Case 314: Yarmila Falater – Detailed Summary

Podcast: Casefile True Crime
Host/Author: Casefile Presents
Episode Title: Case 314: Yarmila Falater
Release Date: April 12, 2025

Introduction

In Case 314: Yarmila Falater, Casefile True Crime delves into the chilling murder of Yarmila Falater by her husband, Scott Falater. The episode meticulously outlines the events leading up to the crime, the investigation, the controversial trial, and the lingering questions that continue to perplex both the community and experts.

The Incident

On the night of Thursday, January 16, 1997, Gregory Coons, a neighbor residing next door to the Falater family in Phoenix, Arizona, inadvertently becomes a key witness to a horrifying crime.

• Timeline of Events:
  • 10:00 PM: Gregory Coons watches the late-night news at home. Shortly after, he turns off the TV and heads to bed.
  • Approximately 10:26 PM: Coons' girlfriend, Stephanie, hears a woman screaming outside, followed by moaning sounds. Compelled by curiosity, Gregory investigates.
  • 10:36 PM: Gregory observes a figure writhing near the Falater’s pool through the tall grey cinderblock fence. He identifies the woman as Yarmila Falater, who appears heavily intoxicated.
  • 11:18 PM: Scott Falater, Yarmila’s husband, is seen interacting suspiciously with their dog and then forcibly dragging Yarmila toward the pool.
  • 12:19 AM: Scott Falater assaults Yarmila, eventually drowning her in the pool. Gregory, witnessing the brutality, calls 911.

Notable Quote:

"Her slow, uncoordinated movements led Gregory to suspect she was heavily intoxicated." (04:45)

Immediate Aftermath

Upon receiving Gregory's distressing call, police officers swiftly respond to the scene.

• Police Arrival:
  • Officers scale the backyard fence and discover Yarmila's lifeless body in the pool, displaying multiple stab wounds.
  • Scott Falater is found inside the house, appearing dazed and confused. He claims no memory of the events and is quickly apprehended.

Evidence Collected:

• Bloodstains in the house and garage.
• A bloody white T-shirt in Scott's Volvo hatchback.
• A hunting knife concealed in a clear plastic container, all bearing Yarmila's blood.

Notable Quote:

"You can drive more customers to your websites, sell products right in the app..." (01:11) (Note: This is part of the ad and should be skipped in content summaries.)

Investigation and Evidence

The investigation reveals a meticulously orchestrated attempt by Scott to conceal his involvement.

• Forensic Findings:

  • Yarmila was stabbed 44 times with a hunting knife, with wounds indicating a desperate struggle.
  • Defensive wounds on Yarmila’s hands suggest she fought back during the attack.
  • The bloodied pool water and lack of struggle signs inside the house point towards the attack occurring primarily in the backyard.

• Scott’s Account:

  • Scott describes a normal evening with his family, followed by an inexplicable lapse in memory leading up to waking up amidst police activity.
  • He denies any intent to harm Yarmila, attributing possible amnesia or a sleepwalking episode as the cause.

Notable Quotes:

"I don't know. What makes you think that?" (28:17) – Scott Falater
"At the time of this episode's release, Scott remains in prison..." (76:24)

The Trial

Scott Falater's trial becomes a focal point of intense debate, primarily due to his controversial defense strategy.

• Defense Strategy:

  • Advocated for an insanity defense based on Scott's alleged sleepwalking episodes.
  • Presented historical cases to support the claim that defendants can commit acts without conscious awareness.

• Prosecution’s Argument:

  • Asserted that the nature and complexity of the crime indicated conscious intent.
  • Highlighted inconsistencies in Scott’s behavior and the improbability of committing such a violent act while sleepwalking.

Notable Quote:

"What happened next was the strongest proof that Scott was fully awake when he killed Yarmila." (45:38)

Defense vs. Prosecution

The courtroom battle hinged on whether Scott acted in a sleepwalking state or executed a premeditated murder.

• Sleepwalking Defense:

  • Supporters: Advocated that Scott’s history of sleepwalking and high stress levels could have triggered an involuntary violent episode.
  • Experts: Neurophysiologists presented evidence of partial brain activity during sleep, potentially allowing unconscious actions.

• Prosecution’s Counterpoints:

  • Argued that the deliberate and methodical nature of the assault contradicted the notion of an involuntary act.
  • Emphasized the absence of a plausible motive and Scott's ability to conceal evidence post-murder.

Notable Quotes:

"Guns drawn, officers advanced toward the patio, where they found the sliding glass door partially open." (13:37)
"He must have showered and changed immediately after stabbing Yamala to conceal evidence." (28:32)

Verdict and Sentencing

After a grueling month-long trial, the jury delivered a decisive verdict.

• Outcome:

  • Guilty: Scott Falater was found guilty of first-degree murder.
  • Sentence: Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

• Jury’s Reasoning:

  • Concluded that Scott was fully conscious during the attack and had premeditated elements in his actions.
  • Rejected the sleepwalking defense due to the structured and violent nature of the crime.

Notable Quote:

"The only thing I believed about his story was that his name was Scott Filado." (28:17)

Aftermath and Ongoing Debate

Scott remains incarcerated, grappling with the implications of his actions and the verdict.

• Post-Trial Reflections:

  • Scott maintains his innocence regarding the memory of the murder, attributing his actions to an undiagnosed brain condition.
  • Continues to support other inmates and encourages sleepwalkers to seek treatment.

• Public and Expert Opinions:

  • The case reignites discussions on the validity and potential misuse of sleepwalking as a legal defense.
  • Concerns persist that such defenses could be exploited to evade accountability in future cases.

Notable Quotes:

"We have to move on. The death of Yamala Falater continues to prompt questions and debate to this day." (78:55)
"Scott feels that Yamala would have been more understanding and forgiving of him than he had been towards himself." (77:05)

Conclusion

Case 314: Yarmila Falater presents a compelling narrative that intertwines personal tragedy with legal complexities. The murder of Yarmila Falater by her husband, Scott Falater, raises enduring questions about intent, memory, and the extent to which physiological states like sleepwalking can influence criminal behavior. Despite the sleepwalking defense, the jury's verdict underscores the challenges of accepting such explanations in the face of clear evidence and witness testimonies. The case remains a poignant example of the intricate balance between understanding human behavior and upholding justice.

Notable Closing Quote:

"He's technically guilty, but he's morally innocent. He was there and he wasn't there." (79:23)