Going West: True Crime - Episode 477: Tarrant County Killer

Release Date: February 14, 2025
Hosts: Teeth and Daphne Woolsoncroft
Produced by: Dark West Productions

Case Background

In this harrowing episode, Teeth and Daphne delve deep into the chilling case of Jason Thornburg, a self-confessed serial killer responsible for the disappearance and murder of at least five individuals, including Tanya Begay on the Navajo reservation. The hosts meticulously outline Thornburg's path from his troubled past to his eventual capture and sentencing.

Disappearance of Tanya Begay

The story begins in March 2017, when 36-year-old Tanya Begay vanished while traveling with her boyfriend, Jason Thornburg, from Gallup, New Mexico, to visit family in Tehachie, New Mexico. Tanya was known for her vibrant personality and strong family ties within the Navajo Nation.

Daphne recounts a pivotal moment:
"I miss her like every day. I just knew my friend was gone forever." [03:47]

Tanya had recently filed assault charges against Thornburg after he violently threw a coffee pot at her, resulting in significant injuries. Despite this, she disappeared without a trace after their road trip, leading her family to suspect foul play from Thornburg.

Life and Behavior of Jason Thornburg

After Tanya's disappearance, Thornburg relocated to Fort Worth, Texas, where he began working as an electrician's apprentice in August 2020. He moved into a house with Mark Jewell, a 60-year-old acquaintance, creating an uneasy dynamic due to their significant age difference.

Neighbors like Kendra Morse noted Thornburg's unsettling behavior.
"He kind of chuckled and he goes, that's cute. I just like how you threw that in there that you had a boyfriend." [16:24] — Kendra Morse

In May 2021, Thornburg's house with Jewell tragically exploded, resulting in Jewell's death. This incident initially appeared accidental but later raised suspicions due to Thornburg's connections and behavior following the fire.

Murders and Motivations

Thornburg's reign of terror continued with the discovery of three victims in a dumpster in Tarrant County, Fort Worth. The victims—David Lueris, Mera Cruz Mathis, and Lauren Phillips—were found dismembered and burned, showcasing Thornburg's gruesome methods.

Teeth highlights Thornburg's twisted motivations:
"He fancied himself a missionary and claimed that committing ritualistic sacrifices brought him a sense of purpose." [31:11]

Thornburg admitted to using his knowledge of the Bible to justify his atrocities, believing he was chosen by God to perform human sacrifices. His methods included slitting throats, mutilating bodies, and even engaging in cannibalism.

Investigation and Arrest

Law enforcement traced the Jeep Grand Cherokee seen near the dumpster fire to Thornburg through meticulous analysis of security camera footage. Detectives found his vehicle registered to him in Euless, Texas.

Upon interrogation, Thornburg's web of lies unraveled, revealing his involvement in the disappearance of Tanya Begay and the murders linked to the dumpster fire. His confession included details that only the perpetrator would know, solidifying the case against him.

Daphne remarks:
"He kind of screwed himself because he started a fire that people are going to notice a dumpster is on fire. That's total recklessness on his part." [33:42]

Trial and Sentencing

Thornburg's trial commenced on November 7, 2024, with his defense team presenting arguments centered around his troubled upbringing and alleged mental illness. They cited his mother's substance abuse, childhood trauma, and a diagnosis of severe intellectual disability with an IQ of 89.

However, the prosecution, led by Assistant District Attorney Kim Divignon, countered these claims by emphasizing Thornburg's deliberate actions to cover his crimes, showcasing his awareness and intent.

Divignon stated:
"We use the word sadist because he had sex with Lauren's torso. We don't use words like cannibal because it's fun. We use them because they accurately describe his actions." [44:43]

Ultimately, the jury found Thornburg guilty of capital murder, and on December 4, 2024, he was sentenced to death.

Impact on Victims' Families

The families of the victims delivered heartbreaking impact statements, expressing their profound loss and anger.

Mera Cruz Mathis's sister shared:
"The pain you've caused by killing my sister doesn't just go away. The pain stays in our hearts. I hope that you receive forgiveness in heaven, because I, personally, don't think I can do it. The only thing that you do deserve is death." [48:25]

Tanya Begay's cousin, Jackie Reynolds, condemned Thornburg:
"Whatever you tried to accomplish with sacrifice didn't work. In the end, you are just a man. Nothing powerful, nothing but a murderer." [49:31]

Despite Thornburg's confession, he remains silent about Tanya's remains, leaving her family without closure.
"We still need to bring her home. We never had a funeral. We don't know where she's at. Until then, there won't be justice or closure." [49:53] — Edith, Tanya's aunt

Conclusion and Ongoing Issues

The episode concludes with reflections on the failures of law enforcement to apprehend Thornburg earlier, particularly regarding the assault on Billy Hernandez and the initial handling of Tanya's disappearance. These oversights arguably allowed Thornburg to continue his lethal spree.

Daphne underscores the systemic failures:
"They dropped the ball so hard on both of these. But on Tanya's case, too, like, her car had been found abandoned... they didn't get him back then. And then more people died." [40:55]

Thornburg's case serves as a grim reminder of the complexities in serial crime investigations and the profound impact on victims' families.

Final Remarks

Teeth and Daphne express their horror and condemnation of Thornburg's actions, emphasizing the need for justice and remembrance for the victims.

Teeth concludes:
"He is such an evil, evil person and he's right where he belongs." [51:18]

Daphne adds:
"Thank you guys. We will see you on Tuesday." [51:25]

The episode serves as a stark portrayal of one man's descent into darkness and the enduring pain inflicted upon countless families.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Daphne:
  "I miss her like every day. I just knew my friend was gone forever." [03:47]

• Kendra Morse:
  "He kind of chuckled and he goes, that's cute. I just like how you threw that in there that you had a boyfriend." [16:24]

• Daphne:
  "He is such an evil, evil person and he's right where he belongs." [51:18]

• Maricruz's Sister:
  "The pain you've caused by killing my sister doesn't just go away. The pain stays in our hearts. I hope that you receive forgiveness in heaven, because I, personally, don't think I can do it. The only thing that you do deserve is death." [48:25]

• Tanya's Cousin, Jackie Reynolds:
  "Whatever you tried to accomplish with sacrifice didn't work. In the end, you are just a man. Nothing powerful, nothing but a murderer." [49:31]

Closing Thoughts

This episode of Going West: True Crime offers a comprehensive and disturbing look into the life and crimes of Jason Thornburg. Through meticulous research and emotional narratives, Teeth and Daphne provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the case, the failures that allowed such atrocities, and the enduring impact on the victims' families.

For more details and visuals related to this case and others, visit Going West Podcast's Instagram and Facebook.

Note: The timestamps correspond to the provided transcript and are intended to aid listeners in locating specific moments within the episode.