Murder at Cartland's Chateau // 498

Going West: True Crime

Published: Tue Apr 29 2025

In February of 1985, two teenage girls headed out for an unofficial tour of a historic abandoned mansion outside of San Francisco. But once they arrived, the security officer outside - who had a bad reputation in the area - took the opportunity to prey on the girls, and what followed was a night of horror that only one of the girls would survive. This is the murder at the Carolands Chateau.

Summary

Podcast Summary: Murder at Cartland's Chateau // Episode 498

Podcast Information:

Title: Going West: True Crime
Host/Author: Dark West Productions
Episode: Murder at Cartland's Chateau // 498
Release Date: April 29, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 498 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the chilling case of the murder at Cartland's Chateau, a story that intertwines historical grandeur with modern-day horror. Acknowledging listeners Barbara and Sarah for recommending this case, the hosts set the stage for an engaging exploration of a brutal crime that shocked the San Francisco Bay Area in 1985.

Historic Background of Cartland's Chateau

[03:03] Daphne: The Carolyn Chateau, an architectural marvel with over 90 rooms and nearly 50,000 square feet, was commissioned in 1914 by Harriet Pullman and her husband Frank. Harriet, the daughter of Chicago train magnate George Pullman, was a cultured and vivacious woman, fluent in four languages and renowned for her extensive library of 30,000 volumes on California history.

[05:25] Teeth: "Wow, that's a really nice wedding gift."

The chateau, situated in Hillsborough, California, was a symbol of opulence and status. However, Harriet and Frank's marriage became estranged by 1918, leading to the property's gradual sale and multiple ownership changes over the decades. By 1984, the mansion had fallen into disrepair, ultimately leading the town of Hillsborough to inherit it after Countess Lillian Remillard Dandini's death in 1973.

The Decline of Cartland's Chateau

[09:35] Daphne: The town of Hillsborough found the mansion more of a financial burden than a gift, with restoration costs exceeding their entire annual budget. Consequently, the chateau became a hotspot for vandalism and unauthorized gatherings, attracting local teenagers despite minimal security efforts.

[10:15] Teeth: "That's very fair."

Amidst this decline, David Allen Railey, a 23-year-old security guard with a dubious reputation, was hired to patrol the grounds. Railey's behavior raised red flags, as he frequently abused his position by offering unauthorized tours to teenagers in exchange for unethical kickbacks.

The Crime: February 2, 1985

On a chilly February Saturday, two teenage girls, Janine Grinsel (16) and Lori McKenna (17), decided to explore the abandoned chateau after having lunch together. Unbeknownst to them, David Railey had sinister intentions.

[12:55] Teeth: "I mean, there's probably a lot of people that want to go see this place because it's massive."

Railey, leveraging his authority, led the girls into the mansion under false pretenses of ensuring their safety from imagined police patrols. Once inside, he confined them to the basement, demanding they comply with his increasingly disturbing requests.

[14:19] Teeth: "He's, he can't, that can't be in those positions because he will abuse them."

[15:03] Daphne: "So it's like there's a lore surrounding the property."

Railey coerced the girls into undressing and subsequently handcuffed them at knifepoint. What followed was a harrowing ordeal of sexual assault and relentless violence. Despite the brutality—Lori was stabbed approximately 35 times and Janine about 40—both girls initially survived the attack.

Aftermath and Survival

Railey transported the severely injured girls in his car, leaving them bound in the trunk. Predictably, the girls struggled to survive the excruciating conditions in the ravine.

[28:50] Teeth: "So he does not care at all. He's like, I'm just gonna finish out the day."

Despite Railey's attempt to dispose of them, Lori managed to escape, alerting authorities and inadvertently leading to Railey's arrest.

[29:53] Teeth: "This is a really interesting insight into his mind because it almost seems like there's like a little bit of slight remorse..."

[30:10] Daphne: "No. And even when you think about the fact that after he sexually assaulted both of them..."

The pursuit of justice saw Railey charged with both attempted murder and murder with special circumstances for kidnapping, rape, and torture. His defense team initially considered an insanity plea, citing alleged auditory hallucinations, but ultimately, Railey was sentenced to death.

Impact on the Victims and Community

Janine Grinsel's tragic death left a profound impact on her community, prompting memorials and heightened awareness of the dangers lurking within the once-majestic chateau. Lori McKenna, the sole survivor, faced immense psychological trauma but demonstrated remarkable resilience. She successfully sued the security company responsible for Railey's employment, though the financial compensation offered little solace for her emotional scars.

[37:15] Teeth: "Yeah, it's most likely she would have lived through all of this."

Lori's journey to recovery included therapy, relocation, and eventual healing, allowing her to rebuild her life despite the haunting memories of that fateful day.

Legacy of Cartland's Chateau

In the years following the murder, Cartland's Chateau underwent significant transformation. Purchased in 1998 by Charles B. Johnson, the billionaire owner of the San Francisco Giants, the mansion was meticulously restored. By 2012, it was donated to charity and now operates under a lottery-based guided tour system, allowing the community to appreciate its historical significance without falling prey to its dark past.

[45:58] Daphne: "After her return home, Lori really struggled to adjust back to everyday life."

Conclusion and Reflections

Hosts Daphne and Heath reflect poignantly on the case, emphasizing the profound loss and the importance of survivor advocacy. Daphne remarks, "These poor girls just wanted to look at a beautiful landmark for the day and spend some time together after having lunch, like they were doing nothing wrong," highlighting the randomness and cruelty of Railey's actions.

Heath adds, "You don't have to be a David. You can still be in positions of power and authority and not abuse those situations," underscoring the crucial need for integrity in positions of trust.

The episode closes with a somber acknowledgment of the victims' enduring legacies and a reminder to remain vigilant against the abuses of authority.

[49:39] Daphne: "Truly a wild and horrific tale."

Notable Quotes

[05:25] Teeth: "Wow, that's a really nice wedding gift."
[14:19] Teeth: "He's, he can't, that can't be in those positions because he will abuse them."
[28:50] Teeth: "So he does not care at all. He's like, I'm just gonna finish out the day."
[37:15] Teeth: "Yeah, it's most likely she would have lived through all of this."
[45:58] Daphne: "After her return home, Lori really struggled to adjust back to everyday life."
[48:58] Daphne: "And he really wasn't even in a position of authority. He was a fucking security guard outside of an ability. Abandoned house."

Final Thoughts

Murder at Cartland's Chateau serves as a stark reminder of how charm and history can mask underlying dangers. Daphne and Heath's thorough investigation offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the events, the individuals involved, and the lasting impact on the community. This episode not only recounts a tragic true crime but also honors the memory of its victims through detailed storytelling and critical reflection.