Summary of "Someone Knows Something" Season 9, Episode 4: ‘Til The Day I Die
Podcast Information:
- Title: Someone Knows Something
- Host/Author: David Ridgen, CBC
- Episode: Season 9, Episode 4: ‘Til The Day I Die
- Release Date: November 27, 2024
Introduction
In the gripping fourth episode of Season 9 of "Someone Knows Something," host David Ridgen revisits the haunting case of Christine Harron, a teenage girl from Hanover, Ontario, who vanished in the spring of 1993. The episode delves into the complexities of the investigation, focusing on the re-arrest of Anthony Ringle—a suspect who had previously confessed to Christine's murder but whose charges were dismissed due to investigative errors.
Reopening the Case
The episode opens with Marianne Rustworm, Christine's mother, recounting the pivotal moment when police announced Ringle's second arrest after nearly a decade. At [00:42], Marianne states:
Marianne Rustworm: "Last night we had an officer appear at our door at 11:30 at night and asked us to get in touch with Detective Gilpin. Then called her and she let me know that Anthony Ringle had been arrested and charged with murder of my daughter."
This re-arrest comes almost ten years after the first, where Ringle's initial confession was rendered inadmissible due to mistakes by Investigator Mark Wright. At [01:03], Marianne laments:
Marianne Rustworm: "There is no happy ending to this investigation for Marianne, Christine's mom. I know that this has been a roller coaster of emotional highs and lows for the family since it began over 19 years ago."
Police and Investigation Dynamics
Detective Inspector Christine Gilpin, overseeing the renewed investigation, remains tight-lipped about the specifics leading to Ringle's rearrest. At [02:11], Gilpin comments on the family's frustration:
Detective Inspector Christine Gilpin: "There has been a certain level of frustration with the length of this and some directed at the OPP and police that had ended up before this."
Ridgen expresses his concerns regarding the lack of transparency from the police, stating at [03:00]:
David Ridgen: "I don't understand why they couldn't find it. She wasn't really buried. This is the first time since his 2004 confession that Ringle connects himself directly to Chrissy's disappearance."
Undercover Operation and Confession Extraction
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the complex undercover operation designed to elicit a confession from Ringle. Over several months, undercover officers (UCs) employed various tactics to build rapport, including sharing personal struggles and engaging in casual conversations. Ridgen reveals the innovative yet invasive methods used, such as:
- Shared Personal Stories: UCs posed as individuals undergoing tough divorces or involved in suspicious relationships to connect with Ringle.
- Interactive Media: Police presented a shortened version of Ridgen's documentary, manipulating the narrative to prompt Ringle's reaction.
At [15:03], Gilpin describes a pivotal moment:
Detective Inspector Christine Gilpin: "I was trying to do the spectacle thing. Kind of fearing or not even you fucking open."
This approach culminated in Ringle watching the manipulated documentary, where he becomes increasingly interactive and begins to reveal disturbing details about his involvement with Christine. Notably, at [28:54], Ringle demonstrates how he immobilized Christine using her own coat:
Detective Inspector Christine Gilpin: "She said she wouldn't tell anybody. But then later on she starts to hurt a hurt."
Emotional and Psychological Toll
Throughout the operation, the emotional strain on both Marianne Rustworm and the undercover officers becomes palpable. At [34:04], Marianne shares her enduring pain:
Marianne Rustworm: "I think he's afraid he's going to say the wrong thing."
The episode poignantly captures the relentless hope Marianne holds for justice, despite the prolonged uncertainty. At [35:30], she poignantly states:
Marianne Rustworm: "Today is the same as it was. Just deal with it a different way. Still gonna wait patiently. Sooner or later, justice will happen."
Conclusion and Ongoing Uncertainties
Despite the intensive undercover efforts and Ringle's coerced confessions, the episode underscores the unresolved nature of Christine's disappearance. As Gilpin reflects at [35:37]:
Marianne Rustworm: "It's still there."
The episode concludes by highlighting the precarious status of Ringle's trial, noting that his confession may once again be contested in court, this time influenced by Ridgen's documentary. The interplay between media exposure and legal proceedings raises critical questions about the pursuit of truth and justice.
Notable Quotes
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Marianne Rustworm [00:42]: "Last night we had an officer appear at our door at 11:30 at night and asked us to get in touch with Detective Gilpin."
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Detective Inspector Christine Gilpin [03:00]: "There is no happy ending to this investigation for Marianne, Christine's mom."
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Marianne Rustworm [03:29]: "I'm just glad that it's finally gotten to this point where they've been able to arrest him again for her murder."
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Detective Inspector Christine Gilpin [21:08]: "Could have washed her somewhere else or could I actually bury her somewhere?"
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Marianne Rustworm [35:30]: "Today is the same as it was. Just deal with it a different way. Still gonna wait patiently. Sooner or later, justice will happen."
Reflections and Impact
This episode of "Someone Knows Something" offers a profound exploration of the intersection between media involvement and criminal investigations. David Ridgen's involvement in both producing the documentary and hosting the podcast raises intriguing discussions about the role of journalism in reopening cold cases. The emotional narratives woven through Marianne's unwavering hope and the psychological manipulation tactics used by law enforcement present a multifaceted view of the quest for closure in unresolved true crime cases.
Production Credits:
- Host: David Ridgen
- Producer: Katie Swires
- Sound Design: Evan Kelly
- Transcriber: Natalia Ferguson
- Digital Producer: Emily Cannell
- Story Editor: Chris Oak
- Executive Producer: Cecil Fernandez
- Senior Manager: Tanya Springer
- Director of CBC Podcasts: Arif Noorani
Connect with the Show:
- Facebook: Search "Someone Knows Something"
- Instagram: @bcpodcasts
- Additional Content: Visit CBC Podcasts for episode transcripts and more.