Podcast Summary: Going West: True Crime – Episode 524: Hadden Clark

Release Date: July 29, 2025
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
Podcast: Going West: True Crime by Dark West Productions

Introduction

In Episode 524 of Going West: True Crime, titled "Hadden Clark," hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the chilling and complex case of Hadden Clark, a suspected serial killer whose actions have left a lasting mark on true crime history. This episode meticulously explores Clark's life, his heinous crimes, and the investigation that ultimately led to his conviction.

Early Life and Family Background

[03:14]
Daphne begins by outlining Hadden Clark's early life. Born on July 31, 1952, in Upstate New York, Clark was raised in a seemingly distinguished family. His father, Hadden Sr., was a Korean War veteran and an inventor credited with creating cling wrap and fire-resistant carpet, holding a master's degree and a PhD in chemistry. Despite their outward success, the family was fraught with dysfunction.

[05:01] Heath:
"And they probably made quite a bit of money."

[05:26]
Clark's parents, Flavia and Hadden Sr., were portrayed as intelligent but deeply troubled. Flavia was actively involved in community work, volunteering for the Boy Scouts and PTA, while Hadden Sr. battled manic depression and exhibited violent behaviors, including alleged physical abuse and disturbing actions like eating raw meat.

[06:24] Teeth:
"Gross."

The siblings, including older brother Bradfield, younger brother Jeffrey, and sister Allison, describe a childhood marked by verbal and physical abuse. Hadden's developmental delays made him a target for bullying within the family, further isolating him and contributing to his troubled psyche.

Descent into Darkness

[07:18]
As Hadden grew older, his behavior became increasingly vengeful. Known as a hermit, he had little desire for companionship and struggled to maintain employment, frequently getting fired from restaurants and engaging in violent acts against coworkers, such as slashing their tires.

[09:25]
Daphne emphasizes that while Hadden's abusive childhood provides context, it does not justify his transformation into a serial killer. The hosts clarify, "There's absolutely no justification for Haddon turning into the person that he did just because of his childhood." [09:35]

Hadden's antisocial behavior extended to animal abuse and cannibalistic tendencies, drinking the drained blood of meat and, later, human victims. His admission to being diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia by a Navy psychiatrist adds another layer of complexity to his psychological profile.

Criminal Activities and Early Crimes

[14:01]
Hadden's descent continued after his discharge from the Navy in 1985. Struggling with homelessness, he moved into his brother Jeffrey's home in Silver Spring, Maryland. However, Hadden's erratic behavior led Jeffrey to fear for his family's safety, prompting him to ask Hadden to leave.

[15:20] Teeth:
"But he did eventually move out, though this came with some other issues because the family noticed a noxious chemical smell..." [15:29]

Hadden retaliated by vandalizing the property, including placing dead fish heads in the walls to create a foul odor, and setting booby traps intended to harm anyone who entered his former living space.

Brotherly Evil: Bradfield Clark's Crimes

[04:00]
Hadden was not the only Clark sibling with violent tendencies. His older brother, Bradfield Clark, a computer specialist, also committed gruesome murders. In July 1984, Bradfield invited co-worker Patricia Mack for dinner, which ended in tragedy when he murdered her after she rejected his advances. Bradfield dismembered Patricia's body and engaged in cannibalism, consuming parts of her flesh.

[18:13]
Daphne reflects on Patricia Mack's character, highlighting her kindness and the senselessness of her murder at the hands of her colleague.

[21:04]
Bradfield's confession, delivered while attempting suicide, provided crucial evidence, leading to his conviction in 1985. He was sentenced to 18 years to life in prison and remains incarcerated, having consistently denied the possibility of parole.

The Disappearance and Murder of Michelle Dorr

[22:18] Teeth:
"Yeah, absolutely. Well, let's get back to Haddon here..." [22:19]

In 1986, Michelle Dorr, a six-year-old girl from Maryland, vanished under mysterious circumstances. Michelle was last seen playing outside her home while her parents were embroiled in a contentious divorce and custody battle. Her disappearance initially led investigators to suspect her father, Carl Dorr, especially after he failed a polygraph test and exhibited erratic behavior.

[26:22]
However, a critical witness tip emerged when a neighbor recalled seeing Hadden Clark at Michelle's home on the day she disappeared. Despite his initial alibi supported by a timesheet from his job at the Chevy Chase Club, discrepancies in Carl Dorr's account raised suspicions about Hadden's involvement.

Investigation and Arrest

[29:17]
As the investigation progressed, Hadden's behavior continued to be erratic. He maintained his innocence but exhibited signs of severe mental instability, claiming to have split personalities.

[38:53]
A pivotal moment occurred when Hadden, under intense interrogation, admitted to killing Laura Hodeling but continued to oscillate between denials and confessions, complicating the investigation further.

[40:25]
The breakthrough came when Hadden was placed in a cell with Jack Truitt, a convicted murderer. During this time, Hadden confessed to Truitt about his crimes, including details previously unknown to the authorities.

[43:12] Daphne:
"The earlobe is not the only way to identify. I mean, I don't even think we've ever seen that being the method of identification anyway."

Eventually, a thorough search of Jeffrey Clark's home revealed forensic evidence linking Hadden to Michelle Dorr's disappearance, including blood traces in the bedroom and Hadden's fingerprints on a bloody pillowcase.

Conviction and Imprisonment

[42:31]
Hadden Clark was officially arrested on November 14, 1992, and in 1999, he was convicted of the second-degree murder of Michelle Dorr despite the absence of her body at the time. In January 2000, Clark agreed to an interview that led investigators to the recovery of Michelle's remains, buried in a wooded area in Montgomery County, Maryland.

[44:11] Teeth:
"He pretty much does."

Clark was sentenced to 30 years in prison and remains incarcerated at the Eastern Correctional Institute in Westover, Maryland. His brother, Bradfield Clark, remains in prison and has been denied parole multiple times.

Legacy and Additional Suspicions

[50:09] Teeth:
"I think he just wants a lot of attention for murders that he did not commit." [50:14]

While Clark confessed to additional murders across various states, including the infamous Lady of the Dunes case, authorities have not substantiated these claims. This discrepancy suggests that Clark may be seeking attention rather than providing credible confessions.

[51:30]
The FBI considers Clark a person of interest in crimes across over 20 states, though no further evidence has linked him conclusively to these cases. His delusions and manipulative behavior continue to raise questions about the extent of his criminal activities.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Daphne and Heath reflecting on the horrifying nature of Hadden Clark's actions and the grim reality of his upbringing contributing to his transformation into a serial killer. Despite their investigations, the full scope of Clark's crimes remains partially shrouded in uncertainty, highlighting the complexities of true crime investigations.

[53:31] Daphne:
"Thank you so much, everybody for listening to this episode of Going West."

[54:04] Teeth:
"He pretty much does."

The hosts thank listeners for their engagement and tease upcoming episodes and tours, leaving the audience with a lingering sense of unease about the depths of human depravity exemplified by the Clark brothers.

Notable Quotes

• Heath (00:07):
  "T Mobile's network has the most advanced 5G with more towers and their signal."
  (Advertisement Note)

• Teeth (02:21):
  "He is the creme de la creme of pieces of shit."
  [02:21]

• Daphne (09:35):
  "There's absolutely no justification for Haddon turning into the person that he did just because of his childhood."
  [09:35]

• Teeth (15:20):
  "But I also don't see that as an issue either."
  [15:20]

• Daphne (42:19):
  "So at least he's not, you know, kind of using this defense of, oh, well, I have mental health problems. He's saying, yeah, I was fully aware that I killed her. I wanted to do that."
  [42:19]

• Daphne (56:02):
  "He's just a nut."
  [56:02]

Final Thoughts

Episode 524 of Going West: True Crime presents a harrowing examination of Hadden Clark's life and crimes, offering listeners a comprehensive look into the making of a serial killer. Through detailed narration and insightful discussions, Daphne and Heath shed light on the complexities of mental illness, familial abuse, and the dark paths it can lead to. This episode serves as a stark reminder of the intricate factors that contribute to criminal behavior and the enduring impact on victims and their families.

Stay Tuned:
Don't miss upcoming episodes released every Tuesday and Friday, and join the hosts on their tour across Denver, Dallas, Boston, Atlanta, and Chicago. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit GoingWestPod.com.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content segments to focus solely on the true crime narrative presented in the episode.