Last Podcast On The Left – Episode 604: "Newlywed Murders - Newlywed and Newly-Dead"
Release Date: January 17, 2025
Host/Authors: The Last Podcast Network

Overview

In Episode 604 of Last Podcast On The Left, titled "Newlywed Murders - Newlywed and Newly-Dead," the hosts delve into the disturbing tales of newlywed murders that not only shocked the communities involved but also had significant repercussions on the landscape of reality television. The episode features two primary cases:

1. Ryan Jenkins and Jasmine Fiore - The Reality TV Tragedy
2. Jordan Graham and Cody Johnson - A Newlywed Nightmare

Throughout the episode, the hosts intertwine dark humor with detailed narratives, offering listeners both entertainment and a grim look into the complexities of marital relationships gone horribly wrong.

Case Study 1: Ryan Jenkins and Jasmine Fiore

Introduction to Ryan Jenkins

• Ryan Jenkins, a Canadian real estate developer, gained fame by participating in VH1's Celebreality dating shows, notably Megan Wants to Be a Millionaire.
• Jenkins was characterized as a charming yet morally dubious individual, embodying the "heel" persona in reality TV.

Marcus Parks [07:30]: "Jasmine was primarily a bikini model, but had planned to quit the business prior to her death because she'd obtained a real estate license."

Background and Marriage

• Jenkins met Jasmine Fiore in Las Vegas, leading to a whirlwind romance and marriage just days after competing on reality TV.
• Their relationship was marred by Jenkins' abusive behavior, including a public altercation where he assaulted Jasmine over a minor dispute.

Henry Zabrowski [06:42]: "I never heard of them."

The Murder

• On August 13, 2009, Jenkins brutally murdered Fiore in San Diego during a poker tournament event.
• The murder involved severe physical assault, including strangulation, and dismemberment to impede identification.

Marcus Parks [07:40]: "The cause of death was strangulation. But authorities on the scene soon noticed that the person who killed this woman had also cut off all the joints on her fingers and had removed all her teeth."

Aftermath and Suicide

• Following the murder, Jenkins fled to Canada but was apprehended shortly thereafter.
• Realizing the gravity of his crimes, Jenkins committed suicide in a motel in British Columbia.

Marcus Parks [32:25]: "After that, he drove two hours to the small British Columbian town of Hope, where he checked into a place called the Thunderbird Motel."

Impact on Reality TV

• Jenkins' actions led to the immediate cancellation of Megan Wants to Be a Millionaire and the scrapping of the third season of I Love Money.
• VH1 faced significant financial repercussions, paying $12 million in lost revenue due to the abrupt cancellation.

Marcus Parks [36:09]: "As a result, the celeb reality dating show effectively died out and never returned, all because of the actions carried out by Ryan Jenkins."

Case Study 2: Jordan Graham and Cody Johnson

Introduction to Jordan and Cody

• Jordan Graham, a 22-year-old woman from Montana, met Cody Johnson at a Taco Bell following a church service.
• Their relationship appeared unbalanced, with Cody being outgoing and Jordan displaying signs of hesitation despite their recent marriage.

Marcus Parks [38:26]: "This is another example of young murder. Yes, young."

The Marriage and Doubts

• After proposing in December 2012, Johnson and Graham married on June 29, 2013, in Montana.
• Post-wedding, Jordan began expressing doubts about the marriage, despite outward appearances of happiness.

Marcus Parks [42:58]: "Eight days after the wedding, Cody's stepfather asked the couple if they'd like to go kayaking after church."

The Murder

• On July 7, 2013, during an argument at Glacier National Park, Jordan pushed Cody off a 200-foot ravine, resulting in his immediate death.
• The circumstances suggested premeditation, with conflicting stories from Jordan that raised suspicions among friends and authorities.

Marcus Parks [46:58]: "Cody Plummeted and hit a rocky outcropping which crushed his right eye socket and created a 7-inch skull fracture."

Cover-Up and Investigation

• Post-murder, Jordan fabricated a narrative involving mysterious "car buddies" to explain Cody's disappearance.
• However, inconsistencies in her stories led a work friend to investigate, uncovering key evidence that implicated her.

Marcus Parks [53:19]: "She wasn't fooling anybody."

Arrest and Trial

• Jordan was arrested after her alibi unraveled, with surveillance footage and forensic evidence strengthening the case against her.
• During the trial, her defense claimed a lack of intent, suggesting the murder was accidental due to an emotional breakdown.
• The prosecution, however, presented evidence of premeditation and intent, leading to her conviction.

Marcus Parks [66:03]: "But in the end, just as the defense rested its case, it seems like either Jordan or her lawyers recognized that they were fighting a lost cause and a turn that shocked everyone. Jordan very suddenly pled guilty to second-degree murder."

Sentencing

• Jordan Graham was sentenced to 30 years in prison for second-degree murder but is expected to serve significantly less time, potentially being released in her late 30s.

Marcus Parks [66:43]: "She was sentenced to 30 years in prison, but will probably serve far less, which means she might be released this decade."

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Flaws in Reality TV Vetting Processes

   • Jenkins' entry into reality TV was facilitated by a subcontracted background check that failed to uncover his prior assault conviction in Canada.
   • This oversight not only allowed a violent individual onto a popular show but also had lasting financial impacts on the network.

   Henry Zabrowski [06:22]: "I never heard of them."

2. Psychological Profiles of Perpetrators

   • Both Jenkins and Graham exhibited manipulative and abusive behaviors, masking their true intentions behind charismatic exteriors.
   • Their actions highlight the dangers of ignoring red flags in high-pressure environments like reality TV and nascent marriages.

3. Impact of Sudden Fame and Pressure

   • Jenkins' rapid rise to fame and the pressures associated with maintaining his image may have contributed to his extreme actions.
   • Similarly, Graham's swift entry into marriage and the ensuing doubts suggest the fragility of relationships formed under intense public scrutiny.

4. Legal Ramifications and Network Responsibilities

   • The cancellations and financial losses faced by VH1 underscore the potential consequences networks face when vetting processes fail.
   • It raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of media companies in protecting both contestants and audiences.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Marcus Parks [07:30]: "So the implants found in the body of this fingerless, toothless victim identified it as belonging to a 28 model named Jasmine Fiore."

• Ed Larson [16:18]: "Don't worry, you didn't get the money. The whole world is embarrassed on national television."

• Henry Zabrowski [42:45]: "I don't want to, don't want to."

• Marcus Parks [46:49]: "Then as Cody stood above a 200-foot drop, Jordan lost control completely and pushed him in the back with both hands."

• Ed Larson [67:12]: "Hail sweet Satan and we'll see you guys next week."

Conclusions

Episode 604 of Last Podcast On The Left serves as a chilling reminder of the dark underbelly of reality television and the extreme outcomes that can arise from unchecked fame and frail interpersonal relationships. Through the harrowing stories of Ryan Jenkins and Jordan Graham, the hosts illuminate the catastrophic failures in vetting processes, the pitiable psychological states of the perpetrators, and the profound impacts these events have on both personal lives and broader media landscapes.

The episode not only provides a detailed recounting of the crimes but also encourages listeners to reflect on the ethical dimensions of media production and the importance of vigilance in both personal and professional spheres.

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Note: This summary encapsulates key elements of the podcast episode, capturing the essence of the discussions, notable quotes, and the overarching narrative flow to be informative for those who haven't listened to the podcast.