Anatomy of Murder: “A Deadly Cocktail - Part 1 (David Castor)”

Released: July 29, 2025 | Hosts: Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi & Scott Weinberger

Introduction to the Case

In the gripping premiere of “A Deadly Cocktail,” hosts Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger delve into the mysterious death of David Castor, a seemingly ordinary man from Onondaga County, New York. The episode unravels the layers of a case that initially appeared to be a straightforward suicide but soon revealed a web of deceit and potential multiple homicides.

David Castor's Death: Initial Investigation

On August 22, 2005, Stacy Castor, David’s wife, made an emergency call reporting that her husband had locked himself in their bedroom after an argument and had been unresponsive for a day. Upon arrival, first responders found David deceased, with a suspected cause of death being a self-administered dose of ethylene glycol (antifreeze).

Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi [02:39]: “This was so diabolical, so evil, really, it's hard to put into words.”
Scott Weinberger [02:58]: “And this is Anatomy of Murder.”

The scene was cluttered with bottles of liquor and a glass containing a green liquid later identified as antifreeze. Despite these findings, the medical examiner ruled the death a suicide, influenced by Stacy’s testimony about David’s depression and financial struggles.

Evidence Suggesting Homicide

However, skepticism arose when investigators noted inconsistencies at the crime scene. Notably, a turkey baster was found in the trash, contaminated with David’s DNA and antifreeze, suggesting foul play.

Anasiga Nicolasi [19:53]: “She looked in the trash... finding an almost brand new turkey baster... suggesting there was an effort made to consume, seal it.”
Scott Weinberger [20:34]: “A turkey baster in a trash can is an odd observation.”

Further examination of photographs revealed that while vomitus was present on the carpet, it was absent on the antifreeze jar, indicating possible scene staging.

Anasiga Nicolazi [21:21]: “...the pooling of the vomitus and the trail of the vomitus dripping off the bedspread was the jar of antifreeze. And yet there was no vomitus on the antifreeze jar, indicating that the scene may have been staged.”

These anomalies led DA Bill Fitzpatrick and his team to reassess the initial ruling, suspecting that David Castor might have been poisoned rather than having taken his own life.

Stacy Castor as a Prime Suspect

As the investigation deepened, attention turned to Stacy Castor, David’s wife. Fingerprints on the antifreeze glass matched Stacy's, and the presence of the turkey baster raised suspicions about her involvement.

Scott Weinberger [26:19]: “...the picture of how the poison may have been administered was coming into focus.”
Bill Fitzpatrick [26:52]: “...we don't know where it's going to lead until later. But that's the job of evidence collection.”

Stacy’s actions during the weekend prior to David’s death were scrutinized. Witnesses reported seeing David in a catatonic state, mistaking his symptoms of poisoning for excessive drunkenness, leading Stacy to stage the scene as a suicide.

Linking Mike Wallace's Death

The plot thickened when investigators reconsidered the death of Stacy’s first husband, Mike Wallace, who died at age 38 from a heart attack. Suspicion arose due to the similarity in the manner of death. Upon exhumation and a thorough forensic examination, it was revealed that Mike had also been poisoned with ethylene glycol.

Anasiga Nicolazi [31:03]: “...cause of death ethylene glycol poisoning.”
Scott Weinberger [32:17]: “Two husbands killed by poison, three children left without fathers, and one wife who may or may not be a serial killer.”

This revelation suggested a pattern, pointing directly to Stacy Castor as a potential serial killer who targeted her spouses.

Shocking Revelations and Conclusion

The investigation took a dramatic turn when wiretaps on Stacy’s phone captured a distressing confession. While monitoring her calls, investigators intercepted a 911 call where Stacy reported her daughter Ashley attempting suicide, accompanied by a typed note confessing that Ashley was the actual murderer of both Mike and David Castor.

Anasiga Nicolazi [40:33]: “...the typed suicide note she claims she found in her daughter's room.”
Bill Fitzpatrick [41:11]: “Ashley’s still drooling on herself.”

This twist raised profound questions about the true culprit behind the poisonings, suggesting that Stacy may have been covering for her daughter rather than being the perpetrator herself.

Anasiga Nicolazi [41:11]: “Ashley Flowers is executive producer... Whoever wrote that note killed Mike Wallace and David Castro. It couldn't be anybody else.”

The episode concludes with the anticipation of part two, promising to reveal the ultimate truth behind the Castor family’s tragic deaths.

Scott Weinberger [41:25]: “...could investigators have got it wrong had the elaborate staging of David's suicide been Stacy Castor's attempt to cover up for her teenage daughter all along?”
Bill Fitzpatrick [42:05]: “This was so diabolical, so evil, it's hard to put into words.”

Key Takeaways

• Initial Appearance vs. Reality: David Castor’s death was first ruled a suicide due to antifreeze poisoning, but evidence suggested possible homicide.
• Evidentiary Anomalies: The presence of a turkey baster and lack of vomitus on the antifreeze jar indicated potential scene manipulation.
• Double Tragedy: Stacy Castor’s first husband, Mike Wallace, was later found to have also been poisoned with the same substance, raising suspicions of a serial pattern.
• Unexpected Twist: A desperate 911 call from Stacy implicated her daughter Ashley as the true murderer, adding complexity to the investigation.

Conclusion

“A Deadly Cocktail - Part 1 (David Castor)” masterfully dissects the complexities of a murder case that obscured itself as a suicide. Through meticulous investigation and uncovering hidden evidence, hosts Nicolazzi and Weinberger reveal the multifaceted nature of evil and deception within a seemingly ordinary family. The episode sets the stage for a compelling continuation, inviting listeners to ponder the true nature of guilt and innocence in the shadow of tragedy.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of “A Deadly Cocktail” as Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger uncover the final pieces of this harrowing puzzle.