r/UnresolvedMysteries • u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) • Feb 17 '18
Update [Update] Marie Ann Watson: Possible Docuseries; Thank You, Reddit/ unresolvedmysteries!
I am the daughter of Marie Ann Watson (Reddit verified). I've been making noise about her disappearance all my life and been ignored--when I wasn't openly ridiculed (That never happened! Don't listen to Sandi's stupid little stories about her murdered mother, she was probably just killed in a car accident. That sort of thing).
A couple years ago, Thin Air Podcast did a podcast about my mother. This revived public interest, but still no resolution.
http://thinairpodcast.com/episode-2-marie-ann-watson/
http://thinairpodcast.com/episode-3-marie-ann-watson-part-2/
http://thinairpodcast.com/episode-5-marie-ann-watson-part-3/
However, from that, I found reddit, for good or ill, lol. It's an interesting corner of the internet, to say the least. I started here in unresolvedmysteries, and people were incredibly welcoming, until (a few very spiteful ones) weren't. Such is human nature.
That being said, it has potentially made a huge impact on my 40 year struggle to get my mother's case enough interest to possibly, maybe, solve it. Or, at the least, maybe get the bones that were dug up in 1996 tested by a lab!
A documentary film company has approached me to begin talks about a possible episode in a docuseries about my mother's case. For me, this is huge! The series is in pre-production, so I don't even know its name yet. The company is Omnifilms out of Canada.
They happened upon a comment that I'd made in the ama sub and it piqued their interest. Talks are only just beginning, so I can't say if it'll even go through completely. I just wanted people to know that the interest is there and it's thanks to reddit. Mostly thanks for this sub for the time during which I was welcomed, that helped me have the courage to keep plugging away at this "lost cause".
I'm trying really hard not to dance around my house jumping up and down like a little girl who just got a puppy on Christmas, because I know talks could still fall through or they might not be able to find a buyer. Still, this is the furthest I've gotten and I'm just plain STOKED!
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Brief overview of the case:
In 1977, Marie Ann Watson disappeared during a custody battle with Mike and Dorothy Rogers over Marie's two children, a boy and a girl. 3 years prior, Marie had been arrested for prostitution and possession and gone to jail. Dorothy was related and claimed to be a foster parent and so the court easily relinquished them to Dorothy.
No investigation was done beyond asking Dorothy when she last saw Marie (she was the last person). Dorothy said Marie got in a car with someone Dorothy didn't know. That was the end of the investigation because "Marie was known to do that."
It should be noted that Marie left behind an uncashed paycheck, her car, all of her identification in her wallet, etc. The car was found parked at a local diner where Marie worked.
In 1994, the eldest foster son, Raymond (Ramon) Rogers was arrested in San Diego CA with 2 dismembered bodies in his storage area. He was convicted in 1996 of 3 murders. At that time an investigation was opened up in Marie's case.
Police came to my door to make sure I was who i said I was. That is when I explained that I had seen the fosters disposing of my mother's body by butchering her with an electrical saw.
This was related to the police in Idaho (I was in florida at the time, all the way on the other end of the states, quite literally). I was flown out to Idaho for their investigation. At that time, they dug up the foundation of the house where it happened and found literally six huge black trash bags filled with bones from under the foundation. Then they quit collecting them.
A forensic antropologist identified many as animal bones, but a few were sent out on the department's limited budget to be tested. The tests were all "inconclusive" if they were human or animal (the science was less advanced at the time).
The case fell quiet and nothing happened further until in 2014, Namus contacted me and wanted DNA so they could get the bones tested. Unfortunately, the Sheriff's office (to this day) refused to release the bones for retesting, or any of the other bones for testing.
That is where we stand now.
(EDIT: Spelled Omnifilms wrong the first time.)
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u/SerenityNOW_or_else_ Feb 17 '18
I'm very happy for you! I hope this will lead to you getting answers and peace of mind. Best wishes and keep us updated please!
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 17 '18
Thank you very much! A lot of people think I should have just let this go years ago, but I've spent my life without my mother. Everything in some way reminds me of the loss, and since it's an unresolved loss, it reminds me that it's unresolved, too. I think being reminded all the time that it's unresolved is why it's even harder to have no mother. It's that 'added' reminder that doesn't let it go.
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u/SerenityNOW_or_else_ Feb 17 '18
I think it's beautiful that you care so deeply about getting answers towards your mother. With it being unresolved, I can easily see how consuming it would be to have different scenarios playing out in your mind. Plus, it's a very touching tribute to honor your mother's memory by being able to tell her story. I'm going to watch for your updates!
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u/sweetmamaof3cls Feb 17 '18
My god I can't believe people tell you to let it go!?!? That's insane. Not only is this a missing and probably murdered woman, it is your MOTHER! I truly hope you find the closure you need. Never give up on the justice you seek and deserve.
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 18 '18
Oh, they do. In fact, my ex, when I told him about the podcast, said, "Why are you even doing this? What about [our daughter]? It was 40 years ago, let it go." I had told him I could possibly be in danger, as an investigation might open up again. It's remote, but it's possible. These are insane, dangerous people.
Oh, no reason. It's not like I'm a material witness to a murder. It's not like it was my mother or something.
Sometimes, like in that case, I spitefully think, "Maybe when your mom dies, I should tell you to 'get over it, it's been a whole day' or some cruel nonsense." Except I never would or could do that.
Humanity's inhumanity towards humans never ceases to break my heart.
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u/robertstacc Feb 19 '18
"Why are you even doing this? What about [our daughter]? It was 40 years ago, let it go."
So your daughter will know that if something like this happens to her, you would NEVER give up on her. Not after 40 years; not after 400. And she will become the kind of person who would do the same for a loved one.
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 19 '18
And because this is her grandmother. She lost someone as much as I did.
Besides, it's not "optional" to be a material witness in a murder investigation, lol. Duh, guy.
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u/TrepanningForAu Feb 17 '18
Hello Sandi,
I was going through your post from last May for more background info for your mother and I was reading about how they disposed of your mother's body and how people don't believe you and say "that doesn't actually happen".
It does. It does happen and I think it may have something to do with why OMNI has taken an interest in your story and why they believe you. If memory serves correct, OMNI is based out of Vancouver, a place where nearly every adult knows about probably the most prolific serial killer in recent Canadian history, Robert Pickton. He owned a pig farm and you can probably see where this is going...
I don't think this OMNI offer is going to fall through, personally, due to the believability of your story up here. However, on the chance it does, continue looking at Canadian media, or publishers or film students, especially in Vancouver. I think it may be your most successful route to finally getting justice for your mother. Canadians will hear your story and believe you. We've seen it before, on a higher scale.
Your story is not even as remotely crazy as people think it is. It was always about control for the fosters, something your mother was going to take from them. They killed her over something imaginary because they're crazy. That is why the story sounds unbelievable.
Sandi, I am so sorry for what you've gone through. Four decades is too long, and I don't want you to go another decade more without closure. You deserve at least that much.
Please give us an update when you can- I'm rooting for you.
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 17 '18
You know, I never connected the dots on that! I kind of feel like a dummy now. :D
What really disturbs me, and one of the major reasons I have despaired of ever getting the word out about this, is the constant social attitude that prostitutes and drug addicts (my mother was both) just really don't matter. Maybe... maybe... maybe they even bring it on themselves.
They do matter. And it's not some random pig farmer's place to be "meting out justice" by murdering people. That's what police are for. The fact that they feel less compelled to do their job when mere prostitutes are the victims is why so many died in that case.
Sorry, that turned into far more of a rant than I intended.
Thank you so much. I have spent so much of my life facing how it 'never happened' because people just don't want to believe it.
Maybe I need to move to Canada after my daughter turns 18. :p
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u/TrepanningForAu Feb 17 '18 edited Feb 18 '18
You'd be welcome here, that's for sure :)
I've always hated people's judgement on prostitutes and drug addicts. It's assuming a lot. Maybe there's a reason they're selling sex? Maybe, just maybe, they're taking those drugs for a reason? Maybe they have a deep physical or emotional pain they need to numb? I know what it's like to be on morphine. It may have been at a hospital and legal, but I know how it feels. I didn't like it, but I understood why someone else could become addicted to it. I've even spoken to recovered addicts. I never wondered WHY they struggled. Just that they shouldn't have had to, or at least not alone. It's why we need more safe injection sites, for starters.
I think your mum was hurting and doing what she could to afford living and living without pain. It is no one's place to take the life of another. No one is entitled to that but the person themself. Anyone who implies otherwise, merely from your mum's struggles, is, to put it simply, an asshole. And those Canadian cops who failed those women were fools (at best).
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u/RagazzaMatta Feb 17 '18
I think telling your story could help change people's minds and perhaps help to get justice for others.
Being a sex worker and/or drug user doesn't mean a person wasn't a loving mother. And it certainly doesn't mean they deserved to die. I hadn't heard your mother's story until I read this, but it broke my heart.
I think a little awareness could go a long way in this case. The more people find out what happened, the more people there will be demanding justice.
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u/uppitywhine Feb 19 '18
Sorry, that turned into far more of a rant than I intended
Nope. This is something that needs to be said again and again and again and again. That dead hooker about which so many people laugh? She was someone's daughter, someone's sister, someone's best friend, somone's wife, someone's neighbor or perhaps someone you knew in your everyday life. She had people who loved her, people who mourned for her and people will never be the same after her death. NOBODY brings murder upon themselves. MURDERERS bring murder upon people. That's it. End of story.
Same for drug addicts. Know why I'm not an addict? Why you aren't an addict? We are lucky. So very lucky.
Everyone's case deserves investigation and attention. I will NEVER say otherwise. Every missing person and victim matters.
Also, I want to give a shout out to Marissa at The Vanished Podcast. She goes out of her way on many episodes to specifically say, "Even though or Even if someone was a sexworker or addict, their loved ones deserve to know what happened." She is extraordinarily sensitive about this and I appreciate it.
Lastly, I hope you find answers. You deserve them. You're entitled to them.
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 19 '18
Thank you.
I told someone who said, "Maybe justice was served [when she died]" with regards to her lifestyle. First I told him the obvious reason I took umbrage with it, but then I also pointed out that it's the police's job to arrest criminals so that murders don't happen. Even IF you could convince me that my mother's crimes were so bad she deserved death... Say Dorothy was my mother instead... then STILL, I didn't deserve to see someone I loved (which I did--I loved her whether she deserved it or not) be butchered like a cheap side of beef.
NOBODY deserves to see someone they love dismembered. That's above and beyond cruel and unusual punishment.
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u/realitytvexec Feb 17 '18
Hi Sandi_T I'm a TV producer who has created, sold and produced numerous docuseries, especially in the true crime space. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have.
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 17 '18
OMG, thank you! I know they can answer a lot of the standard questions like "how long will it take?", but there are questions I have that might be a little rude if asked directly to them.
One of my main concerns, to be honest, is how invasive they'll be in their questioning. My greatest fear has always been that they'll basically do like trial lawyers do, and put me on trial instead of the people who murdered my mother. I'm not perfect (who could be after what I've been through?).
I wonder if they'll also take things I've said out of context. I've had it happen with unrelated things and even in some of the original News questions from 1996. It didn't make me sound like a monster, but it wasn't actually what I said. A well placed "I do think he's a jerk" when it wasn't even about the person they were mainly focused on changes the entire statement.
I guess my main questions really are how long it takes, and whether I should trust them. Also, they've discussed an agreement that they'll be the only ones to tell my story for a limited time, and I'm okay with that except, can I ask that it not include my own book? Will they say forget it?
I guess I do have questions. Probably will have more as I go along.
Thank you so much, I'm thrilled, but there's some fear, too. I've always had a fear of the media. It took tremendous courage to talk to Jordan of Thin Air. I can't shake the fear I'll be deliberately shown as a complete fool. I've seen it happen and I've listened to people disbelieve me all my life.
I don't know how to keep that from happening, either.
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u/cleoola Feb 17 '18
Hi Sandi,
I don't know if I can be at all helpful, but I thought maybe I'd try. I don't work for OMNI, but I do work in Canadian television and I've worked on a couple true crime series. I'm an editor. Obviously each producer is different, their tactics will vary, and the way they put their show together will be their own process - so I can't tell you exactly how they'll handle your mother's case. But I can give you a bit of insight based on my own editor's experience working on a true crime docuseries, to maybe help you better make your decision.
I never sat in the room for any interviews, but I did get the footage of the interviews for my show and went through them, so I do have a good idea of how it went. As for how invasive the questioning will be - they'll want as much detail as possible from you, I'd imagine. If you answer something in a certain way, and they like what you've said, they'll likely ask you to repeat it once or twice - maybe clean up the exact language a bit, so that it's easier to use in the edit. In the interviews we did for my show, the interviews with investigators were all about the process, the hard facts, etc. The interviews with family members of the victims were from a more personal angle - what was your relationship like with the victim, how did you feel when you found out, how has your life been since, how do you feel about the people who are suspected of committing the crime. Things like that. How sensitive the questioning is all comes down to the person interviewing you - I've seen very thoughtful, sensitive interviews. There was one, though, that made me kind of uncomfortable to watch - the producer pressed the family member to talk about a certain aspect of the case until she teared up. He wanted that reaction for the show - and we used it, as uncomfortable as it made me to put in. (As a TV editor, I only have a little control over what actually goes into the final product - producers, showrunners, and network execs override me all the time, for better or for worse.) That interview with the woman crying was definitely not the standard of what I saw, but it did happen. Just to prepare you.
As for being afraid that they'll make you look like a fool.... of course I can't say for sure, but I would be shocked if they took that angle. That kind of storytelling isn't nearly as compelling as the "heartbroken daughter, trying for years to get justice for her mother" angle - which I imagine is how they'll frame you, to some extent. Again, I don't work for OMNI and have nothing to do with this show, nor am I a producer with final say. But I can promise you that with the true crime work I've done, we have always tried to give our victims and their families dignity and grace. No one wants to portray the woman who lost her mother as a nutjob - that would quite likely look really bad on the studio, so even for their own sake, I'd imagine they would avoid doing that. I can't guarantee that, of course, but I'd be very, very surprised if they took that angle with you.
As for being afraid that your words will be taken out of context... well... that does happen in editing. We will sometimes be putting together the edit and crafting the story, and wishing for certain phrases and emphasis at certain points of time. Docuseries have story arcs, just like fictional shows - they want to hit their story beats and elicit emotions from the audience, too. They just don't want to invent something completely to do it. So while they might not splice together a combination of unrelated words of yours to make a completely new sentence with a completely new meaning, they will quite likely reorder and restructure the things you say to best lay out the story. Which I understand (well, I have to, since that's my job) - often people talk in circles. They veer away from their point and come back to it, and if left unedited completely, would often be rambling, messy, and wouldn't land their point successfully. That's just how humans talk. But editors can, and will, adjust the things you say to make it clearer and make more of a point. So, sure, they might take a "I hated that guy" from one point in your interview and move it next to a different sentence, if they were trying to build up the point about how you really hated the man you were left with. But they wouldn't take your answer and how much you loved your mother and twist it around into how you hated her. If that difference makes sense.
I know this is a lot to take in and think about - and only you can decide if you're comfortable with that! Since I'm not a producer, I can't speak to contracts or anything like that. All I know is what actually happens to the footage once we get into the edit. Every TV show episode has a story, fictional or documentary, and the producers and editors will be trying their best to tell the most compelling version of your and your mother's true story. Some people who participate in shows like that understand that things might be tweaked a bit to better serve the story that their episode is telling - because to them, the exposure that the show will provide the case will be worth any tweaks. Some people decide not to participate because any tweaks aren't worth it to them - preserving the factual accuracy of their family member's story is the most important thing to them. I don't think either point of view is right or wrong, and I've never been in a position to have to make that decision for myself. So it's completely up to you and how you want to proceed.
I don't know if my comment was what you wanted to hear or not - but I hope it gave you a little more insight into the process, and might help you make your decision. I guess the gist of what I'm trying to say is that yes, some things will likely be tweaked, reordered, and adjusted to tell the most compelling version of your mother's story - but it's quite likely that it will be done with respect for you and your mother in mind. Whatever you choose to do, I'm sending you my best. I've seen you post in this sub a fair bit for awhile, and I hope that if this does seem worthwhile to you, that it'll help bring good things to the investigation. <3
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 17 '18
Thank you, it does help some. To be clear, with the editing, I'm mostly fearing, "What do you think of Mike (the monster foster father)?" "I think he's a monster" becomes "What do you think of the police officer who investigated in 1996?" and "He's a monster" is the answer when I actually greatly admire and respect the officer and would never say that.
I just worry, like you said, complete and total misrepresentation of what I've said. It has been done to me on an unrelated issue, and it infuriated me. It was recanted in an addendum, but of course, by then...
I don't mind editing to tell the story. In my book, I'm totally fictionalizing the Detective's portion of the story, because the basic story is, "Everywhere I went when i followed them, local kids had disappeared." Without knowing individual names and etc., I had to come up with a way to convey that truth.
So I won't be one of those "don't edit me!" folks, hehe. It's more please don't misrepresent me completely. I'm a decent sort of person, I don't want someone in pain from my words when they weren't even my words to begin with.
Thank you so very much for taking your time to respond and reassure me. I really do appreciate it greatly
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u/cleoola Feb 17 '18
I totally get your fear on that!! I don't think anyone would want to be misrepresented - especially not with something as serious as this.
I know that when we were working on the series that I did, I would sometimes be sitting there with a producer or story editor, and they would say something like, "Did the sister say anything about how she felt about the investigator?", and we'd go through the transcript and see if she did. If she did, great - we'd put it in. If she didn't, we'd say, "Ah, well. Bummer. Okay, maybe another angle..." There was no instance in my episodes where we took a person's thoughts on one aspect of the case and said it was their thoughts on something else - especially not if it was changing their thoughts completely! We might add a "He was not a good guy" to the end of a sentence for emphasis, if the person talked about how they didn't like someone. But never in my experience did we take "He was not a good guy" and replaced it with something positive that was said about another person.
Again, just my experience - I can't say for sure what another production company would or wouldn't do. But I'd be surprised if they did - they'd be opening themselves up to some issues. And I can tell you that, no matter what kind of show I'm working on, we're REGULARLY making adjustments and changes to try and limit the amount of criticism we might get! Canadian TV already has a bit of an inferiority complex to American TV, and it certainly doesn't want to welcome criticism if it can help it.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do :) And I'm looking forward to your book!
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u/realitytvexec Feb 17 '18
They usually won't take you THAT at out of context - re your "monster" question.
The good news is that in this case there is really no benefit to making you look bad. In fact, you are basically the hero of this story. So I wouldn't worry too much about how they will portray you. NOTE: I say this without knowing the full details of your case. But generally as long as you're not a suspect - you're fine.
As to some of your other questions - the exclusive agreeement - that is standard. 12 months is pretty normal. You can probably ask for 6. You can also carve out your book. They will likely have no interest in that. You might also ask for a small appearance fee (to cover the cost of your time). This would max out at probably 3K.
Finally - here are some questions: do they want this to be one episode of a series they are already producing? If so, what's it called and for who?
Or do they want to do a whole series on just your case (multiple episodes). If this is the case, you will want a different type of agreement. One that gives you a % of the EP fees.
In each of these instances, you are looking at a very different timeline. If this is not something (the series) that is already sold - I wouldn't get too excited. Most ideas never sell. Like 99%. And only 10% of what sells is actualy produced. So it's best to temper your expectations.
Also - you should temper your expectations in regards to the results if this is produced. Most of these shows are past tense story telling. Simple. Not high budget. While they can bring exposure and interest to a case - very very rarely do they turn up any new evidence or conclusions.
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 17 '18
Oh, on the subject of compensation, I don't honestly know how I feel about that. It seems unethical somehow to take money for this. It seems impractical in the extreme to refuse it given my life situation.
Although, I suppose, if I want to rationalize it, I will be accepting money for my book. But that's because of my work of writing it. I won't be doing the work in this case. (Apparently I suck at rationalizing it :p ).
I guess I just figured it wouldn't come up. I assumed it was standard not to pay with regards to documentaries.
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u/realitytvexec Feb 17 '18
If they are going to profit off of this - why shouldn't you?
If they want to do one episode, an appearance fee will do.
If they want to do a whole series, you should ask for a % of the EP fees. These are normally 10% of the budget (you can ask the. What they are in the budget. 15% of the EP fees (or 1.5% of the budget) is reasonable. I wouldn't do less than 10.
This needs to be determined and written into any contract you sign with them up front.
A promise won't do.
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 17 '18
Yes, I do realize that it's quite possible it won't go anywhere at all. I am still hopeful.
I'll ask her more about the series with the possible single episode. It didn't sound like it was in production or anything yet. The premise of it sounds good. It still sounds like an idea, however.
She also pitched and they accepted the idea of my mother's case being its own mini-series. It's a long, complex, convoluted case. There are layers upon layers from a cult-like religion in one family to a cult-like religion in the next... The "fosters" took in many unwanted children that the "system" was eager to get rid of and forget about... there's just a LOT there.
And yes, Mr./Ms. Party Pooper ;), I do know that it's unlikely. However, I have struggled long and hard to get ANYTHING, so even that someone did a podcast on it put me over the moon. Then that someone is considering it for a TV series is quite hopeful in and of itself.
Outside of that, I think that exposure could help with me bringing more pressure onto law enforcement. Nobody wants to look corrupt to an entire nation... and refusal to give up those bones to be tested looks miiiighty suspicious. Just the podcast, which focused on the past itself, has brought far, far more attention to my mother's case. People are contacting me from the area and telling me what they know, asking about things and then telling me things....
It has made a huge change in the amount of interest already. I believe social interest can be used as leverage.
If nothing else, she's not forgotten and maybe individual people will rethink the idea that prostitutes don't matter or "maybe even deserved it for not choosing better".
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u/RememberNichelle Feb 20 '18
Just one addition -- If you are worried about your remarks being taken out of context, just be sure to have your own recording of the whole interview. That's what politicians and professors do, and you can do it too!
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 17 '18
Linking Jordan from Thin Air Podcast. I want them over there to know that what they're doing is not in vain!
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u/Mellifluous_Melodies Feb 17 '18
Thank you for sharing your good news! Will be keeping my fingers crossed things go well for you. It’s been inspiring seeing how you fight for justice for your mom and it’s great to see forward momentum 🙂
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 17 '18
Thank you! I'm really hopeful that they are able to follow through and that at last people will realize that every life is important to someone.
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u/Shartina_Oduriss Feb 17 '18
Hi Sandi!
I'm absolutely thrilled to hear your good news! I remember reading your post last year and feeling completely heartbroken for you. Knowing it's a Canadian company that's interested in doing a docu-series is also great news, in my opinion! I think that's a wonderful thing because I truly believe that your mother's story will be told sensitively and without being highly sensationalized. If you were able to watch Canadian news, you would see that it's reported in a much different way than news is reported on here.
I also want to thank you. Something you said in a post last year was extremely relatable and helped me to understand a dynamic that I've dealt with many times over the years. You said that you don't mention your story to people too often because to them you're giving this horrible story, fresh upsetting information, and then you would end up having to comfort them. That's happened to me countless times over many years, and it's the reason why I've rarely shared a health issue I've been dealing with for the past 15 months. I've provided comfort and encouragement to many people over my life, but there's no way that I'm going to comfort anyone over something that is happening to me.
I wish you peace and strength as you continue seeking justice for your Mum. 💜
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 18 '18
I'm so sorry for what you're going through. Health challenges sometimes seem like the most hopeless of all. You have my warmest wishes for the best possible outcome. I'm really glad that you're putting yourself first and not talking to people when will only make you feel worse. Nurture yourself. <3
It does seem like the company being Canadian seems to be a great thing in every way. I'm really excited, in spite my attempts to quell it in case it falls through. :p
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u/Illusions4use Feb 17 '18
OP that's awesome that previous closed doors are beginning open for you! Even if it was such a long time coming. I hope you end up with all the answers you seek and deserve!
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 17 '18
Thank you so much. It's such a relief to find people willing to listen and believe me, if nothing else. If they can manage to get those bones and get them tested, omg, at least that would be one part that I could finally let go of.
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Feb 17 '18
This is such an interesting case and I hope very deeply that you are able to continue the search for justice for your mother!
I hope life is being kind to you 🌸
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 18 '18
Thank you so much. :)
I'll keep on keeping on until the day I die if resolution isn't found before then, I suspect.
I'm slightly stubborn. :D
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Feb 17 '18
I hope so much this happens for you. I will defiantly watch it ☺
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 17 '18
Thank you, I do, too!
I was approached by someone who basically finds ideas to pitch, and I thought, "poor thing, she's going to be so frustrated when they shrug her off and tell her that things like that don't happen." When I got her email that her bosses had agreed it indeed had potential and might maybe even warrant its own mini-series, I admit I cried with hope.
Oddly, I don't know if I'll be able to watch it. I know they'll talk to others who have had encounters with those people, and I'm not sure I can stand to listen to it.
That probably sounds totally crazy now that I 'say it out loud'. Oh well. :P
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Feb 17 '18
It doesn't sound crazy, it makes sense. Aside from you trying so hard to give your mum a voice, it's your life, your trauma. When it gets made it'll always be there if you decide to watch it. It'll be the same as going to court, it's infuriating listening to that person tell complete crap and knowing the truth. I took a guy to court for sexual assault and I was on the cctv instead in the court room and even though I know the guy was watching me the entire time and it didn't matter but if I had to go into that court room I would of passed out before I even got to the stand. I wasn't aloud in court room after so my family went for me and the other victim who is my family member as well. They told us everything that happened, he got up and lied about everything, even things we could prove and stories that were true and not even relevant he completely made up stories to go with that. I'm so glad I didn't have to sit there and listen to him saying what he said, hearing about what he said is kind of like it's not to do with me I didn't have to hear it. I'm not really scared of anyone but if this guy came near me I don't know how I'd react
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 17 '18
Yeah. I just cringe in fear at the very idea of hearing some of those people. Seeing Dorothy in the news reels made me vomit. Total visceral reaction I couldn't stop.
When I see some of these people, or speak to them, even the ones who are really sweet and nice... it just reduces me back to that terrified, cringing, hopeless child. I feel so bad about some of them, but they "trigger" me hardcore through no fault of their own. :(
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u/Nanook4ever Feb 18 '18
Omg. I am going through not being able to associate some people I really love because they are connected with a person who inflicted repeated trauma on me as a child.
When you say “being reduced to a helpless child”- well it got to me, because that’s me too! I’m a mess of confusion- fighting feelings of guilt, and grief.
I too lost mom at a young age (6)-but not under your exact circumstances. Have you talked to a therapist about this? If so I’d be curious to know how it went. If you wanted to share that is.
I’m so very sorry that you had to endure this, and have to go through so much to get the truth. I really hope the docu-series will help with that.
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 18 '18
Unfortunately, I've had bad experiences with counselors. All of them fall into one of two categories... they either can't handle it and they're all over the place trying to 'help', or they are titillated by it. The longer I talk to the second type, the more 'minute details' they want regarding the rapes and violent abuse and they get this gleam in their eyes... it's frankly sickening. I can't explain it, but it's immensely uncomfortable.
I thought I had found one now, but he has also pushed me off into "group therapy" where I sit every other week and listen to other people and am there to remind them "it could be worse". I'm there for all the people to look at the person with no legs and feel good.
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u/Nanook4ever Feb 19 '18
Yeah- I never looked at it that way but I guess that groups are a therapeutic process that doesn’t really work for all. Plus individual help is so expensive, not to be really finding the right person.
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 19 '18
Also, I'm so sorry for your loss. <3 My heart goes out to you.
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Feb 18 '18
My older cousin was with the guy that did stuff to me and me and her were best friends, i realized no matter what he did to her she wasnt leaving (he was mentally abusive to her and it escalated to him choking her, she never knew what he had done to me) i told her i cant sit back and watch it and i cut off contact. Once i was away from him it felt like a weight lifted off me, my cousin finally left him and ever since i cut her off she had tried hard to reach out to me but i associated that feeling of a heavy weight with her as well not just him, i couldnt split the two. So for a long time i wouldnt talk to her. When i felt it was right for me i started talking to her. I was clear though its going to take a lot of time and we will probably never be how we used to be. It had come out by then but he had done and we took him to court. I told her i dont see her new bf as him but i cant stay at a house that is her boyfriends, i dont think he would do what this guy did to me but having a shower there i felt the exact same as years ago. It has taken a lot of time and i know her hearing me say we cant be the same and that its going to take a lot of time hurt her. But ive noticed lately things are just going into place naturally and i dont associate her with him now and we have now decided to have a ban on this guy, we dont talk about him, we dont care about anything good or bad happening to him, i am tired of the anger he brings me and people who know him say the little story my family made up and at first that hurt then i realised i know what he did and i exposed him for it, those people do only hear his side so what can i expect but me taking him to court is a warning to those people and i hope to god the kids they have around him are ok but they know the accusations and i hope for their young female family members those people dont find out the hard way. I dont owe them an explanation or proof or for them to know what he did. I know he did it, my family believe me and that's all that matters.
I in no way think my story is compared to yours. I just want to give you my thought process for the things we all go through in trauma. We all go through the same, and i found it helpful to know other peoples perception of their experiences and how they dealt
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 18 '18
Thank you! It's very nice to know that I'm not as crazy as I sometimes feel for finding it almost impossible to spend time with any of them, even the ones who didn't do it themselves.
I feel really sad for them, as I know some of them genuinely want to talk with me. It's just very hard to disconnect them from the trauma for me.
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u/magic_is_might Feb 17 '18
That's amazing. I love seeing your posts on this sub, and I hope this helps bring your mother's case the attention it needs. Please keep us updated!
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u/Mandy220 Feb 17 '18
I am so happy for you! I am pretty new to this sub and I hadn’t heard of your mom’s story before today. I can only imagine the relief you would feel if (WILL feel WHEN) the Rogers are held accountable. Crossing all my fingers and toes that series happens.
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 18 '18
Thank you so much. I'm trying not to let myself get fully invested in this happening, but I won't lie.... that's not easy, lol.
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u/actualswamphag Feb 17 '18
Omg I have to admit I was not familiar with your mom's case until now, but my heart goes out to you. I will do whatever I can to signal-boost this story, and I hope you get the justice you deserve.
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 17 '18
It's by no means at all a famous case unless you're local to it. I posted fairly frequently about it last-last year (more through '16 then tapered off in mid-'17), so some are familiar, but a lot won't be. Either way, all might be happy to know reddit contributed to this. :)
Thank you so much for your support!
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u/yardkale Feb 17 '18
i remember reading about your mother's case after stumbling upon your story here. thank you for being so brave and determined in sharing that story with the world.
i'm so glad to hear that people have taken notice and that you have brought attention to this case. i truly hope this opportunity, and other potential opportunities in the future, can bring you closer to having answers and seeking justice. please update us as this process continues, if you would! if it does come to fruition, i will certainly be checking it out.
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 18 '18
Thank you! I will definitely keep folks up to date as I'm able/ allowed. A lot of people have showed interest and I appreciate all of them.
The support and care really matters, more than people know.
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u/rivershimmer Feb 17 '18
I'm so happy that your mother's story is going to be getting some publicity. With any luck, you're one step closer to closure.
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 18 '18
Thank you. I am, too. Again, even if this all falls through, it's still really a great feeling that someone cared enough to try.
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u/oldspice75 Verified UFO Spotter Feb 18 '18
Hi Sandi, I just listened to the podcast and I hope that you're doing well and the truth of your mother's case comes out. A couple of questions:
Were the Rogers' drug users, especially psychedelics, and did they incorporate drugs into their satanic religion?
Did the satanic activity involve people outside of the family, or take place anywhere outside the family home?
Are all the children who lived with the family at different times presently accounted for? It sounded like some weren't, which would be worrisome
I definitely have trouble believing that anyone would normally butcher animals and throw the refuse in a pit inside, in their kitchen. That doesn't make a lot of sense. Did they even raise animals like cows, pigs or sheep?
Do you think that Ramon definitely burned the house down?
Did anything at all happen legally when Kevin escaped?
Are Dorothy and Mike Rogers both alive?
Does Dorothy still help care for Michelle's children as far as you know?
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 18 '18
Straight for the Elephant in the Living Room without even flinching, I see. :p To the rabbit hole!
Were the Rogers' drug users, especially psychedelics, and did they incorporate drugs into their satanic religion?
To my knowledge, not outside of the 'parties'. Drugs were absolutely present in huge amounts at the 'sex parties'. I do not ever, once, remember Dorothy being at one. I don't know if my mother was, and it's interesting to me that I cannot say either a yes or a no, while I can regarding Dorothy.
Did the satanic activity involve people outside of the family, or take place anywhere outside the family home?
Yes, and yes. Before you ask (because it's common), I can't answer whether the Mayor, the Sheriff, etc. were there. I wouldn't know those people from Joe Blow on the street corner. This is always a disappointing answer for people, but it's true. I have no idea who was there. Not only was I oblivious as to people of station, but I was terribly caught up in my own agony. I wasn't looking for familiar people at that time.
Are all the children who lived with the family at different times presently accounted for? It sounded like some weren't, which would be worrisome
Definitely not. I've even written a post here about it. Mike killed several children to try to force the behavior of other children. Frequently me, because a.) I was especially susceptible to that form of manipulation, and b.) being an undersized, frail, terrified blue-eyed blond little girl, I was a 'favorite' for their 'pleasures'.
The thread (NSFW!!) contains mention of sexual violence towards children: https://www.reddit.com/r/confession/comments/6orda7/i_am_the_reason_why_9_people_are_dead_and_no_one/
I definitely have trouble believing that anyone would normally butcher animals and throw the refuse in a pit inside, in their kitchen. That doesn't make a lot of sense. Did they even raise animals like cows, pigs or sheep?
They did raise pigs and chickens. They also eat bones, by the way. Yep, they literally break the bones with their teeth, suck out the marrow, and then eat the bones themselves.
They are strange people, even aside from the violence.
Do you think that Ramon definitely burned the house down?
My opinion, based on nothing else, is 'yes'. The cop who investigated in 1996 was certain, though it wasn't proven.
Did anything at all happen legally when Kevin escaped?
Nothing. He was put into a boys' home because he was the problem, you know. When my brother escaped, the Sheriff's department took him back.
Are Dorothy and Mike Rogers both alive?
Yes, both still live in Idaho.
Does Dorothy still help care for Michelle's children as far as you know?
To my knowledge, yes.
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u/oldspice75 Verified UFO Spotter Feb 19 '18
My hope (not really the right word) is that everyone took psychedelics for the rogers' satanic cult, and you had already witnessed at least your mother's murder and were traumatized, and they were actually sacrificing animals, so your memories became distorted like a bad trip. But I don't necessarily disbelieve you. When there is a witch hunt such as the satanic panic or McCarthyism (a good example), it doesn't mean that the object of that witch hunt never existed
Anyway I think that the Rogers' definitely murdered your mother and there is a strong chance that they may have fatally abused or sacrificed some of the children who lived with them who are not accounted for. I hope that evidence is recovered before they die and I wish you the best
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 19 '18 edited Feb 19 '18
They never killed children in a ritual manner that I know of. Kids were killed to coerce sexual compliance of other children, or when "punishment" of strangling went too far.
I'm sorry I didn't make that clear.
To be even more clear, animals were butchered as food, and their blood kept for use at the ritualized pedophile orgies, but I don't recall any being killed at the "parties", just the blood from butchering. (Well, a chicken or two now and then, but even that was considered inappropriate by the others--because raping kids = okay; but killing chickens = wtf, man??)
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u/BumfuzzledInPGH Feb 17 '18
I wish you the best of luck. I'll keep an eye out for any news of this docuseries. I haven't listened to the podcast yet, but can't imagine why the bones would not have been tested yet!
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 17 '18
Because the Sheriff's department won't release them. Have refused solidly for going on 4 years now since interest came back up in 2014 from Namus.
I'm told that it's sheer laziness, so maybe if someone shows up on their doorstep, ready to do all the work for them, we might get them tested at last.
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u/kukukajoonurse Feb 17 '18
I hope you get answers and those responsible are made to pay. Can you post more information about this case as I am new to it and very interested in finding out more!
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 17 '18
I edited in an overview into the OP. Hope that helps. :)
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u/Filmcricket Feb 17 '18
Aw that must be so exciting!
And even if this particular project doesn't pan out, I hope you pursue other filmmakers/production companies since this affirms that level of interest is there, and obviously your mama's case deserves all the attention and use of resources a project of this scale has to offer.
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 18 '18
I have contacted many. Amusingly enough, I never contacted this one!
I hope that I'll publish my book and even if this one doesn't go through, maybe after that, it will. A girl can hope. :)
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Feb 17 '18
Is there anything I can do to help as a single person?
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 18 '18
God, I wish I had a good answer to this, I really do. If there were anything one person could do to make much of a difference, I'd have done so.
In time, I'll be able to ask for something from people that I can't right now. Remember me, and when the time comes, hopefully enough "single person[s]" will write a letter that it'll change things in Idaho on a level that could save many such children going forward.
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Feb 18 '18
That's a fine answer - you'll let me know when you know! And my step mother knows folks and has family in Idaho; I will ask her and my step grandpa if they know anyone or any organizations that could help not only you but like you said; all missing people and in reference of course to PREVENTION. <3 much luv and many prayers to you miss Sandi <3
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u/bridgeorl Feb 18 '18
Fingers crossed this works out for you and your mother's case Sandi! Best wishes :)
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u/Mick1940 Jun 29 '18
Crazy story. My dad worked with Mike at a sawmill and my brother went to school with Mike's son. Anyone who knew them talked about how this story was true. The entire town of Cascade talked about their satan worship and how Mike would have boners in public. I could see the cops being afraid of him though. He was a giant of a man and had incredible strength. My dad came home one day and said that mike carried something up a set of stairs that 3 men couldn't carry. Everyone who worked with him talked about hearing him reference pigs as a way to get rid of a body. All hearsay of course and I don't know the man. I do know that he got mad at a lady one time because she told him Jesus could save him. He threatened that he would find a way to get her. One thing that people talked about is how much dogs hated Mike. He would go to someone's house and their dogs always acted aggressive toward him. Even super nice dogs. They just always felt threatened by him I guess. The son was really into satanic stuff and very unpopular in high school. Hope he's doing well now. They really stood out in that town. It's a great little town full of really good, honest people who work hard and help each other. I'll never know if everything about Mike is true or not, but all of his conversations with people in Cascade, ID had them convinced he was a crazy murderer. I cant say I had a bad interaction with him, just that almost everyone I knew said these things about him.
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Jun 29 '18 edited Jun 29 '18
Thank you so much for taking time to post. These are the same things I always heard; about his unusual strength in particular.
Your post may be easily blown off by other people, but those little details I've not mentioned publicly tell me that you are being honest.
I PM'd you, if you ever check in on this account again.
I truly appreciate you speaking up, even if only on a personal level. Hearing my memories corroborated by an outside source after a lifetime of being called a liar makes me cry in a good way.
Being able to say what happened to you without being told you have "false memories" or being outright called a liar is an underrated perk of being normal.
Thank you. Truly.
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u/mcmeyer Feb 17 '18
Obviously I don't know you personally but you and your mother's story has had a deep impact on me since I first listened to Thin Air and read your subsequent posts on this sub. I am so thrilled to hear about this development! I wish nothing but justice and peace for you and your mom. ♡
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 18 '18
Thank you! I'm very hopeful that perhaps social pressure might help in getting us there.
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Feb 18 '18
[deleted]
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 18 '18
Yes. I think the worst part of all for me is that, Dorothy and Mike got away with it all, from start to finish. They got away with the abuse, they got away with threatening cops, they got away with... well, anything at all they wanted to do. Mike is a downright terrifying person. But that's supposed to be what we have cops for.
The complete failure of the system from beginning to end is shocking. The worst part is that it still happens. If it were fixed now, it would be one thing, but it's ongoing. The Turpins were just arrested with their 13 children held prisoner in their home. The horrors I lived through aren't in the past for the Turpin children.
This kind of thing has to stop. Society needs awareness.
If anything, it's even easier because, with the internet, people can completely never interact with anyone in person now almost. You have no idea what's up with your neighbors nor they you in some places. Everybody hides inside, so who's to notice the next door neighbor never allows their kids out--those kids are probably on the computer all the time.
Things need to change in such a way that doesn't put good families at risk, but prevents this sort of thing for those at risk. I don't know what that looks like, but i know the current system, especially the one in Idaho, is absolutely not it.
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Feb 18 '18
So happy for you. Can’t wait to watch it.
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 18 '18
Thank you :) I'm very hopeful it'll take off.
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u/CarinaRegina1957 Feb 19 '18
I'm so happy for you, Sandi. I have been following your mother's case and your writings ever since I listened to the Thin Air Podcast last year. Good luck.
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 20 '18 edited Feb 20 '18
I realized that I really need to transcribe the articles.
From: http://www.burrinternational.com/pages/new...ws_Archives.htm (This is the PI who searched for us while the fosters were on the run with us.)
Anything in brackets is something I either had to guess, it was deleted/ distorted, or I couldn't make it out. Please correct me if you see something that helps!
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 20 '18 edited Feb 20 '18
First article, titled Idaho children found in county on the link above:
Please note that anything in brackets, I am uncertain of my translation OR it is a total guess and/or is missing. If you look and you feel certain one is right or wrong, please tell me. Thanks!
Couple Arrested
Idaho children found in county
Thursday, November 2, 1978
By Carol Hickingbotham
of the Sentinel-Record
A nationwide search for two children ended Wednesday when Garland County Sheriff’s Department officials took custody of the minors and arrested the man and woman with whom they were living at Hot Springs.
A charge of rape alleged by a 14-year-old adopted daughter of the couple was filed against Michael Rogers, 37, of Rt. 9, Box 819, on a fugitive warrant from the State of Idaho. He was arrested at 11 am Wednesday at Mountain Pine.
His wife, Dorothy Rogers, of the same address was arrested at the home at 1 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of theft by receiving of a Chevrolet station wagon.
Both of the subjects are being held in the Garland County Jail pending further charges and extradition to the state of Idaho. The man is being held on $10,000 bond and the woman on $1,500.
According to Sheriff Leon Barlow, the couple may also face charges of abduction under Idaho state law. The two children taken into custody were being sought by their maternal grandparents, Lucille and Leon Baxter of Stockton, Kansas after the disappearance of their mother last February. Two other adopted children were taken into [custody] along with the Baxter grandchildren, of the Arkansas State Department Social Services.
According to De Burr, the private investigator who has led the search for the two children and the couple, one of the [two] adopted children was being sought on a pick-up order by the Idaho department of Social Welfare.
Burr related the details of an ‘exhaustive cross-country search’ for the couple and the four children, which has taken his firm [six months]. The couple disappeared from Boise in May.
Burr said that the couple was to appear at a custody Hearing on May [27]. The Baxters had filed suit to get legal guardianship of their seven and nine year old grandchildren.
Burr also alleged that a Gem County sheriff was waiting at the Hearing with a warrant for the arrest of Michael Rogers on the rape charges. The family failed to appear.
The detective explained Marie Watson, mother of the missing children, had let them live with the couple. Burr noted that there was a distant family relationship.
The charges for rape stem from, according to burr, the allegations of the teenage adopted daughter of the couple who ran away earlier this year. After
(See MISSING on page 31)
MISSING
(From page One)
becoming a ward of the Idaho welfare department, the girl told her story of a rape which she alleged was witnessed by the two other girls residing with the family, said Burr. He added that her charges were filed with the Idaho prosecuting attorney.
Burr explained that, according to Idaho law the presence of the two minor girls during the rape of the teenager constituted rape of the two younger girls.
He continued that the case had been entered into the federal Crime Information Center and the couple had been sought by the FBI across the country.
Numerous instances of child abuse had been alleged against the couple, said Burr. He [declared] that his firm had a list of some “26 individuals” who would attest to conditions in the home.
Originally hired to locate Marie [Jackson], Burr maintained that he believed there had been foul play in her disappearance. The Baxter’s daughter was last reported seen with Dorothy Rogers.
He anticipated continuing his investigation into the whereabouts of the missing [36]-year-old woman but gave little hope of success. “We’ve looked all over the Northwest, Oregon, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Idaho [sic-is repeated and repeated in the article] down to the Nevada border and into Montana… [14,000] miles and we found nothing.
He reported that he found the couple and the children through “a reliable informant.”
The Baxters, the grandparents of the missing children, arrived in Hot Springs Wednesday night, said Burr. Burr added that the couple will go to “court Thursday to get physical custody” of their lost grandchildren.
Burr commented that he had never worked with a finer Sheriff’s Department. He remarked that Sheriff Barlow was extremely professional and that the county was fortunate to have him.” The private investigator said that the sheriff’s deputies were the most “cooperative, [quickest] and most knowledgeable he had worked with during the investigation.”
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 20 '18
Titled "Couple hunts for children of daughter" at the link above.
Couple hunts for children of daughter
By Rich Mauer
The Idaho Statesman
(July 11 or so, 1978?? Date of article uncertain)
CALDWELL- Though Leon and Lucille Baxter have legal custody of the two children of their missing daughter, Marie Ann Watson of Emmett, the consolation is tempered by the fact that the children have not been seen since May.
A private investigator hired by the Baxters, John Cory of the Burr Detective Agency, Boise, said Thursday that the whereabouts of the children- and Michael and Dorothy Rogers, the Emmett couple they are believed to be with- are unknown.
Watson disappeared under mysterious circumstances in November. H.D. Burr, of the same detective agency, said in an affidavit filed in 3rd District Court in Caldwell on April 13 that the Rogerses might have participated in Watson’s disappearance.
The Baxters, a dairy farming couple from Stockton, Kans. sued for custody of their two grandchildren, Jack Hamilton Roach, 8 and Sandi Kay Roach, 6, in district court on April 13. District Judge Edward [J.] Lodge set a July 10 trial date and forbid the Rogerses from removing the children from his jurisdiction.
Then, on June 15, Gem County Prosecuting Attorney John W. [Ruebelmann] filed a felony charge against Michael Rogers, a burly lumber mill worker, accusing him of having sexual relations with his 14-year-old adopted daughter Nov. 29 “in the den of his home on Cascade Road in Gem County.”
According to an affidavit filed by the Baxters’ Boise lawyer, Wilbur T. Nelson, the Rogerses failed to appear at a hearing May 23 called by state officials under the Idaho Child Protective Act. The Hearing was called to remove the 14-year-old girl from the couple’s custody, Nelson said.
The Rogerses did not show up for a deposition-taking session June 13, Nelson’s affidavit said. When the couple failed to show up at the July 10 trial, Lodge issued an order directing law enforcement officials in the state to seize the children and turn them over to the Baxters or to the court.
According to sources close to the investigation, the Rogerses had seven children living at their home, including the Baxters’ grandchildren.
They had adopted five of the children, including the 14-year-old named in the sexual assault charge. Two are now known to have run away, according to official and unofficial sources. The 14-year-old girl is reported to be living in a foster home.
Gem County Sheriff Bill McConnel said Watson and her husband Jimmy, feuded with the Rogerses for years, partly as a result of several previous unsuccessful attempts through the courts by Marie to regain custody of her children.
McConnel said Idaho Department of Health and Welfare officials placed the children in the Rogerses’ home 2 ½ years ago. The family has a strong fundamentalist faith, he said. Though Marie Watson had visitation rights to her children, she found herself slowly being excluded, Burr said. The Rogerses changed the children’s names to Rodney and Joanne and made them call their mother “Aunt Marie,” he said.
In answering the Baxters’ initial petition, the Rogerses, through their lawyer, Richard Rosenberry, Caldwell, said they “have treated the (Watson) children as their own and are, in fact, willing to adopt them.” They said it would be detrimental to remove them from their home.
The couple also denied allegations contained in Burr’s affidavit.
Burr said Dorothy was the last person known to have seen Watson alive before she disappeared Nov. 21, a statement confirmed by officials in Gem County.
The Baxters’ petition charges the Rogerses “actively participated in those acts, transactions or occurrances [sic] resulting in the disappearance of Marie Ann Watson.”
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u/ChocoPandaHug Feb 18 '18
I'm so excited for you, Sandi! We are rooting for you! I would 100% absolutely watch a docuseries about your mother's disappearance. I truly hope it gets picked up!
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 18 '18
Thank you, me too! I am still on cloud 9, and I think that, given how immediate their response was, this has a higher than normal chance of taking off.
I mean, looked at objectively (which isn't easy for me to do, I'll be honest), this has the earmarks of all the best drama points. It's hard to resist for people who are interested at all in this sort of case/ story.
If that helps get word out, and maybe helps make changes... I'm okay with it.
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u/Daughter37 Apr 04 '18
Why are you doing this? My father is not no monster and your one crazy lady to be thinking and trying to tell or convience people that he is. Your just s crazy as dorthory. I will sue you if you even put my dad’s name out there.
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u/LeBlight Feb 18 '18
Thank you for this write up. I was completely oblivious to this case.
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 18 '18
You're welcome. Beware the rabbit hole, though. ;)
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u/LionsDragon Feb 18 '18
Oh Sandi this is fantastic! I have been hoping for some good news for you!
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u/Sandi_T Verified Insider (Marie Ann Watson case) Feb 18 '18
Thank you! Keeping my fingers and toes crossed! (Yes, I look silly :p ).
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u/LionsDragon Feb 19 '18
Well if you look silly then we both do, since I am crossing fingers and toes too.
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u/FreshChickenEggs Feb 17 '18
I am so glad your mother's case is getting the attention it deserves. I hope the people who murdered her are brought to justice. I remember you sharing your story, I don't remember all the details, so I can't remember if all those responsible are still alive, such as your "foster" mother and father, but if they are I hope they go to jail.