Summary of "Going West: True Crime" Episode 455 – Yvonne Baldelli

Introduction

In Episode 455 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the haunting disappearance and murder of Yvonne Baldelli. Released on November 20, 2024, this episode meticulously unpacks the tragic events leading up to Yvonne’s untimely death, the subsequent investigation, and the quest for justice by her grieving family.

Background of Yvonne Baldelli

Yvonne Lee Faust, who later became Yvonne Baldelli, was born on March 4, 1970, in Los Angeles, California, to parents James and Emma Foust. Growing up alongside her siblings Lorraine, Michelle, and James Jr., Yvonne led a fulfilling life in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. Professionally, she thrived as a regional sales representative for Procter & Gamble, specifically managing Sebastian Hair and Cosmetics. Her career involved frequent visits to salons to ensure adequate product stock, prompting her relocation to the San Diego area.

In 2009, at 39 years old, Yvonne met Brian Carl Brimager, a 34-year-old decorated Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton. Their relationship blossomed quickly after meeting at Hennessy's Tavern in Dana Point, California. Despite initial family reservations about Brian’s rapid integration into Yvonne’s life—especially following her recent divorce—her family eventually warmed to him as Yvonne appeared genuinely happy.

The Move to Panama: An Idyllic Beginning

After two years of dating, unforeseen circumstances struck when Yvonne’s sister, Michelle, was laid off from Procter & Gamble. Seizing the opportunity to escape the pressures of corporate life, Yvonne and Brian made a bold decision to sell their belongings and relocate to Caranero Island, Panama. Their plan was to start anew, with Brian pursuing his passion for music by performing in local bars and Yvonne planning to sew and sell bikinis to tourists. Accompanied by Yvonne’s dog, Georgia May, they moved into a waterfront house known as Casa del Sapa.

Heath summarizes: “At least they have somewhat of a business plan of how they're going to support themselves” (09:21).

Initially, their island life seemed perfect. Yvonne’s family received detailed and joyful emails, painting a picture of a harmonious and idyllic existence. Yvonne described their daily routines—morning runs, ocean swims, and the happiness of Georgia May in their new environment.

Signs of Trouble: Family’s Growing Concerns

However, the facade began to crumble rapidly. Yvonne’s communication dwindled; emails became infrequent, and calls ceased altogether by Thanksgiving of 2011. On December 14, 2011, Michelle received a cryptic text from Brian discussing truck arrangements, which seemed suspicious given the lack of recent contact from Yvonne. Confronting Brian yielded conflicting stories about their breakup and Yvonne's supposed move to Costa Rica with another man, Tony Gonzalez.

Daphne reflects: “And Brian would play at the Cosmic Crab a couple nights a week. And on the other nights, he'd play at all these surrounding bars, most of the time getting paid in food and free drinks” (10:07), highlighting Brian’s lackluster commitment to their new life.

Investigation Unfolds: Unmasking the Truth

Michelle’s intuition led her to suspect deceit. Collaborating with a tech-savvy cousin, they discovered that emails purportedly from Yvonne were actually sent from Dana Point, California—the very place where Yvonne and Brian met. This revelation pointed directly to Brian’s involvement in the deceit.

Heath quotes Michelle’s determination: “But he seems pretty excited and pretty happy considering what just happened and what, as you guys will see, he just did” (42:24).

Enlisting FBI Special Agent Andrew Masters, Michelle pressed for a thorough investigation. Concurrently, the family flew to Panama, enlisting the help of Don Winner, a seasoned American expat detective. Their efforts unearthed testimonies from locals indicating Brian’s abusive behavior toward Yvonne, including sightings of her with physical injuries.

Arrest and Trial: Bringing Brian to Justice

The investigation hit a pivotal moment when a machete, sold online by Brian under a suspicious comment, was found with Yvonne’s blood samples. This grim discovery solidified Brian as the prime suspect. In 2015, after legal negotiations ensured the trial would occur in the U.S., Brian was charged with obstruction of justice and falsifying records.

Daphne adds: “Brian stuck to the same story he told Michelle when the FBI asked him about the situation” (31:45), emphasizing his consistent attempts to manipulate the narrative.

In May 2016, crucial evidence emerged when forensic analysis linked the machete to Yvonne’s murder, prompting Brian to finally plead guilty. He was sentenced to 26 years in federal prison, acknowledging his heinous acts but leaving the family yearning for greater accountability.

Closure and Aftermath

The sentencing provided Yvonne’s family with a semblance of closure. Yvonne’s remains were repatriated, cremated, and respectfully laid to rest at sea. However, the tragedy was compounded by the loss of Michelle, who succumbed to an aggressive cancer shortly after deposing against Brian. Her unwavering dedication was instrumental in uncovering the truth and securing justice for Yvonne.

Heath poignantly states: “had she not put in all of that work, it's possible that we may have never known what happened to Yvonne” (52:23).

Daphne echoes the sentiment: “This is clearly a very violent individual, and he doesn't deserve to be out, in my opinion” (52:41), reflecting the family's enduring pain and quest for justice.

Conclusion

The case of Yvonne Baldelli is a heartbreaking tale of love, betrayal, and relentless pursuit of truth. Through the unwavering efforts of her family and the diligent work of law enforcement, justice was finally served, albeit leaving behind a trail of profound grief. Going West: True Crime Episode 455 stands as a testament to the importance of intuition, perseverance, and the unyielding human spirit in seeking closure amidst unspeakable loss.

Notable Quotes from the Episode

• Heath at [05:03]: “When I was a little girl and when I would be afraid of monsters and she would say monsters don't exist. But you know, today I saw a monster come into the room chained like an animal and that is a monster.”

• Daphne at [47:32]: “Obvious wasn't the case because Kristen didn't seem to give a shit.”

• Heath at [52:23]: “I can't believe the amazing work that Yvonne's sister Michelle did to solve this case.”

• Daphne at [52:41]: “This is clearly a very violent individual, and he doesn't deserve to be out, in my opinion.”

These quotes encapsulate the emotional depth and critical moments discussed throughout the episode, highlighting the transformation from hope to horror in Yvonne’s story.