Today we will discuss a case that was disturbingly described as "romantic" in the media. July 15, 1984 in Big Sky, Montana. a young athlete, Kari Swenson went for her typical run when she disappears into the woods. By nightfall, searchers wonder: Did she get lost—or meet something far worse? Listen to today's episode and let us know, do you think Don and Dan Nichols were romantic or deranged?

Sources:

Wikipedia contributors. “Kari Swenson.” Wikipedia, last updated 2024.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kari_Swenson

Kidnap Victim Decries Myth of Mountain Men - Los Angeles Times

ESPN 30 for 30 Podcasts. “Out of the Woods.” 30 for 30 Podcasts, 2017.
https://30for30podcasts.com/episodes/out-of-the-woods/

“Where Are They Now? Kari Swenson.” FasterSkier, February 2017.
https://fasterskier.com/2017/02/where-are-they-now-kari-swenson/

Black Dog Veterinary Services (Bozeman, MT). Facebook post announcing retirement farewell for Dr. Swenson, June 2023.
https://www.facebook.com/blackdogvet/posts/to-honor-dr-swenson-we-will-have-a-come-and-go-retirement-farewell-on-tuesday-ju/953962180074973/

Associated Press. “Father, Son Guilty in Swenson Kidnapping and Killing.” The Billings Gazette, Sept. 1985.
https://billingsgazette.com/news/local/father-son-guilty-in-swenson-kidnapping-and-killing/article_3d3c76ac-5a2d-5e48-8e4d-4c410bc9a6f9.html

“Mountain Man Sentenced to 85 Years for Kidnapping Biathlete.” New York Times, Sept. 1985
https://www.nytimes.com/1985/09/13/us/mountain-man-sentenced-to-85-years.html

Associated Press. “Dan Nichols Sentenced to 20 Years for Role in Kari Swenson Abduction.” Great Falls Tribune, May 1985.
https://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/archives/1985/05/17/dan-nichols-sentenced/

“Capture Ends 5-Month Manhunt for Nichols Father and Son.” Missoulian, Dec. 14, 1984.
https://missoulian.com/news/local/capture-ends-5-month-manhunt-for-nichols-father-and-son/article_f6ec1f2d-73b4-5a94-9b84-8ea83acb3f10.html

Associated Press. “Parole Board Frees Don Nichols After 32 Years.” Helena Independent Record, Dec. 2017.
https://helenair.com/news/local/parole-board-frees-don-nichols-after-32-years/article_d08c9956-c8af-11e7-9d22-6b31a91e0a32.html