MK True Crime Episode Summary

Title: Disturbing Devil's Den Double Murder Details, Schiff Fraud Investigation, Mother-in-Law Murder Trial Nears Start
Host/Author: MK Media
Release Date: August 8, 2025

1. Devil's Den Double Murder Case

Overview:
The episode opens with a harrowing account of the Devil's Den double murder that took place in West Fort, Arkansas. On July 26, Andrew McGann, a 28-year-old former school teacher, brutally murdered Clinton and Kristen Brink along a walking trail in Devil's Den State Park. Tragically, the Brink family was not alone at the time, as their two young daughters, aged 7 and 9, were present. The mother heroically took her daughters to safety before returning to confront McGann, where she was also killed. Andrew McGann was subsequently arrested on July 30 in a dramatic incident at a barbershop during a haircut.

Notable Quotes:

• Phil Holloway (00:30): “This is like nothing I've ever seen.”
• Adriana Ruiz Avalos, Barber (09:58): “He was always with his head down. He had long hair covering his face. His eyes just looked sunken. Pretty, kind of like soulless is what I could describe.”

Key Discussions:

• Arrest Details: The arrest footage showed McGann being handcuffed mid-haircut, with visibly uneven hair due to the barber’s suspicion and swift action.
• Legal Implications:
  • Matt Murphy (04:05): Discusses the potential of the young daughters serving as witnesses and the challenges in qualifying their testimony.
  • Dave Ehrenberg (07:34): Explores possible motives behind McGann’s actions, including his potential connection to an unsolved cold case in Vermont, suggesting he might be a serial offender.
• Prosecution Strategies:
  • Examination of McGann's digital footprint for motives.
  • Consideration of whether the murders qualify for the death penalty under Arkansas law, given the nature of the crimes.

2. Adam Schiff Mortgage Fraud Investigation

Overview:
The podcast shifts focus to serious allegations against Senator Adam Schiff of California, who is now under investigation by the Department of Justice for mortgage fraud. The controversy centers around Schiff’s refinancing activities involving his primary residence status, which may have provided him with financial benefits improperly.

Notable Quotes:

• Phil Holloway (20:07): “Senator Adam Schiff is being investigated for alleged mortgage fraud after the DOJ received criminal referrals.”
• Dave Ehrenberg (22:23): “If I were his defense lawyers, I would look into a claim of selective prosecution.”

Key Discussions:

• Case Details:
  • Schiff reportedly claimed his Maryland home as his primary residence to secure better loan terms, while maintaining a condo in California.
  • Potential financial benefits included significant savings on homestead exemptions.
• Legal Analysis:
  • Matt Murphy (24:30): Considers the possibility of selective prosecution, especially given Schiff’s political prominence and past confrontations with the DOJ.
  • Dave Ehrenberg (23:45): Highlights the importance of examining whether similar cases have been prosecuted to establish any bias.
• Political Implications:
  • Connections drawn between Schiff’s legal troubles and his role in high-profile political investigations, such as the Russia collusion inquiry.
  • Discussion on the admissibility of Schiff’s previous censure by the House in court as a factor that may influence his credibility.

Notable Audio Clips:

• President Donald Trump (29:54): “I have always suspected shifty Adam Schiff was a scam artist...”

3. Donna Adelson Mother-in-Law Murder Trial

Overview:
The episode delves into the complex case of Donna Adelson, accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot against her son-in-law, Danny Markell. The motive appears rooted in a bitter custody battle over Danny and Wendy Markell’s children, with Adelson allegedly seeking to eliminate Danny to secure custody favors.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Ehrenberg (33:23): “The Adelsons had this thriving dental practice...”
• Don Adelson (42:05): “This rumor is totally unfounded and untrue. No such plea offer has been extended.”

Key Discussions:

• Case Background:
  • Danny Markell, an FSU law professor, was murdered following intense familial disputes over child custody.
  • Donna Adelson allegedly engaged hitmen connected to local gangs, leading to Danny’s death.
• Legal Proceedings:
  • Previous convictions of hitmen involved, including one sentenced to life imprisonment.
  • Current focus on Donna Adelson’s trial and the challenges surrounding her defense.
• Prosecution and Defense Strategies:
  • Potential use of circumstantial evidence to establish Adelson’s involvement.
  • Discussion on the admissibility of prior misconduct in court to demonstrate motive.
  • Possibility of a plea deal being refuted by the prosecution to maintain trial integrity.

Notable Audio Clips:

• Dave Ehrenberg (43:05): “There's no way Donna Adelson is going to flip on her daughter Wendy.”

4. Shane Tamura Manhattan High-Rise Shooting

Overview:
The final segment covers the tragic incident involving Shane Tamura, who carried out a mass shooting in a Manhattan high-rise before taking his own life. The discussion highlights the challenges in seeking justice for victims when the perpetrator dies, especially considering Tamura’s documented history of mental health issues.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Murphy (46:32): “The ones that are always the most senseless and the ones that break your heart horribly are the ones where there's mental illness.”
• Dave Ehrenberg (43:53): “Wesley Patner was not just a mom. She was very charitable in the community.”

Key Discussions:

• Incident Details:
  • Tamura shot four individuals in a Manhattan high-rise, including Wesley Lapatner, a beloved community leader.
  • Body camera footage and 911 calls reveal Tamura's distressed state before the attack.
• Mental Health Considerations:
  • Exploration of Tamura’s mental health background and its impact on the case.
  • Matt Murphy (46:32): Emphasizes the difficulties in prosecuting cases involving mentally ill perpetrators.
• Victims' Aftermath:
  • The ongoing trauma experienced by the victims' families.
  • Legal and emotional avenues for seeking justice, including potential civil suits against any entities deemed responsible.

Notable Audio Clips:

• Wesley Lapatner's Legacy (48:18): Tributes highlighting her role as a community leader and the injustice felt by her loss.

Conclusion

This episode of MK True Crime offers a deep dive into three major criminal cases, analyzing the legal strategies, potential motives, and broader societal implications. From the chilling double murder in Arkansas to the high-stakes political scandal involving Senator Adam Schiff, and the intricate family dynamics in the Donna Adelson trial, the podcast provides listeners with comprehensive insights into each case. Additionally, the tragic Manhattan shooting underscores the persistent challenges faced by the criminal justice system in addressing incidents intertwined with mental health issues.

For those seeking a thorough understanding of these cases, MK True Crime delivers detailed analyses, bolstered by expert opinions from legal professionals Matt Murphy and Dave Ehrenberg. The inclusion of direct quotes and pivotal moments from the discussions enhances the narrative, making complex legal proceedings accessible to a broader audience.

Note: All timestamps correspond to the provided transcript and are included to reference the specific moments of discussion within the podcast.