Kill List: Episode Summary - "Don’t Cross Kat"

Release Date: April 1, 2025
Podcast Series: Kill List by Wondery | Novel
Episode: Don't Cross Kat

Introduction

The episode "Don't Cross Kat" delves into a harrowing true crime narrative that intertwines the deceptive allure of social media influence with the grim realities of human trafficking and manipulation. Hosted by Wondery | Novel, this installment follows tech journalist Carl Miller's investigation into a secret "kill list" discovered on the dark net, targeting unsuspecting individuals for murder-for-hire schemes. However, this particular episode shifts focus to the mysterious disappearance of Patty and the enigmatic figure of Kat Torres, a Brazilian social media influencer.

The Disappearance of Patty and the Rise of Kat Torres

The story unfolds with the sudden vanishing of Patty vanishes without a trace, prompting her best friend to embark on a desperate search. This search leads to Kat Torres, a charismatic influencer boasting millions of followers. Kat's social media portrays an idyllic life filled with spiritual enlightenment and personal transformation, enticing her audience with promises of a perfect life if they simply follow her guidance.

Notable Quote:

Narrator [00:00]: "Every day, hundreds of people go about their lives with no idea that someone has paid to have them killed... Don't Cross Cat is a story of ambition, control, and the lives destroyed by empty promises."

Investigation Begins: Chico’s Arrival in Leander, Texas

Journalist Francisco "Chico" Chico, known for his investigative prowess in uncovering hidden truths, arrives in Leander, Texas, to unravel the mystery behind Patty's disappearance. His investigation starts with interviewing local residents, including Wayne Murray, who had direct interactions with Kat Torres and her entourage.

Notable Quote:

Chico [01:28]: "We're journalists from Brazil and we're writing a story about your former neighbor. The biggest news that's ever hit this neighborhood."

Suspicious Neighbors: The Torres Family

Wayne Murray recounts the arrival of Kat Torres and her group in Leander in 2022. Unlike the friendly demeanor typical in the community, Kat and her companions were aloof and unwelcoming. Their presence was marked by opulent displays and an unsettling lack of interaction with neighbors.

Notable Quotes:

Wayne [02:15]: "They were not terribly friendly. We had this traffic circle, right? So I'd come in, I'd wave to them. They never waved back."

Chico [02:30]: "Tall, thin, gorgeous. Right out of the latest Victoria's Secret fashion show."

The Torres family's residence stood out not just for its occupants' beauty but also for the peculiar items left behind when the house was vacated abruptly. Among these were voodoo dolls and an altar, hinting at darker practices beneath the surface.

Notable Quote:

Wayne [04:05]: "They had an altar in their yard, not a Christian altar... They had packages of dried herbs and it has what they're good for... Three of them were also good for exorcisms."

Unveiling Dark Secrets: Voodoo Dolls and Possible Trafficking

As Chico delves deeper, he uncovers unsettling artifacts such as human harnesses and voodoo dolls, suggesting that Kat Torres and her group may have been involved in more sinister activities beyond social media influence. The presence of these items raises suspicions about coercion, control, and possibly human trafficking orchestrated by Torres.

Notable Quote:

Wayne [03:24]: "Well, come on in."

Chico [04:42]: "I still have it. It's a leather collar and like a leather plate and these chains and there's a handle on it. When I finally buckled it up, it's for a dog."

The Police Response and Growing Concerns

Despite the alarming evidence, the local police response appears sluggish, prompting further frustration and urgency from those concerned. Leanna, representing the families of the missing girls, contacts the authorities seeking immediate action and investigation into the disappearances.

Notable Quote:

Leanna [05:01]: "I'm helping a family that has a girl missing and visiting Texas. It's a little scary, to be honest."

Themes of Manipulation and Control

"Don't Cross Kat" masterfully highlights the potent mix of ambition and manipulation wielded by influencers like Kat Torres. The episode questions the extent to which individuals are willing to go in pursuit of a dream life promised through curated online personas, emphasizing the perilous consequences of blind trust in digital influencers.

Notable Quote:

Narrator [00:00]: "If an influencer promised you a dream life, what would you sacrifice?"

Conclusion: The Hidden Dangers Behind Social Media Facades

The episode concludes by underscoring the insidious dangers that lie beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives presented on social media. It serves as a cautionary tale about the lengths to which individuals may be manipulated and controlled, leading to devastating outcomes such as human trafficking and loss of life.

Notable Quote:

Narrator [00:00]: "When influence turns into control, how far would you go to get everything you always wanted?"

Key Takeaways

• Deceptive Influencers: The veneer of perfection and spiritual awakening can mask dangerous intentions and activities.

• Community Impact: The sudden presence and abrupt departure of influential figures can leave lasting impressions and unresolved suspicions within a community.

• Investigative Journalism: Chico's relentless pursuit of truth highlights the crucial role of journalism in uncovering hidden crimes and holding perpetrators accountable.

• Psychological Manipulation: The use of voodoo dolls and other coercive tools indicates sophisticated methods of control over victims.

• Emergency Response: The episode critiques the inefficiency and delays in law enforcement responses to missing persons cases, emphasizing the need for timely action.

"Don't Cross Kat" is a gripping episode that intertwines the allure of social media with the dark underbelly of human trafficking and manipulation. Through detailed investigation and compelling storytelling, it sheds light on the vulnerabilities exploited by charismatic influencers and the devastating impact on innocent lives. This episode serves as both a thrilling narrative and a stark warning about the potential dangers lurking behind curated online personas.