Anatomy of Murder: Episode Summary – "Around the Corner (Dwight Grant)"

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Around the Corner (Dwight Grant)" of the podcast Anatomy of Murder, hosts Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger delve deep into the tragic and complex case of Dwight Grant, an 18-year-old high school senior from Miramar, Florida. Released on April 15, 2025, this episode meticulously dissects the layers of the murder—unraveling the victim’s background, the harrowing crime, and the intricate investigation that followed.

Background of the Victim

Dwight Grant was a promising young man, starting his senior year at Miramar High School in October 2021. Living in a bustling apartment complex with his mother, Dwight was known for his love of computers and gaming. He was a responsible individual, often taking care of younger siblings and managing part-time jobs to support his family. According to Detective Pedro Tyrion (07:03), Dwight was “a very good mannered kid,” never getting involved in street activities or causing trouble.

Disappearance and Initial Concerns

On the evening of October 17, 2021, Dwight deviated from his usual routine. His mother returned home to an unsettling silence, with Dwight unresponsive to her calls. "Even if it's typical behavior for many teenagers, in Dwight's case, it was cause for concern," Anna-Sigga notes (03:55). Initially, law enforcement did not list him as missing because he had just turned 18 and was considered an adult legally (07:03).

Driven by maternal instincts and growing fears influenced by neighborhood rumors of drug use and violence, Dwight's mother persistently sought information about his whereabouts. Her efforts culminated in discovering disturbing footage from the apartment complex's security cameras (09:35), revealing Dwight being attacked in a stairwell alongside an unidentified female.

Discovery of the Body

Detective Tyrion recounts (12:08) the moment when the crime scene was secured:

"He starts looking around, and it's pretty clear that something happened here."

Upon investigating, the detective found dried blood smeared across the stairwell and adjoining areas, indicating a violent encounter. The discovery extended to locating Dwight's body in nearby bushes, contorted unnaturally, with visible stab wounds marking the severity of the assault (13:22). Without any identification, determining Dwight's identity was challenging initially, but fingerprints soon confirmed his tragic fate.

Identifying the Suspects

The security footage became pivotal in narrowing down the suspects. Although grainy, it showed Dwight being ambushed by two masked individuals while accompanied by a distinctive female—later identified as Christy Parisiian (20:21). "She didn't have a hoodie on like the other two. She had burgundy hair with one long strand of blonde hair. So that stood out in the video," Scott observes (17:00).

Christy, a 17-year-old high school student and friend of Dwight, became a central figure in the investigation. Her cooperation was essential, but her initial statements were evasive, raising suspicions about her involvement (28:35).

Interviews and Unveiling the Truth

Detectives Anna-Sigga and Scott conducted extensive interviews with Christy Parisiian and Jaslyn Smith, another key suspect. During these interviews, Christy gradually revealed critical details:

"Andre Clements is likely going to be the other suspect in this case." (29:14)

Her boyfriend, Andre Clements, emerged as the alleged mastermind, orchestrating the plan to murder Dwight. The interviews uncovered that Andre had manipulated Christy and Jaslyn into participating, exploiting personal vendettas and emotional turmoil (31:08).

Jaslyn Smith’s testimony was particularly damning. In a chilling admission captured in an audio recording, she described the brutal attack with unnerving detachment:

"We are just standing there holding it, using it as a form of intimidation... I just wanted to pull him out of the stairwell, so we can throw him over that railing." (37:31)

Arrests and Charges

The investigation swiftly connected Andre Clements to the murder weapon—a distinctive 20-inch curved sword purchased months prior (50:38). Despite attempts to conceal the weapon, digital evidence from Andre's phone and eyewitness accounts solidified the case against him and his accomplices.

Faced with overwhelming evidence, all three suspects—Christy Parisiian, Jaslyn Smith, and Andre Clements—pled guilty. Their sentences were severe:

• Christy Parisiian and Jaslyn Smith: 25 years each with 10 years of probation
• Andre Clements: 40 years with lifetime probation (55:44)

Sentencing and Aftermath

The courtroom proceedings were a somber affair, highlighting the brutality of the crime and the profound loss experienced by Dwight’s family. Dwight’s mother shared her heartbreaking reflection:

"I will never walk my son down the aisle. He'll never come say anything to me because he's not here." (55:29)

The sentences ensure that justice is served, albeit at the cost of the perpetrators’ youth and the untimely loss of Dwight's vibrant life.

Conclusions

This episode underscores a disturbing trend in juvenile crime, emphasizing a 65% increase in homicides by individuals under 18 from 2016 to 2022 (03:29). Hosts Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger reflect on the societal implications, questioning the efficacy of the juvenile justice system in handling such grave offenses.

Scott poignantly remarks:

"It's time to rethink our assumptions, to acknowledge this historic trend and to consider are we ready as a society to effectively address the rising tide?" (56:03)

Anna-Sigga adds a personal touch, honoring Dwight's memory and the enduring pain of his loss:

"Dwight Grant, you are remembered and it is clear you were very, very loved." (57:31)

Notable Quotes

• Detective Pedro Tyrion (07:03):

  "He's never done anything like this in the past. That starts to raise a red flag for me."

• Jaslyn Smith (37:25):

  "This should have never happened. He should have listened to his conscience and said, yeah, let it go."

• Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi (57:31):

  "Thinking of her and him should be our takeaway. The baby she once held in her arms, the young man she proudly watched him grow to be, is no longer here for his mom and so many. The pain of this loss must be excruciating."

Final Thoughts

"Around the Corner (Dwight Grant)" is a haunting exploration of youth, violence, and the failures of societal systems to prevent such tragedies. Through meticulous investigation and emotional storytelling, Anatomy of Murder not only seeks to understand the motives and actions behind Dwight's murder but also prompts listeners to reflect on broader issues of juvenile crime and justice.

For those seeking justice insights and a deeper understanding of complex murder cases, this episode serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile nature of life and the enduring quest for truth.