Ep 4. The Alderpoint 8

The Alderpoint 8 is the fourth episode of the compelling true crime series, Murder Mountain. The show is a deep dive into the murky world of the marijuana industry and the violence, corruption, and danger that comes with it. This episode follows the story of eight missing people, all of whom had connections to the small town of Alderpoint in Northern California, which has a reputation as a hub for the illegal weed trade.

The episode starts with an overview of the town and its history. Known as the 'Emerald Triangle', the region around Alderpoint, comprised of Humboldt, Mendocino, and Trinity Counties, is notorious for its cannabis cultivation. People have been growing pot here for decades, and it's estimated that around 80% of the marijuana consumed in the US comes from this area. However, the industry is entirely unregulated, and the drug cartels and criminal gangs have a stranglehold on the trade.

It is within this context that the 'Alderpoint 8' vanished. The eight individuals, seven men, and one woman, were all connected to the marijuana trade in some way. They were last seen between 2013 and 2014, and their disappearances sparked an intensive search by law enforcement and their families. However, the case is complicated, and the locals are reluctant to cooperate with the authorities.

The episode profiles each of the missing people and the circumstances surrounding their disappearances. We hear from family members, acquaintances, and law enforcement officials who have been investigating the case for years. Many of the missing were last seen at parties or social gatherings in the Alderpoint area, and their vanishing has left a sense of unease in the community.

As the episode progresses, we get a disturbing insight into the brutal and dangerous world of the illegal marijuana trade. The locals talk about the prevalence of drug cartels and organized crime in the area, and how they control everything from cultivation to transportation to distribution. Many of the people involved in the trade are armed and dangerous, and it's common for disputes to be resolved with violence.

Despite their best efforts, law enforcement has been unable to crack the case of the Alderpoint 8. There are theories that the disappearances are linked to drug trafficking, that the missing people have been killed, or that they have simply fled the area. But without concrete evidence, the families of the missing are left to wonder what happened to their loved ones.

The episode also examines some of the wider issues around the marijuana trade. The lack of regulation means that safety standards are non-existent, and many growers use dangerous chemicals and pesticides that can harm both consumers and the environment. There is also a human cost to the industry, with many workers being exploited and endangered.

Despite its grim subject matter, the episode is compelling viewing. The Alderpoint 8 is a haunting mystery that has captivated the attention of law enforcement and true crime aficionados alike. This episode sheds light on the dangerous and shadowy world of the marijuana trade, and the human toll that it takes. With its mix of interviews, archive footage, and re-enactments, the show is a gripping exploration of a world that most of us will never see.