Dateline NBC Podcast Summary: "Good & Evil"
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Host: NBC News
Introduction
In the gripping episode titled "Good & Evil," NBC News delves into a harrowing true-crime story that intertwines the relentless pursuit of justice by Detective Julissa Trapp with the anguish of grieving mothers seeking closure. Set against the backdrop of Anaheim and Santa Ana, California, this episode uncovers the dark underbelly of serial killings targeting young women.
The Discovery of Jarret Estep
The story begins on March 14, 2014, when a grisly discovery is made at the Brea Olinda landfill in Anaheim. Detective Julissa Trapp responds to a report of what initially appears to be a mannequin on a conveyor belt.
- Detective Laura Lomeli: "She was on a conveyor belt. Only her feet were exposed. And initially the workers there thought it was a mannequin." [01:16]
Upon closer inspection, it's revealed to be the body of Jarret Estep, a 21-year-old woman wrapped in a blue plastic tarp. The trauma inflicted upon her—strangled, beaten, and sexually assaulted—sets the tone for the ensuing investigation.
Connecting the Missing Women
As Detective Trapp delves deeper, she uncovers unsettling similarities between Jarret's case and other missing women in the neighboring town of Santa Ana. This revelation suggests the presence of a serial killer operating across both cities.
- Detective Julissa Trapp: "When they killed her, they killed me." [01:34]
The missing women—Kiana Jackson, Josephine Monique Vargas, Martha, and later Sable Pickett—share disturbing patterns in their disappearances and the brutality of their murders.
Investigation and the Role of GPS Data
Facing a complex case with limited evidence, Detective Trapp leverages technology to trace the movements of known sex offenders in the area. The breakthrough comes when a fingerprint on a caulking tube links Frank Cano, a registered sex offender, to the crime scene.
- Detective Laura Lomeli: "But for that lucky fingerprint, they'd have missed it." [08:25]
Further analysis of GPS data reveals that Frank Cano and his accomplice, Stephen Gordon, were present at multiple locations corresponding to the victims' last known whereabouts. This digital breadcrumb trail provides crucial circumstantial evidence pointing towards their involvement.
The Capture and Confession
Detective Trapp orchestrates a meticulous surveillance operation, monitoring Cano and Gordon's movements around the clock. Their complacency leads to their eventual apprehension—Cano while boarding a bus and Gordon after a minor bicycle accident during an attempt to evade capture.
- Detective Laura Lomeli: "They were in the same car." [21:36]
During interrogations, both men display evasiveness, but Gordon eventually breaks down, providing a confession that ties them directly to the murders.
The Trial and Convictions
The legal proceedings take an unexpected turn when Stephen Gordon opts to represent himself. His decision results in the dismissal of critical evidence, including his initial confession, which hampers the prosecution's case.
- Stephen Gordon: "It is beyond evil, what happened." [38:34]
Despite these challenges, Detective Trapp's unwavering dedication leads to a second, more impactful confession that solidifies the prosecution's case. Gordon is ultimately convicted on four counts of murder and sentenced to death, while Cano receives life without parole.
Emotional Impact on the Mothers
The episode poignantly captures the emotional turmoil of the victims' mothers—Kathy Menzies, Priscilla Vargas, and Helinda—who form a solidarity in their shared grief and quest for justice. Their interactions with Detective Trapp highlight the personal toll of such heinous crimes.
- Priscilla Vargas: "Love her as much as I could was about the only thing." [10:08]
Detective Trapp's compassionate approach, symbolized by the rosaries she shares with the mothers, underscores the human element amidst the procedural investigation.
Continuing Mysteries and Closure
While the main case reaches a semblance of resolution, a lingering mystery about a fifth victim, Sable Pickett, remains. Detective Trapp's unwavering commitment leads her to identify and inform Sable's mother, bringing a measure of closure to another grieving family.
- Detective Laura Lomeli: "Even though it is a landfill. I mean, it is quite peaceful when it's quiet." [44:07]
The episode concludes by reflecting on the enduring impact of these tragedies on both the families and those tasked with bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Conclusion
"Good & Evil" masterfully weaves a narrative of horror, determination, and human resilience. Through meticulous investigation and heartfelt testimonies, the podcast not only recounts the pursuit of two heinous criminals but also honors the strength of the victims' families. Detective Julissa Trapp emerges as a beacon of hope and justice, embodying the relentless fight against evil.
Notable Quotes:
- Detective Julissa Trapp: "When they killed her, they killed me." [01:34]
- Detective Laura Lomeli: "We have to go to the dark places in order to find answers." [02:55]
- Priscilla Vargas: "I would tap and she would text right back. But this time, nothing." [01:30]
- Detective Julissa Trapp: "I knew this was going to be a lot different than any other interview I had done." [24:22]
- Frank Cano: "It's beyond evil, what happened. What me and him did was beyond evil." [38:34]
- Priscilla Vargas: "I don't think I'll ever be able to accept it. It's hard. It's hard." [30:09]
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of "Good & Evil," providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of the episode's key events, emotional undertones, and the unwavering pursuit of justice by Detective Trapp and the affected families.