Ep 2. Paradise Lost

"Murder Mountain" is a true crime docu-series that explores the disappearance of several people in Humboldt County, California, a region known for its illegal marijuana cultivation and notorious for its danger and isolation. In "Paradise Lost," the second episode of season one, the investigation heats up as the focus shifts to the profiling of the prime suspect in one of the missing persons cases.

The episode opens with interviews of family members and friends of Garret Rodriguez, a young man who had moved to the area to work on a marijuana farm but vanished without a trace. The locals describe the region as a paradise turned hell, where newcomers are lured by the promise of easy money but quickly become trapped in a web of crime, addiction, and violence. The police detective leading the investigation, Tommy Wilkes, explains how the remote terrain, the code of silence among growers, and the lack of cooperation from witnesses and suspects make it hard to solve any case.

Then, the scene shifts to the eccentric and unsettling character of Jesse, a self-proclaimed 'sheriff' in the area who claims to have seen Garret's body and knows who killed him. The filmmakers follow Jesse into the forest, where he shows them the spot where he says he found Garret's remains. The eerie setting, combined with Jesse's rambling and paranoid behavior, adds to the sense of unease and unpredictability that permeates the show.

Further interviews with Garret's girlfriend, his mother, and his co-workers reveal conflicting stories and motives, as well as the harsh realities of life in the mountains. Many of them speak of the danger of crossing the wrong people in the cannabis trade, and the toll it takes on those who choose to stay and make a life there, despite the risks.

As the investigation continues, the focus narrows on one suspect, a man named Joseph, who has a history of drug dealing, violence, and connections to the area's criminal underworld. The filmmakers obtain footage of Joseph's arrest and search of his property, which yields incriminating evidence and raises chilling questions about the fate of Garret and other missing persons. The contrast between Joseph's calm demeanor and the gruesome details of the case create a palpable tension that grips the viewer till the end.

The episode ends with a twist that raises fresh doubts and leaves the audience wondering what will happen next. As with the first episode, the show's strength lies in its ability to humanize the victims, to portray the complex social and economic dynamics of the region, and to capture the haunting beauty and danger of the mountains. By immersing the viewer in the world of Humboldt County, "Murder Mountain" offers a compelling and sobering glimpse into a culture of crime, corruption, and loss.