Summary of "Someone Knows Something" Season 9, Episode 5: "A Bear In The Woods"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Someone Knows Something
• Host/Author: David Ridgen, CBC
• Episode: Season 9, Episode 5: "A Bear In The Woods"
• Release Date: December 4, 2024
• Description: This episode revisits the mysterious disappearance of Christine Harron, a teenager from Hanover, Ontario, who vanished in 1993. Decades after her disappearance, her mother, Marianne Russwurm, and host David Ridgen reopen the investigation, confronting the man who confessed to her murder.

1. Introduction and Case Background

David Ridgen reintroduces listeners to the case of Christine Harron, a book-loving teenager who disappeared in the spring of 1993 while en route to school. A suspect, Anthony Ringle, later confessed to her murder, but the case quickly unraveled, leaving Christine's family without closure.

David Ridgen [00:21]: "Hear the very best in award-winning true crime."

The episode focuses on Marianne Russwurm, Christine's mother, and her relentless pursuit of answers, even decades after the disappearance.

2. Reunion with Marianne Russwurm

After over 15 years of investigating Christine’s case, David Ridgen meets with Marianne Russwurm at her home. The emotional weight of the case is evident as Marianne reflects on the past and the unresolved nature of her daughter's disappearance.

Marianne Russwurm [03:18]: "I haven't moved on. I went down a few times and just put flowers in the river... There's nothing they can do to help me. So I'm stuck. Where's my answers?"

3. Legal Proceedings and Anthony Ringle’s Confession

The episode delves into the legal intricacies surrounding Anthony Ringle's confession and subsequent trial. Ringle's confession was obtained through an undercover operation, leading to his guilty plea for second-degree murder without a full trial. The judge dismissed the defense's argument that the confession was tainted by a CBC documentary film, allowing Ringle's statements to stand as evidence.

Marianne Russwurm [05:09]: "He wouldn't look at me... I begged him in court to tell me where he put her. He wouldn't even say a word."

Ringle's defense attorney contested the admissibility of his confession, but the judge ruled in favor of the prosecution, resulting in Ringle being sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 12 years.

4. Marianne’s Emotional Journey and Continued Search for Truth

Marianne expresses the profound impact of Christine's disappearance on her life, highlighting the daily struggle with grief and guilt. Despite the legal closure, Marianne remains unsatisfied and continues to seek answers, feeling that the police mishandled the case.

Marianne Russwurm [06:47]: "This is never going to go away for me. It's a daily challenge just trying to live my life... I believe that this case has come now for a guilty plea because of David Ridgen, of what he's done."

5. Reopening the Search: Search Expedition in Hanover Park

Determined to uncover new evidence, David Ridgen spearheads a search expedition alongside Marianne, her son Owen, and search experts Kim Cooper and Pauline Sunman, who bring cadaver dogs Recky and Taz. The team revisits the area where Ringle claims to have pushed Christine into the river but discovers little, raising questions about the thoroughness of previous searches.

David Ridgen [22:32]: "It's early June and the trail and entire area around me is lush and overgrown. When Ringle and Chrissy traveled the same path in May 1993, it would have been somewhat easier going."

During the search, Marianne confronts the possibility that the police never thoroughly searched the area, emphasizing her belief that Christine’s remains were overlooked.

Marianne Russwurm [41:19]: "Right, exactly. And I told them I know she's there. I could feel it."

6. Challenges Encountered During the Search

The team faces natural obstacles such as dense underbrush, slippery trails, and challenging terrain that hinder their progress. Marianne experiences a minor accident, slipping into a hole, which underscores the physical and emotional toll of the search.

Marianne Russwurm [35:53]: "What would she be doing now? She'd probably have her own children, her own life... She loved to camp."

Despite the setbacks, the searchers find a curved piece of metal that could potentially be part of Christine’s glasses, though its significance remains uncertain.

Dave Ridgen [28:40]: "Does that look like it could have been from glasses? Rim of glasses."

7. Emotional Reflections and Unresolved Questions

Throughout the expedition, Marianne grapples with her emotions, expressing anger towards law enforcement and the lingering guilt over Christine's disappearance. The lack of a proper burial site for Christine adds to the family's anguish, as Marianne continues to seek closure.

Marianne Russwurm [05:43]: "I haven't moved on... There's nothing they can do to help me. So I'm stuck. Where's my answers?"

8. Conclusion and Future Endeavors

The episode concludes with the realization that despite exhaustive efforts, Christine Harron's remains remain undiscovered. Marianne remains steadfast in her quest for truth, while David Ridgen acknowledges the challenges faced during the investigation.

David Ridgen [43:45]: "We do more than that. And that is what we will do."

Marianne's enduring hope and determination highlight the human aspect of true crime investigations, emphasizing the relentless pursuit of justice by those left behind.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Marianne Russwurm [03:18]: "I haven't moved on... So I'm stuck. Where's my answers?"
• Marianne Russwurm [05:09]: "He wouldn't look at me... I begged him in court to tell me where he put her."
• Marianne Russwurm [06:47]: "This is never going to go away for me. It's a daily challenge just trying to live my life."
• Marianne Russwurm [14:44]: "It makes me angry to see him act that way on camera... I had that guilt every day."
• Marianne Russwurm [41:19]: "I know she's there. I could feel it."

Key Topics Covered:

• The unresolved disappearance of Christine Harron and the legal aftermath of Anthony Ringle's confession.
• Marianne Russwurm's enduring grief, guilt, and pursuit of answers.
• The challenges and emotional toll of reopening a cold case decades later.
• The physical search expedition in Hanover Park and the obstacles faced.
• The critique of law enforcement's handling of the initial investigation.

Conclusion: "A Bear In The Woods" serves as a poignant exploration of lost hope and unyielding determination. Through Marianne Russwurm's story, the episode underscores the profound and lasting impact of unresolved crimes on families and communities. David Ridgen's investigative approach not only seeks to uncover the truth but also shines a light on the human resilience in the face of enduring tragedy.