Cold Case: The Murder of Russell Turcotte in North Dakota

In July 2002, 19-year-old Russell Turcotte disappeared while hitchhiking home to Montana. Last seen at a truck stop in Grand Forks, his body was discovered months later near Devils Lake. Russell had been murdered, and two decades later his case remains one of North Dakota’s most haunting cold cases. This episode retraces his final steps and the tireless efforts of his family to seek justice, efforts that continue to this day. If you have any information about the murder of Russell Turcotte, or if you were in Grand Forks in July 2002, especially near the Simonson truck stop, please contact the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department at 701-662-0700 or the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 701-328-5500. Watch the 2002 Rainbow Gathering footage https://dakotaspotlight.com/rainbow/ 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: [e-mail] 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: [e-mail] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [e-mail] 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 [e-mail]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices