MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories

Episode: Dancer in the Dark (Podcast Exclusive)
Release Date: February 2, 2026
Host: John Allen (MrBallen), Ballen Studios

Episode Overview

In this chilling episode, MrBallen recounts the tragic murder of Catherine Woods, a young dancer who moved to New York City to pursue her Broadway dreams. The episode methodically dissects the investigation, exploring the web of suspects, the role of media sensationalism, and a hard-earned resolution that provided justice for Catherine. Delivered with MrBallen's compelling storytelling and keen investigative lens, the episode is a true crime narrative loaded with suspense, empathy, and dark twists.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Catherine Woods’ Pursuit of a Dream, and Her Secret

• Background: Catherine, 21, moves from Ohio to Manhattan to become a Broadway dancer ([01:24]).
• Secret Life: Unable to afford NYC’s high cost of living, Catherine secretly takes a job as a topless dancer at Flash Dancers, a strip club in Times Square. Only her roommate and ex-boyfriend, David, knows about this ([02:30]).
  • "She was sort of embarrassed about it. And because of that, she was keeping it a secret from almost everybody in her life." – MrBallen ([02:50])
• Past Trauma: Catherine had previously been assaulted by a landlord in a cheaper neighborhood, intensifying her desire for safety and influencing her choices about where to live ([03:30]).

2. The Night of the Murder

• Routine Evening: Catherine is getting ready for her shift; David prepares to drive her to work ([04:40]).
• Unusual Occurrences: A black dog (being dog-sat by David) is present. David leaves to get his car. When he returns, the dog is found wandering the hallway with neighbor Brad, which is the first hint that something is amiss ([06:00]).
• Discovery: David, confused by the unlocked door and odd scene, discovers Catherine’s body in her bedroom after forcing open a blocked door ([07:00]).
  • "He just shoved the door open, and he stuck his head in and he looked inside. And when he saw what was in there, he immediately pulled back, turned around, ran into the hallway, and he called the police." – MrBallen ([08:30])

3. Crime Scene Details

• Detective Goetz Arrives: NYPD detects no forced entry ([09:00]).
• Violent Scene: Blood covers the bedroom walls and furniture. Catherine’s body shows signs of incredible violence: multiple stab wounds, a shoe print on her shirt, and a deeply slit throat. Defensive wounds indicate she fought for her life ([10:30]).
• Forensics: Matching shoe prints found on the shirt and bedsheets, appearing to be from an average-sized man ([11:30]).

4. The Initial Investigation: David as Suspect #1

• Motive & Opportunity: No sign of forced entry and a murder committed with personal rage made David, the ex-boyfriend/roommate, the prime suspect ([14:10]).
• Alibi Flaws: David’s detailed alibi is undermined by neighbor statements and time discrepancies—neighbors heard screams before he claims to have left ([16:30]).
  • "It honestly sounded like one of the worst alibis Getz had ever heard." – MrBallen ([15:30])
• Shoe Size Matches: Forensics confirm the shoe size fits David ([18:30]).
• Interrogation: Under mounting evidence, David finally suggests another man, Paul Cortez, may be involved ([20:10]).

5. Media Sensationalism Complicates the Case

• Sensational Headline: The media focuses on Catherine’s secret job (“Secret Life of Slain Stripper Inside”), skewing public perception and intensifying pressure on police ([24:01]).
  • "Goetz skimmed the article at his desk. He wasn't convinced that Catherine's line of work had anything to do with her murder, but the papers seemed intent on running with it, and a media circus was like the last thing Getz wanted." – MrBallen ([24:30])
• Family Learns in the Worst Possible Way: Catherine’s parents only discover her job when they come to collect her body ([24:20]).

6. Suspect Web Expands – Paul Cortez and “Joe”

• Paul Cortez: Catherine’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, described by David as obsessed. Interrogated by police; his shoe size matches, and he has a small finger injury ([25:00]).
• Paul’s Account: Claims he last spoke to Catherine that afternoon, went shopping with friends and to a bar later, supplying an alibi ([26:30]).
• Paul Points to Joe: Mentions a club customer, "Joe," as a possible stalker who previously might’ve drugged Catherine ([27:10]).
  • "There had been some stalker guy named Joe who'd been one of Catherine's regulars at the strip club." – Paul Cortez ([27:25])

7. Evidence Stalemates and Breakthroughs

• Joe’s Interrogation: He denies wrongdoing, but comes across as suspicious ([29:45]).
• David’s Alibi Solidifies: Security camera and coworker statements partially support David’s account, but don’t fully exonerate him ([30:50]).
• Crucial Forensic Find: Weeks later, a bloody handprint is discovered behind the mattress, giving police a new angle ([33:00]).
  • Unable to obtain prints without arrest, the investigation stalls.

8. Tip Breaks the Case: A Past Assault Comes to Light

• Key Witness: A woman recognizes the murder suspect from a news photo and recounts being sexually assaulted by him a year prior ([36:50]).
  • "Several weeks after Catherine's murder, a young woman… noticed a newspaper... the killer had sexually assaulted her about a year earlier, but she had never filed a police report." – MrBallen ([37:05])
• Arrest and Resolution: Her tip gives police cause to arrest Paul Cortez and obtain his handprint, which matches the one at the scene ([38:00]).
• Technology Closes the Loop: Cell tower data places Paul near Catherine’s apartment at the time of the murder ([38:30]).
• Conviction: Paul Cortez is arrested and convicted of second-degree murder; sentenced to 25 years to life ([38:40]).
  • "David's suspicions of Paul had been right all along. Paul was a creep who had assaulted at least one other woman before he killed Catherine." – MrBallen ([38:55])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "She was sort of embarrassed about it. And because of that, she was keeping it a secret from almost everybody in her life."
  – MrBallen ([02:50])

• "He just shoved the door open, and he stuck his head in and he looked inside. And when he saw what was in there, he immediately pulled back, turned around, ran into the hallway, and he called the police."
  – MrBallen ([08:30])

• "It honestly sounded like one of the worst alibis Getz had ever heard."
  – MrBallen ([15:30])

• "Goetz skimmed the article at his desk. He wasn't convinced that Catherine's line of work had anything to do with her murder, but the papers seemed intent on running with it, and a media circus was like the last thing Getz wanted."
  – MrBallen ([24:30])

• "David's suspicions of Paul had been right all along. Paul was a creep who had assaulted at least one other woman before he killed Catherine."
  – MrBallen ([38:55])

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 00:00-01:14: Episode hooks with Catherine’s shocking discovery and ambiance of NYC at Christmas.
• 01:24-04:40: Set up of Catherine’s life and move to NYC.
• 05:00-08:30: The night of the murder—Catherine prepares, David leaves and returns to a horrifying scene.
• 09:00-12:30: Investigation begins; crime scene details with Detective Goetz.
• 14:03-20:00: Interrogation of David, inconsistencies in his story, and early focus as suspect.
• 24:01-25:00: Media circus; Catherine’s double life becomes public.
• 25:00-28:00: Introduction of Paul Cortez and further suspects.
• 33:00-36:00: Forensic breakthrough; discovery of bloody handprint.
• 36:50-39:00: Woman’s tipouts criminal, forensic match, Cortez’s arrest and conviction.

Tone & Delivery

MrBallen’s signature style is empathetic and suspenseful, drawing listeners into the emotional core of the story while maintaining a clear narrative thread. He avoids sensationalism, contrasts the media’s lurid focus on Catherine’s job with the true, more human tragedy, and delivers a careful, fact-driven account peppered with vivid details and sharp insights.

Summary/Takeaway

"Dancer in the Dark" is both a haunting true crime tale and a commentary on media bias and the complexities of victimhood. MrBallen skillfully navigates the twists of a real-life murder case, carefully examining suspects and unraveling a trail of misdirection, until a chance tip brings resolution and accountability. The episode reminds listeners not just of the fragility of safety and trust, but also the power of persistence—and the tragedy of how dreams can be violently cut short.