Crime House Daily – "First Watch: Fire Captain Charged in Double Murder & A Death Row Controversy"

Date: October 8, 2025
Host: Katie Ring

Episode Overview

In this First Watch episode, host Katie Ring delivers deep dives into two high-profile, emotionally charged cases currently dominating the crime news cycle:

1. The double homicide of Marissa Devotee Lessa and her 8-year-old son Josiah, allegedly by Marissa’s boyfriend, a Cal Fire captain.
2. The death penalty controversy surrounding Robert Roberson, a Texas man convicted of killing his 2-year-old daughter, despite mounting evidence of innocence.

The episode combines case backgrounds, key details, community reactions, and the latest legal updates, all told with empathy and a sharp focus on the facts.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Cameron Park Double Murder Case

[00:45 – 12:08]

Victims and Suspect

• Victims: Marissa Devotee Lessa (29) and her son Josiah (8, “JoJo”).
• Survivor: Serafina, Marissa’s older daughter.
• Suspect: Darren McFarlane (47), boyfriend and Cal Fire captain.
  • Charged with two counts of first-degree murder (special circumstances), attempted murder, domestic violence, and child abuse.

Sequence of Events

• August 21, 2025:

  • Family is at home in Cameron Park, CA.
  • Marissa allegedly witnesses Darren committing an unspecified crime and threatens to testify.
  • Darren attacks Marissa, shooting her as she tries to call for help.
  • He then shoots Josiah to eliminate him as a witness, and attempts to kill Serafina, who survives.
  • Darren flees the scene.

• August 22, 2025 (just after midnight):

  • Darren is apprehended in Mono County, near the Nevada border.

Community and Family

• Marissa is remembered as a “kind, loving woman devoted to her faith and her two children” ([04:28]).

• Community and social media respond with an outpouring of grief and calls to “break the cycle of violence.”

• Notable quote:

  "May we honor their memories by continuing to support one another and break the cycle of violence in our community… Get educated, change the culture, change the behavior. Do not be willing to accept this in our community. Be the change."
  — Community member ([08:50])

• Fundraisers are organized for Serafina’s care, surpassing a $50,000 goal ([09:50]).

Legal Status & Next Steps

• Darren pleads not guilty; held without bail.
• Pre-preliminary hearing: September 29.
  Preliminary hearing: October 16, 2025.
• Katie notes the rare legal context: while CA has the death penalty on paper, there is a moratorium and ongoing court-ordered pauses that make its use unlikely.

Memorable Family Moment

• Serafina's nightly words with her mother and brother:

  “I love you. I love you more. I love you most.”
  — Serafina ([00:59], recounted by Katie)

• “Her mom and her brother were taken from this world too soon and investigators say the culprit was a man who had sworn to protect and serve.” ([01:07])

2. The Robert Roberson Death Row Case

[12:38 – 25:15]

Background

• Conviction: In 2003, Robert Roberson is sentenced to death for allegedly shaking his daughter Nikki (age 2) to death.
• Controversy: Longstanding concerns he may be innocent, with the case taken up by the Innocence Project and watched by national/international observers.

Nikki’s Medical Background

• Nikki suffered from chronic illnesses (apnea, ear infections, pneumonia).
• Given medications (Phenergan, later with codeine) now known to be dangerous for children, at doses later deemed lethal ([13:00–15:40]).

The Incident

• Nikki, ill with a high fever, falls from a bed supported by cinder blocks.
• Robert reportedly finds her on the floor, consoles her, and puts her back to sleep.
• Nikki is found unresponsive the next morning; Robert calls 911 ([15:41]).

The Investigation & Trial

• Doctors doubt Robert’s account due to “flat affect,” possibly related to his autism.
• Child abuse pediatrician diagnoses shaken baby syndrome, based on triad of injuries.
• Robert is arrested even before the autopsy.
• Prosecution claims blunt-force head injuries and implies intentional violence.
• Critical moment:

  "Robert’s own lawyers don't even bring up her prior illness and just say Robert hadn't meant to kill Nikki." — Katie ([19:48])

• Key expert admits some injuries could be from hospital interventions, but defense does not pursue this.
• Robert convicted and sentenced to death ([19:48]).

Scientific Developments & Appeals

• The “shaken baby” diagnosis is later questioned:

  • Symptoms could be caused by a short fall or underlying illness.
  • Recent studies (2024) indicate short falls more likely cause of injuries in cases like Nikki’s ([20:40]).
  • Many similar convictions overturned in recent years.
  • Nikki’s toxicology report revealed lethal drug levels, not acknowledged in the trial.

• Appeals repeatedly denied; stays have been granted and lifted, with state institutions at odds over whether execution should proceed ([21:30–23:45]).

  • Quote:

    “A huge showdown between two branches of the state government.” — Katie ([21:45])

• Current status: Execution scheduled for October 16, 2025. Roberson is not seeking clemency, but a new trial.

• Quote contrasting perspectives ([24:14]):

  "Robert's backers at the Innocence Project have pointed out that many experts believe Nikki's cause of death was from her prior illness and the dangerous medication she was prescribed. They also claim that the lead detective who testified against Robert at his trial now believes he's innocent."

3. Brief Mentioned Case: Lorenz Krause’s On-Air Confession

[03:33 – 04:00]

• New York man Lorenz Krause confesses on camera to killing his parents years ago, citing “mercy” as the reason.
• Raises questions about media involvement in criminal investigations.
• Katie teases a future episode for deeper context.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Serafina’s remembered nightly refrain:

  "I love you. I love you more. I love you most." ([00:59])

• Community response on ending violence:

  “Get educated, change the culture, change the behavior. Do not be willing to accept this in our community. Be the change.” ([08:50])

• On the legal limbo around the death penalty in CA:

  “The death penalty cannot be carried out in the state of California...” ([10:10])

• On Robert Roberson’s hope for exoneration:

  “He’s decided not to seek clemency… and instead is asking for a new trial so he can prove his innocence in court.” ([25:00])

• On the crisis in the Texas judicial system:

  “A huge showdown between two branches of the state government.” ([21:45])

Timeline of Major Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:45 | Identities in the Cameron Park double homicide revealed, charges detailed | | 03:33 | Brief on Lorenz Krause confession, upcoming coverage promised | | 04:00 | Deep dive into Marissa, Josiah, and Serafina’s story, family, community impact | | 09:50 | Community’s fundraising, legal context, next court dates | | 12:38 | Transition to Robert Roberson case, background on Nikki’s death | | 15:41 | Sequence of Nikki’s last days; medical complexities, police response | | 19:48 | Timeline of charges, trial, and conviction of Robert Roberson | | 20:40 | Modern science refuting “shaken baby syndrome” cases, national implications | | 21:45 | Texas legal battle over execution, government standoffs | | 24:14 | Final updates, Innocence Project’s work, pending execution | | 25:10 | Katie's closing thoughts, encouragement to share listener theories |

Tone & Final Thoughts

Katie Ring maintains a compassionate, balanced tone. She consistently reminds listeners of the presumption of innocence and emphasizes her goal is to inform, not judge. The coverage is detail-rich but respectful, focused on truth, process, and community healing.

Closing reminder:

“You stay curious and I’ll stay on the case.” ([25:12])

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This summary provides all the vital facts, narrative arcs, and context. You’ll have a detailed understanding of both headline cases, the legal and scientific issues involved, the emotional stakes for families and communities, and the next steps in each story—all in Katie Ring’s meticulous and empathetic voice.