Into The Dark: Episode 114 - The Bloody Custody Battle - The Murder of Angela Wilder

Host: Payton Moreland
Release Date: April 9, 2025
Duration: Approximately 32 minutes
Transcript Sections Used: Content excluding advertisements and non-essential segments

Introduction

In Episode 114 of Into The Dark, host Payton Moreland delves into the harrowing true crime case of Angela Wilder—a story marked by betrayal, violence, and a bitter custody battle that culminated in tragedy. Moreland not only unravels the sequence of events leading to Angela's untimely death but also explores the profound ripple effects on the families involved.

Background of Angela Wilder

Angela Wilder, a 30-year-old mother of three residing in Minot, North Dakota, was engaged to Chris Jackson and was pursuing her dream of becoming a registered nurse. Angela had aspirations of expanding her family to seven children and was expecting her fourth child with Chris. Despite a somewhat troubled past, Angela appeared to be building a promising future filled with hope and new beginnings.

Payton Moreland [02:15]: "Angela, in her 30s, was a mother of three. But she dreamed of having a huge family."

The Night of the Crime: November 12, 2015

On a seemingly ordinary Thursday night, Angela expressed anxiety about staying alone at home, citing strange noises that suggested a possible break-in. Her fiancé, Chris, who was working his regular night shift at Walmart, received multiple check-ins from Angela. Initially dismissing her fears as typical anxiety, Chris continued his work shift, unaware of the unfolding tragedy.

By 5 a.m., when Chris's shift ended, Angela failed to pick him up as planned. Growing concerned, Chris returned home to find Angela's car still parked outside and the back door of their house forcefully kicked open. Realizing something was terribly wrong, Chris attempted to contact Angela and their two-year-old son but received no response. Panic set in, prompting Chris to call 911.

Payton Moreland [08:02]: "The back door of their house had been kicked open, which means something's going on here."

Investigation and Arrest of Richie Wilder

Police arrived promptly and began investigating the scene. Angela was found dead in her locked primary bedroom, brutally stabbed approximately 40 times. While Angela's son remained unharmed, the violent nature of the crime suggested a fierce struggle. Chris presented a solid alibi, supported by Walmart's security footage, which placed him at work throughout the night of the murder.

Suspicion eventually fell on Rich Wilder, Angela's ex-husband, due to a tumultuous history marked by alleged abuse and ongoing custody disputes over Angela's children. Despite winning a dishonorable discharge from the Air Force based on abuse allegations, Richie's alibi was initially unshakable, as his then-wife, Cindy Wilder, testified that Richie was present at home during the time of the murder.

Payton Moreland [16:47]: "Cindy was doing what she could to be a good stepmother, but she didn't know if she was able to give them the best possible life as a single mom."

However, mounting physical evidence—including DNA found under Angela's fingernails matching Richie's and blood discovered in his car—compromised his defense. Additionally, Richie's failed escape attempt from jail in August 2016, where he attempted to break a window and forge an alibi with Cindy's help, further implicated him.

Payton Moreland [22:10]: "They had DNA under Angela's fingernails that matched Richie's genetic sample."

Trial and Conviction

During the trial, Richie initially maintained his innocence, claiming he was present during the murder but did not commit the act himself. He alleged that Chris, fueled by jealousy and unfounded suspicions of infidelity, had perpetrated the crime. Richie provided a handwritten confession from his cellmate, Paul Madre Lace, claiming Paul was hired by Chris to kill Angela. However, inconsistencies in Paul's statements and discrepancies in handwriting led investigators to dismiss Richie's claims as fabrications.

Payton Moreland [27:54]: "He just reached out to his fiance's ex-husband to help him with this plan."

Under pressure, Richie admitted to lying about Paul's involvement, further eroding his credibility. The jury, convinced by the overwhelming physical evidence and Richie's deceptive behavior, deliberated for less than an hour before finding him guilty of Angela's murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Payton Moreland [29:10]: "The jurors in this case only deliberated for a little under an hour. They came back and found Richie guilty of Angela's murder."

Cindy Wilder's Complicity and Arrest

Cindy Wilder, Richie's wife, maintained her husband's innocence publicly. However, her interactions with Matt Walters, a man with a minor criminal background, revealed a different story. During a conversation at a bar, Cindy inadvertently confessed to Matt about her and Richie's involvement in Angela's murder, hinting at methods and post-crime actions.

Recognizing the significance of Cindy's statements, Matt cooperated with authorities, leading to Cindy's arrest in June 2017. Despite her claims of exaggeration and misunderstanding during a sting operation, the evidence against her was compelling. Cindy eventually accepted an Alford plea—a legal maneuver acknowledging sufficient evidence for conviction without admitting guilt—and was sentenced to life in prison, aligning with Richie's fate.

Payton Moreland [35:25]: "She tells Matt that Richie wasn't actually innocent and she knew he had killed her. Actually, she had helped him plan it and was in on it."

Aftermath and Impact

The double imprisonment of Richie and Cindy Wilder left a profound impact on Angela's family. Her children faced the heartbreak of losing their mother and stepmother, compounded by the loss of their father and caregiver in Richie's incarceration. Angela's dreams of a nursing career were forever unfulfilled, and her legacy is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unresolved familial conflicts and custody battles.

Payton Moreland [31:40]: "If nothing else, should be a powerful reminder that even when justice is served and the culprits do get caught, some wrongs can never be made right."

Conclusion

"The Bloody Custody Battle - The Murder of Angela Wilder" is a chilling exploration of how personal vendettas and legal disputes can escalate into irreversible tragedy. Payton Moreland masterfully guides listeners through the intricate web of relationships, motives, and evidence, highlighting the enduring pain inflicted on all parties involved. This episode serves as a poignant testament to the complexities of human emotions and the far-reaching shadows cast by true crime.

Payton Moreland [32:17]: "For that reason, she thought she deserved a retrial where she could offer a different plea."

End of Summary