Crime Junkie Podcast:
Crimelines True Crime Podcast:
Death’s Door Podcast:
Military Murder True Crime Podcast:
Murderific True Crime Podcast:
The Generation Why Podcast:
The Vanished Podcast:
An investigation into the murder of military hero John Marmo Jr. tests the bonds of military camaraderie and unravels a myriad of secrets, lies and hidden identities. Marmo was shot and killed in front of his Camarillo, California, townhouse on December 1, 2006. Could his ex-wife Rebecca Braswell hold the answers to this mystery? -Rebecca Braswell, Snapped (August 9, 2019)
Prosecutor Richard Simon reflects on the murder case of John Marmo Jr., a military hero who was gunned down outside his Camarillo, California, townhouse on December 1, 2006. Simon recalls that Marmo’s ex-wife, Rebecca Braswell, who was engaged in a custody dispute with Marmo, and her friend, Rebecca Braswell, both claimed Marmo assaulted them during a custody exchange. -Rebecca Braswell, Snapped (August 12, 2019)
An investigation into the murder of a military hero tests the bonds of military camaraderie and unravels a myriad of secrets, lies and hidden identities. -Rebecca Braswell, Snapped (S25,E23)
Related Links:
Military Hero John Marmo Jr. Killed In Front of His Townhouse
Military Hero Gunned Down By Ex-Wife
Rebecca Braswell | Snapped | Oxygen (S25,E23)
Rebecca Braswell | Snapped | Oxygen (Prime Video)
Navy Seabee Rebecca Braswell Conspired to Have Ex-Husband & Navy Veteran John Marmo Murdered; Sentenced to Life in Prison (December 1, 2006)
I’d Kill For You Premiered ‘First to Die’ on ID: Contentious Child Custody Case Leads to Shocking Murder of Navy Veteran John Marmo (January 23, 2016)
What the DoD Doesn’t Want You to Know: 50 Shocking Military Homicides in the Last 30 Years (March 23, 2018)
Prosecutor: Navy Petty Officer Rebecca Braswell Considered a Pure Sociopath
While investigating a tragic murder, Wisconsin police must work their way through a complex web, spanning across the nation, with alleged mafia ties and scandalous text messages. -Donna Matthews, Snapped, Oxygen (March 4, 2019)
Municipal construction workers making a house call discover a foul odor coming from a residence near their work site. -Donna Matthews, Snapped, Oxygen (March 4, 2019)
Law enforcement, legal counsel and friends describe Donna Matthews’ calculated murder plan of her former boyfriend Michael Gayan. -Snapped, Oxygen (March 6, 2019)
Derrick Matthews, brother of Donna Matthews is interviewed by police. -Donna Matthews, Snapped, Oxygen (March 7, 2019)
Tristine Fleming, friend of Donna Matthews, explains there are always two sides to every story. -Snapped, Oxygen (March 8, 2019)
Full Episode: While investigating a tragic murder, Wisconsin police must work their way through a complex web, spanning across the nation, with alleged mafia ties and scandalous text messages. -Donna Matthews, Snapped, Oxygen (March 3, 2019)
In the News:
WGTD covered the highly discussed Donna Matthews Murder Trial that occurred from June 25th-July 10th, 2018. Matthews was convicted of murder July 10th. The closing arguments are attached. -WGTD (July 11, 2018)
Related Links:
A Woman Shackled in Injustice
Gayan Arrested in Hawaii for Violating Restraining Order
Bond set at $1M for Donna Matthews, charged in connection with shooting death of Michael Gayan
Million Dollar Bond Set for Woman Accused of Killing Man in Kenosha
From Crime Victim to Murder Suspect
Independence Day: Alleged Killer Frees Self From Abusive Ex?
Kenosha Murder Suspect Bound Over For Trial
Maui woman to be tried over Wisconsin slaying
Murder Suspect Qualifies for Public Defender Representation
Siblings Charged in Death of Michael Gayan
‘Life or death situation:’ Brother, sister charged in fatal 2016 shooting in Kenosha convicted, set for sentencing
Prosecutors hope to block self-defense argument in homicide trial
Donna Matthews Murder Trial Blog
No one disputes that a woman killed her former boyfriend – it’s the “why” that is in question
Murdered Man May Have Abused Multiple Women
Another former girlfriend testifies Gayan put her in hospital, threatened to kill son
Dead man’s son writes letter supporting convicted killer
Matthews Found Guilty of Murder
Matthews gets life for 2016 murder
Kenosha woman gets life in ex-boyfriend’s killing
Brother gets seven years for helping sister with homicide
WGTD Exclusive: Closing Arguments: Donna Matthews Trial (WARNING- Inappropriate Language)
Snapped: Preview – Donna Matthews (Season 24, Episode 26) | Oxygen
Snapped: Preview – A Body Is Found Inside A Kenosha , WI Home (Season 24, Episode 26) | Oxygen
Snapped: Bonus – Life In Prison Without Parole For Donna Matthews (Season 24, Episode 26) | Oxygen
Snapped: Bonus – Derrick Matthews Interview (Season 24, Episode 26) | Oxygen
Snapped: Bonus – The Trial Of Donna Matthews (Season 24, Episode 26) | Oxygen
Donna Matthews | Snapped | Oxygen (S24,E26)
I Was Asked to Do This by Donna Matthews
Why I Won’t Be Supporting Donna Matthews’ Murder Trial Appeal
Harassment By Donna Matthews’ Friends And Family
The Real Donna Matthews: Responding to the Audio of Her Sentencing
Corrections to Snapped Episode on Donna Matthews Murder of Michael Gayan
Season 24 | Snapped | Oxygen (Amazon Prime Video)
Jamal Williams-McCray, U.S. Army
Crime Watch Daily spoke with the parents of missing Army soldier Shadow McClaine. Shadow disappeared from Fort Campbell, Kentucky on September 2, 2016. Shadow’s parents were concerned her life may be in danger prior to her disappearance. They shared that someone cut her vehicle break lines on base and Shadow posted a picture of it on social media. They also said she reported the incident to her Chain of Command but felt dismissed. The Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) conducted an investigation and reported two soldiers were being held as person of interests and the case was under investigation.
On November 29, 2016, Sgt. Jamal Williams-McCray and Spc. Charles Robinson were charged with conspiracy, premeditated murder, and kidnapping under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). On January 23, 2017, the remains of Pfc. Shadow McClaine were discovered off the I-24 highway near Exit 19 in Kentucky. It was confirmed that Shadow was in fact a victim of kidnapping and homicide. A year after Shadow went missing in September 2017, Spc. Charles Robinson pleaded guilty to murder. He claimed he helped Shadow’s estranged husband Williams-McCray kidnap and murder her. On March 1, 2019, Sgt. Jamal Williams-McCray was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to premeditated murder.
Pfc. Shadow McClaine, US Army
Learn more: JUSTICE FOR SHADOW MCCLAINE
In the News:
Private First Class Soldier Shadow McClaine has mysteriously gone missing and theories are swirling on what happened to her and why. Now, new details could help them. -True Crime Daily (October 24, 2016)
Shadow McClaine, a young soldier, mysteriously disappears — some say she left, while others say someone was out to get her. -True Crime Daily (October 24, 2016)
Two soldiers were taken into custody in connection to the case of missing female soldier, Shadow Branice McClaine. -News Channel 5 (October 25, 2015)
Shadow McClaine, 25, has been missing for nearly two months after disappearing from Fort Campbell. -CBS Sacramento (October 26, 2016)
Some thought Shadow McClaine was running away from her problems. But it now appears she was the victim of something sinister. -True Crime Daily (December 6, 2016)
Missing Yuba City soldier’s body found in Tennessee. -KCRA News (January 25, 2017)
First Class Private Shadow McClaine’s body was discovered earlier this week and investigators arrested two fellow soldiers. -CBS Sacramento (January 28, 2017)
The body of Shadow McClaine, a soldier who was murdered near Fort Campbell in Tennessee, was returned to her family in Yuba City Friday evening. -KCRA News (February 3, 2017)
Shadow McClaine’s remains touched down at the Sacramento International Airport Friday night greeted by dozens of local service men and women along with her grieving family. -CBS Sacramento (February 3, 2017)
A look at the scene as Shadow McClaine came home on Friday. -CBS Sacramento (February 4, 2017)
Missing soldier Shadow McClaine’s body has been found. Crime Watch Daily talks to McClaine’s mother London Wegrzyn, who says that her daughter had a fraught relationship with ex-husband Sgt. Jamal Williams-McCray. Specialist Charles Robinson and Williams-McCray were charged with her murder. Crime Watch Daily also speaks to McClaine’s friend Trystan Harding about what happened to McClaine. -True Crime Daily (March 9, 2017)
Family and friends came together for a vigil to honor a murdered Fort Campbell soldier. -News Channel 5 (April 11, 2017)
Private First Class Shadow McClaine was found dead 2,000 miles away from her home, allegedly at the hands of two men who will face premeditated murder, kidnapping and conspiracy charges. -CBS Sacramento (April 11, 2017)
Army specialist Charles Robinson says he slashed Shadow McClain’s throat, then broke her neck to make sure she was dead. He says McClaine’s ex-husband, Jamal Williams-McCray hired him to murder her. -True Crime Daily (October 3, 2017)
Two years ago this week, the body of Shadow McClaine was discovered in Robertson County along Interstate 24. -News Channel 5 (January 23, 2019)
Related Links:
Soldier vanishes under mysterious circumstances; Army, Family Seeks Tips
Shadow McClaine: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know
Missing Fort Campbell soldier failed to show in court
Family searches for missing Fort Campbell soldier
Family searches for missing Fort Campbell soldier
Fort Campbell soldier missing; officials find her car abandoned
Missing Fort Campbell soldier’s car found in downtown Nashville
Car of missing Fort Campbell soldier found in Nashville
Missing Fort Campbell soldier’s car found in downtown Nashville
Missing Ft. Campbell soldier’s vehicle found in downtown Nashville parking lot
Missing Fort Campbell soldier’s car found in downtown parking lot
Missing soldier’s car found in Nashville, friends not giving up
Car belonging to U.S. Army soldier missing for more than a week is found abandoned 70 miles from her base in Kentucky
New developments in search for missing Fort Campbell soldier
Army confirms investigation of missing soldier Shadow McClaine
Fort Campbell Military Police looking for missing woman
Army CID investigating disappearance of 101st Airborne soldier
Army CID Seeks Information on Missing Campbell Soldier
Mother of missing soldier says daughter wouldn’t ‘just go away’
Group plans vigil for missing Fort Campbell soldier
Community invited to candlelight vigil for missing soldier Shadow McClaine
Vigil held for missing Fort Campbell soldier
Questions and Rumors Swirl Around Disappearance of Fort Campbell Soldier Shadow McClaine
2 held in Ft. Campbell soldier’s disappearance
Two 101st Airborne Soldiers charged in disappearance of Pfc. Shadow McClaine
2 soldiers charged in murder of 101st soldier Shadow McClaine
2 charged with murder, kidnap of missing Ft. Campbell soldier
Two Soldiers Charged with Murder in Connection with Disappearance of Fellow Soldier Shadow McClaine
Charges preferred against 2 Fort Campbell soldiers in Shadow McClaine’s death
Ft. Campbell soldier missing from Kentucky
Two Fort Campbell Army soldiers charged with murder in case of missing private first class Shadow McClaine
Soldiers face murder, kidnapping charges in disappearance of Ft. Campbell soldier
Soldier Who Survived Tours in Afghanistan Allegedly Abducted and Murdered by Ex-Husband, Prosecutors Say
Army: Remains of missing Fort Campbell soldier have been found
Skeletal remains of missing soldier from Yuba City found in Tennessee
Skeletal remains of missing Northern California soldier found in Tennessee
Pretrial Hearing Ends for GIs Charged in Murder Case
Men accused of killing soldier to silence rape accusation
Army specialist pleads guilty in Fort Campbell soldier’s slaying
Soldier pleads guilty to role in murder of Shadow McClaine
Soldier pleads guilty in murder of soldier Shadow McClaine
Soldier Pleads Guilty to Murder of Shadow McClaine
Soldier pleads guilty to murder of Shadow McClaine
Shadow McClaine murder update: Soldier pleads guilty, implicates ex-husband
Shadow McClaine killing: Fort Campbell soldier gets 25 years for helping man kill ex-wife
Shadow McClaine: Ex-husband’s murder trial will be a death penalty case
Ex-husband facing death penalty for murder of Shadow McClaine asks to move trial
Ex-husband facing death penalty for murder of Shadow McClaine asks to move trial
Ex-husband admits he had soldier killed, helped hide her body
Ex-Husband Pleads Guilty in Female Soldier’s Slaying
Ex-husband pleads guilty in Fort Campbell soldier’s slaying
Ft. Campbell soldier sentenced to life in prison after admitting he had his ex-wife killed
Violent Crime, Suicide & Non Combat Death at Fort Campbell, Kentucky
30 Domestic Abuse Cases in the Military That Ended in the Murder of Female Partners (2017)
Army Pfc. Shadow McClaine Reported Missing at Fort Campbell; Ex-Husband Sgt. Jamal Williams-McCray & Spc. Charles Robinson Pleaded Guilty to Murder (September 2, 2016)
Video Links:
Soldier vanishes under mysterious circumstances; Army seeks tips
Soldier vanishes under mysterious circumstances; Army seeks tips (2)
Missing Yuba City soldier’s body found in Tennessee
2 Ft. Campbell Soldiers Named As Persons Of Interest In Missing Soldier Case
Fellow Soldiers Named As Persons Of Interest In Missing Yuba City Woman Case
Mom Of Soldier Who Died At Hands Of Fellow Soldiers Hopes For Death Penalty
Update: Ex-Husband, Second Man Charged with Soldier’s Murder
Slain soldier Shadow McClaine’s body returns to Yuba City
Murdered Soldier’s Body Returns Home To Yuba City Family
Murdered Soldier’s Body Returns Home
Vigil Held For Murdered Ft. Campbell Soldier Shadow McClaine
Ex-Husband, Second Man Charged with Soldier’s Murder
Missing Soldier’s Body Found
Family Remembers Murdered Yuba City Soldier As They Confront Suspects
Army Specialist Pleads Guilty to Shadow McClaine Murder
Vigil held for Shadow McClaine in Robertson County two years after her body was found
Constance Tomich called 911 to report finding her husband dead in their home. -Snapped, Oxygen (February 11, 2019)
Melissa Zitterman, charged with conspiracy to murder Ronald Tomich, at 16 years old, discusses life after her release. -Snapped, Oxygen (February 12, 2019)
Former Indiana State Police Detective, Jeffrey Deckard confirms Zitterman was actually the shooter. -Snapped, Oxygen (February 13, 2019)
Law Enforcement, reporters, friends of the victim and Melissa Zitterman comment on Tomich’s sentencing. -Snapped, Oxygen (February 14, 2019)
Full Episode (YouTube):
The peace of an Indiana town is interrupted on Valentine’s Day 2003, when police receive a report of a violent murder. -Constance Tomich, Snapped, Oxygen (February 10, 2019)
Related Links:
Ronald M Tomich (1951-2003)
16-year-old girl charged in murder of Linton man
Woman paid teen to kill husband, police believe
Teen Sentenced To 20 Years For Role In Murder Plot
Inside prison walls, volunteers change inmates’ lives and their own
Constance ‘Connie’ Tomich, Melissa Zitterman: Mommie Made Daughter’s Classmate Murder Ron Tomich On Valentine’s Day– ‘Blood Relatives’
Snapped: Preview – Constance Tomich Reports Her Husband’s Death To Indiana Police (S24,E23) | Oxygen
Snapped: Bonus Clip – Melissa Zitterman Released From Prison (Season 24, Episode 23) | Oxygen
Snapped: Bonus – Melissa Zitterman’s Alibi Destroyed In Ronald Tomich Murder (S24, Ep23) | Oxygen
Snapped: Bonus – Constance Tomich Sentenced To 85 Years For Husband’s Murder (S24, Ep23) | Oxygen
Constance Tomich | Snapped | Oxygen (S24,E23)
Season 24 | Snapped | Oxygen (Amazon)
ID Go: After Christmas in 2003, on Whidbey Island off the coast of Washington State, Russel Douglas is found shot in the head, in his car along a deserted road. It’s the start of a case that will take a decade to solve, and leave many with lingering questions. -Whidbey Island Mystery, The Perfect Murder (S5, E6)
Russel Douglas was found dead in his car on Whidbey Island in Washington on December 26, 2003. It turns out Navy veteran Peggy Sue Thomas lured him to his death. Both Peggy Thomas and Jim Huden conspired to murder Russel Douglas for revenge. Investigators suspect that the duo committed the murder for Peggy’s friend Brenna, who alleged abuse, but there was never enough evidence to charge Brenna Douglas with any crimes. Jim Huden was convicted and sentenced to eighty years in prison. Peggy Thomas agreed to a plea bargain in exchange for a reduced sentence. Thomas was sentenced to four years for her role in the murder. Peggy Thomas continues to deny any involvement in the murder and claims she didn’t know that her boyfriend at the time was going to kill Douglas (despite being the last to text him shortly before he was murdered). Peggy Thomas was released from prison in 2016.
In the News:
From pageants to famous husband to prison, murder suspect allowed to visit NM. -KRQE (October 7, 2011)
48 Hours:
How did a former beauty queen end up at the heart of a murder case? -48 Hours
The true-crime author of over two dozen New York Times bestsellers tells “48 Hours” she couldn’t help but write about the Russel Douglas case. -48 Hours
Gail O’Neil shares memories of her son, Russel Douglas, who was murdered on Sept. 26, 2003, on Whidbey Island, Wash. -48 Hours
Jim Huden’s former band mates talk to “48 Hours” correspondent Peter Van Sant about what it was like to find out their one-time lead guitarist was accused of murder. -48 Hours
Detectives allege Jim Huden and Peggy Thomas lured Russel Douglas to his death by asking to drop off a present for Russel’s wife, Brenna. Both Jim and Peggy claim the present was delivered to Russel days before the murder. When investigators surprise their suspects with simultaneous separate interrogations, they discover discrepancies. Do you think Jim and Peggy are making up a story to throw off investigators? -48 Hours
Oxygen:
A Las Vegas red haired siren and her millionaire boyfriend become suspects in a murder, hundreds of miles away. -Peggy Sue Thomas & Jim Huden, Snapped: Killer Couples
Killer Couples: S8 E4 After the Verdict – Peggy Thomas and Jim Huden | Oxygen
Killer Couples: S8 E4 Bonus Clip – Peggy’s New Self | Oxygen
A Las Vegas red haired siren and her millionaire boyfriend become suspects in a murder, hundreds of miles away. -Peggy Thomas & Jim Huden, Snapped: Killer Couples (S8, E4)
Investigation Discovery:
ID Go: On tiny Whidbey Island, Washington, beauty queen Peggy Sue Thomas seems to be a perfect wife and mother. But when her best friend’s husband is shot to death, Peggy finds herself on center stage of a murder investigation. -If Looks Could Kill, Beauty Queen Murders (S1, E5)
Editor’s note: With a cable subscription, you can download the free ID Go app and watch all of the Investigation Discovery programming at your convenience. And for those who do not have cable, you can watch “unlocked” episodes on the ID Go app including the latest premieres. Download the ID Go app and binge away. For those who prefer commercial free programming during your binge session, Prime Video has an ID channel: ‘True Crime Files by Investigation Discovery” available for $2.99 a month. It’s a compilation of older seasons but totally worth the cost if you are a true crime addict.
Related Links:
Peggy Sue Thomas: Drop-Dead Gorgeous
Documents show victim’s wife is suspect in murder
Washington jury says ‘guilty’ in Russel Douglas murder
Former Washington beauty queen pleads guilty to lesser charge in murder case
Ex-beauty queen gets 4-year sentence in killing
Ex-beauty queen sentenced for role in Whidbey Island murder
48 Hours: Tracing a fugitive killer’s footsteps in Mexico
Man lured to his death by beauty queen and wannabe rockstar on Boxing Day
‘I’m giving up four years of my life for something I didn’t do’: Ex-beauty queen jailed for helping her lover carry out 2003 murder claims she is an innocent ‘victim’
Peggy Sue got released: TV show recounts sensational Whidbey Island murder
Peggy Thomas, Jim Huden: ‘Snapped Killer Couples’ Details Whidbey Island Murder Case Involving Sultry Beauty Queen and Rock Star Lover
Murder of Russel Douglas by Jim Huden spotlighted on The Perfect Murder
Pageants to Famous Husband to Prison
Snapped: Killer Couples ‘Peggy Thomas and Jim Huden’
Sneak Peek: Dangerous Beauty | 48 Hours
Why Ann Rule was intrigued with the Russel Douglas murder case | 48 Hours
Remembering Russel Douglas | 48 Hours
Band mates open up about rocker, murder suspect | 48 Hours
Suspects surprised with simultaneous, separate interrogations | 48 Hours
Killer Couples: S8 E4 Preview – Peggy Thomas and Jim Huden | Oxygen
Killer Couples: S8 E4 After the Verdict – Peggy Thomas and Jim Huden | Oxygen
Killer Couples: S8 E4 Bonus Clip – Peggy’s New Self | Oxygen
Peggy Thomas & Jim Huden | Snapped: Killer Couples | Oxygen (S8, E4)
If Looks Could Kill | Beauty Queen Murders | Investigation Discovery (S1, E5)
Whidbey Island Mystery | The Perfect Murder | Investigation Discovery (S5, E6)
US Air Force sergeant Nathan Paet and his family appear to live a blissfully normal life – as these never-before-aired home videos attest. But blind greed would bring about the destruction of this loving family. -Watch Your Back, American Monster (S3, E6)
Oxygen:
A happy military family kept walls up that were soon to be knocked down. Did Michelle’s husband bring his fate upon himself, or was she behind the whole thing? -Michelle Paet, Snapped
Those involved with the case give their input on the verdict and Michelle’s future. -Michelle Paet, Snapped
Michelle Fleck details all the ways Michelle Paet plotted to “get rid” of her late husband, Nathan. -Michelle Paet, Snapped
Michelle’s sister, Melissa, speaks fondly of Michelle. -Michelle Paet, Snapped
An Air Force sergeant is gunned down in his garage revealing an elaborate conspiracy with an unlikely mastermind. -Michelle Paet, Snapped
Editor’s note: With a cable subscription, you can download the free ID Go app and watch Investigation Discovery programming at your convenience. And for those who do not have cable, you can watch “unlocked” episodes on the ID Go app including the latest premieres. For those who prefer commercial free programming during your binge session, Prime Video has an ID channel: ‘True Crime Files by Investigation Discovery” available for $3.99 a month. It’s a compilation of older seasons but totally worth the cost if you are a true crime addict. Download the ID Go app or purchase ID True Crime Files & binge away.
Related Links:
Watch Your Back | American Monster | Investigation Discovery (S3, E6)
Watch Your Back | American Monster | Investigation Discovery (website)
Watch Your Back | American Monster | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Michelle Paet | Snapped | Oxygen (S21, E8)
Michelle Paet | Snapped | Oxygen (Amazon)
Snapped: Sneak Peek – Did Michelle Do It? (Season 21, Episode 8) | Oxygen
Snapped: After The Verdict – Michelle Paet (Season 21, Episode 8) | Oxygen
Snapped: Bonus Clip – Prosecutor Michelle Fleck (Season 21, Episode 8) | Oxygen
Snapped: Bonus Clip – Kind Words for Michelle (Season 21, Episode 8) | Oxygen
Air Force Staff Sgt. Nathan Paet Shot & Killed as He Got Ready to Leave for Work; Spouse Michelle Paet Sentenced to Life, No Parole for Murder (December 1, 2010)
Snapped Premiered ‘Michelle Paet’ on Oxygen: Air Force Sergeant Gunned Down in Garage Reveals Baffling Conspiracy (September 24, 2017)
Trailer: A murder case considered closed by North Dakota detectives is suddenly reopened when a confidential informant comes forward with a tip about an unlikely suspect. -Dateline NBC (S26,E51)
Dateline featured ‘Prairie Confidential’ on August 13, 2018. It was a 2015 homicide case out of Minot, North Dakota. Nursing student and mom of three Angila Wilder didn’t show up for an important exam at school and her professor knew something was wrong. Angila was discovered stabbed to death in her bedroom in her North Dakota home. The crime appeared personal so the police started their investigation with Angila’s boyfriend and ex-husband. When Angila’s boyfriend Chris Jackson was interviewed, he pointed the finger at her ex-husband Richie Wilder, Jr. Angila met Richie in high school and soon after they married, they had a couple children together. Richie joined the Air Force and was stationed at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. But during their time there, things went awry with the marriage. Richie was court-martialed and convicted of domestic abuse. As a result, he was discharged from the Air Force and soon divorce followed. Richie remarried Cynthia, a kindergarten teacher, and they had a child together. Angila also moved on with Chris Jackson and they too had a child together. Angila was pregnant at the time of her murder.
Investigators found Angila’s blood in Richie’s car and Richie’s DNA was found under Angila’s fingernails. As a result, Richie Wilder was charged with murder and ordered to pre-trial confinement on a 2 million dollar bond. After a couple days in jail, Richie came forward with a “confession.” Richie told police he and Chris learned Angela was cheating on Chris and they hoped to catch her in the act so they could then have custody of their children. Richie said he picked up Chris at his place of employment, drove to Angila’s home, killed her together (an attempt to minimize his involvement yet explain DNA), and then dropped Chris back off at Wal-Mart. But the police looked at the video at Wal-Mart and it blew Richie’s “confession” out of the water. Chris was at work all night and never left the property. In December 2016, Richie Wilder Jr. was convicted of Angila’s murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. In May 2018, Cynthia Wilder took an Alford plea hoping the judge would go lenient on her but she was sentenced to life in prison without parole for conspiracy to commit murder. In the course of the investigation, police learned Cynthia and Richie Wilder planned Angila’s murder for two years.
Related Links:
Dateline Episode Trailer: Prairie Confidential (S26,E51)
Dateline Episode Trailer: Prairie Confidential
Dateline Sneak Peek: Prairie Confidential
Dateline Preview: Prairie Confidential
Kieth Morrison Previews: Prairie Confidential
Dateline NBC Prairie Confidential Facebook
Dateline NBC Prairie Confidential Facebook 2
Watch Dateline Full Episode: Prairie Confidential
Dateline NBC: Remembering Angila
At the Desk of: Shane Bishop, Dateline Producer
Wilder murder case featured on Dateline
NBC’s ‘Dateline’ to Feature Minot Murder Case
Dateline: Angila Wilder Sent Ex Richie Narcissist Dad Article Day Before
Dateline NBC Podcast: Prairie Confidential
A Date with Dateline Podcast: Prairie Confidential S.26 Ep.51
Dateline NBC to Air Prairie Confidential on Friday, July 5
North Dakota man convicted of stabbing wife 44 times, killing her
Minot man gets life without parole for brutal slaying of ex
Supreme Court upholds Wilder murder conviction, rules against sentencing
Supreme Court overturns judge’s no contact order for murderer Richie Wilder Jr.
Second life sentence in Angila Wilder murder case
Former ND teacher gets life for role in killing husband’s ex-wife
Pregnant mum stabbed 44 times by ‘psycho’ ex-husband – whose new wife gave him alibi for murder
Woman ‘proud’ of husband for stabbing pregnant ex-wife to death gives up life sentence appeal
Angila Wilder Discovered Stabbed to Death in North Dakota Home; Ex-Husband Richie Wilder Jr. & New Wife Cynthia Sentenced to Life in Prison, No Parole for Murder (November 13, 2015)
ID Go: Two women living next to each other since childhood descend into bitter conflict when the ex husband of one starts seeing the other. Add property issues to this toxic mix and the result is an act of shocking violence that engulfs all. -Mistress of Death, Fear Thy Neighbor (Investigation Discovery: S5, E6)
On December 18, 2009, Army veteran Vinson Thomas-Ward Cowan shot at and injured his neighbor Christie Jackson in Burnet, Texas. Christie Jackson and Vinson’s mother, Linda Cowan, were engaged in a bitter three month feud between neighbors after Christie’s estranged husband Rudy started dating Linda. What started out as a disagreement between neighbors ended in someone getting shot. It is believed that Linda Cowan enlisted the help of her son Vinson to shoot and kill Christie Jackson and he obliged because he was protective of his mother. Vinson followed through and indeed shot Christie in the head through the window of her own home. Miraculously, despite the severe head wound, Christie lived, but will forever be affected by the ordeal. On the night in question, Christie was sleeping with both her daughters who also are forever changed by the experience.
One of Vinson’s friends, Thomas Pierson, who was aware of the plan to shoot Christie and be a look-out that night, informed the police of Linda and Vinson’s plans to shoot Christie in retaliation for all the trouble she caused her. The bottom line was Linda wanted Christie out of the picture. Linda Cowan was jealous that Rudy continued to see Christie and their children and angry because she assumed Christie called the City of Burnet to complain about her septic issues. Linda wanted revenge and she wanted to date Rudy despite his intentions to continue seeing Christie. In 2013, Linda Cowan was sentenced to fifteen years in prison for second-degree felony of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. And Vinson Thomas-Ward plead guilty to ten years in prison for second-degree felony of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Christie’s mother sold the family home in Burnet.
Editor’s note: With a cable subscription, you can download the free ID Go app and watch all of the Investigation Discovery programming at your convenience. And for those who do not have cable, you can watch “unlocked” episodes on the ID Go app including the latest premieres. Download the ID Go app and binge away. For those who prefer commercial free programming during your binge session, Prime Video has an ID channel: ‘True Crime Files by Investigation Discovery” available for $2.99 a month. It’s a compilation of older seasons but totally worth the cost if you are a true crime addict.
Related Links:
Burnet woman gets 15 years for her role in 2009 shooting (2013)
Burnet County man gets 10 years for 2009 shooting of woman (2013)
Linda Sue Cowan, Appellant v. The State of Texas, Appellee (2015)
Mistress of Death | Fear Thy Neighbor | Investigation Discovery (S5, E6)
Mistress of Death | Fear Thy Neighbor | Investigation Discovery (website)
Mistress of Death | Fear Thy Neighbor | Investigation Discovery (Amazon)
Fear Thy Neighbor: 23 Veteran Cases Featured on Investigation Discovery
ID Go: In a small Tennessee town, Jenelle Potter has few friends. When her attraction to one of them isn’t mutual, she is ostracized and feels threatened. Then a shadowy figure guides her family into a dark plot with a twisted ending no one saw coming. -Catfish Killer, Primal Instinct (S1, E4)
Date: January 31, 2012
Victims: Billie Jean Hayworth and Billy Payne
Offenders: Jenelle Potter, Barbara Potter, Marvin Potter, Marine Corp veteran
Location: Mountain City, Tennessee
Circumstances: Jenelle Potter catfished her parents Barbara and Marvin and led them to believe she was in danger, she posed as a CIA agent and manipulated Marvin Potter to kill Billie Jean Hayworth and Billy Payne after they unfriended her on Facebook
Disposition: Jenelle and Barbara Potter were convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and given two life sentences; Marvin Potter plead guilty to murder and was given two life sentences
Editor’s note: With a cable subscription, you can download the free ID Go app and watch all of the Investigation Discovery programming at your convenience. And for those who do not have cable, you can watch “unlocked” episodes on the ID Go app including the latest premieres. Download the ID Go app and binge away. For those who prefer commercial free programming during your binge session, Prime Video has an ID channel: ‘True Crime Files by Investigation Discovery” available for $2.99 a month. It’s a compilation of older seasons but totally worth the cost if you are a true crime addict.
In the News:
Part 1: Living at home with her parents, Jenelle Potter spent most of her adult life on social media. -ABC News
Part 2: A friend found Bille Jean Hayworth and Billy Payne dead with single gunshot wounds to their faces. -ABC News
5 Dark & Twisted Catfish Stories. -FactFaction
Investigation Discovery:
ID Go: A young couple is found murdered, execution style, their infant still alive in the mother’s arms. As police investigate, the story takes a shocking turn when the admitted shooter claims this was a sanctioned hit ordered by a rogue CIA agent. -To Pretty to Live, Investigation Discovery (S1, E1)
USA Network:
In Tennessee, a family is driven to despair when their daughter Jenelle becomes the target of social media bullying. When two of Jenelle’s tormentors are found dead, the police uncover a bizarre web of assumed identities and mental manipulation. -The Sinner
Oxygen:
Jenelle Potter’s attorney, her sister, and others discuss the case after the verdict. -Killer Post, Oxygen
Jenelle Potter claimed that her Facebook account was hacked. -Criminal Confessions, Oxygen
Podcasts:
A young mother is shot to death while she clutches her 7-month old baby. Her husband lies executed in the next room. This isn’t the story of a Hollywood drama, but the tragic end to an average Tennessee working class family. Billie Jean Hayworth and her husband Billy Payne were going about their normal weekday morning routine when they were senselessly and violently murdered. The events that led to that morning are inexplicable, fueled by the petty ignorance of a woman who used social media to manipulate and hurt people. We’re taking a look at the catfishing murders of East Tennessee in this episode of True Crime Brewery: Unfriended. Settle in for a twisted tale of senseless murder, jealousy, and cruelty beyond what most of us could ever imagine. -True Crime Brewery
Related Links:
Web of Death!
Accused Facebook killer has local ties
Stolen Valor Marine charged with double FACEBOOK murder in my hometown
Murdered over a Facebook snub: Dad guns down couple who deleted his daughter on social network
Tennessee father murders couple after pair had deleted his adult daughter as friend on Facebook, authorities say
Facebook “defriending” led to double murder, police say
Motive in double murder centers around de-friending on Facebook
Facebook Defriending Leads to Double Murder: Cops
What Does The Facebook Double Homicide Say About The Dark Side Of Social Media?
Murder investigation continues, court documents reveal tumultuous history
State closes in on Potter women
Tenn. father charged with murdering couple who”unfriended” daughter on Facebook
Woman posing as CIA agent convinces parents to kill Facebook friends
Testimony begins in Facebook ‘unfriending’ murder trial
Testimony begins in Facebook ‘unfriending’ murder trial
Testimony begins in Facebook ‘unfriending’ murder trial
Witness for the prosecution: Woman testifies against mother, sister in ‘Facebook murders’ trial
‘I never wished them dead’: Weeping killer begs for forgiveness over elaborate ‘catfish’ where she posed as a male CIA agent and encouraged the murder of a young couple
East Tennessee jury convicts women in Facebook slayings
East Tenn. mom, daughter convicted in slaying over Facebook unfriending
Guilty on all counts in Potter double-murder trial
Mother, daughter serve 2 life sentences in Tenn. Facebook murders
TN women convicted in Facebook slayings want new trial
Potter women to serve two life sentences; third person pleads guilty to role in Facebook murders
Marvin Potter sentenced to two life sentences for double murder
Potter guilty on two counts of First Degree Murder
Court of Criminal Appeals grants stay of appeal for Jenelle Potter
State of Tennessee vs. Marvin Potter, Jr. (2016)
Prosecutor writes book on Mountain City Facebook murders
Facebook murders documented in true crime book written by prosecutor
Story of Mountain City Facebook murders reaches national audience in book, tv special
Mountain City slayings case gets new prosecutor, new judge, new court date
Lawyer’s book about ‘Facebook Murders’ earns censure from TN Supreme Court
Prosecutor Censured for Book About Facebook Slayings
TDOC employee accused of meddling with Facebook murders case
Prison guard fired for letter on behalf of women convicted in ‘Facebook murders’
Convicted Tennessee Woman Denies Wanting Couple Dead After Social Media Feud
How a Social Media Feud Led to the Murder of a Young Tennessee Couple
‘Too pretty to live’: How a woman convinced her parents and boyfriend to kill ‘Facebook bullies’
Woman Impersonates CIA Agent to Convince Boyfriend, Parents to Murder Couple
Evil daughter tricked parents into murder
Prosecutor Censured for Book About Facebook Slayings
Facebook De-Friending Results in Double Murder
The Catfishing Murders of East Tennessee: Woman Poses as Male CIA Operative
Couple Murdered for ‘Unfriending’ Woman On Facebook
Jenelle Potter: ABC ’20/20′ Takes Look At Facebook Murder Of Mountain City, Tennessee Couple Who Unfriended Woman
Social Media Feuds That Escalated To Offline Murders
6 Murderers That Posted Their Kills On Facebook
YouTube:
Defense attorneys for women at center of “Facebook murders” ask for new trial
Defense attorneys in “Facebook murders” say new evidence revealed in prosecutor’s book warrants new trial
TDOC employee accused of meddling with Facebook murders case
Sullivan County District Attorney taking over “Facebook murders” case
TN appeals court upholds Marvin Potter’s conviction in Facebook killings
Tennessee Woman Claims She’s Victim of Online Threats to Her Life
Young Couple Found Murdered With Baby Alive, Covered in Blood
Unfriended: The Catfish Murders of Billie Jean Hayworth and Billy Payne
Episode 23: Jenelle Potter | Moms and Murder | A Podcast
Episode 23: Jenelle Potter | Moms and Murder | A Podcast
Jenelle Potter | Sword and Scale Episode 62 | Podcast
10: Jenelle Potter and the Facebook of Lies and Creepy Carl’s Corpse | Darkest Corners Podcast
The Sinner | Famous Murders Bizarre Motives: Jenelle Potter | USA Network
Criminal Confessions: Was Jenelle Potter Hacked? – Preview (Season 2, Episode 1) | Oxygen
#killerpost: After the Verdict Episode 1 – Payne and Potter | Oxygen
To Pretty to Live | Investigation Discovery (S1, E1)
Catfish Killer | Primal Instinct | Investigation Discovery (S1, E4)
Catfish Killer | Primal Instinct | Investigation Discovery (website)
5 Dark & Twisted Catfish Stories
MILITARY JUSTICE FOR ALL 