Podcast Summary: 20/20 - "Radioactive" - Ep. 4: The Investigators

Episode Information

• Title: 20/20
• Host/Author: ABC News
• Episode: "Radioactive" - Ep. 4: The Investigators
• Release Date: December 10, 2024
• Description: Delving into unforgettable true crime mysteries, exclusive interviews, investigative reports, and high-profile story coverage. This episode explores the enduring mystery surrounding Karen Silkwood's death, examining new evidence and the persistent quest for truth by dedicated investigators.

Introduction: The Road Trip to Albuquerque

The episode commences with hosts Mike Boettcher and Bob Sands recounting their road trip from Oklahoma City to Albuquerque, New Mexico, undertaken in pursuit of pivotal evidence related to the Karen Silkwood case.

• [00:03] Mike Boettcher: "A couple of months ago, Bobby and I set out on an epic road trip from Oklahoma City to Albuquerque, N.M. eight hours through a lot of flat, dry land...We're hoping to find some of the keys we need to begin to put a close on this case."

Uncovering the Bumper: A Vital Piece of Evidence

Upon reaching Albuquerque, the hosts meet Karen Pipkin Guerrero, daughter of A.O. Pipkin, the original accident investigator. Karen reveals a crucial piece of evidence—a bumper from Karen Silkwood's 1973 Honda.

• [03:24] Bob Sands: "Holy mackerel. There's black stuff in it still."
• [03:31] Bob Sands: "The reason Karen Pipkin Guerrero has this bumper is because her dad was an accident investigator... Pipkin was a big guy who wore bright orange jumpsuits... He asked his daughter Karen to hang on to it too."

This discovery challenges the initial assumption that the bumper would be securely preserved, highlighting its unexpected location and condition.

A.O. Pipkin’s Investigation: Questioning the Official Story

A.O. Pipkin revisits Karen Silkwood's fatal crash, bringing forth discrepancies in the Oklahoma State Highway Patrol's (OSHP) original investigation.

• [15:16] Mike Boettcher: "Karen's car had crossed the center line and veered off the left side of the road. Pipkin wrote in his report that typically when a driver falls asleep, they drift to the right, not the left."
• [16:25] Steve Watka: "If she truly had fallen asleep at the wheel, she'd be alive. She would have lived."

Pipkin's meticulous analysis suggests that Karen may have been attempting to regain control of her vehicle, contradicting the patrolman's conclusion that she fell asleep.

Discrepancies and Suspicion: Uncovering New Leads

Further investigation uncovers inconsistencies in the accident reports and statements made by Trooper Rick Fagan.

• [13:35] Steve Watka: "There is this reddish Oklahoma mud on the left hand driver's side of the car... Not one piece of the papers that were given to us had any mud on them."
• [17:16] Bob Sands: Pipkin discovers metal particles in the dents of the bumper, suggesting possible tampering or involvement of another vehicle.

These findings raise suspicions about the thoroughness and impartiality of the original investigation conducted by OSHP.

Private Investigators: Joe Royer and Larry Dellinger’s Pursuit

The episode delves into the efforts of private investigators Joe Royer and Larry Dellinger, who pursued alternative theories regarding Karen Silkwood's death.

Joe Royer’s Investigation: Surveillance Suspicions

Joe Royer, a private investigator with a concealed involvement in the Silkwood case, explores the possibility that the Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD) may have surveilled Karen Silkwood, potentially leading to foul play.

• [29:28] Gene Young: "Joe wasn't afraid to share anything with me. He liked to talk about his goings on. Except one case, and Joe didn't want to talk about it, and that was Karen Silkwood."
• [35:52] Gene Young: "But you could probably still even get the car right now." (Referring to the missing car)

Royer uncovers fragmented evidence and faces threats, ultimately leaving his investigation inconclusive but persistent in raising doubts about the official narrative.

Larry Dellinger’s Quest: Allegations of Police Involvement

Larry Dellinger, a former state trooper, unearths startling allegations that suggest involvement of OKCPD officers in Karen Silkwood's death.

• [43:45] Mike Boettcher: "Now, Larry was honest. He said he didn't really like this person."
• [45:17] Larry Dellinger: "I just think the poor girl got a raw deal. She got killed, she got murdered, and these guys got away with it."

Dellinger records conversations and gathers testimonies indicating that off-duty police officers may have conspired to end Karen's life, though subsequent investigations by authorities yield no substantial evidence.

Continued Mystery: Unanswered Questions and Threats

Both Royer and Dellinger encounter obstacles, including intimidation and a lack of cooperation from law enforcement, which stymie their investigations.

• [25:09] Karen Pipkin Guerrero: "He just got threats that were, like, scary. Like, you know, death threats type things."
• [37:15] Bob Sands: "But Joe never finished his investigation."

Their relentless pursuit underscores the enduring uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of Karen Silkwood's death.

Revisiting the Evidence: New Insights Await

As the episode approaches its conclusion, Boettcher and Sands reveal that they have enlisted a modern accident reconstruction expert to re-examine the collected evidence, including Pipkin's original materials and the discovered bumper.

• [56:10] Mike Boettcher: "We finally got the call that he was ready to talk."
• [56:45] Bob Sands: "So we gathered Karen's children and sisters and A.O. pipkin's daughter to hear the accident investigator's presentation and what he told us."

This forthcoming analysis promises fresh perspectives and potential breakthroughs in the decades-old case.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Investigation

The episode concludes with hosts highlighting the collaborative efforts of various investigators, family members, and the podcast team in piecing together the complex puzzle of Karen Silkwood's untimely death.

• [55:56] Bob Sands: "Our investigation is wrapping up, but we have one thing left to do. And it's a big thing."
• [56:45] Bob Sands: "It wasn't what we were expecting. That's next time."

Listeners are left anticipating the next installment, eager to uncover the final revelations that may bring clarity to this enduring mystery.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Mike Boettcher [00:03]: "A couple of months ago, Bobby and I set out on an epic road trip from Oklahoma City to Albuquerque, N.M...."
• Bob Sands [03:24]: "Holy mackerel. There's black stuff in it still."
• Steve Watka [15:16]: "If she truly had fallen asleep at the wheel, she'd be alive. She would have lived."
• Karen Pipkin Guerrero [05:59]: "He was so into this case and getting it reconstructed. So maybe this will help prove my dad was right."
• Larry Dellinger [45:34]: "In reference to the Silkwood murder."
• Larry Dellinger [53:09]: "I just think the poor girl got a raw deal. She got killed, she got murdered, and these guys got away with it."

Final Remarks This episode of 20/20's "Radioactive" masterfully weaves together interviews, testimonies, and investigative insights to shed new light on the Karen Silkwood case. By revisiting old evidence and introducing fresh perspective through modern analysis, the hosts provide a compelling narrative that keeps listeners engaged and invested in uncovering the truth behind this decades-old mystery.