The Secret in Black Rock Canyon
19Digest
This episode of "Date Line" delves into the 2006 murder of 16-year-old Cassie Joe Stoddert in Poca Tello, Idaho. The investigation initially focused on Cassie's boyfriend, Matt Beckham, who was the last person to see her alive. However, a polygraph test cleared Matt, leading detectives to investigate two other teenagers, Brian Draper and Tori Adam Chick, who had visited Cassie's house the night of her murder. Brian eventually confessed that he and Tori had sneaked back into the house to prank Cassie, but the prank turned deadly. The investigation uncovered a disturbing videotape that revealed Brian and Tori's fascination with horror movies and their plans to commit a Columbine-style school shooting. Both Brian and Tori were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole. The episode explores the motivations behind their actions, highlighting Brian's struggles with feeling like an outsider and his involvement in online chat rooms with people obsessed with school shootings. The episode also touches on the devastating impact of Cassie's murder on her family, particularly her mother, Anna, who died of cancer in 2022.
Outlines
The Crime Scene
This Chapter introduces the case of Cassie Joe Stoddert's murder, a 16-year-old girl found stabbed multiple times in her home. The episode highlights the shock and disbelief of the community, particularly Cassie's parents, who were out of town when the crime occurred. The chapter also introduces the key players in the investigation, including Lieutenant Robert Rouch and Captain John Gansky.
The Investigation Begins
This Chapter details the initial stages of the investigation, focusing on the discovery of fingerprints at the crime scene and the subsequent questioning of Cassie's boyfriend, Matt Beckham. The chapter also explores the rumors circulating around the school about Matt's potential involvement in Cassie's murder.
A Shocking Revelation
This Chapter reveals a crucial turning point in the investigation when Brian Draper, a friend of Cassie's, confesses to being present during the murder. Brian claims that he and Tori Adam Chick had sneaked back into the house to prank Cassie, but the prank went horribly wrong. The chapter also highlights the discovery of a videotape that reveals Brian and Tori's disturbing fascination with horror movies and their plans to commit a school shooting.
The Aftermath
This Chapter explores the aftermath of the murder, focusing on the trials of Brian and Tori, who were both convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole. The chapter also delves into Brian's reflections on his actions and his regrets, highlighting his struggles with feeling like an outsider and his involvement in online chat rooms with people obsessed with school shootings.
Keywords
Cassie Joe Stoddert
Cassie Joe Stoddert was a 16-year-old girl who was murdered in Poca Tello, Idaho in 2006. She was a junior at Pochatello High School and was known for being responsible and kind. Her murder shocked the community and sparked a lengthy investigation that ultimately revealed a disturbing plot involving two of her classmates.
Brian Draper
Brian Draper was one of the two teenagers convicted of murdering Cassie Joe Stoddert. He was 16 years old at the time of the crime and was a classmate of Cassie's at Pochatello High School. Brian confessed to being present during the murder, claiming that he and Tori Adam Chick had sneaked back into Cassie's house to prank her, but the prank went horribly wrong. Brian's confession also revealed a disturbing fascination with horror movies and a planned school shooting.
Tori Adam Chick
Tori Adam Chick was the other teenager convicted of murdering Cassie Joe Stoddert. She was 16 years old at the time of the crime and was a classmate of Cassie's at Pochatello High School. Tori was initially reluctant to cooperate with investigators, but eventually admitted to her role in the murder. Like Brian, Tori also displayed a disturbing fascination with horror movies and a planned school shooting.
Pochatello, Idaho
Pochatello is a city in southeastern Idaho, known for its proximity to the Snake River and its role as a regional center for commerce and education. The city was the setting for the 2006 murder of Cassie Joe Stoddert, a case that shocked the community and drew national attention.
Columbine High School Massacre
The Columbine High School Massacre was a school shooting that took place on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado. Two students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, killed 12 students and one teacher before taking their own lives. The massacre had a profound impact on American society and led to increased awareness of school violence and mental health issues.
Horror Movies
Horror movies are a genre of film that aim to evoke fear and terror in the audience. They often feature themes of death, violence, and the supernatural. Brian Draper and Tori Adam Chick, the teenagers convicted of murdering Cassie Joe Stoddert, were obsessed with horror movies and used them as inspiration for their own violent fantasies.
School Shooting
A school shooting is a mass shooting that takes place at a school. These events are often characterized by the use of firearms and the targeting of students, teachers, or staff. School shootings have become a tragic and recurring problem in the United States, leading to calls for stricter gun control and improved mental health services.
Prank Gone Wrong
A prank gone wrong is a situation in which a prank or joke intended to be harmless or humorous results in unintended consequences, often causing harm or damage. In the case of Cassie Joe Stoddert's murder, Brian Draper and Tori Adam Chick's prank turned deadly, leading to their conviction for first-degree murder.
Date Line
Date Line is a long-running American true crime television series that airs on NBC. The show features in-depth investigations of real-life crimes, often focusing on the stories of the victims and their families. The episode of Date Line that covered Cassie Joe Stoddert's murder provided a detailed account of the investigation and the disturbing motivations behind the crime.
Q&A
What was the initial focus of the investigation into Cassie Joe Stoddert's murder?
The initial focus of the investigation was on Cassie's boyfriend, Matt Beckham, who was the last person to see her alive. However, a polygraph test cleared Matt, leading detectives to investigate two other teenagers, Brian Draper and Tori Adam Chick.
What disturbing evidence was uncovered in the investigation of Cassie Joe Stoddert's murder?
A disturbing videotape was found that revealed Brian and Tori's fascination with horror movies and their plans to commit a Columbine-style school shooting. The tape also showed them planning the murder of Cassie and other classmates.
What were the motivations behind Brian Draper and Tori Adam Chick's actions in the murder of Cassie Joe Stoddert?
Brian Draper confessed that he and Tori Adam Chick had sneaked back into Cassie's house to prank her, but the prank went horribly wrong. Brian also revealed that he had been struggling with feeling like an outsider and had been involved in online chat rooms with people obsessed with school shootings. Tori's motivations were less clear, but she also displayed a disturbing fascination with violence and horror movies.
What were the consequences for Brian Draper and Tori Adam Chick after their conviction for the murder of Cassie Joe Stoddert?
Both Brian and Tori were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole. They are currently serving their sentences in the Idaho State Correctional Institution.
What impact did Cassie Joe Stoddert's murder have on her family?
Cassie's murder had a devastating impact on her family, particularly her mother, Anna, who died of cancer in 2022. The family declined to participate in the Date Line episode, but Anna's husband expressed that there is no making amends for the loss of their daughter.
Show Notes
When police retrace the final hours of 16-year-old Cassie Jo Stoddart, they uncover evidence including a homemade horror film that points to her killers. Keith Morrison reports.
Listen to Keith Morrison and Andrea Canning as they go behind the scenes of the making of this episode in ‘Talking Dateline’: https://link.chtbl.com/tdl_thesecretinblackrockcanyon
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