Podcast Summary: Lords of Death – Episode 6: "Angel of Death"

Introduction

In Episode 6 of Lords of Death, titled "Angel of Death," host Thrasher Banks delves deeper into the mysterious and brutal murder cases intertwined with his own family's history. Released on December 16, 2024, this episode navigates the murky waters of past crimes, familial loyalty, and the quest for truth against the ominous backdrop of Dayton, Ohio in the mid-1980s to mid-1990s.

The Story Unfolds [02:57 – 19:00]

Carrie, Thrasher's mother, introduces the catalyst for the investigation: a memory box that contains documents and memorabilia related to the 1995 murder of Cindy Cozad. This discovery prompts questions about Mick's (James) involvement in the murder and his potential connections to other unsolved cases.

• Family Dynamics and Past Crimes

  Mick, whose full name is James, had a troubled past marked by violence. Geraldine, Mick’s mother, recounts his history:

  "He was very open and honest about his past and the fact that he had been in prison before and why he was in prison. He told me that in the mid-80s, he had served some time in prison for killing his uncle." ([04:36])

  Mick’s confession reveals that the killing of his abusive uncle Jack was a collective decision made by Mick and his cousins to end years of torment:

  "We were scared to death of him. Everybody was. I never had any clue he was like that." ([09:04])

• The Murder of Uncle Jack

  The episode details the harrowing experiences Mick and his cousins endured under Jack’s brutality. Mick describes witnessing Jack’s violent outbursts:

  "He was a sick bastard. The guy was just pervert in the fucking head." ([10:18])

  The situation escalates to a breaking point on a Halloween night when Mick and his cousins decide to take action to protect Maddie, Mick’s sister, from further abuse. The plan culminates in the shooting of Jack under dire circumstances.

• Aftermath and Legal Consequences

  Following the murder, Mick confesses to the authorities, leading to his imprisonment for involuntary manslaughter. Rick Faulkner, Mick’s attorney, provides insight into the case:

  "The way he was treating this little girl... was about what he was doing with the daughter and how mean he was to the kids." ([22:06])

  Despite Mick’s detailed confession, the absence of a body complicates the legal proceedings. Rick elaborates on the challenges faced by law enforcement:

  "They found some bones. Turned out the bones we found were bovine in nature. We never did find a body." ([25:16])

Connecting to the 1995 Murder [19:00 – 31:10]

As Carrie's investigation progresses, connections between Mick’s past and the 1995 murder of Cindy Cozad surface. The episode explores whether Mick's actions were driven by protective instincts or coercion.

• Legal Discrepancies and Conflicting Accounts

  Mick’s account differs from Rick Faulkner’s recollection, suggesting possible manipulation:

  "They shot him, didn't kill him, let him bleed out... We never did find a body." ([25:16])

  This discrepancy raises questions about Mick’s true involvement and intentions. Carrie discovers in the memory box a news article where Mick claims that Tim, another individual involved, threatened his family to secure Mick’s silence:

  "Tim had threatened to kill me, my mom and my sister if he told anyone about the murder." ([34:05])

  Mick reinforces this claim during an interview:

  "He threatened the fuck out. He said, you know what's going to happen if you don't. I may not be no angel, but I did not shoot that girl." ([35:15])

• Caleb’s Testimony and Emotional Turmoil

  Caleb, one of Mick’s cousins, expresses regret and confusion over the legal outcomes:

  "Why James got blamed. I didn't know James got in trouble. Not to. You got a hold of me." ([31:23])

  The emotional burden weighs heavily on Caleb, who maintains Mick’s innocence in the 1995 case despite his involvement in the earlier murder.

Legal Proceedings and Verdict [31:10 – 36:34]

The episode details the court’s decision, influenced by the lack of concrete evidence in Mick’s case regarding Cindy Cozad’s murder. Rick Faulkner successfully negotiates a plea for Mick, resulting in reduced charges but leaving lingering doubts about the true nature of Mick’s actions.

• Courtroom Dynamics and Verdict

  Rick explains the plea deal:

  "He gave a confession and statement and then did a plea on it because we pled him to a manslaughter." ([26:04])

  The final verdict reflects the complex interplay of familial loyalty, coercion, and the quest for justice:

  "The verdict was read, and I don't think either one of us thought that that was going to happen." ([36:16])

Conclusions and Reflections [36:34 – 37:51]

Carrie synthesizes the revelations from the investigation, highlighting Mick’s role as both a protector and a figure operating within a moral gray area. The episode underscores the enduring impact of past traumas on present circumstances and the elusive nature of truth in the face of conflicting narratives.

• Moral Ambiguity and the Quest for Truth

  Geraldine defends Mick’s intentions:

  "He did what he had to do so that he felt like we were safe. That's the only way it makes sense to me." ([34:24])

  Carrie reflects on the complexity of Mick’s character:

  "He operates in a moral gray area. He's willing to make sacrifices to protect the people he loves, even if it involves violence." ([33:27])

Key Takeaways

• Family Loyalty vs. Justice: The episode explores how deep familial bonds can influence individuals to take drastic measures, blurring the lines between right and wrong.

• The Elusiveness of Truth: Conflicting accounts and lack of concrete evidence make it challenging to uncover the full truth behind the murders.

• Long-lasting Trauma: The psychological impact on Mick and his cousins highlights the enduring scars left by violent pasts.

Notable Quotes

• Mick on His Actions:

  "We had no choice. All I want to do is get this out in the open so I can go on living a normal life." ([21:27])

• Caleb on Responsibility:

  "He was innocent on the 85 murder. I live with her every day." ([31:34])

• Rick Faulkner on the Case:

  "We made a serious effort because it's in an area that I had originally grown up in." ([22:06])

Conclusion

Episode 6 of Lords of Death: "Angel of Death" intricately weaves a tale of familial bonds, moral dilemmas, and the pursuit of truth amidst unresolved crimes. Through Carrie’s persistent investigation and the unveiling of complex family dynamics, listeners are invited to ponder the depths of human behavior when faced with extreme circumstances.

For more episodes and in-depth true crime stories, subscribe to Lords of Death on your favorite podcast platform or visit Tenderfoot TV.