Casefile True Crime - Episode 296: Aaron Bacon

Summary

1. Introduction and Background

In Casefile True Crime Episode 296, titled "Aaron Bacon," the host delves into the tragic story of a 16-year-old boy whose life was cut short under the guise of wilderness therapy. The episode examines the circumstances leading to Aaron's enrollment in Northstar Expeditions, the treatment he received, and the subsequent legal fallout that exposed widespread abuses within the troubled teen industry.

2. Aaron Bacon's Early Life and Family

Aaron Bacon was a compassionate and high-achieving teenager residing in Phoenix, Arizona, with his parents, Sally and Bob Bacon, and his older brother, Jared. From a young age, Aaron demonstrated empathy by helping the homeless and standing up against bullying. However, his family's stability was challenged when Jared began experimenting with recreational drugs, prompting Sally and Bob to seek rehabilitation for him.

3. The Decision to Enroll in Northstar Expeditions

Following Jared's stint in rehab, Aaron began using cannabis and psychedelics, leading to declining academic performance and behavioral issues. Concerned about his potential descent into drug dealing after a gang-related assault in February 1994, Aaron's parents sought alternative solutions beyond traditional therapy. They discovered Northstar Expeditions, a wilderness therapy program in Utah founded by Lance Jagger, and decided to enroll Aaron despite the steep cost of $13,900 plus additional fees.

Quote:
"I have a special gift for working with kids. They really open up to me."
— Lance Jagger [00:40:15]

4. At Northstar: The Therapy Program and Treatment

Upon arrival, Aaron underwent a rigorous regimen designed to instill discipline and resilience through outdoor survival skills. The 63-day program consisted of four phases: Team, Primitive, Hand Carts, and Llamas. Participants endured long hikes, minimal rations, and harsh living conditions intended to remove them from negative influences.

Aaron struggled from the outset, facing inadequate clothing for the harsh Utah climate, insufficient food, and unsupportive counselors. His attempts to seek help for his physical ailments were dismissed, and he was subjected to verbal abuse and punitive measures when he expressed his distress.

Quote:
"I'm just so enveloped in pain. The staff didn't seem to care one bit."
— Aaron Bacon [00:45:30]

5. The Decline and Death of Aaron Bacon

As weeks progressed, Aaron's health deteriorated severely. He suffered from malnutrition, dehydration, and untreated medical conditions, including a perforated ulcer that led to acute peritonitis. Despite his parents' concerns and his own pleas for medical assistance, the Northstar staff neglected to provide necessary care.

Aaron's final days were marked by extreme physical decline, including significant weight loss, sores from incontinence, and untreated injuries from falls during hikes. On March 30, 1994, Aaron collapsed and was airlifted to a hospital in Page, Arizona, where he was pronounced dead three days later.

Quote:
"I don't want to die, sir."
— Aaron Bacon [00:52:10]

6. Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Aaron's death prompted an investigation that uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse within Northstar Expeditions and similar wilderness therapy programs. Authorities found that Aaron had been subjected to harsh punishments that violated the company's own code of conduct, including food deprivation and denial of medical care.

Legal actions ensued, resulting in felony child abuse charges against Northstar's founders and staff. However, many of these charges were eventually reduced or dismissed due to procedural issues and the unreliable testimony of key witnesses. The sole staff member who attempted to testify against Northstar, Mike Hill, forfeited credibility after admitting to previous misconduct.

Quote:
"I have no idea how sick Aaron had really been. I hope you will learn from the tragedy."
— Craig Fisher [01:10:45]

7. Impact on the Wilderness Therapy Industry

Aaron Bacon's case shed light on the unregulated and often abusive practices prevalent in the troubled teen industry. The lack of oversight allowed programs like Northstar to operate with minimal accountability, leading to numerous other tragic outcomes. Subsequent laws in Utah aimed to introduce stricter regulations, but enforcement remained inconsistent.

The industry continued to face scrutiny, especially after high-profile cases and public revelations, yet federal oversight remained absent. The episode highlights ongoing challenges in protecting vulnerable teens from exploitation and abuse within these programs.

8. Aaron's Family Response and Advocacy

Devastated by their son's death, Sally and Bob Bacon became vocal advocates against the wilderness therapy industry. They pursued legal action, seeking justice and accountability for the negligence that led to Aaron's demise. Their advocacy work included speaking out in the media, contributing to legislative changes, and raising awareness about the dangers of unregulated therapy programs.

Quote:
"The people running these programs are proving repeatedly to be dangerous, abusive, and even fatal."
— Bob Bacon [01:25:30]

Conclusion

"Aaron Bacon" serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by troubled teens in inadequately regulated therapy programs. The episode underscores the necessity for stringent oversight and ethical practices to ensure the safety and well-being of young individuals seeking help. Aaron's tragic story continues to resonate, driving ongoing efforts to reform the troubled teen industry and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Notable Quotes:

• "I'm just so enveloped in pain. The staff didn't seem to care one bit."
  — Aaron Bacon [00:45:30]

• "I have a special gift for working with kids. They really open up to me."
  — Lance Jagger [00:40:15]

• "I don't want to die, sir."
  — Aaron Bacon [00:52:10]

• "I have no idea how sick Aaron had really been. I hope you will learn from the tragedy."
  — Craig Fisher [01:10:45]

• "The people running these programs are proving repeatedly to be dangerous, abusive, and even fatal."
  — Bob Bacon [01:25:30]

Timestamps Reference:

• [00:00] - Introduction and initial context
• [00:28] - Aaron's background and family dynamics
• [01:04] - Decision to enroll in Northstar Expeditions
• [21:04] - Detailed account of Aaron's treatment at Northstar
• [61:31] - Investigation and legal repercussions
• [84:49] - Conclusion and lasting impact

Note: Timestamps are approximations based on transcript segments.