Case 320: Veronica Abouchuk & Kathleen Henry

Podcast: Casefile True Crime
Host/Author: Casefile Presents
Release Date: May 24, 2025

Introduction

In Case 320, Casefile True Crime delves deep into the harrowing stories of Veronica Abouchuk and Kathleen Henry, two Alaska Native women whose lives were brutally taken by Brian Smith, an individual whose facade of normalcy concealed his monstrous actions. This episode meticulously traces the discovery, investigation, and eventual conviction of Smith, highlighting both the personal and systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities.

Discovery of the Crime

The story begins on Monday, September 30, 2019, when a passerby finds a microSD card labeled "Homicide at Midtown Marriott" near a grocery store in Anchorage, Alaska [00:00:30]. The card contains disturbing amateur-grade photos and videos depicting a naked woman being violently attacked, filmed by an unseen assailant.

Valerie Kastler, a 52-year-old sex worker struggling with substance abuse, becomes the unexpected whistleblower. After a prolonged period of substance abuse, Valerie, upon viewing the footage on the stolen phone she had obtained from Smith, recognizes the distinctive accent of the assailant and the patterned carpet from the Marriott Town Place Suites [00:02:30].

Driven by a mix of fear and moral duty, Valerie assembles a plan to transfer the incriminating evidence onto the microSD card and anonymously submit it to the authorities [00:03:45]. Facing the threat of legal repercussions for theft and prostitution, she eventually confides her true reason for possessing the evidence: to prevent further harm to other women.

Initial Investigation

Detectives, equipped with the SD card, begin piecing together the crime. Detective Brendan Lee identifies Smith's distinctive accent from the recordings, confirming his suspicions when he recognizes the voice as Brian Smith's [00:30:09]. Further investigation reveals that Smith had booked room 323 at the Marriott Town Place Suites using his employee discount, and his truck matches the vehicle seen in the footage.

Despite setting up surveillance and executing warrants to search Smith's residence and workplace, they initially find no substantial evidence, leading them to believe Valerie’s account might be a fabricated roleplay fantasy. Consequently, the case is temporarily suspended due to a lack of verifiable evidence [00:30:11 - 00:37:04].

Breakthrough and Discovery of Kathleen Henry

The case takes a pivotal turn on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, when railroad workers discover the decomposed remains of a woman along the Seward Highway [00:37:07]. Through dental records, it is confirmed that the remains belong to Kathleen Henry, a 30-year-old Anchorage resident with a tumultuous past involving divorce, addiction, and mental health challenges.

Concurrently, cell phone data places Smith near the crime scene during the time Kathleen’s body was disposed of. Smith’s alibi falls apart as his phone is tracked to Washington D.C., where he is found vacationing with his wife, thereby solidifying his connection to the murder [00:38:14 - 00:45:37].

Arrest and Interrogation

On October 8, 2019, detectives apprehend Smith upon his return to Anchorage. During intense interrogation, Smith initially denies involvement but gradually reveals a more incriminating narrative. He admits to murdering a woman in August 2018, describing a violent scene in his basement [00:50:05]. However, inconsistencies in his story and the discovery of evidence, including a photograph of Smith with Veronica and footage linking him directly to both murders, lead him to confess to multiple felonies [00:44:56 - 00:45:37].

Notably, Smith claimed that Valerie's discovery was a roleplay fantasy, which further discredits his earlier statements and highlights his manipulative tendencies [00:44:56 - 00:45:37].

Trial and Conviction

Smith's trial, delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, eventually commenced in February 2024. The prosecution presented overwhelming evidence, including the SD card footage, cell phone data, surveillance recordings, and physical evidence from Smith's home and vehicle [00:50:05 - 00:86:28].

Key testimonies included Valerie Kastler’s account of finding the SD card and Alicia Youngblood’s (Smith's ex-girlfriend) efforts to prevent further crimes. Despite the defense's attempts to undermine Valerie's credibility and introduce doubt about the evidence, the jury found Smith guilty on all counts swiftly, acknowledging the brutal nature of his crimes [00:42:28 - 00:47:52].

Sentencing and Aftermath

In July 2024, Smith was sentenced to 226 years in prison, with mandatory consecutive sentences for each murder [00:86:28]. The judge emphasized the absence of hope for Smith's rehabilitation and the necessity of preventing any future crimes. Hermanizing Alaska’s systemic issues, the case spotlighted the vulnerability of Indigenous women, with advocates pointing out the high rates of violence against Native American and Alaska Native women [00:86:28].

Families of the victims, Veronica and Kathleen, along with other Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) advocates, mourned their loss while pushing for systemic changes to protect vulnerable communities. The trial also uncovered potential additional victims, including Cassandra Buzkovski, whose remains were later confirmed to be another of Smith’s atrocities, prompting ongoing investigations and community outcry [00:86:28 - End].

Notable Quotes

• Valerie Kastler on her discovery:
  "I considered Kathleen my friend and I just wanted her to go home." [00:86:28]

• Brian Smith during interrogation:
  "You need to finish this movie because I just can't fucking go on anymore. What are my followers going to think of me?" [00:25:40]

• Detective Brendan Lee on recognizing Smith’s voice:
  "The offender's voice, his distinctive accent was instantly recognizable... it belonged to Brian Smith." [00:30:09]

• Judge during sentencing:
  "There is no hope, there is no restoration. There is only preventing Mr. Smith from killing again." [00:86:28]

• Veronica Abokuch's sister:
  "We tried to be strong in our hearts, but it still hurts a lot." [00:86:28]

Impact and Legacy

The tragic cases of Veronica Abouchuk and Kathleen Henry, along with the emerging story of Cassandra Buzkovski, underscore the profound vulnerabilities faced by Indigenous women in Alaska. Casefile True Crime uses these narratives to highlight broader societal issues, including systemic neglect, the dangers posed by predators like Brian Smith, and the critical need for protective measures for marginalized communities.

Advocacy groups continue to fight for justice, not only for these two women but for countless others who remain missing or are victims of violence. The case serves as a chilling reminder of how hardened individuals can exploit societal gaps, and the importance of vigilance and support for those who dare to stand against such threats.

Conclusion

Case 320 of Casefile True Crime is a meticulously detailed exploration of the murders of Veronica Abouchuk and Kathleen Henry, showcasing the intricate investigation process, the emotional toll on the victims' families, and the systemic failures that allowed a serial killer to operate unchecked for years. Through compelling storytelling and stark revelations, the episode emphasizes the urgent need for societal change to protect the most vulnerable among us.