Dateline NBC – Episode Summary: "Unchecked Evil"
Introduction to Reagan Tokes and Her Tragic Murder
Dateline NBC presents a harrowing true-crime story in the episode titled "Unchecked Evil," exploring the tragic murder of Reagan Tokes and the subsequent investigation that revealed significant gaps in law enforcement systems.
Reagan Tokes, a vibrant and beloved 21-year-old Ohio State University student, was found brutally murdered in a Columbus suburb on February 8, 2017. Described by friends and family as a "ray of light" and "a vivacious ball of energy," Reagan's untimely death left her community in shock and her family in despair.
Andrea Canning, Reagan’s sister, reflects on Reagan’s character: “She was always just so fun to be around. She felt like part of my family. I still don't think I've ever met anyone that could make me laugh like she did.” (05:30)
The Investigation Begins
The initial investigation focused on Reagan’s immediate social circle, including her recent breakup with her college boyfriend, Jake. Despite Jake's seemingly strong alibi, the detectives soon shifted their focus to other leads as Reagan’s car remained missing.
On February 8, a caller reported finding a naked body that appeared to match Reagan's description. Upon investigation, authorities discovered Reagan had been shot twice in the head and was possibly raped. However, crucial pieces of evidence, like her cell phone and clothes, were missing, complicating the identification process.
Grove City Police Lt. Brian Davidson notes: “The victim's clothes, wallet, and cell phone were nowhere to be found. We had a necklace, and then there was a tattoo on her body.” (15:45)
System Failures and Police Shortcomings
As the investigation unfolded, it became evident that Reagan's murder was part of a broader pattern of violent crimes in the area. Multiple assaults by a masked assailant terrorized the German Village neighborhood, yet law enforcement struggled to connect these incidents effectively.
The breakthrough came when Reagan's car was located via a private GPS monitoring service, not directly accessible to police. This led to the discovery of Reagan's silver Acura near a children's hospital, where burn marks and a gasoline can suggested an attempted cover-up.
Detective Rick Forney explains: “A garbage truck gives you a huge break. It was the break that we were looking for.” (35:20)
Despite these leads, the investigation was initially hindered by inadequate access to technology and fragmented communication between private GPS companies and law enforcement agencies.
Linking Brian Goolsby to the Crime
The critical turning point occurred when police obtained a DNA hit linking Brian Lee Goolsby, a recently released parolee with a history of aggravated robbery and rape, to Reagan's car. Goolsby had been released just three months prior and was living within close proximity to the crime scene.
Lt. Brian Davidson expresses disbelief: “I did not have a heart attack or a stroke myself.” (50:10)
Despite Goolsby’s strong alibi claiming he did not kill Reagan, detectives employed psychological tactics during interrogation to elicit a confession about an accomplice, which ultimately led to his admission of involvement.
Detective Forney recounts the interrogation: “I know somebody else was in the car. Who was it? This person is not real. Person is not real.” (1:10:35)
Brian Goolsby was subsequently charged and convicted for Reagan's murder, receiving a life sentence without parole. His conviction was a relief for Reagan’s family but unveiled deeper systemic issues within the criminal justice system.
The Role of GPS Monitors and Legal Gaps
A significant revelation was the failure of the GPS monitoring system assigned to Goolsby. Although he was outfitted with an ankle monitor, Ohio's Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC) did not configure it with curfews or exclusion zones, rendering it ineffective in real-time surveillance.
Kristen Boggs, State Representative, highlights the flaw: “They didn’t have any exclusionary zones affiliated with that monitor. They didn’t have any curfews affiliated with that monitor.” (1:35:50)
Expert Martin Horn, former Commissioner of Probation for New York City, critiques the reliance on GPS monitors: “It is not an electronic tether. All it is is something that after the fact will either tell me where you were or where you weren't.” (1:30:15)
The case of Brian Goolsby, who committed multiple violent crimes while under GPS supervision, exemplifies the gaps that allowed him to evade immediate detection and ultimately perpetrate Reagan’s murder.
Community Response and Legislative Action
Reagan’s family, devastated by the revelation of Goolsby’s prior offenses and the systemic failures that allowed him to commit further crimes, took decisive action. They collaborated with Ohio lawmakers to introduce the Reagan Tokes Act, aimed at enhancing GPS monitoring protocols and ensuring that violent offenders cannot operate unchecked.
Toby Tokes, Reagan’s father, emphasizes the need for change: “It just never should have happened. They had this monster in their grasp, in their control, and they let him slip through.” (1:40:00)
Ohio Governor responded by directing the DRC to implement reforms, aligning with the family's advocacy to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Family's Healing and Legacy
While justice was served in court, Reagan’s family sought to transform their grief into a positive legacy. They established scholarships in Reagan’s name, promoted self-defense training for women, and turned the site of her murder into a Tranquility Garden, symbolizing peace and remembrance.
Lisa Tokes, Reagan’s mother, shares her hope: “I choose to believe in my heart that her presence is still here. Her legacy gets to be that she still is here in this world, changing this world and making a difference.” (2:00:10)
Reagan’s posthumous graduation from Ohio State University and the transformation of her wake location underscore the enduring impact of her life and spirit.
Conclusion
"Unchecked Evil" not only recounts the tragic story of Reagan Tokes but also exposes significant shortcomings in the criminal justice system, particularly in the monitoring and management of parolees. The episode serves as a call to action for legislative reforms and community vigilance to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Andrea Canning poignantly states: “What you can't put a price on innocent human life. You just can't.” (2:05:45)
Notable Quotes
- Andrea Canning: “She was always just so fun to be around. She felt like part of my family. I still don't think I've ever met anyone that could make me laugh like she did.” (05:30)
- Grove City Police Lt. Brian Davidson: “The victim's clothes, wallet, and cell phone were nowhere to be found.” (15:45)
- Detective Rick Forney: “A garbage truck gives you a huge break. It was the break that we were looking for.” (35:20)
- Lt. Brian Davidson: “I did not have a heart attack or a stroke myself.” (50:10)
- Detective Forney: “I know somebody else was in the car. Who was it? This person is not real. Person is not real.” (1:10:35)
- Kristen Boggs: “They didn’t have any exclusionary zones affiliated with that monitor. They didn’t have any curfews affiliated with that monitor.” (1:35:50)
- Martin Horn: “It is not an electronic tether. All it is is something that after the fact will either tell me where you were or where you weren't.” (1:30:15)
- Toby Tokes: “It just never should have happened. They had this monster in their grasp, in their control, and they let him slip through.” (1:40:00)
- Lisa Tokes: “I choose to believe in my heart that her presence is still here. Her legacy gets to be that she still is here in this world, changing this world and making a difference.” (2:00:10)
- Andrea Canning: “What you can't put a price on innocent human life. You just can't.” (2:05:45)
Legacy and Impact
Reagan Tokes’ story, as chronicled in "Unchecked Evil," not only seeks justice for her but also strives to prevent future injustices by addressing systemic flaws in the criminal justice system. Her family's resilience and advocacy highlight the importance of community involvement and legislative action in creating safer environments for all.