Westley Alan Dodd - The Vancouver Child Murders
Listeners. As a special treat This week we release a Patreon Exclusive Episode to the masses!
The Case of Westley Alan Dodd.
In the fall of 1989, communities in southwest Washington and northern Oregon were forced to confront a reality they were not prepared for.
What began as the brutal murder of two brothers in a neighborhood park would unfold into one of the most disturbing cases in Washington State history — a case defined not only by unimaginable violence against children, but by years of warning signs, system failures, and escalation that went unaddressed.
In this episode, we examine the crimes of Westley Allan Dodd, the murders of Cole Neer, William “Billy” Neer, and Lee Iseli, and the investigation that finally stopped him after a child fought back and survived.
This is not a story about notoriety or spectacle. It is a case study in how predators operate in plain sight — and how communities change forever when the illusion of safety is shattered.
This episode covers:
The murders of Cole Neer (11) and William “Billy” Neer (10) at David Douglas Park
The disappearance and murder of Lee Iseli (4)
The investigation linking the crimes across jurisdictions
The attempted abduction at the Liberty Theatre in Camas that led to the arrest
Westley Allan Dodd’s history of offending and documented escalation
His confessions, diaries, and the scope of suspected additional victims
The unusual legal battle surrounding his demand for execution
His execution by hanging in 1993
The lasting impact on victims’ families, the community, and Washington’s justice system
Content Warning
This episode discusses crimes against children, sexual violence, and homicide. While graphic detail is avoided, listener discretion is strongly advised.
Why this case matters
Westley Allan Dodd did not emerge without warning. He was known to the system. He was convicted. He was released. Again and again.
This episode focuses not on his notoriety, but on the children whose lives were taken, the missed opportunities to stop him, and the lessons that continue to matter when it comes to protecting vulnerable communities.
