Dateline NBC: "Secrets in the Mist" – Detailed Summary

Introduction

"Secrets in the Mist," an episode of Dateline NBC released on June 17, 2025, delves deep into the baffling disappearance of Carol Lubon in March 1981. Hosted by Tom Yamas and Lester Holt, the episode explores the intricate details of a case that remained cold for three decades until modern investigative techniques, notably social media analysis, brought new light to the mystery.

1. The Disappearance of Carol Lubon

Background and Family Dynamics

The episode opens in Point Vicente, California, in January 2013, where a police boat ventures into dense fog in a desperate attempt to uncover the truth behind Carol Lubon's disappearance. Carol, originally known as Carol Jean Meyer, was a vibrant 20-year-old mother of two who married her high school boyfriend, Mike Lubon Sr., after becoming pregnant at 15.

• Gail Lubon (Carol's sister) describes Carol as "fun" and "outgoing," highlighting her close relationship with her siblings (00:52).

• Carol was ambitious, studying architecture to further her career despite living modestly in a two-bedroom house in Torrance, California.

The Fateful Night

On the night of March 1981, an argument erupted between Carol and Mike Sr., culminating in Carol slamming the front door and leaving the house, leaving their 10-year-old son, Mike Lubon Jr., distressed and confused.

• Mike Lubon Jr. recalls, "I was in bed... and I remember her marching past and going out the front door and slamming the door" (05:51).

The next morning, Carol was nowhere to be found, sparking immediate concern. Despite fervent searches and community efforts, no trace was discovered, leading the Torrance Police Department to place the case in an inactive file, citing no evidence of foul play (08:50).

2. Reopening the Cold Case

Detective Walt Delsine's Investigation

Nearly 30 years later, in 2002, Detective Walt Delsine stumbled upon the Carol Lubon case file. Intrigued by inconsistencies in Mike Sr.'s recollections over the years, Delsine sensed something amiss.

• Walt Delsine shares, "I just had a hunch that this just didn't sound right to me" (09:40).

His investigation led him to revisit Carol's family, confronting Mike Lubon Sr. about his differing accounts of the night Carol disappeared.

The Role of Social Media

In 2011, leveraging modern technology, Delsine proposed creating a Facebook account for Carol Lubon to trace any digital footprints she might have left behind.

• Lester Holt emphasizes Facebook's potential: "It's also a place where you can find people" (25:10).

An age-progressed image of Carol was circulated online, but surprisingly, no one had interacted with the profile, strengthening suspicions of her permanent disappearance (26:32).

3. Arrest and Trial of Mike Lubon Sr.

The Arrest

On September 11, 2012, exactly 31 years after Carol's disappearance, Mike Lubon Sr. was arrested for Carol's murder. The arrest sent shockwaves through the family, who had long believed in Mike's innocence.

• Terry Lubon (Carol's younger sister) expresses disbelief: "It was like another nightmare on top of the first nightmare" (27:52).

Trial Proceedings

The trial exposed numerous inconsistencies in Mike's testimonies over the years, casting doubt on his innocence.

• Josh Mankiewicz observes, "memories don't increase in details over the years, and they don't increase in different details. And that's a sign of what we call a lie" (21:46).

During the trial, Mike Sr. finally altered his story, claiming he had accidentally killed Carol during an argument. His inconsistent accounts failed to convince the jury, leading to his conviction for second-degree murder (39:29).

Family and Emotional Toll

The family struggled with the accusations, grappling with the reality that a beloved member of their community might be responsible for Carol's disappearance.

• Mike Lubon Jr. poignantly states, "I've never wanted my father to go to jail. I just wanted to know the truth behind that evening" (28:52).

4. Sentencing and Aftermath

Sentencing Hearing

In December 2012, during the sentencing hearing, Mike Sr.'s son, Mike Lubon Jr., addressed the court, pleading for leniency despite the grave charges against his father.

• Mike Lubon Jr. shares, "He's been a good father and a good person... If he's sent to prison today, I want him to know I'm going to miss our time together" (40:43).

Unexpected Confession and the Elusive Truth

On January 7, 2013, just before sentencing, Mike Sr. was poised to provide a full confession. However, instead of clarifying the truth, he recanted his statements, leaving investigators and the family in deeper uncertainty.

• Josh Mankiewicz narrates, "he didn't say anything, and they were right back where they started. Suspicion, sure, but no evidence of a crime" (23:40).

Despite the confession attempt, no physical evidence confirming Carol's death was ever found, perpetuating the mystery surrounding her disappearance.

5. Motion for Reduced Conviction

Reevaluation of the Case

In September 2021, Deputy DA John Lewin filed a motion to downgrade Mike Sr.'s conviction from murder to voluntary manslaughter, citing new information and uncertainties about Carol's death.

• Lewin states, "If he had been aware of these circumstances, he would not have pursued murder charges" (47:53).

The trial judge granted the motion, resulting in Mike Sr. being sentenced to six years in state prison—the maximum for voluntary manslaughter—and his subsequent release after serving over a decade.

Ongoing Search for Closure

To this day, Carol Lubon's remains have not been discovered, leaving the case officially unresolved. The family continues to seek closure, yearning for definitive answers about Carol's fate.

• Gail Lubon expresses, "If they find the cinder block in the ocean after the search, they find that that will give me half of the Closure I need" (44:52).

Mike Lubon Jr.'s Struggle

Mike Jr. remains torn between loving his father and grappling with the possibility of his involvement in Carol's disappearance.

• Mike Lubon Jr. reflects, "I always will. I just gotta figure out how I'm going to process these facts" (46:07).

He hopes for a future where the truth about his mother's fate is fully uncovered, allowing him and his family to finally move forward.

Conclusion

"Secrets in the Mist" presents a compelling narrative of unresolved grief, family loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of truth. Despite Mike Lubon Sr.'s conviction, the absence of Carol Lubon's remains leaves room for lingering doubts and questions. The episode underscores the complexities of cold cases and the profound impact they have on the lives entwined within them.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Lubon Jr. (05:51): "I was in bed... and I remember her marching past and going out the front door and slamming the door."

• Gail Lubon (08:22): "We felt like she was finding a happier life somewhere and understood that to make that successful, she might have to make a complete and total break."

• Terry Lubon (12:59): "As unhappy as you might be in your life, you might leave your husband, you would take your kids with you."

• Josh Mankiewicz (21:46): "Memories don't increase in details over the years, and they don't increase in different details. And that's a sign of what we call a lie."

• Mike Lubon Jr. (40:43): "He's been a good father and a good person... If he's sent to prison today, I want him to know I'm going to miss our time together."

Key Takeaways:

• The disappearance of Carol Lubon remains one of the most enigmatic cases, with familial love and suspicion deeply intertwined.

• The advent of social media played a pivotal role in reviving the investigation, demonstrating the evolving nature of criminal investigations.

• The emotional toll on the Lubon family highlights the enduring pain caused by unresolved crimes.

"Secrets in the Mist" is a testament to Dateline NBC's commitment to unraveling true-crime mysteries, offering listeners a profound exploration of a family's quest for answers amidst lingering shadows.