American Homicide: S1:E26 – Someone Is Getting Away with Murder, Part 1

Release Date: April 17, 2025
Host: Sloane Glass
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts

Introduction to the Case

In the gripping first part of the two-part series, "Someone Is Getting Away with Murder," host Sloane Glass delves into the mysterious and unsettling case of Bonnie Craig, a bright and active 18-year-old from Anchorage, Alaska. The episode meticulously outlines the sequence of events leading up to Bonnie's untimely death and the ensuing investigation that spanned over a decade.

Relocating to Anchorage

Karen Foster, Bonnie’s mother, made a significant move from Southern California to Anchorage, Alaska, aiming to provide a new environment for her family. Despite initial concerns about the harsh Alaskan winters, Karen noted, “Anchorage was incredible and there's so much to see and the kids were learning so much” (03:44), highlighting the adaptability and adventurous spirit of her children.

Bonnie Craig: A Unique Teenager

Bonnie was far from an ordinary teenager. She was deeply involved in community activities, wrote poetry, played the violin, and was determined to become a psychologist. Her proactive nature was evident when she started a group combating drunk driving after losing a friend. “She was very kind, caring, just a sweetheart to everybody,” described her friend Kristen McCart (04:54).

Bonnie also broke barriers as the first female wrestler in Alaska, showcasing her determination and resilience. Kristen recalls, “She was always trying to do things that other people would perceive they shouldn't do” (04:54).

The Day of Disappearance

On the morning of September 28, 1994, Bonnie left her home before sunrise to catch a bus to the University of Alaska campus. However, she never attended her 7 a.m. English class nor any subsequent classes that day. Kristen McCart shares the immediate concern, “She didn't show up because she didn't” (06:12), emphasizing that Bonnie was consistent in her attendance.

Later that day, Bonnie's body was discovered in McHugh Creek, a scenic yet remote area about 10 miles from both her home and the campus. The initial police report labeled her death as a hiking accident, attributing it to a fall that resulted in severe head injuries. However, Karen Foster was unconvinced. Upon viewing Bonnie's remains, she observed, “Bonnie's body and I see her knuckles, they're all battered and I realized no, these are defensive wounds” (14:15).

Karen Foster's Quest for Truth

Determined to uncover the truth, Karen refused to accept the accidental death ruling. She pushed back against the authorities, asserting, “You need to get back here, take more pictures. It's not a hiking accident” (09:16). Her skepticism was heightened by her background as an undercover police officer involved in dismantling a dangerous drug cartel. Karen feared a possible connection between her work and Bonnie's death: “Maybe they have gone after me. Maybe they are doing that to get back at Anchorage Police Department” (14:52).

Initial Investigation and Suspects

The Alaska State Troopers initially focused their investigation on Karen’s ex-husband, Gary, who had been Bonnie’s stepfather. Despite their tumultuous divorce and Gary’s early return from being out of town the night before Bonnie’s disappearance, Gary was eventually cleared after providing an alibi and cooperating fully with the investigators (18:18).

Maria Downey, a friend of the family and journalist, adds depth to the narrative, stating, “Bonnie was such a well-loved young lady. She was Alaska-grown… really intelligent young girl, kind, compassionate” (18:30). However, suspicions mounted around a student from Bonnie's English class whose journal contained disturbing and violent entries dated on September 28th—the very day of Bonnie's disappearance (20:44).

Breakthrough and Setback with DNA Evidence

In 2006, a significant breakthrough occurred when DNA evidence linked Kenneth Dion, a man from New Hampshire, to Bonnie's murder. At the time of his arrest, Dion was serving time for robberies and had surfaced in the national CODIS database, matching the DNA found in Bonnie (33:05). However, the initial DNA match was based on six DNA points, which later proved inconclusive when a more comprehensive 13-point analysis revealed that Dion was not the perpetrator (30:28). Karen expressed her devastation, “It was like my guts had been ripped out. I basically shut down” (31:22), highlighting the emotional toll of the continuous setbacks.

Karen’s Relentless Pursuit

Frustrated by the lack of progress, Karen took matters into her own hands, conducting her own investigations and holding press conferences to keep the case in the public eye. She meticulously documented every lead, no matter how tenuous, and collaborated closely with local journalist Maria Downey to fill in the gaps left by the police. “Any lead that came in, she'd personally look into” (20:31), Karen’s dedication was unwavering.

In 2001, just before the pandemic shifted global attention, the Alaska State Troopers disclosed that Bonnie had been sexually assaulted and severely beaten before her accidental fall, information that Karen felt should have been shared earlier to aid the investigation (22:32). This revelation added another layer of complexity to the case, suggesting foul play rather than a mere accident.

Emerging Suspicion on a Bus Driver

The investigation took a troubling turn when attention shifted to a bus driver who had driven Bonnie to campus on the morning of her disappearance. Reports had surfaced alleging the driver’s inappropriate behavior with young girls, and peculiarities in his account raised suspicions. DNA testing initially matched him to the crime scene, but a more detailed analysis once again disproved his involvement (30:25). Karen's frustration was palpable: “All you need is one juror who could end up throwing the case” (35:05).

Cliffhanger and Continued Struggle

As the episode concludes, Karen remains entrenched in her mission for justice, even as new legal battles emerge over missing evidence. The case, spanning 17 years, is far from resolved, leaving listeners eager for the second part where the courtroom drama and the hunt for conclusive evidence come to the forefront.

“I would always check with the Alaska state troopers and ask what was going on. If they're doing anything, is there any leads?” (32:07) Karen’s relentless pursuit underscores the emotional and procedural challenges in solving such a haunting case.

Notable Quotes

• Karen Foster: “Bonnie's body and I see her knuckles, they're all battered and I realized no, these are defensive wounds” (14:15).

• Kristen McCart: “She was probably one of the kindest people I've ever met. It was almost impossible for somebody not to like her” (04:54).

• Maria Downey: “We were getting so little information from the troopers that she helped to fill in some of the blanks” (20:09).

• Karen Foster: “It just made me so sick to think it could have been solved in weeks. Instead, it was a 17-year saga” (35:16).

Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

"Someone Is Getting Away with Murder, Part 1" paints a meticulous and emotionally charged portrait of Bonnie Craig's tragic death and the relentless pursuit of justice by her mother, Karen Foster. The episode sets the stage for an intense courtroom showdown and the final pieces of evidence that could finally bring closure to a family and a community left in anguish.

Tune in for Part 2, where the courtroom becomes the battleground for truth and justice, and Karen confronts new obstacles in her quest to ensure Bonnie's murderer is held accountable.

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This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to capture all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode while excluding advertisements and non-content sections.