Podcast Summary: Into The Dark – Episode 118: "The Woman in a Dead Man’s Home"

Introduction

In Episode 118 of Into The Dark, hosted by Payton Moreland of OH NO MEDIA, listeners are taken on a chilling journey into a true crime case that intertwines mystery, deceit, and tragedy. Titled "The Woman in a Dead Man’s Home," the episode delves deep into the unsettling story of Charles Wilding and the enigmatic Carolyn Herling, exploring the dark corners of human behavior and the devastating impact of deceit on a tight-knit community.

The Life of Charles Wilding

Charles Wilding, born in 1951, was a lifelong resident of Kingswood Road in Sherman Oaks, California—a prestigious, affluent cul-de-sac known for its million-dollar homes and close-knit community. From his early years, Charles was perceived as a friendly yet introverted individual. As a child, he was willing to engage with neighborhood kids but became noticeably quiet and nervous around strangers and adults. The late 1960s brought tragedy to his life with the passing of his father, which deepened his reclusiveness.

As an adult, Charles led a solitary life, living with his mother in their longstanding family home. He never married, had no children, and rarely ventured out, except for a weekly grocery run. His secluded existence continued until 2017, when his mother passed away, further isolating him from the community. By the mid-2010s, neighbors noticed a significant change in Charles—he became even more withdrawn, rarely interacting with others and neglecting yard work and other usual neighborhood interactions.

The Arrival of Carolyn Herling

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 marked a turning point in Charles's already isolated life. Following shelter-in-place orders, Charles began posting signs around his home claiming he had tested positive for the virus, urging neighbors to stay away. This self-imposed isolation provided the perfect cover for Carolyn Herling to enter the scene. Carolyn, appearing as a mid-40s woman with long, reddish-blonde hair, began frequenting Charles's home, claiming to be hired to address severe mold issues and perform necessary repairs.

Neighbors grew suspicious of Carolyn’s presence and her explanations. As Payton Moreland narrates, "Their nights were haunted by the silence of an empty home and the whispering doubts about Carolyn's true intentions" [12:45]. Despite Charles's long-term residence and the community’s familiarity with him, Carolyn's involvement raised red flags. Her defensive demeanor and inconsistent stories about Charles's living arrangements intensified the neighborhood's suspicions.

Investigation Unveiled: Carolyn’s Dark Deeds

In December 2020, concerns about Charles's prolonged absence led a neighbor to request a police wellness check. When officers arrived, Carolyn's interactions with the police were evasive and unconvincing. She claimed Charles was living in another apartment, refusing to provide verifiable details. Despite allowing a search of the property, nothing abnormal was found, leaving the police with limited grounds to take further action.

A year passed without any progress in Charles's disappearance. It wasn’t until October 2021 that an anonymous tip shed light on the grim reality: Charles was dead, and Carolyn had been illegally occupying his home. This revelation prompted authorities to scrutinize Carolyn's background, uncovering her as a seasoned con artist specializing in defrauding elderly and recently deceased individuals. Carolyn's modus operandi involved:

• Breaking into Vacant or Vulnerable Homes: Carolyn targeted affluent neighborhoods, exploiting neglected properties to infiltrate and seize control.

• Identity Theft and Fraud: She meticulously gathered personal information to create fake IDs, rewrite wills, and access victims' financial accounts.

• Elaborate Schemes: In one instance, she rewrote a victim’s will to inherit a $1.7 million fortune, collecting funds before disappearing. Another involved befriending a woman named Dusty Bowman under the guise of a divorce lawyer, ultimately leading to legal disputes that drained Dusty financially and emotionally.

The Fate of Charles Wilding

Caroline moved into Charles's home with several accomplices, discovering his deceased body. They attempted to dispose of his remains by immersing them in acid, a task far more challenging than portrayed in media. After failing to dissolve his body, they resorted to dismemberment and dumping the remains in the San Francisco Bay. The audacity of their actions was underscored by their blatant disregard for the gravity of their crimes—transforming what should have been a grim task into a seemingly carefree road trip complete with selfies and casual conversations.

Despite their efforts to conceal the truth, the police investigation, bolstered by the anonymous tip and discovery of incriminating evidence, began to unravel Carolyn's intricate web of deceit. Searches of Carolyn’s properties revealed fake IDs, forged documents, and illegal firearms, accumulating evidence that highlighted her extensive criminal activities, which totaled approximately $3.9 million in stolen funds.

Arrest and Sentencing

In January 2023, Carolyn Herling was arrested and faced numerous charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and improper disposal of a body. Although prosecutors desired to charge her with Charles's murder, the lack of physical evidence and the inability to locate his remains hindered their case. Consequently, Carolyn accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty in March 2023. During her sentencing, victims and their families testified against her, illustrating the profound impact of her actions. Robert Tascon’s family, a man who took his own life after Carolyn usurped his home, held her accountable, stating, "He would still be alive if she hadn't created the stressful situation that made him feel so hopeless and overwhelmed" [28:15].

Judge [Name] delivered a stern sentence, emphasizing the irreversible harm caused by Carolyn's crimes. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison and ordered to repay the stolen $3.9 million. The judge remarked, "Charles was a man and a human being, but she only ever saw him as a way to make money," highlighting the dehumanizing nature of Carolyn’s actions.

Conclusion and Reflections

"The Woman in a Dead Man’s Home" serves as a poignant exploration of exploitation, the vulnerability of the isolated, and the far-reaching consequences of deceit. Payton Moreland masterfully weaves together the narrative, shedding light on Carolyn Herling's calculated manipulations and the tragedy of Charles Wilding's untimely death. This episode not only recounts a harrowing true crime story but also prompts listeners to reflect on the importance of community vigilance and the devastating effects of fraud on individuals and their families.

As Payton concludes, "Those are crimes that can never be undone. And that is the case of Charles Wilding," the episode leaves a lasting impression on the listener, underscoring the deep scars left by such heinous acts.

Notable Quotes:

• "I know it's insanity. I'm not like going and dying every day..." – Payton Moreland [01:10]

• "He would still be alive if she hadn't created the stressful situation that made him feel so hopeless and overwhelmed." – Robert Tascon’s Family [28:15]

• "Charles was a man and a human being, but she only ever saw him as a way to make money." – Judge during sentencing [31:35]

Final Thoughts

Episode 118 of Into The Dark is a compelling testament to the podcast's ability to uncover and narrate true crime stories with depth and empathy. Through meticulous storytelling and insightful analysis, Payton Moreland brings to light the dark realities that lurk behind seemingly quiet and safe communities, reminding us that darkness can reside in the most unexpected places.