Anatomy of Murder: Something to Fix (Emmett Corrigan) – Detailed Summary

Release Date: December 17, 2024
Hosts: Anna-Sigga Nicolasi & Scott Weinberger

1. Introduction to the Case

In the gripping episode titled "Something to Fix," hosts Anna-Sigga Nicolasi and Scott Weinberger delve into the complex murder case of Emmett Corrigan. This episode not only examines the layers surrounding the victim and the crime itself but also explores the profound impact on the survivors, particularly Ashley Boyson, Emmett’s wife.

2. Background of Ashley Boyson and Emmett Corrigan

Ashley Boyson shares her heartfelt narrative, detailing her life as a dedicated wife and mother of five. She met Emmett Corrigan, a charismatic and ambitious law student from Boise, during her undergraduate studies at Utah State University. Their swift romance led to a marriage filled with optimism and dreams of a bright future together.

“I wasn’t surprised at all. Like six weeks in, we just started talking about our future and it wasn’t like an option to not have a future together.”
— Ashley Boyson (04:40)

Emmett’s move to his hometown of Boise marked the beginning of their new life, balancing his burgeoning legal career with Ashley's responsibilities as a mother.

3. The Marriage and Emerging Struggles

As Emmett established his law practice, the couple faced the typical strains of balancing work and family life. Emmett’s increasing work hours and rekindled struggle with alcoholism began to create a rift between them. Ashley recalls feeling a growing distance and uncertainty within their marriage.

“He was always running to the jail, he was always meeting with clients, or he wasn’t coming home. And I didn’t know why a lot.”
— Ashley Boyson (07:47)

By early 2011, Ashley sensed that Emmett was hiding something deeper, suspecting potential infidelity. Despite her efforts to seek help through marriage counseling and personal prayer, the underlying tension remained unresolved.

4. The Confrontation and Shooting

On the evening of March 11, 2011, a tragic confrontation unfolded in a Walgreens parking lot in Meridian, Idaho. Ashley had been confronting Emmett about his suspected infidelity when tensions escalated dramatically.

“I remember kneeling down by my bed going, heavenly father, I just need one answer.”
— Ashley Boyson (09:18)

Emmett’s defensive behavior led Ashley to seek external assistance, ultimately bringing Rob Hall, Candy Hall’s husband, into the equation. Rob Hall, a former deputy and part-time salesman, had his own suspicions about an affair involving his wife and Emmett.

The situation deteriorated when Rob arrived at the scene, resulting in a violent altercation. Gunshots echoed through the parking lot, leaving both Emmett and Rob injured. Emmett succumbed to his wounds at the scene, while Rob survived with critical injuries.

“Hey, you hear me? No, no, no, please.”
— First Responder (13:44)

5. Investigation and Evidence

The investigation revealed a tangled web of relationships and motives. Initially, Rob Hall claimed self-defense, asserting that Emmett had attacked him, leading him to fire the fatal shots. However, forensic evidence began to challenge this narrative.

• Gunshot Residue Test: Only Rob Halls showed gunshot residue on his hands, suggesting he was the one who fired the gun.

• Sequence of Shots: Candy Hall’s recording of the gunshots indicated a sequence that didn't align with Rob’s self-defense claim. She described hearing three distinct shots (“pop, pop, pop”), whereas Rob suggested only two shots were fired by Emmett before he retaliated.

“I just needed something to fix, not break my entire life.”
— Ashley Boyson (16:01)

These discrepancies cast doubt on the self-defense theory, pointing towards a more calculated motive rooted in infidelity and betrayal.

6. The Trial and Verdict

The trial that followed was intense and emotionally charged. Candy Hall’s testimony became a focal point, as her initial statements conflicted with her later court testimony. While she initially denied any romantic involvement with Emmett, evidence surfaced showcasing her affair with him, undermining her credibility.

“The judge at the end was like, jury, anything she said here, I just want you to discredit everything she said.”
— Ashley Boyson (44:16)

The prosecution successfully argued that Rob Hall had premeditated the murder, using his knowledge of Emmett and his personal grief over the affair as motives. Ultimately, Rob Hall was convicted of second-degree murder.

“On October 25, 2012, Rob Hall was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.”
— Screenshot from Transcript (44:54)

7. Aftermath and Ashley's Recovery

The aftermath of the murder left Ashley Boyson grappling with immense loss, betrayal, and the daunting task of rebuilding her life. She founded the nonprofit "A Reason to Stand," focusing on empowering survivors of similar tragedies. Through her blog "Moments We Stand," Ashley shares her journey of healing, aiming to support others facing grief and trauma.

“I see them showing up anyway, and I am just so proud to be their mom.”
— Ashley Boyson (46:25)

Despite the pain, Ashley remarried and expanded her family, demonstrating resilience and strength in the face of unimaginable adversity.

8. Conclusion

"Something to Fix" presents a poignant exploration of love, betrayal, and the profound consequences of unresolved tensions. Ashley Boyson's story serves as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the capacity for healing and growth even after the darkest of events. Through meticulous investigation and personal accounts, the episode underscores the intricate layers that constitute a murder case and the lasting impact on those left behind.

“He was trying to have it just be self-defense. And yet the gun that he brought, it was a present that Candy gave him that he kept at his parents’ house.”
— Ashley Boyson (42:22)

Ashley’s transformation from a grieving widow to a beacon of support for others encapsulates the essence of survival and redemption, offering listeners both a harrowing tale and a source of inspiration.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “I wasn’t surprised at all. Like six weeks in, we just started talking about our future and it wasn’t like an option to not have a future together.”
  — Ashley Boyson (04:40)

• “He was always running to the jail, he was always meeting with clients, or he wasn’t coming home. And I didn’t know why a lot.”
  — Ashley Boyson (07:47)

• “I remember kneeling down by my bed going, heavenly father, I just need one answer.”
  — Ashley Boyson (09:18)

• “I just needed something to fix, not break my entire life and break my family.”
  — Ashley Boyson (16:01)

• “The judge at the end was like, jury, anything she said here, I just want you to discredit everything she said.”
  — Ashley Boyson (44:16)

• “I see them showing up anyway, and I am just so proud to be their mom.”
  — Ashley Boyson (46:25)

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the "Something to Fix" episode, highlighting the key events, emotional turmoil, and eventual resolution of a harrowing murder case. It provides listeners with a clear understanding of the complexities involved and the enduring strength of those affected.