Casefile True Crime Case 296: Aaron Bacon
Sep 14, 2024
In March 1994, 16-year-old Aaron Bacon was taken to a wilderness therapy program, which promised hope but ended in tragedy. The podcast examines the negligence he faced, comparing his case to others, and sheds light on the dark history of such programs. It highlights systemic failures and calls for urgent reforms to protect vulnerable youth. The emotional aftermath for Aaron’s parents is deeply explored, showcasing their pain, feelings of injustice, and the complexity of love amid struggle.
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Aaron Bacon's Enrollment
- At 6 a.m. on March 1, 1994, 16-year-old Aaron Bacon was taken from his bed by two strangers and his father.
- His parents had enrolled him in North Star Expeditions, a wilderness therapy program, to address his drug use.
Aaron Bacon's Deterioration
- Aaron Bacon, a bright and empathetic child, experienced behavioral changes after his older brother's drug use.
- Following an attack by a gang, his parents chose the wilderness program hoping to correct his behavior.
North Star Expeditions
- North Star Expeditions, founded by Lance Jagger, was a wilderness therapy program in Utah.
- It focused on reconnecting teens with nature through difficult hikes and survival skills.