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Two sons, lost: How a 1986 summer camp murder devastated two families

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An illustration shows a yellow silhouette of a person freefalling against a grunge black and yellow background. (Diego Mallo for The Marshall Project)
(Diego Mallo for The Marshall Project)

In 1986, 16-year-olds Jacob Wideman and Eric Kane were rooming together on a summer camp trip to the Grand Canyon when Jacob fatally — and inexplicably — stabbed Eric.

Before long, Jacob turned himself in and eventually confessed to the killing. But he couldn’t explain what drove him to do it.

This debut episode of Violation, a podcast from The Marshall Project and WBUR, introduces the story of the crime that has bound two families together for decades.

Jacob’s father, acclaimed author John Edgar Wideman, spoke with Violation host Beth Schwartzapfel in a rare, in-depth interview about his son’s case that listeners will hear throughout the series, including this premiere.

Listen to new episodes each Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts.

Find the full episode, more information and photos here.

This segment aired on March 23, 2023.

Related:

Headshot of Beth Schwartzapfel

Beth Schwartzapfel Host and Reporter
Beth Schwartzapfel is the host and reporter of Violation, a podcast from WBUR and The Marshall Project.

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