths through life insurance policies and other means.

• David Muir explains the financial manipulations:
  “[46:40] Deborah Roberts: When we looked at Lynn's death, we found there was $600,000 that he received. But then we saw over time that Harold had taken out several policies also on Tony.”

• Mark discusses the motive:
  “[67:00] Deborah Roberts: These checks that Tony would get for oil and gas, Harold would deposit them.”

Notable Quote:
Deborah Roberts:
“Our theory is that Tony was starting to pull away from her, and if Tony were to ever leave him, it would all come out financially... That was the motivating factor to kill the money.” [67:29]

The Trial and Conviction

After mounting evidence, Harold is brought to trial where the prosecution presents a compelling case based on circumstantial evidence and the established pattern of behavior.

• Mark describes the trial strategy:
  “[71:33] Park Ranger: To tie Lynn's death to Tony's death, we needed to show that they were similar in a variety of ways.”

• Deborah Roberts emphasizes key evidence:
  “[73:03] Deborah Roberts: We showed the autopsy photos of Tony because he never mentions she's got a massive head wound and that she's bleeding out profusely.”

Notable Quote:
Park Ranger:
“The planning and premeditation points towards intent, which points towards first degree homicide.” [70:49]

Aftermath and Haley’s Story

The conviction of Harold Henthorn brings some closure, but the emotional toll on his daughter, Haley Bertolet, is profound. She shares her journey of healing and forgiveness.

• Haley Bertolet speaks candidly:
  “[77:55] Haley Bertolet: Maybe. But ultimately no. Because I know that I'm saved by Jesus Christ and that my personality comes from my mom.”

• David Muir highlights Haley’s resilience:
  “[78:18] David Muir: She is a mirror image of her mama.”

Notable Quote:
Haley Bertolet:
“I do dye my hair blonde. But I think that me and her and pictures that I see of me now, you know, I feel like I look so much like her... So she can lead the life that Tony wants her to have.” [77:44]

Conclusion

Mountain of Lies culminates in Harold Henthorn’s life sentence without parole, ensuring he can no longer exert control or harm others. The episode underscores the importance of vigilance and the relentless pursuit of truth in the face of deception.

• Deborah Roberts reflects on justice:
  “[76:54] Deborah Roberts: I believe that putting Harold in a position where he cannot control anything is great punishment for Harold. He robbed Haley of a mother.”

• Haley Bertolet offers a message of hope:
  “[79:03] Haley Bertolet: Because if she doesn't forgive him, he still controls her in her heart... I want to use my story to good.”

Notable Quote:
Detective:
“It was a big nothing [1995 case closed quickly]. Harold, he's smiling at his friends and he enough of a narcissist that it's all about him.” [73:21]

Key Takeaways

• Pattern of Control and Financial Gain: Harold Henthorn meticulously orchestrated the deaths of his wives to benefit financially through life insurance and other means.

• Circumstantial Evidence: The case against Harold relied heavily on circumstantial evidence, including inconsistencies in his testimonies, financial irregularities, and the pattern of his behavior.

• Impact on the Victims' Daughter: Haley Bertolet’s story highlights the long-term emotional and psychological effects of living under a controlling and abusive parent.

• Justice Served: Despite the challenges of proving a case with predominantly circumstantial evidence, Harold was convicted, providing closure for the victims' families.

Final Thoughts

Mountain of Lies is a testament to the complexities of uncovering hidden truths and the resilience of those seeking justice. Through meticulous investigation and unwavering determination, the episode sheds light on the dark undercurrents of manipulation and control that led to tragic outcomes.

Listening Recommendation:
For those fascinated by true crime mysteries, psychological manipulation, and the pursuit of justice, Mountain of Lies offers a comprehensive and emotionally charged narrative that is both enlightening and thought-provoking.