Bruce Pardo and The Covina Christmas Massacre

Bruce Pardo and The Covina Christmas Massacre

On Christmas Eve 2008, a family gathered in Covina, California expecting a night of celebration. Instead, they became victims of one of the most horrifying holiday tragedies in modern history. In this episode of SoCal Slaughters, the girls dive into the chilling case of Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, a man whose rage and obsession led to a carefully planned attack that left an entire family shattered. Disguised as Santa Claus and armed with multiple weapons, Pardo carried out a brutal act of violence that would forever change the lives of those connected to the Ortega family. The girls break down the events leading up to the massacre, the devastating aftermath, and the lasting impact this case continues to have today. Content Warning: Gun violence, arson, suicide, and graphic discussion of violent crime. 🍎 Cocktail of the Episode: Cranberry Apple Mule✨  Mocktail Option: Bri-Lixir version available

Ian David Long and Borderline Bar & Grill

In Episode 8 of SoCal Slaughters, the girls examine the tragic mass shooting at Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California. They explore the life and background of gunman Ian David Long, a former Marine struggling with mental health issues, and reconstruct the events of the night that left 12 victims dead, including Ventura County Sheriff’s Sgt. Ron Helus.  The episode dives into the warning signs leading up to the attack, survivor accounts, law enforcement response, and the devastating aftermath that rippled through the community.  The girls also discuss the overlap of the tragedy with the Woolsey Fire, which forced many survivors to face yet another disaster just days later. Listener discretion is strongly advised. This episode contains discussions of mass violence, murder, suicide, PTSD, trauma, grief, and other disturbing topics.

The Twisted Lies of Daniel Wozniak

In Episode 7 of SoCal Slaughters, we dive into the disturbing and manipulative case of Daniel Wozniak - an aspiring actor whose greed, lies, and desperation led to one of Southern California’s most shocking murders. Hosts break down the murders of Sam Herr and Julie Kibuishi, the chilling interrogation details, and the investigation that unraveled Wozniak’s web of deception. From stolen money and fake alibis to the horrifying aftermath, this case shocked Orange County and left lasting questions behind. The full interrogation video referenced in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxh1ft_WdV0 ⚠️ Trigger Warning: Graphic content, murder, assault, and violence. Drink Feature ~ Curtain Call • 1oz Elderflower liqueur • 0.5oz fresh lemon juice • 0.5oz gin • 2–3oz Prosecco • Dash of orange bitters • Garnish with a lemon twist Directions: Add elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, gin, and bitters to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled coupe. Slowly top with Prosecco and garnish with a lemon twist. Bri-lixer Version • 1oz elderflower syrup • 0.5oz fresh lemon juice • 0.5oz alcohol-free gin (or omit) • 2–3oz sparkling water • Dash of orange bitters • Garnish with a lemon twist Sources referenced include People Magazine Investigates, Oxygen, CBS News, ABC News, OC Register, and additional public case records.

Walburga “Dolly” Oesterreich & The Attic

Behind the lace curtains of 1920s Los Angeles, Dolly Oesterreich kept more than secrets - she kept a man hidden inside her attic for years. In this episode of SoCal Slaughters, we unravel the bizarre and scandalous true story filled with obsession, infidelity, manipulation, and murder. What began as an affair spiraled into one of the strangest love triangles in true crime history — proving that sometimes the real danger is already inside the house. 🍸 Cocktail of the Episode: Dolly’s Spicy Bees Knees • 2oz gin • 3/4oz lemon juice • 3/4oz honey simple syrup (made with regular + hot honey) Shake vigorously and double strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a thin lemon wheel and a drizzle of hot honey. 🔥🍋 ✨ Bri-Lixir Version: For a non-alcoholic version, we substituted the gin with alcohol-free gin. ⚠️ Content warning: This episode contains discussions of murder and infidelity.

The Black Widows

In Episode 5 of SoCal Slaughters, we dive into the chilling case of the “Black Widows”.  Helen Golay and Olga Rutterschmidt - two women behind a calculated insurance fraud scheme tied to multiple suspicious deaths in Los Angeles. From staged hit-and-runs to disturbing financial motives, this case shocked investigators and true crime followers alike. 🕷️ Black Widow Drink Recipe:• 2 oz vodka• 1 oz blackberry liqueur• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice• 1/4 oz agave• 1 tsp edible black glitter• Club soda topper Pour all ingredients (minus the club soda) into a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a martini glass, top with club soda, and garnish with lime or blackberries. ✨ Bri-lixer Version (alcohol-free):• Substitute alcohol-free “clear” vodka• Skip the blackberry liqueur• Add extra agave (3/4 oz) This episode discusses murder, fraud, manipulation, and the investigation that ultimately exposed one of Southern California’s most infamous criminal partnerships. Listener discretion is advised.