Episode 245
- Jul 31, 2023
- 1:36:50
- Full Episode
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In June of 1996, 18-year-old Angie Dodge was found raped and murdered in her Idaho Falls apartment. For Idaho homicide detectives, this case was a big deal. Violent murders like this didn’t typically happen in their area, and they were determined to send someone to prison for Angie’s murder. Unfortunately, to the detriment and disgrace of their careers and to justice, they were willing to do just about anything to make that happen.<br /><br />Get instant access to all episodes, including premium unreleased episodes, commercial-free at swordandscale.com
Brief Summary
The episode details Angie Dodge's murder, Christopher Tapp's wrongful conviction, and the eventual identification of the true killer, Brian Dripps.
Key points
- The Investigation Begins. Detectives question Christopher Tapp about the murder, revealing a complex web of relationships.
- Confessions and Accusations. Chris Tapp confesses to knowing about the murder, implicating Ben Hobbs.
- DNA Results Shock. DNA testing reveals that neither Ben Hobbs nor Chris Tapp match the semen found on Angie.
- Chris Tapp's Confession. In January 1997, Chris Tapp confessed to witnessing his friends murder Angie Dodge, but inconsistencies arose.
- Manipulation Tactics Revealed. Detective Jared Furman manipulated Chris Tapp into a false confession, exploiting their prior relationship.
- The Ongoing Investigation. Despite DNA evidence, detectives remained convinced of Chris's guilt, leading to a wrongful conviction.
Episode highlights
- The Investigation BeginsDetectives question Christopher Tapp about the murder, revealing a complex web of relationships.“Chris was known as a river rat, just like Angie.”3:34Jul 31, 2023
- Confessions and AccusationsChris Tapp confesses to knowing about the murder, implicating Ben Hobbs.“Chris admitted that he was with Ben when Angie was killed.”14:49Jul 31, 2023
- DNA Results ShockDNA testing reveals that neither Ben Hobbs nor Chris Tapp match the semen found on Angie.“The DNA results only suggested that a third person must have also been involved.”21:03Jul 31, 2023
- Chris Tapp's ConfessionIn January 1997, Chris Tapp confessed to witnessing his friends murder Angie Dodge, but inconsistencies arose.“Chris Tapp confessed to Idaho Falls homicide detectives.”28:30Jul 31, 2023
- Manipulation Tactics RevealedDetective Jared Furman manipulated Chris Tapp into a false confession, exploiting their prior relationship.“Detective Furman leaned hard into that trust.”34:52Jul 31, 2023
- The Ongoing InvestigationDespite DNA evidence, detectives remained convinced of Chris's guilt, leading to a wrongful conviction.“Angie's murder could only be pinned on one person, Christopher Tapp.”53:45Jul 31, 2023
- Chris Tapp's False ConfessionChris confessed to stabbing Angie Dodge, leading to his wrongful conviction.“Based on that confession alone, Chris was convicted of rape and first-degree murder.”55:12Jul 31, 2023
- Carol Dodge's Relentless PursuitAngie's mother tirelessly sought justice and uncovered the truth behind Chris Tapp's confession.“Carol saw what anyone could see: detectives manipulating a young man into giving a false confession.”58:03Jul 31, 2023
Tension
85/ 100High tension
