The Next Call with David Ridgen: Episode 3 in the case of Terrie Dauphinais

Podcast Summary: "Someone Knows Something"
Episode: The Next Call with David Ridgen – Episode 3 in the Case of Terry Dauphinais
Release Date: October 1, 2024

Introduction

In Season 9 of the acclaimed CBC true crime podcast "Someone Knows Something," host David Ridgen delves into the unresolved case of Terry Dauphinais, a book-loving teenager from Hanover, Ontario, who disappeared in the spring of 1993. Despite a confession from a suspect, the case unraveled, leaving Terry’s family without answers. In this pivotal episode, Ridgen reconnects with key figures, including Terry’s mother and the man who confessed to her murder, in an effort to shed new light on the mystery.

Background of the Case

Terry Dauphinais vanished in 1993, and although a suspect, Ken Dauphine, confessed to her murder, inconsistencies and lack of evidence led to the case being reopened without conclusive findings. Years later, Terry’s family, still seeking justice, collaborate with Ridgen to revisit the investigation.

Key Interviews and Discussions

Heather Martin’s Testimony ([05:04] - [15:22])

Heather Martin, Terry’s stepsister, provides crucial insights into the events surrounding Terry’s disappearance and the interactions with Ken Dauphine. Julie Wood, a witness, recounts observing Heather acting erratically the morning Terry’s body was found:

Julie Wood ([01:54] - [03:11]):
"She was just really, really upset. She was crying, she was screaming, and we were bewildered... She must have gone in there and then she just came out screaming."

Heather’s behavior raised suspicions, especially her frequent in-and-out movements at Terry’s house and her insistence on Ken’s whereabouts during the police questioning.

Carrie Pearl Martin’s Revelations ([06:04] - [27:51])

Carrie Pearl Martin, Terry’s biological sister, shares her experiences and interactions with Ken Dauphine:

Carrie Pearl Martin ([14:27] - [15:22]):
"I remember asking him if he was involved or did you kill Terry. No was enough for me."

She recounts a significant phone call where Ken seemingly confesses to abusive behavior towards Terry:

Carrie Pearl Martin ([24:02] - [25:22]):
"He started telling me the things he used to do to my sister when they would fight and how he would beat her and she would block his way so he couldn't leave after a fight."

Carrie emphasizes the emotional turmoil and the conflicting images Ken presents—charming in public yet abusive in private.

Ken Dauphine’s Interactions and Police Intervention ([30:55] - [47:07])

Ken Dauphine, the primary suspect, is portrayed through various interactions:

Tattoo Artist’s Revelation ([31:05] - [33:56]):
During a session, Ken makes unsettling remarks hinting at his involvement in Terry's murder:
"I've gotten away with it before and that I could again."
Mr. Big Operation Insights ([36:37] - [45:09]):
The episode delves into the controversial Mr. Big police operation aimed at extracting confessions from Ken. Recorded conversations reveal Ken’s contradictory statements and attempts to obfuscate his involvement:
"I don't remember there ever being a weapon at all. Period." ([45:27])

These undercover interactions highlight Ken’s inconsistent narratives and the lengths law enforcement went to secure a confession, raising questions about the reliability and ethics of such methods.

Legal Proceedings and Court Decisions ([47:07] - [49:26])

The legal battle surrounding the admissibility of evidence surfaces, particularly concerning the Mr. Big operation and video statements from Terry’s daughter:

Justice Rosemary Nation’s Ruling ([47:07] - [48:50]):
"The statements of the accused obtained during the Mr. Big undercover operation are not admissible in the trial of this matter."

This decision effectively halts the prosecution’s case against Ken Dauphine, leaving the charges stayed as of February 5, 2022.

Insights and Analysis

The episode underscores the complexities of the Terry Dauphinais case, highlighting:

Questionable Evidence: The reliability of confessions obtained through the Mr. Big operation is scrutinized, emphasizing the potential for coercion and manipulation.
Family Dynamics: The strained relationships and conflicting testimonies from family members like Heather and Carrie reveal deep emotional scars and the challenges in seeking justice.
Police Procedures: The aggressive tactics employed by law enforcement, including extensive undercover operations and surveillance, raise ethical concerns about the methods used in criminal investigations.

Conclusion

The third episode of "The Next Call" in the Terry Dauphinais case presents a multifaceted investigation that intertwines personal testimonies, controversial police operations, and legal hurdles. Despite the efforts to uncover the truth, the case remains unresolved, leaving Terry’s family still yearning for closure. David Ridgen’s meticulous exploration highlights the persistent gaps in the justice system and the enduring quest for answers in cold cases.

Notable Quotes:

Julie Wood ([16:57]):
"I do not blame any of these detectives that were on this case for many, many years."
Ken Dauphine ([19:02]):
"I believe Ken groomed my sister."
Carrie Pearl Martin ([14:27]):
"I can't reconcile that person, and I can't reconcile that the person that Ken, that I know is the same person that the police are saying, did."
Justice Rosemary Nation ([48:50]):
"The statements of the accused obtained during the Mr. Big undercover operation are not admissible in the trial of this matter."

Key Takeaways

The Terry Dauphinais case remains a poignant example of the challenges in cold case investigations, especially when reliant on controversial interrogation methods.
Family testimonies reveal conflicting narratives that complicate the pursuit of truth and justice.
Legal rulings on evidence admissibility can significantly impact the trajectory of criminal cases, often leaving families without resolution.

For those seeking to understand the intricacies of unresolved true crime cases and the human stories behind them, "Someone Knows Something" offers a compelling and thorough examination of each mystery.