Bone Valley: Jeremy | Chapter 5 - Like a Little Kid
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Host: Gilbert King
Production: Lava for Good Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1
Introduction
In Chapter 5 - "Like a Little Kid" of Bone Valley, host Gilbert King delves deeper into the poignant and complex relationship between Mary West, a compassionate house cleaner from northern Florida, and Jeremy Scott, a convicted murderer serving a life sentence. This episode uncovers the emotional journey of their correspondence, highlighting themes of redemption, familial bonds, and the struggle for personal transformation.
Mary West's Background
Mary West, now in her 60s, resides in northern Florida where she cleans houses to support herself. Despite her demanding job, Mary found solace in listening to podcasts, which eventually led her to discover Bone Valley.
"I like cleaning actually and so I just stayed with it. I was just googling one day for like podcasts set in Florida because I really just wanted to hear about local stuff, I guess."
— Mary West [02:08]
Her engagement with the podcast prompted her to reach out to Jeremy Scott, demonstrating her innate empathy and desire to connect with others, even those she knows little about.
Initial Contact
The correspondence between Mary and Jeremy began shortly after Jeremy's confession to Michelle Schofield's murder. Mary, moved by Jeremy's plight, decided to write him a letter during the Christmas season, expressing her belief in his decision to confess.
"I thought he had done the right thing. To confess what he had done."
— Mary West [04:09]
Navigating the Florida Department of Corrections' protocols, Mary successfully sent Jeremy a modest sum for essentials like deodorant and toothpaste, unknowingly paving the way for a profound personal connection.
Jeremy's Background and Early Letters
Jeremy Scott, who had confessed to Michelle Schofield's murder in 2017, shared a troubled past marked by instability and a lack of familial support. Growing up, Jeremy spent much of his childhood in foster homes, never meeting his father and feeling neglected by his mother.
"He always felt like something was wrong with him in the head and that he always felt like people were putting him down or making fun of him and that it hurts real bad."
— Mary West [15:01]
His early letters to Mary were cautious and tentative. He expressed surprise and gratitude for Mary’s outreach, often sharing snippets of his daily life and struggles within the prison system.
"Can I ask you something? I ain't never had anyone to want to help me..."
— Mary West [08:41]
Deepening Relationship through Letters
As their correspondence continued, Jeremy's letters became more frequent and personal. He detailed his efforts to educate himself, mentioning Mr. Jackson, an inmate who taught him to read during his time on death row.
"Mr. Jackson was teaching me and if school could teach me the way he did, I could have been a new person."
— Mary West [18:02]
Mary responded by sending GED study books and other educational materials, wishing to support Jeremy’s quest for self-improvement. Their letters also touched upon everyday activities, such as Jeremy’s experience with washing his clothes and dealing with prison routines.
"I try to write a letter like most people do, but when I'm done and reread what I just wrote. It never sounds right. I just don't want you to think that I ain't trying."
— Jeremy Scott [21:00]
Family Connections and Reconciliation Efforts
A significant shift in their correspondence occurred when Jeremy expressed a deep desire to reconnect with his estranged son, Justin. This revelation added layers of emotional complexity to their relationship.
"Justin is all Jeremy wants to talk and write about."
— Mary West [37:06]
Mary took an active role in facilitating this reconnection. She discovered that Justin had a young son, making Mary an unexpected future grandmother. This development intensified Jeremy's longing for familial bonds and redemption.
"I just wanted to say this. It's been on my mind all week."
— Jeremy Scott [32:14]
Mary shared updates about her own family and health struggles, fostering a mutual sense of vulnerability and trust between her and Jeremy.
"I hate the way this has turned out and wish it had never happened like this."
— Mary West [29:08]
Emotional Impacts and Reflections
The episode highlights the emotional toll of maintaining such a relationship. Mary grapples with her feelings about corresponding with a convicted murderer, questioning the boundaries of empathy and forgiveness.
"Truthfully, I just don't think about it too much. I just write the letters, you know, as if he's any other person in my life."
— Mary West [21:07]
Meanwhile, Jeremy's letters reveal his ongoing remorse and yearning for acceptance, not just from his son but from society at large.
"I never even met my dad. Don't even know who he was."
— Mary West [15:01]
Conclusion
By Chapter 5 - "Like a Little Kid", Bone Valley presents a deeply human story of connection and the quest for redemption. Through Mary West’s unwavering support, Jeremy Scott seeks to rebuild his identity and forge meaningful relationships, despite the barriers imposed by his incarceration. This episode not only explores the intricacies of their correspondence but also poses profound questions about forgiveness, the possibility of change, and the enduring need for human connection.
"With Mary's help, Jeremy is trying to be his best self, hoping Justin will recognize his effort and honesty."
— Jeremy Scott [40:42]
Notable Quotes:
-
"It's like you just get me. I feel like my true self with you."
— Ryan Seacrest [00:30] -
"I have to learn to live with it. I just hope that you don't feel that way about me."
— Jeremy Scott [32:14] -
"I'm sorry for my dog barking in the background."
— Jeremy Scott [16:07]
These quotes capture the essence of the interpersonal dynamics and emotional depth explored in this episode.
Bone Valley continues to unravel the layers of Jeremy Scott’s past and present, guided by Gilbert King’s meticulous storytelling. For those seeking an insightful exploration of human connections amidst dark circumstances, this episode offers a compelling narrative filled with empathy, struggle, and the hope for reconciliation.