Dark Downeast: "The Murder of Mark Knapp (Vermont)" – Episode Summary
Podcast: Dark Downeast
Host: Kylie Low
Date: January 29, 2026
Overview of the Episode
In this gripping installment, host Kylie Low explores the baffling and tragic 1984 murder of 28-year-old Mark Knapp in Vermont. The episode meticulously reconstructs the events leading up to Mark's death, the ensuing investigation, and the complicated pursuit of justice. Through careful storytelling, Kylie brings to light the life of Mark Knapp, the community impact of the crime, and the many twists, setbacks, and ethical questions that defined the legal process.
The narrative is rich, empathetic, and respectful—true to Dark Downeast’s mission of honoring the human stories behind New England’s darkest crimes while refusing to let them disappear into history.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Disappearance and Discovery
- [02:02] Mark Knapp’s routine call home on February 22, 1984, is the last contact before his disappearance.
- His Ford LTD station wagon was found abandoned that night near Castleton, Vermont; no sign of Mark, the keys in the ignition, and the gas tank empty.
- By [02:54], Mark’s body is discovered at the bottom of a 125-foot marble quarry after target shooters spot a shape on the ice the next afternoon.
- Mark’s hands were bound. He bore minor puncture wounds, later attributed to a pair of orange scissors found nearby, but the cause of death was found to be head and chest trauma from the fall.
- Initially, police vacillated between possible homicide, accident, or suicide. The early investigation was marked by cautious optimism and uncertainty.
The Investigation: Community and Clues
- [04:44] The case deeply rattled the tight-knit Brandon, Vermont community.
- The car interior was in disarray, out of character for Mark and suggesting a struggle or someone else’s presence ([05:22]).
- 40 pieces of evidence were collected. Cigarette butts and bottles were found—Mark neither smoked nor drank.
- Similar boot prints matching ones at the car and quarry linked the two scenes. Prints were sent to the FBI.
- A witness placed Mark with a business associate at around 5pm, but his whereabouts from after his 8pm call until his death were unclear.
“Nearly every fragment of Mark's final hours was scrutinized as police searched for something that might explain how a young man like Mark… could disappear after a phone call home and end up bound and broken at the bottom of a quarry.”
– Kylie Low, [06:56]
Mark Knapp: Portrait of the Victim
- Mark was known for his intelligence, kindness, and community involvement: debate team standout, college graduate, volunteer firefighter, and mentor.
- He was “generous, kind, gentle”—the type of man described by those who knew him as someone who "wouldn't have hurt anyone, even if they were hurting him" ([08:50]).
- The community was shaken; fear and paranoia took hold.
Break in the Case: Identifying Suspects
- The Rutland Daily Herald publishes a photo of Mark’s car, leading to a breakthrough ([15:03]).
- A math teacher recognizes two hitchhikers from the evening of Mark’s disappearance: Michael Roberts (20) and Randall Daniels (18).
- Six fingerprints on the car match Randall; prints on Mark’s glasses also belong to Randall.
“Suddenly, Mark Knapp's case had names attached to it. And the names Michael Roberts and Randall Daniels were already tethered to each other.”
– Kylie Low, [16:02]
- Michael, out on conditional release for armed robbery, is seen with Randall the night of Mark’s death.
- Polygraphs, police interviews, and shoe tread evidence further implicate both.
Confessions and Arrest
- Under interrogation, Michael Roberts attempts to negotiate:
"If I tell you the truth, what kind of deal could you give me?" ([17:42])
- Both are arrested: Randall for murder, Michael for probation violation.
- The working theory: an opportunistic robbery leading to Mark’s death.
Randall Turns State’s Witness
- [20:27] Randall details to police how he, Michael, and Mark spent the night together—driving, drinking, and ultimately forcing Mark to withdraw money at an ATM.
- Randall claims Michael intended to “tie Mark up and leave him” at the quarry. Randall binds Mark’s hands, removes his glasses, and follows at a distance as Michael appears to push Mark over.
- Randall is offered a plea deal: he avoids murder charges by pleading no contest to kidnapping and agreeing to testify against Michael.
- Michael is charged with kidnapping, armed robbery, murder to commit robbery, and second-degree murder, all based heavily on Randall’s narrative.
The Legal Labyrinth: Trials and Testimonies
First Trial (June 1985)
- Michael’s defense argues Randall is the true killer, based on evidence including Mark’s camera found at Randall’s house, blood stains, and Randall’s own barroom comments.
- Randall’s testimony collapses under questioning; he repeatedly claims amnesia, contradicts himself, and ultimately recants key portions.
“Randall said, quote, he could have pushed him. He could have been falling, and Mike grabbed for him, end quote.”
– Kylie Low (attributed to Randall Daniels), [29:31]
- The jury deadlocks between manslaughter and acquittal; a mistrial is declared ([31:40]).
Second Trial and Charges Dropped
- [35:56] The state intends to retry Michael, but the case collapses when Randall invokes his Fifth Amendment right and refuses to testify without further immunity.
- First-degree murder and robbery charges are dismissed without prejudice. Michael is re-tried only for kidnapping.
Kidnapping Conviction
- Jurors hear only reading of Randall’s prior statements, not live testimony.
- Michael’s girlfriend testifies, shifting blame to Randall.
- The jury convicts Michael of kidnapping ([42:19]). He is sentenced to 10–25 years, eligible for parole after 5–6; ultimately, he serves less than eight.
Aftermath and Unanswered Justice
- Upon release, Michael Roberts is soon arrested for unrelated drug charges.
- Randall Daniels escapes custody twice before being recaptured; the contempt charge for refusing to testify is dropped.
- No one is ever convicted for Mark Knapp’s killing. Kylie reflects on whether the outcomes fit the magnitude of the crime or the loss to Mark’s family and community.
“Both men who were with him that night were convicted of kidnapping him. But no one has ever been held accountable for his death.”
– Kylie Low, [42:53]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the Community’s Response:
“Fear began to settle over the community like a fog. People who had never locked their doors before now did. A woman told the local paper she was afraid to walk alone. Another said she no longer felt safe sitting in her own vehicle.”
– Kylie Low, [09:30] -
On Mark’s Character and Legacy:
“He made small phone calls home to his parents so they wouldn't worry. And then he didn’t come home.”
– Kylie Low, [42:53] -
On the Failure of Justice:
“The case of Mark Knapp had become something much smaller than it should have been. A murder charge dismissed, a mistrial, a kidnapping conviction that stood in place of a life taken.”
– Kylie Low, [42:30]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [02:02] – Disappearance, discovery, and early investigation
- [06:56] – Mark Knapp’s background and community impact
- [13:57] – Case breakthrough via public photo, identification of suspects
- [20:27] – Randall’s full confession, plea deal details
- [28:54] – Trial begins, courtroom drama, collapse of Randall’s testimony
- [31:40] – Mistrial declared, juror insights
- [35:56] – Charges dropped due to witness issues, retrial for kidnapping
- [42:19] – Kidnapping conviction, sentencing, and aftermath
- [42:53] – Reflections on justice and Mark’s enduring legacy
Tone and Closing Thoughts
With empathy and meticulous detail, Kylie Low honors Mark’s life, laments the failures of the justice system, and stresses the importance of refusing to let these cases be reduced to mere footnotes. The episode closes with a call to remember the victims—like Mark—who deserve attention, empathy, and, ultimately, justice.
For sources and further information, visit darkdowneast.com.