Unsuspecting (Milana Li)

Summary

Anatomy of Murder: Episode Summary – "Unsuspecting (Milana Li)"

Hosts: Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi & Scott Weinberger
Release Date: April 8, 2025

---

Introduction

In the poignant episode titled "Unsuspecting (Milana Li)" of Anatomy of Murder, hosts Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger delve deep into the tragic and intricate case of 13-year-old Malana Lee. The episode meticulously dissects the layers of this heartbreaking murder, exploring the victim's life, the harrowing crime, and the exhaustive investigation that followed.

---

Background of the Victim

Malana Lee, a 13-year-old girl, had recently immigrated to Beaverton, Oregon, from Kazakhstan. Described by friends and family as bright and responsible, Malana was adapting well to her new environment, excelling in school, and shouldering significant responsibilities at home, such as caring for her younger sister. Her mother, Aseli Lee, had a close-knit relationship with her daughter, making Malana's disappearance all the more devastating.

Malana's Mother, Aseli Lee [07:53]: "She's 13."

---

The Disappearance and Discovery

On the early morning of May 9, 2022, Malana went missing. Her mother returned home from a night shift at Nike headquarters to find Malana absent. Initial thoughts leaned towards Malana possibly skipping school, a notion quickly dismissed as more time passed without her return.

The search intensified when friends discovered Malana's clothing in a secluded wooded area near Westside Linear Park. The situation escalated when police found Malana's body half-submerged in a creek, showing signs of severe physical trauma and evidence of sexual assault.

Cindy, Detective [02:49]: "Your flat affect just kind of has me a little puzzled..."

---

The Investigation Unfolds

Senior Deputy Attorney John Gerard spearheaded the investigation, bringing his extensive experience to bear. The meticulous examination of the crime scene revealed that Malana had been brutally assaulted and strangled, with significant DNA evidence pointing towards the perpetrator.

The breakthrough came through Malana's cell phone data, which traced her movements to a local shopping center. A young employee at a frozen yogurt shop identified Daniel Gore, a 16-year-old with a troubled past, as the last person seen with Malana on the day of her disappearance.

John Gerard [05:03]: "So I have prosecuted almost three dozen homicide cases. The majority of those were murders."

---

Identifying the Suspect: Daniel Gore

Daniel Gore emerged as the primary suspect due to several pieces of circumstantial evidence:

1. Last Known Association: He was the last individual reported to be with Malana.
2. Juvenile Record: Gore had a history of theft, property damage, and arson.
3. Suspicious Behavior: Upon being located at a public library, Gore attempted to evade police, only to be caught after a brief chase.
4. Digital Evidence: Text messages and cell phone data placed him at key locations during the time of Malana's murder.
5. DNA Correlation: Gore's DNA matched that found on Malana's clothing and at the crime scene.

During the police interview, Gore remained calm and cooperative, yet inconsistencies in his account raised suspicions. Surveillance footage further contradicted his statements, solidifying his position as the main suspect.

Daniel Gore [22:18]: "I just liked the freedom during my interview. I enjoyed being on my own."

---

The Trial and Legal Hurdles

The prosecution faced a significant legal challenge due to Oregon's juvenile justice reform bill, which required a higher standard to try juveniles as adults. However, Deputy DA John Gerard successfully argued that Gore possessed sufficient maturity and that his crimes were too severe to be handled within the juvenile system.

The trial was swift, with the jury deliberating for only an hour and a half before returning a guilty verdict on multiple charges, including first-degree murder and sexual assault.

John Gerard [35:00]: "Guilty of murder in the first degree."

---

Defense Strategies and Prosecution's Response

The defense attempted to introduce reasonable doubt by highlighting unidentified male DNA at the scene and suggesting alternative suspects. They also contended that any sexual interaction was consensual, despite the significant age difference and statutory implications.

In response, the prosecution emphasized the totality of the evidence against Gore, including his digital footprint, physical evidence, and disturbing internet search history that reflected an obsession with violent and sexual violence against women.

Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi [40:46]: "Convict him for this statutory sexual assault... but don't convict him for the murder."

---

Sentencing and Aftermath

Daniel Gore was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years, a decision that sparked debate over juvenile sentencing laws. Malana Lee's family and the Beaverton community mourned her loss deeply, establishing memorials and support funds in her honor.

Malana's Mother [48:25]: "She was the girl who always smiled."

---

Conclusion

"Unsuspecting (Milana Li)" serves as a powerful exploration of a tragic crime, highlighting the intricate process of investigation and the challenges within the juvenile justice system. Hosts Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger provide a comprehensive narrative that honors Malana Lee's memory while shedding light on the complexities of seeking justice in such devastating circumstances.

Malana Lee is remembered not just for the manner of her untimely death but as a beacon of light for her family and friends, embodying the resilience and love she shared during her short life.

---

Notable Quotes:

• John Gerard [05:03]: "So I have prosecuted almost three dozen homicide cases. The majority of those were murders."
• Daniel Gore [22:18]: "I just liked the freedom during my interview. I enjoyed being on my own."
• Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi [40:46]: "Convict him for this statutory sexual assault... but don't convict him for the murder."

---

Anatomy of Murder continues to provide in-depth analyses of complex murder cases, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the multifaceted world of criminal investigations.

Transcript

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Hey guys, we have some exciting news. Scott and I are hitting the road and this time we hope you're coming with us.

[Scott Weinberger]

You've listened to us dissect investigations, debate theories, and share some insights on the podcast. Now be part of the experience. Live in person.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

We'll talk through a powerful case together. But it's also an evening of community.

[Scott Weinberger]

This aom Community Me, Anna, Sega and you. We're kicking off with three exclusive preview shows this June in Chicago, Philly and Pittsburgh. Don't miss your chance to be part of something Special.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Presale starts April 8th at 12 noon with code ANATOMY GENERAL. Tickets drop April 11th.

[Scott Weinberger]

Go to anatomyofmotor.com or our Instagram accounts for ticket links and details. We can't wait to meet you.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

See you out there.

[Scott Weinberger]

This episode is brought to you by Progressive, where drivers who save by switching save nearly $750 on average. Plus auto customers qualify for an average of 7 discounts. Quote [e-mail] to see if you could save Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates national average 12 month savings of $744 by new customers surveyed who saved with Progressive between June 2022 and May 2023. Potential savings will vary. Discounts not available in all states and situations. In 1932, one man opened a two room business school above a nondescript storefront in downtown Manchester, New Hampshire. How did it become one of the largest universities in the country? Okay, this case isn't exactly a mystery. Southern New Hampshire University offers over 200 degrees you can earn from your couch. And with a low online tuition, Southern New Hampshire University makes earning your degree affordable too. Find your degree at SNHU. Edu anatomy. That's SNHU. Edu anatomy. This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. I understand therapy can seem like a major expense, and for many that may be the biggest barrier. But think of it this way. If your arm was broken, you wouldn't just shake it off, would you? Your mental wellness deserves the same attention and care. Traditional in person therapy can cost hundreds, hundreds per session, which adds up fast. With BetterHelp online therapy, you can save an average up to 50% per session. Visit betterhelp.comaom to get 10% off your first month. That's better. H E L p.comaom I'm just being honest with you.

[Cindy]

Your flat affect just kind of has me a little puzzled because I know a lot of people that would be in your position would at least be a little bit worried or concerned that they're the last person to be seen with a dead girl.

[Scott Weinberger]

I'm Scott Weinberger, investigative journalist and former deputy Sheriff.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

I'm Anna Sega Nicolasi, former New York City homicide prosecutor and host of investigation discussion True Conviction.

[Scott Weinberger]

And this is Anatomy of Murder.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Raising children can often feel like navigating a minefield of potential dangers. But for all of our modern day methods for watching over our kids, from cell phones to doorbell cameras and GPS trackers, the risks to their safety never really goes away.

[Scott Weinberger]

The fact is that a child's most treasured instinct, their curiosity, can also prove to be the most dangerous. Kids want to explore, meet new people and obviously experience new things.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

But there is a line between taking these healthy risks, the kind that build confidence and resilience, and the kind that sometimes unknowingly, can lead to emotional, mental, or even physical danger.

[Scott Weinberger]

And recognizing that line is not always easy, especially for teenagers who are often the ones most drawn to new people and new experiences, but do not always have the tools to protect themselves if those same people and experiences become threats to their safety.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Today's story takes us to Beaverton, Oregon, a leafy suburb just a few miles outside of Portland. Beaverton is filled with parks and tree lined streets that weave through the quiet neighborhoods.

[Scott Weinberger]

But as everyone listening already knows, danger often lurks just under the surface of most idyllic towns. And in May of 2022, that community was shaken to its core when that danger came from one of its own. A 13 year old girl named Melana Lee.

[John Gerard]

So I have prosecuted almost three dozen homicide cases. The majority of those were murders.

[Scott Weinberger]

Like many prosecutors, Senior deputy attorney John Gerard had always felt a strong sense of duty, which is why before settling in Oregon, he served in the army as a judge, advocate and prosecutor.

[John Gerard]

And that's where I had my first exposure to criminal prosecution and decided that I enjoyed that and then went into the Washington County DA's office straight from there.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

To be a successful prosecutor, you need to be disciplined, resilient and have the ability to think strategically. All attributes which one would learn in the military.

[Scott Weinberger]

And all the traits that John would deploy in his mission to seek justice for the most innocent of victims.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

13 year old Malana Lee and her family had recently immigrated to Beaverton from Kazakhstan. The bright young sixth grader hadn't been in the States very long, but she was already adapting well to life in her new hometown.

[John Gerard]

She was still making friends, getting to know people at her middle school, but she was generally quiet, liked by her peers and her teachers.

[Scott Weinberger]

Malana was bright, she was kind, and at 13, already carrying a lot of responsibility at home, often watching her five year old sister while her mother worked long hours.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Which brings us to the early morning of May 9, 2022. Malana's mom had just returned home from working a night shift at the nearby Nike headquarters which employed many people in the area. And when she entered the house, she expected to see both her daughters asleep.

[Scott Weinberger]

But while her youngest was there in bed, 13 year old Milana was nowhere to be found.

[John Gerard]

She thought that Milana may have gone to school early, which was not unusual, and so she wasn't very concerned at that point in time. But she then got a call from the school indicating that Milana had not shown up to school. And that's when she became more panicked.

[Scott Weinberger]

It is every parent's worst fear. Suddenly not knowing where your child is with your mind racing with the worst case scenarios. Minutes can feel like hours and hours like days.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

And despite her daughter being a trusted, responsible young woman, she was also, at 13, still a child. And so Milana's mom did exactly what most parents would do. She called 911.

[Scott Weinberger]

Washington dispatch.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Hello, my name is Aseli. I want to report about that my daughter is missing. How old is your daughter? She's 13. Okay.

[John Gerard]

The initial belief of the officers is that she could have run away. She might have just been skipping school, hanging out with kids in the Beaverton area.

[Scott Weinberger]

It's a reasonable assessment, especially in a low crime area like Beaverton. But Ashley insisted that her daughter had never shown any sign of wanting to run away and had never been in trouble and was not the kind of kid to just be out causing mischief. She had a mother's gut feeling that something was wrong.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

And so, following protocol, police notified her school's administration, who then shared the news with the students and their families, hoping someone had information as to where Malana might be.

[Scott Weinberger]

But no one had seen or heard from her in more than 24 hours. And by the next day, the community was out in force helping to look for the missing teen.

[John Gerard]

One of her friends knew that Milana would sometimes go into this wooded area that was a little more secluded just to, you know, have time to herself and think. And so she and her mother went down into that wooded area and there.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

They stumbled on some articles of clothing that her friend recognized as belonging to Milana. They immediately retreated and contact police.

[Scott Weinberger]

Officers were dispatched to meet them at the scene. Body cam audio caught the moments officers arrived at the park.

[John Gerard]

I was looking and I found what.

[Scott Weinberger]

I think are Hirsch shoes and pants.

[John Gerard]

Okay. I didn't touch anything.

[Scott Weinberger]

I made sure. Not to touch anything.

[John Gerard]

Do you guys want to wait up? Can you wait up here for me and then we'll come back up and.

[Cindy]

Chat with you in just a few minutes?

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Yeah.

[John Gerard]

There's also like just a weird blanket.

[Cindy]

In the water, but I don't. Doesn't look like there's anything under it.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Westside Linear park was a popular recreation spot for walking and hiking. But it was also big with trails winding through some pretty secluded wooded areas. As officers moved deeper into the woods, they kept their eyes peeled for signs of the missing teen.

[John Gerard]

It is not a well marked area and what we were able to see is there was kind of a footpath where you have to climb over a bunch of brush and rocks. And it was very apparent that both juveniles and some transients would hang out in that wooded area. A lot of trash, clothing. There were like hygiene items that were scattered throughout this wooded area.

[Scott Weinberger]

At the bottom of a hill was a creek and at the water's edge was where officers saw something that looked very out of place. A blue blanket submerged in the water that appeared to be weighted down with stones.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Investigators worked their way to the water and as they lifted the blanket, their worst fears were confirmed. Half submerged in the water was the bruised and battered unclothed body of 13 year old Malana Lee. Given her young age, it was as horrific a crime scene that responding officers had ever encountered. We do want to warn you that the following content contains description of sexual assault and may be triggering for some.

[John Gerard]

So Malana's body was pretty severely injured. She had bruises to multiple places on her body, in scratches all along the front side of her body.

[Scott Weinberger]

It was clear that Malana had been savagely beaten. And the way her body was deliberately concealed indicated that this was more than just a suspicious death. It was likely a deliberate and vicious attack.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Upon closer look, officers also noticed bruising around her neck, a sign that Malana may have been strangled. Her state of undress suggested the motive.

[John Gerard]

The fact that Malana in her body was found naked, we immediately suspected there was a likelihood of sexual assault. And so the medical examiner agreed to perform a sexual assault forensic examination.

[Scott Weinberger]

The Emmy would later confirm that before she was killed, Malana had indeed been the victim of a sexual assault.

[John Gerard]

Her medical observations included seeing that Malana had a lacerated hymen, which was indicative that this was the first time that Malana had sexual intercourse and that the terror was still actively bleeding at the time of the autopsy, which also indicated to her that the tear happened close in time to when she was murdered. So I think that evidence was very strong that the person that sexually assaulted her was also the person that had murdered her.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Figuring out who that person was started with the collection of evidence at the scene. A team of forensic investigators combed the area, searching for any clue, any fragment of evidence that might help piece together Malana's final moments.

[John Gerard]

In the water were both pairs of her shoes. One close to her body and one that looked like it had either been tossed further downstream or had floated downstream in the current. There were several articles of clothing, so there was a bra, a pair of girls underwear, and then a couple pairs of men's boxer briefs.

[Scott Weinberger]

All of which may hold biological evidence that could help identify Malana's killer, as could some of the items recovered from what looked like a nearby campsite.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Defensive wounds showed clear signs that Malana had tried to fight off her attacker. And her broken fingernails were also carefully examined for possible DNA belonging to her killer.

[Scott Weinberger]

The big question, of course, was how Malana ended up here in the woods to begin with. The crime scene suggested that she was certainly alive before entering the park and was likely killed at the scene. So was she brought here against her will, or did she come with someone voluntarily?

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

To answer that question, investigators would need to start building their timeline of her last known whereabouts on the day she disappeared.

[Scott Weinberger]

And the quickest way to do that was to request location data from her cell phone to try to retrace her steps.

[John Gerard]

And that turned out to be very critical to our criminal investigation because it showed where Malana went after leaving her apartment.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

According to her cell phone data, Milana had left home in the early evening of Sunday, May 8, while her mom was still at work. She and her phone then headed in the direction of a local outdoor shopping center, where investigators hoped they could track down a witness that maybe would have spotted her there.

[John Gerard]

So investigators began canvassing the businesses in that shopping complex and coincidentally encountered a juvenile at the time who worked at a frozen yogurt shop in that shopping complex. And she disclosed to the detectives that she had actually seen Malana.

[Scott Weinberger]

According to the teenager, Malana had stopped into the shop on the day she disappeared, and she wasn't alone.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

So who was with her in those hours before her death? Was it a friend, a killer, or both? Today is as good an excuse as any to gift yourself that piece of jewelry you've always wanted. Who says you need a reason? Find pieces that make you feel special. At bluenile.com @blue nile, you'll find thousands of independently graded diamonds and fine jewelry pieces at prices below your expectations. Peace of mind comes with every Blue Nile purchase thanks to some of the highest quality standards in the jewelry industry. And buyer's remorse is no more because Blue nile also offers 30 day returns and a diamond price match guarantee. My everyday Go to earrings are a pair of gold Huggies I bought at Blue Nile. Their selection is great and I felt confident that I was getting value for my money. And a diamond drop pendant I bought for myself from them too always adds a little extra spring in my step. Experience the ease and convenience of shopping Blue Nile, the original online jeweler. Go to bluenile.com today. That's bluenile.com foreign.

[Scott Weinberger]

Do you say data or data however you say it? It's time to stop overpaying for your monthly data plan with Mint Mobile. Say goodbye to your overpriced wireless, jaw dropping monthly bills and unexpected overages. All Mint Mobile plans come with high speed data or data your choice and unlimited text and talk delivered on the nation's largest 5G network. Plus, you can use your own phone with any Mint Mobile plan and bring your phone number along with all of your existing contacts. Ditch overpriced wireless and get three months of premium wireless service from Mint Mobile for 15 bucks a month. No matter how you say it, don't overpay for it. Shop data [e-mail] anatomy that's mintmobile.com a&a t o m y upfront payment of $45 for 3 month 5 gigabyte plan required equivalent to $15 a month new customer offer for the first 3 months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra. See Mint Mobile for details.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

The Beaverton community is in shock after a missing 13 year old girl was found dead.

[Scott Weinberger]

The murder of 13 year old Malana Lee hit the Beaverton community hard, especially among the classmates and their families of her middle school.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

As news spread of the tragedy, friends and strangers alike contributed to a growing memorial of flowers, stuffed animals and candles on the sidewalk adjacent to the park where Malana's body was found.

[Scott Weinberger]

But with the enormous outpouring of grief came a mountain of unanswered questions.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Investigators first lead came courtesy of Milana's cell phone location data, which led them to a shopping center not far from her home. And it was there that a young employee at a yogurt shop told police that she had seen Milana on the night. Police believe she was killed and she wasn't alone.

[Scott Weinberger]

The teenage employee didn't previously know 13 year old Milana, but she did recognize the boy she was with. He was a 16 year old former classmate of hers named Daniel Gore.

[John Gerard]

The investigation revealed that Daniel Gore had run away from home. His family had moved to west salem, which is 45 minutes to an hour south of the Portland metro area. He had run away and come back up to the Beaverton area where he had lived previously and gone to school. And Daniel had been living on his own in a tent in some wooded areas around this shopping complex.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

The very same wooded area in Westside Linear park where Malana's body was found.

[Scott Weinberger]

According to the young employee at the yogurt shop, Malana did not appear to be scared or in any kind of distress. In fact, they appeared to be friends, despite their obvious age difference, which was.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Also surprising, because how would they have crossed paths? Daniel Gore had supposedly left school and was said to be living in a tent in the woods, while Milana was a middle schooler living at home, new to the area. When investigators asked Malana's mom about her daughter's friendship with Daniel Gore, she said that she'd never heard of him.

[Scott Weinberger]

But a search of social media revealed that Malana and Gore had in fact been in contact with in the weeks leading up to her murder and had been seen together on multiple occasions. So, in short, it appeared they were friends.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Malana's mother had prided herself in meeting all of her daughter's friends, so it was a shock for her to learn that Malana had been hanging out with this older boy.

[Scott Weinberger]

But even more shocking was learning that Gore wasn't just a new friend, that Milana had been keeping a secret from her mom. According to his juvenile records, he had a troubled past and a rap sheet that included a slew of criminal offenses like theft, property damage, and even arson.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

But there was nothing on his record indicating sexual assault or extreme violence.

[Scott Weinberger]

Still, just the fact that he was seen with the victim on the day she was killed made him someone that investigators needed to locate, and fast.

[John Gerard]

As the investigation proceeded, investigators learned that Daniel Gore regularly hung out at a public library because he would use the free Internet services at the library. So one of the Beaverton patrol officers wound up just going to the local library branch to see if he was there. And it turned out that he was. And as soon as Daniel noticed the officer, he ran out the back of the library and led police on a foot pursuit.

[Scott Weinberger]

But rule of thumb to keep in mind, while you may be able to outrun the police, you can never outrun the radio.

[John Gerard]

I believe the Beaverton police did a dog track and chased him for about 20 minutes before ultimately finding him, and then took him into custody from there.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

When asked why he fled from police, Gore explained that he was on probation and was concerned he was going to be arrested or returned to his family. But he showed no signs that he knew the real reason he was being questioned by police.

[Cindy]

Hey, Daniel, how are you?

[Avery Fletcher]

I'm all right.

[Cindy]

My name is Cindy. I'm a detective here, and this is my partner.

[Scott Weinberger]

Police brought the teenager into an interview room and started asking questions. And immediately they were struck by his cooperative demeanor.

[John Gerard]

He was very calm. He was very polite with the investigators. He shared information.

[Cindy]

How long have you been staying in a tent?

[Avery Fletcher]

50 ish days.

[Cindy]

50 ish days. Okay. Where's mom and dad at?

[Avery Fletcher]

West Salem.

[Cindy]

West Salem. What brings you up here?

[Avery Fletcher]

It's where all my friends are at. Does I just recently moved to West Salem.

[John Gerard]

He indicated that he just liked the freedom during his interview. So he enjoyed being on his own. That he just kind of thrived in that type of environment, being by himself.

[Cindy]

So how do you, like, heat your food? How do you store your food? How do you.

[Avery Fletcher]

I don't really heat. It's mostly. Honestly, I've probably been eating. Really unhealthy. I haven't made. And we've been living off of, like, goldfish and pop tarts.

[Cindy]

Well, you're lucky you've got a teenager body so you can recover from that. Do you get to eat regularly or.

[Avery Fletcher]

Yeah, I usually eat whenever I'm hungry. I'm not that hungry a lot.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

If Gore suspected that the interview had to do with Milana, he wasn't showing it. But as we've always said, a goal in any interview is to keep the subject talking. So investigators moved slowly and deliberately, building rapport as they zeroed in on his timeline for the days leading up to Milana's murder.

[Cindy]

And then. So that's Monday, Tuesday. So what about Sunday?

[Avery Fletcher]

Sunday? What happened on Sunday?

[Scott Weinberger]

So Gore explained that he had spent the afternoon of Sunday, May 8 with a group of friends, but they eventually went their separate ways. It was then that he met up with Milana at the yogurt shop.

[Cindy]

Where did you meet up with Milana?

[Avery Fletcher]

Menchies.

[Cindy]

Okay.

[Avery Fletcher]

We're not at Minchies. There's a stairway right by Menchies, and I was there using it for Wi Fi. And then I went out and then she was coming down.

[Cindy]

Okay, so you guys meet about what time you think that was?

[Avery Fletcher]

I don't even remember.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

So Gore admitted that he knew the 13 year old, but he denied that there was Any romantic relationship between them.

[Scott Weinberger]

Still, the admission that he was with Milana on the day she was killed is pretty significant. He went on to admit that after sharing a frozen yogurt, he and Milana decided to visit a friend's house. So they made their way to the bus stop, sipping alcoholic seltzers as they walked.

[Avery Fletcher]

I was really drunk, and it was starting to rain, so we were waiting for the bus to go to my friend's house, but I was on the wrong side of the road. So we got on the bus, but it was going towards the mall, so we had to get off at the next stop.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Let's just pause for a second here to note that it's of course, not unheard of for teenagers to experiment with alcohol. So we won't even get into where they may have gotten it or that larger discussion about minors and drinking. But we should remember that Milana was only 13, and she was physically small in stature, so any amount of alcohol may well have affected her.

[Scott Weinberger]

According to Gore, the two get off the bus and hurry across the street to another stop, Waited to catch a bus headed in the opposite direction.

[Avery Fletcher]

But then that's when it started raining, and she just left. And that's about when I went back to my tent.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Daniel claimed this was the last time he saw Milana walking in the rain back towards the shopping center. He also claimed that the next day, he even texted her, but she never responded.

[John Gerard]

When investigators asked for consent to search his phone, he did consent to that search.

[Scott Weinberger]

On his phone, investigators discovered text messages from that evening that supported his claim that he left Milana at the bus stop, which, of course, made them wonder, could he be telling the truth? And if so, did they have the wrong guy?

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Still, he admitted being with Milana on the day of her murder, Even to being the last one to see her alive.

[Scott Weinberger]

Then, of course, you have his juvenile record, his admission he was intoxicated. It's very hard not to see this circumstantial evidence and magnify what may just be coincidence into a conviction that this was the killer. But the best way to guard against this, this tunnel vision, is to go out and gather more evidence.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

And that's exactly what they did. And as they looked for ways to corroborate his story, Investigators uncovered a single inconsistency, but one that would turn the entire case upside down.

[John Gerard]

He was obviously unaware that we would be able to recover the surveillance footage from the public transit bus or those area businesses.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Netcredit is here to say yes to.

[Scott Weinberger]

A personal loan or line of credit when other lenders say no, Apply in minutes and get a decision as soon as the same day. Loans offered by NetCredit or lending partner banks and serviced by NetCredit application subject.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

To review and approval.

[Scott Weinberger]

Learn more at netcredit.com partners netcredit credit.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

To the People Are your kids struggling with homework? IXL is an online learning program that covers math, language arts, science and social studies with interactive practice problems for kids from Pre K to 12th grade. Using advanced algorithms, IXL's questions adjust to the right level of difficulty for each different student as they practice. Whether it's on the computer or using the app, on a phone or tablet. Memberships start at only $9.95 a month. Whether it's friends or family, IXL is a regular part of the learning days in my life. I love that IXL uses positive reinforcement to help motivate kids to keep going. To watch a child's face light up as they earn an award badge is exactly what I want to see. Smiles when it comes to learning whether your child needs extra help or is looking for additional enrichment, IXL is a great option. Make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL now. An Anatomy of Murder Listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ixl.com anatomy Visit ixl.com anatomy to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price.

[Scott Weinberger]

During questioning by police, 16 year old Daniel Gore had a reasonable explanation for everything what he and Milana were doing together the day she died, why his texts were on her phone, and most importantly, when was the last time he saw her alive.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Despite their suspicions, investigators didn't have direct evidence that Gore was anything more than a friend who had been with Malana on the same day she was believed to have been attacked and killed.

[Scott Weinberger]

But they were convinced it was only a matter of time before they could tie him to the crime. And so while they didn't have enough to charge him for the murder, they could arrest him for a probation violation, allowing them to keep him in custody while they gathered more evidence.

[John Gerard]

Knowing that Daniel and Malana Lee had been in that frozen yogurt shop, it allowed our investigators to retrace their steps as much as possible by capturing surveillance footage that showed their path of travel.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

As we have seen before, malls and shopping centers are often full of security cameras, so police can often follow someone's every move. And that was the case here. After leaving the yogurt shop, Malana and Daniel could be seen walking to the bus stop and boarding a bus. Just as Gore had told police, law.

[John Gerard]

Enforcement was able to obtain surveillance footage from on that public transit bus that showed the two of them together as well.

[Scott Weinberger]

The teenagers then could be seen exiting the bus and walking across the street to catch another one headed in the opposite direction. This is the moment that Daniel claimed.

[John Gerard]

They parted ways, and that was approvable live. The surveillance footage clearly showed that they got back onto the bus, and that led investigators to go to another couple of area businesses, a Walgreens and a liquor store that showed the last time that Daniel and Milana were seen together.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

It was about 7:45pm on the night Malana disappeared. But while the cameras lost sight of them, their cell phones offered some chilling details of what happened next. Milana's phone suddenly turned off, while Daniels indicated he proceeded into the woods towards his makeshift campsite.

[Scott Weinberger]

It was yet more digital evidence contradicting his story that he and Milana had parted ways. But that wasn't the only lie Daniel was caught telling, because later that night, his phone was on the move again.

[John Gerard]

Daniel indicated that he just went back to his campsite and stayed in his tent, which also was a provable lie because we knew that he had gone to Avery Fletcher's home that evening, and.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

She was the teenage employee at the yogurt shop.

[Scott Weinberger]

She also said that hours after she spotted Daniel and Malana together, he had shown up at her apartment unannounced.

[John Gerard]

Daniel showed up soaking wet and appearing to be upset about something.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

She also claimed that he appeared to have several scratches on his face and immediately went into the bathroom to call an ex girlfriend.

[John Gerard]

That was unusual for Daniel because when he would engage in conversations, he would do that in the common area living room of the home. So the fact that Daniel went into the bathroom to have a private conversation caught Avery's attention.

[Scott Weinberger]

At this point, investigators believed that this was the linchpin, and they were more confident they had enough circumstantial evidence to charge him with Milana's murder.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

They were also still investigating the sexual assault committed against Milana before she was killed. And as part of that, they collected a biological sample from Gore for DNA analysis to compare to evidence collected by the medical examiner.

[Cindy]

This is going to be completely painless. All I need you to do is just take care. I promise. There's no pokes, just a little bit of rubbing. So if you pull, take your finger, just kind of pull your cheek away, I'm going to go right at your gum line.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

The samples Gore agreed to provide proved critical to the case against him. The testing resulted in a match. It was Gore's DNA on the boxers that had been recovered, and also his DNA recovered from Milana Lee. And we'll leave it at that.

[John Gerard]

Tonight, we know the name of the juvenile charged with murdering Milana Lee.

[Scott Weinberger]

A week after the discovery of Milana's body in a Beaverton park, Gore was charged with first degree murder, first degree sexual assault, and other related charges. So I think at this moment in the case, investigators have developed a really solid timeline, not only with great digital evidence, surveillance cameras of their travel throughout the day is a great example of that. But the fact is he was cooperating and he was talking. And while his version of events attempted to dispute the video evidence, they really are able to narrow down a lot of that circumstantial evidence putting him with her that day.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

And I definitely look at the case myself as strong at that point.

[Scott Weinberger]

Right.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

But there's never such a thing, as I've said, like, as a slam dunk, but there's all these pieces of circumstantial evidence that are being stitched together. But, you know, I always have to think like the defense, like, what could they say? And they could say that any sexual activity was consensual. Right. And that something happened to Malana after the two parted ways. You know, as a prosecutor, I'd be very comfortable going into court and showing all the pieces that disprove that idea that there was anything consensual between them and this not equating to a violent crime. But, you know, as we always say, Scott, you need to guard against the various possibilities that the defense may use if this proceeds to trial.

[Scott Weinberger]

And having him be so open in that conversation, Anasega really put him in a corner.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

But before Senior Deputy DA John Gerhard could even get to trial, he had to first overcome a legal hurdle set in motion by a new law.

[John Gerard]

The Oregon legislature enacted a juvenile justice reform bill. So prior to that bill passing, for crimes like murder, there would be an automatic waiver into adult court for juveniles that are 15, 16 or 17. But with this juvenile justice reform bill, it required that all juvenile crimes begin in the juvenile court and that the state has the burden to demonstrate that the juvenile has sufficient adult like maturity and sophistication to be prosecuted as an adult. And also prove that a juvenile court retaining jurisdiction of the case would not be in the best interest of the juvenile and suspect society. It has become a large impediment for prosecuting juveniles who commit the most serious crimes to be tried as adults.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

And in this case, John was more than prepared to prove that Daniel Gore should be tried as an adult. And in the end, his argument to the court was successful.

[John Gerard]

We were able to produce enough evidence for the court to find that Daniel has sufficient adult like maturity and sophistication, and that keeping Daniel in the juvenile justice system was not in the interest of Daniel or society.

[Scott Weinberger]

With that hurdle cleared, prosecutors could then focus on the criminal trial itself. Armed with digital records, DNA evidence and witness testimony to establish Gore's guilt. John was confident, but as always, braced for any surprises from the defense.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

And there it was, right out of the gate. The defense made their argument clear. They claimed that Daniel had a consensual sexual encounter with the 13 year old because it's a statutory sexual assault charge because of her age. But however, even putting that aside for a moment, the defense went on to argue that he did not kill her. And they also relied on that same DNA to try and prove their claim.

[John Gerard]

On her underwear, there was a trace amount of male DNA, and we didn't have a profile to match that DNA. And then in her fingernails, those were analyzed as well and showed trace amounts of male DNA that again, were not matched to a known profile.

[Scott Weinberger]

In other words, the defense claimed that the presence of unidentified male DNA on both Malana's clothes and her fingernails suggested that perhaps police had failed to fully investigate any alternative suspects.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

And the defense attorney made a big deal of this unidentified DNA, saying, I quote, we know who the killer is, we have his DNA. We just have to find him.

[Scott Weinberger]

You know, this is the point I see, again, the case that I think is the moment that the defense attorney is hoping that reasonable doubt just walked into the courtroom and took a seat in the jury box. I mean, in simple terms, proof beyond a reasonable doubt doesn't mean being 100% certain someone is guilty. As you know, it means that after looking at the evidence carefully, jurors feel comfortable that the person committed the crime. So if there's any real sensible doubt that makes them unsure, they must find the person not guilty. Introducing a potential other suspect is the oldest form of a defense's case. And I think, I think here is, you know, where you could probably lay into that, having seen that yourself.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

And I also think, look at the defense went with using the pieces that they had. And think about this, they're just injecting, like to your point, Scott, that bit of data, at least hoping that it'll rise to that level of reasonable doubt. Because also what they're saying is, hey, convict him for this statutory sexual assault, you know that there's consensual sex, but we also know that it's an age difference thing. So convict him of that. It's a lower level crime, likely a lower sentence as well, but don't convict him for the murder. So I think it's using those things together and hoping they will prevail.

[John Gerard]

There was a Good Samaritan in the community who reported to police that he'd actually gone down to that wooded area before Malana's friend had noticed the body. He had seen the blanket in the water and the shoe floating in the water and didn't think anything of it. And it turned out that defense was planning to point the finger at him as being the rapist and murderer.

[Scott Weinberger]

But while this alternate suspect theory was concerning for the prosecution, John had a counter.

[John Gerard]

We had our DNA expert testify that the volume of DNA that was present that showed the additional unknown male profile was of such a small quantity that it was consistent with touch DNA. And so it could be as simple as Malana having touched a doorknob when she was at the frozen yogurt place in the than touching her underwear after using the restroom.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

But if Daniel Gore was indeed the person who assaulted, beat and strangled Malana, the critical question then became, why was this teenager, even a troubled one, truly capable of this level of violence?

[Scott Weinberger]

John believed the answer could be found in an examination of his background, which revealed a disturbing, disturbing obsession with murder and sexual violence against women.

[John Gerard]

I think we warned the jury that it was going to be some very disturbing information that was going to be presented. But it was necessary evidence in order to prove the charges against Daniel.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

For example, Daniel's musical taste, which was something that was brought up in during his questioning.

[Avery Fletcher]

So I like this one music artist named Seven and he has a mask he wears all the time, like I'm obsessed with this person.

[Scott Weinberger]

The performer he was describing was a self described horrorcore rapper with songs like I Wanna Eat yout Face, how to Hide a Body, and I Feel Like Dexter referring to the fictional television serial killer.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

And as off putting and terrible as all that sounds, Jama's in no way suggesting that music could make a killer. But when paired with Daniel's Internet search history prior to Malana's death, it started to paint a dark picture.

[John Gerard]

He searched for a girl. Snap snack, homeless girl raped hard rape porn, Hentai neck snapped porn, rape videos, porn sleeping, Japanese teen rape. So those were all relatively close in time to when he did in fact rape and murder Malana Lee on the.

[Scott Weinberger]

Stand Witnesses described Gore as a manipulative individual who had a fascination with violent crime, idolized serial killers, and even kept a journal filled with dark fantasies and violent imagery.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

The prosecution argued that Milana was lured into the woods by the older teen, and there was violently assaulted and then strangled to death. The coincidences between her manner of death and his search history were overwhelming, suggesting that her murder may have been an attempt to carry out an extremely dark and violent fantasy.

[Scott Weinberger]

It may have also indicated a deep disassociation or indifference to her murder. Murder, which was further demonstrated by Gore's reaction when he was first told by police that Milana was dead.

[Cindy]

I have some news about Milana, okay. That I want to share with you. And she was found today. And she was deceased.

[Avery Fletcher]

Like, deceased.

[Cindy]

Yeah, I do, but, you know, we're out chatting with people to find out, you know, as much information as they can.

[Scott Weinberger]

John then turned his attention to Daniel's friend from the yogurt store. And according to her, on the night Milana was murdered, he came to her home and was visibly distraught. He then retreated to the bathroom and made a private phone call to his ex.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Later, that ex girlfriend would reveal to police what he told her.

[John Gerard]

She disclosed to police that that he admitted to killing Milana and indicated that he was happy that it was raining because it would likely wash away some of the DNA evidence.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

John also showed that Gorn knowingly tried to cover his tracks after the murder by texting friends about the evening.

[John Gerard]

So it was clear that he had planted some of these communications on his phone to indicate that, well, I've already told my friends that I have no idea where she went. That we had parted ways with one another.

[Scott Weinberger]

In a complete picture. Evidence wise, perhaps, was a critical piece of evidence. That Gore was the killer was an item found at his campsite. Remember the blanket that Malana was found wrapped in? Well, the packaging for that blanket was found inside Daniel's tent.

[John Gerard]

Our goal was to get the jury to understand that the case is not just about DNA, but it's about the totality of the evidence. Viewing all of the evidence as a whole, including the surveillance footage, the cell phone data statements, plus the DNA. The DNA was just one piece of the puzzle.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

After only an hour and a half of deliberation, the jury reached their verdict.

[John Gerard]

Guilty of murder in the first degree. And then he was also convicted of rape in the first degree and sexual abuse in the first degree.

[Scott Weinberger]

Daniel Gore was sentenced to life in prison, but due to Oregon's juvenile justice reform bill, he is eligible for parole. After 15 years.

[John Gerard]

I'm sure that the legislature was well intended that, you know, they recognize that juveniles brains are not the same as an adult brain. But I believe that our legislators were duped by the defense bar and psychologists that are juvenile justice reformers to make this blanket claim that all juveniles need to be treated the same. And that's clearly not the case. I think that that's just a travesty of justice, right? That somebody who commits such a heinous crime in such a calculated way is still getting this leniency by operation of law when they don't deserve it.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

At sentencing, Malana's mother made an emotional statement.

[John Gerard]

It was gut wrenching for everyone that had to listen to what it's like to be a mother and have your daughter ripped out of your life.

[Scott Weinberger]

Malana Lee's murder left a lasting impact on her community. Following her death, there was an incredible outpouring of grief and support, culminating in a packed remembrance and celebration of her life and the establishment of a memorial fund in Milana's honor. I could sit here and go on and on about Daniel Gore the Darkness. He embodied the chilling motivations behind his violent actions, but that's precisely the kind of attention we consciously choose to avoid. Here on aom, we fully embrace the no notoriety concept, refusing to give perpetrators the spotlight they so desperately crave. Now you might wonder, didn't we just feature Daniel Gore's voice in his own words? Yes, we did. But here's why. To truly understand the depth of tragedy and honor the resilience of those affected, sometimes we must encounter evil directly. By acknowledging its existence and understanding its warning signs, we arm ourselves with the power of awareness, the power to recognize and perhaps even prevent similar tragedies in the future.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Malana lee was a 13 year old young teen navigating the world as many young people do. Let's not remember her for how she died, but as a bright light to her family and friends who should have had many, many more years to live. After Malana died, her classmates at the local middle school sent a box full of homemade drawings and cards to her family, showing how much Malana meant to them and also how much they wanted to support her family as they grieved. To Malana's family, she will be remembered for many things. The love she gave and in her grandmother's words, as the girl who always smiled. Tune in next week for another new episode of Anatomy of Murder.

[Scott Weinberger]

Anatomy of Murder is an audio Chuck.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

Original, produced and created by Weinberger Media and Frasetti Media.

[Scott Weinberger]

Ashley Flowers is executive producer.

[Anna Sega Nicolasi]

So what do you think, Chuck? Do you approve?

[John Gerard]

Get ready for Netflix's gripping new medical drama Pulse. Set in a cutting edge Miami Trauma center, third year resident Dr. Danny Sims is unexpectedly thrust into a promotion when beloved Chief Resident Dr. Xander Phillips gets suspended. Then, when the emotional and physical stakes are at their highest, a storm will.

[Avery Fletcher]

Push the hospital and its residents to their limits. Witness how life can change in a.

[John Gerard]

Heartbeat when you're operating under pressure.

[Avery Fletcher]

Watch Pulse only on Netflix.

[Cindy]

Hair changes over time, but frizz, breakage and split ends from damage. They stick around until K18's leave in molecular Repair Hair Mask. It reverses damage in four minutes at hair's innermost layers for smooth, shiny results that won't wash away. Head to Sephora to pick up K18's mask. Or try a 10% off your first order with code [e-mail]. That's code podcast at K18hair combo.