CounterClock Season 6: BONUS Q&A – Detailed Episode Summary

Release Date: July 26, 2024
Host: Delia D'Ambra
Guest: Ashley Flowers

In the Season 6 Bonus Q&A episode of CounterClock, investigative journalist Delia D'Ambra teams up with guest Ashley Flowers to delve deeper into the unresolved mysteries that have captivated their listeners. This episode offers an engaging exploration of listener questions, new insights from ongoing investigations, and heartfelt discussions with families affected by unsolved crimes.

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage [00:55 – 02:45]

Delia opens the episode by welcoming listeners to the bonus Q&A session, expressing excitement about conducting the discussion in person with Ashley Flowers. This in-person interaction marks a departure from previous remote Q&As, allowing for more dynamic and immediate reactions.

Delia D'Ambra:
"I kind of want to jump right in because I do think that one of the people...is a name that I'm going to kind of bring up is a name that sort of reoccurred throughout the season."
[02:23]

2. The Enigma of Ezekiel Brown [02:46 – 07:34]

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Ezekiel Brown, a figure whose name has surfaced multiple times during the season's investigations. Delia recounts her encounters with Brown, highlighting suspicious interactions that raised more questions than answers.

Ashley Flowers:
"There was, like, 100 names this season. I think so. Also, by the way, you're going to have to remind everyone of, like, who's who."
[02:09]

Delia describes a troubling phone call where someone impersonated Ezekiel Brown, asking specific questions that only someone close to the case would know. This deceit deepens the mystery surrounding Brown's true intentions and connections.

Delia D'Ambra:
"I know this for sure."
[05:21]

3. Unraveling the Big Ten Organization [07:35 – 19:14]

Delia introduces the concept of the "Big Ten"—an alleged entity controlling the drug trade in Martin County. She shares insights from Jay Warren, a former North Carolina Highway Patrol trooper who shed light on the pervasive influence of this organization.

Jay Warren:
"There were drug busts and things happening, but there was always known by law enforcement that there is or was like an entity sort of control of the bigger market."
[15:52]

Delia emphasizes the need for caution, noting that while Warren's information is compelling, it requires further verification to substantiate these serious allegations.

Delia D'Ambra:
"These are like, yes, specific what he was telling me. At the same time, like, I do need to have a couple layers behind these sort of allegations."
[17:37]

4. Memorial Bench Vandalism and Community Reaction [19:15 – 27:09]

One of the pressing listener questions addresses the vandalism of a memorial bench dedicated to Tremaine and his peers. Delia shares disturbing details about the damage, suggesting possible motives tied to the podcast's revelations.

Delia D'Ambra:
"The bench is right by a sidewalk...it looks like someone rammed it from the back."
[24:14]

Ashley expresses skepticism about accidental damage, hinting at intentional acts possibly aimed at undermining the podcast's impact.

Ashley Flowers:
"I want, like, a full accident reconstruction on this bench."
[25:15]

Delia discusses her interactions with local authorities, who have been unresponsive in providing surveillance footage or further explanations, fueling suspicions of foul play.

Delia D'Ambra:
"If anything like this happens again, let them know, because they would investigate it as vandalism or property damage."
[26:44]

5. Exclusive Interview with Michelle Wilson [27:10 – 35:35]

Delia introduces Michelle Wilson, the sister of one of the victims, Joyce Jean. In a deeply emotional segment, Michelle shares her experiences and doubts about the official accounts of her sister's death.

Michelle Wilson:
"Why they so bloody? And she told me that she bloody because she was in the river and the fish and stuff ate off the body."
[30:05]

Delia probes further into inconsistencies between the autopsy reports and the family's observations, highlighting potential evidence of foul play rather than a simple drowning.

Michelle Wilson:
"Yeah, she did. I was looking at her... but she had blood and stuff on her body."
[31:50]

6. The Oak City Bank Robbery Connection [35:36 – 50:25]

A listener question brings attention to the timing of the Oak City bank robbery coinciding with key events in the ongoing investigations. Delia connects these incidents, suggesting a possible link between corrupt law enforcement and the unresolved cases.

Delia D'Ambra:
"The fact that, you know, Larry Howell and Denise Howell were supposed to meet with sheriff beach on that day... everything about that bank robbery situation just is hard to navigate."
[50:13]

Ashley underscores the suspicious nature of the bank robbery happening shortly after a planned press conference, hinting at orchestrated interference.

Ashley Flowers:
"It was strange, odd."
[50:20]

7. Efforts to Exhume Doug Wagg’s Remains [50:26 – 57:10]

Delia updates listeners on the family's pursuit to exhume Doug Wagg's remains in Mississippi for further autopsy, aiming to uncover new evidence to support their claims of murder.

Delia D'Ambra:
"They have a lawyer in Mississippi... and Drew's going to go out there in person, like, be there every step of the way."
[54:31]

She discusses the financial burdens the family faces in this endeavor, highlighting the community's role in supporting their quest for justice.

Michelle Wilson:
"Do something. Don't just listen to the podcast and be outraged by it. Do something."
[59:06]

8. Final Reflections and Future Directions [57:11 – End]

As the episode wraps up, Delia and Ashley reflect on the complex web of unresolved questions and the emotional toll on the families involved. Delia teases the upcoming Season 7, promising more in-depth investigations and revelations.

Ashley Flowers:
"If you're listening to this and you haven't already hit the follow button, I would do that because people should be keeping their eye out for a special announcement about the next season."
[59:42]

Delia D'Ambra:
"Counterclock is an audio Chuck production. So what do you think, Chuck? Do you approve?"
[60:42]

The episode concludes with a brief mention of sponsorships and promotions, maintaining the focus on the critical discussions and listener engagement.

Key Takeaways

• Ezekiel Brown's Mysterious Involvements: Suspicious interactions suggest deeper connections within the case's web.

• Big Ten Organization Influence: Allegations of a controlling entity behind the local drug trade require further investigation.

• Vandalism of Memorial Bench: Possible attempts to intimidate or undermine the podcast's efforts.

• Family Insights: Michelle Wilson's revelations raise serious doubts about official narratives, pointing towards potential foul play.

• Oak City Bank Robbery: The timing and nature of the robbery hint at possible corruption and interference in the investigation.

• Exhumation Efforts: The family's relentless pursuit for justice highlights the ongoing struggles faced by those seeking answers.

Notable Quotes

• Delia D'Ambra [02:23]:
  "I do think that one of the people... is a name that I'm going to kind of bring up is a name that sort of reoccurred throughout the season."

• Ashley Flowers [15:52]:
  "There were drug busts and things happening, but there was always known by law enforcement that there is or was like an entity sort of control of the bigger market."

• Michelle Wilson [30:05]:
  "Why they so bloody? And she told me that she bloody because she was in the river and the fish and stuff ate off the body."

• Michelle Wilson [59:06]:
  "Do something. Don't just listen to the podcast and be outraged by it. Do something."

Conclusion

The Bonus Q&A episode of CounterClock Season 6 serves as a profound extension of the podcast's investigative narrative, offering listeners deeper insights and unearthing new angles in longstanding cases. Through candid discussions and emotional testimonies, Delia D'Ambra and Ashley Flowers underscore the enduring quest for truth and justice, setting the stage for an even more compelling Season 7.

For those seeking answers and a closer connection to the cases, this episode is an essential listen, encapsulating the relentless spirit of investigative journalism that CounterClock embodies.