Crime House Daily: First Watch

Episode: Malibu’s Dead Man’s Curve & an Australian Cold Case Reopened
Host: Katie Ring
Date: October 1, 2025

Episode Overview

In this First Watch morning edition, host Katie Ring delivers updates on two headline cases: the ongoing trial preparations for the 2023 Malibu crash involving four Pepperdine students, and a breakthrough arrest in the 1994 cold case murder of Samantha Mitzi in Melbourne, Australia. The episode also briefly covers two additional breaking crime stories from Los Angeles and San Antonio.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Notable Recent True Crime Developments (02:16–04:43)

• Los Angeles
  • Case: Rakim Powell faces charges for allegedly using dating apps to lure victims, one of whom was murdered in 2021.
  • Details: Suspected in another disappearance (2023) and a brutal assault.
  • Legal Stakes: Could face life without parole or death penalty.
• San Antonio, Texas
  • Case: Steven Robert Sablon pleads guilty to kidnapping a 13-year-old and driving her to California.
  • Details: The victim escaped by holding a "help me" sign in a car window.
  • Legal Stakes: Federal sentencing set for October 25; minimum 20 years to life.

2. Malibu "Dead Man's Curve" Crash & Trial (04:45–23:52)

Background (04:45–07:08)

• Date of crash: October 17, 2023
• Victims: Nev Ralston, Asha Weir, Deslin Williams, Peyton Stewart – all Pepperdine seniors and close friends.
• Location: Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), Malibu, near infamous "Dead Man’s Curve".

Portraits of the Victims (07:08–08:57)

• Personal notes: Each remembered as loving, dedicated students; tight-knit sorority sisters.
  • Examples:
    • "Niamh is lighthearted and carefree... her name actually translates to radiance in Gaelic." [07:49]
    • "Deslin is a habitual optimist... dreams of becoming a vet." [08:33]

The Night of the Crash (08:58–10:19)

• Event: The girls, out for a night, were struck by a BMW driven by Fraser Baum, allegedly at 104 mph (in a 45 mph zone).
• Aftermath: All four girls were killed instantly; the driver unharmed.
• Crucial detail:
  • "They're standing between parked cars on the side of the road when all of the sudden a BMW comes flying around the shoulder..." [09:18]

Investigation & Arrest (10:20–12:19)

• Suspect: Fraser Baum, 22, Malibu resident; gifted the BMW for his 18th birthday.
• Initial Charges: Gross vehicular manslaughter; later upgraded to four counts of second-degree murder and four counts of gross vehicular manslaughter.
• Bail saga: Set at $8 million, negotiated down to $4 million, paid by family. [11:44]

Court Hearings & Legal Arguments (12:20–18:19)

• Defense: Claims faulty car black box (true speed only 70 mph) and blames a supposed road rage incident for Baum's speeding.
• Witnesses:
  • Victor Calandra and Miguel Crutchino: both intervened to prevent Baum fleeing after the crash; testified to his erratic driving. [13:55]
• Prosecutor vs. Defense Tactics:
  • Notable defense addition: Alan Jackson, veteran trial attorney, joins Baum’s defense days before his arraignment. [15:43]
  • Attempts to lower bail—debate over the family’s financial hardship versus resources spent on high-profile legal defense.

Timeline (Summarized)

• Apr 2025: Preliminary hearing—witnesses testify, judge allows case to proceed to trial.
• July–Aug 2025: New counsel joins, arraignment postponed, Baum pleads not guilty.
• Sept 2025: Hearing to reduce bail denied; next major court date scheduled for October 8.

Impact

• Quote:
  • "There's a real chance he could spend the rest of his life in prison." [12:15]
• Ongoing: Crime House Daily promises continuous coverage as new evidence and hearings unfold.

3. Australian Cold Case—Samantha Mitzi Murder Breakthrough (23:53–36:44)

Background (23:53–26:10)

• Victim: Samantha Mitzi, 24-year-old mother of two, last seen March 29, 1994, St. Kilda, Melbourne.
• Life circumstances: Overcoming addiction, working in sex trade to support her kids.
• Last known movements: Seen conversing with a man after leaving her bags at an amusement center.

The Crime (26:11–28:33)

• Discovery: Witnesses heard screams; another sex worker, Tiffany, discovered Samantha badly beaten but still alive in a parking lot brush; Samantha died from blunt force trauma the next morning.
• Immediate aftermath: Other women warned off; speculation about a serial killer, as this was the second similar murder in the area that year.

Decades-long Investigation (28:34–32:27)

• Case goes cold; reexamined in 2017 with the involvement of Samantha’s now-adult children, who speak publicly.
• Uncertainty remains: "One of the lingering questions is... could they have a serial killer on their hands?" [30:11]
• In 2021, online cold case hub launched—renewed media and public engagement.

The Arrest (32:28–34:00)

• Perpetrator Identified: Colin George McCain, 67.
• How discovered: Methods not fully disclosed, possibly DNA.
• Charges: Murder and two counts of rape.
• Criminal history: Extensive sexual offenses dating back to age 15, including assaults on children.
  • "Police caught McCain coming back to the crime scene with a shovel and theorized that he was possibly planning on burying her alive." [34:50]

The Aftermath & Family Impact (34:01–36:44)

• Samantha’s children, Steven and Tenille, attend court:
  • Tennille states: "It sends a very powerful message if someone can be convicted after 31 years, it's a big deterrence." [36:12]
• McCain’s next court date: December 18, 2025.
• Police hope for answers in related cold cases.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Malibu Crash:

  • "Paramedics quickly realize that there's nothing they can do and tragically, all four girls die from their injuries." [10:15]
  • "The judge isn't really moved by these arguments and initially sets Fraser's bail at $8 million." [11:54]

• On Samantha Mitzi’s Case:

  • "She was naked and had clearly been badly beaten. But she’s still alive. Tiffany's clients flee the scene, but she runs to get help." [27:54]
  • Tennille Mitzi (Samantha's daughter): "It sends a very powerful message if someone can be convicted after 31 years, it's a big deterrence." [36:12]

Important Timestamps

• 02:16 – Los Angeles and San Antonio case updates
• 04:45 – Malibu crash: Background and victims
• 08:58 – The fatal night at “Dead Man’s Curve”
• 12:20 – Legal analysis, bail decisions, and witness testimonies
• 15:43 – Defense team changes; attorney Alan Jackson joins
• 23:53 – Australian cold case: Samantha Mitzi’s background
• 27:54 – Discovery of Samantha Mitzi; Tiffany’s intervention
• 30:11 – The serial killer threat in St. Kilda
• 32:28 – Arrest of Colin George McCain
• 34:50 – McCain’s disturbing history and methods
• 36:12 – Tennille Mitzi’s poignant court statement

Conclusion

In this episode, Katie Ring provides a compassionate yet fact-filled update on two cases—one ongoing and one newly reopened. She highlights the emotional impact on victims and their families and emphasizes the relentless work of law enforcement and advocates. The episode delivers promise for justice and closure, reminding listeners to stay tuned for developing coverage.

Recommendations:

• Follow Crime House Daily (@crimehouse24.7) for breaking news on TikTok and Instagram.
• Next major Malibu hearing: October 8, 2025.
• Next Samantha Mitzi (Australia) case date: December 18, 2025.

“You stay curious, and I’ll stay on the case.” – Katie Ring [End]