Talk Murder With Me

Ep 25 - A Dangerous Game: The Murder of Breck Bednar

Caterham, England. February 17, 2014. Lorin LaFave was at a loss. Her 14-year-old son, Breck, hadn't been himself for a while. It all began when he joined an online gaming club, headed by Lewis Daynes, an 18-year-old unemployed computer engineer. Daynes's influence on Breck was powerful - he began skipping activities he once enjoyed, he isolated himself from his family and friends, he was constantly irritated and argumentative. Lorin did everything she could to put an end to the friendship. She installed parental controls on their home computers and tried to ban Breck from using Daynes's server. She even called the police, fearing that Breck was being groomed by Daynes. But her efforts were in vain. Those who had the power to help Breck failed to do so, and the consequences were devastating. Instagram: @talkmurderwithme [https://www.instagram.com/talkmurderwithme/?hl=en] Facebook: @talkmurrderwithme [https://www.facebook.com/talkmurrderwithme/] Support me by buying me a coffee [http://www.buymeacoffee.com/talkmurder] ☕ Learn more about what The Breck Foundation [https://www.breckfoundation.org/] is doing to keep young people safe online. You can find sources for this episode here [http://www.talkmurderwithme.com/blog/2020/6/3/breck-bednar]. Music from Purple Planet Music [https://www.purple-planet.com/atmospheric] Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/talk-murder-with-me/donations [https://redcircle.com/talk-murder-with-me/donations] Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

Ep 24 - Riley Whitelaw: The Walgreens Murder

Colorado Springs, Colorado. June 11, 2022. 17-year-old Riley Whitelaw reported her 28-year-old coworker, Joshua Johnson, to her manager at Walgreens. Johnson had been making advances unwanted towards Riley, which were making her seriously uncomfortable at work. This wasn't the first time she had made a report about him either. She asked for her schedule to be changed so that she would no longer have to work with Johnson. But when she asked for extra hours, her manager told her that this would mean crossing paths with Johnson. Three weeks later, she was found murdered in the break room at work. This case is currently ongoing. Joshua Johnson had a preliminary hearing on September 16, in which detectives working the case testified that no one other than Johnson could be responsible for Riley's murder. A judge ruled the evidence given at the hearing sufficient for Johnson to go to trial. His arraignment is scheduled for Nov 15, where he will plead guilty or not guilty. I'll post any updates on my Instagram. The Murder of Riley Whitelaw [https://www.talkmurderwithme.com/blog/2022/8/31/riley-whitelaw-murder] (my blog post on this case) Instagram: @talkmurderwithme [https://www.instagram.com/talkmurderwithme/?hl=en] Facebook: @talkmurrderwithme [https://www.facebook.com/talkmurrderwithme/] Support me by buying me a coffee [http://www.buymeacoffee.com/talkmurder] ☕ Sources GoFundMe Page - In Loving Memory - Riley  [https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-riley?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer] Riley Whitelaw Obituary [https://obits.gazette.com/us/obituaries/gazette/name/riley-whitelaw-obituary?_ga=2.831665.1410255445.1661762832-1179648106.1661762830&id=35273668] Preliminary hearing for suspect in Colorado Springs Walgreens homicide [https://www.koaa.com/news/crime/preliminary-hearing-for-suspect-in-colorado-springs-walgreens-homicide] Arrest papers: Teen found dead at Colorado Springs Walgreens allegedly had concerns about suspect since last year [https://www.kktv.com/2022/06/12/large-police-presence-colorado-springs-walgreens-saturday-night/] Teenage Walgreens employee in Colorado Springs reported coworker before she was found dead in breakroom [https://www.denverpost.com/2022/06/15/joshua-johnson-murder-suspect-colorado-springs/] A Walgreens Employee Was Accused Of Killing A Teenage Coworker Who Had Rejected His Advances [https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/adeonibada/walgreens-employee-killed-coworker-rejected] Docs: Teen asked not to work with coworker facing charges for her murder at Walgreens [https://krdo.com/news/2022/06/14/victim-identified-in-death-investigation-at-colorado-springs-walgreens-2/] Joshua Johnson charged with first-degree murder in killing of teen co-worker at Walgreens [https://gazette.com/news/courts/joshua-johnson-charged-with-first-degree-murder-in-killing-of-teen-co-worker-at-walgreens/article_cfcf7b02-f176-11ec-a054-0bc5090ee798.html] ‘There Was Blood Everywhere’: Walgreens Employee Charged with Killing Teen Co-Worker Who Told Management His ‘Advances’ Made Her ‘Uncomfortable’ [https://lawandcrime.com/crime/there-was-blood-everywhere-walgreens-employee-charged-with-killing-teen-co-worker-who-told-management-his-advances-made-her-uncomfortable/] Riley Whitelaw funeral service scheduled in Colorado Springs [https://gazette.com/news/local/riley-whitelaw-funeral-service-scheduled-in-colorado-springs/article_cef8ad58-f1a2-11ec-8001-3f6fe80d0457.html] Teen employee killed inside Walgreens in Colorado Springs was stabbed more than 40 times [https://www.denverpost.com/2022/08/25/walgreens-stabbing-colorado-springs-riley-whitelaw/] Autopsy report reveals horrific new information on murder of teen at Colorado Springs Walgreens [https://www.kktv.com/2022/08/24/autopsy-report-reveals-horrific-new-information-murder-teen-colorado-springs-walgreens/] Labor attorney raises concerns about handling of complaint before murder at Colorado Springs Walgreens [https://krdo.com/news/top-stories/2022/08/23/labor-attorney-raises-concerns-about-handling-of-complaint-before-murder/] Labor attorney weighs in on girl allegedly murdered by coworker in Colorado Springs Walgreens [https://www.koaa.com/news/crime/labor-attorney-weighs-in-on-girl-allegedly-murdered-by-coworker-in-colorado-springs-walgreens] Man Allegedly Killed Teen Walgreens Coworker Who'd Rejected His Advances [https://www.oxygen.com/crime-news/joshua-johnson-allegedly-killed-riley-whitelaw-rejection] Music from Purple Planet Music [https://www.purple-planet.com/atmospheric] Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/talk-murder-with-me/donations [https://redcircle.com/talk-murder-with-me/donations] Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

Ep 23 - Terror in Suburbia: The Cheshire Murders

Cheshire, Connecticut. July 23, 2007. Cheshire has pretty much everything you'd want if you were looking for a quiet, peaceful place to raise a family. The houses are spacious, the lawns are well-manicured and leafy trees line the streets. But what's most attractive about Cheshire is that it's safe. At least, that's what Bill and Jennifer Petit thought - it seemed like the perfect place to raise their two daughters, Hayley and Michaela. And it was, until one night in late July 2007 when all hell broke loose. What Joshua Komisarjevsky and Steven Hayes insisted was only going to be a home burglary, escalated into a frenzy of violence and ultimately, murder. What spurred the two men to carry out such heinous acts? And could the police have done more to stop them? The Cheshire Home Invasion Murders [https://www.talkmurderwithme.com/blog/2019/5/1/cheshire-home-invasion-murders] (my blog post on this case) Instagram: @talkmurderwithme [https://www.instagram.com/talkmurderwithme/?hl=en] Facebook: @talkmurrderwithme [https://www.facebook.com/talkmurrderwithme/] Support me by buying me a coffee [http://www.buymeacoffee.com/talkmurder] ☕ Sources for this episode: The Cheshire Murders Documentary [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29DPtCgRVUo] Connecticut Murder Suspect’s Ex-girlfriend Speaks Out [https://www.insideedition.com/headlines/1311-connecticut-murder-suspects-ex-girlfriend-speaks-out] Sister of Komisarjevsky Girlfriend Testifies about Concern Over Relationship [https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/Sister-of-Komisarjevsky-Girlfriend-Testifies-16885329.php] Komisarjevsky’s Religious Upbringing Detailed in Court [https://patch.com/connecticut/northhaven/komisarjevsky-s-religious-upbringing-detailed-in-court-21822b9e] Petit murder suspect had long, troubled history of drugs, crime [https://edition.cnn.com/2011/09/19/justice/connecticut-home-invasion-accused/index.html] Two Portraits of Triple Killer, Offered to Jurors, Are at Odds [https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/29/nyregion/29cheshire.html] Defense in Connecticut home invasion case aims to shift blame [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-homeinvasion-connecticut-idUSTRE78I6KR20110919] Steven Hayes, once on death row for Cheshire triple killing, resentenced to 6 life terms in prison [https://www.nhregister.com/connecticut/article/Steven-Hayes-once-on-death-row-for-Cheshire-11331738.php] Joshua Komisarjevsky, convicted in Cheshire triple killing, seeks a new trial [https://www.nhregister.com/connecticut/article/Joshua-Komisarjevsky-convicted-in-Cheshire-11312020.php] CT Supreme Court hears Cheshire killer Komisarjevsky’s argument for new trial [https://www.nhregister.com/connecticut/article/CT-Supreme-Court-hears-Cheshire-killer-14542277.php] Steven Hayes from Death Row: ‘I just snapped’ at scene of Cheshire home invasion [https://www.nhregister.com/connecticut/article/Steven-Hayes-from-Death-Row-I-just-snapped-11397437.php] Revisiting The Grisly Cheshire Murders [https://www.buzzfeed.com/jtes/revisiting-the-grisly-cheshire-murders] The Survivor [https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a10035/william-petit-case-0611/] Connecticut town finds hope, healing 10 years after gruesome Petit family murders [https://abcnews.go.com/US/connecticut-town-finds-hope-healing-10-years-gruesome/story?id=48708022] Connecticut Home Invasion Convict Is Undergoing Gender Transition in Prison [https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/31/us/steven-hayes-cheshire-transgender.html] The Petit Family Foundation [http://www.petitfamilyfoundation.org/] Music from Purple Planet Music [https://www.purple-planet.com/atmospheric] Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/talk-murder-with-me/donations [https://redcircle.com/talk-murder-with-me/donations] Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

Ep 22 - Alone in the World: The Devastating Story of Victoria Martens

Albuquerque, New Mexico. August 23, 2016. When Victoria Martens stepped off the school bus that Tuesday, her mother, Michelle, should have been waiting for her. But there was no sign of her, so Victoria made her own way home. It was Victoria's 10th birthday, so she was probably anticipating presents and cake, as any 10 year old would. For Victoria, however, the last year had been pretty terrible. Michelle, while she loved her daughter, wasn't very good at putting her first. She had a way of getting involved with bad people. They exploited Michelle's vulnerability and trusting nature and then they turned to Victoria. Michelle had called social services five separate times that year to report incidents involving her boyfriends. But on this particular day, Victoria's life turned into a living hell; one she did not make it out of alive. Michelle's new boyfriend, Fabian Gonzales, and his cousin, Jessica Kelley, should never have been allowed in Michelle's home, especially with her kids around. Both Kelley and Gonzalez had been in and out of prison for years. Not to mention they both had a fondness for meth. What happened to Victoria was pure evil. It's especially devastating how so many calls for help went unanswered.  The Murder of Victoria Martens [https://www.talkmurderwithme.com/blog/2021/3/6/victoria-martens-murder] (my blog post on this case) Instagram: @talkmurderwithme [https://www.instagram.com/talkmurderwithme/?hl=en] Facebook: @talkmurrderwithme [https://www.facebook.com/talkmurrderwithme/] Support me by buying me a coffee [http://www.buymeacoffee.com/talkmurder] ☕ Sources for this episode: Report: Suspect in N.M. girl's gruesome slaying should have been under supervision [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/victoria-martens-murder-new-mexico-girl-suspect-should-have-been-under-supervision/] Documents reveal new details surrounding Victoria Martens' death [https://www.koat.com/article/documents-reveal-new-details-surrounding-victoria-martens-death/23157086] Justice for Victoria: Where the case stands now [https://www.koat.com/article/justice-for-victoria-where-the-case-stands-now/28833407] OPINION | Editorial: False confessions mean we need an outside look at APD's Vigil, Martens homicide investigations [https://www.abqjournal.com/1520260/false-confessions-mean-we-need-an-outside-look-at-apds-vigil-martens-homicide-investigations.html] Forensic psychiatrist gives insight into Michelle Martens' false statements [https://www.koat.com/article/forensic-psychiatrist-gives-insight-into-michelle-martens-false-statements/22005769] Four years after 10-year-old girl is killed, questions linger [https://www.koat.com/article/four-years-after-10-year-old-girl-is-killed-questions-linger-victoria-martens/33765801] UPDATE: Jessica Kelley accepts plea deal in death of Victoria Martens [https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/new-mexico/2019/01/08/jessica-kelly-accepts-plea-deal-death-victoria-martens/2513063002/] CYFD received 5 calls about the Martens family before Victoria was killed [https://www.koat.com/article/cyfd-releases-documents-in-victoria-martens-case/8622754] Grandparents open up about Victoria Martens' mom [https://www.krqe.com/news/grandparents-open-up-about-victoria-martens-mom/] Bombshell plea deal, murder charges dropped in Victoria Martens' case [https://www.koat.com/article/bombshell-plea-deal-murder-charges-dropped-in-victoria-martens-case/22003128] A shocker in Victoria Martens case » Albuquerque Journal [https://www.abqjournal.com/1191031/michelle-martens-pleads-guilty-to-child-abuse-faces-12-to-15-years.html] Jessica Kelley admits to setting girl on fire after she was killed [https://www.koat.com/article/judge-accepts-plea-deal-in-jessica-kelley-case/25779971] The Victoria Martens Case: 'We want to make it right for this little girl' [https://www.abqjournal.com/1193963/we-want-to-make-it-right-for-this-little-girl.html] Details emerge in search for 4th Martens suspect [https://www.abqjournal.com/1193335/details-emerge-in-search-for-4th-martens-suspect.html] Prosecutors: 'Gang ties are the reason Victoria Martens was killed' [https://www.koat.com/article/prosecutors-gang-ties-are-the-reason-victoria-martens-was-killed/23346716] NM struggles with child neglect, abuse » Albuquerque Journal [https://www.abqjournal.com/1306042/nm-struggles-with-child-neglect-abuse.html] Expert: Martens' statements were 'contaminated' » Albuquerque Journal [https://www.abqjournal.com/1191300/expert-martens-statements-to-police-were-contaminated.html] Suspect on trial in Victoria Martens case asks to be released [https://www.abqjournal.com/1383243/last-suspect-on-trial-in-victoria-martens-case-asks-to-be-released.html] Civil suit filed by Victoria Martens' grandparents dismissed [https://www.abqjournal.com/2357461/judge-dismisses-civil-suit-filed-by-grandparents-of-victoria-martens.html] Hundreds gather to remember Victoria Martens at public memorial service [https://www.krqe.com/news/hundreds-gather-to-remember-victoria-martens-at-public-memorial-service/] Timeline of investigation » Albuquerque Journal [https://www.abqjournal.com/1193961/timeline-of-investigation.html] Birthday memorial held for New Mexico girl who was raped, killed [https://www.cnn.com/2016/08/28/us/new-mexico-child-murder/index.html] Fabian Gonzales released from jail [https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/fabian-gonzales-released-from-jail/] Community remembers life of Victoria Martens [https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/community-remembers-life-of-victoria-martens/] Suspect in Victoria Martens case to be sentenced next month | KOB 4 [https://www.kob.com/albuquerque-news/suspect-in-victoria-martens-case-to-be-sentenced-next-month/6433312/] New report: NM among nation's worst in child abuse, maltreatment - Albuquerque Journal [https://www.abqjournal.com/2433899/report-nm-ranks-among-nations-worst-in-child-abuse.html] Music from Purple Planet Music [https://www.purple-planet.com/atmospheric] Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/talk-murder-with-me/donations [https://redcircle.com/talk-murder-with-me/donations] Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]

Ep 21 - If I Can't Have You: The Murder of Alice Ruggles

Newcastle, England. October 12, 2016. When Alice Ruggles saw the Facebook notification appear on her phone, she was intrigued. It was a comment from a handsome stranger on a photo of her on a recent holiday. In the comment, he wrote how beautiful he thought she was. Alice sent the man, whose name was Harry Dhillon, a message introducing herself. The two began talking every day and at first, things seemed to be going well, but this didn't last long. It became increasingly clear to Alice that Harry was not the kind and thoughtful person she originally thought he was. He was cruel and spiteful. He wanted to have full control over Alice's life. When Alice realized how toxic he really was, she dumped him. But Harry was having none of it. He harassed and stalked Alice relentlessly. Alice contacted the police about Harry on several occasions. But over and over, they failed to grasp how much danger she was in. As Alice tried her best to move on, Harry spent all day, every day, convincing himself that if he couldn't have her, nobody could. Instagram: @talkmurderwithme [https://www.instagram.com/talkmurderwithme/?hl=en] Facebook: @talkmurrderwithme [https://www.facebook.com/talkmurrderwithme/] Sources: Alice Ruggles Trust - Alice's story [https://www.alicerugglestrust.org/alices-story] DOMESTIC HOMICIDE REVIEW [https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/media/12553/Alice-Ruggles-DHR-Final-overview/pdf/Alice_RUGGLES_DHR_-_Final_Overview_Report.pdf?m=636885844829430000] Alice Ruggles: Police and Army 'failed' stalking victim - BBC News [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-47617329] Alice Ruggles murder: Trimaan Dhillon to serve minimum of 22 years - BBC News [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-39709160] Alice Ruggles murder accused had restraining order - BBC News [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-39644916] Alice Ruggles murder: Police 'failed to investigate concerns properly' - BBC News [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-45487014] Gateshead 'murder' victim Alice Ruggles' funeral to take place today - Chronicle Live [https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/gateshead-murder-victim-alice-ruggles-12137760] Alice Ruggles' brutal murder shocked the nation - so what's changed in the two years since? [https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/alice-ruggles-murder-gateshead-stalking-15264053] Alice Ruggles' family: police and army could have prevented murder | Crime | The Guardian [https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/mar/19/alice-ruggles-family-police-and-army-could-have-prevented] Alice Ruggles murder: days before death she felt 'palmed off by police' | UK news | The Guardian [https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/apr/11/alice-ruggles-days-before-death-she-felt-palmed-off-by-police] Soldier jailed for stalking and murdering ex-girlfriend Alice Ruggles | Crime | The Guardian [https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/apr/26/soldier-guilty-of-stalking-and-murdering-ex-girlfriend-alice-ruggles] Two police officers disciplined over Alice Ruggles murder case [https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/sep/12/two-police-officers-disciplined-alice-ruggles-murder-case] STALKING PROTECTION ACT 2019 EXPLANATORY NOTES [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2019/9/pdfs/ukpgaen_20190009_en.pdf] IOPC Report - Miss Alice Ruggles [https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Alice_Ruggles_Final_report_redacted.pdf] Harassment: "Police Information Notices" or "Early Harassment Notices" in England and Wales - House of Commons Library [https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn06411/] STALKING AND CRIMINAL LAW [https://www.suzylamplugh.org/faqs/stalking-law] Maxine's 999 Call [https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/video/news/lance-corporal-trimaan-harry-dhillons-voicemail-to-alice-ruggles/] Harry's Voicemail to Alice [https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/video/news/lance-corporal-trimaan-harry-dhillons-voicemail-to-alice-ruggles/] Alice's Call to Police [https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/hear-alice-ruggles-call-police-12947703] Music from Purple Planet Music [https://www.purple-planet.com/atmospheric] Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/talk-murder-with-me/donations [https://redcircle.com/talk-murder-with-me/donations] Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands [https://redcircle.com/brands] Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy [https://redcircle.com/privacy]