Burden of Proof

Case Number 56: Henry Lee Jones AKA BAM, Part 1

There's really nothing extraordinary about Henry Lee Jones as far as serial killers go, with one exception. He really should have still been in prison when he committed his most heinous crimes. Thanks to a court system that consistently handed him minimal sentences and a prison system that released him far too soon due to overcrowding, Henry was free to unleash his violence for far too long.
Tune in to hear how Henry's violent patterns began as Elysia lays out his early crimes and the murder he initially got away with meanwhile Savannah asks the ever important question of "What even is this case!?" 
 
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Sources:
https://murderpedia.org/male.J/j/jones-henry-lee.htm
 
https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/fl-supreme-court/1851151.html
 
https://law.justia.com/cases/tennessee/court-of-criminal-appeals/2017/w2015-02210-cca-r3-dd.html
 
https://archive.commercialappeal.com/news/crime/henry-lee-jones-sentenced-to-death---again---for-2003-murders-of-bartlett-couple-ep-1085511401-324397731.html/
 
https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/local/tn-supreme-court-upholds-death-sentence-for-florida-man-convicted-in-slaying-of-bartlett-couple/522-25e71a7d-8d06-4fe5-8076-d83b0eb012e7#:~:text=January%2030%2C%202019-,The%20Tennessee%20Supreme%20Court%20has%20upheld%20the%20death%20penalty%20for,to%20death%20for%20the%20killings.
 
https://www.clickorlando.com/news/2013/10/09/killer-found-guilty-of-murder-in-2003-slaying-in-melbourne/
 
 
 
 
 
Music By:
https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/royalty-free-music/download/shady-business/2181

Case Number 55: Grant Amato, The Cam Girl Killer

Grant Amato's life was full of privilege, maybe a little too full. Following in his older brother's footsteps he had become a successful nurse and was in graduate school to further his career as a nurse anesthetist. In a series of grave errors that led to his family's destruction, he first took it upon himself to illegally administer medication to patients. After being fired from his nursing job, he then failed out of graduate school and quickly developed an addiction. Grant became so obsessed with a bulgarian cam girl online that he committed multiple counts of fraud and continuously stole from his friends and family to pay her. He was absolutely certain that she was his true girlfriend and no one, not even his family would stand in the way of their love.
Tune in as Savannah breaks down the delusion that led to this family tragedy and Elysia goes mad with disbelief at the audacity.
 
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Sources:
 
https://law.justia.com/cases/florida/fifth-district-court-of-appeal/2021/5d19-2403.html
 
https://open.spotify.com/episode/018glTZd0xQEnza1Dn1Mn5?si=j7J3mgN2TsSHl63scuZ85g
 
https://lawandcrime.com/tag/grant-amato/
 
https://youtu.be/4iluOmq1DYY?si=XlB10Y8Oyw6WV9i_
 
https://youtu.be/_-AZ1jRBp9c?si=wth6GuEZZxlXKa77
 
https://youtu.be/A-1ueSDIp_o?si=_gcpBjq7TyBFZ8nz
 
https://youtu.be/tH4XEyhzIFU?si=mqHW84xN4ksEMLzZ
 
https://youtu.be/zGR6bfNcbhI?si=wW8D4ZBjgAVf07CC
 
https://youtu.be/CXqo73teGS4?si=2HEw-4-a5ge1BSiY
 
 
 
 
Music By:
https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/royalty-free-music/download/shady-business/2181

Case Number 54: The Attempted Murder of Heather Grossman

After escaping her abusive first marriage, Heather thought she finally found her happily ever after with her second husband, John. Unfortunately, her ex-husband, Ronald Samuels, continued to use his money and power to abuse her through a bitter custody and child support battle. Heather warned the Family Court Judge that there was something far more sinister than missing child support payments going on, but the Judge simply threatened Ron with contempt and suspended his visitation with their children. This only fueled Ron's hatred for Heather and put her in more danger.
Listen along as Elysia shares this harrowing story of a man who thought he could get away with murder and the woman who survived to not only tell the tale, but help other victims of domestic violence.
Follow up on social media to let us know if you agree with Savannah's thoughts on Ron's appearance and accent! Find us on Instagram and Facebook!
 
Sources:
The Puppetmaster – Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall
 
https://www.courttv.com/trials/fl-v-samuels-2006/
 
https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/fl-district-court-of-appeal/1094137.html
 
https://www.azfamily.com/2023/03/08/arizona-woman-shares-domestic-violence-experience-after-ex-husband-hired-hitman-kill-her/
 
http://www.friendsofheathergrossman.com/
 
https://www.gofundme.com/f/paralyzed-in-paradise
 
https://www.amazon.com/Paralyzed-Paradise-Heather-Grossman/dp/1720128545/ref=sr_1_1
 
 
 
 
 
Music By:
https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/royalty-free-music/download/shady-business/2181

Case Number 53: The Complex Life and Crimes of Celeste Beard, Part 2

Celeste Beard's life was far from perfect, but that’s no excuse for her heinous actions. She seemed to have a knack for getting others to believe that her own ghastly behavior was the result of her own abuse.
Join us on the second part of Celeste's journey as Savannah shares the lengths Celeste went to for money and freedom. Meanwhile, Elysia shares the good and the bad of being overly aware of narcissistic behavior. 
 
Join the conversation! Find us on Instagram and Facebook!
 
 
Sources: 
https://www.oxygen.com/snapped/true-crime-buzz/first-episode-of-snapped-where-is-celeste-beard-johnson-nowhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/7f0CiFMw0ZjGTgYAmrhFCL?si=65Ey8KrOTWCHp0N4TBRrFw
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1BOsgkXVRkVyzI4qC6XCpA?si=HuR_OL70QEaB0nxogScWyw
https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/alleged-love-triangle-turn-deadly-wife-center-millionaire/story?id=93120519
https://caselaw.findlaw.com/tx-court-of-appeals/1175149.html
https://www.oxygen.com/snapped/true-crime-buzz/first-episode-of-snapped-where-is-celeste-beard-johnson-now
Snapped, episode One 
 
Music By:
https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/royalty-free-music/download/shady-business/2181

Case Number 53: The Complex Life and Crimes of Celeste Beard, Part 1

Celeste Beard's life was far from perfect growing up but no one really understands why she would do the things she did. It's possible her mother was abusive, at least for a time. Though, it's not her mother that she accused of abuse. Throughout her life she went on to make several abuse and/or sexual assault allegations toward different men. She seemed to have a knack for getting others to believe that her own ghastly and abusive behavior was the result of these allegations. Unfortunately, some of those believers paid terrible consequences.
Join us on the first part of Celeste's journey as Savannah shares what is known about her childhood, her many marriages, and her love of committing fraud. Meanwhile, Elysia fights to find words in the face of all the audacity. 
 
Join the conversation! Find us on Instagram and Facebook!
 
 
 
Sources: 
https://www.oxygen.com/snapped/true-crime-buzz/first-episode-of-snapped-where-is-celeste-beard-johnson-nowhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/7f0CiFMw0ZjGTgYAmrhFCL?si=65Ey8KrOTWCHp0N4TBRrFw
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1BOsgkXVRkVyzI4qC6XCpA?si=HuR_OL70QEaB0nxogScWyw
https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/alleged-love-triangle-turn-deadly-wife-center-millionaire/story?id=93120519
https://caselaw.findlaw.com/tx-court-of-appeals/1175149.html
https://www.oxygen.com/snapped/true-crime-buzz/first-episode-of-snapped-where-is-celeste-beard-johnson-now
Snapped, episode One 
 
Music By:
https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/royalty-free-music/download/shady-business/2181
 

Case Number 52: Mark Wangler, The Water Heater Widower

When Mark Wangler's wife, Kathy, dies from carbon monoxide poisoning, he tells investigators he believes it was the faulty water heater. There was just one issue. The water heater and every other appliance and fireplace in the home seemed to be in working order. 
Tune in as Elysia deep dives into this complicated case of marital woes, pilot lights, unusual soot markings, and a questionable 911 call. Meanwhile, Savannah questions both state and defense evidence and discusses how she will haunt her fiance. 
 
Join the conversation! Find us on Instagram and Facebook!
 
Sources:
Dateline: Season 19, Episode 74 Deadly Exposure
 
https://casetext.com/case/state-v-wangler
 
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-ohnd-3_13-cv-02598/pdf/USCOURTS-ohnd-3_13-cv-02598-0.pdf
 
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ohio-killers-son-wife-continue-innocence-crusade/
 
 
 
 
 
Music By:
https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/royalty-free-music/download/shady-business/2181
 

Case Number 51: The Shocking Betrayal of Sarah Stern

They say money changes everything. It certainly did for 19 year old Sarah Stern. After Sarah's mother passed away and she found a stash of "old" cash, two of her closest friendships took a very dark turn. Despite the appearance of being life long close friends, Liam McAstney and Preston Taylor conspired as to how they would get Sarah's money for themselves. 
Tune in as Savannah shares this unbelievable tale of betrayal including clips of Liam's confession. Meanwhile, Elysia passionately defends Sarah's dog and finds humor in her own worst prom date story. Spoiler, Preston turned out to be worse.
 
Join the conversation! Find us on Instagram and Facebook!
 
Sources:
https://www.distractify.com/p/liam-mcatasney-family-twin#:~:text=Here's%20an%20overview%20of%20the,who%20helped%20clinch%20the%20conviction.&text=Liam%20McAtasney%20grew%20up%20in,twin%20brother%20Seamus%2C%20and%20sister.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6761397/amp/Filmmaker-details-secretly-recorded-friend-confessing-murder-Sarah-Stern.html
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shark_River_Inlet#:~:text=Despite%20its%20name%2C%20sharks%20swimming,shark%20teeth%20commonly%20found%20upstream.
https://abc7ny.com/amp/sarah-stern-liam-mcatasney-trial-murder/5355987/
https://medium.com/crimebeat/from-best-friends-to-murder-the-case-of-sarah-stern-f10999a1902f
https://www.nj.com/monmouth/2023/02/friend-who-killed-sarah-stern-dumped-body-from-jersey-shore-bridge-has-appeal-rejected.html?outputType=amp
https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/liam-mcatasney-sentenced-life-parole-murdering-friend-sarah/story?id=63869375
https://thelinknews.net/2017/02/02/two-men-charged-in-death-of-missing-teen/
https://youtu.be/taTGZcInpDw
https://youtu.be/t6XhPwotjcQ
 
 
Music By:
https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/royalty-free-music/download/shady-business/2181
 
 
 
 

Case Number 50: Ellie Nesler, The Vigilante Mom

The Nesler family story starts like so many others. Ellie Nesler sent son to a trusted church youth camp one summer. Month's later when Ellie finds out that a previously convicted pedophile who was working at the camp had sexually assaulted her son, she did what any mother would do. She notified the police. Unfortunately, it took well over two years for the man to face justice. It's then that Ellie changes the ending.
Tune in as Elysia explains Ellie's downward spiral and her final act in an attempt to end her family's nightmare. Meanwhile, Savannah throws tomatoes at the court and scolds Elysia for the aftermath.
 
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Sources:
https://law.justia.com/cases/california/supreme-court/4th/16/561.html
 
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-obit-nesler-122908-2008dec29-story.html
 
https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-nesler30-2008dec30-story.html
 
https://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/how-far-would-you-go-to-protect-your-child_1
 
https://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/how-child-molestation-tore-the-nesler-family-apart/all
 
https://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/nesler-family-timeline
 
https://www.denverpost.com/2008/12/29/ellie-nesler-killed-sons-accused-molester-in-courtroom-shooting/
 
https://www.upi.com/Archives/1993/04/08/Evaluation-paints-portrait-of-man-killed-in-courtroom/7421734241600/
 
https://rarefilmm.com/2020/02/judgement-day-the-ellie-nesler-story-1999/
 
Ellie Nesler Killed her son's molester in Jamestown court
 
 
 
Music By:
https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/royalty-free-music/download/shady-business/2181

Case Number 49: The Gruesome Crimes of Taylor Schabusiness

This week Savannah ventures way out of her comfort zone to give you all the details of Taylor Schabusiness and her crimes against Shad Thyrion, her former boyfriend. After Shad's mother found his head in a bucket at the bottom of her basement steps, police immediately found Taylor who was presumably the last person to see him alive. Taylor was literally caught red handed!
Tune in to hear Savannah deep dive into all the gory details including what drove this woman to commit such atrocities as murders and changing her name to Schabusiness. For fun, you can create a game around how many times Elysia says "Oh my God!" or "Schabusiness!". 
 
Join the conversation! Find us on Instagram and Facebook!
 
Sources:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/423UisBKCJJWajgMeAEDY3?si=B7IPqIYZSau63QPOt0kgDA
https://nypost.com/2023/07/27/taylor-schabusiness-guilty-of-kiling-lover-abusing-corpse/amp/
https://nypost.com/2023/07/26/taylor-schabusiness-describes-allegedly-dismembering-abusing-lovers-body/
https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/news/2022/03/04/what-we-know-green-bay-decapitation-taylor-schabusiness-shad-thyrion/9363885002/
https://heavy.com/news/taylor-schabusiness-husband-warren-family/amp/
https://www.wearegreenbay.com/news/local-news/updates-from-the-courtroom-everything-that-happened-on-day-1-of-taylor-schabusinesss-trial/amp/
https://www.scribd.com/document/646744221/Schabusiness-Motion-to-Suppress
https://www.distractify.com/p/why-did-taylor-schabusiness-attack-her-attorney
https://www.sportskeeda.com/amp/pop-culture/news-what-happened-taylor-schabusiness-mom-brother-real-last-name-family-wake-father-s-trial-testimony
 
 
Music By:
https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/royalty-free-music/download/shady-business/2181 

Case Number 48: The Carlie Brucia Tragedy

**********WARNING: This case includes extra sensitive material including a child victim, sexual assault, and addiction**********
 
Join us for this listener requested case that has left us reeling! On Super Bowl Sunday of 2004, 11 year old Carlie Brucia made the grave mistake of walking home alone from a friend's house. Her mom, Susan, and stepfather, Steve, immediately began looking for her but it was too late. Just minutes after leaving her friend's house, Carlie was approached and grabbed by a stranger. Find out how detectives catch the murderer, why he thought he could escape the death penalty, and the terrible aftermath as Elysia walks us through this tragic story and Savannah hates every word so much she can't sit still. 
 
Join the conversation! Find us on Instagram and Facebook!
 
Sources:
https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/video/see-no-evil-investigation-discovery/come-home-carlie
 
https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/fl-supreme-court/1504427.html
 
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/109/hr3107
 
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2013/05/29/murder-victims-mother-arrested-near-nokomis-park/29178835007/
 
https://people.com/crime/mom-carlie-brucia-florida-girl-killed-in-high-profile-2004-case-dies-suspected-drug-overdose/
 
https://www.mysuncoast.com/2021/07/26/convicted-killer-carlie-brucia-dies-prison/
 
 
 
Music By:
https://www.fesliyanstudios.com/royalty-free-music/download/shady-business/2181