Digest

This podcast delves into the complex and tragic case of Natalie Bollinger, a young woman who disappeared from her home in Colorado. The story begins with the emergence of an online mob, fueled by rumors and speculation, that quickly fixated on Sean Schwartz, a mentally ill man with a history of stalking Natalie, as the primary suspect. However, as the investigation unfolds, the detectives uncover a different truth. The podcast explores Natalie's troubled past, marked by domestic violence and instability, and her relationship with Sean, a troubled individual she tried to help. It highlights Sean's escalating obsession with Natalie, culminating in online threats and a restraining order. The investigation takes a turn when the police discover a mysterious unknown number in Natalie's phone records, leading them to Joseph Lopez, a Domino's Pizza delivery driver. Through a series of interviews and investigations, inconsistencies in Joseph's story emerge, ultimately leading to his arrest. Joseph's confession reveals a shocking truth: Natalie had posted an ad on Craigslist seeking a hitman, and Joseph, posing as a hitman, responded to her request. The podcast details their interactions and the tragic events that led to Natalie's death. The podcast concludes with the revelation of the authenticity of Natalie's Craigslist post and Joseph's sentence, highlighting the family's disappointment with the outcome. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of online mobs, the importance of thorough investigations, and the devastating consequences of mental health struggles.

Outlines

00:01:05

The Case of Natalie Bollinger: A Tale of Online Mobs and Misguided Justice

This chapter introduces the case of Natalie Bollinger, a 19-year-old who disappeared from her home in Colorado. It highlights the role of online mobs in spreading rumors and accusations, leading to a rush to judgment before the truth is known.

00:02:12

The Gates of Hell: Riverdale Road and its Chilling Legends

This chapter delves into the history of Riverdale Road, a seemingly ordinary street in Colorado, but known for its chilling legends. It explores the story of David Walpert, an early settler who built a grand mansion that later burned down, leaving behind a trail of ghostly apparitions and urban legends.

00:04:47

The Discovery of Natalie's Body and the Initial Suspect: Sean Schwartz

This chapter describes the discovery of Natalie's body by two ghost hunters on Riverdale Road. It introduces Sean Schwartz, a mentally ill man with a history of stalking Natalie, who quickly becomes the primary suspect due to his online posts and past behavior.

00:12:52

Natalie's Troubled Past and Her Relationship with Sean Schwartz

This chapter explores Natalie's troubled upbringing, marked by domestic violence and instability. It details her relationship with Sean, a troubled individual who she befriended and tried to help. Their connection is characterized by a shared vulnerability and a desire for connection.

00:25:19

The Investigation and the Unexpected Truth

This chapter covers the investigation into Natalie's murder, starting with her boyfriend, Joey Marino, who is eventually cleared as a suspect. It highlights the online mob's focus on Sean Schwartz, while the detectives uncover a different truth through their investigation. The chapter details the discovery of a mysterious unknown number in Natalie's phone records, leading them to Joseph Lopez, a Domino's Pizza delivery driver.

00:36:46

Joseph's Confession and the Craigslist Hitman

This chapter details Joseph's confession, where he claims to have met Natalie through a Craigslist post where she was seeking a hitman. He describes their interactions and his role-playing as a hitman, leading to Natalie's death. It also reveals the truth behind Natalie's Craigslist post, confirming its authenticity and Joseph's involvement. It describes the plea deal and Joseph's sentence, highlighting the family's disappointment with the outcome.

Keywords

Q&A

• How did the online mob influence the investigation into Natalie's murder?

  The online mob, fueled by rumors and speculation, quickly focused on Sean Schwartz as the primary suspect. This pressure and public opinion created a challenge for the detectives, who were trying to conduct a thorough investigation based on evidence.

• What role did Natalie's mental health struggles play in her death?

  Natalie's mental health struggles, including depression and suicidal thoughts, led her to post a Craigslist ad seeking a hitman. This desperate act ultimately led her to Joseph Lopez, who took advantage of her vulnerability and ultimately killed her.

• How did the police use technology to solve the case?

  The police used Natalie's phone records to identify Joseph Lopez as a suspect. They also used surveillance footage to confirm Joey Marino's alibi and cell phone location data to track Joseph's movements.

• What was the outcome of the case?

  Joseph Lopez was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He eventually pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of second-degree murder and received a sentence of 40 years in prison.

Show Notes