Murder on Songbird Road – Episode 3: The Timeline

Overview

In the third episode of Murder on Songbird Road, titled "The Timeline," hosts Lauren Bright Pacheco and criminal defense attorney Bob Mota delve deeper into the contentious case surrounding the tragic stabbing death of 11-year-old Jade Beasley in Southern Illinois. This episode critically examines the sequence of events leading to the arrest and conviction of Julia Beverly, the fiancée of Jade's father, questioning whether justice was truly served or if an innocent woman remains wrongfully convicted.

Meeting with Julia Beverly

The episode begins with Lauren and Bob traveling to Marion, Illinois, to meet Julia Beverly in person for the first time. Julia's sentencing was scheduled for October 13, 2023, marking a pivotal moment in the investigation. Upon arrival, Bob describes Julia as "a slightly jaded tough guy" despite her role as a former defense attorney. They meet Julia at the Williamson County Jail, where Bob notes the facility's large, aging structure and the pervasive stress environment.

Bob Mota [04:16]: "I get down there. Typical small town county jail, but big structure. It's a relatively big structure."

Julia is portrayed as a petite woman, standing at 4'11", mirroring Bob's wife's stature. Their conversation aims to uncover Julia's side of the story, focusing on her relationship dynamics and interactions with Jade.

Bob Mota [07:27]: "She was very thoughtful about it. I'm like, how was your relationship with Jessica? Was Mike's ex mother of Jade?"

Analysis of the Timeline

Lauren and Bob meticulously dissect the prosecution's timeline, which alleges that on December 5, 2020, Julia meticulously planned and executed the murder of Jade Beasley during a 45-minute window when she was unsupervised. The prosecution's narrative hinges on digital evidence, such as Julia's work logs, cell signals, and surveillance footage from a gas station where Julia was seen discarding a small bag purportedly containing incriminating items.

However, Lauren and Bob identify significant inconsistencies in this timeline. Notably, no blood was found in Julia's home or home office, contradicting the prosecution's claim that Julia removed evidence of blood before returning to work. Additionally, the duo highlights a 31-minute gap between Julia's alleged departure from the house and her call to 911, which they argue is insufficient and raises doubt about the prosecution's case.

Bob Mota [31:02]: "She says the Huck's video has her dumping the garbage at 11:48. Now, she claimed at trial that there was some evidence that came in that indicated that the clock was off, like, that the timestamp was off for the video."

Interview Insights

Julia Beverly provides a detailed account of her interactions with Jade on the morning of the murder. She describes a conversation where Jade expressed frustration over a situation with a friend at school, which Julia initially believed could indicate suicidal thoughts. This conversation allegedly led Julia to extend her break, providing her with the opportunity to leave the house early under the guise of "retail therapy."

During the interview, Julia recounts the moments leading up to the discovery of Jade's body, including her realization of an intruder in her home and the ensuing struggle. However, Bob challenges Julia's account, particularly questioning the plausibility of the timeline and Julia's actions following the alleged attack.

Bob Mota [22:17]: "She gets a response that he's scheduled till 2, but probably gonna get off at 1."

Lauren Bright Pacheco [20:04]: "It was at this point, according to Beverly, Jade confided in her as to a situation she was navigating with a friend from school."

Site Visit to Songbird Road

Seeking to contextualize the case geographically, Lauren and Bob embark on a field trip to the former residence of Jade Beasley and Julia Beverly on Songbird Road. They explore the now-absent double-wide house, examining the property's layout and surrounding area. The site visit underscores the rural isolation of the neighborhood, questioning the likelihood of an unknown intruder accessing the property unnoticed.

Lauren Bright Pacheco [36:12]: "We know that the house, they disassembled it, repossessed it. Yeah, this is Songbird Lane. Can I just blow by it?"

As they walk through the remnants of the property, including a dilapidated barn and overgrown trees, the hosts reflect on the isolation and lack of surveillance in the area, which could both facilitate and complicate criminal activities.

Bob Mota [40:01]: "The two distinct trees that mark the driveway were the same trees Julia's cousin Nikki immediately recognized in the social media post the day of the murder."

Their exploration reveals the improbability of casual foot traffic or unnoticed intrusions, reinforcing questions about the prosecution's theory of an external assailant.

Critical Doubts and Observations

Throughout the episode, Lauren and Bob articulate their skepticism regarding the prosecution's case. They emphasize the absence of a clear motive, the lack of physical evidence linking Julia to the crime scene, and the inconsistencies in Julia's account of her actions on the day of the murder. The hosts suggest that these factors collectively cast doubt on the conviction and whether Julia Beverly is indeed the real killer.

Bob Mota [31:02]: "That is our biggest issue. To me, we're going to have to build these timelines out like hardcore and it's going to have to be through things that we can substantiate."

Conclusion

"The Timeline" serves as a pivotal episode in Murder on Songbird Road, meticulously dissecting the prosecution's narrative and highlighting critical gaps and inconsistencies. By combining in-depth interviews, timeline analysis, and on-site investigations, Lauren and Bob present a compelling case for re-examining Julia Beverly's conviction. The episode leaves listeners with lingering questions about the true events of December 5, 2020, setting the stage for further exploration in subsequent episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Bob Mota [04:16]: "I get down there. Typical small town county jail, but big structure. It's a relatively big structure."

• Bob Mota [07:27]: "She was very thoughtful about it. I'm like, how was your relationship with Jessica? Was Mike's ex mother of Jade?"

• Bob Mota [31:02]: "She says the Huck's video has her dumping the garbage at 11:48. Now, she claimed at trial that there was some evidence that came in that indicated that the clock was off, like, that the timestamp was off for the video."

• Bob Mota [22:17]: "She gets a response that he's scheduled till 2, but probably gonna get off at 1."

• Bob Mota [40:01]: "The two distinct trees that mark the driveway were the same trees Julia's cousin Nikki immediately recognized in the social media post the day of the murder."

• Bob Mota [31:02]: "That is our biggest issue. To me, we're going to have to build these timelines out like hardcore and it's going to have to be through things that we can substantiate."

Upcoming in Episode 4:

Lauren and Bob continue their investigation with a visit to the gas station pivotal to the prosecution's timeline, uncovering more discrepancies and seeking additional evidence to challenge Julia Beverly's conviction.

This summary provides an in-depth look into Episode 3 of "Murder on Songbird Road," capturing the essence of the discussions and investigative insights presented by Lauren Bright Pacheco and Bob Mota.