Digest

This episode of Dateline explores the mysterious disappearance and subsequent murder of 16-year-old Brittany Yolaki in Elko County, Nevada. Brittany, known for her love of horses and rodeo, vanished after meeting up with her friend Bryce Dickey. As the search for Brittany intensified, investigators uncovered inconsistencies in Bryce's story, leading them to suspect his involvement. The discovery of Brittany's body in a remote area, along with evidence linking Bryce to the scene, ultimately led to his arrest and conviction for her murder and sexual assault. The episode delves into the investigation, highlighting the challenges of searching a vast and unforgiving desert landscape, the emotional toll on Brittany's family and friends, and the complexities of the case, which involved multiple theories and a web of relationships. The episode concludes with the trial and conviction of Bryce Dickey, leaving Brittany's family and friends grappling with the loss of a vibrant young woman and the realization that justice, while served, cannot bring her back.

Outlines

00:00:00

Brittany's Love for Horses and Rodeo

This Chapter introduces Brittany Yolaki, a 16-year-old girl who shared a passion for horses and rodeo with her close friend Selina Winkler. Brittany's love for the rodeo was a significant part of her life, and it's revealed that she dreamed of becoming a rodeo queen. The chapter highlights the strong bond between Brittany and Selina, which was rooted in their shared love for horses and the rodeo lifestyle.

00:01:55

Brittany's Disappearance and the Search Begins

This Chapter details the events leading up to Brittany's disappearance. Brittany's father, Jim Yolaki, describes his last interaction with her before she left to meet up with her friend Bryce Dickey. The chapter then shifts to the frantic search for Brittany, as Jim and her mother, Alicia, make calls and try to locate her. The chapter also introduces Lieutenant Doug Fisher, who was involved in the initial investigation, and discusses the challenges of searching the vast and remote Elko County.

00:23:27

The Discovery of Brittany's Body

This Chapter marks a turning point in the investigation as Brittany's body is discovered in a remote area called Berner Basin. The chapter details the emotional impact of the discovery on Brittany's family and friends, particularly her mother, Alicia, and her close friend, Cara. The chapter also provides details about the condition of Brittany's body, revealing signs of extreme violence, including strangulation and a stab wound to the neck.

00:26:47

Bryce Dickey Becomes a Suspect

This Chapter focuses on Bryce Dickey, Brittany's close friend, who becomes a suspect in her murder. The chapter explores the relationship between Brittany and Bryce, highlighting their close bond and the fact that Bryce was the last person to see Brittany alive. The chapter also details the inconsistencies in Bryce's story, which raise suspicions among investigators and Brittany's family.

00:33:10

Bryce's Confession and the Evidence

This Chapter details the confrontation between Bryce Dickey and investigators, leading to his confession. The chapter reveals that Bryce lied about his whereabouts on the day of Brittany's disappearance, and that he had a sexual encounter with her. The chapter also presents evidence that contradicts Bryce's initial account, including security footage that shows his truck traveling in a different direction than he claimed. The chapter concludes with Bryce's arrest and the charges against him.

00:37:47

Bryce's Trial and Conviction

This Chapter focuses on Bryce Dickey's trial, where prosecutors presented their case against him, arguing that he sexually assaulted and murdered Brittany. The chapter highlights the emotional toll of the trial on Brittany's family, particularly her father, Jim, who struggled to contain his anger and grief. The chapter also details the defense's arguments, which focused on the circumstantial nature of the evidence and the possibility that Bryce was lying out of embarrassment or to protect Brittany. The chapter concludes with the jury's verdict, finding Bryce Dickey guilty of murder and sexual assault.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was Brittany Yolaki's passion?

  Brittany was passionate about horses and rodeo. She dreamed of becoming a rodeo queen.

• What were the challenges of searching for Brittany in Elko County?

  Elko County is a vast and remote area with wide-open spaces, abandoned mineshafts, and many places to hide. The sparse population made it difficult to find witnesses or gather information.

• What inconsistencies in Bryce Dickey's story raised suspicions?

  Bryce initially claimed he dropped Brittany off at Spring Creek High School, but security footage showed his truck traveling in a different direction. He also changed his account of the cowboy's location in the truck.

• What evidence linked Bryce to the crime scene?

  Bryce's DNA was found on a condom and chewing tobacco at the scene. Security footage also showed his truck traveling to the area where Brittany's body was found.

• What was the emotional impact of the trial on Brittany's family?

  Brittany's father, Jim, was consumed by anger and grief. He struggled to contain his emotions in the courtroom and expressed a desire for revenge.

• What was the defense's argument in Bryce's trial?

  The defense argued that the prosecution's case was circumstantial and that the scientific evidence contradicted their timeline. They suggested that Bryce was lying out of embarrassment or to protect Brittany.

• What was the outcome of Bryce Dickey's trial?

  Bryce Dickey was found guilty of murder and sexual assault. He was sentenced to life in prison.

• What was the significance of Brittany's love for horses and rodeo in the case?

  Brittany's love for horses and rodeo provided a glimpse into her personality and her dreams. It also highlighted the close-knit community in Elko County, where her murder had a profound impact.

• What lessons can be learned from Brittany Yolaki's case?

  Brittany's case serves as a reminder of the dangers that can exist in seemingly safe communities. It also highlights the importance of listening to victims and their families, and the need for justice in cases of violence against women.

• What is the lasting impact of Brittany Yolaki's murder?

  Brittany's murder left a lasting impact on her family and friends, who continue to grieve her loss. The case also raised awareness about the dangers of sexual violence and the importance of supporting victims and their families.

Show Notes