Love Marry Kill: Just the Facts

Jocelyn and Wesley Earnest

When Jocelyn Earnest was found dead on the floor of her Forest, Virginia home on December 20th, 2007, investigators saw what appeared to be a suicide — a typed note, a gun, a woman in the middle of a painful divorce. But the people who knew Jocelyn best refused to accept that explanation. She had just been offered a promotion at work. She was looking forward to the holidays. She was almost through the divorce. She was making plans. What followed was a years-long legal battle featuring a staged crime scene, forged documents, a critical error in the jury room, and a moment on the witness stand that stopped the courtroom cold — all centered on a single question: did Jocelyn Earnest take her own life, or did someone who knew her well go to great lengths to make it look that way? Support us on Patreon [https://patreon.com/lovemarrykill] Sources: * Fanning, Diane. Under Cover of the Night: A True Story of Sex, Greed, and Murder. Berkley Books, Penguin Group, 2014. * Crimesider Staff. "83 words and 20 questions: The mysterious suicide note in the Jocelyn Branham Earnest case." [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/83-words-and-20-questions-the-mysterious-suicide-note-in-the-jocelyn-branham-earnest-case-04-06-2012/] CBS News, 4 Jun. 2012. * "Earnest trial focuses on frame of mind: During the third day of the murder trial of Wesley Earnest, friends of Jocelyn Earnest described her sunny personality. [The Roanoke Times, Va.]." [https://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/Earnest-trial-focuses-on-frame-of-mind-During-the-third-day-of-the-murder-trial-a-175254] InsuranceNewsNet, 26 Mar. 2010. * "Earnest v. Davis et al, No. 7:2018cv00595 - Document 29 (W.D. Va. 2020)." [https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/virginia/vawdce/7:2018cv00595/113539/29/?__cf_chl_f_tk=gXnCsiYoRZURTFib7y4Hbn8rGXldYxOkIeJxYHg8_Xo-1782781462-1.0.1.1-9bMBI.USLsp_Gi6k3mZFi517wMt6VN8SjTMhSAAyAww] Justia Law. * "Ex-Chesapeake school official found guilty a second time." [http://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/ex-chesapeake-school-official-found-guilty-a-second-time/291-375290732] 13newsnow.com - WVEC. * "Landlords: Convicted wife killer violent, vindictive years before murder." [http://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/landlords-convicted-wife-killer-violent-vindictive-years-before-murder/291-375340822] 13newsnow.com. * "Marriage Secrets." [https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/browse] 48 Hours, Apple Podcasts, 19 Dec. 2024. * Spencer, Marcelena. "Murder or suicide: How did Jocelyn Earnest die?" [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/murder-or-suicide-how-did-jocelyn-earnest-die/] CBS News, 2 Jun. 2012. * Earnest, Wesley Brian. Petition for Writ of Certiorari [https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/20/20-7962/178625/20210510112902136_20210510-111331-00001084-00003545.pdf]. Supreme Court of the United States, 29 Apr. 2021. * "Testimony continues in Earnest trial: Evidence presented Friday ruled out suicide in the case of Jocelyn Earnest, prosecutors say. [The Roanoke Times, Va.]." [https://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/Testimony-continues-in-Earnest-trial-Evidence-presented-Friday-ruled-out-suicid-a-175471] InsuranceNewsNet, 27 Mar. 2010.

Hannah Clarke and Rowan Baxter

In February 2020, 31-year-old Hannah Clarke was driving her three young children to school in Brisbane, Australia, when her estranged husband, Rowan Baxter jumped into the car and doused them with petrol. Behind closed doors, Hannah had endured years of coercive control, intimidation, isolation, and abuse. She had done what so many victims are told to do: she left, sought help from police, obtained a protection order, and documented her fears. It wasn't enough. In this episode, we examine the warning signs leading up to the murders, the systemic failures that left Hannah and her children unprotected, and the reforms that followed. It's a heartbreaking case that forever changed the conversation about domestic violence in Australia. Support us on Patreon [https://patreon.com/lovemarrykill] Sources: * https://www.buzzfeed.com/lady_emerald/this-or-that-quiz [https://www.buzzfeed.com/lady_emerald/this-or-that-quiz] This or that quiz * https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/hannahs-story/id1687003092 [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/hannahs-story/id1687003092] Hannah’s Story Podcast on Apple * https://open.spotify.com/episode/6BbT3geVOTMQ7Adtj8UVG5 [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6BbT3geVOTMQ7Adtj8UVG5] Hannah’s Story Podcast on Spotify * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzgaNFLu3T4&t=75s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzgaNFLu3T4&t=75s] podcast with Sue & Lloyd Clarke * https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/murder-suicide-case-nz-killer-rowan-baxters-ex-wife-hann [https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/murder-suicide-case-nz-killer-rowan-baxters-ex-wife-hannah-clarke-called-her-dad-before-her-death/DVBXGMQVANBMJBJX62EGFLMKLM/] * https://www.courts.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/723664/cif-hannah-clarke-aaliyah-baxter-laianah-baxter-trey-baxter-and-rowan-baxter.pdf [https://www.courts.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/723664/cif-hannah-clarke-aaliyah-baxter-laianah-baxter-trey-baxter-and-rowan-baxter.pdf] * https://www.smallsteps4hannah.com.au/?utm_source=chatgpt.com [https://www.smallsteps4hannah.com.au/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * https://anzmh.asn.au/blog/the-inquest-into-the-murder-of-hannah-clarke-and-her-three-children [https://anzmh.asn.au/blog/the-inquest-into-the-murder-of-hannah-clarke-and-her-three-children] * https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/murder-suicide-case-nz-killer-rowan-baxters-ex-wife-hannah-clarke-called-her-dad-before-her-death/DVBXGMQVANBMJBJX62EGFLMKLM/  [https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/murder-suicide-case-nz-killer-rowan-baxters-ex-wife-hannah-clarke-called-her-dad-before-her-death/DVBXGMQVANBMJBJX62EGFLMKLM/] * https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/car-fire-murders-rowan-baxters-relatives-speak-out-about-his-upbringing/A3V5OZF5S4OY546JAXBYTP7LJM/ [https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/car-fire-murders-rowan-baxters-relatives-speak-out-about-his-upbringing/A3V5OZF5S4OY546JAXBYTP7LJM/]  * https://www.smh.com.au/national/queensland/police-did-not-fail-hannah-clarke-but-training-overhaul-needed-coroner-20220629-p5axjs.html [https://www.smh.com.au/national/queensland/police-did-not-fail-hannah-clarke-but-training-overhaul-needed-coroner-20220629-p5axjs.html] * https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/140-women-and-girls-on-average-were-killed-by-a-loved-one-every-day-last-year-un-finds [https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/140-women-and-girls-on-average-were-killed-by-a-loved-one-every-day-last-year-un-finds] * https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/murder-of-hannah-clarke-and-kids-prompts-incredible-surge-in-men-seeking-to-stop-domestic-violence/ajkjeig48 [https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/murder-of-hannah-clarke-and-kids-prompts-incredible-surge-in-men-seeking-to-stop-domestic-violence/ajkjeig48] * https://www.stuff.co.nz/world-news/350550739/son-of-killer-rowan-baxter-who-murdered-estranged-wife-hannah-three-children-suing-her-parents [https://www.stuff.co.nz/world-news/350550739/son-of-killer-rowan-baxter-who-murdered-estranged-wife-hannah-three-children-suing-her-parents] * https://www.odt.co.nz/news/australia/son-killer-kiwi-dad-suing-victims-parents [https://www.odt.co.nz/news/australia/son-killer-kiwi-dad-suing-victims-parents] * https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-8036307/Estranged-son-killer-Rowan-Baxter-shows-support-Hannah-Clarke.html [https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-8036307/Estranged-son-killer-Rowan-Baxter-shows-support-Hannah-Clarke.html] * https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-31/qld-hannah-clarke-inquest-murder-domestic-violence-victim-impact/100942190 [https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-31/qld-hannah-clarke-inquest-murder-domestic-violence-victim-impact/100942190] * https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/nov/17/murders-hannah-clarke-and-children-shocked-australia-queensland-police-failures-text-messages-rowan-baxter [https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/nov/17/murders-hannah-clarke-and-children-shocked-australia-queensland-police-failures-text-messages-rowan-baxter] * https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/nov/16/hannah-clarke-children-murder-qld-queensland-police [https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/nov/16/hannah-clarke-children-murder-qld-queensland-police]

Lina and Adam Kaufman

When 33-year-old Eleonora “Lina” Kaufman was found unresponsive with marks across her neck on her bathroom floor in Aventura, Florida, her sudden death shocked her community. Her husband, Adam Kaufman, claimed it was a tragic medical emergency. But as investigators secured the home, the physical evidence—from an engine block inexplicably radiating heat in the garage to unwrinkled pillows on the bed—just didn’t add up. Eighteen months later, the medical examiner ruled Lina's death a homicide by mechanical asphyxiation, leading to Adam's arrest. What followed was a sensational legal battle pitting top forensic experts against one another over compromised DNA evidence, cryptic jailhouse phone calls, and a jury forced to choose between a cold-blooded murder and a tragic medical anomaly. Support us on Patreon [https://patreon.com/lovemarrykill] Sources: * Trial Florida v. Adam Kaufman. Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit, Miami-Dade County, Florida. May–June 2012. Court TV, https://www.courttv.com/trials/florida-v-adam-kaufman-2009/ [https://www.courttv.com/trials/florida-v-adam-kaufman-2009/]. * ABC News Sechrist, Adam. "Adam Kaufman Trial: Detectives Handling Case Had Affair." ABC News, 18 May 2012. * CBS News Glynn, Casey. "South Fla. developer Adam Kaufman acquitted in wife's 2007 death." CBS News, 6 June 2012. * CBS News Moriarty, Erin. "'48 Hours' preview: When a murder suspect has an identical twin, solving the case can be doubly tricky." CBS News, 22 June 2013. * CBS Miami "Not Guilty Verdict For Aventura Developer Accused In Wife's Death." CBS Miami, 5 June 2012. * CBS Miami "Surgeon Testifies Lina Kaufman Was Healthy." CBS Miami, 15 May 2012. * CBS Press Release "‘48 HOURS: LINA'S HEART’ – WOULD A TWIN KNOW IF HIS BROTHER WAS A KILLER?" Paramount Press Express / CBS Entertainment, 25 Oct. 2012. * Court TV "FL v. Adam Kaufman: Spray Tan Murder Trial." Court TV. * The Cinemaholic Sengupta, Sounak. "Adam Kaufman: Where is Lina Kaufman's Husband Now?" The Cinemaholic, 14 Apr. 2023.

Sandy and Tom Bird/Lorna and Marty Anderson - Part 2

When 33-year-old Sandra Bird, a devoted mother and the wife of popular Faith Lutheran Church pastor Tom Bird, was found dead in the Cottonwood River near Emporia, Kansas, the town mourned what appears to be a tragic car accident. But Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper John Rule felt like something was off. From a complete lack of skid marks to mysterious bloodstains found where they shouldn’t have been, the physical evidence just didn’t add up. Months later, the community was rocked again when Martin Anderson, the husband of the church's secretary, Lorna Anderson, was gunned down on a dark highway in an apparent robbery gone wrong. What followed was one of the most tangled criminal cases in Kansas history: competing trials, a jailhouse reversal, a made-for-TV movie, and a legal fight that stretched across nearly a decade. Support us on Patreon [https://patreon.com/lovemarrykill]

Sandy and Tom Bird/Lorna and Marty Anderson - Part 1

When 33-year-old Sandra Bird, a devoted mother and the wife of popular Faith Lutheran Church pastor Tom Bird, was found dead in the Cottonwood River near Emporia, Kansas, the town mourned what appears to be a tragic car accident. But Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper John Rule felt like something was off. From a complete lack of skid marks to mysterious bloodstains found where they shouldn’t have been, the physical evidence just didn’t add up. Months later, the community was rocked again when Martin Anderson, the husband of the church's secretary, Lorna Anderson, was gunned down on a dark highway in an apparent robbery gone wrong. What followed was one of the most tangled criminal cases in Kansas history: competing trials, a jailhouse reversal, a made-for-TV movie, and a legal fight that stretched across nearly a decade. Listen to part 2 on Patreon [https://patreon.com/lovemarrykill] Sources: * Breneman, Allie. "Bird Bridge: What lies beneath." The ESU Bulletin, 30 Oct. 2025, https://esubulletin.com/19335/news/bird-bridge-what-lies-beneath/ [https://esubulletin.com/19335/news/bird-bridge-what-lies-beneath/]. * Hrenchir, Tim. "Board grants parole to Lorna Anderson Moore." The Capital-Journal, 2 Feb. 2007. Google Groups, http://cjonline.com/stories/020207/bre_moore.shtml [http://cjonline.com/stories/020207/bre_moore.shtml]. * Kraft, Scott. "Murderous Affair Shocks Kansas Town." Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 1986. Newspapers.com, https://www.newspapers.com/image/401821025/ [https://www.newspapers.com/image/401821025/]. * Kraft, Scott. "Who Killed Sandy Bird?" Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2004. * Norton, Bill. "A love worth killing for. Part I. The Preacher & The Spider Lady." The Kansas City Star, 1 Dec. 1985, p. 14. Newspapers.com, https://www.newspapers.com/image/679701233/ [https://www.newspapers.com/image/679701233/]. * Norton, Bill. "Cleric convicted of killing spouse raps TV verdict." The Evansville Courier, 4 May 1987, p. 1. Newspapers.com, https://www.newspapers.com/image/768496369/ [https://www.newspapers.com/image/768496369/]. * Sengupta, Sounak. "Martin Anderson Murder: What Happened to Lorna Elridge and Tom Bird?" 4 Nov. 2022. * State v. Bird. 238 Kan. 160, 708 P.2d 946. Supreme Court of Kansas. 25 Oct. 1985. * State v. Bird. 240 Kan. 288, 729 P.2d 1136. Supreme Court of Kansas. 5 Dec. 1986. * "A Murderous Minister & His Mistress in Emporia, Kansas | City Confidential | A&E." YouTube, uploaded by A&E, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtEZYqZ69Vs [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtEZYqZ69Vs]