ANNOUNCING: Dark Valley
Connecticut River Valley Killer overview and historical context
Dark Valley episode one reintroduces a chilling chapter of New England true crime, centering on a series of unsolved attacks and murders between 1978 and 1988. Host Jennifer Amell foregrounds the region's changing landscape after the construction of Interstate 91 and how increased travel may have influenced new patterns of violence. The episode frames the Connecticut River Valley as both idyllic and haunted by a string of brutal crimes.
Jane Borowski survivor interview and the night of August 6, 1988
A central pillar of the episode is Jane Borowski’s raw, first-person account of being attacked while seven months pregnant. Her detailed memory of the assault, the make of her car, the location at Gmarlow’s Market, and the attacker’s behavior forms an essential eyewitness narrative. Jane’s resilience, survivor’s guilt, and quest for answers anchor the story emotionally and investigatively.
Cold case details and forensic profiling methods discussed
The episode explores investigative techniques used over decades, including task force efforts and the involvement of a forensic psychologist, Dr. John Philpin, who performed clinical hypnotic regression to recover details. Listeners hear the ethical and psychological toll of immersive profiling, plus the debate among investigators about whether one person or multiple perpetrators committed these crimes.
Remembering victims beyond headlines and the podcast’s mission
More than a whodunit, the episode emphasizes remembrance and context. Jennifer and Jane travel to sites, read archival newspapers, and speak with family members to restore identity to women once defined only by their deaths: Kathy, Betsy, Bernice, Eva, Ellen, Linda, Heidi, and Barbara. The production reframes the investigation as a human story about memory, community, and the messy persistence of unanswered questions.
How listeners can contribute to cold case investigations
The episode closes with concrete contact information for the New Hampshire and Vermont state police cold case units, encouraging anyone with tips to come forward. It also highlights how archival research, local interviews, and public attention can keep a case alive and inspire new leads.
- Production notes: Dark Valley is produced and hosted by Jennifer Amell and released via AudioChuck, with bonus content on the Crime Junkie fan club.
Key points
- Listen to Jane Borowski’s firsthand survivor account from the 1988 Connecticut River Valley attack.
- Review archival newspaper records to connect victim timelines and missing-person reports.
- Understand how clinical hypnotic regression contributed to recovering details from Jane’s memory.
- Compare victim profiles to evaluate whether one or multiple valley killers were involved.
- Visit and document original crime sites to preserve environmental and locational evidence.
- Contact New Hampshire State Police Cold Case Unit with any new tips or witness information.
- Center victims’ personal stories to humanize cold case investigations beyond forensic details.
FAQ
What is Dark Valley about?
Dark Valley is an investigative podcast examining the Connecticut River Valley murders and survivor Jane Borowski’s story.
Who is Jane Borowski?
Jane Borowski is a 1988 attack survivor whose eyewitness account is central to the podcast’s first episode.
Are the Connecticut River Valley murders solved?
No; the series covers unsolved attacks from 1978 to 1988 and explores links between multiple cases.
How can listeners provide tips or information?
Listeners can contact the New Hampshire State Police Cold Case Unit at 603-271-2663 or Vermont Major Crimes at 802-244-8781.
