On a warm July night in 1995, Joanne Dickson—a devoted mother of two known for her vibrant spirit—stepped out in downtown Edmonton for a well-deserved night with friends. After visiting familiar spots like the Purple Onion and the Commercial Hotel, Joanne was last seen in the early hours of the morning, leaving with a man who called himself “Rob.” By the next day, she hadn’t returned home, and within 48 hours, a chilling discovery along the North Saskatchewan River would confirm everyone’s worst fears.
In this episode, we trace Joanne’s final hours, the investigation that followed, and the unsettling truth behind the stranger she trusted that night. Through witness accounts and court testimony, this case reveals both the fragility of a single moment and the lasting impact of unimaginable violence—while keeping Joanne at the center: a loving mother and friend whose life was taken far too soon.






References:
Edmonton Journal, July 26, 1995 Newspapers.com
Edmonton Journal, July 28, 1995
Edmonton Journal, July 29, 1995
Calgary Herald, July 27, 1995
Calgary Herald, January 30, 1996
Red Deer Advocate, January 31, 1996
Calgary Herald, February 7, 1996 Newspapers.com
R-v-Smart Canadian Case law Document (PDF)