Deadly Fortune | Episode 3: Hiding – Detailed Summary
Release Date: January 15, 2025
Host/Author: Sony Music Entertainment
Introduction
In the third episode of Deadly Fortune, titled "Hiding," host Dale Cardwell delves deeper into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of Diane McIver and the subsequent behavior of her husband, Tex McIver. As Tex awaits his release from prison, the episode explores the complexities of their seemingly perfect marriage, the aftermath of Diane's tragic demise, and the ominous signs that suggest Tex may have had more to do with his wife's death than initially apparent.
Diane McIver’s Death and Public Perception
The episode opens with the somber recounting of Diane McIver's passing. Three days after her death on September 26, 2016, her obituary is displayed on a digital billboard at Corey Tower, seen by over a million drivers daily. The obituary paints Diane as a "brilliant and inspiring force of nature," survived by her husband Tex, with whom she shared 16 happy years.
Notable Quote:
"She epitomized love and loyalty in action and lived a life out loud."
— Obituary (00:45)
Initial Reactions and Tex’s Behavior
Dale Cardwell introduces Bill Crane, a longtime friend of Tex, who recounts attending Diane's Celebration of Life held at Cory Company's headquarters. Bill observes that Tex's behavior was off, describing the palpable tension in the room.
Notable Quote:
"There was a beautiful display of Diane's photographs, but Tex was a dead man walking in Billy Corey's eyes."
— Bill Crane (03:16)
Bill details an unsettling conversation where Tex implores him to recant previous statements about a Black Lives Matter comment, signaling Tex's desperation to control the narrative.
Notable Quote:
"I was stunned that this man I've known since childhood is asking me to lie."
— Bill Crane (05:47)
Unusual Estate Sale and Discovery of Cremains
Approximately two months after Diane's death, Tex sets up an extravagant estate sale at their 85-acre Eatonton ranch, liquidating over 2,000 designer items. This behavior puzzles those close to the couple, especially given the recent tragedy.
Wendy Adson, who works at the crematory handling Diane's remains, becomes suspicious when Diane's body appears unusually presentable post-autopsy, contrasting typical county autopsy procedures.
Notable Quote:
"She was extremely presentable, which is not the case most of the time when you come from a county after an autopsy."
— Wendy Adson (09:03)
Wendy further uncovers that Diane's cremains were left in a simple cardboard box, a stark contrast to Diane's vibrant personality and lifestyle.
Notable Quote:
"To have a woman of that stature... in a simple cardboard box in the bottom of her closet after her husband sold all her things. It's a little unsettling, to say the least."
— Wendy Adson (17:46)
Tex’s Increasing Paranoia and Law Enforcement Scrutiny
The episode reveals Tex's growing paranoia amidst the Black Lives Matter protests in Atlanta. On the night of Diane's death, Tex felt threatened by individuals he perceived as potential threats, prompting him to keep a firearm within reach.
Notable Quote:
"He felt threatened. And as a result of feeling threatened, he reached for the gun."
— Narration (25:40)
Detective Dale Cardwell contacts Atlanta Homicide Investigator Danny Stevens to re-examine the crime scene, focusing on the bullet's angle, which suggests inconsistencies in Tex's account of the incident.
Bill Crane narrates the media frenzy following Diane's death, highlighting how quickly the story spiraled out of control, painting Tex as a figure entwined in political tension and potential foul play.
Notable Quote:
"It blew up every... in nanoseconds."
— Bill Crane (28:11)
Interviews and Testimonies
Danny Jo Carter, a close acquaintance, recounts her interactions with Tex, noting his evasive and deceitful behavior. She reveals Tex's attempts to manipulate her testimonies and her subsequent distancing from him to protect her credibility.
Notable Quote:
"Tex was going to have somebody come pick me up, a detective come pick me up. And I didn't. I didn't want to be at home."
— Danny Jo Carter (34:01)
Bill Crane provides further insights into Tex's attempts to control the narrative, emphasizing Tex's reluctance to accept responsibility and his reliance on professional PR maneuvers to sway public opinion.
Notable Quote:
"He laid out what had happened and why. And then... he was still of sound mind, and kind of went through a narrative that made sense to me."
— Bill Crane (22:23)
Final Revelations and Ongoing Mysteries
As the episode draws to a close, Dale Cardwell highlights the continued uncertainties surrounding Diane's death. Tex McIver's vehicle is returned, but with all ballistic evidence meticulously cleaned, raising further suspicions. Additionally, Tex's financial instability adds another layer to the unfolding drama, suggesting possible motives tied to Diane's fortune.
Notable Quote:
"It was an accident. Were you in the room when that was said? Yes, I was. But that still doesn't explain how the gun went off."
— Bill Crane (35:08)
The episode concludes with unresolved questions about the true nature of Diane's death and Tex's potential involvement, setting the stage for future revelations in the series.
Conclusion
"Hiding" intricately weaves testimonies, investigative journalism, and personal accounts to paint a complex picture of the McIvers' lives and the mysterious events leading to Diane's untimely death. As Tex McIver's actions become increasingly questionable, the episode leaves listeners eager to uncover the truth in subsequent installments of Deadly Fortune.
End of Summary