Podcast Summary: Into The Dark – Episode 97: The Murder of Ally Kostial

Host: Payton Moreland
Release Date: November 20, 2024
Podcast Description: Into The Dark is a true crime podcast with elements of horror and mystery. Hosted by Payton Moreland, each episode delves into different cases, exploring the facts and contemplating the motivations behind criminal actions. The show also touches on conspiracy theories, hauntings, and other spooky phenomena.

Introduction

[01:40] Payton Moreland:
Payton opens the episode with a warm welcome to her listeners, expressing gratitude for their support through reviews and comments. She shares a personal anecdote about taking a pottery class, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of trying new hobbies for mental well-being. This segment sets a relatable and intimate tone before transitioning into the main content of the episode.

Trigger Warning:
Payton issues a trigger warning, noting that the episode discusses pregnancy loss and suicide, advising listeners to proceed with care.

Case Overview: The Murder of Ally Kostial

[03:10] Payton Moreland:
The episode centers on the tragic murder of 21-year-old Ally Kostial, a senior at the University of Mississippi. Ally was discovered shot to death on July 20, 2019, at an abandoned fishing camp near Sardis Lake, Mississippi. The discovery was made by a police officer on routine patrol, who found Ally's body near a picnic table with multiple gunshot wounds.

Ally Kostial's Background

[05:00] Payton Moreland:
Ally Kostial is portrayed as a vibrant and active college student with a promising future. She was involved in various campus activities, including a sorority, teaching yoga and Pilates classes, and playing golf. Ally's friends describe her as a "pretty, popular girl with a bright future ahead of her." She had aspirations of a career in marketing within the fashion industry and dreamed of settling down with a "nice Southern boy."

Ally's Relationship with Brandon Threesfeld

[11:25] Payton Moreland:
Ally's romantic life revolves around her relationship with Brandon Threesfeld, a fellow student at the University of Mississippi. They met at a bar during their freshman year, and Ally quickly developed strong romantic feelings for Brandon. However, Brandon viewed the relationship more casually and was reluctant to commit. This mismatch in expectations led to a tumultuous, on-again, off-again relationship lasting four years.

[15:40] Payton Moreland:
Throughout their relationship, Brandon consistently avoided serious commitment, leading Ally to exhibit increasingly obsessive behaviors. Friends and observers noted that Ally would pressure Brandon for a deeper relationship, often through text messages that suggested desperation and dependency.

Events Leading to the Murder

[22:15] Payton Moreland:
In April 2019, Brandon ceased regular contact with Ally, marking a significant downturn in their relationship. Despite the apparent end, text message evidence revealed that their interactions remained heated and unresolved. In early July 2019, Ally sent Brandon an inconclusive pregnancy test result, implying she might be expecting his child. Brandon responded harshly, urging her to terminate the pregnancy, reflecting his unwillingness to take responsibility.

[28:50] Payton Moreland:
On July 18, 2019, Ally visibly displayed signs of a possible pregnancy, heightening the tension between her and Brandon. The following day, Brandon picked Ally up from a bar, and surveillance footage captured them driving away together around 1:30 AM. An eyewitness later reported hearing gunshots between 2:15 and 2:30 AM, suggesting that the murder occurred shortly after Ally agreed to meet Brandon for a discussion.

Investigation and Evidence

[35:20] Payton Moreland:
Police investigations revealed that Brandon had a .40 caliber rifle, which matched the gun used to kill Ally. Additionally, when officers searched Brandon's possession, they found Ally's blood on his clothes and the murder weapon in his truck. These findings, coupled with the surveillance footage and text message exchanges, positioned Brandon as the primary suspect.

Notable Quote:

“I think this is the end for me. I'm either going to prison or I'm going to die.”
— Brandon Threesfeld [28:45]

Brandon's Arrest and Trial

[40:00] Payton Moreland:
Brandon attempted to evade police interrogation by fleeing to Texas, but he was eventually apprehended in Tennessee. Despite initial claims of mental instability and substance abuse in a handwritten note found at his residence, the overwhelming evidence against him—including blood evidence and possession of the murder weapon—led to his arrest.

During the trial, Brandon maintained his innocence, emphasizing that his actions were not premeditated but rather impulsive responses under the influence of alcohol and cocaine. The prosecution, however, painted a picture of calculated malice driven by fear of impending responsibility, arguing that Brandon used the gun as a murder weapon specifically to eliminate Ally.

Notable Quote:

“There is no excuse for my actions. I have asked God for forgiveness, and I hope one day that you will find it in your hearts to forgive me.”
— Brandon Threesfeld [41:55]

Verdict and Sentencing

[44:30] Payton Moreland:
Brandon faced charges of capital murder but eventually accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to first-degree murder. In court, he expressed remorse for his actions, but the judge sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole. However, under Mississippi law, there remains a slim possibility that Brandon could be released upon reaching 65 years of age, provided he has served at least 15 years of his sentence—a prospect unlikely to materialize for decades.

Reflections and Conclusion

[45:30] Payton Moreland:
Payton reflects on the tragic outcome of Ally and Brandon's relationship, highlighting the severe consequences of unresolved emotional turmoil and unhealthy relationship dynamics. She emphasizes that while Ally exhibited some poor decisions, she did not deserve to be murdered over them. The episode concludes with condolences for Ally's family and friends, underscoring the irreversible loss caused by Brandon's inability to handle rejection and emotional distress.

Final Thoughts: Ally Kostial's story is a somber reminder of the devastating impact of toxic relationships and the importance of mental health support. Into The Dark masterfully unravels the complexities of this case, shedding light on the human emotions and societal pressures that can lead to such senseless violence.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

1. Brandon Threesfeld's Written Note:

   “I think this is the end for me. I'm either going to prison or I'm going to die.”
   [28:45]

2. Brandon’s Courtroom Apology:

   “There is no excuse for my actions. I have asked God for forgiveness, and I hope one day that you will find it in your hearts to forgive me.”
   [41:55]

Closing Remarks:

Payton Moreland wraps up the episode by expressing her devastation over Ally's murder and the pain her loved ones must endure. She reiterates the lesson that toxic relationships, when left unchecked, can lead to tragic outcomes. Payton promises to continue uncovering dark and mysterious cases in future episodes, inviting listeners to join her journey further Into The Dark.

End of Summary