Fifteen: Inside the Daniel Marsh Murders

Episode 1: A Quiet Life Shattered

Podcast: CBS News
Host: Erin Moriarty
Release Date: August 27, 2025

Overview

The first episode of "Fifteen: Inside the Daniel Marsh Murders" introduces listeners to the loving, blended family of Claudia Maupin and Oliver “Chip” Northup, an elderly couple whose idyllic life in Davis, California was brutally cut short in April 2013. Host Erin Moriarty details their backgrounds, community impact, and the shock that tore through their family and town. The episode explores the immediate aftermath of their murders—the discovery of their bodies, early police investigation, and the agony and confusion experienced by their children and grandchildren. The story sets the stage for a high-profile case, made even more harrowing when the suspect is ultimately revealed to be a fifteen-year-old boy.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Claudia and Chip: A Late-Life Love (01:31–05:20)

• Claudia Maupin moved to Davis in her late 50s, seeking companionship and community.
• She met Chip Northup at the Unitarian Church; their relationship was built on true friendship and a recognition of “a kindred soul.”
  • “They were like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy meeting over the pews at the Unitarian Church.” – Victoria Hurd (03:24)
• The two married, blending large families—22 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. By 2013, they’d spent 17 happy years together.
• Their routines were filled with love: nightly foot rubs, shared TV programs, and devotion to family.
  • “Have to go home to Chip. Our programs are on, have to get my feet rubbed.” – Victoria Hurd (04:57)

Discovery of the Crime (12:12–21:55)

• On April 14, 2013, family members noticed Chip and Claudia’s unusual absence from church.
  • “Claudia always answered her phone.” – Mary Northup (13:17)
• Growing concerns led Claudia’s daughter, Laura, to the couple’s home, where she discovered a back window’s screen had been cut and saw “blood stains.”
• The police found the bodies of Chip and Claudia in bed, each stabbed dozens of times.
• News spread painfully and unintentionally through family members—Mary discovering the crime via TV news, Victoria experiencing a moment of spiritual clarity amidst shock and grief.
  • “You can stay on the floor, or you can get up and face this with love. It was so clear.” – Victoria Hurd describing a message from her mother (17:04)

The Crime Scene: Shocking Brutality and Little Evidence (23:28–27:16)

• Lieutenant Paul Durashov describes the scene as “very, very unusual”—the elderly victims made little sense given the brutality.
  • “The couple was still in their bed and, you know, multiple cut, stab type murder. It was horrific.” (23:55)
  • “Chip had been stabbed 61 times, and Claudia 67.” – Erin Moriarty (24:06)
• No signs of burglary, robbery, or forced entry beyond a cut window screen; nothing appeared stolen.
• Bodies showed extreme and senseless violence, including objects inserted post-mortem.
  • “There were a couple objects inside the bodies. One of them being a shot glass… put inside the body.” – Lt. Durashov (25:34)
• The scene was “unusually clean” in terms of forensic evidence: no weapon, fingerprints, or clear DNA.

Immediate Investigation: Looking Close to Home (27:16–27:54)

• The lack of leads forced police to first investigate close family and friends—especially those with opportunity, if not motive.
  • “Then those clues pointed at us. We lived in the same town, not very far away… but easily had the opportunity.” – Robert Northup (27:45)
• Police speculated about a personal vendetta, possibly tied to Chip’s work as a defense attorney or potential family disputes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Victoria Hurd on her mother Claudia’s spirit:
  “It’s almost like she’s standing there, and she says, ‘You have a choice in this moment. You can stay on the floor, or you can get up and face this with love.’ It was so clear.” (17:04)

• Lt. Paul Durashov on the murder’s brutality:
  “It was something that was up close and personal.” (24:13)

• Robert Northup on Claudia:
  “An angel who walked the earth.” (08:37)

• Family response to suspicion:
  “We would have certainly no motive, but easily had the opportunity.” – Robert Northup (27:45)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:31–05:20: Portrait of Claudia and Chip, their love story and family life.
• 12:12–14:00: The day of the discovery—family notices something is wrong.
• 14:00–16:41: Laura and Robert investigate at the house; the crime is discovered.
• 16:41–19:22: Victoria’s reaction and spiritual experience on learning the news.
• 20:12–21:55: Mary discovers the truth via local news; family chaos and heartbreak.
• 23:28–24:54: Police arrive, describe the scene, and detail the extent of violence.
• 24:54–26:33: Lack of physical evidence and puzzlement over motive.
• 27:00–27:54: Family under scrutiny due to lack of leads.

Episode Tone & Style

Erin Moriarty’s calm, compassionate narration is interwoven with heartbroken testimony from Chip and Claudia’s family and unflinching assessments by law enforcement. The tone is sorrowful but reverent, placing emphasis on the victims’ humanity amid the horror. Memorable moments are hushed or raw, bringing listeners directly into the confusion, disbelief, and grief of those left behind.

Next Episode Preview

The investigation turns inward, as family members face suspicion by police. The series promises to dive into why there was so little evidence and how the search for answers would reveal an unfathomable culprit.

Summary prepared for those who seek to understand the personal and investigatory aftermath in one of California’s most chilling double murders.