Podcast Summary: "We Came to the Forest" – Episode: "Paradise Foundation"

Introduction

In the gripping premiere episode of "We Came to the Forest," host Matthew Scher delves into the mysterious and tragic events that unfolded in an Atlanta forest. Titled "Paradise Foundation," this episode uncovers the layers of secrecy and conflicting narratives surrounding a deadly confrontation between activists and law enforcement, leaving a community in turmoil.

Vienna Forrest and Tortuguita’s Last Night

The story begins with Vienna Forrest, an activist who has endured a particularly challenging month. Seeking solace and connection, Vienna goes on a date with her partner, Tortuguita—a nickname meaning "little turtle" in Spanish. As Vienna describes her emotional state, she reflects, "It's been a long, rough month for Vienna, the longest in some ways she can remember" (01:15).

A Simple Evening Turned Unsettling

On the evening of January, Vienna and Tortuguita decide to unwind by grabbing Vietnamese and Mexican food, enjoying a buffet that leaves them feeling content and optimistic. Tortuguita shares, "They're so happy they quit cigarettes. They were just really doing good" (01:46).

The couple then heads to the Starlight, one of Atlanta’s last genuine drive-in theaters, famous for its nostalgic neon sign. To save on tickets, they attempt to hide under a blanket, but are caught by the gate attendant. Tortuguita humorously recounts, "They let us go through. Next time tell your friends to hide their legs better because Torte's legs were sticking out from under the blanket" (02:19).

Inside the theater, Vienna and Tortuguita settle into the backseat, enjoying each other’s company in the darkness. Tortuguita expresses the comfort she feels, saying, "Someone I felt comfortable with. They were I'm feeling bad, I can lay my head on their chest and they'd comfort me" (02:44).

The Movie Night

The film of the night is "Megan," a modern take on the overprotective, malignant doll archetype, reminiscent of the infamous Chucky. Although Tortuguita admits she wasn’t fully attentive to the movie, the atmosphere between the couple remains serene. Vienna observes, "They had this sort of resolve about things and they just. It seemed like they were just ready for whatever was to come" (03:14).

The Tragic Aftermath

Approximately 36 hours after their peaceful date at the drive-in, a joint task force known as the Paradise Foundation conducts a massive sweep through a nearby forest. This operation targets activists protesting the construction of the country’s largest police training facility. The task force comprises officers from multiple agencies, all on edge due to warnings about potential booby traps and explosives.

As the officers methodically search the forest, the tension is palpable. Tortuguita’s urgent plea, "Sir, quick question. Can you get the fuck out, please?" (04:25), marks the abrupt escalation of events. Laughter among the officers quickly dissolves into chaos as gunfire erupts. Tortuguita panics, exclaiming, "Oh, shit. Is this target practice?" (04:39).

The sudden violence forces officers to drop their hands to their sidearms, heightening the sense of danger. Amidst the confusion, a faint transmission disrupts communication: "Man deaf." Tortuguita identifies the sound as a suppressed gunshot, stating, "That sounded like suppressed gun." (05:21).

Unraveling the Truth

As the episode progresses, host Matthew Scher leverages exclusive recordings and firsthand accounts to piece together the true sequence of events. The narrative challenges the official reports, suggesting a possible cover-up involving high-level law enforcement officials. The conflicting testimonies and missing evidence raise critical questions about justice and the lengths to which individuals and institutions will go to protect their interests.

Notable Quotes

• "It's been a long, rough month for Vienna, the longest in some ways she can remember." - Vienna Forrest (01:15)
• "They're so happy they quit cigarettes. They were just really doing good." - Tortuguita (01:46)
• "Someone I felt comfortable with. They were I'm feeling bad, I can lay my head on their chest and they'd comfort me." - Tortuguita (02:44)
• "Sir, quick question. Can you get the fuck out, please?" - Tortuguita (04:25)
• "Oh, shit. Is this target practice?" - Tortuguita (04:39)
• "That sounded like suppressed gun." - Tortuguita (05:21)

Conclusion

"We Came to the Forest" masterfully intertwines personal narratives with investigative journalism to shed light on a complex and unsettling incident. "Paradise Foundation" not only highlights the personal lives of those involved but also exposes potential systemic issues within law enforcement operations. As Vienna and Tortuguita’s story unfolds, listeners are compelled to question the veracity of official accounts and ponder the broader implications for justice and activism.

Listen to More

For those intrigued by this episode, "We Came to the Forest" offers a deep dive into similar stories of conflict, secrecy, and the pursuit of truth. Subscribe to the podcast on the Wondery app or your preferred platform to stay updated with new episodes.