Going West: True Crime

Episode 558 – Melissa Lamesch
Release Date: November 28, 2025
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft & Heath Merryman
Production: Dark West Productions

Episode Overview

In this gripping episode, Daphne and Heath explore the tragic case of Melissa Lamesch, a 27-year-old pregnant paramedic found dead in her home after a suspicious fire in Mount Morris, Illinois, in 2020. The hosts unravel the disturbing investigation that followed, focusing on Melissa's relationship with firefighter Matthew Plody—who became the prime suspect—and the devastating aftermath for Melissa's family.

Main Theme

The episode investigates Melissa Lamesch's murder, highlighting the complexities of her personal life, the shocking involvement of a first responder, and how methodical police work brought her killer—someone devoted to saving others professionally—to justice. The case is presented as both an intimate family tragedy and a chilling example of betrayal by someone in a position of public trust.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Introducing Melissa Lamesch (02:57–06:59)

• Melissa, a loving daughter and sister from Rockford, Illinois, dreamed of a fulfilling life and dedicated herself to helping others as a paramedic.
• Quote:
  “She was known for her tremendously unique smile, always arriving fashionably late and her love of eating and napping. Everything was done in her perfectionist ways and always in true Melissa fashion.” —Melissa’s family

Melissa’s Life & Relationships (06:59–14:07)

• After high school, Melissa worked varied jobs before pursuing paramedicine, graduating in early 2020.
• Met Matthew Plody at a trivia night; their on-and-off, mostly casual relationship lasted about seven years.
• When Melissa accidentally became pregnant in late winter 2020, Matt was not interested in parenting and distanced himself, leaving Melissa to approach motherhood as a single parent.
• Melissa’s family was supportive; she moved back in with her father and prepared joyfully for her baby’s arrival, naming him Barrett.

The Day of the Crime (16:05–19:08)

• On November 25, 2020, Melissa was at home on maternity leave, resting before labor induction scheduled in two days.
• Her last known activity: a phone call with her sister Cassie, which ended abruptly when Matt arrived unannounced.
  Quote:
  “She said she would make the conversation quick and that she would call me right back. But sadly that call would never come.” —Cassie (16:26)
• Hours later, neighbors report a house fire; Melissa, her unborn son, and her beloved cat are found dead in the kitchen.

Investigation Unfolds (19:08–31:34)

• Initial confusion over the cause: accident, medical emergency, or something more sinister?
• Early suspicion on Matt (last person to see her), supported by a neighbor’s report of a man entering the home before the fire.
• Matt’s reaction to Melissa’s death during questioning is strikingly flat:
  Quote:
  “He paused for about 10 seconds and then said flatly, ‘Oh, okay.’” —Daphne, referencing Matt (25:00)
• Forensic examination reveals:
  • Fire was arson, confined to the kitchen, with no accelerants or electrical cause.
  • Melissa had no ash or elevated carbon monoxide in her lungs, minimal burns—meaning she died before the fire.
  • Significant bruising and hemorrhaging, especially to the neck, indicating violent strangulation.

Evidence and Motive Build (31:34–40:19)

• Melissa’s autopsy points to physical struggle, possible sexual assault, and DNA of a single male found under fingernails and on her body.
• Matt’s own actions: absence from work on the day of the murder, secretive behavior, and living with another woman who was unaware of Melissa or the pregnancy.
• Quote:
  “Not only had Matt been seeing other women in addition to Melissa, but he was actually living with another woman during Melissa's pregnancy.” —Daphne (39:23)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Content | |---------------|-------------| | 02:57–06:59 | Melissa’s background, family, and ambitions | | 08:21–14:07 | Relationship with Matt, family support, preparing for the baby | | 16:05–19:08 | Timeline of the murder: phone call, Matt’s visit, discovery of house fire | | 24:15–26:46 | Police question Matt; his suspicious reaction and attempt to distance himself | | 28:07–31:34 | Fire marshal’s findings: arson, not a survivable fire, but Melissa was already dead | | 33:00–34:22 | Matt’s pattern of avoiding responsibility and not telling friends/family about the baby | | 35:42–36:59 | Police grilling Matt; inconsistencies in his statements about relationship and involvement | | 37:07–39:08 | DNA evidence, details of assault and struggle | | 43:19–46:36 | Matt’s lack of emotion during photographic evidence, police collect DNA, and attempt to confront Matt with his chief’s help | | 47:47–48:58 | Defense’s attempt to blame Melissa’s supportive father and neighbors | | 49:58–51:12 | Prosecutors’ reflections on Matt’s hypocrisy and the brutality of the crime | | 51:12–53:03 | Guilty verdict, sentencing, emotional courtroom statements | | 53:03–53:33 | Appeal attempt denied |

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Melissa’s Personality & Hope

• “She was a strong woman. She could do it.” —Cassie, Melissa’s sister (12:47)
• “We're going to get through this, just us.” —Melissa to her family (11:57)

On Matt’s Detachment and Motive

• “He paused for about 10 seconds and then said flatly, ‘Oh, okay.’” —Daphne, quoting Matt (25:00)
• “I had no intention of hurting Melissa.” —Matt during interrogation (44:09)
• “Just because you did all those things does not mean that you can't be a monster, which Matt is.” —Heath (53:27)

On the Crime’s Brutality and Irony

• “It is honestly so tragically ironic given the fact that Matt was a firefighter.” —Heath (50:18)
• “Her injuries were consistent with her fighting back—the terror she must have felt while she was fighting for her life and her baby's life.” —Assistant State’s Attorney Allison Huntley (50:23)

Case Resolution (51:12–53:33)

• Verdict: March 22, 2024
  Matt Plody convicted on all counts—murder, arson, concealment, homicide of an unborn child, and aggravated battery.
• Sentence: Life in prison plus 60 years for the unborn child and 15 years for arson.
• Courtroom Impact: Family delivered emotional statements; the judge emphasized Melissa’s struggle and Matt’s betrayal of his professional oath.
• Appeal: Denied in July 2024.

Episode Tone & Reflections

Daphne and Heath’s style remains empathetic but sharply critical, especially towards Matt’s actions and the failures of defense strategies. They highlight the cruel irony of a firefighter (someone sworn to protect others) committing the crime, alongside reflections on trust, parenthood, and family.

• “This case is just such a slap in the face…he swore to help people in his job, but ended up destroying so many lives instead.” —Heath (54:13)
• Both hosts express outrage at the defense’s attempts to cast suspicion elsewhere, and admiration for Melissa’s resilience and her family’s enduring love.

For Further Information

• The hosts encourage listeners to view photos and follow updates on their social channels: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok @GoingWestPodcast.

Closing

The Melissa Lamesch case is a harrowing example of betrayal, loss, and the limitations of character when faced with personal responsibility. Daphne and Heath honor Melissa’s memory, stress the importance of justice, and remind listeners of the lasting impact on the families left behind.

This summary is a faithful, rich depiction of the episode’s investigative narrative, emotional moments, and key takeaways suitable for both regular listeners and those approaching this chilling case for the first time.