Crime House Daily – First Watch: Methanol Coverups in Laos & a Montana Killer Called Out in Court
Date: December 12, 2025
Host: Katie Ring

Episode Overview

In this First Watch installment, host Katie Ring examines two shocking, ongoing criminal cases: a suspected mass methanol poisoning of tourists at a Laos hostel (and the ensuing coverup allegations), and the brutal murder of a Montana man at a campsite, where the killer’s motives and background have drawn national attention. The episode provides detailed case breakdowns, the personal impacts on families and survivors, and the current state of justice in each case.

Case One: Methanol Poisoning Cover-Up in Laos

Segment Start: 00:48

Main Theme

A year after a mass poisoning killed six tourists in Laos, victims' families and survivors claim the local government is refusing to investigate, leaving many questions unanswered about safety, accountability, and potential cover-ups in the country’s tourism industry.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

• Personal Reflection & Context

  • Katie reflects on her travels in Southeast Asia, including to Laos, and how the perceived safety of certain choices—like sharing drinks in hostels—contrasts with new awareness of hidden dangers.
  • Quote: “Doing the work I do now, I look back at my younger years and am grateful that nothing really bad ever happened to me...Taking a shot of alcohol was probably one of the least risky things I thought I did...But it turns out it could have been the most dangerous of all.” (02:57)

• Victims & Event Timeline

  • In November 2024, friends Holly Morton Bowles and Bianca Jones (both 19, from Melbourne, Australia) and several others were poisoned after taking free vodka shots at the Nana Backpackers hostel in Vang Vieng.
  • Victims included tourists from around the world; seven more were hospitalized, and at least one survived with permanent blindness.

• Symptoms and Medical Response

  • Early symptoms: severe fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and declining health.
  • As conditions worsened, some victims struggled to breathe and were transferred to better-equipped, Thai-run hospitals in Laos.
  • Diagnosis: acute methanol poisoning.
  • Quote (on symptoms): “You just physically can't move. It's like you're more or less paralyzed...mainly fatigue, nausea.” (01:19)

• Methanol in Alcohol: Prevalence and Danger

  • Methanol is a toxic byproduct in alcohol distillation—typically removed in regulated products but often found in bootleg or unregulated liquors.
  • Methanol poisoning is common in parts of Asia; 71% of global cases occur in the region, including Laos, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
  • “The scary part is that there’s really no way to tell if a drink contains methanol. It looks and tastes just like any other liquor, but methanol is highly poisonous. Just a single ounce...can be deadly.” (08:11)

• Aftermath and Investigative Roadblocks

  • Thai and local hospitals treated survivors; three (including Holly and Bianca) died.
  • The Nana Backpackers hostel denied serving tainted alcohol. Nonetheless, 11 staff were questioned, and the hostel closed “until the problem is resolved”—but all staff were released and the case went cold.
  • The hostel changed names to Vang Vieng Central Backpacker Hostel, continuing under the same ownership. No one has been charged.
  • Many suspect a deliberate cover-up by authorities and business owners.

• Family Pushback & Government Resistance

  • Families of the deceased claim the Lao government is corrupt and unhelpful, refusing to meet with victims’ relatives or allow an independent investigation.
  • Quote: “Despite multiple deaths, investigators in Laos have refused to look into how they got poisoned…or even talked to the parents.” (07:15)
  • On first anniversary, parents launched a press campaign urging travelers to reconsider trips to Laos given lack of safety and accountability.

• Traveler Warnings & Safety Issues in Laos

  • Advice from the Australian government: heightened caution advised, warnings about methanol poisonings and dangerous tourist attractions.
  • Additional tourism dangers in Laos: unexploded ordnance from historical wars, fatal accidents, and hostile wildlife.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “It turns out, taking a shot of alcohol was probably one of the least risky things I thought I did while traveling. But it could have been the most dangerous of all.” – Katie Ring (02:57)
• “One of the scariest parts of all is that despite multiple deaths, investigators in Laos have refused to look into how they got poisoned in the first place or even talked to the parents.” – Katie Ring (07:15)
• “Holly and Bianca’s families think it’s unsafe, especially because they believe the lack of investigation is actually a cover-up.” – Katie Ring (15:23)

Timeline Timestamps

• Victims and Event Overview: 03:58-07:21
• Symptoms and Medical Response: 07:21-09:44
• Methanol Dangers & Commonality: 09:44-09:58
• Aftermath, Investigation, and Cover-Up Allegations: 12:51-15:54
• Current Warnings and Ongoing Fight for Justice: 15:54-17:50

Case Two: Montana Camping Murder

Segment Start: 17:50

Main Theme

A planned romantic camping weekend near Bozeman, Montana, ends in a savage murder. Investigation reveals chilling details about the killer’s violent background and white supremacist affiliations, but many questions about motive remain unanswered.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

• Victim Background

  • Dustin Jersum, 35, Montana native; avid outdoorsman, father, construction contractor.
  • Camped alone to set up for a weekend adventure with his girlfriend near Moose Creek Road, October 10, 2024.

• Crime Timeline

  • While alone, Dustin met Darren Christopher Abbey, 41, who claimed he also wanted the campsite.
  • Dustin offered a beer; the two chatted and entered Dustin’s tent.
  • Abbey violently attacked Dustin: hit him with firewood, stabbed him with a screwdriver, then struck him multiple times with an axe.
  • Abbey cleaned the weapons in a creek and stole Dustin’s possessions (Yeti cooler, two guns, two phones).
  • Dustin’s girlfriend found his body the next day, initially assuming a bear attack due to the savagery.

• Investigation and Arrest

  • After the “bear attack” report, authorities quickly ruled homicide. Evidence collected included empty beer cans for DNA.
  • DNA matched Darren Abbey and his twin brother (though the brother was ruled out).
  • Abbey, arrested for a probation violation, quickly confessed but gave multiple, inconsistent versions of the event, always maintaining self-defense.
  • Forensic evidence (multiple axe wounds, lack of defensive injuries, attempts to conceal evidence) undermined the self-defense claim.

• Abbey’s Background

  • Intake paperwork revealed white supremacist ties (“white supremacist general”), Odinism as religion, Nazi tattoos, and a felony record (four DUIs).
  • No clear motive established—both Abbey and Jersum were white.
  • Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty; Abbey found guilty on all charges after a six-day trial.
  • Sentencing scheduled for December 30, 2025.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “When Dustin’s girlfriend stumbled upon his deceased and severely injured body, her first thought was that he had been attacked by a bear.” – Katie Ring (22:40)
• “His changing story wasn’t the only thing that clued police into the fact that this homicide was deliberate. Dustin had multiple axe wounds, which doesn’t indicate self-defense.” – Katie Ring (24:50)
• “Darren listed his organizational affiliation as, quote, ‘white supremacist general’ and listed his religion as Odinism, which is a pagan religion that’s become heavily associated with white supremacy.” – Katie Ring (25:50)
• “The verdict was read on Monday, November 10, 2025, which would have been Dustin’s 37th birthday.” – Katie Ring (26:54)

Timeline Timestamps

• Victim & Killing Overview: 17:50-22:40
• Discovery & Investigation: 22:40-24:47
• Confession & Trial: 24:47-27:16
• White Supremacist Affiliation & Sentencing: 25:50-27:52
• Closing Reflections: 27:52-29:31

Listener Call-to-Action & Closing

• Katie invites listeners to share theories and continue engaging for ongoing updates.
• “What did you think of today’s cases? Drop your thoughts and theories in the comments. See you next time. If you haven't already, subscribe to our YouTube channel Crime House Daily…and follow us on social media for real time updates. Because a pursuit of justice never stops.” (29:20)

Summary Takeaways

• Both cases underscore the heartbreak and unresolved questions that often remain for families even as trials and investigations proceed.
• The episode highlights the risks tourists face when safety regulations are lacking and draws attention to authorities’ aversion to accountability.
• In both stories, justice is slow and incomplete, leaving survivors and families to push for answers and safer outcomes for others.

End of Summary