Summary of "Murder, Mystery & Makeup" Podcast Episode: "INTERNET MURDERS - An MMM Compilation Episode"

Release Date: May 13, 2025
Host: Bailey Sarian
Contributors: Cody, Peyton

Introduction

In the episode titled "INTERNET MURDERS - An MMM Compilation Episode," Bailey Sarian collaborates with co-hosts Cody and Peyton to present a compilation of chilling true crime stories where the internet played a pivotal role. This episode delves into cases ranging from online manipulation leading to murder to the influence of internet myths on young minds.

Case 1: Jerry Cassaday and Cherie Miller – The First Internet-Based Murder

[00:53] Bailey Sarian: "There's the case of Cherie Miller, known as the first murder as a result of catfishing."

Overview

Bailey introduces the tragic story of Jerry Cassaday, a 39-year-old man from Odessa, Missouri, whose life spiraled into darkness due to online manipulation by Cherie Miller. This case marks one of the earliest instances where internet deception directly led to murder.

Key Points

• Jerry's Background:
  Jerry, a former homicide detective, led a stable life until he blew the whistle on corruption within his police department. This led to his demotion and eventual dismissal, leaving him devastated.

• Cherie Miller's Deception:
  Cherie engaged Jerry through online chat rooms, presenting herself as a wealthy woman facing domestic abuse. She fabricated stories about her husband, Bruce Miller, being part of the mafia and abusive, aiming to elicit sympathy and manipulate Jerry into taking drastic actions.

• The Murder and Aftermath:
  Believing Cherie's fabricated stories and fearing for her safety, Jerry traveled to Flint, Michigan, where he murdered Bruce Miller. Overcome by guilt and manipulated emotions, Jerry committed suicide, leaving behind evidence that implicated Cherie in the conspiracy.

Notable Quotes

[10:14] Cody:
"She really believed that by killing Bruce, he was saving Cherie and his unborn children."

[15:26] Bailey Sarian:
"But in the end, he could not justify taking a life, even under the belief he was saving his own."

Conclusion

Cherie Miller was convicted of second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Years later, she confessed to orchestrating the murder for personal gain, leaving families shattered and raising critical questions about the sinister potentials of online relationships and manipulations.

Case 2: Grant Amato – Internet Addiction Leading to Family Tragedy

[02:33] Cody:
"The World Wide Web. We're on it, baby."

Overview

Cody narrates the heartbreaking story of Grant Amato, a man whose internet addiction and online obsession led him to commit the unthinkable act of murdering his parents and brother.

Key Points

• Family Dynamics:
  Grant lived with his parents, Chad and Margaret, and his brother Cody in a supportive but strained family environment. Grant struggled with depression and addiction, leading him to seek solace online.

• Obsession with Sylvie:
  Grant became entangled in an online relationship with Sylvie, a cam girl from Bulgaria. His addiction led him to steal money from his family's finances to maintain his relationship, accruing substantial debt.

• Descent into Murder:
  Manipulated and addicted, Grant murdered his family members, staging the scene to resemble a murder-suicide in an attempt to hide his heinous actions.

Notable Quotes

[30:56] Cody:
"Look, I did the right thing. And in the end, it bit me in the ass."

[42:18] Peyton:
"But, like, what was her big mistake, you ask? Well, she ghosted her hitman."

Conclusion

Grant Amato was arrested, tried, and convicted for the murders of his family members. His case underscores the devastating impact of internet addiction and manipulation, highlighting the need for awareness and intervention in online behaviors that can lead to real-world tragedies.

Case 3: Morgan and Anissa – Slenderman's Deadly Influence on Youth

[144:26] Cody:
"It's just like I say, if true crime has taught me anything, it's that..."

Overview

Cody and Peyton explore the eerie case of Morgan and Anissa, two 12-year-old girls influenced by the fictional internet entity Slenderman. Their obsession led them to attempt the murder of their friend Peyton, believing it would protect their families from Slenderman's malevolent intentions.

Key Points

• Origins of Slenderman:
  Slenderman originated from online forums like Something Awful, depicted as a tall, faceless figure who stalks and kidnaps children. Initially fictional, the myth gained traction, influencing impressionable minds.

• Influence on Morgan and Anissa:
  Obsessed with Slenderman stories, Morgan and Anissa convinced themselves that sacrificing their friend Peyton was necessary to appease or protect from Slenderman.

• The Attempted Murder:
  During a slumber party, Morgan stabbed Peyton multiple times, while Anissa either assisted or remained passive. Miraculously, Peyton survived, leading to the arrest of both girls.

Notable Quotes

[56:35] Peyton:
"Someone reading some Slenderman story online felt that it was real."

[132:55] Bailey Sarian:
"They were trying to murder their friend at 12 years old. It's very disappointing."

Conclusion

Morgan and Anissa were arrested and charged with attempted homicide. Their case sparked nationwide debates on the influence of internet myths on young individuals and the responsibilities of guardians in monitoring children's online activities. It also highlighted the blurred lines between fiction and reality in the digital age.

Case 4: Gilberto Valli – The Cannibal Cop with a Dark Double Life

[179:07] Cody:
"It's insane."

Overview

Bailey Sarian delves into the disturbing case of Gilberto Valli III, a respected NYPD lieutenant who led a secret life filled with violent fantasies of kidnapping and cannibalism, earning him the moniker "Cannibal Cop."

Key Points

• Early Life and Interests:
  Born in Queens, New York, in 1984, Gilberto developed intense fantasies involving captivity and cannibalism during his teenage years, which he indulged in through various fetish websites.

• Professional Career:
  Gilberto excelled academically, earning degrees in psychology and criminal justice before joining the NYPD. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a homicide detective.

• Dual Life Online:
  Using the alias "Girl Meat Hunter" on platforms like the Dark Fetish Network (DFN), Gilberto engaged in detailed discussions and plans involving the abduction, torture, and cannibalization of women.

• Arrest and Trial:
  In 2012, investigations into Gilberto's online activities led to his arrest. Despite extensive online confessions, his trial hinged on his expressed desires rather than concrete actions, resulting in a conviction that was later overturned due to insufficient evidence.

Notable Quotes

[180:19] Bailey Sarian:
"He was dubbed the Cannibal Cop by the media."

[233:09] Bailey Sarian:
"He socially isolated himself and publicly interacted with others online to feed his twisted fantasies."

Conclusion

Gilberto Valli's case raises critical questions about mental health assessment, online behavior monitoring, and the extent to which fantasies can justify legal actions. Although initially convicted, his case was overturned, highlighting the complexities and challenges in prosecuting crimes based solely on online confessions and intentions without physical evidence.

Conclusion

The "INTERNET MURDERS - An MMM Compilation Episode" serves as a grim reminder of the profound impact the internet can have on human behavior. From manipulative online relationships leading to murder to the influence of fictional myths inciting real-world violence, these cases underscore the necessity for awareness, mental health support, and responsible online interactions. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too does the potential for both connectivity and catastrophe.

Note: This summary excludes advertisement segments and non-content chatter to focus solely on the critical elements of each case discussed in the podcast episode.