Podcast Summary: Crime Salad
Episode: Missing: Oakley Carlson – Denial, Neglect, and the Fight for Justice
Hosts: Ashley and Ricky
Release Date: October 11, 2025

Overview

This harrowing episode of Crime Salad dives deep into the tragic case of Oakley Carlson, a four-year-old girl from Washington state, missing since February 2021 and presumed deceased. Ashley and Ricky explore not only the circumstances of Oakley’s disappearance but also the broader systemic failures of the child welfare system—especially the pitfalls of prioritizing reunification over a child's safety. The episode presents a thorough timeline, firsthand accounts, and the lasting advocacy efforts in Oakley's name.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Oakley’s Early Life and Foster Care ([01:20]–[05:24])

• Born December 6, 2016, Oakley was a joyful, empathetic, and bright child who thrived in foster care.
• Foster parents Jamie Jo and Eric Hiles, after years of infertility and heartbreak, took Oakley in at 7 months old, soon becoming her primary caregivers and only family she truly knew.
• Oakley's talents and joys: a love of dance, music (her favorite was “Barbara Ann” by the Beach Boys), and books.
• Early signs that she responded deeply to the feelings of others, showing significant empathy even in early childhood.

Background on Oakley’s Biological Parents ([05:24]–[07:06])

• Andrew Carlson, her father: Former peace officer with discredited law enforcement certification due to dishonesty, subsequent legal troubles including malicious mischief, and a domestic violence charge.
• Jordan Bowers, her mother: Extensive criminal history involving drug-related offenses, theft, fraud, hit-and-runs, and persistent instability.
• Household described as unstable and dangerous, both parents involved with drug use and exposing children to hazardous conditions.

Process and Failures in Reunification ([08:29]–[22:43])

• Despite a court’s initial plan for Oakley’s adoption by the Hiles, the state shifted course and worked towards reunification with her biological parents, ignoring stipulations such as stable housing, employment, and completion of domestic violence and substance abuse treatment.
• Jamie Jo and Eric Hiles repeatedly reported red flags:
  • Supervised visitations where Oakley returned with unchanged diapers and unexplained injuries ([10:06]).
  • Unaddressed complaints led to delays and dismissals from caseworkers.
  • Concerns about overnight visits worried foster parents as Oakley began reporting domestic violence at her biological parents’ house ([17:07]).
  • The state advanced reunification regardless, sometimes dismissing foster parent concerns outright — “She isn’t your daughter, and being poor isn’t a reason for someone not to have their children.” ([16:36])

Loss of State Oversight & Deterioration ([22:43]–[25:33])

• After full reunification, Oakley was no longer under state supervision. Reports persisted:
  • Grandmother observed Oakley in ill health—dark circles, pale skin, and facial sores ([23:29]).
  • Jamie Jo’s attempted reports to DCYF were disregarded and she was threatened with accusations of false reporting ([24:14]).
  • Eight separate reports investigated; none resulted in meaningful action.
  • In March 2021, DCYF asked Jamie Jo if she had seen Oakley, hinting at the state’s lack of whereabouts for Oakley ([25:33]).
• Ashley: “Without confirming Oakley’s well-being is appalling… This isn’t just paperwork or numbers. It’s a child’s life.” ([25:56])

The Disappearance and Aftermath ([30:09]–[43:09])

• A suspicious house fire reported by Andrew, surrounded by conflicting stories and no welfare check on Oakley ([30:09]).
• Multiple warnings from Jamie Jo and the local school principal ignored by DCYF.
• Children’s testimonies revealed attempts to hide Oakley’s absence and that she suffered considerable abuse (locked in closets, physical punishment, food deprivation) ([39:03]).
• Only after Oakley’s disappearance did authorities seriously investigate, leading to criminal neglect charges for Oakley’s siblings due to severe medical neglect and methamphetamine exposure ([41:26], [43:09]).
  • “Hair follicle samples showed… high levels of methamphetamine. The kids weren’t just exposed to drugs. It’s possible they ingested them, which is devastating.” ([43:09])

Advocacy, Accountability, and Systemic Responses ([43:17]–[50:51])

• Massive public and legislative advocacy effort followed Oakley’s disappearance.
  • Fundraisers, such as “Paint the Night Pink,” and petitions demanded oversight and reform ([46:16]).
  • Introduction of the Oakley Carlson Act in 2023 seeking stricter oversight and enhanced protections for children post-reunification. Despite compelling testimony from Jamie Jo and strong public support, the legislation died in committee ([48:52]–[50:08]).

Official Reports and Ongoing Challenges ([50:51]–[54:07])

• Subsequent emergency court filings revealed eight years of DCYF involvement with repeated, serious referrals for domestic violence, substance abuse, and medical neglect—all overlooked or insufficiently addressed ([51:12]).
• Despite clear evidence and consistent testimonies of abuse and neglect, DCYF’s oversight was later officially cleared in a state report.
• Jamie Jo and supporters continue advocacy efforts, calling for independent reviews and legislative changes.

Legal Status and Continuing Injustice ([54:07]–[56:40])

• Jordan Bowers released from prison in September 2025; ongoing questions about the safety of Oakley’s siblings.
• Oakley officially declared deceased for estate proceedings, sparking outrage among her advocates who see this as another bureaucratic betrayal.
• Ricky: “On paper, it might look like a routine legal filing… but for those fighting for Oakley, it feels like an injustice.” ([56:24])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ashley ([01:20]): “Oakley’s case is heartbreaking… it shines a light on how our child welfare system can fail children.”
• Ricky ([11:18]): “A foster parent raised a specific safety concern… and the immediate response was delay. Not a same day check… Just a we'll look into it when the calendar allows.”
• Ashley ([25:56]): “This isn’t just paperwork or numbers. It’s a child’s life.”
• Ricky ([39:03]): “Oakley’s sister told child advocate Nina Taylor that her mother… had warned her not to talk about Oakley. When the interviewer pressed, the little girl repeated... that Oakley had gone out into the woods and she had been eaten by wolves.”
• Jamie Jo’s letter to Oakley ([57:29]): “I know that I didn’t give birth to you, but I wish I did… I will never forgive myself for not protecting you more… You’re making waves and so many people are taking action… I knew that you'd be influential someday. I just wish it wasn't breaking our hearts in the process.”

Important Segment Timestamps

• [01:20] Oakley’s background and overview of the case
• [05:07–08:29] Placement with the Hiles family, their background, and Oakley’s thriving early years
• [10:06–12:27] First red flags, ignored reports, and system delays
• [16:36–18:55] Concerning reunification decision and dismissal of foster parent input
• [22:43–25:33] Loss of oversight and ignored welfare checks
• [30:09–36:23] The fire, discovery of Oakley’s absence, and the beginning of the investigation
• [38:23–41:26] Interviews with Oakley’s siblings and medical neglect revelations
• [43:17–47:28] Legislative and advocacy efforts, failure of the Oakley Carlson Act
• [51:12–53:28] Release of sealed court records, history of systemic failure
• [54:07–56:40] Legal ramifications, public outrage over estate proceedings

Tone & Language

• Honest, compassionate, and direct.
• Empathetic towards Oakley and her foster family, critical of systemic failures.
• Calls attention to broader issues for child safety, encourages public vigilance and advocacy.

Conclusion

Crime Salad delivers a thorough, deeply emotional, and fact-driven account of Oakley Carlson’s disappearance—highlighting both her life and the wider, painful systemic failures that allowed her to vanish. Ashley and Ricky detail the multitude of ignored warnings, the bureaucratic inertia, and the resilience of Oakley’s advocates, especially Jamie Jo. The episode is a powerful reminder of the stakes when child welfare systems falter and a tribute to the continued fight for justice, accountability, and the safety of all vulnerable children.

ACTION LINKS:

• For updates and to support ongoing advocacy: Find Jamie Jo’s petition (goal 15,000 signatures) calling for an independent review of DCYF—details in the “Where is Oakley Carlson?” Facebook group.
• [Timestamp 57:29] features the moving letter from Jamie Jo to Oakley, an emotional close emphasizing the need for action and remembrance.

Justice for Oakley.