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- [00:02]
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- [00:30]
Podcast Host
If you're enjoying this show, I'm guessing you like to hear about true crime, maybe even conspiracies and all the messy extremes of human behavior. I know I do, and that's why I find myself always listening to our friends over in the UK with the podcast Red Handed. Every week, Hannah and Saruthi dig into a new true crime story that'll not only give you chills, but also make you think they're not afraid to go deeper. Whether it's a brush with the occult, a strange subculture, or even geopolitics, and the way they approach it is SM well researched and always a little different than what you'd expect. Recently, Red Handed covered everything from the twisted story of Ed Gein to Australia's so called mushroom murderer Aaron Patterson. They even put together these sharp, quick hit guides on big cultural moments like the JFK assassination or Diddy's trial earlier this year. And if you're looking for something shorter, their other show shorthand gives you a weekly bite sized hit from Area 51 to the Holy Grail. With more than 400 episodes already out there with Red Hand, you have plenty to binge. So go search my friend's podcast Red Handed. That's all one word. Red Handed. Wherever you get your podcasts.
- [01:55]
Podcast Narrator
Thank you for tuning in for this bonus episode of Culpable. As we continue to investigate the case of Danny Violet, I want to start by saying if you haven't already listened through episode seven of the series, please stop and do that now as the audio we're about to get into here is going to contain some spoilers. In this episode, I'll be speaking with someone I've been trying to get a hold of for some time now, who I finally got the chance to speak with just weeks ago.
- [02:19]
Matt
Hello? Hey, this is Nate. Yeah, this is Matt.
- [02:22]
Interviewer
Hey Matt, Dennis Cooper. Nice to meet you.
- [02:25]
Matt
More for Nice to meet you. Right? How's it going today?
- [02:29]
Podcast Narrator
If you're caught up in the series, then you should understand why this conversation with Danny's friend Matt is important. So instead of rehashing everything we covered in episodes six and seven, I instead want to take just a moment to explain what led to this conversation. I first reached out to Matt in early 2025, for obvious reasons, he was a friend of Danny's, and they were together the night before his disappearance. So I wanted to see what he remembered all these years later. After sending him a message, months would pass with no response. And it was during this time that a series of events, or better yet, a discovery of information, would lead me to take a much closer look at both Matt and his mother, Charlotte, who were questioned by detectives several times throughout the investigation, with the latter being interviewed as recently as 2024. As I took in all this new information, it started to feel even more urgent that I get in touch with at least one of them to try and get some clarity. So, months after my original message to Matt, I sent him a follow up. I waited patiently for another month until finally he messaged me back. He'd been hearing about the podcast, and after putting two and two together and realizing who I was, he decided to reach out.
- [03:38]
Matt
Yeah, somebody told me. And I was like, really? And I was like, then. Then I started my. My wife was listening, and then she was telling me because I was like, wow. It's one of those rough situation type things where it just brings back. Yeah, it was scary and everything. It was bad times.
- [03:56]
Interviewer
Oh, I'm sure, man.
- [03:58]
Podcast Narrator
The timing of this conversation was not ideal, seeing as we had just finished producing the series. So after speaking with Matt, I decided to release our conversation as a bonus episode on the heels of episodes six and seven to offer a little more context to some of what we discussed in those episodes and give him an opportunity to clear some of the air surrounding it, starting with the events of Friday night. But we're going to touch on just about everything by the end of this conversation, so be sure to stick around until the end. All right, let's get into this.
- [04:31]
Matt
Do you want me to tell you, like, how we ended up in that situation in the first place? Yes.
- [04:36]
Interviewer
Or Jerry.
- [04:37]
Matt
Okay. Okay.
- [04:38]
Interviewer
So, no, you're.
- [04:39]
Matt
You're great.
- [04:39]
Interviewer
I mean, you said that message, but yeah, I mean, that was gonna be the first thing I wanted to ask you. It's just like, you know, what you could, you know, recall from that.
- [04:48]
Matt
So it sucks because around that time, you know, people, we were like, at living in the age of, like, you know, if you're. You're a partier or, you know what I mean? So you're pretty cool, which is the dumbest thing ever. So we were always experimenting with stuff, which was absolutely stupid. So he ended up telling us that his buddy, because he went to Pioneer, not like the regular school, like, they went like a trade school or vocational school. He had this buddy, me, him and Adam Castle in Adam. Adam Castle's car. We drive down there, which took forever, too. And then we get there, and that guy is. I mean, that guy's ultimate douchebag. Like, he's, like, trying to pick fights and stuff. Like, you know, like, I'm the biggest, baddest dude on the. It was so, like, he was like, I'm a kickboxer. And he'd be punching on his bag and stuff. It was really ridiculous. We get down there. So then he's like, yeah, we were waiting around, and. I don't know, I even told him. I was like, dude, let's just leave. So then he calls his buddy. This buddy comes over that supposedly has it, and he don't have it. We had to go somewhere else to get it. And this is. I know, like, nowadays people would find this, like, up. But that was the first time I ever seen a man in makeup, Right? Like, it's gossip, but I was like, you know, I've seen on TV and something, but it was. It was a cultural surprise to me. So I'm like, what in the world? And so we drive around. We had to sit at this, like, gas station forever, it seemed. And now I really want to leave. I was like, come on, man. Then they take us to this place called Nevada. I thought it was Nevada, but it was Nevada. That's how they say it there. And it was like this row of houses. Like, it's like. Like a square type. And then this house way onto the very far right. And we get in there, and this is like a whole party full of, like, these gothic people. Like, they're all. It just. It was. It was really, really creepy. And I remember. I think, man, I wish I had a coat, because I would sit outside for long periods because I didn't know these people. Plus, I didn't want to know. And it was just kind of creepy. I was starving, and they are, like, bought dominoes. And. And I just. I'm not one of those people that can just take from somebody. You know what I mean? And so I almost had him talked into leaving. I was like, dude. And then these cookie cutter. I swear to God, if you thought of a. A biker. There was one tall, one short, bald heads. Both of them. And they came. Got Danny. Now, I was gonna walk upstairs with him because they went up these stairs to do whatever they were doing when I was lit up that he stopped me, and he was like, no, no, you. And I Was like, oh, my God. So we get to the car, we're driving, and I'm like, you know, what'd you get? And he shows me, and it's like a. No, I've never seen What. You know, I heard of it. Never seen it, really. It was like a mini sheet of paper, right? It had a big giant cherub on it. It was, like, all brown. Like, looking. Looked like it came right out of a Masonic Temple. Like, you took it right off the ceiling. So we get back to my house, and I tell him. I'm like, hey, we can't do this at my house. I was like, my dad would kill me. That's why I remember telling him over and over again, and we're all cool about it. And so my dad and mom come home, and they're smashed drunk because my dad was a trustee or whatever at the Eagle. So they. They were always, like, on the weekends, they were always out there drinking. They get there, they. I remember I helped my mom to bed. My dad's in there just doing whatever, and he's like, hey, can you run the store? I was like, fine. I ran the store for him. I came back, and as soon as I walked in, both them dudes, they showed me their tongue. They had it on. I'm like, oh, my God. I'm thinking some. Instead of me being the smart guy, I was like, oh, well, it. I'll do it, too. And I remember I took it. And I remember at first we were having. You know, we were laughing, like, just couldn't stop laughing. And then somebody was like, hey. Because I remember I had this chair of, like, a. Made out of bamboo. And it was like. I don't know. It was. It was like I used it as an office chair because I had a little computer up there. They're like, hey, Danny's sleeping. And I was like, what? And so they try to wake him up. And when they wake up, he, like, did this, like, lunge in the sound, right? Like a zoo, like that. And I'm telling you what, that was, like, one of the scariest things ever. Like, everything crashed down around me. Like, after, from. I went from laughing to seeing that. And I tell you what. Oh, I didn't think my heart could beat any harder. I remember I tried to hit my door. And I remember my door kind of getting a little. A little sideways there for me. So I went to reach for the handle. Man. I'll tell you what it was like when I knew that my hands kind of, like, a little off, because usually it doesn't do that anyway. You know, they. Everybody said, you know, you'll see streaks and all that stuff. But, boy, that. Whatever that was, it was. It was strong. So I get outside and I'm thinking, oh, my Lord, what am I supposed to do? I was like, I gotta tell my mom. You know, my mom. I was like, try to wake her up. And she's like, what? And she's like. And I remember she came in. Her pants were on backwards, like, inside out. And she. Because she's drunk, you know, she's completely, completely drunk. She don't even know what's going on. She's like, huh? You know? And she started yelling at us, don't leave and not come back and stuff. I'm like, oh, my God. And I remember so everybody. They all went to judge. I stayed back because I couldn't. I just. Man, I tell you what, I. I was. My heart was pumping. I was starting to freak out. I didn't know. Like, my ultimate, like, fix was a milk and bread. For some reason, I was like, that should help. And it didn't. But. So I sat there and stewed on that. And I remember when the. When the sun came out, I was like, man, I gotta go down there and check. I'll check on Danny. So I showered and tried to eat some more bread in, like, five minutes. I swear to God, it was the fast I ever did it. I walked down to Judd's, and Danny's there. You know, he's staying there, but, you know, it's like when lights on, nobody's home. Like, he was smiling but never talked, never said one word. I was like, man, that's crazy. And he just wasn't answering. I remember making him eggs and made him drink milk at Judd that morning. I cooked him breakfast that morning. That's when I said, I remember when Chad. Because I remember because we kind of laughed about it. When I heard Chad say, boy, I was glad I wasn't there because he was always the goofy one. Like, not goofy one, but he was just. It was just so funny.
- [11:06]
Interviewer
Same thing, actually. He remembers that I just, like. He just couldn't remember who all was there and didn't want to speak out of line, so.
- [11:14]
Matt
Which I was like, yeah, that's me.
- [11:17]
Interviewer
That.
- [11:17]
Matt
That same thing. I don't remember who all was there, but I remember it was the core people, like I said. And I remember telling those guys, I said, listen, I'm leaving because my cousin Bunch come pick me up. And I was like, hey, if I don't get back. Don't let him leave, and I'll bite the bullet. I was like, so. Because we're gonna have to take him to the hospital. That's. That was a fact. So I leave. And I remember I went up to. My mom worked at the liquor store, so she had to go to work even though she was on a hangover, right? So she went to work and it was around. I mean, it was afternoon anyway, so it was like. Started getting about one or so. And I went up there because I had to get. Get a key from her. So me and Buns drive back. He had this big old stupid van. And so we drive around and I see two people and I forget who this is. That's what I was trying to remember. And I was like, hey. I was like, what's up? And they were like, danny's missing. I swear to God, that's what they said already. After, like, not even a couple hours. You know what I mean? Like, I was like, what? And so I go back to Judd. Yeah. He's not there. So I was thinking, all right, he's gonna get in trouble if he goes back home. Because, you know, he had a kind of rough one, his dad. And I don't know how they treated his brothers, but they were. They were pretty shitty to him. Like, really shitty. He wasn't on, like, watch TV or radio and all that. And it was really weird. And so then he came up messing. So we. We sat around for a little bit. And I remember trying to go to sleep. My dad had a poker game or something that night. And I was like, oh, my God. And I'm still kind of freaked out and I'm worried. And. And I was all worried about us getting in trouble. I was worried about what happened. I was worried about the whole nine yards. And then that's it. That was the last thing I knew. And then what made it bad for me was so I got in trouble for that whole thing. You know, my mom and dad were like, down me, you know what I mean? So I couldn't leave. And so I didn't. And so I quit hanging out with these guys. And, you know, for a while, and then they call once in a. Like once a week or something like that. Because I meant nobody had cell phones or social media at that time. So I really kind of. Like, we kind of started losing contact now. I know it sounds. Looks weird then because I quit hanging out with them. And we were like, always together. And, well, Danny was like the reason why I hung out with him mostly Anyway, because he was always at my house. Like, always. Like, he basically stayed at my house. So it didn't make no sense when they said that he ran away. Because I was thinking when he ran away, he ran to my house. You know what I mean? And so, yeah, it was freaky. So I didn't go right back around over there. And then, so, you know, I'm telling what they were saying. And then a couple weeks later, you know, I remember the cops pulling up and I was like, oh, my God. So we went down there and. And I remember, man, that guy was screaming at me before, before we had a interview type thing like, you're gonna go to jail and all this. I'm like, for what? And it scared me so bad that, like, I never noticed how bad it affected me until, like later on. But yeah, I mean, I. I could see a cop and I wouldn't have, like, never get in trouble or whatever and I'd still freak out and.
- [14:19]
Interviewer
Because that is. They're already kind of scared of, right?
- [14:23]
Matt
But, you know, but yeah, man. Yes, McLaughlin. And there was another one. I can't think of the name of the other one, but yeah, McLaughlin, he was. He was such a prick. And, you know, he just wouldn't take. Like, I remembered when they. They strapped me up for the lie detector test, right? Because I. I agreed instantly. I was like, yeah. And I remember after it was done, he's like, are you surprised you passed or some like that? And I'm just like, what the. I mean, they just wanted me to be like the bad guy. And I was like, man. And I remember that was when. The first time I ever had a panic attack too, when I went down there. And I remember first walked in, I. I had to go to the hospital. I felt like my chest was going to cave in, like, because that was another thing too. The guy was like, you see your friends in there, they're crying that you're not. And I was like, I. What am I supposed to do? I'm sitting there about to have a panic. I'm like, oh, my God. And so, yeah, I was like, I don't know. I don't cry. I guess I don't. But yeah, that, that they painted me as like this bad guy. I get it. Because around that time, you gotta remember, like, I. I just found out that I had spinal bifida, so I couldn't play sports anymore, right? And then the doctor up there in Cleveland clinic said that told me that I, you know, I could bend over it and pick up a Pepsi can and go paralyzed. So I mean, I had that on my mind. And then this Danny thing. A year later, my dad got sick and died. You know what I mean? So I just got. So I got. I went all down the deep end then. Not to mention Cleveland Clinic gave me was 180 OxyContin. 40s. And so I got strung out real quick. I mean, it was. It was a rough ride after that. And that was another reason why I never. I never went back around them guys because I just kind of got. I was so depressed too. And then, you know, and at that time nobody talked about that because we always thought that was, you know, weak, I guess. But it just irks me that they talked all that and I'm thinking they didn't call me, they didn't come down and check and see how I was doing.
- [16:21]
Interviewer
Was it just a stopping of hanging out with them or like, did you, like, did you ever. Did you move or did you just stop hanging out with them?
- [16:29]
Matt
I just stopped hanging out. Well, my dad got. I got in trouble and wasn't allowed to hang out with him and stuff. And. And then after that, I kind of. After like a week or two passed by, I just kind of like didn't.
- [16:39]
Interviewer
Want to go anywhere.
- [16:40]
Matt
I just. Yeah, like I. You talk about like, I was never happy for like forever. I felt so ashamed too because I never wanted to bring bad attention to my parents. And so, yeah, there was that, you know, and I was so embarrassed. And I'm one of those people that I just don't like to be embarrassed at all, you know, And I. I just felt so bad because they quit hanging out, you know, going out to their social nights and all that because. Causing me and you know, because the rumors are flying and stuff. So they started staying home too, and it was just kind of. It was so depressing in them. That was the last funeral I went to too, because I was a pallbearer and I didn't even go to my dad's. I mean, think about that. I couldn't. So it took a toll on me. Like, I don't know if it was, you know, just that and the culmination of all of it with the cops yelling at me, saying I was doing this and this and me embarrassing everybody by allowing that to happen at my house. And so I just kind of was just mad at myself, I guess. And then. Then Danny thing and I just like, oh my God. It just. It was. It just. It was rough. It led me down a bunch of paths. I Didn't want to be on, you know.
- [17:57]
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- [18:26]
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- [18:41]
Interviewer
Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us.
- [18:44]
Liberty Mutual Advertiser
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- [18:45]
Podcast Host
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- [18:49]
Matt
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- [18:54]
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- [19:21]
Matt
Experian.
- [19:28]
Interviewer
I wanted to ask you, like, back when you were talking about, you know, speaking with authorities and them putting you through the ringer. I mean, obviously you were interviewed multiple times. Looking back on that, do you have any, I guess, like, regrets with that and how, like, how you handle that as far as. Yeah, I mean, you were, like, not forthcoming and.
- [19:47]
Matt
Yes.
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Interviewer
I mean, assumptions as to why that is. But I just wanted to hear it, like, from you directly.
- [19:51]
Matt
Like, yeah, it was. I wish I would beat around the bush because I thought we were gonna get in trouble for, like, me and the rest of the guys were gonna get in trouble for taking acid. I swear to God, if I had it over, it wouldn't have been. I wouldn't have. I'd just been like. Yeah, because I remember they asked me multiple times.
- [20:06]
Interviewer
I was like, no.
- [20:07]
Matt
And I'm thinking, dude, they know. They know. You know what? I mean? I was thinking, what? Yeah, but I was just so scared. I was like. And I was afraid that if I said, well, I did, but I didn't, you know, and stuff like that. It just kind of. I try to bounce around that because I was so afraid that I'd get me in trouble or my dad in trouble because my dad would have poker games, and. And so I was so, like. Yeah, I was so worried about that part. And then instead of my own ass, really. But that's really what it was. I thought. I thought. I didn't want to get us in trouble.
- [20:37]
Interviewer
Yeah, that totally makes sense. That's good to hear that from you directly. I mean, none of you all were completely forthcoming in your interviews.
- [20:45]
Matt
It was gonna grow up in that age where, you know, your apologies and all this stuff and you try to be like. I mean, at least at that time, before that happened, we were. We always kind of looked out for one another, you know what I mean?
- [20:56]
Interviewer
Were you ever asked about the other drug that was in the system? Those are on them.
- [21:01]
Matt
Yeah. See, that's what we. We don't even use those. That's what's weird. It's like those were, like, most bizarre.
- [21:08]
Interviewer
Things to me in this case. It's like. I mean, it's not even a bad thing. Like, whoever gave it to him or whyever he took it was obviously trying to help, you know? And, you know, the seizure he was having, I'm assuming. But it's like, yeah, he was only at yours and Judd's house, and no one admits to having.
- [21:24]
Matt
Yeah.
- [21:24]
Interviewer
Family.
- [21:25]
Matt
I don't.
- [21:25]
Interviewer
Seizures or having that drug. And I just can't understand, like, where the hell that came from.
- [21:29]
Matt
Yeah. That's weird that. That was the first I heard it. My wife was telling me. I'm like, what? I think we didn't even have any of those. We. I don't even think we got them filled if we. You know what I mean? That the doctor was like, hey, go. We never, ever would get them. So. Yeah, it was really odd. I figured, like, one that would be in the system would be, like, ambient. Now. He did get those, but. Yeah, we. We took those. But that would be like. Everybody would take those and then go to sleep. I guess it's like hillbilly ass is what they call it. But. Yeah, I don't know, man.
- [22:01]
Interviewer
One more follow up on the thing from Friday and Saturday night. The whole thing about, you know, you said you ran up to the store. I just want to make sure I have the story right on that as far as. Yes. That was on Friday.
- [22:13]
Matt
Right.
- [22:13]
Interviewer
Like, after you all got back from. Yeah. So then you just left Steve and Adam there? Ran up.
- [22:19]
Matt
Yeah.
- [22:19]
Interviewer
Did your dad go with you? Do you remember? Or did you just.
- [22:22]
Matt
I forget.
- [22:22]
Interviewer
Like, were you just getting snacks in the group or like.
- [22:24]
Matt
What? No, no, it was for my dad. My dad wanted me to go up there and I forget if he went because I knew he was drunk. That's why he. He couldn't really go. But it was a grocery store. It was. Now it's fave a lot, but it was. I think it was misslers at the time. I don't know if it switched over yet, but yeah, it was a grocery store. I remember it was something stupid. It was like bread and, you know, I mean, something dumb like that. It wasn't nothing cool or snacks or.
- [22:50]
Interviewer
Anything that's good, you know. Do you have like a best guess as to like, what time approximately when you went to get food?
- [22:59]
Matt
I forget what time they closed the store because I know I was like one of the last people, whatever that was. So it was like, had to be around nine, ten, something like that. I don't know. But it was dark. I know that. Okay.
- [23:11]
Interviewer
And so you all went together pretty late then. Like, it wasn't like.
- [23:14]
Matt
Yeah, well, no, no. It was right after school. We had to sit there and wait. That's why I was saying we wait. They waited there forever. Oh, my God. Because I remember Judd was out back already waiting for us. And I forget if anybody. Because yeah, people, they'd come to our. We'd go to each other's house and be there all day without. Without you. Them there. You know, I mean, like, my buddies could have come over and they could. I couldn't have been there all day and they could have come over. You know what I mean? So that's the way it was. My garage was all decked out so it was like one of the cool hangouts for everybody. They would come over and everybody would just hang out and. And we had one of the cooler houses and you know, me and Judd, because our parents would allow us to drink. But I mean, they didn't allow anybody else drinking. It allowed me to drink and, you know, I mean.
- [23:59]
Interviewer
Right.
- [23:59]
Matt
But that. We had one of the quarter slots, so that's. Boy, oh, boy, I wish I didn't ever come back to the house at night.
- [24:07]
Interviewer
Yeah, I'm sure, man. Okay, so just to clarify, so you got back sometime before 9?
- [24:15]
Matt
It was.
- [24:15]
Interviewer
Yeah, getting late. So when did your parents get home? You said they were at the Eagles that night?
- [24:22]
Matt
Yeah, they would. They'd go to the bar like. Well, hell, I think every night. I don't know. I remember them coming home early because usually they didn't come in until like midnight, one o' Clock. And so I remember it was early, but my mom was completely hammered. Like, she couldn't walk up the stairs. And their bedroom was. You go through the kitchen, and then they'd have these, like, little set of three stairs and then into the back room. That was her. That was where their bedroom was. And I had to help her down those three stairs to get her in the bed. And remember, my dad was staggering around, you know, and that's when he asked me to go to store. And so I was like, okay, add me before 10.
- [25:01]
Interviewer
Okay, that's. That's helpful to know. Another thing that popped in my head was, what all do you remember from the whole thing about Danny getting his. His shoes the next morning? Were you there for that? Or do you remember that as far as, like, he supposedly he. Before he went home, I guess, walked to your house to get his shoes because they were left over there kind of in the chaos of. Of the night before. At least it seems like that's what, you know, your. Your dad reported at the time. Yeah, see, I had an interaction, but.
- [25:31]
Matt
I don't remember that at all. But, yeah, I wasn't there if that would happen, but, yeah, I don't know.
- [25:37]
Interviewer
Yeah, no worries. I just didn't know. And then the other thing is, I guess, like, this wasn't him returning for that, but did he leave his medication over there?
- [25:46]
Matt
Yeah, he stayed at the house. Like, he literally, like, stayed at my house basically all the time. Like, he was there a lot of, like, most every day. So, like, that's why it was weird when his parents said he ran away. I was like, dude, he always comes to my house. You know what I mean? That was another red flag. Well, why is it. I'm thinking it's his lithium and he won't take it. Like, we tried to force him be like, hey, man, you need to take this stuff. Yeah, it was sitting in the windowsill. I still remember the red flags.
- [26:14]
Interviewer
For me. I mean, I just. Again, obviously he was over there a lot, but also, like, he was there the night before and a bunch of chaos.
- [26:20]
Matt
Right.
- [26:20]
Interviewer
Sued and.
- [26:21]
Matt
Yeah.
- [26:22]
Interviewer
Somewhere else. Like, I mean, it makes sense that his shoes and. Or medication and. Or who knows what else could have been. Yeah, right.
- [26:29]
Matt
And then what was really weird was. All right, so my wife said that, like, when they found him, he had semen on him. I was like, what the. Or they listed him as bisexual. I was thinking, dude, no, I meant if he was. He was the most deepest closeted person ever because we never. I was thinking, dude, no, I. I mean he was. Yeah, dude was not like that. Like he was a dude. Like I don't know. It was so weird when that surprised the on me too.
- [26:56]
Interviewer
Me too. And I mean I obviously didn't know anything like you, but I felt like I had gathered a decent understanding when I came across that and yeah, yeah, I mean I was just as dumbfounded. And then I had to go back and like obviously ask people about it which is a really uncomfortable thing.
- [27:10]
Matt
Right.
- [27:11]
Interviewer
Parents, you know, and it's just like oh lord. I mean I don't know where impromptu unless it was literally just all stemmed from the fact that there was semen that found in his rectal swab.
- [27:23]
Matt
Yeah, that is scary. Like I. I could not believe that.
- [27:32]
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- [29:06]
Interviewer
If you wouldn't mind, can we talk about like some of the rumors or accusations? I guess you can say that has been made.
- [29:12]
Matt
Sure. That's great.
- [29:14]
Interviewer
Some informants, you know, were arrested and that's like where the rumors came up. And essentially those rumors were, you know, that he at some point, I guess returned to Yalls house Saturday night, died. They didn't say anybody killed him. Their words I guess were that he died there and that basically someone was it.
- [29:34]
Matt
Was it the carpet one the field? Yeah, yeah.
- [29:39]
Interviewer
You know they're really like heavily Redacted in the files. So, I mean, it's kind of like you. You almost have to, like, kind of read between the lines. But I can come up, right? Interview with your mom later. Like, yeah. Which is how I was able to determine. Okay, I see what they're talking about in these files here.
- [29:54]
Matt
Yeah. Because my mama and. And we know who the person is, but we're, like, not friends with them. And my mom, it was like, her name was. And, dude, she was always in trouble, and. And my mom's like, why would I tell her? I was like, oh, my God. But, yeah, that's where that comes from. That's why I try to tell you. All the rumors came from these, like, felon drug addicts. I was saying, dude, these guys, I think. Why would anybody tell any of those guys anything? They would tell on each other to stop themselves from being sick for three days. They would tell on their whole family. It's like, why would anybody tell them anything like that? I mean, they just actually talked to.
- [30:32]
Interviewer
Your mom not that long ago. I don't even know if you know that.
- [30:36]
Matt
Yeah, yeah, she. Yeah, she told. She told me, like, two detectives talked to her. I mean, you know, she hasn't been.
- [30:43]
Interviewer
Right ever, this case, but I guess they're still working on it.
- [30:46]
Matt
Yeah. Yeah. I mean, and they should until they. You know, until they figure out whatever happened. Yeah. My mom, she caught Covert real bad in, like, 2020, like, right when it was coming out, you know? I mean, man, should. They had her on the ventilator for, like, a month and a half. It was crazy. But. Yeah, but she hasn't been the same symptoms because, you know, man, they put her through a ringer, broke her tooth out, and I. I mean, the reason. The only reason it saved her was they let us come up to say our last goodbyes finally, because we got, you know, putting it off and off. And when we got up there, because they kept telling us that she had no brain activity, we got up there, and I'm like, dude, her leg moved. And me and my brother made this nurse guy go over and watch. We're like, oh, you see that? And he's like, yeah. And that's how it saved her. I swear to God, that was the craziest. But, yeah, her brain activity was down to nothing. It was crazy. But, yeah, this is so, like, she told me what happened, but like I said, you can tell, like, she's not.
- [31:41]
Interviewer
All there, you know? Yeah, no, for sure. I could tell from that. And that was a year ago, you know, hopefully she's doing okay now. But yeah, you know you can tell them that she's was kind of down bad and obviously you know getting up there in age as well. So I don't necessarily like that this has to follow her all the way either. In some ways I'd say a lot of the rumors, allegations really pertain more so to your mom than you. You weren't named stuff as far as I know. Unless I'm misunderstanding.
- [32:11]
Matt
No.
- [32:12]
Interviewer
And whatnot.
- [32:12]
Matt
No, that you're probably true because I was all right. My brother, he's not the nice guy either. He's kind of like my uncle. So a lot of people don't like him either. And then my mom. I don't know why my mom though. But I kind of figured that you know, if anything they were going to always bring them to into it and that's what always irked me. There was another person. I ain't gonna say his name but he's related. He was wanting to try to say my dad did so and you know. And that was after my dad passed and my dad treated him so good and too. And it was just. Oh man, that was so heartbreaking. Like I said, these people thought they telling on us or something would get them some kind of leniency or something. Nothing. And that's the worst thing you can do. You know what I mean? You're gonna make dude, you know, you'll make Rick all mad and. And then he's. Then he's really gonna get you. You know what I mean? So I was thinking the guy don't even like us. You don't want his name put in the paper or said and these guys go in there making up bullshit. And I was like oh my God. And they did that on everything. Like not just that like everything. They've always done it.
- [33:09]
Interviewer
Yeah. So I guess like actually that's kind of helpful to know because that was something I was trying to get more clarity around too because like I mean obviously I see the connection with you know, your uncle and I can totally understand why these people who are about to get in trouble with something else and maybe have something against would say these things. I guess. Rick and McLaughlin were both working a drug task force that.
- [33:34]
Matt
Yeah. Metric unit.
- [33:35]
Interviewer
Yeah. That's why everybody got men came up. But they are documented. I mean they authorities including your own uncle interestingly like took them seriously. I mean they're right there in the reports and there's follow up and that's obviously been a really kind of weird connection there. I Guess like, with. With Rick working on the case, like, how do you feel about that?
- [33:57]
Matt
I mean, that's like a conflict, really.
- [34:00]
Interviewer
I don't think it necessarily means he did anything wrong.
- [34:05]
Matt
I don't know. They. They always.
- [34:06]
Interviewer
He should not have been working on the case.
- [34:08]
Matt
Yeah, he's not a popular guy, let's just put it that way. And so a lot of people had it out for him. Like, there was rumors one time that me and my dad and him and his son, we were in front of this big, giant thing of cocaine with our fingers up, point at number one or something. I was like, why? I think I've never even seen cocaine until I was like, 23. Holy. You know, around here, it was just pills, you know, and that was it. But, yeah, I was like. I mean, that's just one of the rumors. Like, they'll be like. The rumors, they'll say, like, he stopped me and he made me give him my drugs. I'm thinking, really, well, then why. Why do you have to go to court for this? Like, Jesus, Pete, like you said, you.
- [34:48]
Interviewer
Have, like, a prettier, strange relationship with. I guess you could say.
- [34:51]
Matt
Yeah, we talked maybe once. Blue Moon. I. I think the last time I talked to him again was my grandma's funeral. My grandma died because she lived next door to me. And he came over and that's. That was when I saw him.
- [35:03]
Interviewer
That was it.
- [35:03]
Matt
Yeah. Yeah, it was weird.
- [35:05]
Interviewer
Now, did that happen since all this, or, like, were you already, like, kind of.
- [35:08]
Matt
Oh, that's been.
- [35:09]
Interviewer
Back in.
- [35:10]
Matt
No, yeah, back in 98. Yeah, he started. That's when he, you know, the rumors are talking about, you know, hey, they do pills and stuff, so. So he never would be caught around us. He didn't want his name thrown through the mud, like, associated with his family. And that's really what it came down to.
- [35:28]
Interviewer
And he didn't want his name type of thing.
- [35:30]
Matt
Yes. That was more like him protecting himself. I remember the. One of the one conversations we had, and I remember like this, right after my dad died, and we didn't have, like. It was rough because I was. I didn't know how to survive. Neither did my mom. So she asked him for help or something. I forget what it was. And he's like, it's not if we catch you, it's when we catch, I'll make sure they'll throw the book at you. That was the last. The last thing I talked to him in a long, long time. Until my grandma passed. My mom and him had a bad upbringing. You Know, and so when he became somebody, he always wanted to protect that name. And I get it now as I got older, but for a long time I was just like, man. And so he just don't. He didn't want his name brought back up to being, like, what it was when he was a kid.
- [36:17]
Interviewer
Yeah. It kind of disassociated the same thing.
- [36:20]
Matt
Right.
- [36:21]
Interviewer
Then there's just like a weird layer to it because he also, for whatever reason, kind of inserted himself into things. And then naturally a tip comes from that that concerns you all and it. Yeah, one. One big cluster clock, I guess.
- [36:35]
Matt
Right. He should have never been able to get on there in the first place, which is weird.
- [36:39]
Interviewer
Yeah.
- [36:39]
Matt
Because he's never talked to us about that at all. Like, never even brought up. I never got interviewed, obviously, because you can't do that. That really tell you. And he never. Never mentioned, like. Because, you know, I always talk to my. Cut. My other cousins, like his son and his daughter, about more. More of a son. But he never mentioned anything like his dad saying anything about it or anything.
- [37:01]
Interviewer
Well, I appreciate you sharing that. Again, I'm not necessarily pointing fingers to anybody. I don't necessarily think he did anything wrong or sabotage anything, but he shouldn't have been working on the case in any way. And it.
- [37:14]
Matt
Yeah, yeah.
- [37:15]
Interviewer
It just kind of hurt your all's case.
- [37:17]
Matt
Yeah. I didn't. I. I didn't even know he was allowed to. To be honest. That's as much as I know. They didn't. Even after the. That last interview, they didn't say anything. So there was nothing. It was silence forever. Like, I remember there was a girl, she's trying to help with the Danny situation. And she got a hold of me. She's married to a friend of mine when I was in school, Eric Allen. Super nice. Eric was a great. She was like, oh, yeah, he was murdered. And I'm like, no. And she's like, it wasn't even in the paper. I had to go back to see that because I forgot all about them putting it in the paper because I always assumed that he went out there and froze to death. Like, you know, maybe went in one of those convulsion things or whatever, or seizure, whatever the those were. And that was my assumption. But his brother got a hold of me finally. And I told him, you know, what happened that night. He didn't know anything about it, which was odd.
- [38:09]
Interviewer
Yeah, he didn't. I mean, he really knew nothing. That was kind of his first. I mean, that was right around the time That I met. Met Drew, I think, and, like, he was just starting to, like, reach out to a few people and pick up on some things. But then at the same time, you're 25 degrees removed and you're getting conflicting information that just very quickly turns into a big ball of confusion, honestly. So I've been the nature here, and.
- [38:32]
Matt
I felt bad because he'd call me and stuff, and they'd asked me to go places.
- [38:37]
Interviewer
I just.
- [38:37]
Matt
I'm so, like, antisocial, I swear to God. And I didn't know how to explain to him, and that don't help my case either. But he calling it. He's like, ain't you coming out? Thinking, no, I don't. It just. It doesn't affect me, but it still affects me. You know what I mean? Like, I can just feel my heart pacing and just even talking about this stuff. But I felt bad. That's why I said his brother got a hold of me because he wanted me to go to do something on Saturday. I remember I had to work anyway, but it was something for Danny. But I. I just. I didn't want to show up anyway, because, like I said, you hear those rumors, and then you hear. You see a bunch of people that sit there and think that you did, you know, and I just couldn't. I just couldn't handle it. That's why I want to talk to you. I wanted you to at least know, you know, where I was coming from, you know, because you. If I'd ever said anything, you. It would all have been just guessing. So, yeah, you know, like I said, I tried to stay out of everything for so long, and it was just eventually I was like, I knew I was gonna have to come out and tell somebody, and I seen that that was your podcast, and I was like, well, I'm telling him then.
- [39:37]
Interviewer
Yeah, it's only right, especially saying with some of the things that have been said, that you get to give your side as well. And I think it's admirable that you. You've done that, and I appreciate talking to you.
- [39:49]
Matt
No, no problem.
- [39:51]
Interviewer
If you think of anything else or if anything comes up in the coming weeks, feel free to reach out. You have my number now, and I'll do my best.
- [39:58]
Matt
All right.
- [39:58]
Interviewer
To get back to you. I just also just want to give you, like, just a open platform quickly. No pressure at all to say anything, but if there is anything else you just want to say, just on more like a. A general level about Danny or this case or whatever.
- [40:16]
Matt
I knew that was going to get dinged for because everybody, they used to come down the house all the time. So it was like they just knew it. And with my uncle being in the being a police officer, that that really hurt us a lot more than it helped like people think. Because then that's when they thought started thinking that we were, you know, oh well he's helping them and they did this and stuff. But all those rumors were by drug addicts and telling trying to get out of trouble because they didn't want to be dope sick. And I hate to say it like that, but it's true. We never had anything to do with it that we were the first people to even volunteer for the they didn't even force us to do a light tech test as we volunteered as soon as they asked, you know. So yeah, all that is just, it's bunking. Well, I hope, I pray that it comes out so then they find whatever happened.
- [41:08]
Podcast Narrator
Thank you for listening to this bonus episode of Culpable. Make sure you tune in next Monday, October 13, for episode eight, the conclusion of the series. And if you're not already, be sure to subscribe to the channel so that you can be the first to know when future episodes release. As we receive more updates and continue our investigation into the case of Danny Violet, it Until next time.