Morbid Podcast Summary

Episode: The Shocking Murder of Terry King (Part 1)

Hosts: Ash Kelley & Alaina Urquhart
Date: December 29, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Ash and Alaina delve into the heartbreaking and disturbing case of Terry King’s murder in rural Florida. Combining their trademark blend of deep research, empathy, and comic relief, they trace the origins of a family tragedy that ultimately left a father dead and two sons missing. Part 1 of this two-part series lays the groundwork for understanding the fractured King family, the disturbing dynamics around them, and introduces a cast of suspicious characters—most notably, Ricky Chavis. The hosts warn listeners about sensitive topics such as child abuse and family dysfunction, and maintain their conversational tone even amid grim subject matter.

Episode Structure

• [01:17] Banter & Pop Culture
• [09:51] Trigger warning: Discussion of abuse
• [10:31] Discovery of the crime scene
• [16:23] First mention of Ricky Chavis
• [24:47] Family backstory
• [34:05] Introduction and suspicion of Ricky Chavis
• [42:59] Analysis of the emotional toll on children in foster care
• [47:55] Ricky’s interviews and mounting suspicions
• [51:43] Cliffhanger for Part 2
• [53:08] Fun Facts & Light-hearted Ending

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Banter, Recommendations, and Setting the Mood (01:17 – 09:50)

• Ash and Alaina kick off with lighthearted conversation about ‘Death Becomes Her’ the musical, meeting listeners, and Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein.’
• Both gush about the film’s artistry, tone, and emotional impact, segwaying into self-aware jokes about their own evolving tastes.
  • “I just got, like, more and more enthralled, and I was like, I think I would spend the rest of my life with that monster.” – Ash [06:31]
• Alaina sets up a trigger warning: this episode will discuss abuse and sensitive content in the context of the King case.

2. Unfolding the Crime Scene (10:31 – 15:12)

• November 26, 2001: Ed Harris, a neighbor, discovers fire engulfing the King home; calls 911.
• Firefighters discover the body of Terry King—initially serene in appearance, but with a “fist-sized hole in the right side of his forehead and…streaks of blood” [13:00].
• King’s two sons, Derek (13) and Alex (12), are missing.
• Scene described as “spooky,” filled with children's toys and half-finished holiday decorations, underscoring the abruptness of tragedy.

3. Early Theories & Introduction of Ricky Chavis (15:13 – 19:12)

• Investigators theorize a home invasion/homicide, pondering if the boys fled or were abducted.
• Enter Ricky Chavis—a friend of Terry—who appears at the scene unusually eager for details, offering to identify the body.
  • “He eventually just straight up asked the sergeant: ‘Do you think the boys killed him?’” – Ash [16:26]
• Ricky claims Terry was abusive, and the boys had recently run away.

4. Intersecting Testimonies & Misinformation (19:13 – 24:47)

• Ricky’s interest in the fire, and his failure to inquire about the boys’ wellbeing, is flagged as suspicious.
• Jimmy Walker (the boys’ stepgrandfather) arrives, echoing claims about Terry’s abuse and relaying that it was Ricky who informed him of both the fire and the abuse.
• Investigators note the swirl of rumors and misinformation, highlighting lack of detail and firsthand evidence.

5. The King Family's Troubled Backstory (24:48 – 34:05)

• Terry King’s relationship with the boys’ mother, Kelly, and subsequent family breakdown is detailed.
• After Kelly’s repeated absences, Terry is left to raise four children (two not biologically his), leading to mounting financial and emotional stress.
• Terry’s arrest for bad checks, splitting of the family, and the boys’ journeys through foster care.
• Derek and Alex’s adjustment issues, including behavioral challenges and emotional distancing, are discussed in detail.
  • “At home…he got more and more defiant as he was growing up. He rejected any attempts at warmth or family intimacy…” – Ash [30:26]

6. Foster Care and Failed Transitions (34:06 – 43:15)

• Ash and Alaina empathize with the challenges faced by both the children and foster parents, critiquing the instability created by rapid transitions.
• Delve into Terry and family’s attempts to regain custody, underlining psychological impact on the boys:
  • “As a result…Derek felt like he was being ripped away from his family before he was ready.” – Ash [42:30]
• The episode touches on the “broken” foster care system and the lasting scars it can leave, while commending the efforts of foster parents.

7. Mounting Suspicions Around Ricky Chavis (43:16 – 51:38)

• Ricky Chavis becomes a persistent figure in accounts, depicting Terry as psychologically abusive but struggles to provide concrete examples.
• Detectives find Ricky’s repeated focus on the abuse “off,” especially since he labels Terry as a close friend.
• Notable quote: “‘If it was a homicide, those boys had something to do with it.’” – Ricky (as recounted by Ash) [51:05]
• Ricky is caught in a lie about seeing the body—further red flags surface.
• The episode ends with this pivotal suspicion, setting up deeper investigation for Part 2.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “When Terry was at work, the boys were told to stay inside and lock the doors…which, like, making them stare at the walls for hours is…probably abusive. Like, in my opinion.” – Ash [49:13]
• “You hope people do this before they introduce children into their lives. Like, that’s the ideal.” – Alaina [33:32]
• “You don’t always get the parent you’re supposed to.” – Ash [44:01]
• “If it was a homicide, those boys had something to do with it.” – Ricky (via Ash) [51:05]
• “Ricky is giving me vibes…he’s come off as unsavory.” – Alaina [52:07]

Timestamps – Key Segments

• 01:17–09:50: Lighter banter, horror recs, entertainment reviews
• 09:51–10:30: Trigger warning & case introduction
• 10:31–14:08: Crime scene discovery & investigation
• 16:23–19:13: Ricky Chavis makes himself known
• 19:13–24:47: Misinformation, contradictory stories
• 24:48–34:04: Family history, foster care, early trauma
• 34:05–42:58: Transition back to Terry, foster care trauma
• 42:59–47:54: Reflection on foster care, emotional impact
• 47:55–51:43: Ricky’s contradictory statements, suspicions raised
• 51:43–53:08: Lead-up to Part 2, hosts’ reactions
• 53:08–56:18: Fun facts, Macaulay Culkin’s middle name, Brenda Song tangent

Memorable & Lighthearted Ending

• Ash and Alaina end with the quirky fact that Macaulay Culkin legally made his middle name “Macaulay Culkin,” segwaying into nostalgia over Brenda Song’s Disney Channel days.
  • “Macaulay. Macaulay Culkin Culkin.” – Alaina [53:32]

Overall Tone and Takeaways

The hosts manage a delicate balance between describing deeply distressing true crime details and maintaining a warm, conversational tone. They demonstrate compassion for the children at the center of the story, skepticism towards suspicious adults, and curiosity about the messy realities of US foster care and family systems. Suspense builds around the figure of Ricky Chavis, whose inconsistent accounts and lurid suggestions start to shift suspicion in his direction.

For Listeners:
If you’re interested in a thoughtful, emotionally engaged approach to true crime—one that refuses to sensationalize and remains mindful of systemic failures and individual pain—this episode is a must-listen. Watch for Part 2 for the resolution of the King boys' disappearance and a deeper investigation into Ricky Chavis.

“He’s come off as unsavory. I’d like to physically fight him.” – Ash & Alaina [52:09]