Episode Overview

Podcast: Crime House Daily
Host: Katie Ring
Date: December 10, 2025
Episode Title: First Watch: Seattle’s Backyard Attacker, Sorority House Stalker, & a Naked Intruder

In this "First Watch" episode, host Katie Ring breaks down three disturbing cases of home intrusion and violence, each involving vulnerable victims and shocking levels of aggression or depravity. The episode covers:

• The unprovoked attack and robbery of an 88-year-old pillar of the Seattle community.
• A masked prowler terrorizing sorority sisters in Berkeley, California.
• A Vietnam War veteran defending his tenant and himself from a naked, violent intruder in Studio City.

The host provides details, insights, and context for these ongoing cases, along with commentary on systemic issues like bail for repeat violent offenders.

Case 1: Seattle’s Backyard Attacker – The Assault on Emma Cotton

Segment Start: [03:19]

Key Details

• Victim: Emma Cotton, 88, long-time Seattle community leader.
• Incident: On October 13, 2025, Emma was attacked and brutally robbed on her back porch in the Rainier Beach neighborhood.
• Attack Details:
  • The assailant, dressed all in black, beat Emma, dragged her to her garage, and attempted to steal her diamond ring.
  • Critical Moment: When the thief couldn’t remove the ring, he bit off Emma’s finger to take it.
  • Emma suffered additional fractures to her toes and ribs, along with head injuries. She was hospitalized in intensive care for three days.

Community Reaction & Ongoing Search

• Emma’s resilience: Despite the trauma, Emma was described as having a “very positive outlook on life.”

• Community Leader Eddie Rye Jr:

  "It’s really, really tragic because she really is a person who is well loved, highly respected, and highly regarded by a lot of people in the city." [06:07]

• Emma’s forgiveness:

  “Maybe he had some problems we don't know about. I don't want him around to do this to anybody else, but I do forgive him.” [06:56]

• Family’s perspective (Son Wes):

  “We want this injustice to be righted, and nothing will bring us more peace than to know that it won’t happen again. Seattle’s a great city, and this is an unfortunate stain we’d like to remove as soon as we can.” [07:10]

• Status:

  • The attacker remains at large; police have released surveillance images and request tips (Seattle PD Violent Crime Tip Line: 206-233-5000).
  • Emma is now recovering in a rehab facility.

Case 2: Berkeley Sorority House Stalker

Segment Start: [08:36], Deeper Dive at [11:53]

Key Details

• Incident: Early morning, November 1, 2025 (day after Halloween).
• Victims: Women living in a UC Berkeley sorority house (approx. 65 residents).
• Details:
  • A student wakes to find a ski-masked man looming over her bed; she dials 911, prompting him to flee.
  • Initial investigation reveals that the man had broken in multiple times (six entries/exits between 3:00 and 6:35 am), watched residents shower, and loitered inside.
  • The intruder stole slices of pizza and several pairs of underwear.

Investigation & Arrest

• Use of Flock Cameras: Police used ALPR (Automatic License Plate Reader) cameras to track a suspicious vehicle near the scene.

• Suspect: Courtney Alford, 45, linked via prior arrest and vehicle.

  • Open felony case for alleged sex crimes against children (two separate counts of lewd acts upon a child under 14 in early 2024); was out on bail during the break-in.
  • Criminal record dating to 1998 (includes assault, burglary, grand theft, and more).

• Quote — Katie Ring’s commentary:

  “At this point, sexual predators, especially child predators and men who are violent against women, should simply not be eligible for bail, because the number of women and children harmed while these predators are on bail makes me sick to my stomach.” [13:20]

• Arrest & Charges:

  • Alford apprehended in Castro Valley after police watched his car.
  • Charged with burglary, peeking, invading privacy, unlawful entry, and additional firearm/ammunition offenses after police found illegal weapons and 900 rounds of ammo at his residence.
  • Bail set at $275,000.

Aftermath

• Sorority community shaken and feeling "extremely violated."
• The house is increasing security measures.

Case 3: Studio City Naked Intruder & the Hero Veteran

Segment Start: [20:03]

Key Details

• Incident: November 7, 2025, Studio City, CA.
• Victims: George Caros, 79, Vietnam veteran, and his female tenant.
• Perpetrator: Unidentified naked man.
• Details:
  • Perpetrator strips, acts erratically in the neighborhood, and forcibly enters tenant’s unit.
  • Tenant flees and is pursued by the attacker; George responds, armed and accompanied by emergency call.
  • The intruder attacks George, breaking his hip and both legs.
  • Critical Moment:

    "As George begged the man to let him go and leave them alone, he also fought to reach his gun. Once he got a hold of it, the man still wouldn't let up. So George fired twice. Once into the man's chest and once in his head." [21:58]

  • Intruder dies on scene; George hospitalized and praised for bravery.

Reaction & Aftermath

• Support for George:

  "His wife Lily said, 'George was doing what he needed to do to protect his property and the people he loves. That's what kind of man he is.'" [22:41]

• George’s humility:

  “I don’t consider myself a hero. I was fortunate enough to do the right thing. I’m just thankful that I am alive.” [22:52]

• Ongoing Recovery: George faces a long rehabilitation. Community fundraising efforts are underway.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Emma Cotton’s Forgiveness:

  “Maybe he had some problems we don't know about. I don't want him around to do this to anybody else, but I do forgive him.” — Emma Cotton [06:56]

• Katie’s Plea for Safety:

  “Whether you are in college or if you live in the safest neighborhood in the world, please always lock your doors right when you get inside of the house. ... After doing our five part series on the Idaho murders, I beg everyone to be extra cautious because there are so many creeps out there.” — Katie Ring [12:23]

• Host Commentary on Bail Policy:

  “At this point, sexual predators, especially child predators and men who are violent against women, should simply not be eligible for bail, because the number of women and children harmed while these predators are on bail makes me sick to my stomach.” — Katie Ring [13:20]

• George’s Modesty:

  “I don’t consider myself a hero. I was fortunate enough to do the right thing. I’m just thankful that I am alive.” — George Caros [22:52]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:19] — Seattle’s Backyard Attacker: The case of Emma Cotton.
• [08:36] — Sorority Break-In: Initial report.
• [11:53] — Investigation and arrest of Berkeley's repeat prowler.
• [20:03] — Studio City Naked Intruder: Veteran’s confrontation.
• [22:41] — Voices of George Caros and his wife Lily.

Episode Tone & Concluding Thoughts

Katie Ring delivers these stories with compassion, urgency, and a keen awareness of systemic shortcomings in public safety and justice. She balances empathy for victims with frustration at recidivist offenders and institutional failures, particularly regarding bail policies. The episode serves as both an update and a call for vigilance, with practical advice embedded in the storytelling.

Listener Call to Action:

“What did you think of today’s cases? Drop your thoughts and theories in the comments. ... The pursuit of justice never stops.” [23:51]

This summary brings together the essential narrative, investigation details, and moment-to-moment commentary from this episode of Crime House Daily. Listeners and non-listeners alike gain a full picture of these three disturbing cases and the ongoing challenges facing victims, communities, and law enforcement.