Episode Description: On October 1984, 20‑year‑old Southern Methodist University student Angela Samota was known for her bright smile, fearless spirit, and boundless energy. That all ended in the early hours of October 13, when she was found brutally murdered in her Dallas home. For over two decades, her case sat cold, until the persistence of her best friend, Sheila Wysocki, and the power of DNA testing finally revealed the truth.
This episode takes you from Angela’s vibrant life and promising future through the harrowing night of her murder, the frustrating years of unanswered questions, and the remarkable fight for justice that followed. It’s a story about friendship, loss, and the unyielding determination of one woman who refused to let Angela’s name fade into a dusty case file.
Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault and murder, including details that some listeners may find distressing. Listener discretion is advised.
References:
Wikipedia – Murder of Angela Samota
NDTV – Her Friend’s Brutal Murder Was Unsolved for Decades. This Is How She Helped Find the Killer
That’s Life! – How I Solved My Best Friend’s Murder
The Cinemaholic – Angela Samota Murder: Where Are Donald Bess and Ben McCall Now
Catt’s True Crime Corner – The Murder of Angie Samota