Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Introducing: Clues with Morgan Absher & Kaelyn Moore
Release Date: April 28, 2025

Introduction to the New Series

In the April 28, 2025 episode of Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield, Ashleigh Banfield unveils an exciting addition to the Crime House lineup: the original series Clues, hosted by Morgan Absher and Kaylin Moore. Banfield emphasizes her extensive experience in true crime reporting, stating, “I know a thing or two about true crime... I’ve been reporting on it for 36 years” [00:00]. She invites listeners to delve deeper into mystery and injustice through this new series, promising an irreverent style distinct from her television persona.

Meet the Hosts: Morgan Absher & Kaylin Moore

Ashleigh introduces the dynamic duo behind Clues. Morgan Absher, known for hosting the podcast Two Hot Takes, and Kaylin Moore, the voice behind Heart Starts Pounding, bring years of experience dissecting complex crime stories and internet phenomena.

Clues: A Comprehensive Exploration of Crime

Clues is portrayed as a deep dive into some of the most notorious crimes, where every minute detail can be the key to unraveling the case. Banfield describes the show as “where a single clue can crack a case wide open” [00:00]. Hosted every Wednesday, the series promises to explore everything from shocking murders to high-stakes trials, meticulously unpacking forensic evidence and the relentless pursuit of truth by investigators.

Hosts' Approach and Expertise

Morgan Absher and Kaylin Moore outline their unique approaches to the series:

• Morgan Absher: “I'll be your Internet sleuth, pulling out the threads that don't add up or maybe do, and digging into the unanswered questions that still linger” [01:35]. Morgan leverages his expertise in online investigations, tapping into platforms like Reddit to uncover theories and obscure details that often go unnoticed.

• Kaylin Moore: “I'll be piecing together the timelines, analyzing the forensic science and tracking the hard evidence that changed everything” [01:57]. Kaylin focuses on the scientific and evidential aspects, ensuring a thorough examination of each case's factual components.

Preview of the First Episode: The Lacey Peterson Case

The inaugural episode of Clues centers on the perplexing murder of Lacey Peterson. The hosts begin by setting the stage for this complex case, highlighting significant elements that made it notoriously difficult to solve.

Key Clues Discussed in the First Episode

1. Scott’s Boat: A Suspicious Acquisition

   Kaylin Moore provides critical background on Scott’s acquisition of a boat, a pivotal element in the Lacey Peterson case:

   “Scott bought it on December 9, 2002, about two weeks prior to Lacey's disappearance... He... bought this boat in cash, which... was kept in a warehouse away from his family. No one knew about this boat. There was no paper trail leading him to this boat” [02:14].

   This secretive purchase raised red flags, especially considering Scott's concealment of the boat's existence from his family and the lack of a legitimate purchase record.

2. The First Use of the Boat: Timing is Everything

   The first and only time Scott took the boat out was on December 24, the day Lacey went missing:

   “Scott... thought that the day Lacy went missing also was, like, the perfect time to take it out” [03:35].

   The timing of this decision coinciding with Lacey's disappearance suggested ulterior motives, adding a layer of suspicion to Scott’s actions.

3. Hair Evidence: A Critical Breakthrough

   One of the most compelling pieces of evidence discussed is the presence of two dark strands of hair found wrapped in pliers on Scott's boat:

   “...the prosecution argued that because Lacey's hair was found on the boat, it meant that she had been on the boat, if not when she was alive, then when she was dead” [04:06].

   Morgan Expands on this clue:

   “It was wrapped up in pliers. Yeah, it's a very strange spot for the hair to be” [04:22].

   The intentional placement of the hair suggested a deliberate attempt to link Lacey to the boat, strengthening the case against Scott.

4. Potential Explanations and Implications

   The hosts explore possible scenarios surrounding the hair evidence:

   Kaylin speculates, “maybe there was a chance that he hugged her goodbye in the morning, hair got on his shirt, it got onto the boat” [05:06].

   However, the disappearance of this evidence due to Scott washing his clothes promptly leaves many questions unanswered, indicating possible attempts to destroy incriminating evidence.

Conclusion: The Intricacies of Clues and Justice

The first episode of Clues sets the tone for the series, showcasing the meticulous unraveling of complex cases through critical examination of seemingly minor details. Morgan and Kaylin's combined expertise offers listeners a balanced perspective, blending internet-driven theories with scientific analysis.

Join the Journey

Ashleigh Banfield wraps up the introduction by encouraging listeners to follow Clues on their preferred podcast platforms and social media:

“If you want to take a peek into our case files, make sure you're following us on socials. Rimehouse and Clues podcast on Instagram” [05:26].

New episodes drop every Wednesday, inviting true crime enthusiasts to engage with every nuanced clue that brings us closer to the truth.

This detailed summary captures the essence of the introductory episode of Clues, highlighting the hosts' backgrounds, the show's objectives, and a deep dive into the first case discussed. For those passionate about true crime and investigative storytelling, Clues promises a compelling addition to the genre.