Podcast Summary: "LaNell Barsock // 509"
Going West: True Crime
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft & Heath Merryman
Release Date: June 6, 2025
Introduction to the Case
In Episode 509 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the haunting and complex murder case of LaNell Barsock, a 29-year-old nurse whose life was tragically cut short in June 2010. This episode unravels the intricate web of relationships, deceit, and obsession that ultimately led to her untimely death.
LaNell's Personal Life and Relationships
LaNell Barsock was born on July 27, 1980, in Englewood, California, just south of downtown Los Angeles. Described by her family as a beacon of positivity, LaNell was known for her warmth, generosity, and dedication to making others feel at home. Her compassionate nature naturally led her to a career in nursing, first as a licensed vocational nurse and later as a registered nurse after completing her degree.
Heath reflects on LaNell's character:
“...she had a real knack for making everybody feel at home and just feel comfortable.” ([02:11])
Strained Relationship with Louis
LaNell met Louis Bonheur while attending nursing school. Louis, a refugee from Haiti, had moved to California in 2005 and was pursuing English classes. Their relationship blossomed quickly, leading them to move in together and purchase a home in Palmdale in 2009. Despite outward appearances of happiness and plans for marriage and children, tensions simmered beneath the surface.
Daphne notes the underlying issues:
“...LaNell was just kind of getting tired of being the more financially responsible partner as well as the more motivated professional.” ([07:37])
Louis's lack of career ambition and increasing possessiveness strained their relationship. Instances of controlling behavior, such as intercepting LaNell's phone and stalking her workplace, escalated the tension between them.
LaNell's Online Relationship with Ike
Feeling emotionally neglected by Louis, LaNell sought solace online and connected with Ike, a flight nurse from Sacramento, through fling.com—a straightforward dating website contrary to its bold tagline. Their relationship began in February 2010, four months before LaNell's murder, providing her with the emotional support she craved.
Heath muses on the online connection:
“It's literally just a dating website.” ([11:33])
Events Leading Up to the Murder
By late May 2010, the strain between LaNell and Louis had intensified. LaNell decided to repurpose their spacious 3,500 square-foot home into a living care facility for the elderly, a venture that reflected her entrepreneurial spirit. However, the ongoing discord led LaNell to confide in friends that she was losing romantic and sexual interest in Louis.
Daphne summarizes LaNell's emotional state:
“She's kind of caught in being comfortable and being in a relationship that she knows and then leaving for something that she feels like she deserves.” ([10:19])
The Fateful Day: June 16, 2010
On June 16, 2010, LaNell planned to spend the day with her friend Lorraine Austin, a South Los Angeles native who had been her friend for a decade—or so Lorraine claimed. The day was marked by escalating tensions and eventual tragedy.
Heath recounts the day's events:
“...Lorraine arrived at LaNell's suburban home at around 10 am to get started on her hair.” ([14:34])
Despite previous altercations, LaNell and Lorraine proceeded to work on LaNell's hair. The atmosphere in the house remained tense due to ongoing fights between LaNell and Louis. Around 1:30 pm, seeking space, Lorraine moved to a nearby park, which turned out to be a critical decision in the unfolding events.
The Crime Scene and Initial Investigation
Upon returning to the house around 6:30 pm, Lorraine discovered LaNell's lifeless body in the garage, wrapped in a black plastic trash bag. The scene was chaotic, with blood spatter, discarded bloody towels, and LaNell's BMW trunk open and cluttered with evidence.
Daphne describes the scene:
“...she saw LaNell's bloodied body lying lifeless next to her car.” ([17:40])
Detectives found a disorganized crime scene suggesting an attempt to conceal the murder, but incomplete efforts left substantial evidence behind.
Police Investigation and Suspects
Initial suspicions naturally fell on Louis Bonheur due to his erratic behavior and possession of incriminating items like a breakup note allegedly written by LaNell. However, alibi verification through security footage proved Louis's innocence, as he was several hours away at the time of the murder.
Heath emphasizes the breakthrough:
“...security camera footage confirmed he was miles away from the crime scene.” ([24:44])
With Louis cleared, attention shifted to Lorraine Austin, whose involvement became increasingly suspicious.
Discovery Against Louis
After initially being held as a suspect, Louis's alibi solidified his innocence. His actions, such as booking flights to Miami and shifting money between accounts, appeared manipulative but ultimately led to his exoneration.
Daphne expresses frustration:
“...everything originally pointing to one person at first, and now it's clear that it wasn't him.” ([39:29])
Identification of Lorraine as the Killer
The investigation took a dramatic turn when discrepancies in Lorraine's story surfaced. It was revealed that Lorraine did not share the deep, decade-long friendship she claimed with LaNell. In reality, their relationship began only a month prior through a Craigslist ad, contradicting her narrative.
Furthermore, forensic evidence tied Lorraine directly to the crime scene. Her DNA was found on bloody gloves, a plastic pitcher, and a footprint on the rug where LaNell was found. Handwriting analysis of the breakup note indicated it was authored by Lorraine, not LaNell.
Heath highlights the evidence:
“...her fingerprint found on the plastic pitcher and her footprint on that rug.” ([36:39])
Lorraine's Arrest and Trial
Lorraine fled the country in January 2012 but was eventually apprehended in Belize after America's Most Wanted featured her case. Her trial culminated in August 2015, where she was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to two terms of 25 years to life. Despite overwhelming evidence, Lorraine maintained her innocence, insisting Louis was the true perpetrator.
Daphne shares her reaction:
“When I found out that it was Lorraine, I literally was like, what?” ([55:20])
Conclusion
The tragic murder of LaNell Barsock serves as a sobering reminder of how complex and multifaceted true crime cases can be. What began as a seemingly straightforward relationship turned into a labyrinth of deceit and hidden relationships, culminating in a shocking act of violence. Daphne and Heath conclude the episode by reflecting on the case's intricacies and expressing gratitude to listeners and supporters.
Heath summarizes the aftermath:
“...Lorraine was found guilty, but Louis went on to live his life, proving his innocence and continuing LaNell's legacy through those she touched.” ([55:10])
Notable Quotes:
- “Don’t be a piece of shit and murder.” – Heath ([34:36])
- “Don't murder. Don't be a piece of shit and murder.” – Daphne ([34:39])
Timestamps Highlighted:
- [02:11] – Introduction to LaNell's character
- [07:37] – Strains in LaNell and Louis’s relationship
- [11:33] – LaNell's online relationship with Ike
- [14:34] – Events leading to the murder
- [24:44] – Evidence clearing Louis
- [36:39] – Forensic evidence implicating Lorraine
- [55:20] – Hosts' reactions to Lorraine's guilt
Final Thoughts:
Episode 509 of Going West: True Crime masterfully dissects the layers of LaNell Barsock's murder, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the case's progression from relationship strains to the eventual identification and conviction of the true perpetrator. Through detailed narration and insightful analysis, Daphne and Heath offer a compelling exploration of a true crime story that underscores the profound impacts of deceit and obsession.