Podcast Summary: "Murder and Meditation" – MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories

Episode: Murder and Meditation (Podcast Exclusive Episode)
Host: MrBallen (Ballen Studios)
Release Date: July 21, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping exclusive episode of the MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories, listeners are taken on a chilling journey through the mysterious murder of Michael Albert Dohaquez, a beloved yoga instructor from Tucson, Arizona. Host MrBallen meticulously unravels the intricate investigation led by Detective Ben Jimenez, revealing twists and turns that kept the Tucson Police Department baffled for weeks.

The Calm Before the Storm

[00:00]
On a typical September afternoon in 2003, Michael Albert Dohaquez concluded his yoga class in downtown Tucson. At 45 years old, Michael was not only a dedicated machinist but also an artistic soul who taught multiple yoga classes and guitar lessons weekly. His genuine enthusiasm made him a favorite among his students, who affectionately called him "Mad."

After class, Michael proposed to join his students for dinner and drinks at a local bar, hoping to mend his rocky relationship with his girlfriend, Amber Trudell. Despite their tumultuous relationship—partly due to their age difference (Amber was 17 years his junior) and Amber’s desire for a more serious commitment—Michael was optimistic about a casual dinner outing.

The Night of the Murder

Wednesday, September 24, 2003
Michael, Amber, and a student named Eli decided to extend their evening at another bar. As the night progressed, tensions between Michael and Amber escalated, leading to increased alcohol consumption. By midnight, both were heavily intoxicated when Michael suggested returning to his home.

[02:44]
They arrived at Michael's residence on North Sparkman Boulevard. The night took a dark turn when, in the early hours of Thursday morning, Michael was found dead on his porch with a single bullet wound to the forehead (Timestamp: [25:41]).

Detective Jimenez Steps In

Thursday, September 25, 2003
Detective Ben Jimenez arrived at the crime scene, observing signs of a struggle and initial evidence pointing towards a possible home robbery gone wrong. Michael's workshop showed no signs of theft, leading Jimenez to theorize that Michael may have confronted intruders, resulting in his murder.

[25:41]
Jimenez quickly identified Joseph Keyes and David Wynn, two men recently arrested for a similar burglary in the same neighborhood. However, their alibis—being incarcerated at the time of Michael's death—debunked this initial theory.

Shifting Suspects: Amber and Justin

[26:47]
The investigation took a pivotal turn when Jimenez discovered Michael's last call was to Amber Trudell. Attempts to reach her were unsuccessful, raising suspicions about her involvement. Further inquiries revealed that Amber was married to Justin Goodwin, a man with a history of domestic violence.

Jimenez confronted Justin, who displayed suspicious behavior, including having a gun concealed in his waistband. Despite these red flags, alibis confirmed that both Amber and Justin were miles away at the time of the murder, complicating the case further.

A Critical Revelation

Frustrated by dead ends, Jimenez sought additional insights from the coroner. A breakthrough came when the coroner identified larvae in Michael's eyes, indicating a longer post-mortem interval than initially estimated. This revelation adjusted the time of death to the early hours of Thursday, September 25, rather than Friday morning.

Simultaneously, Justin's stepfather, a retired detective, discovered the murder weapon hidden in a hole on his property. This evidence pointed directly to Amber as the perpetrator.

Amber's Arrest and Trial

October 10, 2003
An arrest warrant was issued for Amber, who was apprehended at her grandmother’s home in New York. During her trial in March 2005, Amber confessed to accidentally shooting Michael during a heated confrontation. Despite her claims of self-defense, she was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 13 years in prison.

October 19, 2016
After serving her full sentence, Amber was released from prison.

Key Quotes from the Episode

• Detective Ben Jimenez:
  "Michael must have found out what was going on when he was working in his workshop. But then, why hadn't anyone heard anything unusual?" ([02:44])

• MrBallen:
  "The case was turning out to be much more complicated than I had initially thought, and now nothing was making any sense." ([Final Section])

• Amber Trudell (court transcript):
  "Michael didn’t deserve to die. It was an accident during our struggle." ([Trial Coverage])

Conclusion

"Murder and Meditation" showcases MrBallen's signature storytelling, blending meticulous investigative details with compelling narrative twists. The episode underscores how initial assumptions can lead detectives astray and highlights the importance of re-evaluating evidence with fresh perspectives. Through Detective Jimenez's relentless pursuit of the truth, listeners witness the unraveling of a seemingly straightforward case into a complex tale of betrayal and concealed motives.

Note: The events portrayed in this episode are based on true occurrences. Names and certain details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals involved.