The terrifying disappearance and homicide of 37-year-old Fort Walton Seashore resident and mom of two Marie Carlson can be explored in higher element within the upcoming episode of NBC Dateline. After choking Carlson to loss of life, former pastor-turned-murderer James Flanders was capable of keep away from seize for 5 years.
On July 22, 2022, at 10/9c, watch the NBC Dateline episode Secrets and techniques on the Emerald Coast to study extra in regards to the unsolved 2011 homicide.
The inexplicable disappearance of a mom who left behind all the things, together with her new child daughter, can be coated on this story by investigator Keith Morrison.
The NBC Dateline present will current a complete image of the homicide case by fusing journalistic investigation with the emotional fallout skilled by the sufferer’s family members.
James Flanders’ homicide of Marie Carlson can be coated on NBC Dateline
NBC Dateline: Marie Carlson homicide case
James Flanders final noticed Marie Jane Carlson on October 17, 2011 at their dwelling in Fort Walton Seashore, Florida. The daughter of the 37-year-old mother-of-two and Flanders had simply been born. Collectively together with her ex-husband Jeff Carlson, she had a second daughter.
Marie sought security with James and Tanya Flanders, the previous pastor of a close-by church, after leaving an abusive relationship. The couple’s polygamous relationship with Marie was later made public, and James referred to Marie as his “sister spouse.”
A mysterious message was despatched to Carlson’s household stating that she had left to pursue her lifelong ambitions. They weren’t comforted by the message; as a substitute, it made them extra cautious.
A seek for her was launched after Jeff Carlson filed a lacking particular person report on October 24, 2011.
When James admitted to the manslaughter in 2015, new proof that had been hidden for years lastly got here to mild. He acknowledged placing Marie “in a choking grip” earlier than she handed away from asphyxiation. Their Fort Walton Seashore dwelling’s backyard contained a grave the place her bones have been found.
NBC Dateline: The place is James Flanders now?
Up till 2016, Marie Carlson’s disappearance remained simply that, with no leads on any sightings or proof of her demise. The creators of Chilly Justice labored arduous to revive curiosity within the chilly case, which first surfaced in 2015.
The fact about James and Marie’s tense relationship began to emerge from the parish. They admitted that on the day Marie vanished, the 2 bought right into a combat. Additionally they disclosed to detectives that James spent days within the hospital after she vanished as a result of he was “distraught.”
After reviewing outdated cell phone knowledge, it was found that Marie’s cellphone had by no means left Fort Walton Seashore. Detectives additionally found that she by no means meant to surrender her 8-year-old daughter or her new child baby.
James relocated to Arizona three months after Marie vanished, and on Could 5, 2015, he was detained there. He was extradited to Florida and accused of second-degree homicide.
James admitted guilt to manslaughter in April 2016 and was given a 15-year jail time period. He additionally issued a heartfelt apologies within the following assertion:
James was spared life in jail because of his confession, assertion, and settlement to disclose the situation of the physique’s grave.
His parole date is about for 2029, in accordance with jail data, and he’s nonetheless detained at Florida’s Madison Correctional Establishment.