Juicy Crimes with Heather McDonald

Episode: I Know Who Killed My Sister

Date: October 22, 2025
Host: Heather McDonald
Guest: Brittany Lloyd

Episode Overview

Heather McDonald hosts Brittany Lloyd, whose sister Jessica was recently found dead under suspicious circumstances. The episode delves into Jessica's life, her relationship with her husband Jeff, and Brittany’s pursuit of justice amid a system that often fails victims of domestic violence. The tone is empathetic, intense, and personal, balancing true crime intrigue with the gravity of Brittany’s loss and a call for systemic change.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Jessica’s Background & Character

• Jessica (age 38): Brittany’s older sister, described as adventurous, intelligent, and full of life.
  • “She was huge into traveling...done the accelerated nursing program at Kaiser, just under a 4.0.” (Brittany, 04:49–14:49)
• Close-knit sibling relationship that changed as Jessica entered a whirlwind romance with Jeff.

The Romance with Jeff: From "Love Bombing" to Isolation

• Breakup and Fast-Forward Romance:
  • Jessica left a 7-year relationship with Chris, then met and quickly moved in with Jeff—bartender-brewmaster at Big Bear Brewery. (05:18–06:47)
  • “She moved out and that was it. And then got right with, with Jeff...started seeing him in January, moved in by February.” (Brittany, 05:18)
• Secretive Marriage and Personality Changes:
  • Jessica did not initially tell Brittany about the relationship, knowing her family would be concerned by the speed and secrecy.
  • The marriage was spontaneous, held "in the mud" at an off-roading site, out of character for Jessica. (10:45–12:58)
    • “If you would’ve ever told me my sister would get married in the mud in cowgirl boots, I would say, yeah, when pigs fly.” (Brittany, 12:02)

Red Flags & Domestic Abuse Patterns

• Increasing Isolation & Control:
  • Jeff prevented Jessica from working and took control of her finances.
  • He discouraged phone contact with Brittany and their mother and was described as extremely possessive—and frightening to others who met him.
  • “He molds women around himself, and his interests become a part of you.” (Brittany, 12:02)
• Physical, Emotional, and Financial Abuse:
  • Reports from at least 4 ex-girlfriends of patterns of abuse, including strangulation and threats with firearms.
    • “You have a pattern of strangulation...these women have lost consciousness.” (Brittany, 27:03)
• Controlling Narrative:
  • Jeff habitually contacted family first during crises to “get his story out there,” painting Jessica as irrational. (47:49–50:11)
• Substance Use:
  • Jeff was described as a heavy drinker and regular user of cocaine, contributing to erratic, late-night behavior. (37:30–39:00)

Jessica’s Last Days

• The Escalating Situation (August 24–25, 2025):
  • A fight at a Fort Lauderdale bar prompts Jessica to stay out overnight; Jeff calls Brittany early to frame Jessica as unstable.
  • Brittany finally reaches Jessica during her Uber ride home, learning Jessica is deeply unhappy, financially trapped, and frightened to leave her animals with Jeff. (50:11–55:58)
    • “I don’t want to leave my animals alone with him.” (Brittany, 55:44)
• Attempts to Escape & Family Efforts:
  • Friends and family had plans to help Jessica leave, offering financial and logistical support.

The Night Jessica Died

• Sequence of Events (August 25):
  • Jessica tells Brittany she’s “overreacting... having a medication issue,” mirroring Jeff’s manipulative language.
    • “She goes, ‘You know, I also just got my period,’ which is telling because those are the exact same things that he had told me.” (Brittany, 62:13)
  • Last call: Jessica promises to call later; she is dead three hours after, found naked and face down in a canal near her home. (66:16–67:36)
    • “She was dead about three hours later... The first thing I asked, did he kill her?” (Brittany, 67:36)
• Eyewitness Reports & Evidence:
  • Video shows Jessica fleeing naked, scaling fences, screaming that her husband was trying to kill her.
  • Multiple 911 calls were made: Jeff alleged a “mental break,” but a neighbor reported Jessica screaming for help. (70:49–72:28)
• Ongoing Investigation:
  • Jeff was arrested and admitted to putting his hands on Jessica that night but is only charged with simple battery. He remains on house arrest.
  • Brittany believes the system failed: “How has he maneuvered through the system all these years and had basically zero consequences?”

The Aftermath & Fight for Justice

• Emotional Toll & Systemic Issues:
  • Brittany is fighting guilt and grief but remains determined to advocate for her sister and end cycles of abuse.
    • “You had the gut feeling... But there was this light at the end of the tunnel... Good, divorced. And then...” (Heather, 87:03)
• Advocacy:
  • Brittany is active on social media, raising awareness, fundraising for legal and burial expenses, and working toward “Jessica’s Law” to hold abusers accountable during investigations.
    • “The judicial system does not have a heavy hand when it comes to domestic violence toward women... Something has to come from it.” (Brittany, 90:00–93:01)
• Public Call to Action:
  • Brittany: “Never stop trying... be there for them and have a way out for them.” (93:01)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Abuser Personality:
  • “He orders for you at dinner, runs your finances, takes your car keys... there's a pattern: isolation, ownership, control.” (Heather/Brittany, 45:18–47:40)
• On System Failures:
  • “There were 27 calls to 911 from that address in three years. The DA should’ve pressed charges back in 2020. The system failed my sister.” (Brittany, 29:25 & 82:13)
• On the Cycle of Abuse:
  • “Before this man, I had a living, breathing sister. I went from being a sister to an only child.” (Brittany, 81:07)
• On Action and Fearlessness:
  • “Fear is the reason he’s gotten away with everything. I don’t care if I’m pissing him off. He’s messed with the wrong sister.” (Brittany, 95:51–96:06)
• Final Words:
  • “She would’ve done this for me.” (Brittany, 81:46)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-------------|----------------------------------------------| | 00:10–04:05 | Jessica’s early life and relationship with Brittany | | 05:06–06:47 | Rapid transition to marriage with Jeff | | 10:45–12:58 | Strange, out-of-character wedding | | 19:09–20:55 | Jeff’s background: military & employment | | 25:27–30:47 | Reports of domestic violence across relationships| | 40:23–41:59 | First suspicions of infidelity and secret surveillance| | 47:49–50:11 | Jeff’s manipulation and controlling the narrative| | 55:44–56:29 | Fear for her animals and deeper implications | | 66:16–67:36 | Final conversation and news of death | | 70:49–72:28 | Eye-witnesses and 911 calls on the night of death| | 73:57–75:29 | The difficulties of collecting Jessica’s belongings| | 81:07–81:46 | Brittany reflects on her loss | | 90:00–93:01 | Brittany’s advocacy and Jessica’s Law plans | | 95:51–96:06 | Brittany: “He’s messed with the wrong sister.” |

How to Support or Follow

• Social Media:
  • Brittany Lloyd on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok (“Brittany Lloyd”; profile image is Brittany with Jessica)
• GoFundMe:
  • Campaign for legal fees, burial, and advocacy
• Advocacy Efforts:
  • “Jessica’s Law” to hold suspected abusers in custody during investigations

Summary

This episode of Juicy Crimes stands out for its searingly personal approach—Brittany’s pain and determination are raw and palpable. The narrative weaves together the gradual isolation and abuse Jessica suffered, the failures of authorities to protect her (despite substantial warning signs and reported violence), and the chilling patterns of coercion, narcissism, and violence displayed by Jeff. Heather’s guidance makes the warning signs and escalation unmissable, while Brittany’s resolve to prevent future tragedies is inspiring.
A powerful listen—both a chilling true story and a rallying cry against domestic violence.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out to a local support organization or hotline.