The Unforgotten - Episode 2 Breakdown: Afraid of the Dark
Podcast: The Unforgotten (Season 3: Finding Dolores Wulff)
Hosts: Adam Rittenberg and Kyle Bonagura
Date: August 13, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode is a behind-the-scenes breakdown of "Afraid of the Dark," the second episode of Season 3, which investigates the 1979 disappearance of Dolores Wulff, a mother from a small California town. The hosts, Adam Rittenberg and Kyle Bonagura, delve into the key themes, especially the pivotal role played by Dolores’s daughter, Anna Wulff, and explore new ground based on Anna's emotional recollections, the initial investigation, and crucial perspectives from law enforcement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Anna Wulff’s Perspective: Central to the Story

• New Voice Added: Anna, Dolores and Carl Wulff’s only daughter, did not contribute to the original ESPN story on the case. Her inclusion here provides depth and emotional resonance.
• Complex Relationships: Anna’s relationship with both parents, especially her father, Carl, is described as complicated and fraught, adding layers to the family narrative.
• Bravery in Speaking Out: Anna’s willingness to share personal and previously unspoken details was seen as courageous and vital for understanding the family dynamics and the case’s emotional impact.

Notable Quote

“I thought Anna was... brave to share some of the stuff that she did. There’s some very personal stuff that she got into with us... It took a leap of faith to open up.”
— Kyle Bonagura, [02:37]

Anna’s Immediate Response to Dolores’s Disappearance

• First to Raise the Alarm: Anna was the first family member to reach out the morning after Dolores disappeared, calling the house at 6:01am.
• Early Suspicions: Anna, along with her siblings Carly and Tom, immediately suspected their father, Carl Wulff, of involvement. Paul, their youngest sibling, was too young at the time to have clear memories.

Notable Quote

“She was the first person to reach out the morning after Dolores Wolf disappeared on August 1, 1979... She immediately suspected her father...”
— Adam Rittenberg, [04:00]

The Initial Investigation: Detective Ron Heileman’s Role

• Thoroughness and Recall: Detective Ron Heileman, who was central to the initial investigation, provided a step-by-step account, demonstrating exceptionally vivid recall even after 40 years.
• Key Evidence: Heileman recalled finding:
  • Fingerprints inside the trunk
  • Blood on a blanket
  • An earring in the trunk
• Suspicions Toward Carl Wulff: The family’s theory pointing to Carl Wulff as the suspect was reinforced by his history of threats and evasive behavior.
• Carl’s Behavior: Carl initially expressed willingness to cooperate but walked out of a lie detector test and quickly “lawyered up.”

Notable Quote

“He was able to walk step by step with incredible recall...he remembers having a conversation with [Anna] immediately...and her telling him that she was adamant her father was responsible.”
— Kyle Bonagura, [06:00]

Tension Between Law Enforcement and the Wulff Family

• Escalating Tension: By the end of episode two, the growing strain among the Rochas (Dolores’s family), law enforcement, and Carl Wulff is evident.
• Foreshadowing: This tension is promised to “explode” in episode three, signaling major revelations ahead.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If we didn’t speak to [Anna], I don’t think the story would have been as full as it ended up being. She’s an incredibly important part of the story.”
  — Adam Rittenberg, [03:40]

• “There was enough there for him to, you know, it line theory that the family had relayed to him that Carl Wolf was the only person that needed to be looked at.”
  — Kyle Bonagura, [06:30]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:00] — Show introduction, purpose of the episode, and focus on Anna Wulff’s contributions
• [01:37] — Details about Kyle’s initial and subsequent interviews with Anna; her emotional openness
• [03:26] — Anna’s immediate actions after her mother’s disappearance; the early family suspicions of Carl Wulff
• [05:58] — Discussion of Ron Heileman’s involvement; key evidence and his detailed memories
• [07:14] — Tension mounting between the Rochas, law enforcement, and Carl Wulff; preview of episode three

Tone and Host Dynamics

Adam and Kyle speak with deep empathy and respect for Anna’s experience, emphasizing the sensitivity of both the subject matter and Anna’s willingness to open up. The episode maintains a sober, investigative tone, blending emotional storytelling with procedural detail. They also express gratitude for the listeners’ support and highlight the importance of community engagement in unraveling cold cases.

Next Episode Tease:
With the investigation’s tension set to “explode,” listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for episode three, which promises dramatic developments and more revelations in the ongoing saga to find Dolores Wulff.

Social & Listener Engagement:
Listeners are reminded to reach out via social platforms and are thanked for their support of the podcast and this season’s investigation.