Podcast Summary: Culpable – “The Bystander Effect | 1 | Revisited”
Podcast: Culpable
Host: Dennis Cooper (Tenderfoot TV & Audacy)
Air Date: July 15, 2025
Episode Focus: A reflection and in-depth revisit of the Brittany Stikes case (Season 2), exploring family memories, the unsolved investigation, and the significance of acts of compassion amidst tragedy.
Episode Overview
Dennis Cooper returns to the very first episode of Culpable Season 2 to reflect on the unresolved murder of Brittany Stikes, a young Ohio mother killed in 2013. Using commentary, interviews, and revisiting family members, the episode examines the complexities of the unsolved case, the impacts on Brittany’s family, and the powerful bystander moment that changed everything. This episode also offers new perspectives on the investigation, the heartbreak of loss, and ongoing quests for justice.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Night of the Murder & The Bystander Effect
[02:12–13:22]
- Craig Lebel recounts the night he discovered Brittany’s Jeep off Highway 68. His decision to stop, despite severe storm conditions and unfamiliar territory, is held up as a rare act of compassion and bravery.
- “Why did I do that that day? I don’t know.” — Craig Lebel, [02:12]
- Dennis reflects on the psychology behind the bystander effect, emphasizing how crucial Craig’s action was; if he hadn’t stopped, Brittany’s story (and Aubrey’s survival) could have been different.
- “I can’t sit here and act like I would have done what Craig Lebel did on the night of August 28, 2013…” — Dennis Cooper, [03:28]
Craig’s Discovery
- Detailed account of seeing headlights in the woods and discovering Brittany, unresponsive, and her bloodied one-year-old daughter, Aubrey—a victim as well.
- “There’s a baby in a car seat and the baby's got blood all over its forehead…” — Craig Lebel, [09:33]
Brittany Stikes: More than One Victim
- It is revealed Brittany was pregnant at the time, making her unborn child and nearly her daughter additional victims.
- “Not only was a young mother taken, but an unborn child was also taken and a one year old was nearly taken.” — Dennis Cooper, [10:04]
Emotional Impact
- Both the lifesaving intervention and horror of what Craig found underpin the episode’s emotional tone.
- “It’s just… it’s unbelievable. It’s a constant question… Who did it?” — Craig Lebel, [13:22]
2. The Stikes/Dodson Family & Unanswered Questions
[20:20–45:26]
- The episode shifts to Brittany’s parents, Dave and Mary Dodson, and siblings at their home (“Red Oak Creek Farm”), who recount Brittany’s life, warmth, and role as a family unifier.
- “You have to understand our family and that we do do everything together. … Since we've lost Brittany, it's a little harder. … It changes things.” — Mary Dodson, [29:39]
- Dave’s birthday is revealed as the day Brittany was killed. The family’s struggle to reconcile celebration with loss is palpable.
- “We’ve never done anything for his birthday since we lost Brittany.” — Mary Dodson, [21:22]
Family Reflections: Memories & Traditions
- Mary and Dave walk Dennis through photo albums, revealing Brittany’s deeply caring, community-oriented, and fiercely loving personality.
- “She was my mini me… She’d stay up with me Friday night instead of going out, packaging everything…” — Mary Dodson, [31:26]
- “She had a heart bigger than anybody I know. She would do anything for you.” — Tanner Dodson, [42:00]
The Effect on Family
- Siblings Emily and Tanner share how Brittany’s death affected and changed their family dynamics, struggling with grief but holding fast to each other.
- “My sister and me did everything together. She was… kind of like the glue.” — Emily Dodson, [40:09]
- “We all had to pretty much mature up and learn how to deal with the situation a lot faster…” — Tanner Dodson, [43:14]
A Difficult Interview
- An emotional moment occurs when Tanner has to step away mid-interview, illustrating the enduring pain.
- “Tanner steps away for a moment. … Things just got emotional and he needed a break. I get that.” — Dennis Cooper, [44:21]
3. The Annual Memorial and Ongoing Investigation
[47:54–64:01]
- The family prepares for and attends a candlelight vigil at the site of Brittany’s murder, with law enforcement joining in a symbolic show of support and continued investigation. Sergeant Quinn Carlson of the Brown County Sheriff’s Office expresses his resolve:
- “I will get you closure on this.” — Sgt. Carlson, [56:36]
- The memorial is marked by Brittany’s symbol—a heart with wings, reflective of her legacy and the community’s collective grief.
- Mary’s address at the vigil is especially poignant:
- “What I want to say is, even though you may be having hard time in your life, look for the blessings. The blessings are there. … I may not have my daughter with me physically, but she's been with me all day.” — Mary Dodson, [57:06]
Investigative Details
- Dave Dodson personally guides Dennis to the exact site where Brittany’s Jeep was found, sharing his theory about the final moments and the persistent mystery:
- “She was trying to get away from somebody. … I still think somebody went down there and finished what they started.” — Dave Dodson, [60:21]
Ongoing Frustration and Hope
- Both police and family remain frustrated at the lack of resolution but are determined to keep Brittany’s story alive.
- “It takes diligence to solve a case, and it takes even more the longer it goes unsolved.” — Dennis Cooper, [63:48]
- “Somebody knows something. Somebody has talked with somebody, and that needs to come out. It needs to come forward so this family can find out once and for all who murdered her.” — Craig Lebel, [14:26]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On fate and intervention:
- “Making that wrong turn may have been the most important mistake he's ever made in life.” — Dennis Cooper, [06:19]
- On the bystander effect:
- “It’s what anyone should have done… But the truth is, it’s incredibly significant when you think about what might have happened had he not stopped.” — Dennis Cooper, [03:52]
- On Brittany's spirit:
- “Her spirit really brought them all together. … It’s a beautiful thing, really, and I feel like it’s something you don’t see as much of these days.” — Dennis Cooper, [27:30]
- Family’s pain:
- “It's not like she was on drugs or into illegal activity… This was a good hearted person that this should have never happened to.” — Dave Dodson, [45:26]
Important Timestamps & Segments
- [02:12–10:04] – Craig Lebel recounts discovering Brittany and Aubrey; the gravity of the bystander effect
- [20:20–29:39] – Introduction to family, memories of Brittany, the burden of birthdays since her murder
- [29:39–43:14] – Siblings discuss personal loss, Brittany’s role as family glue
- [47:54–57:06] – Candlelight vigil, Mary addresses crowd, law enforcement attendance
- [60:12–63:48] – Dave walks into the woods to the murder site, shares theories; Dennis discusses the emotional and investigative challenge
Tone and Language
The tone is deeply reflective, empathetic, and conversational—marked by honest admissions of uncertainty and respect for both the family and investigative process. Dennis frequently acknowledges the rawness of the emotions expressed, the humility in acts of compassion, and the enduring hope for justice amidst heartache.
Endnote & Next Episode Teaser
Dennis closes by thanking listeners for revisiting the story with him and previews a follow-up conversation with Brittany’s sister Emily, inviting listeners along in the quest for answers and remembrance.
Bottom Line:
This episode provides an intimate, multilayered portrayal of both the crime’s brutality and Brittany’s enduring impact on her family and community. It sets the stage for continued conversations, ongoing investigation, and collective determination to keep Brittany’s memory—and the hope for justice—alive.