Kathryn Casey

1) Sometimes we want people to be as we see them, not as they are. Kari wouldn’t or couldn’t admit even to herself that Matt wasn’t the man she thought she’d married, even as the evidence piled up over the years. Why is that? Do you think we believe we can change people? Or do we sometimes bury our heads in the sand afraid to admit we were wrong about someone because then we’d have to take action? Is it just that old adage, that love is blind?

2) We now know that Matt Baker was living a double life. He never was the squeaky clean, pious young man he pretended to be. What forces do you believe played the biggest part in forming his character? How did he view/use religion? Why did so many people (including Baylor) fail to expose him for the man he truly was? What should Baylor have done when he attacked Lora Wilson? Would it have made a difference? Might Kari still be alive?

3) What part if any do you believe Matt Baker played in Kassidy’s death? Do you believe she died of natural causes? Why? Why not? If it could be proven that Matt was responsible for the child’s death, would you be in favor of pressing further charges? (Considering that he’s already serving a 65-year sentence. Do you want taxpayer money spent on another trial under those circumstances?)

4) Hindsight is 20-20. In the real world, it’s often difficult to know what to do when we see things that could hurt our loved ones. Should we tell them? Shouldn’t we? What if it will hurt them? What if we’re not sure, and it’s all just suspicion? Kari’s family struggled with these questions. They loved her, and they never suspected that Matt could be truly dangerous. In your own life, have you encountered similar situations? What did you do? Why? How did you make your decision? What was the result?

5) There are many heroes in Kari’s story: John Bennett, Mike McNamara, Matt Cawthon, Bill Johnston and others. And of course: Jim and Linda Dulin and the Angels. But local law enforcement failed Kari and everyone who loved her. They failed Kensi and Grace, allowing the charade to continue. In fact, they failed society in general. The Dulins spent much of their life savings to pursue justice. In your opinion, what were the biggest mistakes made by Hewitt P.D.? Why do you believe they were so unwilling to admit they’d erred and reevaluate the case? Have you seen this type of behavior before? When?

6) There are lessons to be learned from this tragedy. What are some of them? What will you always remember about Kari’s story? Has it changed anything about the way you see the world or how you would react in a certain situation?