Crime Junkie
Crime Junkie
"The thing that really pushed her family over the edge and made them suspicious was a Facebook post that Eric made on May 30th barely two months after Gwen's death that's when he posted that his kids were pushing him to meet someone new and that he was ready to date again." — Britt
"I mean, you got Gwen's clothes her photos now even her dog all gone and from there Eric appeared to be trying just to move forward you know life is for the living and all." — Ashley Flowers
"But the problem is like every path we went down nothing feels like it adds up. We tried reaching out to Eric's parents too but they didn't respond to us. I was really hoping for the opportunity to understand what their kids are going through." — Ashley Flowers
The podcast episode delves into the perplexing case of Gwen Hasselquist, who was found deceased in the Puget Sound in March 2020, with authorities quickly ruling her death a suicide. However, the narrative immediately questions this conclusion, highlighting the suspicious circumstances surrounding her disappearance. A key event was the discovery of her minivan on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, with extensive damage and shattered windows. A man named Demetrius Jackson was found near the vehicle, offering a convoluted story about being offered a ride by Gwen. His account shifted multiple times when questioned by law enforcement.
Further complicating the initial investigation, Gwen's husband, Eric Hasselquist, initially told officers that Gwen was home resting after a COVID-19 test. However, he later reported her missing, claiming she left without her phone or wallet, and that her anxiety medication was also missing. The autopsy report detailed numerous injuries, including broken bones and bruising, which the medical examiner deemed consistent with a fall from the bridge. Toxicology reports indicated clonazepam in her system, with a metabolite level suggesting a significant dose, contributing to the suicide ruling.
Despite the official ruling, Gwen's loved ones remained unconvinced, pointing to inconsistencies in Eric's behavior, his rapid remarriage, and the questionable circumstances surrounding the damage to the van and Gwen's final movements. The investigation by the podcast hosts uncovered missing toll booth footage, ambiguous Ring camera data, and conflicting statements regarding Gwen's health and state of mind. The episode emphasizes the frustration of unanswered questions, including the exact cause of the van's damage, the timeframe of Gwen's movements, and the potential role of Demetrius Jackson and Eric Hasselquist.