Kill List Podcast Episode Summary: Beverly Hills | 7

Title: Beverly Hills | 7
Host: Wondery | Novel
Release Date: October 29, 2024

Introduction

In episode 7 of Kill List, titled "Beverly Hills," host Karl Miller delves deep into a harrowing true story that intertwines the dark underbelly of the darknet with real-life consequences. This episode follows the journey of Faye, a young woman who becomes the target of a sophisticated murder-for-hire plot, and the relentless efforts of both the FBI and investigative journalists to prevent her demise.

Faye's Story: From Online Friendship to Terror

Initial Contact and Relationship Development

Faye, a 19-year-old with a passion for anime, led a relatively sheltered life, being homeschooled and struggling to make friends locally. Her online interactions on gaming and anime fan sites became her primary source of social connections.

Faye [07:25]: "So like, I'm into like anime, Japanese animation. The characters are cool and I'm not sure exactly what got me into it, but once I was into it, it was all over. That's all I did."

Her friendship with Scott Burkett, a 23-year-old from Beverly Hills, blossomed into a long-distance relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their bond grew stronger despite the physical distance, culminating in Faye's first trip to meet Scott in person in October 2020.

Faye [10:05]: "You know, when we woke up, we would be able to say, like, good morning. So, yeah, I became very attached."

The Trip to Beverly Hills: A Nightmarish Turn

Faye's excitement soon turned into anxiety as her visit unraveled into a terrifying experience. Initially, Scott appeared as the perfect gentleman, respecting her boundaries. However, his demeanor shifted when they arrived at the hotel.

Faye [13:04]: "He started trying to be, like, intimate with me and trying to touch me and, you know, all that junk, you know, he asked me, do you want to do this?"

The situation escalated when Scott coerced Faye into a non-consensual intimate encounter in the hotel room, leaving her feeling trapped and ashamed.

Faye [13:45]: "I felt very stuck. I felt pretty ashamed, like, you know, his freaking dad bought me a hotel room and, you know, he had a key to that hotel room and yeah, I was in a different state."

Despite the trauma, Faye continued her trip, trying to maintain normalcy. Upon returning home, the lingering effects of the incident plagued her, leading to strained communication with Scott and eventual isolation.

Discovering the Kill List: A Deadly Revelation

In April 2021, Faye and her mother were shaken by a visit to the sheriff's office, where they learned that someone had spent over $13,000 in Bitcoin to place Faye on a murder-for-hire list on a darknet website.

Faye [20:27]: "I start shaking, and I'm, like, tearing up. It was so surreal. And at that moment, that second on, I was scared for my life."

Karl Miller and his team intercepted a kill order directed at Faye, authored by a user named EULA77. The meticulous nature of the order, complete with personal details about Faye, underscored the peril she faced.

Scott Payne [23:13]: "I'd like it to look like an accident, but robbery gone wrong may work better so long as she's dead."

FBI Intervention: An Undercover Operation

Recognizing the imminent threat, the FBI took over Faye's case. They strategized an undercover operation to gather irrefutable evidence against Scott Burkett. This involved orchestrating scenarios where Faye would simulate her own murder and interact with the supposed hitman, who was, in reality, an FBI agent.

FBA Agent [25:28]: "He asks me, can I hug you? Like, what do I do?"

The operation aimed to solidify Scott's intent to kill Faye, ensuring the evidence would hold up in court. This innovative approach raised ethical questions about the extent of law enforcement tactics in preventing murders.

Legal Proceedings and Scott's Downfall

Scott's arrest was a culmination of diligent investigation and strategic maneuvering by the FBI. Despite his defense team's attempts to portray him as a model citizen, Scott's own actions sealed his fate. In a critical mistake, he sought help from another inmate to destroy evidence, inadvertently providing authorities with incriminating proof.

Caroline Thornham [42:09]: "So while Scott is at the detention centre, he asks another inmate who's about to be released if they will scrub evidence of his own crime for him."

On April 27, 2022, Scott pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years in prison, followed by a three-year supervised release period.

Aftermath and Reflections

For Faye, the legal resolution provided little solace. The trauma endured continues to impact her daily life, overshadowed by the fear that Scott might still pose a threat upon his release.

Faye [43:53]: "I don't think I can move on this quickly. Like he's gonna get out and I'm gonna feel unsafe again."

Host Karl Miller reflects on the broader implications of the case, emphasizing the potential for law enforcement agencies worldwide to adopt similar proactive measures against threats emerging from the darknet.

Karl Miller [44:46]: "Each and every single one of the 175 cases we passed over could be competently investigated."

The episode concludes with a preview of the next installment, hinting at another complex case set in Berlin that blurs the lines between reality and illusion.

Key Takeaways

1. The Dangers of Online Relationships: Faye's story highlights the potential perils of forming deep connections with strangers over the internet, especially without physical interactions.

2. Innovative Law Enforcement Tactics: The FBI's undercover operation underscores the lengths authorities might go to prevent crimes before they occur, raising ethical considerations about such interventions.

3. Long-Term Trauma for Victims: Despite legal victories, victims like Faye continue to grapple with the emotional aftermath, emphasizing the need for sustained support systems.

4. Darknet as a Breeding Ground for Crime: The existence of platforms facilitating murder-for-hire schemes showcases the growing challenges law enforcement faces in the digital age.

Notable Quotes

• Faye on Her Relationship with Scott:

  “You know, when we woke up, we would be able to say, like, good morning. So, yeah, I became very attached.”
  [10:05]

• Faye Describing the Traumatic Encounter:

  “He started trying to be, like, intimate with me and trying to touch me and, you know, all that junk, you know, he asked me, do you want to do this?”
  [13:04]

• FBI Agent Explaining the Operation:

  “What is there any part of it you want to see. Do you want a video of her not breathing? What do you. What do you want to see?”
  [28:36]

• Karl Miller on Law Enforcement's Approach:

  “I do not know why it hasn't been done more often. Next time on Kill List.”
  [45:20]

Conclusion

"Beverly Hills | 7" of Kill List meticulously unpacks a chilling narrative of online betrayal, targeted threats, and the intricate dance between victims and law enforcement. Through Faye's experience, listeners gain insight into the complexities of modern-day criminal plots and the evolving strategies employed to thwart them. The episode serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive dangers lurking in the digital realm and the enduring resilience required to overcome them.