REOPENED: DNA SPEAKS: Horror in the Dark
Summary
This episode recounts the 1977 double murder of teenagers Liana Adank and Eric Goldstrand at Broken Bowl Campground in Oregon, a case that remained unsolved for over four decades. After initial leads failed, investigators utilized genetic genealogy and DNA phenotyping to identify Ronald Shroy as the killer, a suspect who committed suicide in 2021 before facing justice. The story features interviews with the victims' families, friends, and the detectives who finally cracked the cold case using modern forensic technology.
Topics discussed
Introduction and A&E Crime and Investigation promo
Content warning and case background
The day of the picnic and missing teens
Parents search for the missing couple
Police response and discovery of Liana's body
Breaking the news to the families
Friends remember Eric and Liana
The couple's relationship history
Crime scene processing and suspect concerns
Discovery of Eric's body and evidence
Family and friends react to the deaths
Funeral and community grief
Autopsy findings and cause of death
Double funeral and personal tributes
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Initial suspect leads and dead ends
Dwayne Little suspect and alibi
Case goes cold and family impact
DNA testing in the 1990s
Formation of the cold case unit
2014 case review and Thor Christensen lead
Christensen MO and elimination
DNA phenotyping and Christensen's death
Familial DNA search and false lead
Genetic genealogy and the Schroy brothers
Narrowing suspects via surveillance
Identifying Ronald Schroy as suspect
Ronald Schroy's suicide in 2021
DNA match confirms Ronald Schroy
Interview with Daniel Schroy
Resolution and family reactions
Reflections on lost lives
Credits and production information
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