Something Was Wrong

S25 Ep15: The Truth Will Always Prevail

March 19, 2026

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  • The victim, Marissa Root, navigated significant institutional betrayal, including initial misrepresentations by her first detective, Detective Smith, who later resigned and left the country, complicating the criminal investigation. 
  • The resolution of the criminal case involved a plea deal where the perpetrator, Sione Lund, received 30 days in jail and a 10-year requirement to register as a sex offender, a compromise Marissa accepted for closure and community safety. 
  • Marissa faced intense public backlash and victim-blaming narratives, particularly due to the perpetrator's status as a University of Utah football player, highlighting how athletic prominence can complicate public reception of sexual assault claims. 
  • The University of Utah confirmed that football player Sion Lund was suspended and removed from the team after a sexual assault report by UVU student Marissa Root, leading to Lund pleading guilty and being sentenced in 2023. 
  • The University of Utah argued in a legal ruling that they lacked the required nexus to be liable under Title IX for the off-campus party where the assault occurred, as they had no involvement or control over the private residence. 
  • Utah Valley University declined to comment publicly on the case, citing privacy laws and institutional policy regarding confidential Title IX proceedings. 

Segments

Initial Detective Interaction and Confusion
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(00:02:38)
  • Key Takeaway: The initial investigating detective, Detective Smith, provided the victim with false information, stating no sex occurred, which later contradicted DNA evidence.
  • Summary: The victim was initially optimistic about Detective Smith but later learned the detective had omitted crucial details from the interview, specifically claiming no sexual intercourse took place. This omission became significant when DNA evidence proved otherwise. The victim began to suspect procedural issues when she learned Detective Smith had resigned and left the country.
Detective’s Departure and Case Status
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(00:04:14)
  • Key Takeaway: The former detective’s resignation from the police force and departure from the country reduced the merit of her testimony if she were to speak as a civilian in court.
  • Summary: The prosecutor informed the victim that Detective Smith had resigned and was living in Croatia, meaning any future testimony would be as a civilian, not law enforcement, diminishing its weight in court. This realization prompted the victim to seek direct answers from the former detective regarding the missing case file information.
Lunch Invitation and New Detective’s Warning
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(00:05:33)
  • Key Takeaway: The former detective attempted to arrange an in-person lunch meeting, which the new detective immediately flagged as inappropriate and potentially case-dismantling.
  • Summary: Despite the victim’s initial curiosity, the invitation for lunch from the former detective was strongly shut down by the new detective via text message. The new detective emphasized that meeting outside a professional setting could create the appearance of collusion and jeopardize the case’s integrity.
Case Progresses to Arrest
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(00:08:54)
  • Key Takeaway: The case advanced past screening, leading to an arrest warrant for the perpetrator, initially for felony counts of rape and forcible sodomy.
  • Summary: The case moving past screening indicated sufficient evidence for an arrest, which was validating for the victim after years of investigation. The initial arrest warrant was unexpectedly changed from no-bail to a bail warrant, leading to a delay while the perpetrator was tracked to a rehabilitation facility in another state.
Plea Negotiations and Registry Focus
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(00:10:23)
  • Key Takeaway: The victim prioritized the perpetrator being placed on the sex offender registry over maximizing jail time, viewing the registry as essential for preventing future harm.
  • Summary: The prosecutor warned the victim that initial plea offers would be low, and negotiations centered on the perpetrator’s resistance to being placed on the sex offender registry. The victim ultimately chose the registry requirement over more jail time, aligning with her goal of ensuring the perpetrator could not harm others again.
Victim Impact Statement at Sentencing
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(00:23:00)
  • Key Takeaway: During the sentencing hearing, the victim directly addressed the court, refuting rumors of consensual sex and detailing the profound, lasting psychological damage caused by the rape.
  • Summary: The victim delivered a victim impact statement, asserting the perpetrator’s guilt for rape despite the plea deal and explicitly countering rumors spread by those close to the defendant. She detailed her subsequent diagnoses of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, and emphasized that being a survivor of rape is a life sentence.
Judge Imposes Sentence Following Plea
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(00:45:26)
  • Key Takeaway: The judge followed the Rule 11 agreement, sentencing the defendant to 30 days in jail, 48 months of probation, and ordering restitution, while strongly condemning any re-victimization statements.
  • Summary: The judge followed the Rule 11 agreement, noting the defendant’s acceptance of responsibility and extensive treatment history, but explicitly stated that the crime was not consensual sex. The sentence included 30 days jail time (forthwith), 48 months of probation with sex offender conditions, and restitution of $1,457.43 to UOBC.
Aftermath and Fulfillment of Purpose
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(00:56:08)
  • Key Takeaway: The victim felt relieved and fulfilled her purpose by securing the 10-year registry requirement, which would begin after probation, ensuring long-term oversight for community safety.
  • Summary: The final sentence meant the perpetrator would be under supervision for nearly 14 years (probation plus registry), which the victim prioritized for protecting the community. Despite public criticism regarding the short jail time, she felt at peace with the outcome because she successfully ensured accountability and protection for future potential victims.
University Rule Violations
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(01:02:24)
  • Key Takeaway: The football player continually broke rules which were overlooked by the institution.
  • Summary: Information came to light showing the athlete was continually breaking rules, which were repeatedly allowed to slide by the university. This pattern raises concerns for the safety of other women on campus. The context suggests institutional failure to enforce existing standards.
University of Utah Official Statement
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(01:02:40)
  • Key Takeaway: The University of Utah confirmed the suspension of football player Sion Lund upon learning his identity following Marissa Root’s report.
  • Summary: Marissa Root, a UVU student, reported being sexually assaulted by a U of U football player at an off-campus party in 2019. After learning the perpetrator was Sion Lund, the university suspended and removed him from the team, and Lund was sentenced in 2023. The university expressed commitment to preventing violence and fostering a trauma-informed community.
Title IX Liability Ruling
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(01:03:44)
  • Key Takeaway: A judge ruled the university was not liable under Title IX because they lacked control over the off-campus party at a private residence.
  • Summary: Judge David Barlow ruled that the university had no involvement or control over the party held at the football player’s parents’ private residence. Reliance on the 2019 Players Policy Manual did not establish the required nexus for university liability under Title IX for this specific off-campus event.
Utah Valley University Response
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(01:04:28)
  • Key Takeaway: Utah Valley University adheres to privacy laws by not commenting publicly on individual Title IX cases.
  • Summary: UVU stated that compliance with privacy laws and institutional policy prevents public comment on individual cases handled through the Title IX process. The university affirmed that the safety and well-being of its campus community remain its highest priorities.
Show Credits and Support
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(01:04:58)
  • Key Takeaway: The episode concludes by thanking survivors, guests, and listing production team members and support avenues.
  • Summary: The production team, including creator Tiffany Reese and associate producer Amy B. Chesler, is acknowledged for their work on Something Was Wrong. Listeners are directed to somethingwaswrong.com to share stories and to Apple Podcasts or the sticker shop to support the show.
Sponsor Ad: McDonald’s
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(01:06:34)
  • Key Takeaway: McDonald’s is currently promoting a Big Breakfast with Hot Cakes deal for $6 via McDelivery or the app.
  • Summary: The speaker praises the McDonald’s breakfast menu, noting they usually order the same item despite the variety. The current promotion includes biscuits, sausage, scrambled eggs, and hash browns for $6. This offer is available through McDelivery or the app, and price/participation may vary.
Sponsor Ad: Jobber
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(01:07:04)
  • Key Takeaway: Jobber is a service built for Blue Collar professionals who take pride in detailed, thorough work for their families and communities.
  • Summary: The segment praises individuals who show up early, ensure every detail is correct, and take pride in their work and people. Jobber is positioned as a platform built specifically for these types of professionals. A free trial is available at jobber.com.