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Talking Dateline: Young Lords of Chaos

Talking Dateline: Young Lords of Chaos

Update: 2024-08-21
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This podcast episode delves into the story of a group of teenagers who commit murder, focusing on their amoral behavior and the reporter's descent into their world. The episode highlights the dynamics of peer pressure, the influence of a charismatic leader, and the reporter's own struggles. The episode features an interview with Pat Schwibby Dunbar, the sister of the victim, Mark Schwibby. She shares her personal experiences, the impact of her brother's death, and her journey of healing and forgiveness. Pat discusses her thoughts on Jim Greenhill's book about the case, acknowledging its focus on the perpetrators while highlighting the importance of telling the victim's story. She reflects on Jim's relationship with Kevin Foster and the exploration of his own potential darkness. Pat shares her cherished memories of her brother, Mark, emphasizing his kind nature and the impact of his loss. She expresses her struggle to understand the senselessness of his death and her determination to live a fulfilling life despite the tragedy.

Outlines

00:00:00
The Murder, the Reporter, and the Sister

This episode introduces the story of a group of teenagers who commit murder, the reporter who becomes deeply involved in their lives, and the victim's sister's journey of healing and forgiveness. The episode previews an interview with the victim's sister, Pat Schwibby Dunbar, who will share her perspective on the events.

00:00:34
The Teens, the Reporter, and the Crime

This episode delves into the story of the teenagers, highlighting their amoral behavior and the reporter's descent into the world of the crime. The discussion explores the dynamics of peer pressure, the influence of a charismatic leader, and the reporter's own struggles.

00:11:36
Pat Schwibby Dunbar's Story

This episode features an interview with Pat Schwibby Dunbar, the sister of the victim, Mark Schwibby. She shares her personal experiences, the impact of her brother's death, and her journey of healing and forgiveness.

00:18:43
Reflections on the Case and the Book

This episode explores Pat's thoughts on Jim Greenhill's book about the case, acknowledging its focus on the perpetrators while highlighting the importance of telling the victim's story. She reflects on Jim's relationship with Kevin Foster and the exploration of his own potential darkness.

Keywords

Peer Pressure


The influence exerted by a group of peers on an individual's behavior, beliefs, and decisions. It can be a powerful force, leading individuals to conform to group norms, even if they conflict with their own values.

Charismatic Leader


A person who possesses a compelling personality and the ability to inspire and influence others. They often have strong communication skills, a vision, and the ability to connect with people on an emotional level.

Murder Survivor


A person who has experienced the loss of a loved one due to murder. They often face a range of emotional challenges, including grief, trauma, and anger. They may also experience feelings of isolation and a sense of injustice.

Forgiveness


The act of letting go of resentment and anger towards someone who has wronged you. It is a complex process that can be difficult, but it can ultimately lead to healing and peace.

Victim's Story


The narrative of a person who has been harmed or killed as a result of a crime. It is important to tell the victim's story to honor their memory, raise awareness about the impact of crime, and provide support to their loved ones.

Q&A

  • How did the reporter, Jim Greenhill, become so deeply involved in the story of the teenagers who committed murder?

    Jim Greenhill was initially drawn to the story as a reporter, but he became increasingly fascinated with the leader of the group, Kevin Foster. He spent time with Foster, even wearing his jacket and sending him pictures, suggesting a kind of bromance.

  • What was Pat Schwibby Dunbar's initial reaction when she learned about her brother's murder?

    Pat initially struggled to believe that her brother's students could have been responsible for his death. She initially thought it might have been a jealous boyfriend, but the reality of the situation eventually sunk in.

  • How did Pat's experience with her brother's murder shape her life and career choices?

    Pat's life was significantly changed by her brother's death. She eventually became a pastor and volunteered at a youth detention center, likely influenced by her desire to help young people and prevent similar tragedies.

  • What are Pat's thoughts on Jim Greenhill's book about the case?

    Pat appreciates that Jim wrote the book, but she feels it focuses too much on the perpetrators and not enough on the victim. She believes it's important to tell the victim's story and honor their memory.

  • How does Pat feel about the young men who were convicted of her brother's murder?

    Pat has forgiven the young men, but she cannot forget what they did. She believes that they made choices that had devastating consequences and that they should be held accountable for their actions.

Show Notes

Keith Morrison and Josh Mankiewicz sit down to talk about Keith’s episode, “Young Lords of Chaos.’’ In 1996, a group of teens dubbed the ‘Lords of Chaos’ went on a crime spree in Fort Myers, Florida, culminating in the murder of their high school band director, Mark Schwebes. Josh and Keith discuss the choices the teens made as they fell under the spell of their charismatic ringleader, and the local reporter who found himself getting a little too close to the case. They’re also joined by the victim’s sister, Pat Schwebes-Dunbar, who shares how her life has been shaped in the 28 years since her brother’s murder.

Listen to the full episode of “Young Lords of Chaos” here: https://link.chtbl.com/dl_younglordsofchaos

Keith also catches up with Jim Greenhill, the reporter at the center of the story, to see where life has taken him and to learn his thoughts on the Lords of Chaos today. “After the Verdict” is available exclusively to Dateline Premium subscribers: https://dateline.supportingcast.fm/listen/dateline-nbc-premium/after-the-verdict-young-lords-of-chaos

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Talking Dateline: Young Lords of Chaos

Talking Dateline: Young Lords of Chaos

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