Into The Dark: Episode 129 - The Murder of Evelyn Player

Release Date: July 23, 2025

Host: Payton Moreland
Podcast Description: A True Crime podcast with elements of horror and mystery, where Payton delves into different cases each week, exploring the motivations behind human actions and occasionally discussing conspiracy theories, hauntings, and other spooky topics.

Introduction to the Case

In Episode 129 of Into The Dark, host Payton Moreland explores the harrowing case of Evelyn Player, a beloved 69-year-old volunteer and Sexton at the North Chester Street Church in Baltimore. Evelyn was known for her dedication to the church and her community, engaging in charitable works such as distributing food to those in need and organizing vaccination programs.

"I think in life there are certain places where you go to just feel safe... today we will see that nowhere is ever completely safe."
— Payton Moreland [02:00]

The Morning of November 16, 2021

On November 16, 2021, a group of construction workers arrived at the North Chester Street Church for their daily renovations. The routine was familiar—except that day, they found one of the church doors propped open with a traffic cone, a usual occurrence made by Evelyn herself. However, Evelyn was conspicuously absent when they entered.

"They called her name, thinking maybe she was working in a back room and didn't realize they were there. But nobody answered."
— Payton Moreland [03:20]

Discovery of the Crime Scene

As the workers searched the church, they noticed blood splatters on various surfaces, leading them to the handicapped bathroom on the first floor. Inside, they found Evelyn brutally attacked with 38 stab wounds, including 54 shallower injuries on her face and arms. Her personal items, including her phone and cane, were left behind, indicating she had entered the church that morning.

"Evelyn was lying on the ground and very badly hurt. There were slashes all over her body... the whole bathroom was coated in her blood."
— Payton Moreland [05:00]

Initial Investigation and Suspect Identification

The police swiftly launched an investigation, noting the absence of Evelyn's multiple gold rings and conducting an autopsy that revealed defensive wounds, suggesting Evelyn had fought her attacker. Security camera footage became crucial, showing Evelyn arriving at 6:03 AM, followed by a man entering shortly after. This man, later identified as Manzi Smith, exited alone at 6:29 AM, making him the primary suspect.

"The cameras showed her unlocking the side door and going inside at about 6:03am. Less than a minute later, still at 6:03, a man walked in through the same door."
— Payton Moreland [07:15]

Manzi Smith: A Troubled Past

Manzi Smith, a 62-year-old with a lengthy criminal history, became the focal point of the investigation. His past included multiple sexual assaults and thefts, often targeting women. Notably, in 2012, Manzi assaulted an elderly woman, a crime for which he was convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison. Despite his criminal record, he was released on parole in 2012 and began working odd jobs, including construction at the North Chester Street Church.

"Manzi had a history of violence against women and of stealing from them. But the third time around, Manzi almost got those charges thrown out before he even went to trial."
— Payton Moreland [16:30]

The Arrest and Trial

Evidence against Manzi mounted when a local pawn shop reported his attempt to sell Evelyn's stolen gold rings. Genetic testing confirmed the presence of Manzi's DNA mixed with Evelyn's at the crime scene. On December 1, the same day as Evelyn's funeral, Manzi was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. During interrogation, scratches on his body and an inconsistent alibi raised further suspicions.

"The blood in the church bathroom contained a mix of Evelyn and Manzi's DNA, meaning he had definitely been there, hurt and bleeding, at the time of her death."
— Payton Moreland [19:45]

Legal Proceedings and Mental Health Considerations

Manzi initially pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, citing a long history of mental health issues, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Despite attempts by his lawyers to link his intellectual limitations to his actions, mental health professionals affirmed that he understood right from wrong. In early 2023, Manzi changed his plea to guilty in exchange for a 50-year prison sentence, effectively a life sentence given his age.

"Manzi's lawyers argued that he didn't even have the intellectual capacity to be held responsible for his actions."
— Payton Moreland [21:00]

Impact on the Community

Evelyn's murder sent shockwaves through the Baltimore community, sparking vigils, marches, and a public funeral attended by dozens. Her daughter voiced the community's confusion and grief, questioning why such violence occurred in a sacred place.

"Who would want to hurt my mother? How could someone hurt someone in such a sacred place?"
— Evelyn's Daughter [13:45]

The case also highlighted systemic issues within Baltimore's parole system. Investigations revealed that understaffed parole departments and inadequate support systems contributed to Manzi's ability to reoffend repeatedly.

"It seemed that may have been an issue for Manzi and for countless other people who had been released from prison just to reoffend again in Baltimore."
— Payton Moreland [22:15]

Honoring Evelyn Player

Evelyn Player was more than a church volunteer; she was a pillar of her community. Born and raised in Baltimore, she dedicated her life to service, balancing a career in publishing with her roles in charitable initiatives. Evelyn was beloved for her humor, wit, and unwavering support for her family and community members.

"Evelyn was such a fixture in the community, and people weren't sure how to move forward without her."
— Payton Moreland [24:00]

Conclusion

Payton Moreland closes the episode by reflecting on Evelyn's legacy, emphasizing the importance of remembering the good people in our lives amidst the darkness of their untimely deaths. She urges listeners to focus on building a better future, inspired by Evelyn's example of generosity and kindness.

"The world is full of people who are good, generous, and giving. We can all be a bit more like Evelyn and keep working to build a future."
— Payton Moreland [24:50]

Key Takeaways:

• Evelyn Player, a respected church volunteer in Baltimore, was brutally murdered in her place of work, shocking the community.
• Manzi Smith, with a history of violent crimes and mental health issues, became the prime suspect, eventually pleading guilty to Evelyn's murder.
• The case shed light on deficiencies in Baltimore's parole system, raising concerns about the rehabilitation and monitoring of released inmates.
• Evelyn's legacy as a compassionate and dedicated community member underscores the tragedy of her loss and the ongoing impact on those who knew her.

Notable Quotes:

• "Who would want to hurt my mother? How could someone hurt someone in such a sacred place?"
  — Evelyn's Daughter [13:45]

• "I think in life there are certain places where you go to just feel safe... today we will see that nowhere is ever completely safe."
  — Payton Moreland [02:00]

Stay Connected:

For more in-depth discussions on true crime cases, subscribe to Into The Dark on your preferred podcast platform and follow Payton Moreland every Wednesday as she delves deeper into the shadows of human nature.