Brandon and Zane: Picking Up the Pieces

Summary

Podcast Summary: Dumb Blonde - Episode "Brandon and Zane: Picking Up the Pieces"

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of the Dumb Blonde podcast, host Bunnie XO engages in a profound and emotional conversation with Brandon and Zane, whose lives were tragically altered by the loss of their mother. The episode delves deep into their journey of grief, resilience, and healing, offering listeners an intimate look into their experiences and the strength they've mustered to rebuild their lives.

Setting the Stage

The episode begins with Bunnie introducing Brandon and Zane, setting a supportive and compassionate tone for the ensuing discussion. As the conversation unfolds, listeners are drawn into the siblings' personal narratives, understanding the complexities of their emotions and the challenges they faced following their mother's untimely death.

The Day Their Mother Disappeared

Brandon and Zane recount the fateful day their mother went missing, painting a vivid picture of the initial confusion and fear that gripped their family.

• Brandon's Perspective ([05:32]): "I was the first one to see her and the last one. When the cops arrived, they found my mother's purse, which was odd since she never forgets it."

• Zane's Involvement ([18:57]): "I was just trying to keep everything together, but it was overwhelming. My brother was paranoid, and I felt helpless."

The siblings describe the immediate aftermath—receiving the heartbreaking news, dealing with police investigations, and the overwhelming sense of loss that ensued.

Grieving and Coping Mechanisms

Brandon and Zane discuss their individual and collective ways of coping with their immense loss.

• Brandon on Cooking as Therapy ([47:04]): "Cooking was my way of keeping my mind on something positive. It helped me stay focused on my goals despite the tragedy."

• Zane on Seeking Therapy ([48:38]): "I've been in therapy since moving away. Talking to a professional has been crucial in navigating my grief."

The conversation highlights the importance of finding personal outlets and professional support in the healing process. They emphasize that everyone's grief journey is unique and that it's essential to find what works best for oneself.

Court Cases and Seeking Justice

The siblings delve into the legal battles they faced in the wake of their mother's death, sharing their frustrations and the prolonged wait for justice.

• Brandon on Delayed Justice ([31:35]): "Covid and the hurricane delayed every court date, extending our agony for years."

• Zane on Closure ([32:30]): "Once he was convicted, I felt a sense of closure, though the rage had been overwhelming for so long."

They discuss the emotional toll of the prolonged legal process and the bittersweet relief upon receiving a conviction, underscoring the long journey from tragedy to a semblance of justice.

Creating the GoFundMe for Healing

Brandon and Zane talk about their hesitancy and eventual decision to create a GoFundMe page to support their healing and future endeavors.

• Brandon on Overcoming Pride ([56:16]): "Timmy convinced me to see it as our mother's blessings from above, which made me more comfortable creating the GoFundMe."

• Zane on Supporting Each Other ([67:05]): "Seeing the love and support from this community has been incredible and healing in itself."

They acknowledge the importance of community support and the shift from pride to embracing assistance as a necessary step in their journey.

Memories of Their Mother

Brandon and Zane share touching memories and lessons learned from their mother, celebrating her strength and kindness.

• Brandon on His Mother's Independence ([51:22]): "She's the true definition of a strong, independent woman. I'm proud to carry her legacy."

• Zane on Her Kindness ([51:35]): "She was one of the sweetest people I've ever met. Everyone loved her just as I loved her."

These reflections honor their mother's memory, highlighting the enduring impact she had on their lives and their commitment to embodying her virtues.

Impact Statements and Testimonies

The podcast delves into their experiences with the court system, particularly Brandon's impactful testimony.

• Brandon on His Testimony ([43:13]): "It was an impact statement. I knew it was going to do something meaningful for my mom."

• Zane on Emotional Strength ([42:18]): "Watching his testimony was so powerful. It showed the depth of our love and the strength we have."

Their testimonies served not only as legal evidence but also as a way to honor their mother's memory, showcasing their emotional resilience and commitment to seeking justice.

Closing Thoughts and Moving Forward

As the conversation winds down, Brandon and Zane reflect on their healing journey and the importance of maintaining their mother's legacy.

• Brandon on Moving Forward ([47:44]): "Cooking keeps me focused on my goals. It's my way of staying strong."

• Zane on Building a Support Network ([48:24]): "Joining clubs and making friends helped me regain some normalcy."

They emphasize the significance of finding purpose and building a supportive community to continue their healing and personal growth.

Promoting the GoFundMe

Towards the end of the episode, Bunnie XO encourages listeners to support Brandon and Zane through their GoFundMe initiative, highlighting the importance of community support in their healing process.

• Bunnie's Call to Action ([54:12]): "If you feel moved, please donate to Brandon and Zane's GoFundMe to support their journey of healing."

Conclusion

The episode "Brandon and Zane: Picking Up the Pieces" offers a poignant exploration of loss, resilience, and the path to healing. Through their candid sharing, Brandon and Zane provide listeners with a powerful narrative of overcoming tragedy and finding strength in the face of unimaginable pain. This episode serves as both a tribute to their mother's memory and an inspiring testament to the human spirit's capacity to heal and rebuild.

Notable Quotes

• Brandon ([43:13]): "It was an impact statement. I knew it was going to do something meaningful for my mom."
• Zane ([51:35]): "She was one of the sweetest people I've ever met. Everyone loved her just as I loved her."
• Brandon ([47:04]): "Cooking was my way of keeping my mind on something positive. It helped me stay focused on my goals despite the tragedy."
• Zane ([32:30]): "Once he was convicted, I felt a sense of closure, though the rage had been overwhelming for so long."
• Brandon ([56:16]): "Timmy convinced me to see it as our mother's blessings from above, which made me more comfortable creating the GoFundMe."

Supporting Brandon and Zane

To support Brandon and Zane in their healing journey, listeners are encouraged to visit their GoFundMe page, accessible through the podcast's links on Apple and Spotify, as well as Bunnie XO's social media platforms. Your contributions can make a significant difference in their lives as they continue to honor their mother's legacy and rebuild their futures.

Find and Follow Brandon and Zane

• Brandon's Instagram: @ye/B239
• Zane's Art Account: Romero Zrr
• General Contact: Brandon and Zane can be found on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram for those who wish to follow their ongoing journey and support their endeavors.

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This summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, offering a structured and comprehensive overview for those who have yet to listen. Brandon and Zane's story is one of profound loss, unwavering strength, and the relentless pursuit of healing, making this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and empathy.

Transcript

[Bunny]

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[JD Delay]

I go shopping at Quince to fill.

[Bunny]

Up my closet for fall time. And you should too. Here's something I'm really looking forward to as the weather turns cooler. Football games, pumpkin spice lattes, marshmallow body sprays and s'mores by the fireplace with my family and slipping into a cozy sweater from Quince. Quince is known for their Mongolian cashmere sweaters for 50 bucks. And it's not just that all Quince Items are priced 50 to 80% less than similar brands. That includes beautiful leather jackets, cotton cardigans, soft denim, my favorite, and so much more. How are they able to do that? By partnering directly with top factories and cutting out the cost of the middleman, which passes the savings on to us. And Quint only works with factories that use safe, ethical and responsible manufacturing practices. And of course, premium fabrics and finishes for that luxury feel in every piece. I personally love the Quint suitcases. I take them everywhere with me. You guys know I'm on the road right now and guess what I have under my bus? You got it. The Quint suitcases. Get cozy and Quince's high quality wardrobe essentials go to quince.com bunny b u n n I e for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. That's Quince quinc.combunny b u n n I e to get free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.combunny I love a great deal as much as the next scale, but I'm not going to crawl through a bed of hot coals just to save a few bucks. It has to be easy. No hoops, no bs. So when Mint Mobile said it was easy to get wireless for $15 a month with purchase of a three month plan, I called them on it. Turns out it really is that easy to get wireless for 15amonth. The longest part of the process was the time I spent on hold waiting to break up with my old provider. Other than that, going with Mint Mobile was easy purchase, easy activation and easy use website, baby. To get started, go to mint mobile.com/bunny B U n n I e There. You'll see that right now all three month plans are only 15amonth, including the unlimited plan. All plans come with high speed data and unlimited talk and text delivered on the nation's largest 5G network. You can use your own phone with any Mint Mobile plan And bring your phone number along with all your existing contacts to get this new customer offer and your new three month premium wireless plan for just 15 buckaroos a month, go to mint mobile.com bunny b u n n I e. That's mint mobile.com bunny b u N N I E. Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at mint mobile.com bunny $45 upfront payment required, equivalent to $15 a month. New customers on first three month plan only speeds slower above 40 gigabytes on unlimited plan. Additional taxes, fees and restrictions apply. Cement Mobile for details. Hey, guys, I need to ask you a question. I want to know, why in the hell are you not on Patreon? I don't think you guys even realize.

[JD Delay]

How much content we have on Patreon.

[Bunny]

Let me break it down for you. We have the Bunny XO show. We have Meet the Defaults. We have propaganda. We have more shows that we're adding. And not to mention, we have the visuals of the podcast. Head over to www.patreon.com backslash Dumblon podcast and sign up Bunny XO, Bunny XO D podcast and Bunny Rolls like Bunny X.

[Zane]

Talk to me about Bunny.

[Bunny]

Is this thing on?

[JD Delay]

What's up, you sexy? Welcome to part two of last week's episode. But today we have. We still have JD Delay here. Zane is joining us on the couch, and Brandon is here. What's up, you guys? How are you? You want to move that closer to you so you don't. There you go. Yeah, there you. Can I get closer so you don't have to?

[Brandon]

Yeah, I can.

[JD Delay]

There you go.

[Brandon]

You can get very closer.

[JD Delay]

What's up, guys? How are you? Thank you for joining us.

[Timmy]

No, thank you. This was a very interesting experience, especially since I've never been to Nashville before.

[JD Delay]

Oh, I love it. I love that you guys were willing to come here and sit on this couch and, you know, like, I've been talking with JD for the past two hours about the whole entire situation that has happened, the case and all that stuff. And I just think it's so important that the people get to see your faces. And it's like my husband said downstairs, it's like that dude's gonna be locked in a cell and he's gonna be forgotten about. The person that we can make sure that isn't forgotten is Diane Ruiz and Christina Melton. And that's what. That's what we want to do here today is just to honor your mom. I think a really cool situation that we got to experience together. Was on your mom's birthday, you guys got to come and watch my husband perform. Like, how fucking awesome was that? Just the timing wise.

[Brandon]

That one was actually great because that was just. I would believe that straight faith, because out of the conversations that we had before and then when he told me to pick a tour date and then I looked at his tour dates, it is a jelly roll. When I looked at his tour dates and I looked at it, there was one out in Florida, out in Orlando, and it was literally on my mother's birthday, I'm like, this is fate talking right here. So it was meant to be. So it was a great experience, though, and I loved every moment of it.

[JD Delay]

I was so thankful to have you guys there. Like, thank you guys for just even coming. Like, that meant so much to me.

[Brandon]

You know, thank you for the invite. Of course. No, it was Dani.

[Timmy]

Definitely amazing. Especially since I no longer live in Florida. It was really nice celebrating her birthday in Florida since that's where she was mostly.

[JD Delay]

Mm. Absolutely. Anytime you guys want to come to any show, you guys for life. Lifers. We're lifers. So any show. You guys wanna come. Same with you, jd Anytime you guys ever wanna come to a show, just hit me up. You guys are in like Flynn, so.

[Zane]

And it's funny because behind the scenes, I was talking with Bunny and she's like, I'm so excited to have them. And she's like, I'm a little bit nervous because I just love them so much and I haven't met them yet. So it was such.

[Timmy]

It was.

[Zane]

She was so happy and honored to have you guys there, man.

[JD Delay]

No, it was. It was truly an honor, especially considering how we met, you know, and after I put that video online of us meeting, of course, there was people who were like, oh, now she wants to help the victims. And it's like, I don't think people realize the relationship that we've developed in these past four months. And, you know, even with JD Too, like, I don't know, this all my mistake brought all of us together. And for that, I'm so fucking thankful for, because this has been a wild ride. And it's like I was just telling JD in the last episode, like, when the Lord gives me lessons, he really gives me lessons. But this has been a blessing and a lesson.

[Brandon]

Yeah.

[JD Delay]

And I'm just honored to have you guys, you know, be a part of my life.

[Bunny]

So let's get into how you and.

[JD Delay]

I, the first night that you and I had a conversation. Do you remember that night?

[Brandon]

Actually. Actually, I do. I was in the middle of work and I'm getting all these messages from people saying that, that you made a comment about the situation. I'm totally clueless because I'm in the middle of work. I work in the kitchen. I'm getting. And I'm getting my shit wrecked with a bunch of tickets, a bunch of orders. I got my best friend literally calling me like, yo, Bunny had just made a comment about the situation and I was still in the middle of work. And then I think he posted another comment or something like that. I don't remember it like fully, but I remember it came to a point in time where I told my best friend, like, shout out Timmy, by the way, Timmy.

[JD Delay]

Shout out Timmy.

[Brandon]

Shout out Timmy. And he told me, he's like, yo, I guess Bunny wants to, I guess speak to you. I'm in the middle of work. I didn't even know who you were at first. And then when I started to look you up, that's when I found out about you. And then I was, I don't want to say speechless though, but I was more on a confusion because I'm like, I wasn't expecting this to happen. I'm in the middle of work and just, I guess if I was to really think a lot deeper into it, it was like my mother liked jelly roll. And then if you are his wife, it's like, there's something there, there's a small connection that will force me to engage the situation. You know what I mean?

[JD Delay]

Yeah.

[Brandon]

And then when I finally engaged it, I believe my mother's soon to be husband, Scott. I believe his. I want to say his daughter had messaged me also.

[JD Delay]

Yeah, that's how I had spoken to you was she had DM'd me and said, hey, I think she said, Brandon would like to talk to you or something like that. And I was like, yes, connect us. I would love to speak with him. Because I was just like, I was at this point, I had got myself and, you know, stuck my foot in my mouth and got myself in a world of shit. And I was just like, how can I fix this? Because I'm the type of person if I do something wrong, I want to write it and that's just how it's going to go. And I will go to the fucking ends of the earth until I write it.

[Brandon]

And then I do want to go back to where we first started. And you called it a mistake. I wouldn't call it a mistake at all if it led us to this point now. Because it's always a blessing. I mean, there's certain ways that some situations have to be brought up. And if that was to be brought up like that, I wouldn't call it a mistake at all. You know what I mean?

[JD Delay]

I appreciate you so much.

[Brandon]

I can say that deeply down.

[Timmy]

But also, I don't want you to feel bad because at the time, I'm obviously, I'm very avid on TikTok and it was very popular at the time. And I, you know, I scroll and stuff like that. And what you said wasn't. Wasn't even bad compared to other things I've seen. It definitely does not cross other lines.

[JD Delay]

You know, I appreciate that I could have been a lot more sensitive. I think the laughing is what. And I also think because. And this is not me justifying what I said at all, but I think because I'm a blonde and I'm, you know, a big personality and he's a. A man that people think is attractive, they immediately wanted to make it seem like I was romanticizing it. And that's really not what I was doing. Like. And I could see how it had been, you know, translated into that. I don't want to keep focusing on that because, you know, what I did was wrong and there's no excuse for it. And I've learned a valuable lesson. But it's brought us here today. And, you know, that first conversation, I was telling JD about it in the last episode and you had got on the phone and I instantly, you know, just had tears and like a lump in my throat. And I was just like, I'm so sorry. Like, that's all I could say to you. And you were just so fucking sweet about it. Brandon, you were just like, dude, bunny, I'm not offended. You don't have to say sorry. And I was just like. That made me even more emotional because I was like, oh, son of a bitch. Why do you gotta be so nice? Tell me I'm a fucking asshole, you know, like. But it was just so sweet. And then from there we have just developed this friendship, you know, and I got to talk to Zane too. And I think the coolest thing is I told everybody that I, you know, because whenever I did promote you guys, gofundme, people came back to me and they were like, well, why haven't you donated? And I'm like, I donated to them privately. And what I donated them doesn't need to be public fodder. When I came to you guys also, I was like, willing to pay for Zane's College tuition. And he's so fucking smart. He has a whole fucking scholarship. So I'm like, of course I want to pay a freaking tuition. And dudes already got it covered.

[Timmy]

No, because it was such like a really spontaneous offer that was really nice. And like, I did look into it. Like I looked into like everything and I was like, oh, like it, it's pain. No, because it felt embarrassing, like declining. Because I was like, I'm so sorry. No, I don't want your money going somewhere. Like, it wasn't gonna go like anywhere.

[JD Delay]

No, I was just, I. I was tickled pink. And I even told my husband that because he's paid a few college tuitions and I was like, you know what, I'm just gonna pay his t. Whatever. And you're just so smart that it's already. And I was just like, that's so awesome that Diane raised two amazing kids. Because Brandon, you work so fucking hard. Every time I talk to you, you're working. And Zane, you are so studious.

[Bunny]

Like, even you were like, well, I can do the podcast but I have.

[JD Delay]

To make sure that I don't miss any classes. And like, I just love that, the fact that that's instilled in you guys. And you guys just, you know, I don't know. I just love you guys. I really do. I love everything about you and we.

[Brandon]

Love you as well.

[JD Delay]

I appreciate that.

[Timmy]

I appreciate you so much. You don't understand.

[JD Delay]

I appreciate you guys.

[Bunny]

Being an adult has its high points. Like you can eat ice cream for dinner anytime. Or if you want to stay up all night, you can, but it's not always fun. You also have to do your taxes and figure out what's for dinner every freaking night.

[JD Delay]

I hate it.

[Bunny]

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[JD Delay]

So if I can get a tele.

[Bunny]

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[JD Delay]

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[Bunny]

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[JD Delay]

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[Bunny]

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[JD Delay]

So let's talk about, you know, this entire situation that has brought us together. And you know, I'm going to let you guys go ahead and start because I don't want to tread on any territory that I'm I'm not, you know, you guys aren't comfortable with. So can you guys take me back to when this first happened and, you know, the events that happened after?

[Brandon]

You want me to go first or you?

[Timmy]

For me, I was actually in class and it was a very interesting, like, situation because I had no clue, like, I had absolutely no clue that she even went missing.

[Bunny]

How old were you?

[Timmy]

I was 14 in my freshman year of high school.

[JD Delay]

And how old were you, Brandon?

[Brandon]

Me? I want to say I was 24. Almost 25, I would say.

[JD Delay]

Okay.

[Timmy]

So, yeah, and at the time, we. We were poor, so we didn't really have, like, WI fi and stuff like that. And Brandon didn't have cell service, so he was like, contacting me through Snapchat. And I. I was basically like, leave me alone. I'm in the middle of class. What are you doing? Like, you're at home. It can't be that important, right? And he was like, no, I need Scott's number, which is my mom's ex boyfriend or boyfriend at the time.

[JD Delay]

Were you guys close with your mom at this time? Were you guys, like, in constant contact with her? What was the relationship like?

[Timmy]

Yeah, we had dinner with her like that night before. Brandon cooked dinner, and we ate with her that night before.

[Brandon]

And that was literally my best friend in life. My number one best friend. So I kind of grew up young, though. But since she was a strong, independent woman, when my mother had separated from Zane's father is when I really knew how independent she was.

[JD Delay]

When you say you had to grow up young, what do you mean by that?

[Brandon]

What I mean by grow up young is that, you know, when they separated, I had to help out with my brother here, had to make sure that he got to school. When he got out of school, I would make sure that I would be there at the bus stop, cook at home, and just help out around the house. Because my mother would work two jobs, but if she had one job, she would work the doubles as much as she can so that she was able. Able to like, provide for us. So I did a lot more. Well, so you. I would say that's pretty normal though, but it's a lot more responsibilities on a 12 or like a 13 year old at the time. You know what I mean?

[JD Delay]

That's heavy. You know, I had to take care of my little sister, so. I understand that. Absolutely.

[Brandon]

And then it just got to a point where we had that connection where she wasn't only playing that mother role, she's playing the mother, the father role, even my best friend role. I could take anything too. I could speak about anything. With her and she'll just state her opinion or what I should do, you know what I mean? Because there's some times where like a son and a mother, there's some things that a son won't even speak to her mother about, but they'll speak to her, speak to their best friend about, you know what I mean? It'll be in the dark with their mother. I could speak to my mother about anything and she wouldn't feel no type of way about it. She would just state her opinion and I would respect it.

[JD Delay]

She sounds like an amazing woman.

[Brandon]

She is, though.

[JD Delay]

So, Zane, you were sitting in class.

[Timmy]

And he basically just started spam texting me on Snapchat, asking for Scott's number. And, you know, I sent him the screenshot. Went on with my day, you know, going through classes. And then again, I'm starting to get spam calls. Like, I'm literally walking on the bus to like, go home. And he's like, don't take the bus. We're gonna pick you up from school. And I'm like, I'm already on the road. Like, there's nothing you can do about that now. So he's like, okay, where's your bus stop? I'm gonna like, pick you up from there. And I'm like, unbelievably confused. I'm like, what are you doing? Like, why are you picking me up?

[Brandon]

I didn't want to worry him.

[Timmy]

Yeah, well, yeah, man did not say anything. So I was so confused. I was like, are we going somewhere? Like, are we trying to like, go to a restaurant or something? After I get from class, I show up and like, he's. He picks me up from my bus stop and then he's walking me and we're just like chit chatting. We're almost like back to the house. And then he goes, yeah. So they just kind of like showed up with mommy's purse. And I was like, huh?

[JD Delay]

And I was like, so I'm going to stop you there really quick. So, Brandon, you knew that your mom was missing?

[Brandon]

I was the first one to see her and the last one. So, like, how that started was, well, I had woke up and then I went to the living room. My mom was getting ready for work. She dresses how she always dresses. Since I wasn't always with her at the time that she went missing, I was actually living out in Orlando for almost five years. And the reason why I had went to Cape Coral was because I separated from the mother of my child. And that was my go to house. To go to until I figure my own stuff out. So I was literally only there for like three months and then the situation happened. But I woke up one day and then my mom's like, all right, well I'm on my way to work. Can you just make sure to cook dinner for everyone? I said, yes, of course. And then she said, love you. I said I love you back. And then she went out today it is to start her own day. And then about an hour or two later is when the cops had came and then they knocked on my door. Knowing my own mother, she never forgets her purse. And I'm sure you can also relate to that, that never goes missing, you know what I mean?

[JD Delay]

Right.

[Brandon]

So I believe it was two officers, one man, one woman. From my own memory, I know I had went and blocked out a lot of it, but they said that they found my mother's purse. I thought that was odd. So the first thing I told him was, well, she works at the Moose Lodge. That's only about a five minute drive away. And they did exactly that. But they came back 30 minutes later saying that your mother isn't at work. So my first instinct was, all right, I need to put a missing persons report out. And then when I found that out is when I'm trying to call Zane. Let me get Scott's number. Even though that Zane is confused about it, I don't want to worry him. I'm just let you know, I'm going to let you enjoy your day at school. I'm going to fill you in after, after you get home.

[JD Delay]

And then Zane, so you're sitting there and we'll tie it back in together. So you're sitting there, you're confused, you're like, what the fuck is going on, bro?

[Timmy]

Yeah, and I remember just like walking back into the house and the purse is like still there. Like they didn't take it yet for evidence and like everything basically except her phone was still in there. Like there was still like cash and stuff or vape everything. So we were confused. We were just like, did she like forget it and just only take her phone or something like that or like leave it somewhere overnight? And then I guess, I don't know. A lot of the times I didn't really talk to any of the cops because I wasn't like involved at all. I didn't see her that day. I woke up at like 6 in the morning to get to like school for the bus, right. So most of the time it was just me going with like my brother And Scott.

[JD Delay]

Right.

[Timmy]

And just like going with them to the station and then like sitting in like a police room, just kind of like waiting for them to get out because they don't want me to leave home. And then also my brother was paranoid. He was like, I don't know what's going on. Like, what if they're like gonna go after you or something next? Or something like that. Which again, so makes complete sense. So I just kind of like went with them everywhere and like, followed them while they did all, like, the stuff. But half the time I was never like in the rooms with them when they had to do the interviews. I was just kind of in a side room waiting, like a lobby, basically.

[JD Delay]

Yeah. During this time, did you guys feel like something was off or were you guys just thinking that maybe she was like, went to go take a mental health day or something?

[Brandon]

I was trying to think on the positive side and I was just thinking maybe she just wanted to take a mental health day or she went somewhere and I guess it was like some midlife crisis. But I know mom's. Well, I didn't know that, but I was hoping for her to come back, obviously, because you have us all worried though.

[JD Delay]

Yeah.

[Brandon]

And then when we found out about the true situation, is. Was very bad though, I guess.

[JD Delay]

Can you guys take me to that moment when you found out what had happened?

[Brandon]

Exactly. When that happened is when we found out, actually Zayn was at school.

[Timmy]

They completely, like, for me, I'm a complete workaholic. So I was.

[JD Delay]

I can tell.

[Timmy]

I was. I was 14. And in my head I was like, she's coming back. Like, dog, there's nothing wrong. I was probably just like blocking it out because I. I only skipped one day of school. Like the day she went missing, I skipped the next day, went with them. And then I was like, I gotta go back to school. Like, I can't just like, disappear, obviously, because high school is so important.

[JD Delay]

And now you're like that with college.

[Timmy]

Yeah, basically.

[Bunny]

So this is a character.

[JD Delay]

This is a character trait, babe.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Timmy]

But like, I just went back to school. Like, nothing happened. I was like. Cause like a lot of my friends, since it was like popular on the news and stuff like that, and nobody was really telling me anything. I was just like, dog, this is fine. She's gonna come back. Like, I don't know, maybe she just had a little breakdown. Like, it's okay, you know, it's normal. She's a person. Whatever. I go along with my school day. I'm still going to school. And marching band practice, I'm doing everything. And then I remember it was like on a Thursday and I'm still at practice and I start getting spam texts from my friends specifically. And, like half of the people are going, I'm so sorry, Zayn. Like, that should have never happened. I'm like, oh, no, what are you all talking about? Like, she went missing three days ago. Like, I don't know. To me it was like, oh, it's fine. Like, you know, she's going to turn up.

[JD Delay]

It was like denial.

[Timmy]

Yeah, basically. And then I remember my brother pulled up to like pick me up from marching band, and then he's with like my sister in law's baby mama. She's driving. I go in the backseat and then he comes to sit in the backseat with me and like, I just kind of like freeze.

[Brandon]

You know, I can actually add on that's actually the day that I got into the back of your car and then I seen you freeze. And then that's when you start wondering. And then. I don't think I told you until we almost got to the house or when we got to the house.

[Timmy]

No, it called me the moment we started driving.

[Brandon]

It was the moment that Sophie started driving. Yeah, that's the same day that after we got to the house and we both went. And then we both had went into your room and cuddled and cried together. You remember that? Yeah. Well, I don't want to say cuddle, though, but we hug each other on the bed.

[JD Delay]

Crying when you were just talking about when you found out. I could see the pain literally just go across your face. And not remembering cuddling and crying with him. Do you feel like you blacked out in that moment and just like, I mean, rightfully so. That is the most horrific news you could ever receive.

[Timmy]

The thing is, is that I like to think I remember a lot of it, but, like, the fact that you mentioned that I don't. I don't recall that at all.

[Brandon]

And I just remember I didn't. I didn't. I didn't remember that till now. Honestly, though, is that also the day.

[Timmy]

Grandma and grandpa came over?

[Brandon]

I believe they came over the second I called them and let them know that mommy was gone.

[Timmy]

Yeah.

[Brandon]

No, no, no, no, no, no. Because. Yes, because after. After they found mommy's body is when grandma and grandpa were like, whoa, why don't you just call us when. When they find mommy thinking that she's still alive? But. But when they found my mother's body is when. Is when I called my Grandparents. And then. And then I gave them the news. And then that's the same day they came over.

[Timmy]

Oh, yeah.

[Zane]

And like, just so you guys know, it's 1,000% natural to have periods where you're not going to remember stuff. Like your. Your mind is trying to protect itself from something that's, like, too big for it to process in that moment. And that's like, totally. It's a neurological thing. It's your brain trying to love you and protect you from certain stuff. And it happens in these moments.

[JD Delay]

Yeah.

[Timmy]

Yeah.

[JD Delay]

Amen.

[Brandon]

I like the way you said that too, by the way.

[JD Delay]

Jd Jump in anytime you want to, babe. I love that.

[Zane]

I want them to be able to speak. I'm listening to these two I hear. So brave and so strong, and I love them.

[JD Delay]

Yeah, I'm welling find mommy, like, just. Oh, my God.

[Brandon]

Like that always called her mommy. I know that I didn't call her mom until. Until after the tragedy, honestly. So when she was alive, it was still always mommy. I would. I would be around my friends and still tell them. I'm like, yo, man, my mommy's calling, bro. You know what I mean? Yes.

[Bunny]

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[JD Delay]

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[JD Delay]

Shopify.Combunny so you guys get this horrible news. You know, you guys are processing it, the family's coming in and stuff like that. And then you hear about him getting arrested. Does what does that make you feel like? Does it feel like rage? Does it feel like relief? Does it feel like some answers are being answered? What, in that moment are you guys feeling when he's arrested? Or did you already know that he was gonna get arrested?

[Brandon]

I didn't know anything about it. I didn't know no name. I didn't know anything. But when I found out that they had arrested somebody, there was rage from the moment that she was gone until even to the end of the court date, because honestly, that was out in 2019, so there was rage all throughout. And then we went through Covid that pushed back every court date. And then also Florida also went through a hurricane. Even the families and all that went through tragedies. I'm sorry, but that even going through Covid and then having to go through that hurricane, it went and pushed back every court date. So that made that one court case even longer than it should have. So I'm going through rage years on out. And that rage stopped even out in June when he got convicted.

[Zane]

So you felt closure and, like, a little less of that rage once you knew that he got convicted.

[Brandon]

Yeah, because I don't. I know. I know that you are, like, innocent until proven guilty. I know if it wasn't just him, it could have been, like, three other people that were in on it. You know what I mean?

[Zane]

Yeah.

[Brandon]

So I didn't want to point the finger and, like. Well, I didn't want to point the finger into the conviction was there. You know what I mean?

[Zane]

It's crazy how far out Covid pushed Florida court dates, which in My case. Like, I was facing a case in Florida, not for anything like, crazy like that, but it pushed it out, you know, two years. So you had that unresolved feeling.

[Brandon]

Yes.

[Zane]

For that extra time. I'm so sorry you went through that.

[JD Delay]

So stressful.

[Brandon]

Actually, when I got all that, like, stress or, like, anger or, like, pain off of my chest is actually when they showed the recording at the court date of him finally admitting it to one of the police officers, it was kind of hard to hear because it was echoing and, like, in, like, that environment, once I heard that recording, I'm like, all right, now I'm going to point the finger. Now I know who to really be mad at now. You know what I mean? So.

[JD Delay]

Zayn, how are you feeling?

[Timmy]

Oh, I'm always mad, like, sorry, I'm gonna make jokes, like, all the time.

[JD Delay]

I know, I know. But you know what? People at home are gonna be like, how are they laughing in this moment? And it's like, this is just how some people deal with grief.

[Zane]

I love you. We're best friends.

[Timmy]

I thought you were gonna completely joke about it because, one, it's been five years. And two, like, I didn't really care if he was arrested or not because I was, like, 14 at the time. And I love you. I appreciate you, and I love my whole family. They rushed my process of grieving very quickly because we didn't live with my grandparents. They lived an hour out. My brother just moved in. It was basically me, my mom, and then her boyfriend. Scott.

[Brandon]

Scott.

[Timmy]

Yeah, Scott. And it was just like, us three for a little bit. And then Scott's, like, sister lived with us. It was kind of like that weird thing. And then when she died, I was just kind of like, what. Like, what am I supposed to do? Because right after that, again, my mind went, I have to go back to school. Like, I have to go do stuff. So.

[JD Delay]

But that's. That is a coping mechanism.

[Timmy]

Yeah.

[JD Delay]

Because I'm the same way. I can be, literally. My dad passed away, and this is not even close to your guys's story, but my dad passed away, and I was at work.

[Timmy]

No grief, you know, like, grief is crazy.

[JD Delay]

Yeah. It's a. It's a wild ride. And nobody can judge you for how you grieve, and nobody can tell you how to grieve. So most definitely, you know, it's your journey and it's your process. So I'm sorry that you felt like it was rushed.

[Brandon]

It.

[Timmy]

Like, it makes sense.

[Brandon]

What do you mean by rush?

[Timmy]

Because I'm still learning Something new enough, it makes sense. Like, it. Everybody was grieving, obviously. My grandparents, my mom's mom, her dad, my brother. I stay silent. I don't fight back with any of my family. It's just not something I do. And I remember it was my last week of school. I wanted to go to my last marching band game, so I did. And that's when you went. Grandpa went, and then all of that. And I remember I went to school that day. I was still going to school that week. I come back home, my room cleared, everything gone. Everybody moved everything out, cleared my clothes. They threw away stuff I needed. They threw away stuff like they didn't know I needed. They, like, cleared out the bathroom. Like, everything was gone. I remember walking back at, like 10 o'clock at night and just walking into an empty room with just, like, a bed. And like, I broke down. Like, I was thinking I was going to pack up my room that night and then go. That, like, in my mind I was going to have time, and I didn't. And then it was a few days out, Grandma and grandpa immediately wanted to go to my mom's room, take all her clothes, and they just. They took everything and they never gave me time.

[JD Delay]

I understand that. I understand that. And your feelings are valid, baby. Like, I can see how painful it is, like, and how it hurts you to talk about it. And again, they were grieving and not saying what they did was right. But, you know, people all grieve in certain ways. But, yeah, no, I understand.

[Timmy]

I'm. I'm not, like, mad at them because I get it. It, like, it happens. And again, I was 14. I didn't know what was, like, really going on because I thought I was going to go live in Naples, stay in Florida and live with those grandparents. But then more stuff happened, and I then ended up just going with my other grandparents and then completely just moving states and then starting at a whole new school, whole new people, like, whole new room, whole, like, new environment. It was. It was very interesting, very fast and.

[JD Delay]

Very sudden and very, you know, you were in your comfort zone, living with your mom and, you know, your brother. So I completely understand what you're saying. You did something really brave, though. And I think what stood out to me the most about the trial was your testimony and getting up there. And I mean, man, it was powerful. Can you take me into how you were feeling while you're on that stand testifying?

[Timmy]

So I. When I get nervous, I just tend to start talking fast. So the whole thing was, I just need to get up there and go. Like, I didn't want to be there. I. Again, I was in. I'm still in college. That was during. While I was in school because I was taking summer classes because I wanted to get just a whole bunch of things. I was in summer classes, and I was kind of mad because I was like, oh, I have to, like, go all the way back to Florida to go do this, because my grandpa wrote one, and then my brother was supposed to write one, and then he forgot, which is okay. But then it only ended up being me and my grandpa. And the lawyer didn't really like the one my grandpa wrote because it was more angry instead of, like, explain, like, explaining stuff. So they asked me. They were like, hey, like, is it okay if we, like, read it? And I was like, yeah, you guys can read it. Like, you can just. You can, like, read it on the stand. Take it. Like, I don't care. And then they were like, hey, can we fly you out for you to come and read it? And then I was like, maybe.

[JD Delay]

Which, knowing you now, I'm very surprised that you went, because you're very like, I want it in your routine.

[Timmy]

And again, I cope completely differently from my family. I don't really talk about. I don't really talk about, like, My opinions about the whole case with him. I think he's really stupid. I don't. I don't take him seriously.

[JD Delay]

Are you talking about Wade?

[Timmy]

Yes.

[JD Delay]

Yeah, he's very stupid. He's very stupid. He's a dumb. He's a dumb jock without the jock.

[Timmy]

Maybe. Maybe it's just because I think I'm better than him, because I am, unfortunately.

[Brandon]

You are, honey.

[Timmy]

Like, that's just kind of my mindset. It was just like, I'm better than him, and, like, what is he gonna do? Like, he can't really do anything. And he was just, like. He was just there. And it was really weird because I remember, like, I made, like, straight eye contact with him and, like, looked at him multiple times, like, during the thing, like, while I was speaking on trial. And I don't know, it started to scare me at the end, but not because he was in the room, but it was more like one. There was a camera pointing at me, and then I was reading something off a script that I wrote, and it was just getting into a point that I. It was more of like, I wish it wasn't live type of point.

[JD Delay]

You feel like it took away from the authenticity.

[Timmy]

Yeah. Because being in an enclosed room without, like, a camera and then a Whole bunch of people who don't know you doing that. Because again, I scroll through TikTok. TikTok's a terrible place to be. But I say it louder for the.

[JD Delay]

People in the back, baby.

[Brandon]

Very terrible.

[Timmy]

I go, you know, I go through videos and stuff like that, and just, like, seeing different things. It was just like, oh, okay. Especially seeing, like, different point of views from the case, especially about me. And about, like, what I was saying, I was just like, oh, this is, like, real. Like, it just. It still doesn't feel real even. I refuse to watch my statement just because I don't. I don't like it. I don't want to one. I just don't want to watch it.

[JD Delay]

And it's probably really hurtful, too. But can we circle back to something you said? You said that you stared Wade in his eyes. Did he ever make eye contact with you?

[Timmy]

Yeah, we made eye contact, like, multiple times while I was on the stand.

[JD Delay]

And he just stared back at you? No remorse, no nothing?

[Timmy]

Yeah.

[JD Delay]

It's crazy. Brandon, did you ever go to any of the court dates?

[Brandon]

Oh, yes. Yes, I did. I believe I went. So when I flew back from being on. On Martha Vineyards Island, I went to the first one, went to the second one, then third one, and then if I can remember correctly, I left when they wanted me to take Stan a second time. And actually, I'm gonna correct you. Grandpa wrote. Was it the statement? I don't wanna say statement. It's more of a. Just speaking about Mommy. The same thing that you did. It was very bland. So, like, they didn't. They didn't want him to go up there and just say those quick words and just hop off. Stand me. The reason I didn't. I didn't forget. Say what?

[JD Delay]

They kind of made it a production, a little bit like they produced what you were going to say. Is that normal?

[Zane]

Well, so to try to get the outcome with the jury, they needed.

[JD Delay]

Okay.

[Zane]

They needed somebody to humanize the victims. And what. What you did was so beautiful with the way that you spoke. Like, I know you don't like to watch it, but I've watched it three times, and I've cried my face off three times watching you. Yeah, I'm.

[Brandon]

And I cried.

[Zane]

So powerful. Yeah, dude. Oh, my God. You were so well spoken. And you soldiered through it.

[Timmy]

Yeah, I literally was editing it up to the moment, like, 30 minutes before because I, like, put some stuff like, I was gonna stay in there, and then I realized again, it was gonna be live, and then I was like, I'm not putting that out for, like, everybody and their mom to hear about. So I went to the lawyer, and I was like, hey, I know you guys already have this printed out. I need to change this right now.

[JD Delay]

What's something that you wanted to change?

[Timmy]

It was just kind of more like personal stuff about me. And I was like, if this is gonna be recorded and on, I don't need people to know about that.

[JD Delay]

Tear you apart.

[Timmy]

Yeah. So I was just like, I need to change, like. Or take some of this out. Like, is that okay? Like, I had to ask for permission first before I did it, just to make sure, because I also knew that it was impactful. That's why I wrote it that way.

[Brandon]

It was an impact statement.

[Timmy]

Yeah, obviously. Yeah, it was an impact statement. So, like, I knew it was going to do something. It was just like.

[JD Delay]

It's definitely something to be proud of.

[Timmy]

Yeah.

[JD Delay]

You know, you set up for your mom.

[Zane]

I felt like I got to see and know a little bit of your mom through your testimony, which was exactly what they wanted the jury to feel and to be able to do. You did so good with that.

[JD Delay]

Yeah, definitely. So, Brandon, you did attend some of the dates. Is there. What was the reason why you didn't want to take the stand? Because I remember in a phone call that you and I had, and I was like, hey, you know, we're doing this documentary. Wade is going to be a part of it. I've had conversations with him. Are you okay with that? And you. You surprised me because you remember what said.

[Brandon]

I don't remember the exact words. I probably just spit out something, honestly, you want to remind me so I can laugh.

[JD Delay]

Yeah. He said. He said, oh, I would love for him to be a part of it, because I. I have things I didn't get to say to him that I want to say.

[Brandon]

Yeah.

[JD Delay]

And I was like, all right, let's do this. I was like, let's go.

[Brandon]

Because. Because with my grandparents, that one was very bland. On the impact statement, I didn't forget. I didn't want to go up on stand a second time, because actually, my plan was to go up on stand and not. Well, obviously it was for the evidence, and I had to confirm it all, but I blocked it off so much, I could barely remember it. So my plan was to go up on that stand and say what I wanted to. But when I got up on stand, I thought about my mother. I'm like, hey, do I really want to go up on stand and say what I really want to say? Up on stand when I have to be professional about it, do I just answer the questions and then I. Do I want to be that impactful on my words in front of everybody on live tv, or do I just want to represent my mother the best way I can and let me just answer the questions that they're asking me and then I'm going to go back and sit down? But when they wanted me to write an impact statement on my mother is when I told them no. Because I told them if I go up on that stand a second time, I'm not. I won't speak about my mother. I'm going to speak my mind after that. And since I missed out on that first time, I don't think I missed out, but I'm going to say I missed out on that first time that I was going to do it a second time on live tv.

[JD Delay]

Yeah.

[Brandon]

And then that's when I told them no. And then that's when they asked Zayn about it.

[JD Delay]

If you could say anything to Wade, what would you say if he was listening to this podcast? Because we know he will be. Is there anything that you would possibly want to say to him?

[Brandon]

I think I'm gonna save that for later.

[JD Delay]

Okay, I'll save that.

[Brandon]

I'll save that for later. I'll save that for later.

[JD Delay]

What about you, Zayn? Is there anything that you didn't get to say to him that you would love for him to hear?

[Timmy]

No, not really. I don't think.

[Brandon]

Loser.

[Timmy]

I don't think his IQ is high enough to understand anything I say.

[JD Delay]

You know what I think is gonna affect him more that you're calling him a loser and not even saying anything to him because his ego is so fucking fragile, dude.

[Brandon]

He probably wants us to react, though. You know what I mean?

[JD Delay]

Exactly.

[Brandon]

I'll save it for later.

[Timmy]

Listen, I. Again, I don't really get angry. I don't like. I don't like yelling. I say things very calmly, and if I were to say something to them, he wouldn't understand, unfortunately, I don't think he would be able to process the.

[JD Delay]

Words would be too big for.

[Timmy]

He would need. He would need a dictionary right next to him, literally.

[JD Delay]

So, you know, after your mom's. After what happened with your mom, I don't want to say your mom. I hate saying your mom's murder because it just. It's so. I hate it. But after what happened with your mom, what was picking up the pieces like for you? I know you guys had to do the court cases. You guys had to, you know, watch all this stuff unfold on social media and stuff like that. But, like, when all the cameras are off and all the I'm sorrys and the condolences stop pouring in, where are your hearts at? Where are your heads at? Like, how are you feeling?

[Brandon]

Well, as a Mike Copeland, it's the coping mechanism. I just kept working, and since I cook, since I cook for a living, I just stride with my passion, and that was kind of helping me out with the pieces. So that's what I want to say. That's what really helped me out. So I know my mom had always told me, you got to keep your eye on the prize. And my prize was to be as a chef one day or own my own restaurant. Even though I'm going through this tragedy right now, I gotta make sure that I keep working for these restaurants so that I learn for my own self and I keep my eye on the prize because that's the end goal for me.

[JD Delay]

Yeah.

[Brandon]

So that's what kind of helped me out, was just cooking in general.

[JD Delay]

So, Zane, what about you?

[Timmy]

Multiple different things. Because when I had to, like, completely move, like, out of state and go to a different school, I, like, I was scared. I didn't know what I was gonna do. But one, there was a marching band, so it was just already community, so that was easier for me to make friends. But, like, my freshman year, then, like, hit into Covid, so it had to go virtual. And I hated being home. Like, I cannot.

[JD Delay]

Because yours had to sit alone with your thoughts.

[Timmy]

Yeah, I don't like it. I think it's very annoying, actually.

[JD Delay]

So, like, I just, you know, it's okay to hurt, though. And, like, you've got to feel to heal.

[Timmy]

Definitely. I'm. Don't worry. I've been in therapy since then. Like, literally ever since I've, like, I moved, I've been in therapy. And, like, I talked to my therapist about it all the time.

[JD Delay]

Okay.

[Timmy]

It's just, like, when I was there, I went into a terrible state because when Covid happened and everything went virtual, I, like, I slept in, I laid in bed. I let plates stack up in my room for, like, weeks at a time. I wouldn't leave. I wouldn't do anything.

[JD Delay]

That's depression, baby.

[Timmy]

Yeah. No, 100%. And, like, it was bad, especially because I wasn't leaving to go to school or anything. I had to do all the schoolwork at home and stuff like that. And then the grandparents I lived with at the height of COVID like, two months after, like, everything Happened. My grandpa got Covid and then he was sent to the hospital and I freaked out. Like I was like no way. He's fine now. He's chilling.

[JD Delay]

Shout out grandpa for hanging on. I'm like don't tell me they lost, they lost their grandma too.

[Timmy]

He's going strong now.

[JD Delay]

Good.

[Timmy]

But like I remember that led me into like something deeper because again I couldn't leave, I couldn't do anything. And it was until junior year when I went back to school in person and I started doing clubs. I started making more friends and then I kind of had to like get my shit together. Cause I didn't really know what to do after because like how Brennan mentioned after like the whole situation after going back to like live with my mom. I know I have my grandparents but like I don't know if I'm going to have that in 20 years to fall back on someone and just be able to sleep on somebody's couch because both of my grandparents are getting old. Life happens.

[JD Delay]

So you feel like.

[Timmy]

And I was just like I need to like get stuff together because I can't take things on normal pace. As if somebody with two normal living parents going through things, being able to like slowly learn lessons. It was more of like I have to do this like right now and like nobody else is gonna help me but like me because you know, life.

[JD Delay]

I respect that. I've moved out at 14 and I had to learn that lesson very fast too. And I always felt the same way you did. Even though I had parents, I. It was a home that I didn't want to live in. And you have to grow up very fast and you know it's, it's a tough road. But just know that people do love you and that you have a family over here anytime too. Like both of you guys for sure. And JD too. We're all family now. So don't ever feel like you're alone and you don't have anybody to fall back on because I'll always be in you guys corner for sure.

[Brandon]

Thank you.

[JD Delay]

Thank you so much. If you could. If there's one thing that you want people to know about your mom, what is it?

[Brandon]

I would say down and down that she's. That she's literally the true definition of a strong, independent woman. And I can say that proudly.

[JD Delay]

Yeah. So what about you Zane?

[Timmy]

She was one of the sweetest people I have ever met. And like especially so I used to help her out her job all the time at the Moose Lodge. Like I, I did a lot of Clubs. So I needed volunteering hours. It was a volunteering place. So, like, I was getting all my hours from, like, going there and then surviving off of, like, tips sometimes, because I would, like, bus and help or whatever. So I knew a lot of the people, like, she would hang. Well, she would hang around at work, and, like, they loved her. Like, everybody would always come up to me and be like, your mom's so sweet. Especially when I would help around. They would always be like, you look exactly like her. And, like, at the bar and, like, I would just, like, hang out at her job and hang out with, like, all the people she would be around. And, like, they absolutely loved her and how, like, caring and kind she was.

[JD Delay]

I love that. And what do you think the biggest lesson in life is that your mom has taught you?

[Timmy]

I would say to always survive on yourself, to always be dependent on yourself and not, like, strongly rely on other people.

[JD Delay]

What about you, Brandon?

[Brandon]

I think I can say the same exact thing.

[JD Delay]

Yeah.

[Brandon]

So I think that still falls under on being a strong, independent woman, even though, like, even for all the women, that still plays on both sides. You know what I mean? So a strong, independent man and then a woman is still on the same. Same, like, same role. It's still the same. Same topic. You know what I mean?

[JD Delay]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Brandon]

It's. It's still equal as1.

[JD Delay]

Yeah. J.D. do you have any questions for them?

[Zane]

I'm just so impressed.

[JD Delay]

I know.

[Zane]

I'm watching your face here next to both of these incredible men, and it's such a testament to who their mother was, the way that they've just walked this out with integrity and just strength.

[JD Delay]

Smiles.

[Zane]

Yeah. Like, I'm so happy to see them smiling, and it's so awesome to see them carry the torch of who their mother was inside of them and to be able to shine outwardly and share that with the world. That is going to far outlast that joker wannabe lame who's gonna spend his last days rotting in prison, terrified that other inmates are gonna get a their love and their mother is going to be just pushed out into the universe, and it's going to impact so many people, and it's going to be remembered absolutely.

[JD Delay]

Diane and Christine forever. So let's talk about you guys. GoFundMe that you guys have. I have been so just kind of baffled at the fact that this man has raised the amounts of money that he has for his GoFundMe. And then when you guys told me you guys had a GoFundMe, and I went and I looked at it. You know, getting people to donate to victims is crazy. They would rather donate to, like, murderers than victims, and that's insane to me, and it's. It's really sad. So I would like to promote you guys gofundme on this podcast, and if anybody at home feels it on their heart to donate, then, you know, thank you and bless you guys. But how can they find your GoFundMe? Do they look it up under your name or how does that work? We could put it in a link, too.

[Brandon]

Yeah, it'll be a link or something. Yeah, I know. You were the one that had created it.

[Timmy]

Yeah, I created it. And it's basically just a link. Brandon has kind of just been sharing it around, and it's just kind of getting through there. I know Brandon shared it on Facebook and stuff like that.

[Brandon]

Yeah, I did it on my Facebook. I haven't really went and went and promoted it, like, anywhere else. Yeah, because I don't think. I think I told you before that we were. We were even. Well, I don't want to say scared, because at. At that still time is still like, asking people for money. It took us since 2019 to. Even now. That was in a conversation out of all those years that we didn't want to create it.

[JD Delay]

I know. And that's so sad that your mom was taken and you are so scared to create a GoFundMe. But this dude over here is the person who took your mother from you and another woman off this earth, and he is asking everybody for money.

[Brandon]

Yeah.

[JD Delay]

It's insane that you guys had to feel like that that's not okay and that's not fair. And I feel like that's so crazy that our world.

[Brandon]

I think that. I think that just plays a role in us just trying to be independent. You know what I mean?

[JD Delay]

Yeah.

[Brandon]

So it could be just a pride thing. I don't know, though. But when we finally. When we finally had went and created it. I'm gonna take this back to Timmy. Shout out Timmy, too, by the way. We didn't want to create it, though. But there. It'll come to, like, a point in time where you hear and you listen to, like, everyone's opinions, most of them. You're just going to hear it, but you're not listening.

[JD Delay]

Yeah.

[Brandon]

So, like, what had really convinced me and, like, changed my train of thought and so wanting to, like, even. Even create a GoFundMe. Timmy, when it's homie, why don't you just think of it? Why don't you Just think of it in a different way once you just think of it as your mom and she's still creating these blessings from up above. And that's what really touched me.

[JD Delay]

And went, and Timmy sounds like a stand up guy.

[Timmy]

I love Timmy. He's so nice. I've known him since I was like.

[Brandon]

That'S the one thing that really touched me. And then it actually convinced me to want to create it because out of all those years, you know, I'm getting messages from everybody. Why don't you create this? Even like as I'm reading all their opinions, it didn't really touch me. They're like, why don't you just create it? But Timmy is the one that was like, why don't you just think of it as your mom? And she's still creating blessings from up above. That's what really touched me though. I'm like, you know what? I think you're right about that one.

[JD Delay]

Yeah.

[Brandon]

So I couldn't deny that one. You know what I mean?

[JD Delay]

Yeah, for sure. And I mean, honestly, it's. You guys deserve to be able to have something like that. And like, you know, you're in college, you're. Even though you're smart as hell and have your college paid for, there's the golden child, literally. There's. So you guys are both golden. There's still, you know, bills that have to be paid. You're still picking up your life, like thing you guys were living with your mother when this happened, you know, So, I mean, I think it's more than fair. And so what we'll do is put the GoFundMe link on this episode. We'll put it up on the screen here. And then if you're listening, I don't know how GoFundMe works, but can they just type your name, your mom's name in or your name in or how does that work?

[Timmy]

I think it's called. I did put her name. It's like, help Diane Ruiz's two sons. Yeah, I think it's something like that.

[JD Delay]

Yeah, just Maybe go to GoFundMe, type in Diane. But if not, we'll put the link at the. On Apple and Spotify so that you guys can click it. And then when these episodes come out, I will put the link in my bio on both of my TikToks and in my Instagram so that, you know, if you guys want to go donate and you guys need to find the link, you guys can find it in those places too.

[Zane]

I'm upset that I didn't even know that there was a GoFundMe for them. Like, it's just been so vocal that that weirdo.

[JD Delay]

Yeah.

[Zane]

Had one. I did not know that this existed. And I can now share this. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to share it on my platforms before.

[JD Delay]

It's okay. A lot of I didn't know they had one either until they told me.

[Timmy]

Still feel it took Brandon a lot of convincing to even convince me to want to do it because I feel bad. I like, I don't know. It's just. It feels like guilt money. And it's just like, I don't know. It was 50 50. And then again at the same time I remembered I was like, I am in college and this and that and that.

[JD Delay]

People saying they love you. Like, hey, here's a chance at life. You know, sorry that your mom was taken.

[Timmy]

And it's people willing and choosing to. Which I'm very thankful for. It's people who really want to. Because I kept having people come to me and be like, we like want to give you money.

[JD Delay]

And it's just like, I think that's a way of people just showing you love and just giving you an outpouring of love. So if the world wants to embrace you guys, let them because you guys deserve it. You know, I couldn't imagine losing a parent the way that you guys did and just having the resilience and just beautiful smiles and the strength that you guys have. Like, I'm just, I'm really, like in awe of you, too.

[Bunny]

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[Timmy]

Hi everyone. If you've been injured in an accident that was not your fault, listen up. We have legal professionals standing by to answer your questions for free. Call now and find out if you have a case and how much it's potentially worth. Call 800-550-7800. I'm here with spokesman John Wolfe. So John, tell everyone listening who should call right now.

[Brandon]

Well, Maria, first off, thank you for having me here. It's always nice to answer the listeners questions. Now as far as who should call in, anyone who's been injured in an accident and think you deserve compensation, give us a call right now. 800-557-8800. You'll find out if you have a case and how much it's potentially worth.

[Timmy]

Thanks John. You heard it folks. Take advantage of this opportunity and call now. 800-557-800.

[Brandon]

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[JD Delay]

JD Is there anything else you want to touch base on or talk to them about before we head out?

[Zane]

I'm just so grateful that I got the chance and opportunity to meet you Bunny. Thank you so much for letting me be here for this part of this because I really wanted to be here and I really wanted to just be able to sit by your guys side while you guys remembered your mom. And I didn't know whether you were going to have choice words for the other side but I think it's just honestly awesome to just let him go unspoken. He's on his way out. He's fading. The universe just echoed. Womp Womp.

[Timmy]

Yeah, unfortunately I'm out here living my.

[JD Delay]

Best life and he's not.

[Timmy]

Yeah, I don't know when's the next time he's gonna go to the beach. Next summer though.

[JD Delay]

So he's doing meth and his. He's doing meth in his gel sale. That's the only vacation he's getting.

[Brandon]

It's the reality of it though. So I think that's the main reason and like never reacting to with anything else. Social, social media and all that. You know what I mean?

[JD Delay]

You guys are gangster. Because I react to. Yeah, I'm always in trouble. I'm always in trouble. JD Shout out where people can find you if they don't know your social. Shout out your YouTube and your TikToks or whatever socials you want.

[Zane]

So I'm JD. JD Delay5150 on YouTube, tick tock, Facebook, Instagram, probably X. I'm not sure I hate X.

[JD Delay]

That that platform scares me.

[Zane]

Yeah, it's crazy over there. It's crazy. I have a team that does X and I don't know how often they upload there or anything. I'm. It's nuts over there.

[JD Delay]

Yeah, I don't even. That's my lowest platform because I'm scared of it literally. Do you guys have any platforms that you guys want to promote? I know you guys are pretty private but you said you have a tick tock. I mean that's how you can get your story out too and just have people follow your journey in life. Is Sharon on TikTok.

[Timmy]

I will definitely think about that one because like I do post but it's more like friends kind of posts, you know, like I only want my 10, my 10 people to see. But if you would love to follow my art account, it's Romero Zrr or if you actually want to follow me, you can follow me on X in Zane. I think that's what it is. But if you just type in my name it will probably show up.

[Brandon]

What about you Brandon with mine my. I'm gonna keep my Facebook private. That's more for like friends and family. My Instagram is open. That's. It's not private at all but it's just a Y E/B239 and that'll be it.

[JD Delay]

Awesome. Thank you guys for coming and sharing your story.

[Brandon]

But I do want to include something though. Even though that we are holding, holding the torch for mom. I do, I do want to remind everybody that for the Christine Mellon and we do also hold her torch up as well. She can't be forgotten as well. You know what I mean?

[JD Delay]

Her family I believe. Didn't her family donate some stuff to you guys too?

[Brandon]

So from what I was told, I believe the post came from Jumpsuit Pablo. I guess I don't, I don't know the whole story completely but I know that I read something and then I guess whatever he made from whatever the social media on the Wade Wilson case, it'll. It'll be donated onto the GoFundMe. But I guess I don't know if he spoke to the Christine Melton's family. Yeah but I guess, I guess he's making, making, making the donation in memories of Christine Melton and when I, when I got those screenshots through like Koro on TikTok and then even Melissa when I first read that screenshot I literally had just broke down in tears when I read it. So even though that we're Here for my own mother. We can't forget about Christine Mellon as well.

[JD Delay]

No, never. And we did. We talked about her in the first part, too. So, yeah, definitely. I just. We haven't been able to get ahold of anybody in Christine's family, and if anybody from Christine's family wants to come and share her story on this podcast you got, my couch is always open to you guys.

[Zane]

For anybody who doesn't know the whole context with the Jumpsuit Pablo thing, Jumpsuit Pablo actually made merch making fun of Wade Wilson getting money to be able to donate, like, 100 of the profits towards, you know, the victim's families. And yeah, the. The Meltons were like, please give it and give it an honor, Christine. Which. The whole thing, the humanity of it, the kindness, the compassion of the people over here is just such a stark contrast to all of the insanity over there.

[JD Delay]

It's disgusting.

[Zane]

Yeah.

[JD Delay]

And I just. I feel like this side is just so full of love and giving and everybody just wants to heal and watch you guys heal. And that other side is just. It's disgusting. They're eating each other.

[Timmy]

Because it's just. It's just people who are critically online, they have nothing better to do with their life.

[Brandon]

Yeah, it's keyboard peckers.

[JD Delay]

It's the keyboard peckers online.

[Brandon]

It's the keyboard.

[JD Delay]

I thought he said keyboards and peckers.

[Timmy]

I was like, oh, interesting.

[JD Delay]

I never heard that one. Oh, my goodness. That's hilarious. Keyboard peckers.

[Brandon]

I did learn, though, throughout life, though. The Internet is undefeated, so I'm not going to let them get any reaction out of me through it, even though that they are also having calls with Wade Wilson and then they're posting all that up. I'm not. I'm not going to react to any of it. It just. I got to protect my piece at all costs. And that is the one thing that my mother did teach me. Make sure you protect your peace at all costs.

[JD Delay]

Yeah.

[Brandon]

Shout out.

[JD Delay]

Diane, we love you and we know you're shining down.

[Brandon]

We all love you and miss you.

[JD Delay]

And these kiddos of yours and they love and miss you. Thank you guys for being here.

[Timmy]

Thank you so much.

[JD Delay]

Thank you. Thank you guys for tuning in to another episode of Dumb Blonde. I will see you guys next week.

[Bunny]

Bye.