Journalists uncovering the hidden patterns and warning signs that precede society's most devastating tragedies
In this gripping episode of SecurED, host Mike Matranga delves into a profound conversation with Anastasiya Bolton, Founder of ViKSTORY Media. Together, they unearth the chilling patterns that underlie some of the most tragic events in recent history.
The conversation starts with a haunting memory, the story of Natalie Holloway, a name etched into our collective consciousness as a symbol of tragedy. Bolton and Matranga touch upon the enigmatic case of Yaron van der Schloot, the man responsible for Holloway's disappearance. The eerie fact that her remains were never found sets the stage for a chilling discussion.
As the conversation unfolds, we're taken on a journey through Anastasiya Bolton's remarkable career as a journalist. Her experiences covering crime and court stories in Denver, a city marked by the infamous Columbine High School shooting, provide unique insights into the world of law enforcement and communication during crises.
The conversation shifts to the Aurora theater shooting and the STEM School Highlands Ranch shooting. Bolton's personal connection to the latter incident, with her stepdaughter being present during the event, adds a deeply personal dimension to the discussion. It serves as a stark reminder of how close tragedy can hit home.
But it's not just the stories of these tragic events that captivate us; it's the common threads that emerge in their aftermath. Anastasiya Bolton, with her extensive experience, points out the recurring issues that need addressing.
One crucial aspect is effective communication, both by law enforcement and schools.
Bolton highlights the challenges faced by schools in conveying critical information to parents and communities during these incidents. The need for improved crisis communication strategies becomes apparent as she shares her insights.
As the conversation draws to a close, Mike Matranga and Anastasiya Bolton touch upon the potential for change. How can organizations like ViKSTORY Media contribute to enhancing communication strategies and addressing the underlying patterns of tragedy? It's a question that lingers in the air, urging us to reflect and take action.
In the face of unthinkable events, there's always room for growth and change.
Join us as we explore the untold stories and the challenges that lie ahead, aiming to create a safer, more informed world.
Video TranscriptExpand ↓
Probably remember that. I do remember Natalie Holloway, and I think that's such a tragic event. Oh, man. You know, and we could get into a whole another space of you know, behavioral threat assessment and patterns of behavior. Yeah. But Yaron van der Schloot was her murderer. Yep. And, they've never retreat retrieved her plumbing. They never found her. No? It's a it's a heck of a story. So you covered that one as well. I did. Katrina and Natalie Holloway? I did. Anything any takeaways from from Natalie Holloway that you think are important? From a from a communication standpoint. You know, I think her family did the best they could at the time. I mean, they were on. They were talking to us, constantly. They were putting attention on the case. I don't know what they could have done differently. Right. I mean, they just their daughter, unfortunately, know, I'm not in the space of diagnosing people, so I'm not gonna call them anymore. Just unfortunately, she met Yoren when when she did. And, He's never confessed. Right. Right. And so there's no answer. So communication wise, I don't think they could have done anything differently. I think it's just an unfortunate event young girl, probably impressionable in a foreign country, and and just got wrapped up, you know, that particular evening with the wrong individual Unfortunately, you know, it led to the death of another, female lady in Peru. Yes. And, I believe he's still incarcerated, but I don't think it was a very long sentence. Maybe ten years. I think he's been re extradited recently. Has he to the United States. I think so. Oh, fantastic. I'll have to do a a little bit of research. Let I need to double check that. He was charged with extortion. Mhmm. Correct? Mhmm. Okay. Yes. Fantastic. Yes. Wow. So Alright. So you got a little bit of history there. Yeah. Get some street tread. A little bit, you know, a little bit different experiences. So in o six, I get to Denver. Okay. And in Denver, I do I work for a dominant NBC affiliate. It's a station with a lot of history, a lot of respect in the community, and there's really big shoes to fill because there's a lot of responsibility and expectations. Right. It's also the community of Columbine. But at the time that I get there, I mean, I know that Columbine happened there. But, you know, in two thousand six. Sure. It's been a few years removed. And so eventually, I get assigned, a police be which means that I my sole job is to cover crime in courts. That's what I do. I go to crime scenes. I cover things that people do to each other and I go to court and I follow and follow through. And then in you know, then a war happens because then the war with theater shooting. And I in my neighborhood, we were supposed to go to the movies that Really? To that movie theater. Mhmm. Wow. Yep. What a coincidence. Yep. And I and my husband was mad at me because it was, you know, Friday was my day off. And I'm like, you know, I'm tired to have an appointment the next day. I just don't wanna go to the movies on Thursday night. Wow. So you're supposed to go to that movie? Mhmm. In that movie theater. To that movie theater, that's my neighborhood movie theater. I live down the street from that. Thank you. Wow. That's, that's pretty impactful to think about that. Right? That, you know, you could have been there. Thanks. Alright. Well, so you've switched over. You're over working for a NBC affiliate in Denver. You're covering all these crime stories to include what we're starting to see now at in two thousand six is this pattern and this increase of you know, mass shootings in public places, whether they be at a new a movie theater or at a school, how long were you at at that particular or how were you within that market? Twelve years. Twelve years there. And so you covered, Aurora. Mhmm. And then you had STEM STEM happened right after I left. Right after you left. So my stepdaughter was at STEM when it happened. Really? She called nine one one. So for story, yes. I'm feeling like you're bad luck at this point. Really? That's not nice. I'm just gonna take a little bit of a step away from you. But, no, I'm just kidding. So tell us about some of the other stories that you covered that are significant. I mean, for those of you who don't No. I met Anastasia last week at the Safe and Sound Schools, conference with, with Michelle Gaye and her team and, really liked the things that she had to say in her direct approach, me being direct. We just kinda hit it off. And so, you know, that was one of the things that that I wanted to talk to you about was, you know, being in Denver, Denver and Texas kinda leading the nation and mass shootings in public places and in particular schools. Tell me a little bit about some of the common issues that you see after these events, not only with law enforcement communications, but with schools trying to, effectively communicate to their parents and to their communities. What are some of the what are some of the common things that you've seen in these these events throughout your career that that you feel needs some change and that you and, and big story can can help with his people.
