The Unforgotten: Finding Dolores Wulff – Episode Summary

Release Date: July 14, 2025
Hosted by: Free Range Productions

Introduction

In the premiere episode of Season 3, "Finding Dolores Wulff," Free Range Productions delves into the harrowing case of Delores Wolf, a mother whose disappearance in 1979 has haunted her family and the small community of Woodland, California for over four decades. Hosted by investigative journalists Kyle Bonagara and Adam Rittenberg, the episode sets the stage for a deep exploration into a missing person's case shrouded in mystery, suspicion, and relentless pursuit of the truth.

The Disappearance of Delores Wolf

Narrator:
“In July 1979, in the small town of Woodland, California, a mother named Delores Wolf vanished from her family home. From the very beginning, everyone around Dolores suspected her husband was responsible.” [01:05]

Delores Wolf, a devoted mother, disappeared without a trace, leaving behind a family desperate for answers. The community's immediate suspicion fell on her husband, Carl Wolf, due to his aggressive behavior and prior threats.

Carl Wolf: The Prime Suspect

Dolores Wolf's Friend:
“He said, I know a way to do it and not get caught right away. I just said, my dad did it.” [01:36]

Evidence began to surface pointing towards Carl Wolf. Friends and family recounted his repeated threats against Delores.

Detective:
“He yells at her, I'm gonna kill you. Well, I didn't think much of that. I should have said right then and there, if she dies, you die.” [01:21]

Carl's alarming statements and documented threats painted a grim picture, making him the focal point of the investigation.

The Family's Ordeal

Dolores Wolf's Child:
“They told us that our mother was gone and she was never coming back.” [01:43]

The Wolf family endured unimaginable pain, grappling with the sudden loss of Delores. Their lives became intertwined with the ongoing search, hope dwindling over the years.

Dolores Wolf's Family Member:
“There wasn't even a quiver of hope that she was still alive. And so on we went with the search, you know, the search that lasted 40 years.” [02:05]

The community and law enforcement pursued leads, but concrete evidence remained elusive, leaving the family in a state of perpetual uncertainty.

A Decade-Long Investigation

Despite the passage of time, the family's determination did not wane. Their efforts to uncover the truth were met with numerous obstacles, including systemic cracks that allowed Carl Wolf to evade justice repeatedly.

Dolores Wolf's Family Member:
“So we said we were going to start a holy reign of hell on him.” [02:21]

This vow underscored their unwavering commitment to holding Carl accountable, even in the face of mounting challenges.

A Breakthrough After 41 Years

After four decades of silence and relentless pursuit, a pivotal moment emerged that would change the trajectory of the case.

Narrator:
“For 41 years, they waited. And then after years of silence, came the call that changed everything.” [02:36]

The breakthrough came when new evidence surfaced, prompting authorities to re-examine the case with fresh eyes and renewed vigor.

Detective:
“I called him up on the phone, I said, Wolf, you killed her. You know it, I know it, and everybody else knows it.” [01:48]

This confrontation highlighted the culmination of years of suspicion and the pressing need for resolution.

Delivering the News

The emotional toll of the investigation reached its peak when authorities finally contacted the Wolf family with news that would have a profound impact.

Dolores Wolf's Child:
“I've never delivered this kind of notification, so I'm about to change a family's life forever. The first words out of my mouth were, Paul, we found your mom.” [03:05]

This revelation marked a turning point, offering long-awaited closure to a family burdened by uncertainty for over four decades.

Conclusion

In "Finding Dolores Wulff," Free Range Productions masterfully weaves a narrative of loss, resilience, and unwavering determination. Through meticulous reporting and heartfelt storytelling, Kyle Bonagara and Adam Rittenberg illuminate the dark corners of a case that remained unresolved for years. The episode not only honors Delores Wolf's memory but also serves as a testament to the enduring human spirit in the quest for truth and justice.

Notable Quotes:

• “He yells at her, I'm gonna kill you. Well, I didn't think much of that. I should have said right then and there, if she dies, you die.” – Detective [01:21]

• “I've never delivered this kind of notification, so I'm about to change a family's life forever. The first words out of my mouth were, Paul, we found your mom.” – Dolores Wolf's Child [03:05]

This episode sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of the complexities surrounding Delores Wolf's disappearance, promising listeners a gripping journey through past and present as new truths emerge.

For those eager to uncover the full story and stay updated on future developments, be sure to listen to "Finding Dolores Wulff" and join the conversation as the search for answers continues.