Summary of "The Next Call with David Ridgen: Episode 1 in the Case of Terrie Dauphinais"

Release Date: October 1, 2024

Introduction

In the inaugural episode of "The Next Call," hosted by David Ridgen, listeners are introduced to the harrowing case of Terrie Dauphinais—a Metis teenager from Hanover, Ontario—whose disappearance in 1993 remains unsolved. The episode delves deep into the personal anguish of Terrie's mother, Sue Martin, as she navigates the murky waters of a stalled investigation and confronts the suspect who confessed to her daughter's murder.

1. The Tragic Disappearance of Terrie Dauphinais

The podcast opens by setting the stage for Terrie's disappearance. David Ridgen outlines the grim timeline:

[00:01] David Ridgen: "Between 1973 and 1986, the Golden State Killer terrorized Californians."

Though this reference to the Golden State Killer provides a parallel to other unresolved cases, the focus swiftly shifts to Terrie Dauphinais.

2. Introducing Sue Martin and Her Family

Sue Martin, Terrie's mother, is portrayed as a resilient yet broken woman grappling with the loss of her daughter. Her background is touched upon, highlighting previous family tragedies:

[04:49] Sue Martin: "What people don't know about me, I've lost twin boys when I was seven months pregnant. And I lost Terry's older sister when she was three years old. That hurt. That was a lot of pain. Murder is even worse."

Sue's deep-rooted pain underscores the magnitude of Terrie's loss and her relentless pursuit of justice.

3. The Night of the Murder

Detailed descriptions of the crime scene provide a chilling account of Terrie's last moments:

[08:32] David Ridgen: "Terry, at the age of 24, had been living with her daughter and two sons in a large two-story house in Calgary's northwest quadrant."

Key findings from the autopsy reveal the brutality of the attack:

[10:32] David Ridgen: "The coroner ruled cause of death with the following summary compression by either parts of a hand or parts of a hand and some form of cloth band."

The absence of forced entry and the presence of specific shoe prints add layers of complexity to the case.

4. Ken Dauphine: The Suspect

Ken Dauphine, Terrie's husband, emerges as the primary suspect. His troubled past and strained relationship with Sue Martin are explored:

[14:03] David Ridgen: "One person of interest. One suspect her husband, Kenneth Dauphiney, mentioned repeatedly in the media and by sue herself."

Sue recounts a harrowing domestic incident two months prior to Terrie's death:

[14:40] Sue Martin: "March 8, 2002, Terry called the Calgary Police Department for domestic violence."

Ken's aggressive behavior and the subsequent separation from Terrie raise suspicions about his potential involvement in the murder.

5. Police Investigations and Interviews

The podcast delves into the police's handling of the case, highlighting delays and perceived negligence:

[13:16] David Ridgen: "Police at the time did not believe the murder was random. They posited that Terry knew her killer."

Ken's interactions with law enforcement are scrutinized through detailed transcripts of his interviews:

[22:16] David Ridgen: "Detective Roy Fitzpatrick slowly ramps up the pressure."

Despite extensive questioning, Ken maintains a silent stance, neither admitting nor denying involvement:

[27:00] Ken Dauphine: "I'm going to exercise the right to silence as per the legal counsel that I received."

6. The Emotional Toll on the Family

Sue Martin's narrative poignantly captures the emotional devastation inflicted by Terrie's murder:

[12:03] Sue Martin: "We only had 10 minutes to view our daughter before she was cremated. She's already gone. She's already gone. They should have held her body."

The impact extends to Terrie's children, who were left traumatized and eventually placed in Ken's custody, severing ties with Sue's family.

7. The Quest for Justice and Closure

Sue's unwavering determination to seek justice for her daughter is evident throughout the episode. Her frustration with the Crown Prosecutor's handling of the case is palpable:

[34:27] Sue Martin: "The justice system failed Terry the Crown, prosecutors failed Terry."

David Ridgen emphasizes the podcast's role in reopening and scrutinizing stalled cases, aiming to bring closure to affected families:

[34:34] David Ridgen: "The Crown had stayed the charges against Terry's husband and the case of Terry Dauphiny would remain open."

8. Conclusion and Future Endeavors

The episode concludes with a reflection on the ongoing challenges faced by Sue Martin and her family. David Ridgen hints at future investigations and the broader mission of "The Next Call" to shed light on unsolved cases:

[35:01] David Ridgen: "The Next Call is hosted, written and produced by me, David Ridgen."

Listeners are left with a profound sense of the unresolved pain and the pressing need for justice in Terrie Dauphinais's case.

Key Takeaways

• Unsolved Mystery: Terrie Dauphinais's murder remains an open case with lingering questions about Ken Dauphine's involvement.

• Family Tragedy: The loss extends beyond Terrie to her children and previous family members, amplifying Sue Martin's quest for answers.

• Systemic Failures: The podcast highlights perceived shortcomings in the police investigation and prosecutorial follow-through.

• Emotional Resilience: Despite immense grief, Sue Martin exemplifies strength and determination in seeking justice for her daughter.

Notable Quotes

• Sue Martin on Her Pain:

  "[04:49] 'What people don't know about me, I've lost twin boys when I was seven months pregnant. And I lost Terry's older sister when she was three years old. That hurt. That was a lot of pain. Murder is even worse.'”

• Ken Dauphine's Silence:

  "[27:00] 'I'm going to exercise the right to silence as per the legal counsel that I received.'”

• Sue Martin on Systemic Failures:

  "[34:27] 'The justice system failed Terry the Crown, prosecutors failed Terry.'"

Final Thoughts

"The Next Call" masterfully intertwines personal narratives with investigative journalism, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into Terrie Dauphinais's tragic story and the enduring quest for justice. Through Sue Martin's poignant recounting and David Ridgen's meticulous storytelling, the episode underscores the profound human cost of unsolved crimes and the imperative to seek closure for affected families.