The Deck Podcast: "Daphne Hope (8 of Spades, Colorado)"

Host: Ashley Flowers (audiochuck)
Episode Date: February 18, 2026

Overview

This episode of The Deck investigates the cold case of Daphne Hope, a 34-year-old woman from Colorado who vanished in the summer of 2001. The case, initially mishandled and almost lost in police files, is revisited by Ashley Flowers and Detective Jason McDonald from the Aurora Police Department. The episode reconstructs Daphne's last known movements, explores troubling leads—including possible ties to organized crime and a convicted serial killer—and highlights systemic issues that have slowed progress. The team also speaks with Daphne’s family, painting a nuanced portrait of her life and the enduring impact of her disappearance.

Major Discussion Points & Insights

The Initial Disappearance (01:04–07:09)

• The Case Reopens: In 2008, Aurora PD receives a missing persons case from Denver PD that had received little attention for seven years.
• Family's Search:
  • Maureen, Daphne’s cousin, is the first to look for her, discovering only Brian—a friend—at Daphne’s home (03:51).
  • Initial suspicions: A “drug deal gone bad” relayed by Daphne’s boyfriend, Gary Sterling, to Maureen.
• Police Response:
  • Both the Aurora and Denver police departments are contacted in close succession, but the case is poorly documented and action seems cursory.

The Investigation Stalls (07:09–22:01)

• Detective Connor’s Challenges:
  • He treats the 7-year-old case like a fresh missing persons case, starting with family interviews (07:09).
  • Family confirms Daphne had a history with drug use and sex work but stress she would never abandon her son.
    • “Daphne would have never chosen to leave her son unless it kept him safe... being a mom was the thing she was most proud of in her life.” —Michelle Quattlebaum (08:15)
• Gary’s Account:
  • Gary claims last seeing Daphne after driving a friend, Sadie, home, returning to find Daphne missing but her purse left behind (11:32).
  • He later volunteers a peculiar anecdote about being seen digging in his backyard—a detail he offers unsolicited (17:08).
• Rumored Theories:
  • Multiple rumors surface:
    • Daphne possibly taken by organized crime figures (“traded as currency”—15:59)
    • Hiding in witness protection (17:08; ultimately debunked through FBI/DA checks by Detective McDonald)
    • Foul play or accidental disappearance
• Physical Evidence Vacuum:
  • Despite a thorough 2008 search of Gary’s property with ground-penetrating radar, no remains or unequivocal evidence were found.
    • “Gary had pretty much provided everything he could. He gave that long written statement, he allowed us into his house... He didn't know where Daphne was.” —Det. McDonald (21:49)

Serial Killer Theory & Dead Ends (22:01–29:34)

• Connection to Richard White:
  • Serial killer Richard White operated in the area during the same period, targeting women along notorious Colfax Avenue (22:21).
  • After a letter to White, he responds tersely:
    • “I did not kidnap or kill anyone in 2001. I have no information concerning this or any other missing persons case. Happy hunting, RP White.” (28:14)
  • No evidence implicates White, but police can't formally rule him out.
    • “I wouldn't rule him out. I can't rule anybody out right now.” —Det. McDonald (29:15)
• The Case Grows Cold:
  • With leads exhausted and some witnesses (like Brian) deceased or untraceable, the case stagnates (29:34).

Race, Sex Work, and Systemic Bias (30:01–32:21)

• Family’s Frustration:
  • Michelle Quattlebaum expresses frustration over law enforcement's slow response, believing race played a part.
    • “If she were a white woman, it would not have taken...this long to learn about her story.” (30:01)
  • Michelle also discusses societal perceptions of Black women and sex work victims, referencing firsthand experiences with trafficked individuals.
    • “Society looks at black women. We can't be victims. And that's just not the truth.” (30:46)
• Personal Memories:
  • Michelle shares Daphne’s life as a charismatic, talented hairstylist who, after turning to sex work, appeared less stable and disappeared from family sight (31:33, 32:05).
  • In their last phone call, Daphne was striving for sobriety and a fresh start (32:32).

Renewed Interest & Continuing Obstacles (33:24–41:12)

• Recent Developments (2025 onward):
  • Podcast coverage prompts renewed attention; Detective McDonald rigorously rechecks all original leads (34:07).
    • Verifies Daphne was never in witness protection, cross-checks DNA against unidentified remains (35:00), and re-interviews Gary (35:37).
  • Finds that key witnesses’ identities remain elusive (e.g., "Sadie," "Pablo," "Jackie"), and some have died.
  • Cadaver Dog Search:
    • McDonald brings dogs to Gary’s former property; the dogs alert at two spots (yard and near the kitchen stairs), prompting plans for further investigation (37:08).
• Gary Remains a Person of Interest:
  • Gary has never been arrested or charged, maintains he loved Daphne—“She remains in my heart. Even after all these years. I still love her and I miss her.”
• Family’s Ongoing Grief:
  • Daphne’s son and mother still hope for closure. Her mother, Kariya, recounts a mysterious phone call years after the disappearance:
    • “I heard a voice, and she said, mama. I said, Daphne. And then...had to get off...That’s the last I heard.” —Kariya, Daphne’s mother (38:55)
• Investigative Hopes:
  • Police still seek help identifying “Sadie,” “Pablo,” and “Jackie”:
    • “If your listeners have any idea who those people are, I’d really appreciate that tip.” —Det. McDonald (41:12)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On police record-keeping:
  • “It's as if, just like Daphne, any record of her case had vanished.” —Ashley Flowers (06:07)
• Michelle Quattlebaum on societal failure:
  • “We can't be victims. And that's just not the truth.” (30:46)
• Detective McDonald on serial killer theory:
  • “I can't rule anybody out right now. And he certainly fits the profile...” (29:15)
• Gary's sentimental claim:
  • “She remains in my heart. Even after all these years. I still love her and I miss her.” (paraphrased, ~37:20)
• Hope amid despair:
  • “I'm going to be honest with you. I still hold on to Hope in my fantasy world. And no family should ever have to contrast up a reality so that they can go on. I want her to be alive. I want her to be...” —Michelle Quattlebaum (40:07)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Topic | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------------------| ----------- | | Case introduction & initial hand-off | 01:04–03:29 | | Family's initial search, early police response | 03:39–07:09 | | Law enforcement’s challenges, family interviews | 07:09–08:42 | | Insights from cousin Michelle | 08:15, 30:01, 31:33, 32:32, 40:07 | | Gary’s statements and theories | 10:52–18:41 | | Organized crime/trafficking theory (Pablo/Jackie) | 14:27–19:06 | | House search and lack of evidence | 20:27–22:01 | | Serial killer (Richard White) theory | 22:21–29:34 | | Race, sex work, and systemic bias discussion | 30:01–32:21 | | Family reflections & last known contacts | 31:33–32:32 | | 2025 renewed investigation & cadaver dog search | 33:24–37:20 | | Mysterious phone call to Daphne’s mother | 38:55 | | Unresolved leads: Sadie, Pablo, Jackie | 40:26–41:12 | | Call for tips/contact information | 41:12 |

Conclusion & Call to Action

Despite renewed attention, Daphne Hope's disappearance remains unresolved. Aurora PD and her family need help identifying key individuals (“Sadie,” “Pablo,” “Jackie”) and piecing together Daphne’s last days. Listeners are encouraged to come forward with any tips—Detective Jason McDonald can be reached at 303-739-6013.

Daphne Hope is remembered as a loving mother, talented stylist, and cherished family member. As her case reaches its 25th anniversary, the search for justice and closure continues.

For further information or to provide tips, contact:

• Detective Jason McDonald, Aurora Police Department: 303-739-6013
• Direct email in the show notes

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