Gone South: S4|E19: Public Access | Part 3 – Detailed Summary
Introduction
In Season 4, Episode 19 of Gone South, titled "Public Access | Part 3," host Jed Lipinski delves deeper into the harrowing story of Scott Rogers, a Baton Rouge TV personality whose charismatic façade concealed a dark and manipulative nature. This episode unravels the intricate investigation led by Ronna Gray and Mary Jane Marcantel to expose Rogers as a sexual predator, culminating in his tragic murder-suicide.
Background: The Enigmatic Scott Rogers
Scott Rogers was a prominent figure in Baton Rouge, known for his engaging TV shows and charismatic presence. However, behind the scenes, suspicions about his true character began to surface.
Don Kelly [04:05]: "Was a. I don't know how you even describe him. He was different. You know, he definitely did not blend into South Louisiana culture."
Don Kelly, the Public Information Officer for the Baton Rouge Police Department, first interacted with Rogers when the latter sought to include police representatives on his show. Kelly's initial impressions of Rogers raised red flags.
Investigation: Unveiling the Deception
Ronna Gray, a public relations consultant, and Mary Jane Marcantel took it upon themselves to investigate Rogers' past, suspecting misconduct. Concurrently, Don Kelly's experiences with Rogers' production crew further deepened his suspicions.
Don Kelly [06:37]: "I said, you know, we're probably going to find out one day he was a serial killer or a pedophile or something."
Don Kelly observed anomalies in Rogers' TV production—high-end equipment on a seemingly low-budget show, crew members wearing matching uniforms, and the show being filmed in real-time, all contributing to his unease.
Ronna and Mary Jane's persistent efforts, alongside federal investigations led by the postal inspector, began to piece together Rogers' dubious history, including unreported arrests and allegations of sexual abuse dating back to the UK.
The Grand Jury and Rogers' Demise
As federal agents closed in, Rogers faced a grand jury hearing to determine the safety of his adoptive children. The tension peaked when Rogers was confronted with subpoenas linking him to past abuses.
Two days after the hearing, tragedy struck. On [14:05], a distress call was made to the Iberville Parish 911 center about gunshots at Rogers' residence. Upon arrival, investigators discovered Rogers dead from a gunshot wound to the head, alongside Matthew Hodgkinson, one of his former dance students, who had also sustained a gunshot wound interpreted as a murder-suicide attempt.
Ronna Gray [20:31]: "We had no idea. We knew that he's the other person involved in the shooting. So this is a real family situation."
Revelations on Jim Engster's Show
In the aftermath, Ronna and Mary Jane orchestrated appearances by Rogers' victims on local talk show host Jim Engster's program, effectively shattering Rogers' public image.
Stewart [31:06]: "When I met Scott, I was 12 years old. He raised me. ... it's all I've ever known."
Stewart and Jake, survivors of Rogers' abuse, detailed the extent of manipulation and trauma they endured, revealing Rogers as a "master manipulator" and "the worst predatory pedophile you could imagine."
Stewart [33:31]: "He is an expert at brainwashing."
These testimonies not only exposed Rogers' true nature but also provided the community with a stark contrast to the beloved persona they once admired.
Aftermath: Healing and Closure
Following Rogers' death, the community grappled with the revelations. Don Kelly expressed mixed emotions—from sadness for the victims to contempt for those who had enabled Rogers.
Don Kelly [35:25]: "It cozied up to so many people who were kind of movers and shakers in the city... people burning letters of character they wrote for him."
Ronna Gray embarked on writing a book to chronicle the investigation, further uncovering Rogers' manipulative influence both in Baton Rouge and his hometown in the UK. Her meetings with survivors like Ethan and Jake provided them with the closure needed to move forward.
Ethan [40:59]: "It set me free completely... it set other victims, I hope, free, you know, from that terror that you live every single day."
By January 2025, ten years post-tragedy, survivors had rebuilt their lives—Stewart had remarried and started a family, while Ethan found solace in Ronna's comprehensive account of their ordeal.
Conclusion
"Gone South: Public Access | Part 3" masterfully captures the relentless pursuit of truth by Ronna Gray and Mary Jane Marcantel, the critical role of Don Kelly in recognizing deceit, and the eventual unveiling of Scott Rogers' monstrous reality. The episode underscores themes of resilience, the quest for justice, and the profound impact of uncovering hidden truths on a community and its individuals.
Notable Quotes
- Don Kelly [06:37]: "We're probably going to find out one day he was a serial killer or a pedophile or something."
- Stewart [31:06]: "He raised me. ... it's all I've ever known."
- Stewart [33:31]: "He is an expert at brainwashing."
- Don Kelly [35:25]: "People burning letters of character they wrote for him."
- Ethan [40:59]: "It set me free completely."
Conclusion
This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the facades individuals can maintain and the importance of vigilance and courage in exposing hidden evils. Through meticulous investigation and unwavering determination, Ronna Gray and her team not only dismantled Scott Rogers' deceptive empire but also paved the way for healing and justice for his victims.