Podcast Summary: Into The Dark – Episode 119. "Killer Deputies? Or Warranted Shooting? - The Murder of Valerie Ely"
Introduction
In Episode 119 of Into The Dark, hosted by Peyton Moreland of OH NO MEDIA, the focus shifts from personal anecdotes to a deeply troubling true crime case involving the murder of Valerie Ely and the subsequent controversial shooting of her son, Cameron Ely. This episode delves into the intricate details of the crime, the police response, and the enduring debate surrounding the justification of the officers' actions.
Setting the Scene
The episode opens with Moreland discussing her personal life, sharing a brief story about her dog, Daisy's mysterious disappearance and safe return. This narrative serves to humanize the host and establish a rapport with the audience before transitioning into the main true crime story.
Case Overview: The Murder of Valerie Ely
Initial Emergency Call (00:25 – 12:40)
At 8:15 PM on October 15, 2019, a 911 dispatcher receives a distressing call from a neighborhood in Santa Barbara County, California. The caller, evidently distressed, states, "Please hurry. My mother tried to attack my father and I defended him" before abruptly hanging up (00:05).
Despite the vague information, the dispatcher contacts the caller's number, only to hear a second call filled with heavy breathing and incomprehensible mumbling, likely from Ron Ely, Valerie's husband, who was recovering from a stroke at the time (04:30).
Arrival of Deputies and Discovery (12:40 – 27:51)
Within 15 minutes, three Sheriff's Department deputies arrive at the Ely residence. The neighborhood is described as affluent, with expansive yards and minimal street lighting, making the environment particularly isolated and dark.
Upon knocking and receiving no response, the deputies notice movement through a window: an elderly man in a wheelchair, visibly bloodied, approaches the front door (15:15). Suspecting foul play, they enter the house, discovering Valerie Ely dead with multiple knife wounds (16:45). Identifying Ron Ely, the deputies quickly determine he did not commit the murder due to his physical limitations.
The focus shifts to Cameron Ely, Valerie and Ron's son, who is missing at the time. Upon questioning, Ron implicates Cameron as the perpetrator, leading the deputies to prioritize locating him (20:30).
The Shooting of Cameron Ely (27:51 – 31:26)
After an intensive 30-minute search, Cameron is found at 9:40 PM, covered in blood and showing signs of struggle. As deputies approach, Cameron claims, "I have a gun" (31:10). Believing they are under immediate threat, the officers fire 22 gunshots, fatally wounding Cameron. Bloodied and suffering from multiple stab wounds, Cameron dies before paramedics can administer aid (29:45).
Investigative Aftermath and Controversy (31:26 – 38:15)
The incident triggers an official investigation. Autopsies reveal Cameron suffered from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a condition linked to violent and unpredictable behavior due to repetitive head injuries (34:50). This condition likely contributed to Cameron's erratic actions, including the murder of his mother.
However, conflicting accounts emerge. The Ely family, led by Ron and his daughters Kirsten and Caitlyn, contest the police narrative. They argue that Valerie might have survived if the officers had acted differently, citing a doctor's testimony that her injuries were potentially survivable with timely intervention (28:20).
Furthermore, the family highlights discrepancies in the officers' statements and the body cam footage. The Sheriff's Department claims the body cams were off during the shooting, only audio recordings are available. Listening to these recordings, the family notes that there is no evidence of Cameron threatening the officers, leading them to believe the shooting was unwarranted (30:00).
Legal Proceedings and Final Verdict (38:15 – End)
Despite the family's lawsuit alleging wrongful deaths and police misconduct, the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's office upholds the officers' actions as justified, citing Cameron's aggressive behavior and the apparent threat he posed (34:00).
The family ultimately loses the lawsuit, leading to deep emotional and psychological impacts. Ron Ely passes away peacefully in September 2024, leaving behind a legacy marked by his struggle for justice and the loss of his wife and son.
Notable Quotes
-
Ron Ely (Post-Incident Statement): "Nobody actually needed to die." (28:30)
-
Caitlin Ely: "We urge everyone to listen to the truth. Listening to the audio only takes 19 seconds. That's how fast this happened, and you will know the truth." (31:15)
-
Peyton Moreland Reflecting on the Case: "It is hard to hear that your family member was shot with absolutely no weapon on them by four police. So the family are actually so sure about this that they decide to sue the sheriff's department, the four officers who shot Cameron, and Santa Barbara county for two wrongful deaths, both Valerie and Cameron's." (28:50)
Conclusion
The murder of Valerie Ely and the subsequent killing of Cameron Ely present a complex case intertwining mental health issues, police response, and legal interpretations of justified use of force. Into The Dark navigates through these layers, presenting both the authorities' and the family's perspectives, leaving the audience to grapple with the unresolved moral and ethical questions. The case underscores the profound consequences when mental health crises intersect with law enforcement, highlighting the need for nuanced approaches in such volatile situations.
Peyton Moreland invites listeners to reflect on the case, emphasizing the ambiguity and the tragic loss for the Ely family. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance required in handling domestic disputes, especially when mental health is a critical factor.
Final Thoughts
Episode 119 of Into The Dark offers a meticulous examination of a heart-wrenching tragedy, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the events and the lingering controversies. Through detailed storytelling and the inclusion of impactful quotes, Peyton Moreland ensures that the complexities of the Valerie Ely case are thoroughly explored, fostering a deeper conversation about justice, mental health, and police protocol.
For those interested in further exploring similar true crime narratives, consider tuning into Moreland's recommended podcast, "Fear Thy Neighbor," which delves into deadly neighborhood disputes and the dark sides of seemingly mundane conflicts.