Summary of "Someone Knows Something" - Season 9, Episode 4: "The Next Call with David Ridgen: Episode 4 in the case of Terrie Dauphinais (UPDATE)"

Introduction

In the fourth episode of Season 9 of the acclaimed CBC podcast Someone Knows Something, host David Ridgen delves deeper into the chilling case of Terrie (Terry) Ann Dauphinais, a 24-year-old Métis woman from Calgary, Alberta, whose mysterious disappearance and subsequent murder have long haunted her family and community. This episode provides a significant update on the investigation, focusing on the arrest and conviction of Ken Dauphiney, a central figure previously implicated in Terry's murder.

Background of the Case

Terrie Dauphinais, a book-loving teenager from Hanover, Ontario, vanished in the spring of 1993 while leaving for school. Her disappearance remained unsolved for decades until a suspect emerged, confessing to her murder. However, the case initially fell apart, leaving Terry's family without answers. In Season 9, David Ridgen, alongside Terry's mother, Sue Martin, reopens the investigation, confronting the man who confessed to Terry's murder.

Investigation into Terry Dauphinais' Murder

Terry was found dead on April 29, 2002, at her home, exhibiting signs of severe trauma, including a broken neck and multiple bruises—some older than 24 hours, the origin of which remained unknown. Her tumultuous relationship with Ken Dauphiney, marked by instances of violence and separation, made Ken a prime suspect early on.

Sue Martin, Terry's mother, poignantly describes her anguish:

"We only had 10 minutes to view our daughter before she was cremated. I know she's in a better world and they can't hurt her. But when we lost Terry, we just didn't lose Terry. We lost three more family members. We lost her children."
[02:45]

Ken Dauphiney as a Suspect

Ken Dauphiney, Terry's estranged husband, became the focus of an undercover operation by the police, known as Operation Homefront. This five-month initiative aimed to build Ken's trust and extract a confession by involving him in a fabricated organization dealing in credit card swipe machines and firearms.

During the undercover recordings, Ken made statements that law enforcement interpreted as admissions of guilt:

"Before I fucking turn, she's stepping in the way. No, no. And I think I just fucking grabbed her and tossed her out of the way."
[05:10]

Despite these incriminating statements, Ken maintained his innocence publicly, claiming that an intruder was responsible for Terry's death.

Trial and Conviction

In February 2021, after a prolonged legal battle, the case against Ken was stayed, leading to his release after a year due to insufficient fresh evidence. However, in December 2021, with the stay nearing its end, Ken was arrested again on charges unrelated to Terry's murder—specifically for the sexual assault and choking of another woman.

Sue Martin expressed her frustration and despair over the recurring legal struggles:

"It's like, wah. So what happened in this other case and to whom, and what might it mean for Terry and her mother?"
[08:35]

Despite these setbacks, renewed evidence linking Ken to the sexual assault case emerged, leading to his conviction on June 2, 2024. Although Ken was found guilty of sexual assault and choking, the court did not convict him for Terry's murder due to reasonable doubt regarding his intent during the choking incident.

Crown Prosecutor Corey Bliss summarized the verdict:

"Ken Dauphine was charged with committing a sexual assault on the Survivor between 2007 and 2008. He was also charged with a count of choking to overcome resistance for facilitating a sexual assault... Justice Curry convicted him of the sexual assault but had a reasonable doubt as to what his intent was at the time that he choked the survivor."
[22:09]

Ken received a sentence of four and a half years in jail, a verdict that has left Sue Martin feeling both vindicated and disillusioned with the justice system.

Impact on Sue Martin and the Community

Sue Martin, steadfast in her quest for justice, has been a pillar of strength throughout the investigation. Her emotional testimony and unwavering belief in Ken's guilt have been central to the narrative.

Upon hearing the survivor's testimony during the trial, Sue was deeply affected:

"When she spoke, when it came out of her mouth what he had done to her... I sat down and I broke down and cried because that's what he did to Terry."
[26:45]

Sue's resilience is further exemplified through her continuous efforts to support other victims and her dedication to keeping Terry's memory alive. She emphasizes the importance of community support and healing through cultural practices:

"Praying every day, smudging every day that I can walk with my head held up high to speak that truth and for the Creator to keep on guiding me..."
[37:18]

Perspectives from Law Enforcement and Analysts

Kathleen Goldthar, a retired Calgary homicide analyst involved in Terry's case, shares her unwavering conviction in Ken's guilt:

"My feeling, I am 100% certain that Ken killed Terry. So there. That's my opinion. I'm just tired. I guess I got tired of people getting away with murder."
[35:50]

Goldthar discusses the challenges faced during the initial investigation, including insufficient prosecution strategies and overlooked evidence. Her dedication led her to leave active duty, unable to continue dealing with the frustrations of the case's stagnation.

Conclusion

The latest developments in the Terrie Dauphinais case highlight both the progress and the persistent challenges within the Canadian justice system. While Ken Dauphiney's conviction for sexual assault provides some closure, the unresolved questions surrounding Terry's murder continue to weigh heavily on her family and supporters. Sue Martin remains a vocal advocate for justice, urging others to come forward and support victims of similar crimes.

As Someone Knows Something continues to explore this harrowing case, it underscores the vital role of investigative journalism in seeking truth and accountability, offering hope to families yearning for answers and urging systemic changes to prevent future injustices.

Notable Quotes:

• Sue Martin on the emotional toll of Terry's death:

  "We lost three more family members. We lost her children."
  [02:45]

• Ken Dauphiney during the trial:

  "With Ken, I was in a domestic violence relationship... and being away from them is scarier than staying with them."
  [16:50]

• Sue Martin reflecting on the survivor's testimony:

  "When she spoke... I broke down and cried because that's what he did to Terry."
  [26:45]

• Corey Bliss on the verdict:

  "Justice Curry convicted him of the sexual assault... [but] had a reasonable doubt as to what his intent was at the time that he choked the survivor."
  [22:09]

This detailed summary encapsulates the pivotal moments and emotional depth of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those unfamiliar with the Someone Knows Something podcast series.