Betrayal: Weekly – Episode Summary: Introducing "American Homicide"

Host: Andrea Gunning
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts
Release Date: November 5, 2024
Episode Title: Introducing: American Homicide

I. Introduction to "American Homicide"

In the latest episode of Betrayal: Weekly, host Andrea Gunning unveils an exciting addition to the true crime landscape: a new docuseries titled "American Homicide." Produced by Glass Podcasts and a collaboration with iHeartPodcasts, this series promises a deep dive into some of America's most harrowing criminal cases.

Andrea Gunning introduces the series by stating:

"I want to introduce you to a new weekly true crime show that our team at Glass Podcast has just launched. It's called American Homicide and is hosted and produced by my colleague Sloan Glass, who I have here today."
[02:36]

Sloan Glass, the host and producer of American Homicide, brings extensive experience from working on Betrayal seasons two and three. Andrea emphasizes Sloan's close ties to the Betrayal community and her passion for uncovering the truth behind complex criminal cases.

II. Overview of "American Homicide"

"American Homicide" is designed to offer an immersive experience, going beyond mere retellings of crime stories. Instead, it provides a "reexamination of infamous true crime stories through firsthand accounts," including perspectives from law enforcement, legal experts, and those directly impacted by the crimes.

Sloan Glass elaborates on the show's unique approach:

"You are hearing from law enforcement who is behind the investigations. You are hearing from lawyers. You are hearing from judges. You are hearing from victims and their friends and family."
[03:34]

She highlights the importance of understanding how each crime is influenced by its specific community and environment, drawing from her experiences as both a local and national news reporter.

III. Teaser: "Father's Day Murders"

The episode transitions into a teaser for the first installment of "American Homicide" titled "Father's Day Murders." This case delves into the tragic events that unfolded in El Rancho, New Mexico, where Cherie Ortiz discovered the brutal murders of her parents and brother on Father's Day 2011.

Sloan Glass provides a gripping overview:

"The episode is called the Father's Day Murders. Now you just have to imagine it's Father's Day. You go to your parents' house for dinner, you open the door, and you find your mom, dad, and brother beaten to death."
[05:03]

Cherie Ortiz's harrowing experience sets the stage for a complex investigation riddled with suspicion and community upheaval.

IV. Highlights from "Father's Day Murders, Part One"

The narrative unfolds with detailed accounts of the crime scene and the immediate aftermath. Key moments include:

• Cherie Ortiz's Discovery: Cherie walks into her parents' home to find them and her brother brutally murdered. Overwhelmed by panic, she makes her first 911 call.

  "[12:30] Cherie Ortiz: Sheree frantically told the 911 operator that her mother, father, and brother were shot to death."

• Initial Investigation: The New Mexico State Police arrive to investigate, facing a scene of extreme violence that challenges even the most seasoned officers.

  "[14:21] Detective Alex Cross: In this case, the magnitude of the violence involved was the worst that I had seen in my career."

• Suspicion Falls on the Family: Due to financial strains and conflicting details in Cherie's account, suspicion naturally gravitates toward Cherie and her husband, Jesse Ortiz.

  "[27:03] Detective Alex Cross: It could mean a number of things, that maybe they were wearing gloves or they covered their hands in some way...
  [28:42] Cherie Ortiz: ...and why didn't she call 911 till 7 that evening?"

• Community Impact: The tight-knit community of El Rancho grapples with fear and mistrust as the investigation stalls, leading to increased tension and speculation.

  "[23:16] Cherie Ortiz: Since El Rancho didn't have a police force of their own, the New Mexico State Police handled the investigation."
  "[25:28] Alex Tomlin: So the one thing about the Ortiz murder was really the pressure on the police."

• Media Involvement: Local reporter Alex Tomlin interviews Cherie Ortiz, providing an intimate look into her emotional struggle and the community's desperation for answers.

  "[35:13] Alex Tomlin: I remember distinctly being in the kitchen and we were talking about her brother Stephen... It was just really traumatic standing there and knowing this is where he died."

V. Conclusion and Next Steps

The episode concludes with a cliffhanger as Ashley Roybal, a 23-year-old local woman, is arrested and claims to know the truth behind the Ortiz family murders. This pivotal moment sets the stage for "Father's Day Murders, Part Two," promising listeners an in-depth exploration of the revelations and their implications for justice.

Sloan Glass teases the continuation:

"Find out what Ashley says really happened that night on part two of the Father's Day murders. That's next time on American Homicide."
[37:35]

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the series by subscribing to "American Homicide" on platforms like Apple Podcasts, ensuring they don't miss the unfolding of this compelling true crime story.

Notable Quotes

• Andrea Gunning:

  "I am so curious, what made you want to take on a project like American Homicide?"
  [03:22]

• Cherie Ortiz:

  "My family's dead. Somebody murdered my family. Somebody killed my family. How do you handle that?"
  [21:51]

• Detective Alex Cross:

  "If you don't investigate Jesse and Shervee to the fullest, you make a very easy argument for a defense attorney to create doubt in a jury's mind."
  [38:04]

Final Thoughts

This episode of Betrayal: Weekly not only introduces a promising new docuseries but also immerses listeners in the initial threads of a gripping true crime investigation. By blending firsthand accounts, investigative insights, and emotional testimonies, "American Homicide" aims to deliver a nuanced understanding of the darkest facets of human nature and the relentless pursuit of justice.

For those eager to delve deeper into the "Father's Day Murders," tune in to the next episode of "American Homicide" and follow the journey towards uncovering the truth behind one of El Rancho's most shocking crimes.