48 Hours

Podspun

RETURN TO CHANNEL

Search Captions & Ask AI

Sneak peek: Out of Reach

March 06, 2019 / 03:50

This episode covers the murder of Carolyn Abel, a teacher in Seoul during the 1988 Olympics, and the ongoing quest for justice. Key topics include the cultural backdrop of South Korea in the late 1980s, the experiences of women teaching English, and the investigation into Carolyn's murder.

The episode features personal accounts from women who were in Seoul at the time, including Sandra, Cathy Patrick, and Carolyn Abel herself. They describe their vibrant lives, the friendships formed, and the shocking moment when Carolyn was murdered.

Listeners hear about the brutal nature of the crime, the impact on the community, and the unresolved questions surrounding Carolyn's death. The narrative shifts to the present day, where the search for answers continues.

The hosts recount their journey to Bellingham, Washington, where they believe Carolyn's alleged killer may be located. They discuss the emotional toll of the investigation and the determination to seek justice after more than 30 years.

This episode combines elements of true crime with personal storytelling, highlighting the lasting effects of violence and the pursuit of closure.

TLDR

The episode investigates the murder of teacher Carolyn Abel in 1988 Seoul and the ongoing search for justice.

Episode

3:50
00:00:03
we were a bunch of women who came from all over the world to Seoul in 1988 to teach English
00:00:11
Korea was transforming and opening up its doors to the west the 1988 Olympics really represented South Korea's debut
00:00:22
on the world stage you were helping teach English to Korean so that they were prepared for the new world coming
00:00:30
into their Peninsula it was an interesting time it was a dangerous time there was Sandra she took me under her
00:00:47
wing and we definitely bonded Cathy Patrick she was the head teacher kind of our boss
00:00:55
I was definitely a party girl and then there was Carolyn able she was sparkly she was beautiful
00:01:06
really funny too a wicked sense of humor my sister Carolyn was an adventure people did notice her she was vibrant
00:01:17
she attracted people's attention she'd become friends with all of us but particularly with Kathy they were like
00:01:25
sisters life that year was great we had so much fun we worked hard we played hard we
00:01:34
party that night everything was going so well all our fun came to a sudden crashing halt when one of us Carolyn
00:01:46
Abel was murdered it was absolutely horrible brutal violent there are multiple stab wounds I can't even begin
00:01:58
to describe what that loss has been like somebody had detonated a nuclear bomb in the middle of a family so
00:02:09
whoever killed Carolyn is still out there we're at Newark Airport about to head overseas to try to find some answers
00:02:20
what happened to this woman Caroline aber and we're Caroline with Caroline went over there out of this direction
00:02:33
not in this direction I've been asking questions for 30 years what happened the night that Carolyn was killed
00:02:49
everybody loved Carolyn who was in the room who put the knife in why should anybody be able to get away with
00:03:00
murdering somebody and never face charges more than 30 years later our investigation has brought us here to a
00:03:14
university in Bellingham Washington where Carolyn Able's alleged killer works we just got word we're gonna make
00:03:23
our move now this is the building we were so sure the enemy was on the outside that never occurred to any of us
00:03:35
that the killer was among us [Music]

Badges

This episode stands out for the following:

  • 90
    Most heartbreaking
  • 85
    Most intense
  • 80
    Most shocking
  • 80
    Best concept / idea

Episode Highlights

  • The Vibrant Carolyn
    Carolyn Abel was a sparkly, beautiful woman with a wicked sense of humor, loved by all.
    “She attracted people's attention; she'd become friends with all of us.”
    @ 01m 14s
    March 06, 2019
  • A Tragic Loss
    The fun and camaraderie of teaching in Korea came to a sudden halt with Carolyn's murder.
    “All our fun came to a sudden crashing halt when one of us was murdered.”
    @ 01m 37s
    March 06, 2019
  • The Ongoing Search for Justice
    Decades later, the investigation into Carolyn's murder continues, seeking answers and justice.
    “Our investigation has brought us here to a university where Carolyn's alleged killer works.”
    @ 03m 12s
    March 06, 2019

Episode Quotes

  • It was like somebody had detonated a nuclear bomb in the middle of a family.
    Sneak peek: Out of Reach
  • Why should anybody be able to get away with murdering somebody?
    Sneak peek: Out of Reach

Key Moments

  • Teaching in Korea00:08
  • Carolyn's Vibrance01:03
  • Tragic Murder01:46
  • Quest for Answers02:15
  • Decades of Questions02:37
  • Justice Still Sought03:04

Words per Minute Over Time

Vibes Breakdown

Sign Up / LoginHomeAboutFAQLearnContact