Norma Countryman found herself in a dire situation at just 15 years old. Bound and in peril, she managed to escape from the clutches of Warren Forrest, a man suspected of being a serial killer. Her story is now at the heart of a compelling true-crime podcast, “Stolen Voices of Dole Valley,” by Lemonada Media, focusing on Forrest’s notorious crimes.
Warren Forrest, a convicted murderer, has been locked away since 1974. He was found guilty of killing Krista Blake, and most recently, Martha Morrison in 2023. Investigators are revisiting other unsolved cases linked to him, including the murder of Carol Valenzuela in 1974.
Carolyn Ossorio, the podcast host, shares insights from survivors and victims’ families. “Warren Forrest got away with so much,” Ossorio explained. The families are eager for justice after years of unanswered questions.
In July 1974, Countryman was just a teenager dealing with troubles at home. A blue van pulled up as she sat by the roadside in Ridgefield. Behind the wheel was Forrest, who initially seemed harmless.
Despite her mother’s warnings about strangers, Countryman accepted a ride from Forrest. His manipulative tactics slowly eroded her defenses. “He just kept slowly pressuring,” Ossorio revealed.
Once inside the van, Forrest’s demeanor changed. He threatened Countryman with a knife, driving her to a secluded area. There, he violently attacked and restrained her.
Countryman was left tied up in the woods, fearing for her life. Determined to survive, she chewed through her bindings and eventually broke free. Her harrowing escape was just the beginning of a long journey for justice.
After making it out of the woods, Countryman was discovered by a park employee. Unfortunately, her story was initially met with disbelief by authorities. “The police were called, and she wasn’t believed,” Ossorio noted.
It took nearly two decades before Countryman publicly recounted her ordeal. Her experience is a poignant reminder of the trauma endured by survivors. “You can really see the damage it caused Norma,” Ossorio said.
Forrest was first apprehended the same year as Countryman’s attack. He was identified after a failed attempt to kill another young woman. At the time, Forrest worked for the Clark County Parks Department and was a family man.
Detectives began connecting Forrest to other disappearances and murders. His sinister activities spanned from 1971 to 1974. “Warren portrays himself as a victim,” Ossorio mentioned, referencing Forrest’s claims about his time in Vietnam.
Jamie Grissim is believed to be Forrest’s first victim. She vanished in December 1971, leaving behind a heartbroken sister, Starr. Despite the years, Starr remains hopeful of finding Jamie.
Forrest, now 76, continues to seek parole, though his applications are denied. His potential involvement in numerous violent crimes keeps him behind bars. “In the podcast, we play recordings of him speaking to the parole board,” Ossorio shared.
In 2014, a breakthrough came when investigators reexamined evidence connected to Forrest. A bloodstain found on an air pistol matched Morrison’s DNA. This led to new charges against Forrest for her murder.
Recently, Clark County Sheriff John Horch revived a cold case team. They are focused on Forrest’s crimes, using modern DNA technology. The cases linked to Forrest share notable similarities, suggesting a broader pattern.
The sheriff’s office is urging Forrest to confess to unsolved cases. There’s speculation about additional victims, possibly in other states. Yet, Forrest remains tight-lipped about his past deeds.
