Crime Salad Podcast Summary
Episode: Codie Novack: A Family’s Continuous Fight for Justice
Date: December 6, 2025
Hosts: Ashley and Ricky
Overview
This episode of Crime Salad investigates the tragic and controversial death of Codie Elizabeth Novack in Silver Springs, Florida. Through in-depth storytelling, hosts Ashley and Ricky explore the deeply flawed police and medical investigation that followed her death, detailing her family’s ongoing battle for answers. The episode paints a vivid picture of Codie’s life, the circumstances and inconsistencies in her death, and the justice her family is still fighting for nearly two years later.
Main Story and Background
Introducing Codie Novack and the Case
[01:21] Ashley outlines the case's setting: a quiet stretch of central Florida shattered by Codie's sudden and suspicious death. Listeners are warned of sensitive topics, including relationship violence.
- Codie Novack, described as loving, empathetic, and selfless.
- Originally from East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, later moved to Ocala, Florida to pursue a career in forensic science.
- Heavily involved in family and community: Stroudsburg Moose Lodge, Moose Riders Nine Ball Tap League, Girl Scouts ([02:22], Ashley).
- Codie lived by “ohana” – family means love and loyalty, not just blood ([04:00], Ashley).
- Suddenly went missing on January 4, 2023, which was profoundly out of character.
The Hours After Codie’s Disappearance
[05:05] Ricky:
- Last seen on January 3, 5:30pm, leaving with her on-again, off-again boyfriend (Lewis).
- Missed appointments on January 4th sparked immediate concern.
- Family’s safety precautions due to domestic violence concerns; Lewis’s concerning behavior.
- Family discovers Codie’s phone at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office ([05:19–07:01], Ashley, Ricky).
Key Quote:
"His response was something that no parent ever should hear. […] Over the phone, he told them Kody wasn't at the sheriff's office. She was at the medical examiner's office. On an autopsy table." – Ricky [07:01]
Investigation Inconsistencies and Law Enforcement Failures
Initial Police Response and 911 Call
- Law enforcement never contacted family – they only learned Codie had died after tracing her phone ([07:43], Ashley).
- 911 call by Lewis: he claimed Codie might have hit her head and neck, but there was nothing in the room to indicate this was possible ([08:53], Ricky).
- In the 911 call, background noises suggested tampering or multiple people at the scene ([09:17], Ashley).
- Police conducted unrelated warrant checks during the medical emergency ([10:10], Ricky).
- Evidence collection grossly insufficient: only Codie’s body, phone, and ID removed ([10:36], Ashley).
Medical Processes and Communication Gaps
- Family not notified of body removal or autopsy ([11:46], Ricky; [12:10], Ashley).
- Autopsy completed without their knowledge.
- Codie found with Lewis and four other individuals, none of whom the family knew.
- Toxicology delays: samples processed far from local jurisdiction.
Key Quote:
"Out of everything inside that residence, out of all the potential evidence that could have helped explain what happened, the only items removed from the scene were Kody's body, her cell phone, and her Pennsylvania ID." – Ashley [10:36]
Grieving Family’s Fight for Answers
Meeting with Detective Pender
- Family’s questions dismissed; detective remained firm in the belief that Codie overdosed or took her own life ([18:10–22:48], Ashley, Ricky).
Discrepancies in Reports, Timeline, and Injuries
- Certificate of death ruled accident, acute ethanol toxicity, before toxicology complete ([21:10], Ricky).
- Family only allowed a brief face viewing of Codie; immediate realization of unexplained injuries: bruises, abrasions, potential bite mark ([21:31], Ashley; [25:25], Ashley).
- Contradictory scene descriptions about Codie’s body position and state of rigor mortis suggesting she died much earlier ([24:59], Ricky; [26:45], Ashley).
- Phone activity postmortem suspicious; final argument via text between Codie and Lewis, referencing violence ([28:51], Ashley).
Key Quote:
"Cody had multiple bruises, many of them described as deep and purple. Some appeared newer and others looked older… There was also bruising around her neck, something that doesn't line up with a fall." – Ashley [25:25]
Family’s Efforts and Systemic Roadblocks
- Delayed and incomplete X-rays, misidentified and missing images ([33:23], Ashley).
- Multiple agencies and officials avoided meeting with or helping the family.
- April, Codie’s mother, took to social media with her findings and grief, urging for a deeper investigation and warning about domestic violence ([35:38], Ashley).
- Demonstrates patterns typical of domestic violence victims hiding abuse, but leaving clear forensic signs ([36:52], Ricky).
Broader Issues of Justice and Community Impact
Law Enforcement and Medical Examiner Accountability
- Marion County Sheriff’s Office closes the case within a month ([30:59], Ashley).
- Letter to April brushes off lengthy investigative questions ([38:43], Ashley).
- Pattern emerges when Lewis is arrested in Connecticut for similar offenses (strangulation, assault, bite marks) involving another woman, raising further red flags ([39:10], Ashley).
Scientific Concerns with Autopsy Process
- Postmortem ethanol levels possibly inflated due to decomposition, delayed autopsy, improper storage ([40:23–42:18], Ricky; Ashley).
- Family’s requests for second opinions rebuffed with bureaucracy ([44:06], Ricky).
- April’s advocacy broadens to highlighting related cases in the community with similar grievances against the Marion County Sheriff’s Office ([48:51], Ashley; [50:59], Ashley).
Allegations of Systemic Misconduct
- April references whistleblower deputy who alleged racism and pressure to falsify reports ([51:55], Ashley).
- Other lawsuits against the Sheriff’s Office suggest a pattern of negligence and indifference ([54:43–56:56], Ashley; Ricky).
- Families of other victims echo similar stories of being dismissed or denied answers.
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- “She gave people chance after chance, rebuilding bridges again and again, even when they'd been burned before.” – Ashley [02:22]
- “It makes it even harder to understand why April was dismissed so quickly.” – Ricky [19:29]
- “Her entire life is summed up by where she was found.” – Ashley [38:43]
- “She said that when professionals fail to exercise due diligence, it enables wrongdoers to evade justice…” – Ashley [47:39]
- “We encourage you to check that out for updates as well.” – Ricky [58:25]
- “If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship or you feel unsafe where you are, please reach out to help in whatever way is safest for you." – Ashley [58:39]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 01:21–05:05 — Introduction, Codie's life and family’s concerns
- 05:19–07:01 — Discovery of Codie’s disappearance and the shocking notification of her death
- 08:53–10:36 — 911 call analysis, crime scene mismanagement
- 11:46–12:10 — Family not notified of Codie’s death or autopsy
- 18:10–22:48 — Breakdown of the investigation, injuries, and detective’s refusal to meet
- 24:59–26:18 — Medical inconsistencies: rigor mortis, bruises, and possible bite marks
- 30:59–32:46 — Case officially closed, autopsy and toxicology problems
- 35:38–38:43 — April’s public campaign, patterns of domestic abuse and system failure
- 39:10–40:23 — Arrest of Lewis for similar violence, scientific concerns with autopsy
- 47:39–51:55 — Systemic failures, missing records, county-wide issues
- 54:43–56:56 — Broader allegations against the Sheriff’s Office, community stories
- 58:25–58:39 — Family’s call for community help, domestic violence resources
Conclusion
The episode closes with the devastating realities Codie’s family still faces. Despite clear evidence of investigative failures, mishandled forensic processes, and patterns of domestic violence, Codie’s case remains closed, with her loved ones continuing their fight for justice. The hosts encourage listeners to support the family’s cause, highlight the importance of domestic violence awareness, and urge anyone with information to come forward.
For updates or to support Codie’s family, visit the Justice for Cody Novak Facebook page or contact Marion County Crime Stoppers at 352-368-7867.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, resources are available at thehotline.org.
Crime Salad’s tone is empathetic, meticulous, and supportive—offering both a detailed case analysis and a platform for victim advocacy.