In 2002, Madison McGhee’s father, John McGhee, was shot and killed in his own home in Belmont County, Ohio. Driven by her desire to find justice she began conducting her own investigation into his murder that remains unsolved to this day. The police investigation did not yield any significant leads, leaving Madison and her family with more questions than answers - until now.

Join her not only on a quest for justice, for closure, for answers and she stops at nothing to answer this question: Who Killed J.C. McGhee?

It doesn’t get more personal than this.

Listen to Ice Cold Case: https://linktr.ee/icecoldcase

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In this first installment of Friday Night Fiction, a new series by James Wolner, a harmless social media group turns sinister in this modern noir tale set in Fargo, North Dakota. When a local banker’s carefully planned Friday night is disrupted by a group of self-appointed parking vigilantes, what begins as an inconvenience escalates into something far more dangerous. Written and narrated by James Wolner, Park Like a Fargonian explores how easily judgment can masquerade as justice—and how quickly control can slip away.

About Friday Night Fiction: Written and narrated by James Wolner, Friday Night Fiction delivers original crime stories set in North Dakota and the Upper Midwest. Inspired by The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, The Twilight Zone, and Dragnet, each episode blends atmosphere, moral complexity, and sharp storytelling—ranging from eerie one-shots to serialized suspense. New episodes released on select Friday nights.

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Friday Night Fiction is written and produced by James Wolner. All stories, dialogue, and creative content are original works of authorship and are © James Wolner. Reproduction, redistribution, or adaptation of any part of this podcast without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Legal Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The author and publisher assume no responsibility for any perceived associations, misinterpretations, or unintended similarities. No real persons or groups should be inferred from this story.

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We introduce you to our new series of original crime-inspired short stories, all set in North Dakota and the Upper Midwest. If you're a fan of true crime but curious to explore fictional tales with the same tension, twists, and emotional depth—this series is for you.

We’ll walk you through what to expect from future episodes, how often they’ll drop, and why true crime fans will feel right at home in these moody, mysterious, and distinctly Midwestern settings.

Welcome to Friday Night Fiction—your weekly escape into the dark side of the North.

About Friday Night Fiction: Written and narrated by James Wolner, Friday Night Fiction delivers original crime stories set in North Dakota and the Upper Midwest. Inspired by The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, The Twilight Zone, and Dragnet, each episode blends atmosphere, moral complexity, and sharp storytelling—ranging from eerie one-shots to serialized suspense. New episodes released on select Friday nights.

Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/

Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/

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Friday Night Fiction is written and produced by James Wolner. All stories, dialogue, and creative content are original works of authorship and are © James Wolner. Reproduction, redistribution, or adaptation of any part of this podcast without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Legal Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The author and publisher assume no responsibility for any perceived associations, misinterpretations, or unintended similarities. No real persons or groups should be inferred from this story.

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In May 1971, Pam Jackson and Sherri Miller were two seventeen-year-olds driving to an end-of-the-school-year party in a rundown Studebaker Lark when they seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth. In this episode James interviews author Lou Raguse, author of the riveting book Vanished in Vermillion: The Real Story of South Dakota’s Most Infamous Cold Case.

Check out Lou's website: https://vanishedinvermillion.com/

Purchase the book on Amazon https://www.amazon.se/-/en/Lou-Raguse/dp/1637587252

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Proudly Produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected]

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All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]

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On the evening of July 3, 1972, 16-year-old Joli Truelson stood hitchhiking in Uptown Minneapolis, MN. Just 15 hours later she was found deceased in Minnehaha Creek, four miles away. She died from blunt force trauma to the back of her head. In this episode, Dakota Spotlight interviews Trisha Taurinskas, journalst and host of a new podcast series about Joli's murder: Joli Truelson: Connecting the Dots.

Trisha shares insights about this 53-year-old cold case and the exciting new developments taking place in 2025. Will Trisha's fresh work on this case assist in the Truelson family finally getting answers into what happened to Joli Truelson?

Listen to Joli Truelson: Connecting the Dots on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vault/id1566136098

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Y6sk7Jkm8P9ruuNMOfO6w

Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/

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Proudly Produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected]

Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected]

All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]

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In 2017, Deon Wiggett confronted a repressed trauma: he had been sexually abused by a schoolteacher as a teenager. His response was to create "My Only Story," a podcast exploring justice, activism, and revenge. Dakota Spotlight interviewed Wiggett in August 2021 about the podcast and his experience.

My Only Story podcast: https://www.myonlystory.org/

Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/

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Proudly Produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected]

Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected]

All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]

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Continuing a Dakota Spotlight Valentine’s tradition, this special episode features an interview with Bruce Blackman, the mastermind behind the 1976 hit Moonlight Feels Right by Starbuck. James chats with Bruce about the song’s romantic charm, its iconic marimba solo, and the stories behind its creation. Whether it’s part of your Valentine’s playlist or a nostalgic favorite, don’t miss this heartfelt conversation celebrating love, music, and the magic of the ’70s.

Homicide at House of Bottles PLUS Bonus Material Free Preview https://dakotaspotlight.com/bottles/

Season 3: The House on Sweet and Seventh https://bit.ly/dakotaspotlight-season3

Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/

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Proudly Produced by PorchLight Podcast Network: https://porchlightpodcast.network/

Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected]

All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of PorchLight Podcast Network. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of PorchLight Podcast Network is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]

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In this postscript to Homicide at House of Bottles, we revisit key moments from the case through archival audio from local news reports—segments recorded immediately after the robbery-homicide and after a suspect was arrested.

We also speak with Bob Haas, a detective who worked the case, as he shares additional insights, reflections, and his thoughts on what really happened with the missing shell casing.

Videos of the original news coverage:

News segment immediately after the crime

News segment after a suspect was arrested

Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/

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Homicide at House of Bottles is a production of Dakota Spotlight and PorchLight Podcast Network. This season was written, produced, and sound-edited by James Wolner, who also serves as the host. Research and interview assistance by Mari Zoerb Hansen. Special thanks to Bob Haas, Lloyd Halvorson, and the Bismarck Police Department for their contributions to this season.

Email: [email protected]

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Proudly Produced by PorchLight Podcast Network: https://porchlightpodcast.network/

Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected]

All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of PorchLight Podcast Network. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of PorchLight Podcast Network is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]

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In the final scheduled episode of Homicide at House of Bottles, we reflect on the profound impact of Robbie Rahrich’s life and death while delving into themes of justice, rehabilitation, and accountability.

This episode features conversations with Shawn Helmenstein, who has spent 25 years in prison for the murder. Shawn offers new insights, including what happened to the missing shell casing and his evolving perspective on the crime. He also expresses his frustration with the uncertainty of his potential parole date some day.

Robbie’s friends and family express their enduring pain and opposition to Shawn’s attempts at early release.

Most importantly, this episode celebrates Robbie Rahrich—his kindness, energy, and the lasting influence he had on those who knew and loved him. His friends share their memories and reflect on how his absence continues to shape their lives.

Thank you for listening and for joining us in honoring Robbie’s life. Stay tuned for bonus episodes in the coming weeks.

Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/

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Homicide at House of Bottles is a production of Dakota Spotlight and PorchLight Podcast Network. This season was written, produced, and sound-edited by James Wolner, who also serves as the host. Research and interview assistance by Mari Zoerb Hansen. Special thanks to Bob Haas, Lloyd Halvorson, and the Bismarck Police Department for their contributions to this season.

Email: [email protected]

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YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800

Proudly Produced by PorchLight Podcast Network: https://porchlightpodcast.network/

Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected]

All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of PorchLight Podcast Network. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of PorchLight Podcast Network is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]

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In Episode 5, the case of Shawn Helmenstein moves toward resolution. After confessing to the murder of Robbie Rarich, Shawn participates in a videotaped walkthrough of the crime scene, calmly recounting his actions in stark contrast to the brutality of the crime. At trial, the prosecution systematically dismantles his defense of emotional duress, presenting his confessions, the murder weapon, and witness testimonies.

The sentencing judge delivers a pointed verdict, describing the murder as premeditated and calculated. Shawn is sentenced to life in prison, with parole eligibility only after serving 85% of his life expectancy.

The episode also brings us into the emotional heart of the story, as Robbie’s family and friends reflect on the pain of the trial and their enduring quest for justice. As we approach the series finale, we’ll delve into Shawn’s life behind bars, his efforts for sentence reduction, and a fuller portrait of Robbie Rarich as remembered by those who loved him.

Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/

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Homicide at House of Bottles is a production of Dakota Spotlight and PorchLight Podcast Network. This season was written, produced, and sound-edited by James Wolner, who also serves as the host. Research and interview assistance by Mari Zoerb Hansen. Special thanks to Bob Haas, Lloyd Halvorson, and the Bismarck Police Department for their contributions to this season.

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight

X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight

Instagram: @dakotaspotlight

TikTok: @dakotaspotlight

Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social

YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800

Proudly Produced by PorchLight Podcast Network: https://porchlightpodcast.network/

Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected]

All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of PorchLight Podcast Network. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of PorchLight Podcast Network is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]

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