Lost Hills: Dark Canyon
Western Sound and Pushkin Industries
Lost Hills investigates the dark side of Malibu, California. Beneath a seductive facade, this city of billionaires, celebrities, and surf bums is hiding something menacing.
On September 16, 2009, 24-year-old Mitrice Richardson was arrested by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for failing to pay her bill at a restaurant in Malibu, CA. After being released from Lost Hills Station shortly after midnight, she disappeared. Eleven months later, her naked, skeletal remains were discovered in a canyon some six miles away.
For nearly 15 years, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Mitrice’s friends and family, and generations of internet sleuths have tried to crack the case.
To this day, her death remains an unsolved mystery.
The truth lies in the remote Malibu community where Mitrice was last seen. And now, finally, people are starting to talk.
Hosted by Dana Goodyear (The New Yorker) and produced by Western Sound and Pushkin Industries. Show artwork copyright Francesca Gabbiani.
Subscribe to Pushkin plus to hear the whole season early, and ad free. Find Pushkin plus on the Lost Hills show page in Apple Podcasts or at Pushkin.fm.
Follow us @losthillspod on Twitter and Instagram for a deeper dive into the stories.
On September 16, 2009, 24-year-old Mitrice Richardson was arrested by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for failing to pay her bill at a restaurant in Malibu, CA. After being released from Lost Hills Station shortly after midnight, she disappeared. Eleven months later, her naked, skeletal remains were discovered in a canyon some six miles away.
For nearly 15 years, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Mitrice’s friends and family, and generations of internet sleuths have tried to crack the case.
To this day, her death remains an unsolved mystery.
The truth lies in the remote Malibu community where Mitrice was last seen. And now, finally, people are starting to talk.
Hosted by Dana Goodyear (The New Yorker) and produced by Western Sound and Pushkin Industries. Show artwork copyright Francesca Gabbiani.
Subscribe to Pushkin plus to hear the whole season early, and ad free. Find Pushkin plus on the Lost Hills show page in Apple Podcasts or at Pushkin.fm.
Follow us @losthillspod on Twitter and Instagram for a deeper dive into the stories.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 15, 2024 • 34min
11. The Suitcase
Exploring suspicions around a person of interest, a chilling discovery in the woods, and the unsettling find of women's lingerie in the forest. Discussions on potential crime involvement, eerie locations like Chateau Shangri-La, the tragic journey of a key figure, and the search for forensic evidence in a garbage bag.
Jul 10, 2024 • 30min
10. The Wallypad
A firefighter's home is infiltrated by an informant seeking info on a Person of Interest, leading to a visit to Lost Hills Station. Detectives look into Rick's links, focusing on the mysterious Wally Pad. Rumors and revelations emerge in the mountainous region, including a chilling rumor that changes perceptions. Lisa befriends Rick to uncover suspicions, leading to discoveries of human remains and women's clothes in Dark Canyon.
Jul 8, 2024 • 33min
9. Fearful Witness
The podcast delves into a woman's disturbing encounter near the time of Mitrice's death, the exhumation of her remains for a second autopsy, and ongoing investigations into Rick Forsberg's violent behavior towards women.
Jul 3, 2024 • 37min
8. Rick Trouble
Guest Rick Trouble, a former golden boy turned survivalist, has a troubling violent history. The podcast covers his criminal past, off-the-grid lifestyle, and suspicions surrounding a mysterious case. It delves into his rebellious actions, secret hideouts in the woods, and potential ties to a girl's disappearance. Rick's reckless behavior, criminal history involving drugs and violent attacks, and his dark past are unravelled throughout the episode.
Jul 1, 2024 • 35min
7. In the Shit
Exploring the treacherous route into Dark Canyon, visits to the Porn Ranch border, and revelations of a Person of Interest in the case. Hiking challenges, unique underground houses, rebellious photographer experiences, and unraveling mysterious disappearances in the raw wilderness. Suspicious characters, crime scene investigations, and potential leads create intrigue in the search for the missing individual.
Jun 26, 2024 • 32min
6. Reconnaissance
The podcast explores the controversial investigation into Mitrice’s remains found in Dark Canyon, raising doubts about law enforcement. It discusses challenges in handling human remains and follows the family's search for missing bones. The episode also touches on the revolutionizing tennis viewing experience and sponsor messages.
Jun 24, 2024 • 33min
Bonus: Get Jim
James Mee, the arresting officer in Mel Gibson's DUI case on Pacific Coast Highway, discusses the power of celebrities in Malibu. The episode explores the contrast in treatment between regular individuals and famous figures by law enforcement, revealing the challenges deputies face. It also delves into controversial arrests, media scandals, road safety innovations, public scrutiny, and Deputy Meade's battle for justice against LA County.
Jun 19, 2024 • 40min
5. So Close
Discussion on disturbing murals found during the search for a missing person, speculation on law enforcement's handling of the case, insights into search efforts in a dangerous canyon, and promotions for small businesses and AI solutions.
Jun 17, 2024 • 32min
4. Hopscotch
The podcast delves into Mitrice's disappearance, sightings in a rural community, challenges in search efforts, racial discrimination in investigations, and mysterious disturbances in Montanito. It explores the involvement of retired sergeant Wright, the community's determination in search operations, and dark possibilities hinted at by cryptic clues.
Jun 12, 2024 • 42min
3. Call for Help
Exploring erratic behavior, a woman claims to avenge MJ, mysterious disappearance from Lost Hills Station, controversial arrest, and concerned mother on a rural road fearing law enforcement. Complex relationships, missing person, and disruptive traits also discussed.
