Culpable Returns

Summary of Culpable Returns

by Tenderfoot TV & Audacy

2m•August 25, 2025
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Summary — “Culpable Returns” (Trailer)

Author/Host: Tenderfoot TV & Audacy — Host: Dennis Cooper

Overview

This is a trailer for the new season of the true‑crime podcast Culpable. Host Dennis Cooper introduces an all‑new investigation into the 1998 disappearance and death of 17‑year‑old Danny Violet in Willard, Ohio. Eleven days after he went missing, Danny’s body was found in a cornfield with a ligature mark around his neck and a tire impression across his torso. The case remains unsolved; the season promises a fresh, in‑depth look at the evidence, witnesses, and obstacles to resolution.

Key points & main takeaways

  • The podcast revisits a 25‑year cold case: Danny Violet, missing fall 1998, body found later in cornfield.
  • Physical evidence noted: ligature mark on neck and tire impression on bare torso.
  • Investigative status: there are witnesses, suspects, and evidence, suggesting solvability, but there are also impediments that have kept the case cold.
  • Host’s aim: to provide a fresh look that could generate new leads or re‑energize the investigation.
  • Availability: new season of Culpable is now available on major platforms (Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, etc.); ad‑free binge option via Tenderfoot Plus.

Notable quotes / insights

  • “We have evidence, we have witnesses, we have suspects, so we have a lot of solvability factors here. Unfortunately, there's also some impediments.”
  • “I got a young kid, he's got a ligature mark around his neck. I said, you need more investigation.”
  • “If you're not the one that killed him, you're not in trouble. But you lied to me.”

Topics discussed

  • Cold case re‑investigation and reporting
  • Forensic indicators (ligature mark, tire impression)
  • Witness testimony and inconsistencies
  • Community impact of an unsolved death
  • Challenges in solving decades‑old crimes (lost evidence, fading memories, investigative gaps)
  • How podcasting can prompt renewed attention and tips

Action items & recommendations

For listeners:

  • Listen to the full season of Culpable for details, timelines, names, and how to submit tips.
  • If you have information about Danny Violet’s disappearance/death, contact local law enforcement or follow the show’s directions for submitting tips (check episode notes/website for contact details).
  • Share the podcast/episodes to raise awareness and possibly surface new witnesses.

For investigators / advocates:

  • Re‑examine physical evidence with modern forensics where possible (DNA, trace evidence).
  • Re‑interview witnesses and suspects to account for memory changes and surrounding context.
  • Cross‑check earlier investigative records for overlooked leads or inconsistencies highlighted by renewed reporting.

Final note

This trailer positions the season as an investigative push to reopen and reframe a long‑unsolved death with the goal of finding new leads. The full series is recommended for anyone interested in the case, cold‑case methodology, or how media attention can influence criminal investigations.