Summary of "Rewind with Karen & Georgia - Episode 43: In Arrears"

In Episode 43 of "Rewind with Karen & Georgia," hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark take listeners on a nostalgic journey back to one of their early episodes titled "In Arrears." Originally released on November 17, 2016, this special installment offers a comprehensive recap of the original story, enriched with fresh commentary, updates, and insightful reflections.

Introduction: Revisiting "In Arrears"

The episode opens with Karen and Georgia humorously grappling with the title "In Arrears," highlighting their unfamiliarity with the term. They set the scene by mentioning significant birthdays shared by RuPaul, Rachel McAdams, and Danny DeVito—all Scorpios—adding a personal and light-hearted touch to the discussion ([01:23] Patton Oswalt).

Correction Corner: Clarifying Missteps

Karen and Georgia dedicate a segment to their "Correction Corner," addressing past errors and clarifying terminology. A listener named Milo Pulitzer points out the misuse of the term "psychotic," prompting the hosts to distinguish between "psychopathy" and "psychosis." Karen emphasizes the importance of accurate language, especially when discussing mental health in the context of true crime:

“People suffering from psychosis are actually less likely to commit violent crime than the general public...” ([08:11] Karen Kilgariff)

Personal Anecdotes and Light Banter

Interspersed with serious discussions, the hosts share personal stories and engage in playful banter. They recount mishaps like texting errors and their experiences with the Writers Guild of America, where Karen humorously admits to being "in arrears" on her dues. This blend of humor and personal insights adds depth to their dynamic and makes the episode relatable for listeners.

Recapping "In Arrears": The International Dunes Hotel Murder

The heart of the episode delves into the original "In Arrears" story—a harrowing account of cult leader Bruce Longo, also known as Emmanuel David. After being excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for his rock-and-roll demeanor, Longo forms his own cult where every member adopts the last name "David." He leads his followers in nomadic living, primarily residing at the International Dunes Hotel in Salt Lake City.

Karen narrates Longo's manipulative leadership, highlighting his charismatic yet toxic influence over his family and followers. The situation spirals out of control when governmental investigations intensify, leading Longo to commit suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning in his truck ([32:00] Karen Kilgariff). The tragedy culminates in Longo's wife, Rachel, in a state of utter despair, pushing multiple children off the hotel’s patio—a horrifying act witnessed by onlookers.

“She pushed all of her children off of the 11th floor of this hotel. So there were people standing on the street below and screaming at her.” ([47:20] Karen Kilgariff)

The Unabomber Connection: Theories and Speculations

Karen and Georgia draw intriguing parallels between the International Dunes Hotel Murder and the notorious Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski. They speculate on possible connections based on geographic proximity and shared anti-technological motives, though they acknowledge the speculative nature of these theories. This segment showcases their analytical approach to true crime storytelling.

“In all of the ways he's broken the law… he's done it all.” ([41:00] Karen Kilgariff)

Case Updates and Hope for Resolution

The episode concludes with updates on the unresolved case. Karen shares recent developments, including collaborations between law enforcement and biotech firms aiming to utilize advanced DNA technology to potentially solve the mystery decades later. Nurse Helen Jensen, a pivotal figure in the original investigation, reflects on the enduring impact of the case and expresses hope for closure.

“James Lewis, one of the main suspects in the poisonings, died in July of 2023.” ([90:14] Nurse Helen Jensen)

Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

In their final remarks, Karen and Georgia encourage listeners to support the show through reviews and engagement, reinforcing the strong community they've built over the years. They sign off with their signature phrase, blending their unique humor with a touch of darkness:

“Stay sexy and don’t get murdered.” ([88:43] Karen Kilgariff)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Karen Kilgariff:
  “People suffering from psychosis are actually less likely to commit violent crime than the general public…” ([08:11] Karen Kilgariff)
  “Stay sexy and don’t get murdered.” ([88:43] Karen Kilgariff)

• Nurse Helen Jensen:
  “James Lewis, one of the main suspects in the poisonings, died in July of 2023.” ([90:14] Nurse Helen Jensen)

• Patton Oswalt:
  “You just gotta buckle down.” ([30:10] Patton Oswalt)

Conclusion

Episode 43 of "Rewind with Karen & Georgia" serves as both a nostalgic revisit and a deep dive into one of "My Favorite Murder’s" early and impactful stories. Through a blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and thorough analysis, Karen and Georgia provide listeners—both long-time fans and newcomers—with a rich, engaging summary of the International Dunes Hotel Murder. Their ability to balance dark true crime narratives with their signature comedic style makes this episode a compelling listen that honors the original story while offering new perspectives and hope for unresolved cases.