Podcast Summary: The Prosecutors – Episode 294: The Aconcagua Mystery Part 2

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Prosecutors
• Host/Author: PodcastOne
• Description: A true crime podcast with a different point of view. Every week, Alice and Brett bring their unique perspective as prosecutors to the most famous cold case mysteries of all time. Murder, mayhem, disappearances—you name it. If it's true crime, they're on the case.
• Episode: 294. The Aconcagua Mystery Part 2
• Release Date: March 4, 2025

1. Introduction

In Episode 294 of The Prosecutors, hosts Alice and Brett delve deeper into the mysterious deaths that occurred during a 1973 climbing expedition on Mount Aconcagua in Argentina. Building on their previous discussion, this episode unpacks the suspicious circumstances surrounding the deaths of John Cooper and Janet Johnson, explores the impact of political turmoil on the investigation, and examines recent discoveries that reignite interest in this unresolved case.

2. Recap of the 1973 Expedition

Brett recounts the initial reckoning from the last episode, setting the scene in 1973 when a group of American climbers embarked on the Polish route of Aconcagua—a path attempted only four times prior. The expedition began with a sizable group, but tragedy struck as members fell away one by one, leaving only four survivors who ultimately saw two members perish on the mountain.

Brett [04:18]: "Climbing a mountain is a very dangerous thing. You never know what's going to happen in a situation like that."

3. The Deaths of Cooper and Johnson

The narrative focuses on the unexplained deaths of John Cooper and Janet Johnson. Initially presumed victims of pulmonary edema and hypothermia, their bodies were found under baffling circumstances that contradicted the official explanations.

• John Cooper: Found near the third camp with a bizarre cylindrical wound in his abdomen, inconsistent with typical hypothermia-related death. His missing crampon and ice axe added to the mystery.

  Brett [22:49]: "His face was battered and it was frozen in a look of horror."

• Janet Johnson: Discovered two years later by Alberto Colombero and his team, her body showed signs of violent trauma, including exposed bone and deep cuts inconsistent with an accidental fall.

  Alice [24:09]: "White bone sticking out of her nose and her forehead and her chin... blood stains on her face and jacket."

4. Suspicious Circumstances and Autopsy Findings

Both autopsies revealed injuries that did not align with accidental deaths from falls or environmental factors commonly associated with high-altitude climbs. The wounds suggested potential foul play, sparking theories about violence on the mountain.

Alice [08:35]: "No one could really explain why this was. But we're gonna see."

5. The Impact of Argentine Political Collapse

In March 1976, the Argentine government faced a military coup, abruptly halting the investigation into the deaths of Cooper and Johnson. This political upheaval effectively erased any progress made in uncovering the truth behind the mysterious fatalities.

Alice [35:34]: "It's like... when the government collapses, the investigation is stalled."

6. Recent Discoveries and Renewed Interest (2020)

Nearly fifty years later, in February 2020, Marcus Calamaro found Janet Johnson's camera on the Polish glacier route. Recognizing its significance, Ulysses Korvalin and photographer Pablo Betancourt preserved the camera, leading to the development of its preserved film. These photographs, while beautifully shot, offered no new insights into the climbers' fate but reignited interest in the case.

Alice [38:19]: "Their names can still...at least two podcasters question the official story that exists out there."

7. Theories and Speculations

Alice and Brett explore various theories, weighing the plausibility of accidental deaths against potential murders. They discuss the lack of consistent evidence supporting the official narrative and consider motives that might have led to foul play, such as internal conflicts within the climbing group.

• Possible Murder Theory: Suggests that Cooper and Johnson were victims of violence, possibly orchestrated by other members of the expedition who felt threatened or hindered by them.

  Brett [50:19]: "I think it probably was a murder."

• Accidental Death Theory: Maintains that bizarre accidents can occur on treacherous climbs, but struggles to explain the specific and unusual injuries observed.

  Brett [43:02]: "I think the most likely outcome still is probably it was some really bizarre accident on the mountain."

8. Comparison with Dyatlov Pass Incident

The hosts draw parallels between the Aconcagua Mystery and the infamous Dyatlov Pass incident, noting both cases involve unexplained deaths in harsh mountain environments. However, they highlight key differences, such as the solitary nature of the Aconcagua deaths versus the group dynamic in Dyatlov Pass, which affects the plausibility of various theories.

Brett [50:19]: "Dyatlov Pass... the ultimate mystery... but in this case, you have to believe that two different people in two different places..."

9. Conclusions and Ongoing Mystery

Alice and Brett conclude that the Aconcagua Mystery remains unresolved due to the abrupt halt of investigations caused by political instability. They reflect on the limitations of the available evidence and the passage of time, which has likely erased any remaining clues or testimonies that could shed light on the true nature of Cooper and Johnson's deaths.

Alice [65:36]: "They knew something was up... this will remain a mystery in the sense that we will not know more information than we know today."

Despite the extensive analysis and numerous theories, the mystery endures, leaving listeners to ponder the true events that transpired on Aconcagua nearly five decades ago.

Notable Quotes:

• Alice [22:49]: "His face was battered and it was frozen in a look of horror."
• Brett [50:19]: "I think it probably was a murder."
• Brett [43:02]: "I think the most likely outcome still is probably it was some really bizarre accident on the mountain."
• Alice [35:34]: "It's like... when the government collapses, the investigation is stalled."

Final Thoughts: Episode 294 of The Prosecutors offers a compelling examination of a lesser-known mountain mystery, combining meticulous research with insightful analysis. Alice and Brett provide a balanced view, exploring both accidental and intentional explanations while acknowledging the enduring uncertainties that shroud the Aconcagua Mystery.

Listeners intrigued by true crime and unsolved mysteries will find this episode particularly engaging, as it uncovers the complexities and unanswered questions that continue to fascinate investigators and enthusiasts alike.