Murder on Songbird Road: Episode 6 - Observations
Introduction
In Episode 6 of Murder on Songbird Road, host Lauren Bright Pacheco teams up with criminal defense attorney Bob Mata to delve deeper into the tragic stabbing death of 11-year-old Jade Beasley in Southern Illinois. This episode, titled "Observations," explores the emotional aftermath of Jade's murder, the subsequent arrest and conviction of her father’s fiancée, Julie Beverly, and the lingering questions surrounding the case.
Family Perspectives
Interview with Jade’s Great Aunt Brenda and Father Julia Beverly
Lauren Bright Pacheco opens the episode by introducing Brenda, Jade's great aunt, and Julia Beverly, Jade's father. Both members of Jade’s extended family share their heartfelt memories of Jade and their reactions to the devastating loss.
Jade’s Character and Relationship with Julie
Brenda describes Jade as “sassy as she was sweet” and emphasizes her deep kindness and love for her family. Julia adds, “Jade was very kind. She loved all of her siblings and all of her cousins very deeply.” The family recounts Jade’s individuality and expressiveness, highlighting her unique style and affectionate nature.
Impact of the Murder
The murder left the blended family grappling with immense grief and confusion. Brenda reflects on the suddenness of the tragedy, stating, “Absolutely not. Never. Never. That happens to other families.” Julia echoes this sentiment, expressing her disbelief: “It's something you can't wrap your head around. It's just... something you can never prepare for.”
The Arrest and Trial of Julie Beverly
The episode navigates the swift nature of Julie Beverly's arrest, occurring just five days after Jade's murder. Lauren points out the lack of traditional evidence: “no confession, no murder weapon, no DNA evidence.” Instead, the case hinged on circumstantial evidence and motives.
Motive: Jealousy
A central theme of the investigation is the alleged motive of jealousy. Brenda explains, “Jade was the princess. She was her daddy's little girl. ... They divorced at quite a young age. And they were young when they had Jade, but she would not speak about things that would make other people look bad or feel bad at all. I wasn't there day to day with the family, but I do know that the night that she spent the night with Michael and Julie... she wanted to see her dad before she went to her sister's birthday party.” Julia adds, “...that’s why I wanted to ask you ... [about] jealousy... and we believe she snapped.”
Evidence and Investigation
The investigation relied heavily on cell phone data linking Julie to the crime scene. At trial, Bordeaux found evidence of a dumpster near a gas station where Julie purportedly disposed of items shortly before the murder. Julia discusses the limitations of this evidence: “...they did try to do everything that they could do throughout this case... When you get everybody together, it is loud and it is crazy...”
Family’s Stance on Julie’s Guilt
Both Brenda and Julia maintain their belief in Julie's guilt. Julia states unequivocally, “... I am confident that Julie Beverly is guilty of this crime,” while Brenda adds, “I am 200% convinced Julie is guilty. I will go to my grave thinking that.” Despite this, they exhibit a capacity for forgiveness, should new evidence emerge proving Julie's innocence.
Religious Beliefs and Solace
The family draws strength from their Christian faith. Brenda explains, “The children will be raised Christian,” finding solace in their religious beliefs amidst the turmoil.
Critique of the Legal Process
Julia critiques the prosecution for not presenting a clear motive, stating, “My personal opinion is that sometimes people snap, and that is what I believe happened in this case.” The family also questions the thoroughness of the investigation, noting discrepancies in the evidence related to the dumpsters.
Open-Mindedness and Integrity
Despite their conviction, Brenda and Julia express openness to revisiting the case if new, compelling evidence arises. Julia remarks, “If something were to change in the case and she was to be proven innocent or not guilty, we will apologize to her.”
Conclusion
Episode 6 of Murder on Songbird Road offers a poignant exploration of the emotional and psychological landscapes of Jade Beasley's family following her murder. Through intimate interviews, Lauren Bright Pacheco and Bob Mata shed light on the complexities of familial bonds, the quest for justice, and the enduring hope for truth in the face of tragedy.
Notable Quotes
- Brenda [04:58]: “Jade just absolutely loved pink. It’s Jade’s color. She just absolutely loved pink.”
- Julia Beverly [06:03]: “I will never forget when I found out and getting that phone call and how quickly it changes your life.”
- Bob Mata [09:30]: “I just can't even imagine the loss that your entire family has experienced and will always experience.”
- Brenda [16:24]: “She had to have done it because she's an evil witch.”
- Julia Beverly [27:33]: “For me personally... I took from that moment during the trial that this was thorough.”
This episode underscores the enduring impact of Jade Beasley's murder on her family and the intricate web of emotions and beliefs that continue to shape their quest for justice.