Kill List: Cedar City | Episode 13 Summary

Release Date: December 10, 2024
Host: Carl Miller
Produced by Wondery | Novel

Introduction

In Episode 13 of Kill List, titled "Cedar City," host Carl Miller delves into a harrowing true story that intertwines obsession, family turmoil, and the dark corridors of the internet. This episode uncovers the chilling narrative of Chris Pence, a father of sixteen, whose actions spiral into a murder-for-hire plot targeting his children's biological parents.

The Pence Family Dynamics

The story begins in the Pence family home near Cedar City, Utah, where Chris Pence, a 40-year-old IT security expert working remotely for Microsoft, leads a large evangelical Christian family. With sixteen children ranging from infants to college-age teenagers, Chris epitomizes the archetypal devoted father. Each morning starts with Bible study, emphasizing the Pence belief that children are "a Blessing" (00:00).

Notable Quote:
“In the Pence family, children are, as Chris likes to say, a Blessing.” – Carl Miller (00:00)

The Adoption of Christina and Francisco’s Children

The pivotal moment unfolds during a family RV trip in October 2018 when the Pences encounter Christina and Francisco, a struggling couple from Massachusetts seeking help for their children. Christina reaches out through a homeschooling Facebook group, revealing alarming household issues, including Francisco’s alleged inappropriate behavior and financial instability (16:41).

Key Details:

• Initial Arrangement: Temporary foster placement for up to five children.
• Permanent Adoption: In December 2019, fearing their children would be split up by authorities, Christina and Francisco agree to permanently adopt their children through the Pences.

Notable Quote:
“We plan on being their lifelong family. We are committed to our adopted children the same as our biological children.” – Michelle Pence (20:00)

Rising Tensions and FBI Involvement

Post-adoption, the Pences relocate to Texas, where the integration of the adoptive children proves tumultuous. Michelle Pence expresses frustration over behavioral issues through a blog, highlighting increasing household stress (25:13). Concurrently, Christina and Francisco’s agitation grows as they follow the Pences to Texas, seeking renewed contact and custody of their children.

Events Leading to FBI Intervention:

• Christina and Francisco’s persistent efforts to regain custody lead to heightened tensions.
• In May 2021, Christina and Francisco relocate to rural upstate New York, distancing themselves physically but maintaining attempts to reconnect with the Pences.

The FBI Raid and Interrogation

The tension culminates in a clandestine FBI raid on the Pence household (06:19). Agent Brian Dakar interrogates Chris Pence in a seemingly cordial manner before revealing evidence linking him to a murder-for-hire website through a confiscated kill list (31:19).

Notable Interrogation Moments:

• Friendly Approach: Agents engage in small talk to lower Chris’s guard.

  Quote:
  “He’s obviously an amazing father. We need you to help us.” – Agent Brian Dakar (31:19)

• Confession: Faced with irrefutable evidence, Chris admits to paying $16,000 to eliminate Christina and Francisco to prevent the return of his adopted children (35:34).

Notable Quote:
“So what you’re telling me is that you paid $15,000 on the murder for hire website to have Francisco Christina killed.” – Agent Brian Dakar (35:34)

Unraveling the Truth: Allegations vs. Reality

Following Chris’s confession, producer Caroline Thornham investigates the veracity of the abuse allegations against Christina and Francisco. She uncovers conflicting narratives:

• Christina and Francisco’s Defense: They deny any abuse, attributing disciplinary actions to religiously motivated “biblical spanking” and asserting that allegations stemmed from Francisco’s pornography issues (42:05).

  Quote:
  “We never would have expected this from the man we thought we knew and chose to entrust our children to.” – Christina (39:55)

• Pences’ Accusations: Chris contends that Francisco’s pornography addiction and inappropriate behavior justified extreme measures to protect their adopted children (43:29).

Key Findings:

• Lack of Concrete Evidence: While Francisco acknowledged a pornography addiction, no definitive court judgment substantiated the abuse claims.
• Complex Family Interactions: Both families exhibit poor communication and mutual distrust, exacerbating the emotional strain on the children involved.

Consequences and Aftermath

Chris Pence pledges guilty and receives a seven-year prison sentence (50:38). Despite his family's unwavering support, the ripple effects of his actions leave unresolved tensions and psychological scars on all parties involved.

Impact on the Children:

• Adopted Children: Continue living with the Pences, grappling with the knowledge that their biological parents were targeted for murder.
• Biological Parents: Christina and Francisco remain active, attempting to maintain a connection with their children through limited contact.

Notable Quote:
“On the next episode of Kill List, a young woman in Bath, England, discovers that someone somewhere is watching her, and it’s up to her to work out just who her stalker could be.” – Pilot Teaser (54:47)

Conclusion and Reflection

"Cedar City" presents a deeply unsettling case where religious devotion, familial love, and internet-fueled obsession collide with tragic consequences. The episode raises critical questions about the lengths one might go to protect family, the effectiveness of law enforcement methods, and the lasting impact of such actions on innocent lives. As Caroline Thornham aptly summarizes, the true cost of Chris Pence’s choices reverberates through both families, leaving an indelible mark that challenges our understanding of morality and justice.

Closing Reflection:
“This situation could be even darker and more complex than law enforcement first thought.” – Carl Miller (38:15)

Key Takeaways

• Hidden Dangers of the Dark Web: The episode underscores the perilous nature of anonymous online platforms facilitating heinous crimes.
• Complexities of Family Dynamics: It highlights how blended families and adoption can sometimes lead to fraught relationships and unintended consequences.
• Investigative Depth: Through meticulous journalism, the episode reveals the multifaceted layers of truth, bias, and human emotion inherent in such tragic narratives.

For listeners intrigued by this case and eager to explore more gripping true stories, Kill List continues to unravel the darkest corners of human intent and action.

Note: All allegations of abuse by Christina and Francisco remain unproven in court, and both parties deny wrongdoing. This summary is based on episode content and does not reflect any legal resolutions beyond Chris Pence’s confession and sentencing.