Betrayal: Weekly – Episode 23: Angelique Pt. 2

Release Date: December 26, 2024
Hosted by Andrea Gunning

Introduction

In the gripping second part of Angelique's story, Betrayal: Weekly delves deeper into her harrowing experience of surviving an attempted murder aimed at stealing her unborn child. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this episode unpacks the complexities of trust, trauma, and resilience as Angelique navigates the aftermath of betrayal by someone she once trusted deeply.

The Attempted Murder and Immediate Aftermath

At the heart of this episode is Angelique Robletto's terrifying encounter with Cassandra, a friend whose sinister intentions shattered Angelique's life.

Angelique's Discovery
At [03:54], Angelique recounts the moment of realization:

"I just start screaming."
Angelique discovers two large butcher knives in Cassandra's diaper bag, signaling that the gifts once perceived as tokens of friendship were, in fact, tools of betrayal.

Police Response
The response from law enforcement was less than supportive. At [06:08], Angelique shares her frustration:

"They were laughing. They were joking. Oh, are you sure this didn't happen?"
Despite her clear evidence and suspicions, the police were not convinced, attributing the incident to a possible marijuana-related accident rather than an attempted murder.

Taking Matters into Her Own Hands

Feeling dismissed by the authorities, Angelique decides to investigate on her own, driven by a determination to uncover the truth.

Independent Investigation
At [07:26], Angelique explains her proactive approach:

"I watched way too much SVU. I know what to do. That's how I felt."
Her research leads her to uncover alarming information about Cassandra's past, including connections to dangerous individuals and potential gang involvement.

Breaking Evidence
With the help of a friend working at the hospital, Angelique discovers that Cassandra was not pregnant, undermining her alibi. At [08:47], Angelique states:

"She actually saw the test that she took at the hospital, and they were able to confirm that she was not pregnant."
This revelation further solidifies Angelique's belief that Cassandra intended to harm her and steal her baby.

The Legal Struggle

Angelique faces significant challenges in the legal system, where procedural missteps threaten to invalidate her case against Cassandra.

Plea Bargain Offer
At [20:10], Angelique discusses the plea bargain presented to her:

"The state offered eight years in a psychiatric hospital."
The district attorney's office suggested charges of attempted first-degree murder, arson, and burglary, painting Cassandra as mentally ill and shifting some blame onto her intentions.

Impact Statement and Closure
During the sentencing hearing at [21:16], Angelique conveys her decision to forgive Cassandra:

"I don't want to live my life hating you. I don't want to have hate in my heart."
Cassandra's lack of remorse during this interaction leaves Angelique feeling unresolved, highlighting the emotional toll of the legal process.

Revisiting the Case and Uncovering New Truths

Years after the initial sentencing, Angelique reopens her investigation, uncovering discrepancies in the official narrative.

Re-examining Evidence
At [23:22], Angelique reflects on her decision to revisit the case:

"I felt like I was in a better state of mind. I was older. I feel like I'm ready to start digging."
She uncovers Cassandara's taped confession, revealing a more elaborate and premeditated plan involving gang activities and fetal abduction, which starkly contrasts the prosecution's portrayal of Cassandra's motives.

Uncovering Gang Connections
At [25:29], Angelique exposes a new layer to the betrayal:

"She was his, like, his possession, basically. And she had to do what he told her to do."
This revelation suggests that Cassandra was part of a larger criminal operation, aiming to steal Angelique's baby for profit, thereby adding depth to the understanding of her motivations.

Healing and Advocacy

Despite the unresolved elements of her case, Angelique finds a path toward healing and uses her experience to advocate for others.

Personal Healing
At [33:17], Angelique shares a pivotal moment of acceptance:

"I realized, it's just a house. That's all it is. It's just a house that something bad happened to me in. But I'm here, I'm alive, I'm okay, and I have my son."
This realization marks a significant step in her healing process, allowing her to reclaim her life and focus on her family.

Advocacy and Surrogacy
Angelique becomes an advocate against fetal abduction, aiming to raise awareness and support other victims. Additionally, she takes a profound step by becoming a surrogate, which helps her heal by allowing another mother to experience the joys of pregnancy and motherhood.

Advocacy Statement
At [35:06], Angelique states her motivation:

"I feel like it's an opportunity for me to be a voice for not myself and my son, but also for the mothers that are not here that didn't get to survive this crime."
Her dedication to advocacy underscores her resilience and commitment to preventing similar tragedies.

Conclusion

Betrayal: Weekly – Episode 23: Angelique Pt. 2 offers a poignant exploration of betrayal, trauma, and the arduous journey toward healing. Through Angelique's story, listeners witness the profound impact of broken trust and the strength required to overcome such adversity. Angelique's transformation from a victim seeking justice to a healer and advocate serves as an inspiring testament to human resilience.

Notable Quotes

• Angelique:
  "I just start screaming." [03:54]
  "They were laughing. They were joking. Oh, are you sure this didn't happen?" [06:08]
  "I think when people think of survivors... it's quite the opposite. We go into this moment that we need to figure out what happened." [07:26]
  "She was going to come back and follow through with the plan." [07:00]
  "I don't think I can live my life that way. I forgive you because you're mentally ill." [21:16]
  "It's okay to be naive. It's natural. It's who we are." [35:52]

• Andrea Gunning:
  "What had been a potential arson was now an attempted murder investigation." [05:44]
  "She backed away from the bag, trembling." [04:19]
  "She admitted that she'd planned to murder Angelique in order to steal her baby." [17:24]

Acknowledgments

Betrayal: Weekly is produced by Glass Podcasts in partnership with iHeartPodcasts. Special thanks to the entire production team for bringing Angelique's powerful story to light.

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