Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
In late June 1983, visitors to Summit Meadow in Yosemite National Park discovered a human hand and forearm protruding from the mud. National Park Service investigators Kim Tucker and Don Quelo launched an exhaustive search, but found no other remains, and anthropological testing indicated the victim was a small-framed woman around 25 years old. Over the next decades, the case stalled through multiple false leads, including confessions from serial killer Henry Lee Lucas and potential circumstantial overlap with Yosemite murderer Cary Stayner. The investigation stalled repeatedly due to shifting departmental priorities, the elimination of criminal investigator roles, and a lack of identifying clues.
Decades later, in 2017, Kim Tucker's son, Special Agent Cullen Tucker, took over the cold case file and partnered with Parabon Nano Labs to perform whole genome sequencing and investigative genetic genealogy. In January 2021, the remains were positively identified as Patricia Hicks Dahlstrom, a 28-year-old from Spokane who had moved to Merced, California, and become involved in a cult led by fugitive Donald Gibson. Although her identity was finally recovered, questions remain regarding her final months, her potential connections to known criminals, and who ultimately murdered her.
The episode opens with a brief introduction and a commercial for SimpliSafe home security.
Delia introduces herself and sets the stage for the Yosemite case.
The first discovery of a human hand at Summit Meadow and the initial investigation are recounted.
Rangers and investigators process the remains, estimate the victim’s profile, and search the meadow.
Investigators interview serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, exploring potential connections to the case.
Modern DNA testing identifies the victim as Patricia Hicks Dahlstrom and opens new investigative avenues.
The NPS disbands criminal investigator roles, halting progress on the case.
The episode concludes with a call for tips and a summary of unresolved questions.
Discovery at Summit Meadowstory
In June 1983, visitors picnicking in Yosemite National Park's Summit Meadow uncovered a human hand and forearm protruding from muddy ground, sparking a decades-long cold case.
Forensic Findings on Remainsdata
A forensic anthropologist estimated the remains belonged to a small-framed woman weighing around 110 pounds who had died within the past year, though no cause of death could be determined.
Investigating Henry Lee Lucasstory
Investigators interviewed serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, who claimed to have picked up a hitchhiker near Yosemite and left items like a canteen and a green jacket in Summit Meadow.
Elimination of Investigator Rolesinsight
In late 1984, while making progress with Lucas, investigator Kim Tucker was removed from the case when the NPS temporarily eliminated all criminal investigator roles.
Whole Genome Sequencing Breakthroughdata
Parabon Nano Labs performed whole genome sequencing on the remains, determining the victim was a white woman with blond hair and blue eyes.
Identification of Jane Doestory
In January 2021, DNA profiling and genetic genealogy officially identified the Summit Meadow Jane Doe as Patricia Hicks Dahlstrom from Spokane, Washington.
Cult Connection Revealedinsight
Investigative follow-ups revealed that Patricia had lived in Merced, California, and belonged to a religious cult led by Donald Gibson, who later fled to Mexico after child molestation convictions.
“In late June 1983, visitors to this recreation space discovered something unsettling: a human hand.”
“The anthropologist also estimated the woman weighed about 110 pounds and had died within the last year or so.”
“After analyzing the Summit Meadow Jane Doe remains, Parabon determined the woman was white with blond hair and blue eyes, so definitely not Hispanic with dark hair.”
When a hand is unearthed in a popular meadow in Yosemite National Park, investigators hunt for answers for years. When an ID is finally made, even more questions emerge.
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