Digest

This podcast delves into the complex and tragic case of Marie Carlson, a mother of two who vanished from Florida's Emerald Coast. The episode begins by introducing Marie and her life, highlighting her adoption by an American serviceman's family and her later discovery of her biological father. It also explores her relationship with her sister, Esther, and her struggles with mental health. The podcast then focuses on the Calvary Emerald Coast Church, where Marie found spiritual solace and support. The episode highlights the church's charitable work and the close-knit community it fostered. However, it also raises questions about the church's involvement in Marie's disappearance. As the investigation unfolds, detectives begin to suspect foul play and explore the possibility of a homicide. The episode reveals the secret surrounding Marie's baby, Grace, and uncovers the truth about the baby's father, Pastor James Flanders, and the complex arrangement between Marie, James, and his wife, Tanya. The podcast then exposes the shocking truth about the pastor's polygamous relationship with Marie and Tanya. It reveals the secrets kept within the church and the lengths to which Tanya went to protect her marriage. The episode features the testimony of Jason Anderson, the youth pastor, who reveals a disturbing incident involving James' suicidal behavior and his confession about the polygamy. The podcast further uncovers the pastor's double life, revealing his involvement in online gold and silver hawking while running the church. It raises questions about his true motives and the extent of his deception. The episode details the detectives' efforts to locate Marie's body, including the use of cadaver dogs and ground penetrating radar. Despite their efforts, they are unable to find any evidence. The podcast explores the challenges of a cold case and the persistence of the investigators. It highlights the breakthrough that occurs when Marie's computer reveals incriminating text messages between her and James. The episode concludes with James Flanders' confession, revealing the details of his relationship with Marie and the events leading to her death. He admits to killing Marie in a struggle and burying her in his backyard.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Disappearance of Marie Carlson

The episode introduces the case of Marie Carlson, a mother of two who vanished from Florida's Emerald Coast. The episode highlights the mystery surrounding her disappearance and the efforts of investigators to uncover the truth.

00:01:05

Marie's Life and Relationships

The episode delves into Marie Carlson's life, revealing her complex past, including her adoption by an American serviceman's family and her later discovery that he was her father. It also explores her relationship with her sister, Esther, and her struggles with mental health.

00:13:50

The Calvary Emerald Coast Church

The episode focuses on the Calvary Emerald Coast Church, where Marie found spiritual solace and support. It highlights the church's charitable work and the close-knit community it fostered. However, the episode also raises questions about the church's involvement in Marie's disappearance.

00:18:33

The Investigation Begins

The episode shifts to the investigation into Marie's disappearance, as detectives begin to suspect foul play. They explore the possibility of a homicide and face the challenge of investigating without a body.

00:26:00

The Polygamy Revelation and its Consequences

The episode exposes the shocking truth about the pastor's polygamous relationship with Marie and Tanya. It reveals the secrets kept within the church and the lengths to which Tanya went to protect her marriage. The episode also features the testimony of Jason Anderson, the youth pastor, who reveals a disturbing incident involving James' suicidal behavior and his confession about the polygamy.

00:34:29

The Pastor's Confession and the Aftermath

The episode explores the challenges of a cold case and the persistence of the investigators. It highlights the breakthrough that occurs when Marie's computer reveals incriminating text messages between her and James. The episode concludes with James Flanders' confession, revealing the details of his relationship with Marie and the events leading to her death. He admits to killing Marie in a struggle and burying her in his backyard.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the initial mystery surrounding Marie Carlson's disappearance?

  Marie Carlson vanished from Florida's Emerald Coast, leaving behind her three-month-old baby with the pastor and his wife, but not her family or her older daughter. This unusual behavior sparked suspicion and led to an investigation.

• What was the significance of the Calvary Emerald Coast Church in Marie's life?

  The church provided Marie with a spiritual home and support during a difficult time in her life. However, it also became the setting for a complex web of secrets and deception surrounding her disappearance.

• What was the shocking truth about the pastor's relationship with Marie?

  The pastor, James Flanders, was involved in a polygamous relationship with Marie and his wife, Tanya. This revelation shocked the church community and played a key role in the investigation.

• How did the detectives finally solve the case?

  After years of investigation, a breakthrough occurred when forensic analysis of Marie's computer revealed incriminating text messages between her and James. This evidence, along with other circumstantial details, led to James' confession and conviction.

Show Notes