American Homicide: S1E32 – The Search for Bethany Correira, Part 2

Release Date: May 29, 2025

In the riveting second part of "The Search for Bethany Correira," hosted by Sloan Glass, American Homicide delves deeper into the mysterious disappearance and eventual murder of 21-year-old Bethany Carrera in Anchorage, Alaska. This episode meticulously unpacks the investigation, the involvement of the Lawson brothers, and the subsequent legal proceedings that culminate in a gripping courtroom drama.

Bethany Carrera: The Vanishing

Bethany Carrera, a vibrant 21-year-old college student, moved to Anchorage, Alaska, seeking new opportunities. Her sudden disappearance sent shockwaves through her community, raising immediate concerns given her well-connected life—she had a job, a place to stay, and was in regular contact with her family and boyfriend.

Quote:

"Bethany was somebody who needed to pick her brother up from the airport and who had a plan with her mom the next morning and was supposed to call her boyfriend."
— Ron McGee [02:15]

Despite these strong ties, Bethany vanished without a trace, leaving behind her keys, cell phone, and purse in her apartment, suggesting a deliberate act rather than a simple miscommunication or oversight.

Suspicion Falls on the Lawson Brothers

Investigators quickly honed in on Mike Lawson, Bethany's property manager, and his brother Bob Lawson. Mike's past, including a conviction for sexual assault in the 1980s, cast a long shadow over the case.

Quote:

"Mike Lawson failed to disclose that he was a convicted felon, which gave the police a warrant to arrest both Lawson brothers for fraud."
— Julia O'Malley [03:53]

The police aimed to leverage Mike's criminal history to pressure the brothers into cooperation, hoping one might betray the other under scrutiny.

A Flipping of Allegiances

Contrary to expectations, both Lawson brothers implicated each other in Bethany's disappearance. Initially, Bob Lawson reported that Mike had called him in distress, leading Bob to discover Bethany's body under grim circumstances.

Quote:

"Mike phoned him in a panic... he saw Bethany's naked body on the floor."
— Julia O'Malley [04:32]

However, subsequent betrayals unfolded, revealing deeper layers of deception and guilt within the Lawson brothers.

The Wiretapped Confession

In a strategic move, the Anchorage police bugged a jail phone line, capturing pivotal conversations between Mike and Bob. These recordings became instrumental in unraveling the truth.

Notable Quote:

"But there was something that happened before that you don't know about that I'm not taking her into before she..."
— Mike Lawson [08:10]

This conversation hinted at Mike's involvement in illicit activities, suggesting that Bethany might have unintentionally stumbled upon a drug deal, thereby placing her in mortal danger.

Discovery of Bethany's Body

An early spring thaw in 2004 facilitated the recovery of Bethany's remains from a gravel pit, exactly one year after her disappearance. The grim discovery included personal belongings and indications of a violent struggle, solidifying the case against Mike Lawson.

Quote:

"When we found the body, the body was partially clad. She was naked from the waist down."
— Sloan Glass [10:54]

The emotional toll on investigators and Bethany's family was profound, mingling relief with heartbreak.

Bob Lawson's Tragic End

As the trial against Mike Lawson progressed, Bob Lawson became a key witness. However, the immense pressure and guilt led him to take his own life in 2006, depriving the prosecution of crucial testimony and complicating the case.

Quote:

"I helped do one of the most terrible things imaginable, and I can't live with that."
— Bob Lawson's Note [18:45]

The Trial: A Battle in the Courtroom

Mike Lawson stood trial on multiple charges, including first and second-degree murder, sexual assault, arson, kidnapping, and tampering with evidence. The absence of Bob Lawson's testimony posed significant challenges for the prosecution, which relied heavily on the previously recorded phone calls and the testimony of Mike's colleague, Franco Besnise.

Key Moment:

"I'm just trying to figure out why there's no clothes, no running."
— Mike Lawson [33:00]

Prosecutors argued that the lack of Bethany's clothing indicated malicious intent rather than an accident, especially under Alaska's legal framework where a death occurring during the commission of another felony is automatically classified as second-degree murder.

Verdict and Sentencing

After four tense days of deliberation, the jury convicted Mike Lawson of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence, rejecting his defense's claim of accidental death. The sentencing culminated in a 99-year prison term, effectively the same as a first-degree murder conviction.

Quote:

"So my boss calls me and said, hey, Mike says, you're stealing money from the company... I can't tell you anything about what's going on."
— Franco Besnise [25:37]

The meticulous strategy in court, combined with the damning evidence from wiretapped conversations and physical evidence linking Mike to Bethany's death, secured his conviction.

Aftermath and Reflections

The resolution of Bethany Carrera's case provided a semblance of justice for her family, though the scars of loss and betrayal remained. Sloan Glass reflects on the emotional journey, emphasizing the profound impact such cases have on both the victims' families and those pursuing the truth.

Quote:

"The pain that I'm feeling is so bad because I have to forgive him... that helped me in my life to move forward and I hold on to any regrets or anything, things that I do. I have to keep moving forward and the only way I can is forgiveness."
— Bethany's Father [38:03]

Conclusion

"The Search for Bethany Correira, Part 2" offers a comprehensive exploration of a harrowing true crime case, highlighting themes of betrayal, justice, and the human capacity for forgiveness. Through detailed narration and poignant interviews, American Homicide presents a compelling narrative that underscores the complexities inherent in solving and prosecuting violent crimes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "I can't imagine what an agonizing decision that would be to have to squeal on your brother like that."
  — Sloan Glass [01:12]

• "But there was something that happened before that you don't know about that I'm not taking her into before she..."
  — Mike Lawson [08:10]

• "We the jury, find the defendant, Michael Lawson, guilty of murder in the second degree."
  — Jury Verdict [35:48]

• "For me, it felt so good to be able to put this man away."
  — Sloan Glass [38:03]

This episode not only sheds light on the intricate details of Bethany Carrera's tragic story but also examines the broader implications of crime, loyalty, and the pursuit of truth within the American justice system.