396: Secrets of the Lake (From 20/20)
5Digest
The podcast delves into the intriguing case of a body found in a barrel at Lake Mead, a man-made lake near Las Vegas. The hosts discuss the lake's history, its reputation as a dumping ground for mob hits, and the recent discovery of numerous bodies due to the lake's receding water levels. They explore the details of the victim, a man who was shot in the head, and the lack of a bullet in the barrel, suggesting a possible mob hit. The hosts transport listeners back to the 1970s in Las Vegas, a time when the Italian mafia held significant power and influence, and discuss the role of organized crime in the city's development. They focus on Johnny Pappas, a man considered the most likely victim, due to his connections to the mob and his potential involvement with the government as a witness. The episode introduces Tony Spalatio, a hot-headed enforcer and murderer, as the main suspect, drawing parallels between him and Nikki Santoro, a character from the movie Casino. The hosts explore the growing trend of treasure hunters and YouTubers visiting Lake Mead, seeking to find artifacts and even dead bodies, discussing the ethical implications of this activity and the potential for exploitation of missing persons cases. The podcast concludes with a look at the history of St. Thomas, a town submerged by the creation of Lake Mead, and discusses the environmental concerns surrounding the lake, including the impact of drought and climate change. The hosts highlight the need for responsible water management and the potential for preserving the lake as a natural resource.
Outlines
Introduction and Patreon Announcement
The podcast begins with an upbeat introduction and a major announcement: for the first time, a fully edited video version of the episode is available for purchase on Patreon. The hosts explain the new format and pricing options for both Patreon members and non-members.
The Secrets of Lake Mead: A Mouthful of a Title
The episode dives into the mysterious case of a body found in a barrel at Lake Mead, a man-made lake near Las Vegas. The hosts discuss the lake's history, its reputation as a dumping ground for mob hits, and the recent discovery of numerous bodies due to the lake's receding water levels.
Zipper Cruder: Hiring Made Easy
The hosts take a break to discuss Zipper Cruder, a hiring platform that helps employers find qualified candidates quickly. They share their personal experiences with the platform and highlight its features, including smart technology, fast matching, and the ability to invite top candidates to apply.
The Barrel and the Bullet: A Murder Mystery
The episode delves into the details of the body found in the barrel, revealing that the victim was shot in the head. The hosts discuss the lack of a bullet in the barrel and the possibility of a mob hit. They also explore the significance of the victim's clothing and the time period of his death.
Vegas in the 1970s: A Time of Mob Rule
The hosts transport listeners back to the 1970s in Las Vegas, a time when the Italian mafia held significant power and influence. They discuss the role of organized crime in the city's development and the prevalence of mob hits.
Johnny Pappas: The Most Likely Victim
The hosts focus on Johnny Pappas, a man who is considered the most likely victim in the barrel case. They discuss his connections to the mob, his high-profile lifestyle, and his potential involvement with the government as a witness.
Tony Spalatio: The Main Suspect
The episode introduces Tony Spalatio, a hot-headed enforcer and murderer who is the main suspect in the case. The hosts draw parallels between Spalatio and Nikki Santoro, a character from the movie Casino, and discuss the potential connection between Spalatio and the victim.
Treasure Hunters and Corpse Water: The Dark Side of Lake Mead
The hosts explore the growing trend of treasure hunters and YouTubers visiting Lake Mead, seeking to find artifacts and even dead bodies. They discuss the ethical implications of this activity and the potential for exploitation of missing persons cases.
The Town That Disappeared: A History of St. Thomas
The episode concludes with a look at the history of St. Thomas, a town that was submerged by the creation of Lake Mead. The hosts discuss the town's unique past, its ice cream parlor, and the story of a man who set his house on fire and rode off in a rowboat as the water rose.
The Mystery of Lake Mead: A Look at the Future
The podcast discusses the discovery of multiple sets of human remains in Lake Mead, a reservoir in Nevada. The remains were found over a period of six months, starting in May 2022. The podcast explores the potential causes of the deaths, including mob activity and the lake's history. It also discusses the environmental concerns surrounding the lake, including the impact of drought and climate change, and the need for responsible water management.
Keywords
Lake Mead
A man-made reservoir on the Colorado River, located near Las Vegas, Nevada. It is known for its recreational activities, but also for its history of mob hits and the recent discovery of numerous bodies due to the lake's receding water levels.
Mob Hit
A murder committed by members of organized crime, often involving violence and disposal of the body in a discreet location. Lake Mead has been a popular dumping ground for mob hits due to its remote location and vast size.
Receding Water Levels
The gradual decrease in the water level of a lake or reservoir, often caused by factors such as drought, climate change, and increased water usage. The receding water levels at Lake Mead have led to the discovery of numerous bodies and artifacts that were previously submerged.
Treasure Hunter
A person who searches for valuable objects, such as gold, jewels, or historical artifacts, often in remote or underwater locations. The receding water levels at Lake Mead have attracted treasure hunters, some of whom are seeking to find dead bodies for profit or notoriety.
Climate Change
The long-term shift in global weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Climate change is a major factor contributing to the receding water levels at Lake Mead and the discovery of bodies and artifacts that were previously submerged.
Human Remains
The bodies or parts of bodies of deceased individuals. The discovery of human remains in Lake Mead has raised concerns about the lake's safety and history.
Mob Activity
Criminal activity associated with organized crime groups. The podcast suggests that mob activity may have played a role in some of the deaths in Lake Mead.
Closure
The process of accepting the loss of a loved one and moving on with life. The families of those whose remains were found in Lake Mead are seeking closure and answers about what happened to their loved ones.
Water Management
The process of planning, developing, and managing water resources. The podcast highlights the need for responsible water management in the face of drought and climate change.
Q&A
What is the main topic of this episode?
The episode explores the mysterious case of a body found in a barrel at Lake Mead, a man-made lake near Las Vegas. It delves into the lake's history, its reputation as a dumping ground for mob hits, and the recent discovery of numerous bodies due to the lake's receding water levels.
Why are so many bodies being found at Lake Mead?
Due to climate change and increased water usage, the water levels at Lake Mead have been receding significantly, revealing bodies and artifacts that were previously submerged.
Who is the most likely victim in the barrel case?
The most likely victim is Johnny Pappas, a man who was known for his connections to the mob and his high-profile lifestyle. He was also contemplating becoming a government witness, which could have made him a target.
Who is the main suspect in the case?
The main suspect is Tony Spalatio, a hot-headed enforcer and murderer who was known for his violent tendencies. He was also associated with Frank Rosenthal, a mob-connected casino executive.
What are the ethical implications of treasure hunters visiting Lake Mead?
Some treasure hunters are exploiting missing persons cases for profit or notoriety, which is disrespectful to the families of the victims. It is important to approach this activity with sensitivity and respect for the deceased.
What are some of the potential causes of the deaths in Lake Mead?
The podcast suggests that mob activity, accidents, and natural causes may have played a role in the deaths. The lake's history and the changing water levels may also be contributing factors.
How are the families of those whose remains were found in Lake Mead coping with the discoveries?
The families are seeking closure and answers about what happened to their loved ones. The podcast highlights the emotional toll of these discoveries and the ongoing search for answers.
What are the environmental concerns surrounding Lake Mead?
The podcast discusses the impact of drought and climate change on the lake. The shrinking water levels pose a threat to the lake's ecosystem and the surrounding communities.
What are some potential solutions for managing Lake Mead in the future?
The podcast suggests that responsible water management, including conservation efforts and the potential for preserving the lake as a natural resource, are crucial for the future of Lake Mead.
Show Notes
FAM!! Do you want to WATCH this episode instead of just listening to it? For the first time ever, we have a FULLY PRODUCED VIDEO VERSION of this episode, available for purchase on Patreon! CHECK IT OUT HERE!
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