Summary of "Carol Kennedy // 508" Episode of Going West: True Crime

In episode 508, titled "Carol Kennedy," released on June 3, 2025, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the perplexing and harrowing case of Carol Kennedy, a 53-year-old mother, artist, and counselor who was brutally murdered in her Arizona home. This detailed exploration not only unpacks the intricate details surrounding Carol's disappearance and death but also examines the ensuing investigation, suspects, and the courtroom drama that followed.

Introduction to the Case

The episode opens by introducing Carol Kennedy, born Virginia Kennedy on July 25, 1954, in Nashville, Tennessee. Despite her given name, Carol preferred and was widely known by her middle name. Friends and colleagues describe her as embodying kindness and warmth throughout her life (02:00). An accomplished individual, Carol balanced her roles as an educator, artist, and spiritual seeker. She graduated from McGavic High School and pursued higher education at Peabody College, achieving her teaching degree in an impressive three years—a testament to her dedication and intelligence (02:00).

Personal Life and Marriages

Shortly after graduating, Carol married her college sweetheart, Tom, who worked in pharmaceutical sales. However, this marriage was short-lived, lasting only a year and a half. Following this, Carol focused on her career in education, teaching at various schools across the country before settling back in Nashville in 1981. Her return was motivated by a desire to teach special education at her alma mater and to further explore her interests in wellness and spirituality. She earned her yoga certification and practiced painting, occasionally selling her artwork (08:01).

During a weekend in New York City, Carol met Steve Democker, a few months her senior, who would become her second husband. They shared common interests—adventurous spirits, love for animals, and a commitment to active, health-centric lifestyles. Their relationship progressed quickly: moving to New York City to be together, relocating to upstate Rochester for Steve’s graduate studies, and getting engaged shortly after. Their wedding, officiated by Steve’s parents in October 1982, marked the beginning of what seemed to be a promising union (08:01).

Life in Arizona and Marital Strains

In May 1988, Carol and Steve welcomed their first child, Katie, and soon decided to move to Arizona. Steve took on the role of Dean at Prescott College, while Carol taught psychology. They built their dream home in Williamson Valley, nestled in a scenic area conducive to Carol’s love for running and outdoor activities.

Nine years into their marriage, in October 1991, they had their second daughter, Charlotte. However, tensions arose as Carol discovered Steve’s affair with their midwife during Charlotte’s pregnancy (10:01). This revelation was not an isolated incident; Steve’s history of infidelities led Carol to believe he had developed a sex addiction. Despite repeated betrayals, Carol remained patient, hoping to support Steve through his challenges, especially given their two young daughters and the life they had built together (10:57).

By 2003, after over a decade of enduring marital strife, Carol and Steve decided to separate. Carol retained their residence—a significant location in the unfolding story—and continued her work as a family counselor while pursuing her artistic passions. Their divorce was finalized in May 2008, marking the end of their tumultuous relationship (12:14).

The Fateful Night

On June 3, 2008, just a month after her divorce was finalized, Carol was preparing for her daughter Katie’s departure to South Africa. The last family gathering occurred at the airport to see Katie off. Later that evening, Carol was at home when she made a phone call to her mother, Ruth, at around 8 PM. During the call, Carol abruptly exclaimed, "Oh no," and the line went dead (20:36). Ruth, sensing something was amiss, contacted the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office to perform a wellness check.

Simultaneously, at Steve’s residence, tensions were high as their second daughter, Charlotte, expressed anxiety over the prolonged divorce proceedings and financial strains. Steve, attempting to maintain a semblance of peace, had earlier asked Carol out for coffee, which she declined, wanting to move forward with her new life and a new relationship (14:21).

Discovery of the Crime

When Charlotte and her boyfriend, Jake, grew concerned about Steve’s prolonged absence from dinner plans, they decided to check on Carol. Upon arriving at her home, they were met with police lights and a secured crime scene. Inside, officers discovered signs of a struggle: blood, a toppled bookshelf, and a ladder. Carol Kennedy had been found bludgeoned to death, with the medical examiner concluding she died from blunt force trauma, likely delivered by a golf club (24:09).

Investigation and Suspects

Steve Democker: The Primary Suspect

Steve’s behavior following Carol’s death raised immediate suspicions. On the night of the murder, he had been out mountain biking but returned late, claiming an accident that extended his ride from two hours to five. Notably, Steve left his phone behind in the car, an action that seemed incriminating to the investigators. Additionally, forensic evidence found bike tracks and shoe prints near the crime scene matched Steve’s equipment (33:24).

During the investigation, Steve's search of his garage uncovered a missing golf club, the very weapon used to kill Carol. Although Steve claimed he had dropped the club off at Carol’s house for a garage sale, the inconsistencies in his story and the disappearance of the club cover added to the suspicion (36:20).

Jim Knapp: A Secondary Figure

Jim Knapp, Carol’s tenant and fellow divorcee, initially appeared as a supportive friend. However, forensic evidence later linked Jim to the crime scene, including his fingerprints on financial documents and his DNA mixed with Carol’s blood on a doorknob. Adding to the complexity, Jim was found dead six months after Carol’s murder, ruled a suicide by a gunshot wound to the chest. This unexpected death fueled further speculation about his possible involvement in Carol’s murder (41:20).

Shocking Developments

Five months after Carol’s murder, an anonymous email was sent to Steve’s attorney, John Sears, containing a detailed account of a supposed conspiracy involving multiple assailants linked to a prescription drug deal in Phoenix. The email described how two men and one woman orchestrated a home invasion that led to Carol’s death. This email attempted to divert suspicion away from Steve by implicating external parties (45:36). However, the lack of credible evidence to support these claims made the email's authenticity dubious.

Courtroom Drama and Conviction

Steve’s trial, which commenced in 2010, was fraught with unprecedented events, including the sudden collapse of the presiding judge, leading to a mistrial. The prosecution presented substantial evidence, including DNA matches and Steve’s suspicious actions, which painted a compelling case against him. Despite his pleas of innocence and maintaining that he could not harm Carol, Steve was found guilty on June 16, 2013, and sentenced to life imprisonment plus 10 years (56:20).

Lingering Questions and Conclusion

While Steve Democker remains convicted, the case leaves many questions unanswered. Carol’s life insurance payout raised eyebrows as it was funneled to her grandparents to pay for Steve’s defense, further muddling the waters. Additionally, the mysterious circumstances surrounding Jim Knapp’s suicide and the anonymous email continue to intrigue true crime enthusiasts and leave room for ongoing debate about the true nature of Carol Kennedy’s death (61:17).

Notable Quotes from the Episode:

• Daphne Woolsoncroft (02:00): "Carol embodied kindness and warmth all throughout her life."
• Heath Merryman (10:10): "Poor Carol. Like, that's just beyond."
• Daphne Woolsoncroft (16:08): "Which obviously is totally fair."
• Heath Merryman (24:09): "What a crazy story. I cannot wait to hear what you guys think."
• Daphne Woolsoncroft (51:18): "This email is absolutely wild."

The episode meticulously breaks down the multifaceted elements of Carol Kennedy’s case, presenting a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Daphne and Heath’s insightful commentary, combined with critical analysis of the evidence and suspect behaviors, provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of one of Arizona’s most enigmatic true crime cases.