Episode 3: Wolf at the Door – Detailed Summary

Introduction to the Potts Family and Initial Turmoil [01:21 – 02:34]

In this episode of Lords of Death, host Thrasher Banks delves into the aftermath of the arrest of Mick and Tim in June 1995, which drastically altered the lives of the Potts family. The narrator recounts moving with his sister Kara to their grandparents' house, distancing themselves from the tainted environment left by Mick’s disappearance.

The First Murder: Homer Potts and the Attack on Leila [02:34 – 08:12]

The narrative swiftly shifts to the tragic events of February 26, 1987, when Homer Potts and his wife Leila were brutally attacked in their secluded farm in Guernsey County. On that fateful afternoon, an intruder demanded money, leading to a violent confrontation. As described by Leila, "When the attacker stabbed Homer twice and then turned his attention to her" (08:12), the situation escalated, resulting in multiple stab wounds.

However, inconsistencies arise in Leila's account. Despite multiple stabbings, there is an absence of a blood trail through the house, only between the bell and the back door. This discrepancy fuels suspicions among family members and investigators alike.

Investigation and Suspects: Enter Detective Van Horn [08:12 – 15:31]

Detective Arnold Van Horn emerges as a pivotal figure in the investigation. He explains, “So the only witness we had was Leila. So. And she was not a good witness. She kept changing the story” (12:46). Van Horn’s frustration is palpable as he grapples with unreliable testimonies and the elusive nature of the suspect.

The episode highlights further investigative efforts, including private investigator Marty Goodfriend’s exploration of Leila’s statements and the discovery of letters between Tim Terrell and his incarcerated partner, Jim Tovel. These letters reveal chilling plans to “torture and murder a judge and his family,” insinuating a deeper, more sinister motive behind the murders.

Second Murder: Leila Potts’ Tragic End [15:31 – 26:52]

The suspense heightens with the recounting of a second, brutal attack on Leila Potts. On October 25, 1988, coinciding with the height of the satanic panic fueled by Geraldo Rivera’s controversial special, Leila is found murdered in her home. The attack is characterized by extreme violence, including multiple stab wounds with a screwdriver, and suggests a connection to ritualistic motives, though Detective Van Horn remains skeptical of any occult involvement.

Family members express bewilderment: “I just don’t think she [Leila] had those items herself, personal items, according to family members and stuff” (26:34), questioning the nature of the attack and whether it was purely a robbery gone wrong or something more calculated.

Satanic Panic and Community Fear [16:21 – 20:40]

Against the backdrop of the 1980s satanic panic, the community of Guernsey County is engulfed in fear. Reports of animal mutilations and rumors of satanic cult activities exacerbate the tension. Tricia, a local resident, recalls attending a town hall meeting where law enforcement attempts to quell fears but inadvertently intensify them: “They were talking about the animals. They were showing up on people's porches... but she steadily dismissed it” (17:11).

The episode underscores how societal hysteria and sensational media portrayals contribute to the perpetuation of fear and suspicion within the community.

Connection to the “Lords of Death” and Tim Terrell [28:14 – 30:59]

A significant turn in the investigation ties Tim Terrell, connected to Tenderfoot TV, to the murders. Thrasher Banks reveals that letters found by the narrator's mother indicated Tim’s involvement in nefarious plans. These letters, exchanged between Tim and Jim Tovel, discuss violent acts and introduce the ominous symbol “LODS” (Lords of Death), suggesting a cult-like affiliation.

The family member narrates, “It turns out to be a good friendship from there that noticed that everything they had had like a Lords of Death symbol” (29:15), unveiling the depth of Tim’s possible connections to the murders and the broader, dark network he might be part of.

Conclusion and Unsolved Mysteries [27:02 – End]

Despite extensive investigations, Detective Van Horn admits, “It take a miracle” (27:08) to resolve the case without new evidence or confessions. The murders remain unsolved, leaving the Potts family and the community with lingering questions and unresolved grief.

Van Horn’s unease when confronted about Tim Terrell suggests a hidden layer to the investigation, hinting at potential cover-ups or undisclosed information. The episode concludes without definitive answers, maintaining the haunting mystery at the heart of Lords of Death.

Notable Quotes:

• Unnamed Family Member: “How would he have run through the house if he had been stabbed so many Times. How would he have done that and lost all the blood that he did at the back porch? I don’t know.” (08:26)
• Detective Arnold Van Horn: “They broke in and stabbed her... but I think 17 times that she was stabbed.” (21:05)
• Tim Hannam: “I couldn’t imagine he [the attacker] ran all the way through there.” (07:26)
• Theresa: “It was a clear night, Just one of those crisp, cold autumn nights. … It just felt like something was happening.” (20:07)

Final Thoughts

Episode 3, "Wolf at the Door," masterfully intertwines personal narratives with broader societal fears, creating a chilling exploration of unsolved murders within the context of the satanic panic. Through meticulous storytelling and compelling interviews, Thrasher Banks invites listeners to ponder the complexities of memory, perception, and the elusive nature of truth in true crime investigations.