Up and Vanished Weekly: Episode Summary – "MURDERED: Donna Lass"

Release Date: April 16, 2025
Host/Author: Tenderfoot TV (Payne Lindsay and Maggie Freeling)
Guest: Matt Frederick, Host of "Stuff They Don't Want You to Know"

Introduction and Case Background

[01:35] Maggie Freeling
The episode begins by setting the stage for the disappearance of Donna Lass on September 7, 1970. Donna, a 25-year-old registered nurse, had recently moved to Stateline, Nevada, to work at the Sahara Hotel Casino in Lake Tahoe. Her friend, Joanne Goetche, had traveled from San Francisco to spend the Labor Day weekend with her. However, Donna failed to show up for their planned meeting, sparking concerns that led to her being reported missing after 24 hours without contact.

[06:01] Matt Frederick
Maggie introduces Donna as a well-adjusted individual with no apparent reason to vanish voluntarily. She was living in a safe, tourist-friendly area during an era when serial killers were not yet prevalent in that region.

Disappearance and Initial Investigation

[07:50] Maggie Freeling
Donna's last known activities include leaving work at the Sahara Hotel Casino around 2:00 AM after clocking out and leaving a note in the nurse's logbook. An anonymous call on September 7 falsely claimed that Donna would not return to work due to a family illness. Investigators found Donna’s car at her apartment with neatfolded clothes and the bathroom light still on, but no signs of forced entry or struggle, suggesting she did not leave willingly.

[10:59] Matt Frederick
Matt discusses the suspicious nature of the caller’s message, noting it resembles modern cases where victims’ missing reports are quickly followed up via digital means, unlike the slower 1970s communication methods. This detail implies the caller might have known Donna personally.

Potential Connection to Serial Killers

[11:08] Payne Lindsay
Following a brief advertisement break, the discussion resumes with Matt examining the possibility that Donna Lass could have been a victim of a serial killer active during that period.

[15:52] Maggie Freeling
Payne introduces a significant development: a postcard received by Paul Avery, a reporter at the San Francisco Chronicle, in 1971. The postcard contained the same symbol used by the infamous Zodiac Killer and included cryptic messages referencing the Lake Tahoe area. Handwriting analysis confirmed the postcard was from the Zodiac, leading investigators to suspect Donna was victim number 12.

[19:58] Matt Frederick
Matt elaborates on the theory that Donna could have been targeted by the Zodiac Killer. He notes that prior to Donna’s disappearance, similar cases emerged, including the murder of Judith Hikari and Nancy Benallic in the same region, all described as "clean girls" with respectable professions like nursing and court reporting.

Expert Discussion: Matt Frederick on the Zodiac Connection

[25:45] Matt Frederick
Matt introduces himself as a guest with extensive experience analyzing conspiracy theories and the Zodiac Killer. He discusses the complexities of the Zodiac case, highlighting the difficulty in confirming whether Donna Lass was indeed a victim, given the Zodiac's evolving methods and the lack of definitive evidence.

[26:07] Matt Frederick & Guest
The conversation delves into the fascination with the Zodiac Killer, emphasizing the mystery surrounding his identity and the psychological impact of an unidentified predator terrorizing communities.

[28:04] Guest
The guest (presumably Matt Frederick) points out inconsistencies in the Zodiac's modus operandi over time, such as shifts from using pistols to knives and then to abductions. This variability raises questions about whether a single individual was responsible or if multiple perpetrators might be involved.

[35:11] Matt Frederick
Matt reflects on the identification of Donna Lass’s remains in 2023, affirming she was murdered and discussing the potential links to the Zodiac Killer. He raises the issue of other potential suspects, including John Davis, whose DNA was later identified in connection with another victim, and explores whether Davis could be connected to Donna’s case.

Recent Developments and Theories

[38:22] Guest
The discussion shifts to the psychological toll of researching such cases, with references to authors like Jarrett Kobek who explore the subjective nature of connecting evidence to suspects. The conversation highlights the challenge of distinguishing between factual evidence and researcher bias.

[40:07] Matt Frederick
Matt mentions the possibility of connecting Donna Lass’s case to other killers, such as the Witchcraft Killer, who was suspected of murdering over 30 women along the West Coast in the mid-1970s. The Witchcraft Killer was linked to symbols found at crime scenes, similar to those used by the Zodiac.

[42:04] Matt Frederick
The episode addresses the ongoing mystery of whether Donna Lass was a Zodiac victim, noting that despite the identification of her remains and the suspicious postcard, no definitive evidence has yet confirmed her link to the Zodiac Killer.

Family Statement and Official Positions

[45:48] Payne Lindsay
Payne reads a heartfelt statement from Donna Lass’s family, expressing gratitude towards law enforcement for their efforts and the closure provided by the identification of Donna’s remains. The family remains hopeful for additional information and justice for Donna.

[35:11] Matt Frederick
Matt emphasizes the importance of closure for the victim’s family and the potential for solving other related cases once the Zodiac's identity is confirmed.

Conclusion and Call to Action

[46:34] Matt Frederick
The episode concludes with Matt urging listeners who have information about Donna Lass’s case to contact the South Lake Tahoe Police Department. He also thanks Matt Frederick for his insights and encourages listeners to explore related podcasts and series for a deeper understanding of the Zodiac Killer.

[47:33] Maggie Freeling
Final credits roll, acknowledging the production team, researchers, and contributors involved in creating the episode.

Notable Quotes

• Maggie Freeling
  “Donna never smoked, rarely drank, and faithfully attended church every Sunday.”
  [04:02]

• Matt Frederick
  “The missing child is Lucia Blix, 9 years old. Please let her come back home safely tonight.”
  (Note: This appears to be an advertisement content mistakenly included and not related to Donna Lass’s case.

• Matt Frederick
  “We might never know who the Zodiac Killer is, but fortunately, people are trying to figure that out.”
  [44:06]

• Payne Lindsay
  “The recent identification of Donna's remains has provided some long awaited closure to our family.”
  [45:48]

Key Takeaways

• Donna Lass's Disappearance: Donna Lass vanished in September 1970 in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, sparking one of the most intensive investigations of the time.

• Investigation Insights: Initial clues suggested that Donna did not leave willingly, with no signs of struggle or forced entry, leading investigators to suspect foul play.

• Zodiac Killer Connection: A suspicious postcard linked to the Zodiac Killer raised the possibility that Donna could have been his 12th victim, though definitive proof remains elusive.

• Expert Analysis: Matt Frederick provides a nuanced perspective on the challenges of connecting historical cases to known or suspected serial killers, emphasizing the complexity of the Zodiac case.

• Recent Developments: The identification of Donna’s remains in 2023 and advancements in genetic genealogy offer renewed hope for resolving her case and potentially linking her to other victims.

• Family’s Hope for Justice: Donna Lass’s family continues to seek closure and justice, encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

Final Thoughts

The episode "MURDERED: Donna Lass" delves deep into a decades-old mystery, exploring the intricate web of evidence and theories that surround her disappearance and tragic end. By examining potential links to the notorious Zodiac Killer and discussing the challenges faced by investigators and researchers, the podcast offers a comprehensive look into one of true crime’s enduring enigmas. Donna Lass's case remains a poignant reminder of the unresolved mysteries that continue to haunt families and communities, highlighting the relentless pursuit of truth and justice.