Podcast Summary: "Going West: True Crime" Episode on Anjelica Hadsell (Episode 488)

Release Date: March 25, 2025
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
Title: Anjelica Hadsell // 488

1. Introduction to AJ Hadsell’s Case

In Episode 488 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the tragic and complex case of Anjelica "AJ" Hadsell, an 18-year-old college freshman from Virginia who disappeared in March 2015. The episode meticulously unravels the sequence of events leading to AJ’s untimely death, highlighting familial tensions, suspicious behaviors, and the eventual revelation of the perpetrator.

2. AJ Hadsell’s Background and Family Dynamics

AJ Hadsell was born on August 9, 1996, in Chesapeake, Virginia, to parents Jennifer Wright and Mel Langer. Her early life was marked by her biological father’s absence due to a fractured relationship with AJ’s mother shortly after her birth. Jennifer later remarried Zach Hoffer, AJ’s stepfather, who provided a stable environment until their divorce when AJ was around eight years old.

In 2010, Jennifer married Wesley Hadsell, becoming AJ’s stepfather once more. Wesley brought two children, Abby and Timothy, into the family, expanding AJ’s support system. However, the familial relationships were strained, especially after Wesley struggled with substance abuse, leading Jennifer to evict him from the family home in February 2015. This upheaval deeply affected AJ, who had grown close to Wesley, viewing him as a father figure and even requesting his formal adoption (Woolsoncroft & Merryman, 07:13).

Notable Quote:
Daphne (02:13): “This is the story of Angelica or AJ Hadsell.”

3. The Disappearance of AJ Hadsell

On March 2, 2015, AJ returned home from spring break and was later found dead on an abandoned property in April 2015. The morning she disappeared appeared ordinary, with AJ leaving a cryptic note for her mother stating, “Dear Ma Dre, with everything going on, it’s a lot to deal with” (Woolsoncroft & Merryman, 12:30). Her sudden departure without explanation raised immediate concerns, especially given her usually responsible and outgoing nature.

As AJ’s parents and law enforcement initiated the search, initial theories suggested she might have run away due to personal struggles, but these were quickly dismissed based on her stable history (Woolsoncroft & Merryman, 15:16).

Notable Quote:
Keith (03:27): “In March of 2015, an 18-year-old college freshman in Virginia went missing after returning home for spring break.”

4. Initial Investigation and Suspicion on Corey French

A breakthrough in the case came when Corey French, a childhood friend who had dated AJ casually, discovered fragments of her debit card near a roadside (Woolsoncroft & Merryman, 18:28). This suspicious find initially pointed suspicion towards Corey, especially after AJ’s dark blue softball jacket was found in his possession by mutual friend Andre. Despite Corey's alibi and cooperative demeanor, the evidence seemed too coincidental, raising red flags (Woolsoncroft & Merryman, 20:16).

Notable Quote:
Daphne (09:43): “This is like, this is a big deal.”

5. Wesley Hadsell’s Increasing Involvement and Suspicion

Wesley Hadsell, AJ’s stepfather, took a proactive role in the investigation, often acting as the spokesperson for the family. His intrusive behavior, such as surveilling Corey’s residence and sending threatening messages, began to raise suspicions among investigators (Woolsoncroft & Merryman, 21:13). Additionally, Wesley’s own troubled past, including multiple convictions for burglary and a dismissed rape charge, cast a shadow over his credibility.

Notable Quote:
Keith (02:22): “This is a really big deal in the family also, because AJ was super disappointed in her stepdad.”

6. The Breakthrough: Evidence Against Wesley Hadsell

The case took a pivotal turn when police searched Wesley’s hotel room and work van, uncovering concealed bullets, heroin, and a GPS device tracking movements to a remote location. Surveillance footage placed Wesley near the Hadsell home during the critical hours AJ went missing, correlating with the time he claimed to have met her at a gas station (Woolsoncroft & Merryman, 30:31).

Forensic evidence revealed that AJ died from acute heroin poisoning, with signs of physical abuse indicating she was restrained and drugged before her death (Woolsoncroft & Merryman, 42:12).

Notable Quote:
Keith (32:58): “On April 9, 2015, just a month after she went missing, AJ was found lying face down in the mud...”

7. Arrest, Trial, and Conviction

Wesley Hadsell was arrested and charged with breaking and entering, later escalating to first-degree murder after substantial evidence linked him directly to AJ’s death. The trial, delayed by COVID-19 and legal disputes over evidence admissibility, culminated in a convincing case against Wesley. Despite his claims of innocence and allegations of AJ’s suicide, the jury found him guilty after a swift deliberation (Woolsoncroft & Merryman, 46:48).

Notable Quote:
Daphne (37:35): “I mean, this guy has been her stepdad for, like, five or six years. This is a person that she trusted.”

8. Conclusion and Aftermath

On April 4, 2022, Wesley Hadsell was sentenced to life in prison plus 15 years. His statement maintained his innocence despite overwhelming evidence, including the GPS that led to AJ’s remains and his own criminal history. The conviction brought a semblance of closure to AJ’s biological father, Mel Langer, and her former stepfather, Zach Hoffer, though it left deep emotional scars on the entire family (Woolsoncroft & Merryman, 47:58).

Notable Quote:
Keith (50:18): “You just can't even imagine it.”

Key Takeaways and Reflections

The episode underscores the complexities of familial relationships and the devastating impact of betrayal by a trusted figure. Through meticulous investigation and the uncovering of incriminating evidence, Going West: True Crime illustrates the painful journey from disappearance to conviction, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of AJ Hadsell’s case.

Notable Quote:
Daphne (49:40): “What did you do and why?”

Final Thoughts:
Daphne and Keith commend Abby for suggesting the case and encourage listeners to engage via their social media platforms for more insights and updates. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities within family structures and the importance of vigilant investigation in true crime narratives.

For those seeking a detailed exploration of this heartbreaking case, Episode 488 of Going West: True Crime offers an in-depth and emotional journey through AJ Hadsell’s life, disappearance, and the eventual pursuit of justice.