Podcast Summary: Going West: True Crime
Episode: Nicole VanderHeyden // 503
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
Release Date: May 16, 2025
1. Introduction
In Episode 503 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the harrowing case of Nicole VanderHeyden, a 31-year-old woman whose tragic disappearance and murder shook the Green Bay, Wisconsin community. This episode meticulously unpacks the sequence of events, investigative breakthroughs, and the ultimate resolution of the case.
2. Background on Nicole VanderHeyden
Nicole VanderHeyden, affectionately known as Nikki, was born on March 29, 1985, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Raised alongside her siblings Heather, Brent, and Brandon by parents Vicky and Steve Meyer, Nicole pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, earning a double major in science and education in 2010. She dedicated six years to teaching as a substitute high school science teacher in Green Bay public schools. Nicole balanced her professional life with her role as a devoted mother to her two children, Michaela and Tyler, especially following her divorce.
Notable Quote:
"Nicole embodied light, spirit, a verve, and a zest and zeal," shared her friend Tiffany, highlighting Nicole's vibrant personality. (04:15)
3. Relationship with Doug Dietree
In early 2015, Nicole began dating Doug Dietree, a 30-year-old building company owner from Green Bay. Their relationship progressed swiftly; within a month, Nicole became pregnant, leading her to move into Doug's residence in Ledgeview, Wisconsin. In October 2015, Nicole gave birth to their son, Dylan.
Despite the outward appearance of a blossoming relationship, underlying tensions soon surfaced. Three weeks before her disappearance, Nicole confided in her mother about Doug's abusive behavior, prompting Vicky to encourage Nicole to live separately for the safety of herself and her children. Concurrently, Doug expressed growing resentment about his relationship, hinting at the possibility of separation.
Notable Quote:
"This is going to be nothing but hell for 18 years," Doug texted his mother, Diane, revealing his frustrations. (08:15)
4. The Night of the Murder
On the evening of Friday, May 20, 2016, Nicole and Doug attended a Steel Panther concert at the Watering Hole in Southwest Green Bay. After the show, Doug separated from Nicole, intending to meet her later. Nicole stayed behind with Doug's friends at the City Sardine Can, a local bar known for its cozy atmosphere and live music.
As the night progressed, Nicole became increasingly agitated by Doug's absence, suspecting him of infidelity. Her frustration manifested in a series of abusive text messages directed at Doug, questioning his loyalty and accusing him of neglect.
Notable Quote:
"Fuck you, abusive asshole," Nicole texted Doug, showcasing the intensity of their discord. (10:10)
5. Discovery of Nicole's Body and Initial Investigation
Around midnight, after failing to reach Doug despite multiple attempts, Nicole left the bar alone, heading west on South Broadway. Doug returned home at approximately 12:30 AM, unaware of Nicole's fate. The following morning, on May 21, 2016, two teenage boys discovered Nicole's body in a farmer's field. The scene was gruesome, with Nicole showing signs of severe brutality, including lacerations, bruising, and defensive wounds.
Police quickly identified Nicole through a school lanyard and dental records. Investigators surmised that Nicole had been violently assaulted near her home before being transported and discarded in the field.
Notable Quote:
"Nicole was done with his antics and really, in a lot of ways, their relationship," Daphne remarked, underscoring the strained dynamics between Nicole and Doug. (10:50)
6. Arrest of Doug Dietree
Given the tumultuous nature of their relationship and the initial absence of Nicole, Doug became the primary suspect. Upon being informed of Nicole's death, Doug exhibited signs of distress, expressing a desire to find Nicole and pleading innocence. However, testimonies from Nicole's sister, Heather, and Doug's ex-girlfriends painted a picture of Doug as controlling and abusive.
Evidence such as Doug's tennis shoes matching the pattern on Nicole's back and red droplets resembling blood in his car further implicated him. Despite mounting suspicions, a crucial piece of evidence began to shift the investigation's direction.
Notable Quote:
"I want her back. She needs to come back," Doug sobbed upon learning of Nicole's death. (19:50)
7. DNA Evidence and Investigation Breakthrough
As the investigation stalled, forensic advancements provided a breakthrough. DNA from one of Nicole's socks entered the CODIS database and matched George Burch Jr., a 38-year-old man with a criminal history in Virginia. This pivotal discovery redirected the focus from Doug to George.
Additionally, data from Doug's Fitbit device revealed he was home and asleep during the estimated time of Nicole's murder, effectively providing him with a solid alibi and undermining the case against him.
Notable Quote:
"Doug was released just over two weeks after his arrest," Heath explained, highlighting the impact of the Fitbit evidence. (29:12)
8. George Burch Jr.'s Involvement and Arrest
George Burch Jr., previously acquitted of a 1997 murder in Virginia, had relocated to Wisconsin amid personal challenges. On the night of Nicole's murder, George was seen at a local dive bar, Richard Cranium's, where he interacted with Nicole. According to testimonies, George offered Nicole a ride home, which escalated into a violent encounter when she rebuffed his advances.
Post-assault, George allegedly strangled Nicole with a phone cord and disposed of her body in a nearby field. The discovery of his DNA in crucial evidence pieces, coupled with the destruction of his vehicle in a hit-and-run incident, solidified his role as the perpetrator.
Notable Quote:
"This is the most brutal murder that has ever been committed by one person in the history of Brown County," Judge Zukowski declared during George's trial. (43:45)
9. Trial and Verdict
George Burch Jr.'s trial commenced on February 19, 2018. The defense attempted to redirect blame to Doug, fabricating a narrative where Doug coerced George into assisting with the disposal of Nicole's body. However, inconsistencies in their testimonies and the overwhelming DNA evidence against George led to a swift conviction.
After three hours of deliberation, George was found guilty. Despite his continued claims of innocence and appeals challenging the admissibility of cell phone data, his conviction was upheld.
Notable Quote:
"The judge determined that George is unable to profit from any book or movie about the case," ensuring that all proceeds would benefit Nicole's family. (44:40)
10. Conclusion and Reflections
The case of Nicole VanderHeyden underscores the critical role of forensic evidence and technological advancements in modern investigations. Initially marred by assumptions and biases towards Doug Dietree, the truth eventually emerged through diligent investigation and scientific evidence, exonerating an innocent man and ensuring justice for Nicole.
Notable Quote:
"DNA is what broke this case and it really did take such a turn because it looked like it was going one way and then it completely turned," Daphne reflected on the investigative journey. (46:10)
This episode serves as a compelling reminder of the complexities inherent in true crime investigations and the relentless pursuit of truth by law enforcement.
End of Summary