Barbara Louise Cotton’s disappearance in 1981 remains one of North Dakota’s most troubling cold cases. Episode 20, Lost Suicide Note, brings forward two powerful perspectives: Sandee Evanson, Barbara’s childhood friend, reflects on her enduring search for answers, while Stacey Werder’s sister in California shares insight into his death and the note tied to his suicide. A Better Search for Barbara weaves together community memory, investigative journalism, and real crime investigations into an unsolved murder still seeking resolution.

Music by Wowza in Kalamazoo: https://wowzainkalamazoo.bandcamp.com/

Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/

Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/

Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight

X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight

Instagram: @dakotaspotlight

TikTok: @dakotaspotlight

Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social

YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800

Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected]

Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected]

All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected].
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices