Going West: True Crime

Episode 593 – "Marcy West: The Fire Chief's Secret"
Released: March 24, 2026 | Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman

Episode Overview

In this gripping episode, Daphne and Heath explore the tragic case of Marcy West, a beloved mother and hospital administrator who died suddenly in January 2024. What initially appeared to be a mysterious medical emergency quickly unraveled into a complex tale of hidden motives, financial strain, infidelity, and murder, all centering around her husband, Kevin West, a respected fire chief in Washougal, Washington. The episode meticulously follows the investigation, trial, and family fallout, highlighting the devastating ripple effects of Kevin’s actions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing Marcy West and the Tragedy

[03:29–06:53]

• Marcy was remembered as “warm and silly” who lived for her children, Megan and Ted.
• She had a successful career in hospital administration and was married to Kevin West, a decorated firefighter destined to soon retire as battalion chief.
• The family lived in Washougal, Washington, and appeared to outsiders as a loving, successful unit nearing the rewards of empty-nesting.

Memorable Quote:

“My mom was an incredible woman. Her life revolved around my brother and me... She was loving, and she was my favorite place.”
—Megan West (Quoting Marcy), [04:26]

2. Circumstances of Marcy’s Death

[07:06–10:14]

• On January 8, 2024, Kevin reported Marcy suffered a sudden seizure while they slept; he claimed to have performed CPR but could not revive her.
• First responders noted oddities: her bra strap was askew and pants were inside out.
• Kevin’s story included that Marcy had been experiencing headaches and that their son gave her an “intense massage” the night before. He speculated the massage might have triggered the seizure.
• The initial autopsy was inconclusive but noted bruising to her head and jaw.

Hosts’ Tone:
Skeptical and incredulous, especially regarding the “massage” explanation:

“I guess it was the massage that did it.” —Heath, [10:12]
“One hell of a massage, I guess.” —Daphne, [10:26]

3. A Marriage in Turmoil

[10:29–16:16]

• Financial stress plagued the couple. They were deep in debt, struggling with a $7,000/month mortgage and Kevin’s looming retirement.
• Kevin reportedly complained about Marcy at work, wanted out, and feared losing retirement funds in a divorce.
• Marcy’s notes on her phone pointed to years of unhappiness and distrust:
  • “Not happy with me for a long time. 10 to 14 years.” [13:48]
  • “You get angry frequently.” [13:48]
• In December 2023, Kevin texted Marcy, “I’ve been nothing more than a paycheck.” She replied, “You have made yourself very clear that I have made you unhappy for 23 years.” [14:47]

4. Kevin’s Odd Behavior & The Growing Suspicion

[15:16–18:58]

• After Marcy’s passing, coworkers described Kevin as unusually enthusiastic—not grieving.
  • He showed off a bottle opener made from a deer’s hind end; his crying seemed like “theatrics.”
  • He quickly began getting rid of Marcy’s belongings and asked if it was too soon to remove her photos.
• An anonymous tip led police to investigate rumors of an affair.

Memorable Observations:

“He was unquestionably happier than I had almost ever seen him… [The crying] was theatrics.” —Casey Jones, coworker, quoted by Heath, [17:06]

5. Discovery of the Affair & Second Autopsy

[18:58–21:48]

• Police learned Kevin was carrying on a long-standing affair with Cynthia, a former volunteer firefighter.
• A second autopsy concluded Marcy died from asphyxia with blunt force trauma to the neck—her manner of death changed to homicide.
• Kevin’s health-tracking app showed he was active and not asleep during the critical hours.

Hosts React:

“It’s so crazy that a health app became your undoing.” —Heath, [19:51]
“I love when that happens.” —Daphne, [19:56]

6. Unfolding the Secret Relationship

[21:50–26:12]

• Kevin and Cynthia’s affair spanned nearly two decades, rekindled in late 2023.
• They were seen in public together, took trips, and Cynthia met Kevin’s family and siblings.
• Kevin promised Cynthia (and her family) that he would leave Marcy—setting deadlines precisely coinciding with Marcy’s death.
  • “I’m meeting my attorney on the 9th... I will also be moving out on the 8th. Next week will be a big week for she and I to celebrate. I love you.” —Kevin to Cynthia’s mom, [37:40–38:06]

7. Evidence Mounts: The Digital Trail & Family Fallout

[33:34–40:44]

• Police found deleted texts and love letters showing Kevin planned to leave Marcy and was promising Cynthia a future together.
• After Marcy’s death, Kevin quickly moved Cynthia into the family home and got engaged.
• His daughter Megan distanced herself; son Ted and his fiancée stayed loyal to Kevin, splitting the siblings’ support.
  • “It was exceedingly distasteful as Kevin quickly moved [Cynthia] into the West family home and then paraded [her] around as his new wife.” —Daphne, [39:44]

8. The Trial: Family on the Stand, Defense Strategies

[40:44–49:14]

• Kevin’s attorney argued he was “guilty only of an affair,” attempting to blame Marcy’s death on Ted’s massage.
• Ted gave a courtroom demonstration; he testified as a defense witness, maintaining Kevin’s innocence.
• Megan testified with a powerful victim impact statement, denouncing her father’s lies and his lack of compassion.

Notable Quotes:

“My father’s action took my mom’s life. They took my future with her. … I will not be quiet about it anymore... You had the nerve to look me in the eyes days later and ask if I was relieved that she was dead. … That question is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.” —Megan West, [45:36]
“Even though I saw my father, I didn’t recognize him one bit. I saw a stranger in my eyes.” —Megan West, [50:16]

• The jury deliberated just two hours before returning a guilty verdict for first and second-degree murder.
• Kevin was sentenced to 25 years in prison (eligible for parole after ~90%), with friends, family, and the courtroom responding with closure and heartbreak.

Powerful Moment:

“A man in the gallery shouted back, ‘Well said,’ and the courtroom responded with two minutes of applause.” —Daphne, [49:14]

Memorable Quotes & Segment Timestamps

• On Marcy’s character:
  “She was loving, and she was my favorite place.” —Megan West, [04:26]
• On Kevin’s post-murder demeanor:
  “He was unquestionably happier than I had almost ever seen him.” —Casey Jones, [17:06]
• About the digital evidence:
  “It’s so crazy that a health app became your undoing.” —Heath, [19:51]
• Trial testimony – Megan’s impact statement:
  “You took my mom from me and tried to steal my right to grieve her.” —Megan West, [45:36]
• Courtroom reaction:
  “The courtroom responded with two minutes of applause.” [49:14]
• Kevin’s only apology:
  “I made every effort to save her life. I owe you all an apology for my affair, my only wrongdoing.” —Kevin West, [49:15]

Hosts’ Reflections & Analysis

[51:59–53:11]

• Daphne and Heath express outrage at the destruction Kevin wrought, emphasizing how unnecessary and tragic Marcy’s murder was.
• They highlight the “stupid” and avoidable nature of such crimes, especially given Kevin’s motivation was to avoid alimony rather than seek life insurance or custody.

  “Now you have no money, no mistress, and basically no relationship with your children.” —Daphne, [53:04]

Closing Thoughts

This episode of Going West paints a devastating portrait of a family destroyed by selfishness and greed. Through first-person testimony and digital forensics, the truth about Marcy West’s death came to light, thanks to persistent investigators, a courageous daughter, and the unraveling of Kevin’s carefully managed persona. The podcast’s mix of warmth, outrage, and careful research makes it a must-listen for true crime fans.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Marcy’s Life & Family: [03:29–07:06]
• Discovery of the Body: [07:06–10:14]
• Financial & Marital Struggles: [10:29–16:16]
• Suspicious Behavior & Tip: [17:06–18:58]
• Second Autopsy & Affair Unveiled: [18:58–21:48]
• Relationship with Cynthia: [21:50–26:12]
• Evidence Uncovered & Fallout: [33:34–40:44]
• Trial & Family Testimony: [40:44–49:14]
• Sentencing & Aftermath: [49:15–53:11]

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