CounterClock Podcast Summary: "ANNOUNCING: Dark Valley"
Podcast Information:
- Title: CounterClock
- Host/Author: audiochuck
- Description: In order to tell the story of a crime, you have to turn back time. Every season, Investigative journalist Delia D'Ambra digs deep into a mind-bending mystery with the hopes of reigniting interest in a decades-old homicide case.
- Episode: ANNOUNCING: Dark Valley
- Release Date: May 8, 2025
1. Introduction to "Dark Valley"
In the episode "ANNOUNCING: Dark Valley," host Delia D'Ambra introduces a new podcast series titled "Dark Valley." This series is positioned as a companion to CounterClock, aiming to delve deeper into unresolved criminal cases with meticulous investigative journalism.
Delia D'Ambra enthuses about "Dark Valley," stating:
“...this series takes you beyond the headlines and into the heart of a case that demands answers.”
[00:31]
She highlights that the podcast is crafted with the same dedication to storytelling and investigation that listeners have come to expect from CounterClock.
2. Overview of the Connecticut River Valley Killer
The heart of "Dark Valley" centers around the Connecticut River Valley Killer, a serial murderer active between 1978 and 1988. This figure is responsible for the deaths of at least eight women in the Connecticut River Valley area, with Jane Borowski being the sole known survivor.
Ameca Insurance (likely a segment title or co-host) provides an overview:
“From Audio Chuck. This is Dark Valley an investigation into the Connecticut River Valley Killer.”
[07:55]
3. Jane Borowski's Survival Story
Jane Borowski's harrowing experience forms the core narrative of the episode. On August 6th, 1988, Jane, then 22 and seven months pregnant, was brutally attacked near Gamarlo's Market in central New Hampshire. Despite sustaining 27 stab wounds, she survived the ordeal, making her the only known survivor of the Connecticut River Valley Killer.
Jane recounts her survival:
“I survived. And I remember everything.”
[07:44]
Ameca Insurance narrates the attack in vivid detail, emphasizing Jane's resilience and the trauma she endured.
4. Interview with Jane Borowski
The episode features an in-depth interview with Jane Borowski, conducted in a motel in Keene, New Hampshire. Jane comes across as a multifaceted individual—warm, quick to laugh, yet deeply scarred by her past.
Jane shares about her childhood and how she came to reside in Hinsdale:
“When I turned 18, I decided to go to Hinsdale to visit my dad and spend more time with my dad. And I had some really good friends that lived in Hinsdale. So I stayed with one of my good friends that summer, and I ended up meeting Dennis. And so my visit turned into... I still live in Hinsdale 36 years later.”
[10:24]
Her candidness and honesty shine through as she discusses the long-term impact of the attack and her persistent quest for answers.
Jane expresses her motivations clearly:
“Nobody has really told the real story of the Connecticut River Valley murders. Nobody has told my story in a correct way.”
[32:53]
She articulates her mission to shed light on the atrocities that befell her and the other victims, seeking both closure and recognition for those lost.
5. Insights from Dr. John Philpin
Dr. John Philpin, a respected forensic psychologist, provides expert insights into the psychological profiling of the Connecticut River Valley Killer. He played a pivotal role in apprehending another serial killer, Gary Schaefer, and shares his experiences and challenges in tackling such heinous crimes.
Dr. Philpin discusses his approach:
“I have loathed the title of profiler. I don't think that's what I do at all. The FBI essentially took off, you know, from that concept and marketed the word.”
[15:42]
He delves into his methodology, emphasizing a more personalized and introspective approach to understanding the criminal mind, rather than relying solely on standardized profiling techniques.
Reflecting on his experience with Jane:
“I did it. And that whole week until I saw her again, I had nightmares, disturbed sleep, headaches. It was probably the most profound negative reaction that I had in all the years that I was doing this.”
[23:38]
Dr. Philpin highlights the psychological toll that delving into such dark cases can have on investigators, underscoring the complexity of the human psyche.
6. The Investigation and Its Challenges
The Connecticut River Valley Killer's modus operandi is characterized by brutal, frenzied stab attacks, often targeting women in vulnerable situations. The investigation has faced numerous hurdles, including the passage of time, fading memories, and the killer's elusive nature.
Ameca Insurance outlines the victim profile:
“The Connecticut River Valley Killer's victims are believed to be connected by a few salient characteristics. ... Each woman killed was in a vulnerable situation... nearly all suffered a severed jugular vein in their necks.”
[27:24]
Despite forming a task force in the mid-80s and employing behavioral analysis units, the killer remains uncaught. The lack of definitive connections between the cases complicates the investigation, leaving lingering questions about potential multiple perpetrators versus a single individual.
7. Jane Borowski's Ongoing Quest for Answers
Jane's survival has propelled her into a relentless pursuit of truth and justice. Her experiences are marked by survivor’s guilt and a deep-seated need to understand why she survived when others did not.
Jane reflects on her motivations:
“I wanted ... to be a voice for those victims. ... sometimes it's hard to think that ... I survived what they also endured.”
[33:21]
She articulates a profound sense of responsibility to ensure that the stories of the fallen are not forgotten, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and recognition.
Jane articulates her questions directed at her attacker:
“Why did you do this to me? Did you follow me? Was I just a victim of opportunity?... I have so many questions, so many questions.”
[37:24]
Her quest is not just about uncovering the identity of the killer but also about understanding the motivations and circumstances that led to such heinous acts.
8. The Podcast's Mission and Future Directions
"Dark Valley" is not solely focused on solving the murders but also on honoring the memory of the victims and bringing their stories to the forefront. Delia D'Ambra emphasizes the broader impact of storytelling in shaping culture, policy, and collective memory.
Ameca Insurance shares the podcast’s purpose:
“It's not necessarily to punish someone or to seek vengeance... it's so that these women, these eight women, are remembered beyond the facts of their horrific deaths.”
[29:49]
The podcast aims to rekindle public interest, potentially leading to new leads and fostering a community of listeners who might hold crucial information.
9. Conclusion and Call to Action
As the episode concludes, Ameca Insurance encourages listeners to engage with the investigation by providing tips or information that could aid in solving these cold cases.
“If you have a tip for any of these cases, please call the New Hampshire State Police Cold case Unit at 603-271-2663 or the Vermont State Police Major Crimes Unit at 802-244-8781.”
[30:30]
The episode wraps up with teasers for future installments, promising deeper dives into specific cases and continued exploration of the mysteries surrounding the Connecticut River Valley Killer.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Delia D'Ambra:
“...this series takes you beyond the headlines and into the heart of a case that demands answers.”
[00:31] -
Jane Borowski:
“I survived. And I remember everything.”
[07:44] -
Dr. John Philpin:
“I have loathed the title of profiler. I don't think that's what I do at all.”
[15:42] -
Jane Borowski:
“Nobody has really told the real story of the Connecticut River Valley murders. Nobody has told my story in a correct way.”
[32:53] -
Ameca Insurance:
“It's not necessarily to punish someone or to seek vengeance... it's so that these women, these eight women, are remembered beyond the facts of their horrific deaths.”
[29:49] -
Jane Borowski:
“Why did you do this to me? Did you follow me? Was I just a victim of opportunity?... I have so many questions, so many questions.”
[37:24]
Final Thoughts
"Dark Valley" promises to be a compelling addition to the true crime podcast genre, offering listeners an in-depth exploration of unsolved mysteries through the lens of those directly affected. By intertwining personal narratives with expert analysis, the podcast aims to breathe new life into cold cases, ensuring that the memories of the victims are honored and that justice, in whatever form possible, is pursued.
Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and engage with the series, potentially playing a part in uncovering the truths that have long remained hidden within the shadows of the Connecticut River Valley.