Podcast Summary: "Someone Knows Something" — The Next Call with David Ridgen: Episode 2 in the Case of Terrie Dauphinais

Introduction

In Season 9 of the acclaimed CBC true crime podcast Someone Knows Something, host David Ridgen delves deep into the unsettling case of Terrie Dauphinais, a young mother from Hanover, Ontario, whose disappearance and subsequent murder in 2002 has remained shrouded in mystery for over two decades. This episode, "The Next Call", marks a pivotal moment in the investigation as Ridgen, alongside Terrie's mother Sue Martin, confronts a key suspect—Terrie’s husband, Ken Dauphine—through a controversial undercover operation known as "Operation Homefront."

Reopening the Investigation

The episode begins with Sue Martin recounting a significant breakthrough in May 2018, where after relocating back to Calgary, her husband Ken Dauphine received a call from a detective regarding Terrie’s case. This communication led to Ken’s arrest, a development Sue describes with a mix of hope and frustration.

Sue Martin [05:25]: "And he's free. He's free to go wherever he wants to go, do whatever he wants to do... We want nothing to do with you."

Ken's arrest was the result of a Mr. Big sting operation, a tactic where undercover officers create a fabricated criminal organization to elicit confessions from suspects. Over five months, through "Operation Homefront," Ken was led to believe he was joining an illicit group involved in credit card fraud and gun sales.

Operation Homefront and Ken's Arrest

David Ridgen provides an in-depth explanation of the Mr. Big technique, emphasizing its complexity and ethical considerations. The operation concluded with Ken being charged with second-degree murder despite his ambiguous confession.

Ken Dauphine [02:33]: "Maybe you guys want to go collect all the shit out of the rooms, because I don't."

This undercover interaction was pivotal, yet the case faced significant hurdles post-arrest, leading to a stay in proceedings due to procedural issues, effectively releasing Ken from legal jeopardy after a year.

Early Investigation Insights

To understand the foundation of the case, Ridgen interviews Inspector Leah Barber, who was among the first responders to Terrie’s house on the morning of April 29, 2002. Barber details the harrowing discovery of Terrie and her children, highlighting the chaotic scene and the immediate suspicion directed towards Ken.

Inspector Leah Barber [09:07]: "So we go in, but we have to be careful because of course we don't know if the offender is still in the house."

Barber describes finding the children locked in their rooms, a detail she interprets as indicative of the perpetrator's familiarity and concern, possibly ruling out a random stranger.

Inspector Barber [12:05]: "He would have probably gotten rid of them too, or not cared whether they were running through the house or not... whoever was in the house gave a shit."

She further elaborates on the insufficient evidence initially present to charge Ken, noting the challenges posed by domestic cases where the suspect has intimate knowledge of the household.

Testimonies and Court Proceedings

Central to the case are the testimonies of Terrie and Ken’s daughter, whose statements have been both crucial and contentious. Ridgen presents excerpts from her interviews, revealing fragmented and emotionally charged recollections of the night Terrie was killed.

Daughter [Interview Transcript]: "Daddy came so mommy could go shopping... I think he was a bad dad."

However, during the preliminary inquiry, inconsistencies emerged. Despite being well-prepared and having reviewed her statements multiple times, the daughter struggled to recall specific details under cross-examination.

Sue Martin [24:28]: "They say that's me. But I don't think it's me."

This led to Justice Rosemary Nation ruling that only the daughter's brief statements were admissible, citing procedural reliability issues and leading questions that may have influenced her original testimonies.

Community and Family Dynamics

The Dauphinais family dynamics add another layer of complexity to the case. After Ken’s arrest, Terrie’s children distanced themselves from him, a move Sue Martin attributes to systemic influences favoring Ken’s narrative over the truth.

Sue also reveals her attempts to reconnect with her granddaughter, only to face rejection and hostility, reflecting the deep emotional scars and fractured relationships resulting from the tragedy.

Sue Martin [29:15]: "We want nothing to do with you. Please take your fake love and your prayers elsewhere..."

Ken Dauphine's Perspective

In a candid conversation, Ken Dauphine reflects on his involvement in the case and his subsequent departure from the Calgary Police Service.

Ken Dauphine [33:19]: "This case was the one that just sort of caused me to realize. To reevaluate what my life was doing..."

Ken discusses his belief that the perpetrator had an intimate understanding of the household, pointing to deliberate actions like disabling the house's power and phones to prevent communication during the crime.

Ken Dauphine [34:47]: "They were able to disable the phones in the house... and then Terry was murdered."

He also touches upon a supposed narrative involving a stranger that was ultimately dismissed as a red herring, highlighting the investigative challenges faced by police in piecing together the truth.

Additional Witnesses and Evidence

Heather Martin, Terrie’s stepsister, emerges as a significant witness, recalling conversations with the daughter that suggest Ken may have manipulated family members to obscure the truth.

Heather Martin [27:16]: "She thought it was her dad's, but it sounded like someone was like the Cookie Monster."

These testimonies, however, are complicated by the daughter's legal statements denying memory of certain interactions, further muddying the waters.

DNA evidence presents another critical facet, with samples under Terrie's fingernails matching Ken's DNA. However, limitations in the testing process prevent discrimination between Ken and his paternal male relatives, leaving room for doubt.

Concluding Reflections

David Ridgen underscores the persistent uncertainties and unaddressed questions in Terrie Dauphinais’s case. The episode poignantly captures the relentless pursuit of truth by Terrie’s family and the systemic obstacles that hinder closure.

Ken Dauphine [42:31]: "Take care, David."

As the investigation continues, Ridgen emphasizes the importance of community involvement and the courage of those who come forward with new information, encouraging listeners to contribute to solving this enduring cold case.

Final Thoughts

"The Next Call" serves as a compelling chapter in Terrie Dauphinais’s tragic story, blending investigative rigor with raw emotional narratives. Ridgen’s meticulous exploration of testimonies, evidence, and procedural intricacies paints a vivid picture of a case fraught with complexity and unresolved pain. For those seeking closure or justice in cold cases, this episode is a testament to the enduring quest for truth and the profound impact on the families left behind.

Key Quotes with Timestamps

• Sue Martin [05:25]: "And he's free. He's free to go wherever he wants to go, do whatever he wants to do... We want nothing to do with you."

• Ken Dauphine [02:33]: "Maybe you guys want to go collect all the shit out of the rooms, because I don't."

• Inspector Leah Barber [09:07]: "So we go in, but we have to be careful because of course we don't know if the offender is still in the house."

• Daughter [Interview Transcript]: "Daddy came so mommy could go shopping... I think he was a bad dad."

• Heather Martin [27:16]: "She thought it was her dad's, but it sounded like someone was like the Cookie Monster."

• Ken Dauphine [34:47]: "They were able to disable the phones in the house... and then Terry was murdered."

• Ken Dauphine [33:19]: "This case was the one that just sort of caused me to realize. To reevaluate what my life was doing..."

Additional Resources

For more detailed transcripts and further episodes, listeners can visit CBC Podcasts. To explore related investigative series, check out Uncover available on the CBC Listen app or wherever podcasts are streamed.

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