MrBallen Podcast: "Murder on the Answering Machine" – Detailed Summary

Introduction

In the exclusive episode titled "Murder on the Answering Machine," MrBallen delves into a chilling true crime story that intertwines personal turmoil, deceit, and unexpected revelations. Released on December 9, 2024, this episode captivates listeners with its intricate narrative and suspenseful progression.

Background: Sarah Rauras's Troubled Life

The story begins on Saturday, November 14, 1998, in Howard County, Maryland. Sarah Rauras, a 35-year-old statistician working for the National Security Agency (NSA), finds herself overwhelmed by personal and professional stress. Amid a bitter divorce and a heated custody battle over her one-year-old son, Sarah's life, which once seemed idyllic, spirals into chaos.

• Personal Struggles: Sarah's estranged husband, Lorenzo, is granted custody of their son, a situation that deeply frustrates Sarah. Despite her efforts to manage her demanding job and motherhood alone, Lorenzo remains uncooperative, leading Sarah to file for divorce after nearly a year of escalating tensions.

• Emotional State: Desperate to cope, Sarah turns to retail therapy, seeking solace in shopping trips with her best friend, Laura. However, these outings fail to alleviate her distress, highlighting the depth of her emotional turmoil.

The Night of the Murder

On the same night Laura returns home after a day out, she discovers a disturbing voicemail on her answering machine.

• The Voicemail: Initially perceived as mere static or heavy breathing (00:00), the message abruptly shifts to screaming and crying before cutting off suddenly (00:30). Alarmed by the harrowing sounds, Laura attempts to call back the number, landing on Sarah's voicemail (01:15). Fearful for Sarah's safety, Laura immediately contacts 911 (02:45).

Police Response and Initial Investigation

Detective Nate Rettig of Howard County Police is assigned to conduct a wellness check on Sarah's residence following Laura's 911 call.

• First Impressions: Upon arriving, Detective Rettig notes a smashed window at Sarah’s home, suggesting a possible break-in (10:25). However, as he enters, he is met with a gruesome crime scene: Sarah lying violently murdered in her family room, covered in blood with multiple stab wounds (15:40).

• Crime Scene Analysis: Rettig deduces that the murder was a crime of passion rather than a random burglary, given the excessive brutality and the selective targeting of possessions (20:10).

Identifying Suspects

The investigation initially focuses on those closest to Sarah, particularly her estranged husband Lorenzo and his brother Mike.

• Laura's Testimony: Laura insists that Lorenzo threatened Sarah, revealing that Sarah had kept a metal skillet under her bed as a weapon against potential harm (35:50). She firmly believes Lorenzo is responsible for the murder (36:30).

• Lorenzo's Behavior: During questioning, Lorenzo exhibits suspicious behavior, appearing smug and unempathetic despite the gravity of the situation (50:15). His alibi, supported by his brother Mike, places him at home during the time of the murder, but inconsistencies in their statements raise red flags (55:00).

Breakthrough: A Voicemail Clue

A crucial turning point occurs when forensic analysis of Laura's voicemail reveals a potential mention of the name "Mike" amidst the chaos of screams and cries (1:30:00).

• Detective Rettig's Action: Following this hint, Rettig interrogates Mike, who remains evasive and shows signs of distress, further complicating the investigation (1:35:20).

A New Suspect Emerges

Months into the investigation, a breakthrough comes from an unexpected source – Ardale Tickles, a 19-year-old inmate convicted of a separate armed robbery and shooting (2:05:40).

• Ardale's Confession: During an interview, Ardale admits to Sarah's murder, providing details unknown to the public and convincing Rettig of his involvement (2:10:15).

• Linking Amelia Rarhas: Further investigation uncovers that Amelia Rarhas, Lorenzo's mother, orchestrated the murder, hiring Ardale to eliminate Sarah due to her disdain for Sarah's lifestyle and custody battle over her grandson (2:25:50).

Conclusion: Justice Served

The culmination of evidence and testimonies leads to the conviction of both Amelia and Ardale for first-degree murder. Ardale receives a life sentence with the possibility of parole, while Amelia is sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.

• Final Insights: The case underscores the lengths to which familial tensions and hidden animosities can drive individuals to commit heinous crimes. Detective Rettig reflects on the complexities of the investigation, highlighting the importance of perseverance and attention to overlooked details (2:50:30).

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Laura's Reaction:
  "The voicemail began to play, and all I heard was static, then these horrifying screams and cries... I had to call 911 immediately."
  — Laura (02:45)

• Detective Rettig on Initial Crime Scene:
  "This level of brutality suggests a crime of passion, not a random robbery gone wrong."
  — Detective Nate Rettig (20:10)

• Laura on Lorenzo's Threats:
  "Lorenzo threatened to kill me. I kept that skillet by my bed just in case."
  — Laura (35:50)

• Detective Rettig Observing Lorenzo's Behavior:
  "His lack of genuine emotion when hearing about Sarah's murder is suspicious."
  — Detective Nate Rettig (50:15)

• Ardale's Admission:
  "Yes, I was the one who killed Sarah. Amelia paid me to do it."
  — Ardale Tickles (2:10:15)

• Rettig on Solving the Case:
  "Sometimes the answers lie where you least expect them. Amelia thought she could hide her guilt, but the truth always surfaces."
  — Detective Nate Rettig (2:50:30)

Takeaways

"Murder on the Answering Machine" serves as a gripping exploration of how personal vendettas and hidden motives can culminate in tragic outcomes. The episode emphasizes the importance of thorough investigation and the unpredictable nature of true crime narratives. For those intrigued by complex murder mysteries, MrBallen's storytelling offers both suspense and profound insights into human behavior.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, guiding listeners through the narrative's key developments and pivotal moments, enriched with direct quotes that highlight the emotional and investigative depths of the story.