Radioactive: The Karen Silkwood Mystery – Episode 4: The Investigators

Release Date: December 10, 2024
Hosted by ABC News

Introduction

In Episode 4 of Radioactive: The Karen Silkwood Mystery, hosts Mike Boettcher and Bob Sands delve deeper into the enigmatic and tragic death of Karen Silkwood, a pivotal figure whose demise continues to cast a long shadow over Oklahoma and the nation. This episode focuses on the tireless efforts of various investigators who have sought to unravel the mysteries surrounding Silkwood's fatal crash, raising questions about potential foul play and corporate malfeasance.

The Road Trip to Albuquerque

[00:06]
Mike Boettcher sets the scene by recounting an arduous eight-hour road trip from Oklahoma City to Albuquerque, New Mexico, undertaken with Bob Sands. The journey traverses desolate landscapes, including expansive windmill farms and sparse wildlife, culminating in their anticipation of uncovering crucial evidence related to Silkwood's case.

[01:00]
Bob Sands expresses hope that the trip will yield the "keys we need to begin to put a close on this case," highlighting the prolonged and meticulous nature of their investigation.

Meeting Karen Pipkin Guerrero

[02:03]
Upon arrival, the hosts meet Karen Pipkin Guerrero, the daughter of A.O. Pipkin, an esteemed accident investigator who had been deeply involved in examining Silkwood's crash. Karen welcomes them into her home, marking a significant turn in their quest for answers.

[02:36]
Bob Sands recounts his initial phone conversation with Karen Guerrero, where she revealed the existence of a vital piece of evidence—a bumper from Silkwood's 1973 Honda, which was notoriously the vehicle involved in the fatal crash.

[03:11]
Mike Boettcher reflects on the unexpected discovery:
"Can I take it down?" [03:11] – Bob Sands: "Sure. Oh, yes, please take it down."

The hosts are taken aback to find the bumper stored innocuously in a garage, challenging their preconceived notions of safeguarding such a critical artifact.

A.O. Pipkin’s Investigation

[04:03]
The story of A.O. Pipkin unfolds, showcasing his dedication to investigating Silkwood's death. Pipkin, known for his distinctive bright orange jumpsuits, was entrusted with the bumper by his father, signifying its importance in the investigation.

[05:04]
Bob Sands emphasizes Pipkin's unwavering commitment:
"The only time he ever asked me to hold onto anything was that Silkwood bumper when he was close to passing, and he said, you've got to promise me you will take it." [05:04]

[06:11]
The hosts outline their plan to have the bumper re-examined by an accident reconstruction expert, aiming to unearth new insights that could potentially vindicate Pipkin's original findings.

Contradictions in the Crash Investigation

[07:14]
The narrative shifts to the night of the crash, detailing Trooper Rick Fagan's initial response. Fagan arrives at the scene to find Silkwood's car overturned with scattered papers, leading him to conclude that Silkwood had fallen asleep at the wheel.

[11:40]
Bob Sands expresses growing skepticism:
"How could Fagan have reached this conclusion so quickly, less than 24 hours after she died?" [11:40]

This doubt is compounded when Silkwood's friend, Gene Young, recalls seeing her alert after a union meeting, directly contradicting Fagan's assertion.

A.O. Pipkin’s Revelations

[15:03]
A.O. Pipkin conducts a thorough re-examination of the crash, identifying anomalies that contradict the official narrative. Notably, he observes that Silkwood's car deviated to the left—a behavior atypical of drivers who have fallen asleep, as they generally drift to the right due to road crown.

[16:23]
Pipkin's analysis of tire tracks suggests that Silkwood was actively trying to regain control of her vehicle, implying that she was awake and alert at the time of the crash:
"If she truly had fallen asleep at the wheel, she'd be alive." [16:55] – Bob Sands

[17:25]
Further examination of minor dents on the left rear of the car introduces the possibility of another vehicle's involvement, as experts found no traces of concrete that could link the dents to post-crash damage.

Suspicions of Tampering and Cover-Up

[22:21]
The hosts discuss discrepancies in the Highway Patrol's investigation, including the absence of mud on recovered papers despite the muddy crash site, raising suspicions of evidence tampering.

[25:21]
Bob Sands highlights federal criticisms of the FBI's handling of the case, suggesting a potential bias favoring Kerr McGee and government officials over independent inquiry: "It was, quote, a character assassination of Silkwood and that the agency was blatantly taking the word of Kerr McGee and government officials instead of doing their own independent work."

Private Investigator Joe Royer’s Pursuit

[28:05]
The episode introduces Joe Royer, a private investigator whose work on the Silkwood case remained concealed until his untimely death. Royer suspected that law enforcement had engaged in illegal surveillance of Silkwood, a theory supported by unverified reports of wiretapped phone calls.

[32:18]
Royer's secret recordings, discovered in a storage warehouse, reveal his narrow focus on the Oklahoma City Police Department's potential involvement in surveilling Silkwood. His investigation faced significant obstacles, including non-cooperative officials and threats to his family, leading him to relocate to Florida for safety.

Larry Dellinger’s Allegations

[43:05]
The narrative shifts to Larry Dellinger, a former Oklahoma State Highway Patrol trooper who, in 1992, uncovered allegations that fellow officers were involved in Silkwood's death. Dellinger's taped recordings detail conversations suggesting that off-duty officers, possibly employed by Kerr McGee, may have tampered with Silkwood's vehicle to induce the crash.

[47:49]
Despite presenting these allegations to higher authorities, including the FBI and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), Dellinger encountered resistance and a lack of actionable follow-up. His findings remain largely unaddressed, leaving enduring questions about potential misconduct within the police department.

Ongoing Theories and Unresolved Questions

[55:04]
Bob Sands conveys the emotional weight of their investigation:
"Why should these guys have gone on and lived their life? I don't know. It just... it's just not right." [54:37] – Bob Sands

[56:27]
Steve Watka, Karen's union confidant, shares his skepticism towards the theory that Kerr McGee directly orchestrated Silkwood's death, suggesting instead that lower-level individuals may have had more motive and opportunity.

Looking Ahead

[57:12]
As the investigation nears its current conclusion, Boettcher and Sands reveal their final task: presenting their comprehensive findings to an accident reconstruction expert. The outcome of this review holds the promise of shedding new light on the mystery surrounding Karen Silkwood's death.

[58:01]
The episode concludes on a cliffhanger, heightening anticipation for the next installment where the expert’s revelations will be unveiled.

Conclusion

Episode 4 of Radioactive: The Karen Silkwood Mystery meticulously weaves together testimonies, investigative efforts, and emerging theories to paint a complex picture of a case fraught with unanswered questions and potential cover-ups. Through the dedication of hosts Mike Boettcher and Bob Sands, listeners are invited to traverse the intricate web of events that have kept Karen Silkwood's death shrouded in mystery for over five decades.

Notable Quotes:

• "I feel like it should have gloves on to touch it." [02:59] – Bob Sands
• "Either an impact by an unknown vehicle or a combination of an impact by an unknown vehicle and then driver overreaction and subsequent loss of control." [17:25] – A.O. Pipkin
• "It was, quote, a character assassination of Silkwood and that the agency was blatantly taking the word of Kerr McGee and government officials instead of doing their own independent work." [22:21] – NPR’s Barbara Newman
• "I just think the poor girl got a raw deal." [54:25] – Bob Sands

This summary captures the essence of Episode 4: The Investigators, focusing on the key discussions, insights, and unresolved elements that continue to fuel the enduring mystery of Karen Silkwood's death.