Uncovering the Untold: Independent Journalist Nicolas Bowling Unpacks the Deidre Week Case
VESPER, WI (OnFocus) – The Deidre Week case is getting renewed attention, thanks to the efforts of an independent journalist and YouTuber.
For the past decade, Nicolas Bowling has carved out a niche as an independent journalist, transitioning from political commentary to a passion for true crime storytelling. Alongside his cousin Nathan, Bowling co-founded Staircase Stories, a platform that originally blended fictional tales with real-life mysteries in a podcast format. Two years ago, the duo launched the project, but it has since evolved into a video-focused YouTube channel dedicated exclusively to true crime. While Nathan tackles high-profile cases, Bowling zeroes in on lesser-known stories—like that of Deidre Week, the subject of his latest documentary-style video.
Bowling’s journey into the Deidre Week case began with a simple search for overlooked stories.
“I look for cases that haven’t been covered by other YouTube channels,” he explained. His curiosity was piqued after stumbling across a BuzzFeed article titled “Little-Known True Crime Stories” in June 2023. Among the listed cases was Deidre Week’s—a tragedy that Bowling felt deserved more attention.
“I briefly looked into it and immediately knew this was a story I had to cover,” he said, noting that no other creators had tackled it. What started as a planned 10-15 minute video ballooned into a full documentary as Bowling uncovered the case’s complexity and the mishandling of its investigation.
Bowling’s investigative process is meticulous. He begins by scouring platforms like Reddit and online lists for unsolved cold cases with untapped potential. Once he selects a story, he identifies the responsible law enforcement agency and submits public records requests to access police reports, autopsy findings, and interrogation transcripts.
“In the Deidre Week case, my notes totaled over 11,000 words,” he revealed, underscoring the depth of his research. When possible, he also seeks out interviews with individuals connected to the case before scripting, recording, and editing his videos.
The Deidre Week case, a decades-old mystery, struck a chord with Bowling due to its unresolved nature and what he describes as a “very unprofessional investigation” by the Wood County Sheriff’s Department. His goal with Staircase Stories extends beyond storytelling: “I really just want to bring more attention to these cases and hold people accountable,” he said.
In Deidre’s case, that accountability applies not only to the individual or individuals responsible for her death but also to the authorities who, in his view, failed her family.
Through his documentary, Bowling hopes to evoke empathy in viewers. “I want them to feel just a fraction of what the Week family has felt every day for the past 30 years,” he said.
He believes that collective outrage could generate the momentum needed to pressure authorities into revisiting the case and delivering justice.
For Bowling, this project is deeply personal. “I made this documentary because the Week family deserves justice,” he emphasized. He encourages the public to amplify Deidre’s story—whether by sharing his video, creating their own content, or posting about the Justice for Deidre Facebook page. “It’s not even about sharing my documentary—it’s about raising awareness,” he added.
“The family thinks Nicolas did an amazing job covering Deidre’s case,” said Deidre’s cousin Kelli Cornelius. “He remained highly professional, dedicated significant effort, and maintained communication with the family.”
What began as a side venture has clearly become a calling for Bowling, who continues to shine a spotlight on the forgotten corners of true crime. As Staircase Stories grows, his work serves as both a tribute to victims like Deidre Week and a rallying cry for answers in cases too long left in the shadows.
If anyone has a case they think Bowling should cover, they are welcome to email him here.
Watch it here on YouTube:
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Author: News Desk
This piece was posted by our news team! Contact us or submit stories at news@onfocus.news.
