Three: Murder in Vacationland (Podcast | Research & Fact Checking)

Three: Murder in Vacationland is the second season of the popular THREE podcast, hosted by exoneree and journalist Amanda Knox, and produced by Jason Hoch at Wavland Media, an Audiochuck network. The season digs into the 1991 murder of Dana Ireland on Hawai’i’s Big Island, focusing on the wrongful convictions of Ian and Shawn Schweitzer — and a “shocking discovery that changed everything.” It takes a hard look at how a flawed investigation and overlooked evidence shaped the case, raising big questions about justice and truth.

01. The Story Behind the Work

This project mattered because it shines a powerful light on deep flaws within the criminal justice system—where innocent people can be convicted while the real perpetrators remain free. It’s a compelling reminder of why rigorous investigation and accountability are essential, especially when lives and communities are so profoundly affected. The story goes beyond just a crime; it exposes systemic failures that have real, lasting impacts on individuals and families.

The team was drawn to this case because of its complexity and the wide-reaching effects it had on multiple families and communities. What sparked the concept was the opportunity to tell a story that is both deeply personal and emblematic of larger issues within the justice system. It was a chance to explore resilience and the fight for justice through a lens rarely seen, making the story meaningful on multiple levels.

The biggest challenge the team faced was untangling decades of complicated evidence, conflicting testimonies, and overlooked details, all while keeping the narrative clear and engaging for listeners. This meant diving deep into thousands of pages of case files and conducting rare, exclusive interviews to uncover truths that had been buried. Ultimately, this season is about the pursuit of truth against overwhelming obstacles—an inspiring and important story that resonates well beyond Hawai’i’s Big Island.

02. What I Did

• Conducted deep archival research, reviewing tens of thousands of case files to verify facts and construct accurate timelines

• Collaborated closely with producers to support narrative development and ensure factual accuracy through rigorous fact-checking

• Unearthed and sourced key audio interviews that added important depth and emotional impact to the story

• Applied cultural insight to highlight the human stories behind the headlines and illuminate systemic issues

• Contributed to shaping a compelling, clear narrative that balanced investigative rigor with accessible storytelling

03. The Impact

The release of Three: Murder in Vacationland helped reignite public attention around a decades-old wrongful conviction, shedding new light on the flawed investigation into the murder of Dana Ireland. Through extensive research, access to over 40,000 pages of case files, and exclusive interviews, the story became clearer, more emotionally resonant, and grounded in facts that had long been overlooked. As new details surfaced, the team rethought parts of the narrative to better reflect the human toll of systemic failure and the justice system’s resistance to accountability. While it has not received formal awards yet, the season reached a wide audience, climbing to #1 on the Apple Podcasts charts in three categories. It also sparked meaningful conversations about how often truth is sacrificed in pursuit of conviction and what it really takes to expose the cracks in the system.

04. Media

The Neighbors Who Destroyed Their Lives - The Atlantic

Hawai‘i Innocence Project Featured in New Podcast Series “THREE” by Audiochuck - University of Hawai‘i