Blamed on Bundy | The Book of Regrets | 3
Summary
This episode of *Cold* investigates the 1975 disappearance of Nancy Baird, whose case was wrongly attributed to Ted Bundy despite his denial. The narrative shifts to Nancy’s childhood friend, Jerry O’Farrell, and her ex-husband, former police officer Tom Jackson, who sexually abused their daughters and later his stepdaughters. Through interviews with the victims and their families, the show exposes Jackson’s pattern of manipulation and recidivism, challenging the community’s long-held belief that Bundy was responsible for Nancy’s vanishing.
Topics discussed
Nancy Baird's disappearance and the stalled investigation
Brant Baird growing up with the stigma of his missing mother
Ted Bundy's legal battles and denial of involvement
Authors and police wrongly attribute Nancy's case to Bundy
Brant moves on and the introduction of Tom Jackson
Jerry's divorce and Tom's attempts to regain control
Heidi and Tori's hidden trauma and initial therapy
Therapy reveals the extent of Tom's ongoing abuse
Jerry's realization and the failure of the 1986 plea deal
The family therapy session and Tom's manipulative behavior
Tom's religious metaphor and move to Idaho
Tom's new marriage and concealment of his past
Tom's second arrest for abusing stepdaughters
Heidi's move to California and dating struggles
Details of the Idaho abuse and Tom's continued deception
The Idaho trial and testimony from the Jackson family
Prosecution arguments and Tom's life sentence
Tom's letters to his children and the Supreme Court appeal
Tom's parole release and return to the community
Discovery of a skull and the connection to Tom Jackson
Credits and promotional segments
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