Into The Dark Podcast Episode 99: The Teenage Monsters

Release Date: December 11, 2024
Host: Payton Moreland
Podcast Description: A True Crime podcast with a hint of horror and mystery. Each week, Payton delves into a different case, explores the underlying motivations, and occasionally discusses conspiracy theories and hauntings.

Episode Overview

In Episode 99, titled "The Teenage Monsters," Payton Moreland explores the harrowing case of Daniel Halseth, a young father whose life spiraled into murder and mystery. The episode delves into the complexities of toxic relationships, allegations of abuse, and the enigmatic motives behind the brutal crime that shook a community.

Introduction and Personal Reflections

[01:40] Payton Moreland:
Payton opens the episode by expressing gratitude to her listeners, sharing personal anecdotes about her recent birthday, and reflecting on the podcast's growth. She emphasizes the supportive community that has formed around "Into The Dark," setting a warm and engaging tone for the episode.

Case Background

Early Life and Marriage

[03:15] Payton Moreland:
In the fall of 2000, Daniel Halseth enters his final year at Western Oregon University, majoring in music. Known as "Drummer Dan" among friends, Daniel is also an avid photographer and works in telecommunications, providing stability. During this time, he meets Elizabeth, a high school senior, leading to a swift courtship and marriage on July 2, 2001.

Family Expansion and Marriage Struggles

[05:40] Payton Moreland:
The couple rapidly expands their family, welcoming three children between 2002 and 2004. However, the quick progression from marriage to parenthood introduces significant strain, exacerbated by a four-year age gap and Elizabeth's demanding political career. By 2006, Elizabeth's ascent in politics requires frequent travel, leading to a deteriorating relationship.

Divorce and Initial Allegations

Separation and Accusations

[09:25] Payton Moreland:
By 2011, the marital discord culminates in divorce. Elizabeth accuses Daniel of physical abuse in October 2011, resulting in his arrest for open and gross lewdness. Daniel pleads guilty and receives six months of probation, adversely affecting custody negotiations.

Elizabeth's Move to Alaska

[12:50] Payton Moreland:
In 2012, Elizabeth relocates to Alaska, citing personal difficulties but primarily seeking a fresh start away from mounting stress and professional pressures. This move secures her custody of the three children, leaving Daniel with limited visitation possibilities.

Escalation of Custody Battles and Allegations

Sierra's Distress and Investigations

[17:30] Payton Moreland:
By 2020, the youngest child, Sierra, aged 15, reaches out to Daniel, expressing fear of her mother's home environment. Conflicting statements emerge as Sierra alternates between claiming her father is abusive and asserting her safety with him. Child Protective Services conducts investigations but finds no conclusive evidence.

Summer Stay and Bonding Attempts

[20:15] Payton Moreland:
During the summer of 2020, Sierra and her siblings spend time with Daniel, allowing him to reconnect and bond with them. Despite initial tensions, Daniel successfully builds a relationship with Sierra through shared interests like dancing. However, Sierra's refusal to return to her mother's home sets the stage for escalating conflicts.

The Night of the Tragedy

Unauthorized Absence and Grandmother's Concern

[26:31] Payton Moreland:
On April 8, 2021, Elizabeth notices Daniel's unusual lack of response to texts and calls. Concerned, she contacts Sierra's grandmother, Christine, who senses inconsistencies in Sierra's explanations about Daniel's whereabouts.

Discovery of the Fire and Body

[29:50] Payton Moreland:
Christine enlists the help of Peggy Newman to check on Daniel. Upon arriving, they find Daniel's house engulfed in flames. Inside, amidst the chaos, they discover Daniel's body—a victim of a gruesome stabbing with over 70 wounds. Initial assumptions mistakenly identify the deceased as Sierra until autopsy results clarify Daniel was killed before the fire began.

Investigation and Unraveling the Motive

Financial Clues and Surveillance Footage

[37:20] Payton Moreland:
Police uncover that recent purchases on Daniel's credit card included bleach, lighter fluid, and cutting tools linked to the murder. Surveillance footage reveals Sierra making these purchases and withdrawing significant funds, pointing suspicion towards her involvement.

Arrest of Sierra and Aaron

[42:10] Payton Moreland:
Sierra, accompanied by her boyfriend Aaron Guerrero, is apprehended in Salt Lake City while attempting to flee with a train ticket. Surveillance and evidence solidify the theory that Sierra and Aaron orchestrated the murder to preserve their relationship against Daniel's objections.

Trials and Confessions

Sierra and Aaron's Plea Deals

[50:05] Payton Moreland:
During the 2022 trial, both Sierra and Aaron plead guilty to charges including murder, arson, and theft. Sierra's confession attributes the murder to ongoing abuse by Daniel, though her mother Elizabeth supports her narrative, while grandmother Christine refutes the claims, believing they were fabricated to mitigate legal repercussions.

Contrasting Testimonies and Motivations

[54:30] Payton Moreland:
Aaron cites impaired judgment due to LSD and untreated mental health issues as factors influencing his actions, distancing the motive from pure relational turmoil. Meanwhile, Sierra remains steadfast in her portrayal of an abusive father, leaving the true motives shrouded in ambiguity.

Aftermath and Continuing Questions

Sentencing and Relationship Fallout

[58:45] Payton Moreland:
Both Sierra and Aaron are sentenced to life imprisonment with a possibility of parole after 22 years, serving their terms separately. Their relationship dissolves post-sentencing, leaving unresolved tensions and unanswered questions about the true nature of their actions.

Ambiguous Truth and Family Perspectives

[1:02:10] Payton Moreland:
The case remains mired in uncertainty, with conflicting accounts of abuse and motivations. Daniel's death leaves his family grappling for closure, each member holding differing beliefs about the underlying truths, ensuring the case's complexity endures.

Notable Quotes

• Payton Moreland:

  • [20:15] "It was clear why Daniel couldn't answer a reply to text. But Christine grandma didn't believe it. Everything Sierra said was setting off alarm bells in her head."
  • [28:14] "Wow. Don't put that on the camera."

• Peggy Newman:

  • [24:00] "I will head over to Daniel's house the next morning and make sure he's okay."

• Aaron Guerrero:

  • [1:05:50] "I made a knee jerk decision that I now regret. It didn't even have anything to do with loving Sierra."

Conclusion

Episode 99 of "Into The Dark" meticulously unpacks the tragic and perplexing case of Daniel Halseth's murder, intertwining familial discord, allegations of abuse, and the desperate actions of a young couple striving to preserve their relationship. Payton Moreland leaves listeners pondering the elusive truth behind the crime, emphasizing the lingering pain and unresolved mysteries that continue to haunt the victims' loved ones.

Thank you for joining this deep dive into "The Teenage Monsters." Stay tuned for more journeys further into the dark on the next episode of "Into The Dark."