Inside the Criminal Mind: The Murder of Lisa Dahm Carlson

Lisa Carlson (nee Dahm) grew up in a military family and after moving around quite a bit throughout her childhood, Lisa and her family finally settled down in Tacoma, Washington. Not long after graduating high school and pursuing a career in the health field, Lisa ended up meeting and marrying a man named Daniel Carlson in 1994. By all accounts, Lisa was a wonderful mother to the couple’s twin boys and was described as vivacious and full of life. Tragically, that all came to an end on July 18, 1998. Daniel Carlson came home from work to find his wife murdered on the living room sofa posed in a sexually graphic way. Pierce County investigators all agreed that the crime scene was unlike anything they had ever seen in their careers, and it just didn’t make sense. For three years, Lisa’s case would remain open but eventually went cold. It wasn’t until investigators brought in the world-renowned retired FBI profiler Mark Safarik before there would any new leads in Lisa’s murder investigation. This case highlights the importance of utilizing behavioral analysis as a tool in murder investigations to bring unique perspectives that are often crucial in solving cases. Hang out with us as we wade through the bizarreness that is this case and while we thank goodness for people like Mark Safarik for helping solve so many cold cases in his career.

***Make sure to tune in on Friday, July 19th to listen to the interview episode with FBI Profiler Mark Safarik as we discuss criminal profiling. ***

 

To watch the full episode of this case: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4x6plx

 

Resources:

Need Help with Enmeshment? Dr. Kenneth Adams is the leader in the field of Enmeshment: https://www.overcomingenmeshment.com/

Enmeshed families: https://www.overcomingenmeshment.com/services/enmeshed-families/

Enmeshed Sons: https://www.overcomingenmeshment.com/services/enmeshed-sons/

Enmeshed Daughters: https://www.overcomingenmeshment.com/services/enmeshed-daughters/

A great Podcast Episode regarding Understanding Enmeshment: https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/256/

A great Podcast Episode regarding Enmeshment, Codependency and Boundaries: https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/284/

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​​Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff (bltzwolff@gmail.com).

​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.  

 

References:

Clarridge, C. (2003, April 4). The Seattle Times. https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=20030404&slug=murder04m

Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/196076641/lisa_ann-carlson: accessed June 3, 2024), memorial page for Lisa Ann Dahm Carlson (28 Jun 1971–18 Jul 1998), Find a Grave Memorial ID 196076641, citing Mount Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA; Burial Details Unknown; Maintained by Erin (contributor 46599159).

Mackie33. (2016, October 13). Killer instinct with Mark Safarik S01E02 ~ murder with a twist : Carol & Daniel Carlson - Video Dailymotion. Dailymotion. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4x6plx

Smith, B. H. (2023, December 30). After a husband murders wife, his mom helps him stage an X-rated crime scene. Oxygen Official Site. https://www.oxygen.com/snapped/crime-news/dan-carlson-murders-lisa-carlson-has-mom-carol-help-cover-up

State v. Carlson, 132 Wn. App. 1058, 132 Wash. App. 1058 (Wash. Ct. App. 2006)