Fairbanks Four: Murder, Injustice, and the Birth of a Movement
Footnotes
Chapter 1
Look, look, there’s a little boy
1 | northern lights cold
Brian O’Donoghue, “A Cry in the Night,’’part 2, Decade series series series, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, July 7, 2008.
2 | Melanie couldn’t make out the words
Melanie Durham police interview, Investigator Peggy Sullivan, Supplemental Report, Fairbanks Police Department, October 11, 1997.
3 | the $720 million distribution
“Permanent Fund Dividend,” State of Alaska, Department of Revenue, accessed September 23, 2023.
4 | Rollers call it the dividend season
Brian O’Donoghue and Nate Raymond, “A Wild Night: Motel Party Sets Stage for Murder Investigation,” Decade of Doubt series, pt. 3, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, July 7, 2008.
5 | Now the neighbor
Brian O’Donoghue, “Wild night downtown,” Hartman’s fatal assault framed by police calls, reported assaults, and other stressful events, October 11, 1997. Originally hosted on UAF Extreme Alaska podcast.
6 | Look right there
Louise Lambert, interview by investigator Paul Geier, Supplemental Report, Fairbanks Police Department, November 13, 1997; Brian O’Donoghue, “Decade series,” part 1, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, July 6, 2008.
7 | some kind of trauma
Brian O’Donoghue, “A Cry in the Night,” Decade series, part 2, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, July 7, 2008.
8 | I need someone to come
Carol Pease, recorded 911 call, 2:58 a.m., October 11, 1997.
9 | Kevin Pease, nineteen years of age
Dispatch Center recording, October 11, 1997.
10 | And they’re all minors
Alaskan Motor Inn night manager Mike Baca, Chief Detective Keller, Fairbanks Dispatch Center recordings, and motel’s office surveillance camera video, October 11, 1997.
11 | Foot pain
Outpatient record, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, 3:50 p.m., October 11, 1997.
12 | If you were there
Brian O’Donoghue, “Case Solved?” Decade series, part 4, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, July 9, 2008.
13 | Teen Dies in Hospital
Erin Lillie, “Teen dies in hospital after downtown attack, Police arrest 4 suspects,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, October 13, 1997.
14 | He came out with his gun
Al Slavin, Jolie Lewis, “Attack called random violence; 4 Suspects charged with 1st degree murder,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, October 14, 1997.
15 | It should be a total embarrassment
Brian O’Donoghue, “Troopers: Snaring Incident bungled; no charges expected,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, October 14, 1997.
16 | Anyone of us
Bob Fischer, Letter to the editor, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, October 21, 1997.
17 | Fairbanks needs to take
Karen Kreiser, “Set example,” letter to the editor, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, October 27, 1997.
18 | The answer is Christ
Dot Keith, “Godless,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, October 28, 1997. PDF page 4
19 | What happened to innocent
Carla Bonney, “More to It,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, October 27, 1997.
20 | civic leaders convened
Jolie Lewis, “Killing prompts calls for action,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, October 17, 1997.
21 | This ground is holy
Patricia Jones, “Community rallies against violence,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, November 9, 1997.
Chapter 2
Howls & Convictions
1 | Well, Fairbanks, Alaska
Mary Carter, “Justice?” letter to the editor, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, February 20, 1998. Reprinted 2008.
“Decade series,” part 4, PDF:
2 | We aren’t some Third World country
Adrienne Grimes, “Judgmental,” letter to the editor, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, February 25, 1998.
3 | How can you wish death
Lena McCarthy, letter to the editor, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, November 2, 1997. PDF: Letters pg 9.
4 | I haven’t left the house
Al Slavin, “Murder suspect back in jail for Violation,” all direct quotes, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, January 27, 1999.
5 | He called the Coast Guard
Brian O’Donoghue, “Judge rejects Hazelwood’s immunity bid,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, November 3, 1989.
6 | It was in part
“Venue change unnecessary,” editorial, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, November 25, 1998.
7 | muttering obscenities
Larry Campbell, “Frese guilty in Hartman beating death,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, February 17, 1999.
8 | I’m very mad at the judge
Melissa Moore, “Victim’s mother not told verdict coming,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, February 17, 1999.
9 | Hopefully, under the circumstances
Larry Campbell, “Frese guilty in Hartman beating death,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, February 17, 1999.
10 | They had to ignore
Margaret Bauman, “Jury convicts 2 in Hartman murder case,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, August 20, 1999.
11 | Take a Stand for Justice
Tanana Tribal Council, Resolution 99-33, March 10, 1999.
12 | Your act was so sick
Sean Cockerham, “Both families testify at Frese sentencing,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, January 29, 2000.
13 | Nearly a year to the day
Amanda Bowman, “Frese gets 97 years in Hartman killing,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, February 1, 2000.
14 | I’m a scapegoat
Al Slavin, “Three get long terms for murder,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, February 5, 2000.
15 | This letter is about
Curtis Sommer, letter to the editor, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, June 7, 2000.
16 | Is there equal justice
Gary Moore, “Racial Split in Alaska Justice?” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, October 11, 2000.
17 | penny-pinching officials
R. E. Stratton, letter to the editor, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, October 30, 1997.
18 | We were supposed to hire
Al Slavin, “Police push to solidify case in Hartman killing,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, November 12, 1997.
19 | There’s not much
Sean Cockerham, “Bail cut for murder defendants,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, February 6, 1998.
20 | Marvin Roberts plans
Wendy Hower, “Student Achiever of the Week: Marvin Roberts,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, May 7, 1996.
21 | Marvin Roberts, nineteen
Marvin Roberts, interrogation, Investigator Paul Geier and Detective Aaron Ring, October 11, 1997, Fairbanks Police Department.
22 | Though Marvin had smoked pot
Brian O’Donoghue, “Part 4: Case Solved?” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, July 9, 2008
23 | Every choice we make
“Class salutatorian Marvin Roberts, Howard Luke Academy 1996 graduation speech.,” ExtremeAlaskaUAF, February 29, 2024, YouTube video.
24 | We were joking
Brian O’Donoghue, “Part 6: ‘110 percent certain,” part 6, Decade series, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, July 11, 2008.
25 | Greetings, greetings, greetings
Brian O’Donoghue, rambling call with Jeff O’Bryant, September 27, 2002.
26 | I am on top of it
Brian O’Donoghue, “Auditor’s examine police,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, February 25, 1996.
Chapter 3
"You caught that!"
1 | Naturally, I was kind of
Russ Kelly interviews inmate Marvin Roberts, IR Class production, Fairbanks Correctional Center, November 1, 2001, YouTube.
2 | Anyone participating in a phone call
“Alaska Reporter’s Recording Guide,” Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, last updated September 2019.
3 | DAYTON said that he fell
Paul Geier, “Robbery 1,” Dayton mugging supplemental report, Fairbanks Police Department, October 20, 1997.
4 | Simply put
District Attorney Jeff O’Bryant, closing arguments, Roberts-Pease trial transcript, August 1999.
5 | World Plus
Wikipedia, s.v. “World Plus,” last modified January 27, 2024, 10:26.
6 | To date I have never
Brian O’Donoghue, “State Stymied in World Plus Investigation,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, February 6, 1996.
7 | Prior to investing
Detective Paul Keller, World Plus testimonial letter, October 13, 1992.
Chapter 4
Questions Stack Up
1
"Laurel Ford recorded call with Detective Aaron Ring,” Oct. 24.
Laurel Ford, follow-up interview with Detective Aaron Ring, page 1 Oct-Nov 2002 story memos.
Eugene Vent, interrogation by Detective Aaron Ring, transcripts, October 11, 1997.
4 | The city reportedly isn’t happy
Brian O’Donoghue, “Tours Spotlight Cramped Police Station,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, October 3, 1996.
5 | This is Arlo Olson
6 | Arlo Olson, 25, broke into
7 | “Hey,” I said
Arlo Olson, Brian O’Donoghue, “First Good Call,” transcript, November 27, 2002.
8 | I told Jeff
O’Donoghue, “110 Percent Certain,” part 6, Decade series,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, July 11, 2008.
9 | Every single person
Jamie Smykalski, interview by Tom Delaune, story memo, December 12, 2002.
10 | The key thing was the eyewitness
Gary Montini, interview by Sharice Walker, story memo, December 2, 2002.
11 | We got permission
Edmund Habza, interview by Tom Delaune, story memo, January 28, 2003.
12 | More than half the people
Gary Montini, interview by Sharice Walker, story memo, December 3, 2002.
Chapter 5
Breaking News
1 | Jurors Erred in Murder Case
Brian O’Donoghue, Gary Moore, Sharice Walker, Laurel Ford and Tom Delaune, “Experts: Jurors Erred in Murder Case,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, March 2, 2003; Bill O’Neil and Tom Delaune,“UAF Journalism Students Uncover Critical Error in 1999 Murder Trial,” Sun Star March 11, 2003.
2 | Ring is investigating
Curtis Sommer, letter to the editor, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, April 5, 2003.
3 | It’s my understanding
Mark Evans reflects on April 2004 prison interviews.
4 | Get the fuck out
Mark Evans, Kevin Pease interview transcript, Spring Creek Correctional Center, April 3, 2004.
5 | I even heard
Mark Evans, Dale Depue interview transcript, Spring Creek Correctional Center, April 3, 2004.
Chapter 6
Backstories
1 | Dude, like, you’re going to give
Casey Grove, “Last Day,” Hartman Murder Files, Extreme Alaska website, UAF Journalism, 2003-04 project.
2 | The Sun Star not only
“Police Release Local Official’s Arrest Records to Alaska University Paper,” Student Press Law Center, November 3, 2004.
3 | Is there a recorded statement
Lori Bodwell, faxed note from Bill Murphree, May 24, 1999.
4 | I said a beige car
Arlo Olson, phone call to the author, January 7, 2003.
5
Both names changed to protect privacy and reputation.
6 | I anticipate Frank will
Brian O’Donoghue to prison warden, Florence Correctional Center, Arizona, March 2004.
7 | She got ’em
Jade Frank, Arizona prison interviews, transcripts, March 22, 2004.
8 | Frese has a 90-plus year sentence
Jade Frank, “Arizona Prison Interviews,” Hartman Murder Files, Extreme Alaska website, UAF Journalism, fall 2004.
9 | You ever been scared
Brian O’Donoghue, “Unopened Doors: Police tipped early on to look into Chris Stone’s possible involvement,” part 4, Decade series, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, July 12, 2008.
Chapter 7
Village Detectives
1 | This is the seventh year
Brian O’Donoghue, “ Unopened doors,” part 4, Decade series,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, July 12, 2008.
2 | Mr. Roberts has got some problems
O’Donoghue, “110 Percent certain, Arlo Olson half shot yet positive in his testimony…” part 6, Decade series, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
3 | It’s basically saying
O’Donoghue, “110 percent certain,” part 6, Decade series, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
4 | That matched Frankie Dayton’s description
Franklin Dayton and Calvin Moses, interviews by Investigator Paul Geier, October 12, 1997, Fairbanks Police Department.
5 | I think maybe the Lord
Chris Stone, letter to the author, October 2005.
6 | I doubt things
Chris Stone, interview, March 6, 2006, Monroe Correctional Complex, Washington.
7 | I told you all I know
Chris Stone, letter to the author, following March 6, 2006, interview.
8 | My son also happened
Evalyn Thomas, “Thomas Rebuttal,” letter to the editor, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, February 10, 2002.
Chapter 8
"Who Said That?"
1 | Police: Tacoma Man Confesses
Beth Ibsen, “Police: Tacoma man confesses, Suspect charged in Ester killing,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, January 2, 2003.
2 | Who said that?
Brian O’Donoghue, “Bid made to expose claims in Hartman case,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, October 5, 2013.
3 | He was my best guy friend
O’Donoghue, “John Hartman’s 1997 murder remains divisive for the Interior,” part 1, Decade series, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
4 | We call forth and challenge
part 1, Decade series
5 | I believe there was inquiry
part 1, Decade series
6 | Unopened Doors
O’Donoghue, “Unopened doors,” part 7, Decade series.
Chapter 9
"Decade" Rolls
1 | This seven-part series
Brian O’Donoghue, “A murder revisited,” Decade series preface, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, July 2008.
2 | I cannot speak
Deputy Attorney General Richard Svobodny responds to Alaska state Senator Al Kookesh, August 12, 2008.
3 | Sorry,” said Jenny Canfield
Supreme Court Hearing, UAF Journalism video of proceedings, February 17, 2009.
4 | Anyone I bring
Brian O’Donoghue, application for media coverage permit of Alaska Supreme Court’s February 17, 2009, hearing.
5 | The Supreme Court
Jennifer Canfield, Supreme Court hearing report, KUAC nightly news, Alaska Public Radio, February 17, 2009.
6 | 97 murder hounds journalist
Lisa Demer, “’97 murder hounds journalist who followed it,” Alaska Dispatch News (now Anchorage Daily News), February 23, 2009.
Chapter 10
Of War and Waiting Games
1 | The air is hot and thick
Tom Hewitt, Colonel Burt Thompson interview, Short Timers blog, Diyala Province, Iraq, July 2009.
2 | The first couple times
Thompson, interview by Tom Hewitt. For more about UAF Journalism’s Iraq Embed, see Short Timers (blog).
3 | Their stomachs will pitter-pat
Richard Mauer, “UAF Quartet Joins Fort Wainwright Soldiers in Iraq,” Alaska Dispatch News (now Anchorage Daily News), August 2, 2009.
4 | The petition for hearing
Alaska Supreme Court rejects Kevin Pease appeal, Alaska appellate slip opinions week ending August 14, 2009.
5 | First came a terrific “whoosh”
Beth Ibsen, “Investigators probe fatal Ester apartment fire,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, page 1, December 28, 2002.
6 | The paperwork didn’t reference
Beth Ibsen, “Confessions helped investigators piece events together,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, November 24, 2004.
7 | Justin, how are you doing?
Jason Wallace, interview by Alaska State Troopers Scott Johnson and Lantz Dahlke, late December 2002 and January 2003.
8 | Now, Scott and I came
Alaska State Troopers Lantz Dahlke and Scott Johnson, pretrial testimony, Fairbanks Superior Court, November 23, 2004.
9 | Johnson caught a jet to Seattle
Ibsen, “Police: Tacoma Man Confesses,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, page 1, December 28, 2002.
10 | I got back first thing
State Troopers Scott Johnson and Lance Dahlke, Wallace interviews, trial and hearing transcripts spanning Christmas 2002 through Dahlke’s testimony at 2015 postconviction relief hearing.
11 | The attempted drug-ring takeover
Dan Rice, “Linking complex chain of events,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, January 3, 2003.
Chapter 11
The Affidavit
1 | got a few minutes
Brian O’Donoghue follow-up call with Bill Oberly, Alaska Innocence Project, April 11, 2011.
2 | I read the material
April Monroe Frick, email to the author, May 27, 2011.
Chapter 12
The Power of Stories
1 | Free the Fairbanks Four
“The Beginning of Our Story,” Free the Fairbanks Four (blog), November 2011.
2 | updates on the Four
Free the Fairbanks Four.
3 | Several hours into the interrogation
Steve MacDonald, producer, “The Fairbanks Four,” The 49th Report, KTUU-TV, Anchorage, aired November 18, 2012.
4 | A fifty-to-sixty-page brief
Casey Grove, “Marchers Aim to Free Fairbanks four,” Anchorage Daily News, June 29, 2013.
Chapter 13
Bylines and Hallways Secrets
1 | Do Students Think Gangs
Ahisha Stokes, “Do Students Thing Gangs Are Cool?,” Paystreak, September 1997.
2 | No matter what form
Ahisha Stokes, “Alaska students may have to take an exit exam,” Paystreak, December 1997.
3 | The Lathrop Malemute Track
Bill Holmes, “1997 Lathrop track season underway,” Paystreak, Lathrop High School student paper, May 1997.
4 | Former Fairbanks Man
Brian O’Donoghue, “Former Fairbanks man claims he, others involved in 1997 Hartman murder,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, September 25, 2013.
5 | This is probably what
Brian O’Donoghue, “Prison memo about Hartman killing went unchecked,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, May 14, 2014.
6 | If I had gotten
Brian O’Donoghue, “Eugene Vent attorney alleges ‘prosecutorial misconduct,’ Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, July 12, 2014.
7 | Bid Made to Expose Claim
O’Donoghue, “Bid made to expose claims in Hartman case, Innocence project claims man’s claims are no longer confidential,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Oct 5, 2013.
Chapter 14
Message Delivered
1 | What is your witness’s relationship
“Doors Closed on Hartman murder arguments: ‘Can I say Jason Wallace,’” UAF Extreme, July 2, 2014, YouTube video.
2 | Your request makes clear
Alaska Criminal Division Director John Skidmore, letter denying UAF Journalism records request, April 4, 2014.
3 | You guys need to look
James Gallen and Randal McPherron, describing new assignment reviewing William Holmes claims, meeting with Captain Allen, commander of Alaska Bureau of Investigation, and Special Prosecutor Adrienne Bachman, October 3, 2013, supplementary report.
4 | Special Prosecutor Adrienne Bachman
Troopers James Gallen and Randal McPherron, based on 2015 post-conviction relief hearing testimony and follow-up interviews by the author.
5 | The last week of October 2013
Trooper James Gallen, field test of Arlo Olson’s testimony, supplementary report, October 29, 2013.
6 | Before returning home
Trooper James Gallen, failed attempt to confirm Scott Davison’s sworn statement, hunt for Matt Ellsworth, supplementary report, November 12, 2013.
7 | Flipping through FPD’s folder
Trooper James Gallen, Torquato memo, supplementary report, January 14, 2014.
8 | On Monday, December 5
Joseph Torquato, William Holmes’s claims involvement in Alaska murder, California prison guard’s memo, Ironwood State Prison, dated December 5, 2011.
9 | Trooper McPherron quietly scanned
Trooper Randy McPherron, discovery of the guard’s memo and follow-up steps, supplementary report.
10 | Scott’s a liar
Trooper Randal McPherron, Matt Ellsworth interview, supplementary report, December 14, 2013.
11 | Janet Davison told the lawmen
Trooper Randal McPherron, Janet Davison, interview, supplementary report, January 16, 2014.
12 | By the way
William Z. Holmes, letter to the author, April 7, 2014.
13 | I write to request
Sam Allen, request for copy of prison guard’s memo to Fairbanks Police Department, UAF freedom of information request.
14 | Trooper McPherron began
Trooper Randy McPherron memo, Cold Case Unit, Alaska Department of Public Safety, Incident Report #AK13075586.
15 | The potential harms from disclosure
John Skidmore, freedom of information request denial, April 4, 2014.
16 | Eight months before making
Brian O’Donoghue, “Memo documents inmate’s 2011 confession in Hartman case,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, May 8, 2014.
17 | The truth is what
Brian O’Donoghue, “Memo documents inmate’s 2011 confession in Hartman case,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, May 8, 2014.
18 | Sgt. Patrick ‘Scott’ Johnson
Weston Morrow, “Thousands pay respects as bodies of slain Alaska State Troopers returned to Fairbanks,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, May 3, 2014.
Chapter 15
Hear the moose
1 | We’re just praying
Brian O’Donoghue and Julia Taylor, hallway interviews, Rabinowitz Courthouse, Fairbanks, Alaska, January 17, 2014.
2 | Hearing Opens on Secret File
Brian O’Donoghue, “Hearing opens on secret file in John Hartman murder case,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, November 10, 2014.
3 | Of course, it’s very discouraging
Brian O’Donoghue, “The Fairbanks Four: Elusive hunt for truth,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, September 28, 2014.
4 | She refused to provide
Randy McPherron, describing interviews with Matt Ellsworth and girlfriend Desiree, July 2014, supplementary report.
5 | He wanted to eat moose
Brian O’Donoghue,“Marvin Roberts, Convicted in Hartman Murder but Maintaining Innocence, Tastes Freedom,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, June 20, 2015.
6 | Document corroborates, challenges
Sam Friedman, “Document corroborates, challenges new claim in ‘Fairbanks Four’ case,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, August 21, 2015.
7 | Jason Wallace’s confession leaked
April Monroe, “Jason Wallace’s Confession Leaked to a Reporter,” Free the Fairbanks Four blog, August 21, 2015.
8 | You're telling me
“ATTORNEY CAN’T ERASE WHAT’S PUBLISHED” UAF Extreme, YouTube, August 21, 2015.
Chapter 16
The weight of innocence
1 | Solemn, civic responsibility
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “‘Solemn, civic responsibility that the court is about to embark on,’” Twitter, October 5, 2015, 12:49 p.m.
2 | dispute over security expenses
Sam Friedman, “Judge Denies Request to Bring 3 of the ‘Fairbanks Four’ to Hearing,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, October 6, 2015.
3 | Sides could not agree
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “Sides could not agree. @redlntrn excluded,” Twitter, October 5, 2015, 1:24 p.m.
4 | We were all saying
“Fairbanks Four hearing Day 1: Killer Witness,” UAF Extreme, October 13, 2015, YouTube video.
5 | Holmes: Left because
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “Holmes: Left because we were bored, and the girls were not putting out”, Twitter, October 5, 2015, 3:32 p.m.
6 | We all got excited
“Fairbanks Four hearing Day 1: Killer Witness,” UAF Extreme, October 13, 2015, YouTube video.
7 | I couldn't begin to explain
“Courthouse Prayers: Day 1 PCR Hearing, Noon rally outside Rabinowitz Courthouse. Oct. 5, 2015,” ExtremeAlaskaUAF, November 21, 2023, YouTube video.
8 | I never encountered
Matt Buxton, “Testimony about alleged confession fills ‘Fairbanks Four’ hearing,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, October 8, 2015.
9 | Davison: Felt like he was doing
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “Davison: Felt like he was doing something wrong,” Twitter, October 8, 2015, 4:33 p.m.
10 | They assumed someone else
Stephanie Woodward, “Day 5: Fairbanks Four trial,” of PCR hearing, direct quotes from PI Bole, Judge Lyle, Dick Madson, Adrienne Bachman, among others, “UAF Journalism, KTVF video, YouTube, October 9, 2015.
11 | Bole: Brought up the Hartman murder
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “Bole: Brought up the Hartman murder to get lower sentence,” Twitter, October 9, 2015.
12 | My field was counterintelligence
Richard Norgard, Bill Oberly, and Adrienne Bachman, direct quotes, Day 5 PCR hearing, UAF Journalism video, October 9, 2015.
13 | Have you ever given a deposition
Arlo Olson’s suicidal thoughts, Day 5 PCR hearing, YouTube video.
14 | I want to ask you about
Sam Friedman, “Troopers refute prosecution claims in Fairbanks Four investigation,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, October 12, 2015.
Additional quotes and details, UAF Journalism video, October 12, 2015.
15 | would you have
Trooper Randal McPherron testimony, Day 6-7 PCR hearing, (disregard corrected camera dating error). UAF Journalism video.
16 | The special prosecutor's cross-examination
Trooper Randal McPherron, “Game Face,” DAY 7 pcr hearing, ExtremeAlaskaUAF, March 7, 2015, YouTube video.
Chapter 17
Courage under Fire
1 | We learned some things
“PCR Hearing DAY 8, “Arlo Olson STANDS TALL, ”ExtremeAlaskaUAF, March 9, 2024, YouTube video.
2 | It worked for once
Arlo Olson, “First good call, personal history, transcript, recorded conversation with author, November 27, 2002.
3 | The footprint matches
Matt Buxton, “George Frese gives emotional claim of innocence in Fairbanks Four case,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, October 15, 2015.
DAY 9: FRESE UNDER FIRE, ExtremeAlaskaUAF, February 20, 2024, YouTube video.
4 | Judge calls for a break
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “Judge calls for a break. Lawyers not allowed to approach Frese,” Twitter, October 15, 2015, 8:47 p.m.
5 | Members of the audience crying
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “Members of the audience crying at the outburst from Frese,” Twitter, October 15, 2015, 8:47 p.m.
6 | Frese lawyers not allowed
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “Frese lawyers not allowed to approach him,” Twitter, October 15, 2015, 8:48 p.m.
7 | 3:28 pm Most of courtroom
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “3:28 pm Most of courtroom holding up 4 fingers in solidarity,” Twitter, October 15, 2015, 8:48 p.m.
8 | Lyle: Clear to all of the people
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “Lyle: Clear to all of the people in the courtroom,” Twitter, October 15, 2015, 8:49 p.m.
9 | Lyle: Reiterated—No further demonstrations
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “Lyle: Reiterated—No further demonstrations in the courtroom,” Twitter, October 15, 2015, 8:49 p.m.
10 | Hey, just stop
Matt Buxton, “Polygraphs at issue in Fairbanks Four hearing,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, October 22, 2015.
Additional quotes and descriptive details, UAF Journalism video, October 22, 2015.
11 | State: Attacking Raskin about transducer
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “State: Attacking Raskin about transducer,” Twitter, October 22, 2015, 5:14 p.m.
12 | State: Moves to strike
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “State: Moves to strike the test results,” Twitter, October 23, 2015, 3:19 a.m.
13 | Strange Behavior: State lawyer turns
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “Strange Behavior: State lawyer turns his back,” Twitter, October 23, 2015, 3:27 a.m.
14 | For his important testimony
Adrienne Bachman, courtroom announcement, UAF Journalism video, October 30, 2015.
15 | There was a story
Matt Buxton, “Wallace denies involvement in 1997 killing of Fairbanks teen,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, October 30, 2015.
Additional quotes and descriptive details, UAF Journalism video, October 30, 2015.
16 | Overheard in the courtroom
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “Overheard in the courtroom: If this was Battleship,” Twitter, October 30, 2015, 4:20 p.m.
Chapter 18
Devil Suits Up
1 | You can be prosecuted
Matt Buxton, “Wallace denies involvement in 1997 killing of Fairbanks teen," Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, October 30, 2015; Additional quotes from Adrienne Bachman, Jason Wallace, Judge Lyle, and defense attorney Bob Bundy and descriptive details, UAF Journalism video, October 30, 2015.
2 | Overheard in the courtroom
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “Overheard in the courtroom: What makes the killer get the fancy clothes,” Twitter, November 2, 2015, 2:16 p.m.
3 | Resuming cross examination
“PCR DAY-20, ‘Everybody has an agenda,’” ExtremeAlaskaUAF, March 11, 2024, YouTube video.
4 | Wallace isn't sure
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “Wallace isn’t sure that he would stay enrolled,” Twitter, November 2, 2015, 2:20 p.m.
5 | State of Alaska conspires
April Monroe, “State of Alaska conspires with a serial killer. Gross,” Free the Fairbanks Four (blog), November 5, 2015.
6 | Mr. O’Donoghue
“PCR DAY 21, Hostile witness, Professor OD’s turn,” ExtremeAlaskaUAF, March 10, 2024, YouTube video.
7 | 4:02 pm Bachman obviously upset
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “4:02 pm Bachman obviously upset by the conversation,” Twitter, November 4, 2015, 9:56 a.m.
8 | Lyle stops O’D
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLaw), “Lyle stops O’D and asks him to read it to himself,” Twitter, November 4, 2015, 10:01 a.m.
9 | O’D believed that Arlo
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), ”O’D believed that Arlo was calling to spill out his life story,” Twitter, November 4, 2015, 10:06 a.m.
10 | O'D confirming that his life
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “O’D confirming that his life ruined by the case,” Twitter, November 4, 10:02 a.m.
11 | O'D says that Arlo
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “O’D says that Arlo was asking for advice,” Twitter, November 4, 2015, 10:20 a.m.
12 | O'D never got any evidence
13 | Combative
Dermot Cole, “Journalism Professor Spars with State Attorney in Fairbanks Four Case,” Anchorage Daily News, November 5, 2015.
14 | If you need to go
“PCR DAY 22 April Monroe: BRING IT ON,” ExtremeAlaskaUAF, March 9, 2024, YouTube video, 26:34.
15 | O’Br says Arlo
Julia Taylor, (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “O’Br says Arlo didn’t do anything to make his life easier,” Twitter, November 6, 2015, 3:46 p.m.
16 | I shouldn't put it this way
“Day23- Extreme Alaska version--‘EXHIBIT PASSED EYEBALL TEST,’ Courtroom video, Nov. 4, 2015,” ExtremeAlaskaUAF, February 16, 2024, YouTube video, 3:31.
Matt Buxton, “State Defends Initial Investigation of Hartman Murder at Evidentiary Hearing,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, November 6, 2015.
“Day 23: Fairbanks Four Trial,” Stephanie Woodward, November 7, 2015, YouTube video, 2:37.
17 | Evidence has to be admissible
Judge Paul Lyle, direct quotes, UAF Journalism video, November 10, 2015.
Matt Buxton, "'Fairbanks Four' judge: No rush on decision as case ends," Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, November 10, 2015.
Chapter 19
Jailbreak
1 | 146 people in the 5th floor hallway
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “146 people in the 5th floor hallway,” Twitter, December 17, 2015, 5:41 p.m.
2 | Overheard in the hall
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “Overheard in the hall: If we don’t get this right, we will never get justice,” Twitter, December 17, 2015, 5:01 p.m.
3 | Judge, attorneys, and petitioners
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “Judge, attorneys and petitioners are in the courtroom,” Twitter, December 17, 2015, 5:23 p.m.
4 | Overheard in the hall
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “Overheard in the hall: There should be nothing that is a secret in this case,” Twitter, December 17, 2015, 5:06 p.m.
5 | State has stopped objects
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “State has stopped objects to new evidence,” Twitter, December 17, 2015, 8:16 p.m.
6 | After previous convictions
Julia Taylor (@JuliaFBXLawRpt), “After previous convictions are vacated,” Twitter, December 17, 2015, 8:19 p.m.
7 | Tonight, at the tribal hall
Victor Joseph, audio recording by author, December 17, 2015; Sam Friedman, “Fairbanks Four freed as judge accepts deal to throw out indictments, convictions,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, December 17, 2015.
8 | By virtue of this Settlement Agreement
State of Alaska settlement with Marvin Roberts, document signed December 9, 2015.
9 | National Registry of Exonerations
Maurice Possley, case summaries for Eugene Vent, Kevin Pease, Marvin Roberts, and George Frese, National Registry of Exonerations, last updated November 8, 2023.
10 | Here’s what made me retire
William “Bill” Spiers, discussion with the author, August 20, 2021; Dorothy Chomicz, “Retiring ADA made a life outside of law before serving Alaska,” Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, January 8, 2017.
11 | Trial of the Year
Alaska Bar Rag newsletter, November–December 2016.
12 | How you feeling, Marv?
“My Car is innocent,” Ricko De Wilde video, YouTube, 2016.
