THREE Season 2: Murder in Vacationland

Episode: The Aftermath | Chapter 2
Release Date: March 13, 2025
Host: Amanda Knox
Author: audiochuck

Introduction

In the second season of THREE, host Amanda Knox delves deeper into the unresolved murder case of Dana Ireland, a 23-year-old whose tragic death on Hawai‘i’s Big Island has remained shrouded in mystery for over three decades. Chapter 2: The Aftermath explores the intricate web of investigations, the key players involved, and the enduring impact on three interconnected families: the Irelands, the Schweitzers, and the Paulines.

Background

Dana Ireland was brutally murdered on Christmas Eve, 1991, leaving the tight-knit community of Hawai‘i grappling with grief and unanswered questions. Despite the conviction of three men, lingering doubts and new revelations suggest that justice may still be elusive.

Key Figures

• Ken Lawson
  Ken Lawson, co-director of the Hawaii Innocence Project, brings his extensive legal experience to the case. Having overcome personal struggles, including a felony conviction and addiction, Lawson empathizes deeply with those he seeks to exonerate. He remarks, “When you're innocent, they just cut you loose, right? Hey, we're happy for you. Goodbye. ... When you're guilty, they take you to your front door or to your halfway house” (02:27).

• Eric Carlsmith
  Eric Carlsmith, a key witness, provides crucial but inconsistent testimonies about the night of Dana’s murder. His fluctuating accounts have kept investigators on edge, as he often introduces new details with confidence. Eric shares frustrations about the investigative process: “When investigators interview Eric again, that's not all he Claims to remember... It becomes. I mean, I use it to teach the students and clients” (06:13).

• John Gonsalves
  John Gonsalves, Dana’s father, embodies the relentless pursuit of justice. He expresses unwavering hope and determination: “If they had a trial, I would certainly want to be there... I have that much faith that they will be caught” (17:57).

• Lynn Kawano
  Lynn Kawano, an award-winning investigative reporter, provides context about the interconnectedness of Hawai‘i’s communities. She notes, “In Hawaii, it's about what high school you went to, not what college you go to. Everybody knows your high school” (12:36).

Investigation and Suspects

The investigation into Dana Ireland’s murder has been fraught with challenges, including flawed witness interviews and unreliable evidence. Key developments include:

• Initial Leads and Polygraph Tests
  Investigators focused on three primary suspects: Frank Nasario, Anthony Torres, and Roy Santos. While Torres and Santos exhibited behavior that raised suspicions, Nasario remained reticent. Polygraph tests, though controversial, were administered, revealing deception in Santos and Torres but inconclusive results for Nasario (09:11).

• DNA Evidence
  By July 1992, DNA testing revealed that none of the collected samples matched the crime scene evidence, leading to a significant dead end in the investigation (10:14).

• New Tip and Frank Pauline’s Involvement
  A pivotal moment occurred on May 23, 1994, when Frank Pauline Jr. came forward with claims implicating himself and the Schweitzer brothers in Dana’s murder. Frank’s inconsistent statements and delayed cooperation have cast new light on the case, prompting further scrutiny by investigators (20:16).

Community and Family Impact

Dana Ireland’s murder has profoundly affected not only her family but also the broader community. The Irelands have tirelessly pursued justice, even settling a lawsuit against the state and county for delayed assistance on that fateful night. Meanwhile, community members like John Gonsalves and Eric Carlsmith vocalize their frustration with the slow pace of the investigation and the lack of accountability from law enforcement.

John passionately states, “We want accountability here, and we have...not gotten that from Police Chief Vieira. And we want him. Well, I should say I want him replaced” (18:39). This sentiment underscores the community’s desire for transparency and effective resolution.

Developments in the Case

Despite numerous leads and persistent investigative efforts, the case remained stagnant until new information emerged in 1994. Frank Pauline Jr.’s admission of involvement, albeit vague and unreliable, reopened avenues for the Hawaii Innocence Project. However, inconsistencies in his statements and the cultural dynamics of Hawai‘i’s interconnected communities presented additional hurdles.

Kenneth Lawson explains the cultural context: “The Frank Pauline family grew up near the Schweitzer family. Everybody is somehow connected in Hawaii” (26:36). This interconnectedness complicates the investigation, as familial and social ties can obscure truth and accountability.

Conclusion

Chapter 2: The Aftermath of the THREE season meticulously unpacks the complexities surrounding Dana Ireland’s unsolved murder. Through in-depth interviews, expert analysis, and poignant family narratives, the episode highlights the persistent quest for justice amidst flawed investigations and community pressures. As new evidence surfaces and old wounds resurface, the episode leaves listeners contemplating whether true justice for Dana Ireland can ever be achieved.

Notable Quotes

• Ken Lawson
  “When you're innocent, they just cut you loose, right? Hey, we're happy for you. Goodbye... When you're guilty, they take you to your front door or to your halfway house.” (02:27)

• Eric Carlsmith
  “When investigators interview Eric again, that's not all he Claims to remember... It becomes. I mean, I use it to teach the students and clients.” (06:13)
  “Never gonna let it die.” (18:39)

• John Gonsalves
  “If they had a trial, I would certainly want to be there... I have that much faith that they will be caught.” (17:57)
  “We want accountability here, and we have...not gotten that from Police Chief Vieira. And we want him. Well, I should say I want him replaced.” (18:39)

• Lynn Kawano
  “In Hawaii, it's about what high school you went to, not what college you go to. Everybody knows your high school.” (12:36)

Timestamp References

• 02:27 – Ken Lawson discusses his role and perspective at the Hawaii Innocence Project.
• 06:13 – Eric Carlsmith elaborates on the inconsistencies in his testimonies.
• 12:36 – Lynn Kawano explains the tight-knit nature of Hawai‘i communities.
• 17:57 – John Gonsalves expresses his unwavering hope for justice.
• 18:39 – Community frustrations and demands for accountability.
• 20:16 – Introduction of new suspect Frank Pauline Jr.
• 26:36 – Cultural dynamics affecting the investigation.

Note: This summary omits all advertisement segments and non-content sections to focus solely on the critical aspects of Dana Ireland’s case as discussed in Chapter 2: The Aftermath.