The Unforgotten: Season 3 – Finding Dolores Wulff
Episode 2: Afraid of the Dark
Release Date: August 11, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 2 of Season 3: Finding Dolores Wulff, titled "Afraid of the Dark," Free Range Productions delves deeper into the harrowing 41-year-old mystery surrounding the disappearance of Dolores Wulff. This episode primarily focuses on the immediate aftermath of Dolores's vanishing, the family's suspicions, and the early stages of the investigation that pointed towards her husband, Carl Wolf.

The Disappearance of Dolores Wulff

On August 1, 1979, a tranquil small town in California was shaken by the sudden disappearance of Dolores Wulff. The episode opens with a narration by Kyle Bonagara, setting the stage for the complex web of family dynamics and suspicions that followed her disappearance.

Notable Quote:
“This is the story of the one he's responsible for keeping a leading healthcare facility clean and safe...” (00:00)

Family Dynamics and Initial Suspicions

The Wulff family, particularly Dolores's children, were immediately thrust into turmoil. Anna Marie DeMott, the only daughter, shares her recollections of a strained relationship with her father, Carl Wolf. Anna's early experiences with her father, including instances of abuse, laid the groundwork for her suspicions regarding Dolores's disappearance.

Notable Quote:
“There were things that made him very unlikable and I wanted to get out of there and I didn't think about him hurting my brothers.” – Anna Marie DeMott (12:18)

Anna recounts a pivotal moment when she called her father on the morning of Dolores's disappearance. She was in a state of distress due to a recent car accident and was not fully processing her father's terse response about her mother's absence.

Notable Quote:
“Well, I'd had a really crazy night. I was kind of wigging out so it's totally unlike me to call at that time.” – Anna Marie DeMott (06:14)

Carl Wolf's Suspicious Behavior

Carl Wolf's behavior rapidly raised red flags among family members and law enforcement. Upon Dolores's disappearance, Carl reported her as missing, presenting a house that appeared undisturbed, with all her personal belongings intact. His immediate declaration that Dolores would "never come back" without providing concrete explanations fostered deep suspicions.

Notable Quote:
“She's just not the type of person to leave in the dark by herself anyplace.” – Chip Gaines (22:19)

Carl's dismissive attitude and inability to offer plausible reasons for Dolores's disappearance led family members, especially Anna and her siblings, to suspect foul play.

The Investigation Begins

Detective Ron Heileman, leading the Yolo County Sheriff's Department, took charge of the investigation with a thorough and methodical approach. His initial search of the Wolf household uncovered irregularities, notably blood stains in Carl's 1974 Oldsmobile, which matched Dolores's blood type.

Notable Quote:
“I noticed these looked like kind of those packing blankets, perfectly thick, and they were folded up there, and there was some spots on it.” – Ron Heileman (28:33)

Despite these findings, Carl's evasiveness and eventual refusal to take a polygraph test deepened the case's mystery. His subsequent behavior, including threats directed at his daughter Tom, further implicated him in the eyes of the family.

Notable Quote:
“You're going to slit your throat.” – Chip Gaines (23:44)

Family's Quest for the Truth

The Wulff family's determination to uncover the truth led them to take matters into their own hands alongside the official investigation. Tom Wolf, aged 16 at the time, openly accused his father of Dolores's murder, lacking the subtlety that would be expected from someone orchestrating a cover-up. This blatant confrontation with Carl exposed his perceived guilt to the community and intensified the family's pursuit for justice.

Notable Quote:
“So I went home. I called him up on the phone. I said, wolf, you killed her.” – Chip Gaines (23:44)

Impact on Dolores's Children

The disappearance profoundly affected Dolores's children, Tom and Paul, who were just 16 and 12 years old respectively. The family sought to provide them with a semblance of normalcy by having them stay with relatives, shielding them from the immediate emotional fallout and the suspicions surrounding their father.

Notable Quote:
“At first, that was our comfort zone. So, like, whenever we spent the night somewhere it was always at my cousin's house.” – Chip Gaines (41:40)

While Tom harbored strong suspicions against Carl, Paul struggled to process the trauma, his memories blurred over time but leaving lasting impressions of distrust and fear.

Detective Heileman's Dedication

Detective Heileman's unwavering commitment to solving Dolores's disappearance earned the family's trust. His thorough examination of the evidence and persistent pursuit of leads, despite initial hurdles, showcased his dedication to the case.

Notable Quote:
“He was number one, a decent human being, caring, thoughtful, hard working as a detective.” – Rick Gilbert (26:03)

Heileman's discovery of blood evidence in Carl's car and Anna's steadfast belief in Carl's guilt kept the investigation focused, even as time passed and leads grew cold.

The Lingering Mystery

Forty-one years later, the mystery of Dolores Wulff's disappearance remains unresolved. The family's relentless search for answers, combined with the evolving dynamics and unresolved emotions, paints a poignant picture of a community grappling with loss and suspicion.

Notable Quote:
“And of course, I really wanted to get out of the house. I think I was still 19, I was either 19 or 20.” – Anna Marie DeMott (05:27)

Conclusion

"Afraid of the Dark" masterfully intertwines personal testimonies, investigative insights, and emotional recollections to shed light on the complexities surrounding Dolores Wulff's disappearance. Through Anna's painful memories, Carl's suspicious actions, and Detective Heileman's diligent efforts, the episode poignantly captures the enduring quest for truth and justice within a fractured family.

Key Takeaways

• Family Trauma: The episode highlights the long-term psychological impact on Dolores's children, particularly Anna, whose early experiences with abuse and familial tension fueled her suspicions.

• Suspicious Circumstances: Carl Wolf's immediate dismissal of Dolores's disappearance, combined with incriminating evidence found in his car, drew significant suspicion despite the lack of a body.

• Investigative Challenges: Detective Heileman's commitment contrasted with the family's growing distrust in the broader law enforcement and judicial system, underscoring the complexities of reopening cold cases.

• Unresolved Mystery: Despite the passage of four decades, Dolores Wulff's disappearance continues to haunt her family and the community, emphasizing the enduring nature of unresolved mysteries.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “There were things that made him very unlikable and I wanted to get out of there...” – Anna Marie DeMott (12:18)

• “She's just not the type of person to leave in the dark by herself anyplace.” – Chip Gaines (22:19)

• “I noticed these looked like kind of those packing blankets...” – Ron Heileman (28:33)

• “You're going to slit your throat.” – Chip Gaines (23:44)

• “He was number one, a decent human being...” – Rick Gilbert (26:03)

• “At first, that was our comfort zone...” – Chip Gaines (41:40)

• “And of course, I really wanted to get out of the house...” – Anna Marie DeMott (05:27)

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Episode 2, providing listeners with a clear and engaging overview of the key events, personal accounts, and investigative developments surrounding the disappearance of Dolores Wulff.