Episode 624: The Murder of Cheryl Preveller
Morbid Network | Wondery
Release Date: December 5, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 624 of Morbid, hosts Ash and Elena delve into the chilling true crime case of Cheryl Preveller, exploring the intricate web of relationships, motives, and evidence that culminated in her tragic murder. This episode meticulously unpacks the events leading up to Cheryl's death, the ensuing investigation, the high-profile trial, and the lasting impact of the case.

Background of Cheryl and Paul Preveller

Cheryl Preveller, born in Brooklyn, New York in 1945, was a vibrant and well-liked individual with a strong passion for sports and fitness. After graduating high school, Cheryl moved to Los Angeles with aspirations to break into the film industry. Initially working an unfulfilling office job, she found her calling as an aerobics instructor at the Aristocratic Spa, where she quickly rose to managerial positions due to her dedication and skill.

In Los Angeles, Cheryl met Paul Preveller, who owned two bars in the city. Their relationship blossomed rapidly, leading to a swift marriage just seven months before Cheryl's untimely death. Paul, formerly an LAPD officer, had a tumultuous past, including a controversial discharge from the police force related to an illegal abortion case.

Ash [10:46]: "Cheryl was always a physically active child. She had a really strong interest in sports from an early age, and she carried that into adulthood."

The Murder of Cheryl Preveller

On the night of April 20, 1968, Cheryl was brutally murdered in her car outside the Castilian Apartments in Burbank, California. John Miller and his wife, Cheryl's neighbors, discovered Cheryl severely injured in her vehicle at approximately 11:30 PM. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots shortly after Cheryl was found, but shockingly, none of the neighbors called the police immediately.

Cheryl had been shot twice in the head and suffered a significant chest wound, likely from attempting to defend herself against her assailant. Additionally, she had multiple head injuries from a blunt object, suggesting a violent and personal attack.

Elena [10:32]: "Oh, geez."

Ash [11:37]: "She almost lived, which I so wish she had because there are some unanswered questions in this case."

Investigation and Evidence

Detective Lieutenant Dave McIntyre led the investigation, uncovering several perplexing pieces of evidence:

1. The Gun: A .32 caliber automatic pistol was found on the passenger seat, inscribed with "Love, Paul," referencing Cheryl's husband. The gun was loaded with five rounds, two of which were stray .25 caliber shells found both inside and outside the car. The presence of unfired rounds suggested the shooter had reloaded, yet Cheryl was shot from the passenger side, indicating the assailant moved sides during the attack.

2. Financial Discrepancies: Cheryl's purse contained $35, a significant amount at the time, indicating that robbery was unlikely. The absence of stolen items and the residual money hinted that the motive might have been personal rather than financial.

3. Paul's Background: Paul's prior employment with the LAPD and his subsequent involvement in other crimes, including the murder of Marlon Cromwell in 1966, raised suspicions. Cromwell's death, initially believed to be from a house fire, was later identified as a homicide with five gunshot wounds, pointing toward a possible pattern of violent behavior.

4. Relationship Dynamics: Investigators discovered Paul's affair with Christina Cromwell, Marlon Cromwell's wife, adding another layer of complexity. Christina's life insurance policy on her husband and subsequent financial transactions further implicated the couple in a potential conspiracy.

Ash [12:27]: "To think that $35 back then is worth $300 today. But the absence of robbery clues pointed towards a personal motive."

The Trial

The trial commenced on November 18, 1968, with prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi at the helm—a case that would later contribute to Bugliosi's reputation as a formidable prosecutor, notably in the Manson Family case.

Prosecution's Case:

• Circumstantial Evidence: Bugliosi presented over 30 witness statements and detailed financial records showing suspicious bank transfers following the murders.
• Pattern of Behavior: Evidence of Paul's violent past, including the attack on his ex-wife Leila and the prior murder of Marlon Cromwell, established a pattern of brutality and potential motive.
• Affair and Financial Gain: The connection between Paul and Christina Cromwell, along with their joint financial activities, painted a picture of collusion aimed at eliminating spouses for financial benefit.

Ash [49:34]: "But regardless of who actually committed the murders, the quick transfer of funds was, according to Bugliosi, evidence that neither murder would have occurred without Paul's orchestration."

Defense's Strategy:

• Blame Shifting: Defense attorneys for Paul and Christina attempted to cast doubt by suggesting each was responsible for the other's involvement. Paul's lawyer, Mel Albom, accused Christina of orchestrating the murders to be with Paul, while Christina's lawyer depicted her as a manipulated victim.
• Lack of Direct Evidence: The defense emphasized the absence of direct evidence linking Paul or Christina to the act of murder, focusing on the complexities and uncertainties of the case.

Elena [50:18]: "But the defense chose to place blame on each other, making it even more convoluted."

Verdict and Sentencing

After nearly three months, the grand jury indicted both Paul Preveller and Christina Cromwell on multiple charges, including first-degree murder and attempted murder.

Trial Outcome:

• Paul Preveller: Found guilty on two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. He was sentenced to death in the gas chamber, a sentence later commuted to life imprisonment following California's repeal of the death penalty in 1972.
• Christina Cromwell: Convicted of one count of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with eligibility for parole after seven years.

Ash [51:28]: "They found Christina Cromwell guilty of one count of first-degree murder as well."

Despite the lack of direct evidence, the jury was persuaded by the circumstantial evidence and the pattern of Paul's violent behavior. Prosecutor Bugliosi effectively argued that the financial motives intertwined with their extremist actions made Paul and Christina equally responsible for the murders.

Aftermath and Legacy

Post-Trial Developments:

• Parole and Public Opinion: Paul attempted to secure parole multiple times, but public outcry and ongoing advocacy by victims' families kept him incarcerated. Christina was paroled in 1976 but later became a key witness in efforts to prevent Paul's release.
• Impact on Legal Proceedings: The case underscored the complexities of prosecuting crimes based primarily on circumstantial evidence and influenced future legal strategies in similar cases.

Personal Ties:

• Allen Halverson and Leila Preveller: The state's key witnesses formed a bond during the trial, eventually marrying and finding solace in their shared ordeal.

Ash [54:50]: "And they eventually got married because they had the bond over this very unusual shared experience."

Historical Significance: The case remains a study in the intersection of personal vendettas, financial motives, and the legal system's challenge in addressing crimes without direct evidence. It also highlights the role of effective prosecution in securing convictions based on circumstantial factors.

Ash [58:32]: "As these attacks went on, each got more and more violent. I don't think he was killing for insurance. I think Preveller was a stone cold killer."

Conclusion

The murder of Cheryl Preveller serves as a stark reminder of the depths of human violence and the intricate paths that lead to justice in the absence of direct evidence. Through meticulous investigation and compelling prosecution, Paul and Christina Preveller were held accountable for their heinous actions, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of true crime history.

Elena [59:48]: "But who killed Cheryl? We don't know. They escaped into the darkness, literally. Which is honestly, the scariest shit I've ever heard."

For more detailed accounts and ongoing discussions on this case and others, continue listening to Morbid on the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Notable Quotes:

• Ash [10:46]: "Cheryl was always a physically active child. She had a really strong interest in sports from an early age, and she carried that into adulthood."
• Elena [10:32]: "Oh, geez."
• Ash [11:37]: "She almost lived, which I so wish she had because there are some unanswered questions in this case."
• Ash [12:27]: "To think that $35 back then is worth $300 today. But the absence of robbery clues pointed towards a personal motive."
• Ash [49:34]: "But regardless of who actually committed the murders, the quick transfer of funds was, according to Bugliosi, evidence that neither murder would have occurred without Paul's orchestration."
• Elena [50:18]: "But the defense chose to place blame on each other, making it even more convoluted."
• Ash [51:28]: "They found Christina Cromwell guilty of one count of first-degree murder as well."
• Ash [58:32]: "As these attacks went on, each got more and more violent. I don't think he was killing for insurance. I think Preveller was a stone cold killer."
• Elena [59:48]: "But who killed Cheryl? We don't know. They escaped into the darkness, literally. Which is honestly, the scariest shit I've ever heard."

This summary captures the essence of Episode 624, providing a comprehensive overview for both returning listeners and newcomers interested in the complex case of Cheryl Preveller's murder.