Forensic Files

Talking Dateline: Cape Fear

Dateline NBC

  • Jul 2, 2025
  • 21:43
  • Full Episode
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<p>Josh Mankiewicz catches up with Dateline producer Shane Bishop about their classic episode, “Cape Fear.” Young mother Allison Jackson Foy went missing after leaving a Wilmington, North Carolina bar in 2006. Two years later, a man walking in the woods three miles from that bar, found her remains. Just 10 feet away, another set of remains was found—another missing woman, later identified as Angela Rothen. Both women had been murdered. Both murders remain unsolved. Josh and Shane discuss the “Unsolved Case Squad” used in this episode—which included Karen Read’s defense attorney Alan Jackson. They share behind the scenes details from Josh’s interview with the man Allison's family believes was responsible for her murder—something he denies. Plus, Josh shares an excerpt from his recent interview with Allison’s sister, Lisa Valentino, who today volunteers with the CUE Center for Missing Persons. “Lost Lane,” one of the cases she is working on, is featured in Season 4 of Josh’s Dateline: Missing in America podcast.</p><p> </p><p>If you have a question for Talking Dateline, send us an audio message on social @datelinenbc or leave us a voicemail at 212-413-5252.</p><p> </p><p>Listen to Season 4 of “Dateline: Missing in America” on Apple here: https://apple.co/4gdC871</p><p> </p><p>Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2dI7xHWuZj2tMBQSrUrV0J?si=c1f1c4671b47431f</p><p> </p><p>Listen to the full episode “Cape Fear” on Apple: https://apple.co/3I4ijmy</p><p> </p><p>Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Na8eD9QPDBQEyXRuoDfrD</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Brief Summary

The episode discusses Allison Jackson Foy's disappearance, the investigation, and updates on her family's quest for justice.

Key points

  • The Mystery of Allison's Disappearance. Allison Jackson Foy went missing in 2006, leading to a desperate search for answers.
  • A Shocking Discovery. Allison's remains were found next to another missing woman, raising fears of a serial killer.
  • The Email That Changed Everything. A woman emailed a PI claiming her husband might be involved, turning the investigation upside down.
  • Justice for Michelle Shepherd. Tim Iannone was convicted for a 1996 rape case, but Allison's murder remains unsolved.
  • Lisa Valentino's Ongoing Fight. Allison's sister continues to advocate for missing persons as a state outreach coordinator.

Tension

60/ 100Some tension

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