Podcast Summary: True Crime Obsessed - Episode: "The Lady of the Dunes"

Episode Information

• Title: The Lady of the Dunes (from the Patreon)
• Release Date: August 14, 2025
• Host(s): Julian Benzavale and Patrick Hines
• Description: In this episode, the hosts delve into the infamous Lady of the Dunes case from Provincetown, Massachusetts. Featuring insights from detective Meredith Lober, the hosts explore the complexities of solving this decades-old cold case, the challenges faced by law enforcement, and the broader historical context of Provincetown.

1. Introduction to the Lady of the Dunes Case

Julian Benzavale and Patrick Hines kick off the episode with excitement about exploring the Lady of the Dunes case, a legendary cold case in Massachusetts that remained unsolved for over 50 years.

• [00:15] Julian: "Look, all you need to know is we got a lesbian on the case, and she's gonna solve it."

They highlight the significance of Meredith Lober, a dedicated detective whose persistence eventually led to solving the case in her 40s.

• [00:32] Patrick: "It was the oldest cold case in the state for a long time. Until our girl Meredith. Totally."

2. Meredith Lober: The Detective

Meredith Lober is introduced as a trailblazing detective who overcame numerous obstacles to pursue the Lady of the Dunes case. Her dedication is both inspiring and central to the narrative.

• [00:36] Julian: "This is such an inspiring story of a detective who just happens to be a badass woman and a lesbian who gets the job done despite all of the hurdles the people that should be helping her are putting in her way."

3. Discovery of the Body and Initial Investigation

The case dates back to 1974 when the body of a woman was discovered in the dunes of Provincetown. The initial discovery was met with horror due to the state of decomposition and gruesome condition of the remains.

• [07:00] Meredith Lober: "When my parents tell the story, my mother used to say that she heard my sister go, mom, dad."

• [10:00] Meredith: "She was laying down face down on half of a beach towel... the body was nude when she was found."

The investigation revealed multiple theories, including potential mob involvement and attempts to hide the victim's identity.

• [03:21] Patrick: "We find out who the victim is, and then it's like, okay, now who killed her?"

4. Challenges in the Investigation

The investigation faced significant setbacks, including mishandling of evidence. Chief James Meade, deeply affected by the case, struggled with the loss of crucial evidence.

• [06:20] Patrick: "Fuck you. I'm not stopping. I owe it to her."

• [21:44] Jimmy Meade: "He contacted every state in the country, as many dentists as he could. You would think or hope that someone would have looked at that and said, yes, I know who that is. I worked on her."

Despite exhaustive efforts, the lack of DNA evidence and outdated forensic techniques in the 1970s hindered progress.

• [06:27] Patrick: "Which is, like, wild. It's like over 50 years."

5. Provincetown: From "Hell Town" to Today

The hosts provide a historical backdrop of Provincetown, highlighting its transformation from a tumultuous "Hell Town" in the 1970s to the vibrant, predominantly LGBTQ+ community it is today.

• [15:19] Merkedith Lober: "It was known as Hell Town. The bikers would take over one bar across Commercial Street. The fishermen would be another bar."

• [15:42] Patrick: "So, yeah, he tells us about Hell Town."

This context is crucial in understanding the environment in which the Lady of the Dunes case unfolded.

6. Related Serial Killer Cases in the Region

The episode touches upon other serial killer cases in the vicinity, notably Tony Costa and Haddon Clark, drawing parallels and distinctions with the Lady of the Dunes case.

• [18:16] Patrick: "So Tony died by suicide in prison, thank God. And they're saying that this is just not connected."

• [35:02] Patrick: "So Alec Wilkinson is an. He's looking for stories on the cape and the cops tell him about the serial killer."

7. New Leads and DNA Breakthrough

Advancements in DNA technology opened new avenues for solving the case. Dr. Bruce Jackson, a renowned forensic DNA scientist, exhumed the remains to obtain a full DNA profile, leading investigators to Rory Jean Kessinger as a potential suspect.

• [32:02] Patrick: "They exhumed the lady of the Dunes body and gave it to Jackson so he could get a full DNA profile."

• [33:31] Meredith Lober: "This was huge. This could solve the case. But it was not Rory Jean Kessinger."

8. The Confession of Haddon Clark

Haddon Clark, a suspect with a history of violent crimes, confessed to the Lady of the Dunes murder. His confession provided chilling details that matched the crime scene, but questions about his mental state and reliability persisted.

• [34:35] Patrick: "So now we have to talk about Haddon Clark. He's a serial killer. He confesses to the murder of the lady of the Dunes."

• [36:53] Jimmy Meade: "Clark's description of what he did to the lady of the Dunes was consistent with the crime scene."

Despite the confession, Meredith and the team remain cautious, acknowledging the complexities introduced by Clark's multiple personalities and past confessions.

• [37:06] Julian: "Show me on each. How far up? About an inch up."

9. Conclusion and Ongoing Mysteries

The episode concludes with unresolved threads, including the involvement of Daniel's family and continuing speculations about the true perpetrator. The hosts express a mix of frustration and hope, setting the stage for future episodes to delve deeper into the case.

• [40:42] Patrick: "I cannot believe in my lifetime I got to see this be solved. I know. It's really unbelievable. And it's like. It's also shitty, but it's also amazing."

• [41:27] Patrick: "We love her. I can't wait to dive in more. Like, we get so much more Meredith. This at first, like, the introduction, seems like we're going to be with her for the whole episode. This one, we're not, but trust me, we get so much more and it's like, so worth it. She's awesome."

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Dedication Pays Off: Meredith Lober's unwavering commitment showcases the impact that passionate individuals can have on solving cold cases.

• Systemic Challenges: The mishandling of evidence and bureaucratic hurdles highlight persistent issues within law enforcement agencies.

• Advancements in Forensics: The role of DNA technology underscores the importance of evolving forensic methods in modern investigations.

• Community History: Understanding Provincetown's transformation provides essential context for the sociocultural dynamics influencing the case.

• Mental Health and Reliability of Confessions: The complexities surrounding Haddon Clark's mental health raise important questions about the reliability of confessions and the intersection of mental illness with criminal responsibility.

Notable Quotes

• [00:15] Julian: "We got a lesbian on the case, and she's gonna solve it."

• [12:10] Patrick: "So the lady of the Dunes is the oldest. Until recently, the oldest cold case in the state of Massachusetts."

• [21:44] Jimmy Meade: "He contacted every state in the country, as many dentists as he could. You would think or hope that someone would have looked at that and said, yes, I know who that is. I worked on her."

• [31:58] Meredith Lober: "The timing was perfect for her to be the lady in the Dunes because that happened before the lady in the Dunes was found."

• [36:53] Jimmy Meade: "Clark's description of what he did to the lady of the Dunes was consistent with the crime scene."

• [40:20] Julian: "I thought we were going to get like, a deep belly."

Conclusion

"The Lady of the Dunes" episode of True Crime Obsessed offers a comprehensive exploration of one of Massachusetts' most haunting unsolved murders. Through engaging discussions, firsthand accounts, and a deep dive into forensic advancements, the hosts provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the case's intricacies and the relentless pursuit of justice by Meredith Lober. The episode sets the foundation for ongoing exploration, promising more revelations and insights in subsequent installments available on their Patreon.