Crime House Daily: First Watch
Episode: “A Wife’s Murder Plot & a Murderer’s Manhunt”
Host: Katie Ring
Date: September 16, 2025
Episode Overview
In this First Watch morning update, host Katie Ring breaks down two gripping and disturbing cases making headlines:
- A manhunt following the murder of Dawn Peters in Longview, Washington, culminating in the capture of Alexander Lee Rogers after a cross-state chase.
- The unraveling and resolution of the Catherine Restelli case, where a wife, her mother, and her brother plotted and executed the murder of her estranged husband, Matt Restelli, in Utah.
Katie delivers urgent updates, background context, and investigative analysis—emphasizing the ongoing nature of these cases and her commitment to careful, victim-centered reporting.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Longview, Washington Murder: A Community in Fear
The Crime (05:30)
- On August 5, 2025, 64-year-old Dawn Peters was brutally stabbed to death in her home in Longview. Her brother-in-law, Andrew (73), was also attacked and had his throat slashed but managed to hit a panic button, saving others in the house.
- The intruder, identified as 51-year-old Alexander Lee Rogers, was known to the family from handyman work and previously served 22 years for attempted murder with a machete in 2002.
Police Response & Manhunt (09:02)
- Police had encountered Alexander hours before the murder during a vehicle registration check, not realizing he’d soon commit such a violent act.
- After the murder, Alexander fled the state, driving his partially spray-painted black BMW over 1,000 miles from Washington to Calabasas, California.
- A security guard in Los Angeles, Luis Martinez, recognized Alexander from news reports and notified authorities, leading to Alexander’s nonviolent arrest.
Why It Matters
- The case is still developing, with Rogers awaiting trial.
- Katie and the Crime House Daily team emphasize honoring Dawn Peters' memory and tracking justice for her family.
Notable Quote
“He had a very unusual face and that’s what I guess triggered my reaction to point him out. We actually made eye contact…when he passed by me, he bit his lip, which is something that people don’t do unless you’re nervous…He was not a SoCal guy.”
— Luis Martinez, Security Guard (11:23)
Key Timestamps
- [00:24] Host intro, case preview
- [05:30] Details of the attack on Dawn and Andrew Peters
- [09:02] Background on suspect Alexander Lee Rogers
- [10:44] The manhunt and police chase across states
- [11:23] Witness interview: Luis Martinez describes identifying the suspect
- [11:47] Suspect arrested; focus on victim impact
2. The Restelli Family Murder Plot: Betrayal and Pre-meditation
Background (14:05)
- 37-year-old Catherine Restelli and her 42-year-old husband Matt struggled as a family in financial and emotional distress, leading Catherine to leave with the couple’s two young children and move in with her mother, Tracy Grist, in Utah.
The Plot (15:00)
- Matt tried to reconcile, traveling from California to Utah, as Catherine claimed logistical problems prevented her return.
- Catherine, her mother Tracy, and her brother Kevin Ellis plotted in advance, tracking Matt using an Apple AirTag and exchanging suspicious texts about his arrival and murder logistics.
The Killing (20:20)
- On July 12, 2024, Matt entered his mother-in-law’s home as per Catherine's instructions. He greeted Tracy and Kevin, but was shot 6–8 times by Kevin using Tracy’s gun.
- The trio claimed self-defense, alleging Matt attacked them with a knife. However, evidence suggested a setup:
- No forced entry, no defensive wounds on the family, and the left-handed Matt was found with a knife in his right hand.
Investigation & Aftermath (20:20–23:00)
- Police investigation uncovered extensive planning via text messages, Apple AirTag tracking, and insensitive communications after Matt’s death.
- Catherine allegedly told a friend “It’s okay. I’m happy.” (23:00) when asked about her husband’s death and showed the spot where he died.
Charges and Plea Deal
- Kevin was charged with first-degree murder and related crimes; Catherine and Tracy were arrested months later and charged with murder, conspiracy, and firearm offenses.
- Catherine accepted a plea deal in July 2025, agreeing to testify and cooperate in exchange for a reduction of charges.
- Tracy’s Google searches included information on famous murder-for-hire cases, Utah gun laws, and related true crime stories, indicating premeditation and potential inspiration from other high-profile cases.
Notable Quotes
“It’s okay. I’m happy.” — Catherine Restelli to friend, the day after Matt’s murder (23:00)
“If I would have known, I would have taken a picture of the body.” — Tracy Grist, discussing the aftermath (23:40)
Key Timestamps
- [14:05] Catherine & Matt’s marital decline and move to Utah
- [15:00–18:49] The premeditated plot unfolds through texts and logistics
- [20:20] The murder and conflicting family claims
- [23:00] Evidence contradicts the family’s self-defense story; police piecing together the conspiracy
- [23:40] Revealing and callous text exchanges following the murder
- [24:30] Legal outcomes, upcoming trial dates for Kevin and Tracy; Catherine’s plea deal
Additional Noteworthy Cases Monitored
(Briefly highlighted, not main topics)
- Guillermo Cascante in San Bernardino County: Accused of posing as animal control to assault a child; believed to be a potential serial predator ([03:23]).
- Sarah Grace Patrick (Georgia): Teen accused of murdering her parents, gained attention for suspicious TikTok activity ([03:23]).
Memorable Moments & Tone
- Katie Ring’s storytelling is analytical yet compassionate, focusing on clarity and justice for victims.
- The episode maintains a brisk pace, designed to catch listeners up on complex, ongoing cases.
- Noteworthy is the chilling lack of remorse shown by the Restelli co-conspirators.
Summary Table: Key Segments & Quotes
| Timestamp | Segment | Speaker/Quote | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | 05:30 | Dawn Peters murder & Andrew’s survival | “Dawn’s quiet afternoon turns into a violent struggle.” – Katie Ring | | 11:23 | Security guard recognizes Alexander Rogers in LA | “He had a very unusual face…” – Luis Martinez | | 20:20 | Matt Restelli’s murder scene | “Matt is shot in cold blood between six to eight times.” – Katie Ring | | 23:00 | Catherine’s reaction to Matt’s death | “It’s okay. I’m happy.” – Catherine Restelli | | 23:40 | Tracy’s callousness about the murder | “If I would have known, I would have taken a picture of the body.” – Tracy Grist |
Closing Thoughts & Ongoing Coverage
- Both cases are active, with Alexander Rogers and the Restelli conspirators awaiting trial.
- Katie encourages listeners to submit theories and suggests tuning in for ongoing updates and deep dives on forthcoming Night Watch episodes.
- Listeners are invited to follow Crime House Daily on social platforms for real-time news.
Listener Call to Action:
“What do you think? Will Catherine Restelli get life in prison for her husband’s murder?... I want to hear it all.” (25:00)
Stay tuned for tonight’s Night Watch extended series and follow Crime House on your favorite platforms for the latest in true crime reporting.