The Unforgotten — Episode 5 Breakdown: "Catch and Release" (September 3, 2025)

Main Theme

In this recap, hosts Adam Rittenberg and Kyle Bonagora revisit Episode 5 of Season 3 ("Finding Dolores Wulff"), focusing on the year 1985—a pivotal moment in the decades-old unsolved disappearance of Dolores Wulff. The episode unpacks the arrest and controversial release of her husband, Carl Wolf, spotlighting legal missteps, courtroom drama, and enduring family rifts.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Arrest and Legal Hurdles (00:00–02:00)

• Significance of 1985: The year marked a major turn—with Carl Wolf's arrest—arising from sustained pressure by Dolores's family (the Rochas).
• Legal Dilemma: Despite strong suspicion from authorities and family, the case lacked the evidence needed for a sure conviction.
• Crucial Outcome: The court ruled that Carl Wolf's right to a speedy trial had been violated, resulting in his release regardless of guilt or innocence.

Quote:
"Regardless of whether Karl Wolf was guilty or innocent, he was going to walk free because his right to a speedy trial had been denied."
— Adam Rittenberg (00:47)

Rick Gilbert’s Regrets & DA Shortcomings (01:52–03:35)

• DA’s Decisive Error: Rick Gilbert, the original district attorney, expressed regret over not filing charges earlier; timing proved fatal to the prosecution.
• Prosecutorial Weakness: The handling DA, Charles Van Court, seemed unprepared and uncommitted, undermining the case with public doubts and halfhearted effort.

Quote:
"If you don't have a DA who's ready for a fight, it's a hard time. You're going to have a hard time getting a win."
— Kyle Bonagora (03:20)

• Family’s Lingering Anger: The Roche family felt let down by the legal system and Rick Gilbert’s decisions.

Courtroom Drama, Defense Tactics, and Media Mayhem (03:36–04:48)

• Defense Steers the Narrative: High-profile defense attorneys like Tony Serra and Sally Saladay outmaneuvered the prosecution, capturing headlines with theories and "bogus sightings."
• Lost Narrative: False sightings and bizarre testimony (e.g., a police deputy's alleged sighting of Dolores) fueled confusion and undercut the prosecution.

Quote:
"It didn't seem like Dolores' side... was throwing enough punches back towards Karl Wolf and towards his defense team."
— Adam Rittenberg (04:35)

Reluctant Prosecution and Systemic Failures (04:49–06:41)

• Unwilling Prosecution: Yolo County only prosecuted the case to avoid intervention by the state Attorney General; their hesitance showed.
• Family Dynamics and Anna's Role: Dolores's daughter, Anna, initially accused her father of abuse but later became his supporter, even serving as a character witness and helping secure his release. This deeply complicated family relationships.

Quote:
"At some point, she switched sides, and she became the only one among her family who was willing to advocate for her father... That part of this story, I think, really complicated everything for the family along the way."
— Kyle Bonagora (05:45)

Rick Gilbert’s Late Openness & Family Fallout (06:41–08:10)

• Late-Stage Interview: Rick Gilbert, not originally interviewed, was ultimately candid about his actions and the family's ongoing pain. He also defended Van Court, showing a nuanced view of the DA’s pressures.
• Lingering Impact: The family’s disappointment and the betrayal they felt toward the system and among themselves have left lasting scars.

Looking Ahead: Episode 6 Preview (08:10–08:45)

• Next Episode’s Focus: The upcoming episode will delve into Carl Wolf’s background and post-release life, detailing his alienation from extended family and his personal decline.
• Deeper Context: Listeners can expect a character study revealing more about Carl Wolf’s destructive path and relationships.

Quote:
"By the end of episode six, they have completely changed their tune as well. He alienates his parents, he alienates his brother, completely wrecks any meaningful relationships that he has..."
— Kyle Bonagora (08:24)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Adam Rittenberg on systemic failure:
  "What were your biggest takeaways...from what was a pretty dramatic year in the courtroom?" (00:57)

• Kyle Bonagora on prosecutorial attitude:
  "It never really felt like there was the type of dedication you needed to winning a case like this." (02:50)

• Adam Rittenberg on courtroom chaos:
  "Even Carly Wolf being accused of murdering his own mother by Sally Saladay... You kind of just like—I think you put it well, it was a one-sided fight." (04:20)

• Kyle Bonagora on Anna's shift:
  "She took the stand for him in a preliminary hearing to act as a character witness. She contacted her uncle to get money to get him out of jail... it certainly was a difficult time for everyone to navigate." (05:53)

Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------| | 00:00–01:51 | Introduction, 1985 significance, Carl Wolf’s arrest | | 01:52–03:35 | DA Rick Gilbert’s regrets and DA Van Court’s role | | 03:36–04:48 | Courtroom stories, defense strategies, media circus | | 04:49–06:41 | Reluctant prosecution, Anna’s complicated advocacy | | 06:41–08:10 | Rick Gilbert’s late reflections, family impact | | 08:10–08:45 | Preview of next episode: Carl Wolf’s downward spiral |

Overall Tone

The tone is analytical and empathetic, marked by frustration with the justice system’s failures, deep respect for the pain endured by Dolores Wulff’s family, and a sober examination of the personal and professional missteps that shaped the case’s outcome.

This summary captures the major revelations and emotional undercurrents of Episode 5, providing a comprehensive guide for listeners and true-crime followers eager to understand both the legal twists and human costs at the center of the Dolores Wulff case.