Dana Chisholm (Jack of Diamonds, Washington, D.C.)
Digest
This episode delves into the unsolved murder of Dana Chism, a young woman who was found dead in her Washington, D.C. apartment in 1995. The episode begins by introducing Dana and the unusual circumstances surrounding her death, including a mysterious phone call from a man claiming to be a detective. The investigation is further complicated by the discovery of a disturbing message left by the killer, suggesting that he will be back. The episode explores the missing evidence, including Dana's date book, diary, and caller ID box, which were likely taken by the killer to erase any trace of their presence. It is revealed that Dana was working as an escort, leading to a wide range of potential suspects, including several law enforcement officers. The episode also examines the potential connection between Dana and Detective Lewis Douglas, who initially denied knowing her but later remembered meeting her during an investigation. The episode concludes with an update from the current police commander, who confirms that progress has been made in the case, possibly related to the testing of evidence. The episode emphasizes the importance of testing available evidence to finally bring justice to Dana and her family.
Outlines
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Unsolved Murder of Dana Chism
This episode investigates the unsolved murder of Dana Chism, a young woman who was found dead in her Washington, D.C. apartment in 1995. The episode begins by introducing Dana and the unusual circumstances surrounding her death, including a mysterious phone call from a man claiming to be a detective. The investigation is further complicated by the discovery of a disturbing message left by the killer, suggesting that he will be back.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Mysterious Phone Call and Missing Evidence
The episode explores the missing evidence, including Dana's date book, diary, and caller ID box, which were likely taken by the killer to erase any trace of their presence. It is revealed that Dana was working as an escort, leading to a wide range of potential suspects, including several law enforcement officers.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Landlord's Discovery and the Crime Scene
The episode details the discovery of Dana's body by her landlord and the subsequent investigation by the police. The episode also examines the disturbing message left by the killer, suggesting that he will be back.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Killer's Identity and the Connection to Detective Douglas
The episode examines the potential connection between Dana and Detective Lewis Douglas, who initially denied knowing her but later remembered meeting her during an investigation. The episode also explores the possibility that the killer had a personal relationship with Dana and may have ties to law enforcement.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Mysterious Caller and the Search for Answers
The episode explores the significance of the message left by the killer, "I'll be back in PE," and the possibility that it holds clues about his identity. The investigators believe that the killer had a personal relationship with Dana and may have ties to law enforcement.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The DNA Evidence and the Lack of Progress
The episode discusses the potential for DNA evidence in the case, including samples from the crime scene and fetal tissue. However, due to limited resources and the inability to locate some evidence, the investigation has stalled.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Recent Progress and the Importance of Testing
The episode concludes with an update from the current police commander, who confirms that progress has been made in the case, possibly related to the testing of evidence. The episode emphasizes the importance of testing available evidence to finally bring justice to Dana and her family.
Keywords
Dana Chism
Dana Chism was a young woman who was murdered in Washington, D.C. in 1995. Her case remains unsolved, but investigators are actively working to identify her killer.
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)
The Metropolitan Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency for Washington, D.C. They are responsible for investigating crimes, including homicides, and working to bring perpetrators to justice.
Cold Case
A cold case is an unsolved criminal investigation that has been inactive for a significant period of time. Cold cases are often revisited when new evidence or technology becomes available.
DNA Evidence
DNA evidence is a powerful tool used in criminal investigations to identify suspects and link them to crime scenes. Advances in DNA technology have led to the solving of many cold cases.
Escort
An escort is a person who provides companionship or sexual services for a fee. The term can have different connotations depending on the context.
CODIS
CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) is a national database of DNA profiles used by law enforcement agencies to identify suspects and link crimes.
Season of Justice
Season of Justice is a non-profit organization that provides grants to law enforcement agencies to fund DNA testing in cold cases.
Q&A
What were the unusual circumstances surrounding Dana Chism's murder?
Dana's parents received a fake phone call from a man claiming to be a detective, informing them that Dana was in jail for sex work. This call turned out to be a lie, but it added a layer of confusion and suspicion to the investigation.
What evidence was missing from Dana's apartment?
Dana's date book, diary, caller ID box, and apartment key were missing, suggesting that the killer intentionally tried to erase any trace of their presence in her life.
Why was DNA testing limited in 1995?
DNA testing was expensive and resource-intensive in 1995. It was primarily used to confirm the guilt of a known suspect, not to identify potential suspects.
What recent progress has been made in Dana's case?
The current police commander confirmed that progress has been made in the case, possibly related to the testing of evidence. However, he could not provide specific details due to the ongoing investigation.
What is the significance of Dana's pregnancy in the case?
Dana's pregnancy is a crucial piece of the puzzle, as it could lead to the identification of the biological father, who may be a potential suspect.
What can listeners do to help solve Dana's case?
Listeners can contact the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. with any information they may have about Dana's case. They can also remain anonymous and text tips to the MPD's text tip line.
Show Notes
Our card this week is Dana Chisholm, the Jack of Diamonds from Washington, D.C.
I’ve been telling victims’ stories for 6½ years now. I’ve been a consumer of them for even longer. And in all that time, few stories have haunted me the way Dana’s has. Her killer was bold, so confident police would never catch him, that he taunted them. And for nearly 30 years, he’s been able to get away with it. But I think that’s coming to an end. Because even though it seems like he tried to do everything he could to erase himself from Dana’s apartment and her life, it looks like he didn’t cover all his tracks. He may have just left something behind that could finally give him away.
- If you have any information about the murder of Dana Chisholm in February of 1995 in Washington, D.C., please contact the Metropolitan Police Department at 202-727-9099, or remain anonymous by texting your tip to MPD’s Text Tip Line at 50411. There is a $25,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest and conviction in the homicide of Dana Chisholm.
Dana’s case is one we wanted you to see with your own eyes. So for the first time ever….. we’re inviting you to watch this episode with us as a VIDEO! Head over to our Crime Junkie YouTube channel to see Dana Chisholm’s case unfold.
View source material and photos for this episode at: thedeckpodcast.com/dana-chisholm
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A whore gets murdered for blackmailing the wrong person. I'm shocked.
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