Anatomy of Murder: A Deadly Path - Part 1 (Justis Marie Garrett) Summary
Released on September 17, 2024
Hosted by Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger
Introduction
In the gripping first part of the "A Deadly Path" series, hosts Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger delve into the tragic disappearance and subsequent murder of 16-year-old Justice Marie Garrett. This episode meticulously dissects the layers of the case—from the victim and the circumstances of her disappearance to the intricate investigation that unfolded.
Background on Justice Marie Garrett
Justice Garrett was a vibrant 16-year-old high school student from Mount Dora, Florida. Known for her academic dedication and strong family values, she lived with her mother, Danielle, and her younger sister. Justyce, as she was affectionately known, was responsible and self-sufficient, often taking care of her sister while her mother worked.
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Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi [03:33]:
“Homicide cases affect people for different reasons. The brutality of the crime, the age of the victim. A scenario that maybe hits too close to home.”
The Disappearance
On the morning of April 13, 2018, Justice's routine took a dark turn. After missing her school bus, she caught a ride to school under the supervision of Danielle's boyfriend, Bobby Kern. Justice was supposed to attend Mount Dora High School before meeting friends for a sleepover. However, she never arrived.
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Scott Weinberger [03:59]:
“Justice Marie Garrett was 16 years old on April 13th of that year. It started out like any typical Friday for the teen... Justice caught a ride to school after missing the bus and was never heard from again.”
Initiation of the Investigation
Concern grew when Justice failed to board her usual bus. Danielle, growing increasingly worried, reached out to Justice’s friends and then filed a missing persons report the next morning. The Mount Dora Police Department, alongside the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), spearheaded the investigation, scrutinizing Justice’s last known movements and digital footprints.
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Police Chief [02:24]:
“There are more unanswered questions than there are answered questions. We ask for patience as we work to identify this person and to understand the circumstances surrounding her death.”
Phone Data and Investigative Tactics
A pivotal moment in the investigation came with the analysis of Justice's cell phone data. Contrary to initial reports from Danielle and Bobby, the data revealed that Justice never proceeded towards her high school. Instead, her phone traced a path back towards her former hometown in Volusia County before veering back towards Mount Dora.
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Scott Weinberger [19:22]:
“Justice's phone data showed that after leaving her home, she traveled in the direction of her former hometown in Volusia county, not to her high school.”
Detectives decided to interview Danielle and Bobby separately to uncover discrepancies in their accounts. During these interviews, it emerged that Danielle had falsely claimed to have driven Justice to school to protect Bobby, whose driver's license was suspended.
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Scott Weinberger [31:58]:
“They interview Danielle and they confront her with cell site data that shows that Justice's phone never went toward Mount Dora High School and she comes clean immediately. 'I did lie, but I only lied about this and I did it because Bobby didn't have a license and I was trying to help him and protect him.'”
Discovery of the Body
Five days after Justice’s disappearance, a body was discovered in a nearby forest by a hiker and his dog. The condition of the body indicated severe decomposition, making identification challenging. Initial assessments suggested possible signs of trauma and sexual assault, though the exact cause of death remained undetermined.
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Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi [22:22]:
“They're pulled down around the legs... The top half was mostly skeletal, and the bottom half of the body was not. The question of why it would be that way was a mystery that we had to figure out during the investigation.”
Autopsy and Findings
The autopsy revealed distressing details. The manner in which Justice’s clothes were disheveled suggested possible sexual assault. Additionally, unusual bleach patterns on her pants raised questions about attempts to conceal evidence.
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Scott Weinberger [38:35]:
“The way it was tied was unusual and suggested possible strangulation.”
Due to the advanced state of decomposition, certain injuries and the exact cause of death couldn't be conclusively determined. However, the presence of a jeweled navel ring and a painted fingernail provided crucial, albeit limited, identifying features.
Suspects and Investigation Progression
As the investigation progressed, attention turned toward Bobby Kern. His admission that he had driven Justice that morning, coupled with the discovery that he had reset his phone before interviews, intensified suspicions. Police obtained a search warrant to seize his vehicle for further analysis.
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Scott Weinberger [42:33]:
“But this is where our timelines become so important, because we do know that he knew at that moment he was under the microscope and was being questioned by investigators.”
The autopsy results later confirmed Justice as the body found, though this information was withheld initially to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
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Scott Weinberger [35:50]:
“But with the investigation at a critical juncture and police not yet knowing who and what to believe, this identification would be temporarily kept quiet, even from her own mother, who was, as we know, desperate for information.”
Conclusion and Cliffhanger
As Part 1 concludes, the investigation faces a complex web of lies and missing data. With Bobby Kern's suspicious actions and the grim evidence at hand, the case against him deepens. However, questions about Danielle’s involvement and the true circumstances surrounding Justice’s death remain unanswered, setting the stage for a riveting continuation in Part 2.
Quote:
Scott Weinberger [46:55]:
“There was another piece of data from Kern's phone that investigators zeroed in on. It wasn't from the day Justice disappeared. It was from three days later.”
Final Thoughts
"A Deadly Path - Part 1" masterfully sets the stage for a deep exploration into a heartbreaking murder case. Through meticulous analysis and compelling storytelling, Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger invite listeners to unravel the complexities and uncover the truth behind Justice Marie Garrett's untimely death.
Tune in next week for Part 2 of "A Deadly Path" as the investigation continues to unfold.