Betrayal: Weekly – April | Betrayal Weekly (Dec 4, 2025)

Episode Overview

This gripping episode of Betrayal Weekly, hosted by Andrea Gunning, delves into the harrowing true story of April—an adopted church girl whose entire world is shattered when she discovers the horrifying double life of her husband, Joe. Through first-hand narrative and reflection, April recounts a journey that begins with faith, music, and love, and ends in a web of deception, suspicion, and ultimately, betrayal on the most devastating level.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

April’s Upbringing and Values

Adopted at six weeks old, April recounts her close relationship with her parents and a deep sense of belonging despite her adoption ([03:14], [03:42]).
Faith and music formed the bedrock of her life, giving her both purpose and community ([03:34], [04:04]).
Quote:
"I have a fierce sense of wanting people to feel like they belong. Being adopted... you want people to know they have a place."
— April ([03:42])

Meeting Joe: Romance and Red Flags

April meets Joe at church while preparing to move to Australia for music leadership school ([05:03]-[06:17]).
Although Joe is persistent in pursuing April, she initially resists, focusing on her dreams ([07:56]-[08:16]).
Their romance develops during her year abroad, maintained through daily phone calls, deepening their connection ([11:15]).
Quote:
"He made life fun... I was always so serious, and he had the ability to really make me laugh and enjoy the moment."
— April ([11:35])

Marriage and Building a Life

Upon returning, Joe proposes in a dramatic fashion, and the two quickly wed despite lingering doubts from April’s father ([12:54]-[14:30]).
Early marriage brings the challenges of cohabitation, shifting responsibilities, and subtle power imbalances—April finds herself doing all the housework ([19:46]-[20:22]).
Joe’s displays of affection continue, allowing April to rationalize the imbalances ([20:22]-[20:53]).
Quote:
"He was still bringing me flowers just because... Just little things, it's still very thoughtful."
— April ([20:31])

Family Blending and Increasing Tension

Joe’s children from his first marriage come to live with them at various times, causing emotional and financial strain, especially as Joe falls into unemployment and drinking ([21:40]-[22:36]).
April becomes the sole breadwinner, leading to growing frustration and eventual ultimatums in the marriage.

Odd Behavior and Early Warnings

Joe immerses himself in volunteering at church, including interacting with youth and young women—sometimes raising April's suspicion, but he always has logical explanations ([23:28]-[24:04]).
Volunteering at a horse rescue, Joe begins spending time alone with a teenage girl, culminating in an incident that crosses unspoken boundaries and alarms April and others ([25:55]-[27:45]).
Quote:
"All the volunteers saw Joe pulling up with this teenage girl in his car. The girl's mom put her foot down..."
— Andrea Gunning ([27:34]-[27:45])

Lies, Gaslighting, and Disintegrating Trust

Joe claims to get a new job, but April discovers he’s faking it, leading to intense gaslighting and psychological manipulation ([29:02]-[30:18]).
Quote:
"He could make me feel like I was going insane. I legitimately had moments where I was like, am I losing my mind?"
— April ([29:57])

A New Start and the Sudden Fall

The Police Investigation Begins

Out of nowhere, police arrive with a search warrant, seizing all electronics and Joe’s work vehicle; April is left in shock and confusion ([32:34]-[34:07]).
Joe is put on administrative leave from the driving school, and April is left to figure out what’s happening ([35:20]-[36:22]).
They try to resume life, moving into a new home in hope of a fresh start ([36:34]-[36:57]).

The Arrest

On a seemingly normal morning drive, Joe calmly tells April he thinks he’s about to be arrested ([37:06]).
Within moments, police cars stop them, and Joe is arrested without much resistance ([37:19]-[37:54]).
Detectives inform April of the horrifying charges: 32 counts of child molestation, involving 11 girls—10 of them minors ([38:29]).
Quote:
"She proceeds to tell me they have been investigating him for child molestation... 32 counts, 11 girls, 10 under the age of 18."
— April ([38:29])

The Devastating Truth Emerges

The Evidence

Detectives reveal they found a hidden camera under Joe’s steering column, used to record his victims—footage was later found on his computer ([42:37]).
Joe’s “safety” camera, which April bought for him, was a tool for his abuse ([43:07]-[43:27]).
Quote:
"He was sexually abusing young girls who were his driving students. He did it while they were driving... videotaped the attacks."
— Andrea Gunning ([43:27])

Community and Media Fallout

Within hours of the arrest, Joe’s charges are on the news. April is bombarded by calls, and the reality of her husband’s crimes becomes public knowledge ([45:46]).
April’s interactions with a victim’s mother in court underscore the shared devastation between victims’ families and those who unknowingly loved and trusted Joe ([47:12]-[47:49]).
Quote:
"I looked at her, and I just started crying. I said, I am so sorry... She hugged me and said, I know, and it’s gonna be okay."
— April ([47:49])

Aftermath, Grief, and Survival

April discovers further finances were being misused—money meant for their anniversary cruise was instead used to pay and possibly bribe victims ([51:07]-[51:54]).
Joe pleads guilty and is sentenced to five years, with the number of known victims rising to 18 by the episode’s end ([55:43]).
In her final face-to-face with Joe, April finds him completely remorseless and emotionally detached ([52:15]-[53:36]).
Quote:
"He just very calmly and quizzically looked at me. He said, but why would they continue to refer me?... There was something seriously disconnected, something seriously wrong with him."
— April ([52:35]-[53:11])

Healing and Hope

April’s community rallies around her, friends moving in so she wouldn’t be alone, and therapy becomes a lifeline ([53:36]-[54:19]).
She grieves multiple losses—her marriage, her identity, and her sense of safety—but is determined to build a new life ([54:23]-[56:06]).
Quote:
"I’m finding a whole new sense of freedom... My home is my sanctuary now."
— April ([56:06])
She expresses deep empathy for Joe’s victims and a commitment to never allow him back into her life ([55:20]-[55:55]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“Some people have the uncanny ability to hide the deepest, darkest parts of themselves from those that are closest to them, and sometimes maybe even from themselves.” (April, [57:07])
“There’s no way to ever really truly know a person, and I just have to resign myself to the fact that this was a part of him that he was never going to allow anyone to see until it was too late.” (April, [57:29])
“If I had known, I would have done everything within my power to stop it.” (April, [55:20])

Major Timestamps

Beginnings and relationship: 03:03 – 14:30
Early red flags, family life, and career: 19:27 – 24:31
Joe’s odd behaviors and strained trust: 25:38 – 30:51
Police search and unraveling: 32:34 – 34:22
The arrest: 37:06 – 38:29
Truth and aftermath: 41:28 – 54:06
Final reflections and healing: 54:06 – 57:40

Summary & Impact

April’s story is a devastating, clear-eyed account of betrayal by someone closest to her, from the slow slide into suspicion and gaslighting to the ultimate, unthinkable revelation of Joe's crimes. The episode is a testament not only to the capacity people have for deception, but also to April’s resilience in rebuilding a life of peace and fulfillment after unimaginable trauma.

Her closing reflections serve as caution and comfort for listeners: even when darkness intrudes, survival and hope are possible when we turn to our communities and dare to face hard truths.

Why April Shared Her Story

To break isolation for others: “To hear experiences that so closely mirror your own... I suddenly realized that I wasn’t alone.” ([56:54])
To spotlight the unknowability of others: “Some people have the uncanny ability to hide the deepest, darkest parts of themselves from those that are closest to them...” ([57:07])
To offer empathy and apology to the victims: “If any of them ever listen, I would say that I’m so sorry. If I had known, I would have done everything within my power to stop it.” ([55:20])

End of summary.

Betrayal: Weekly – April | Betrayal Weekly (Dec 4, 2025)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

April’s Upbringing and Values

Adopted at six weeks old, April recounts her close relationship with her parents and a deep sense of belonging despite her adoption ([03:14], [03:42]).
Faith and music formed the bedrock of her life, giving her both purpose and community ([03:34], [04:04]).
Quote:
"I have a fierce sense of wanting people to feel like they belong. Being adopted... you want people to know they have a place."
— April ([03:42])

Meeting Joe: Romance and Red Flags

April meets Joe at church while preparing to move to Australia for music leadership school ([05:03]-[06:17]).
Although Joe is persistent in pursuing April, she initially resists, focusing on her dreams ([07:56]-[08:16]).
Their romance develops during her year abroad, maintained through daily phone calls, deepening their connection ([11:15]).
Quote:
"He made life fun... I was always so serious, and he had the ability to really make me laugh and enjoy the moment."
— April ([11:35])

Marriage and Building a Life

Upon returning, Joe proposes in a dramatic fashion, and the two quickly wed despite lingering doubts from April’s father ([12:54]-[14:30]).
Early marriage brings the challenges of cohabitation, shifting responsibilities, and subtle power imbalances—April finds herself doing all the housework ([19:46]-[20:22]).
Joe’s displays of affection continue, allowing April to rationalize the imbalances ([20:22]-[20:53]).
Quote:
"He was still bringing me flowers just because... Just little things, it's still very thoughtful."
— April ([20:31])

Family Blending and Increasing Tension

Joe’s children from his first marriage come to live with them at various times, causing emotional and financial strain, especially as Joe falls into unemployment and drinking ([21:40]-[22:36]).
April becomes the sole breadwinner, leading to growing frustration and eventual ultimatums in the marriage.

Odd Behavior and Early Warnings

Joe immerses himself in volunteering at church, including interacting with youth and young women—sometimes raising April's suspicion, but he always has logical explanations ([23:28]-[24:04]).
Volunteering at a horse rescue, Joe begins spending time alone with a teenage girl, culminating in an incident that crosses unspoken boundaries and alarms April and others ([25:55]-[27:45]).
Quote:
"All the volunteers saw Joe pulling up with this teenage girl in his car. The girl's mom put her foot down..."
— Andrea Gunning ([27:34]-[27:45])

Lies, Gaslighting, and Disintegrating Trust

Joe claims to get a new job, but April discovers he’s faking it, leading to intense gaslighting and psychological manipulation ([29:02]-[30:18]).
Quote:
"He could make me feel like I was going insane. I legitimately had moments where I was like, am I losing my mind?"
— April ([29:57])

A New Start and the Sudden Fall

The Police Investigation Begins

Out of nowhere, police arrive with a search warrant, seizing all electronics and Joe’s work vehicle; April is left in shock and confusion ([32:34]-[34:07]).
Joe is put on administrative leave from the driving school, and April is left to figure out what’s happening ([35:20]-[36:22]).
They try to resume life, moving into a new home in hope of a fresh start ([36:34]-[36:57]).

The Arrest

On a seemingly normal morning drive, Joe calmly tells April he thinks he’s about to be arrested ([37:06]).
Within moments, police cars stop them, and Joe is arrested without much resistance ([37:19]-[37:54]).
Detectives inform April of the horrifying charges: 32 counts of child molestation, involving 11 girls—10 of them minors ([38:29]).
Quote:
"She proceeds to tell me they have been investigating him for child molestation... 32 counts, 11 girls, 10 under the age of 18."
— April ([38:29])

The Devastating Truth Emerges

The Evidence

Detectives reveal they found a hidden camera under Joe’s steering column, used to record his victims—footage was later found on his computer ([42:37]).
Joe’s “safety” camera, which April bought for him, was a tool for his abuse ([43:07]-[43:27]).
Quote:
"He was sexually abusing young girls who were his driving students. He did it while they were driving... videotaped the attacks."
— Andrea Gunning ([43:27])

Community and Media Fallout

Within hours of the arrest, Joe’s charges are on the news. April is bombarded by calls, and the reality of her husband’s crimes becomes public knowledge ([45:46]).
April’s interactions with a victim’s mother in court underscore the shared devastation between victims’ families and those who unknowingly loved and trusted Joe ([47:12]-[47:49]).
Quote:
"I looked at her, and I just started crying. I said, I am so sorry... She hugged me and said, I know, and it’s gonna be okay."
— April ([47:49])

Aftermath, Grief, and Survival

April discovers further finances were being misused—money meant for their anniversary cruise was instead used to pay and possibly bribe victims ([51:07]-[51:54]).
Joe pleads guilty and is sentenced to five years, with the number of known victims rising to 18 by the episode’s end ([55:43]).
In her final face-to-face with Joe, April finds him completely remorseless and emotionally detached ([52:15]-[53:36]).
Quote:
"He just very calmly and quizzically looked at me. He said, but why would they continue to refer me?... There was something seriously disconnected, something seriously wrong with him."
— April ([52:35]-[53:11])

Healing and Hope

April’s community rallies around her, friends moving in so she wouldn’t be alone, and therapy becomes a lifeline ([53:36]-[54:19]).
She grieves multiple losses—her marriage, her identity, and her sense of safety—but is determined to build a new life ([54:23]-[56:06]).
Quote:
"I’m finding a whole new sense of freedom... My home is my sanctuary now."
— April ([56:06])
She expresses deep empathy for Joe’s victims and a commitment to never allow him back into her life ([55:20]-[55:55]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“Some people have the uncanny ability to hide the deepest, darkest parts of themselves from those that are closest to them, and sometimes maybe even from themselves.” (April, [57:07])
“There’s no way to ever really truly know a person, and I just have to resign myself to the fact that this was a part of him that he was never going to allow anyone to see until it was too late.” (April, [57:29])
“If I had known, I would have done everything within my power to stop it.” (April, [55:20])

Major Timestamps

Beginnings and relationship: 03:03 – 14:30
Early red flags, family life, and career: 19:27 – 24:31
Joe’s odd behaviors and strained trust: 25:38 – 30:51
Police search and unraveling: 32:34 – 34:22
The arrest: 37:06 – 38:29
Truth and aftermath: 41:28 – 54:06
Final reflections and healing: 54:06 – 57:40

Summary & Impact

Her closing reflections serve as caution and comfort for listeners: even when darkness intrudes, survival and hope are possible when we turn to our communities and dare to face hard truths.

Why April Shared Her Story

To break isolation for others: “To hear experiences that so closely mirror your own... I suddenly realized that I wasn’t alone.” ([56:54])
To spotlight the unknowability of others: “Some people have the uncanny ability to hide the deepest, darkest parts of themselves from those that are closest to them...” ([57:07])
To offer empathy and apology to the victims: “If any of them ever listen, I would say that I’m so sorry. If I had known, I would have done everything within my power to stop it.” ([55:20])

End of summary.

April | Betrayal Weekly

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Summary

Betrayal: Weekly – April | Betrayal Weekly (Dec 4, 2025)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

April’s Upbringing and Values

Meeting Joe: Romance and Red Flags

Marriage and Building a Life

Family Blending and Increasing Tension

Odd Behavior and Early Warnings

Lies, Gaslighting, and Disintegrating Trust

A New Start and the Sudden Fall

The Police Investigation Begins

The Arrest

The Devastating Truth Emerges

The Evidence

Community and Media Fallout

Aftermath, Grief, and Survival

Healing and Hope

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Major Timestamps

Summary & Impact

Why April Shared Her Story

Summary

Betrayal: Weekly – April | Betrayal Weekly (Dec 4, 2025)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

April’s Upbringing and Values

Meeting Joe: Romance and Red Flags

Marriage and Building a Life

Family Blending and Increasing Tension

Odd Behavior and Early Warnings

Lies, Gaslighting, and Disintegrating Trust

A New Start and the Sudden Fall

The Police Investigation Begins

The Arrest

The Devastating Truth Emerges

The Evidence

Community and Media Fallout

Aftermath, Grief, and Survival

Healing and Hope

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Major Timestamps

Summary & Impact

Why April Shared Her Story