Murder Sheet – The Cheat Sheet: Conspiracies and Curtilages

Podcast Hosts: Áine Cain (journalist), Kevin Greenlee (attorney)
Episode Date: January 30, 2026

Overview

In this episode of Murder Sheet’s “The Cheat Sheet,” Áine and Kevin take listeners on a multi-state (and trans-Atlantic) crime tour: delving into recent and ongoing cases in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan, with a quick statistical detour into crime rates in England and Wales. The show explores cases of staggering interpersonal violence, murder-for-hire and conspiracy, and domestic abuse, all interwoven with characteristic gallows humor and candid legal analysis. The hosts also reflect on societal issues like online transaction safety, domestic violence, stalking, and broader homicide trends.

Key Cases and Discussion Points

1. Illinois: The Murder of Eliza Morales

Source: NBCChicago.com
Timestamps: [02:53]–[13:33]

Case Summary:
Eliza Morales, pregnant and home with her elderly pit bull, was murdered by 19-year-old Natus Revakas, who had purchased a pickup truck from her family via Facebook Marketplace. Revakas, dissatisfied with the deal, returned ostensibly to retrieve paperwork, fatally stabbed Eliza (nearly 70 wounds, many to the head and neck, even after she revealed her pregnancy), attacked her dog (who survived), and set the apartment on fire.
Legal Charges: First degree murder, homicide of unborn child, armed robbery, aggravated arson, and animal cruelty.
Marketplace Safety Note:
Kevin emphasizes police station "safe spaces" for online exchanges ([08:33]):

“A lot of people don’t realize this, but a lot of police stations … have space designated at the station, either inside or in the parking lot … for online transactions … in a completely safe place. And I would encourage people to consider doing that sort of thing.”
Reflections on Violence:
Áine expresses visceral disgust and anger for the “wanton violence over nothing,” emphasizing the prevalence of young male violence and the lasting pain on victims’ families.
Notable Quote:
Áine [09:17]:

“People like this aren’t human to me who do this. You know, like there’s just stuff that almost just separates you so much from the rest of humanity … just soulless monster to do something like this.”
Discussion Topic:
The difficulty in preventing such outbursts of violence, the role of family, and societal responses, including harsh gut reactions versus reasoned criminal justice approaches.

2. Ohio: The Double Murder of Spencer and Monique Tepe

Source: Court Documents, SAFE (Stop Abuse for Everyone) ([13:40]–[39:08])

Case Summary:
Spencer Tepe (dentist) and wife Monique found shot dead at home. Suspect: Michael David McKee, Monique’s ex-husband and a vascular surgeon. McKee reportedly harbored fixation/obsession post-divorce, with new evidence reflecting a pattern of abuse and escalating threats.
Legal Update: Four counts of aggravated murder, hired top defense attorney; has exercised Fifth Amendment rights.
Key Evidence:
- Weapons found at McKee’s property; possible ballistic match.
- Surveillance and witness testimony reveal controlling, abusive behavior, including sexual assault and strangulation.
- McKee’s vehicle, with altered plates, seen in the vicinity around the time of the murders; cell phone left inactive far from the scene during the crime ([33:51])
- McKee seen entering “curtilage” (area surrounding home) weeks before; possible premeditation.
Societal Discussion:
- The significance of strangulation as a predictor of homicide in domestic violence cases ([22:22]):
  
  “[S]trangulation is extremely serious ... it is one of the strongest predictors of homicide in abusive relationships. Victims who experience non fatal strangulation by an intimate partner are 750% more likely to be murdered by that partner in the future.”
Reflections:
- The myth of the random stranger murderer is dispelled; most victims know their killer.
- Host draws parallels to the Temujin Kensu/Crystal Scott Macklem stalking-murder case ([29:07]), noting the recurring personality type: exes who can’t move on and resort to lethal violence ([39:08]).
- Frustration over the challenge of intervening early in stalking/abuser cases.
Notable Quote:
Kevin [26:01]:

“There are certain types of men that … look at the women they’ve been in a relationship with, not as a human being with their own rights … but as a piece of property.”
Technical Note:
Legal explanation of “curtilage” and its place in Fourth Amendment law ([32:30]): the area surrounding a home with some expectation of privacy.

3. Michigan: Home Invasion and Homicide—Digital Trail of Guilt

Sources: ClickOnDetroit.com, Fox2Detroit.com ([39:08]–[48:05])

Case Summary:
Carlos Hernandez and Joshua Suazo (posing as utility workers) entered Hussein Murray’s home (a jewelry store owner), bound his wife, and murdered him. They are both convicted and serving life.
Recent Update:
Carlos’s wife Amanda Hernandez now faces charges due to her crisis-texting, which clearly encouraged the crime:
Text Message Highlights: ([42:18]–[47:02])
- Amanda: “Remember what I said? If you have to leave with nothing, that’s okay. You’re the most important.”
- Amanda (on robbery proceeds): "Me too, baby. Our own home. No rent."
- Amanda (on news coverage): “Think it will blow over?”
  Carlos: “Yes. I don’t think anybody will tell that it’s you.”
Hosts’ Take:
- The normalization and banality of evil in criminal texts. Amanda treats violent robbery as a mundane aspirational step toward building a family home.
Notable Commentary:
Áine [48:05]:

“For any normal person, you know, having some dumb drippy conversation … would not be centered around murdering a man and stealing his money.”

4. Indiana: The Conspiracy to Murder Judge Stephen Meyer

Source: Court Documents ([49:05]–[67:44])

Case Summary:
Five people indicted in a plot to assassinate Judge Meyer and wife Kimberly in Lafayette, Indiana; both victims survived. The main suspects are affiliated with motorcycle gangs (Phantom Motorcycle Club, Vice Lords), including defendants from Indiana and Kentucky.
How the Attempt Unfolded:
- A masked suspect, in disguise, used classic ruses—a “lost dog” or “food delivery”—to lure the judge and wife to the door before shooting at them through the door.
- Surveillance, recovered disguise items, a traced stolen firearm, and a network of digital evidence led to swift arrests.
Conspiracy Details:
- Attempted witness intimidation and bribery of Brittany Bullis Carter, a key victim-witness in a connected upcoming trial.
- Moss, a high-ranking gang member facing criminal charges in Judge Meyer’s court, is at the center.
Notable Quote:
Áine [66:38]:

“We give criminals way too much credit in true crime … you’re not going to get away with that at all.”
Legal Note:
Sidebar on the peculiar culture (and self-seriousness) of outlaw motorcycle gangs, and the 1%/99% distinction in biker culture ([59:01]).

5. Across the Pond: Crime Rates in England & Wales

Source: BBC ([67:44]–[69:32])

Observation:
Homicide rates have also fallen to their lowest levels in 50 years in England and Wales. The hosts ponder possible causes—DNA, surveillance, social change, technology, or shifting demographics.
Notable Quote:
Kevin [68:41]:

“DNA helps convict criminals. It doesn’t stop murders from happening.”

Other Segments & Notable Moments

Parallels Across Cases

Several stories involve the theme of obsessive exes and stalking culminating in murder (Ohio and reference to the Temujin Kensu case).
Criminal attempts to “out-think” surveillance technologies: eg, swapping license plates.
Increasingly, text and digital communication serve as a rich evidentiary vein for prosecutors.

Discussion on Stalking, Domestic Violence, and Law Enforcement Obstacles

Urgent need for early intervention in domestic violence and stalking cases.
Time and again, victims’ repeated warnings go unheeded until violence erupts.

Humor, Levity & Personal Updates

Timestamps: [69:32]–[82:41]

Áine and Kevin debrief about their recent snowstorm, visits to family, book signings (Naughty Dog Bookstore!), and embarrassing sports fan attire incidents.
Extended and humorous dialogue about their mischievous new dog, Nick, who is “threatening” to take over the podcast and move their phones around.
Áine reflects on accidentally showing up in the wrong-colored (rival) sports gear.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

On violence and humanity:
Áine [09:17]:

“People like this aren’t human to me who do this. … just soulless monster to do something like this.”
On domestic abusers and property:
Kevin [26:01]:

“There are certain types of men … who look at the women they’ve been in a relationship with, not as a human being with their own rights to live and enjoy life, but as a piece of property...”
On domestic strangulation as a warning sign:
Áine [22:22]:

“Victims who experience non fatal strangulation … are 750% more likely to be murdered by that partner in the future.”
On the banality of evil:
Áine [48:05]:

“For any normal person, you know, having some dumb drippy conversation … would not be centered around murdering a man and stealing his money.”
On the credit (or lack thereof) due to criminal conspirators:
Áine [66:38]:

“We give criminals way too much credit in true crime … you’re not going to get away with that at all.”
On the applicability of DNA to homicide trends:
Kevin [68:41]:

"DNA helps convict criminals. It doesn't stop murders from happening."

Timestamps for Major Segments

| Time | Segment/Topic | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------| | 02:53 | Illinois murder—Eliza Morales and online sale risk | | 13:40 | Ohio double murder—Spencer & Monique Tepe case | | 39:08 | Michigan home invasion & text evidence | | 49:05 | Indiana attempted murder conspiracy—Judge Meyer | | 67:44 | Crime rates in England and Wales | | 69:32 | Personal stories, dog antics, and lighthearted banter |

Tone & Style

Combines detailed legal/journalistic deep-dives with candid, emotionally-charged reflections.
Balances heavy crime content with banter and humor, especially in lighter closing segments.
Open about their own emotional and moral reactions to the cases discussed.

Closing

Áine and Kevin continue their tradition of combining serious, informed crime analysis with entertaining diversions and everyday anecdotes. The episode ends with thanks and an invitation to upcoming events, book clubs, and meetups. True to form, the episode fuses advocacy for victims with realistic—if often pessimistic—assessments of both crime and the criminal justice system.

For listeners seeking the key facts, legal updates, investigative highlights, and thoughtful analysis on recent cases of interpersonal violence and conspiracy, all punctuated with moments of dark humor and relatable humanity, this episode delivers.

Murder Sheet – The Cheat Sheet: Conspiracies and Curtilages

Podcast Hosts: Áine Cain (journalist), Kevin Greenlee (attorney)
Episode Date: January 30, 2026

Overview

Key Cases and Discussion Points

1. Illinois: The Murder of Eliza Morales

Source: NBCChicago.com
Timestamps: [02:53]–[13:33]

Case Summary:
Eliza Morales, pregnant and home with her elderly pit bull, was murdered by 19-year-old Natus Revakas, who had purchased a pickup truck from her family via Facebook Marketplace. Revakas, dissatisfied with the deal, returned ostensibly to retrieve paperwork, fatally stabbed Eliza (nearly 70 wounds, many to the head and neck, even after she revealed her pregnancy), attacked her dog (who survived), and set the apartment on fire.
Legal Charges: First degree murder, homicide of unborn child, armed robbery, aggravated arson, and animal cruelty.
Marketplace Safety Note:
Kevin emphasizes police station "safe spaces" for online exchanges ([08:33]):

“A lot of people don’t realize this, but a lot of police stations … have space designated at the station, either inside or in the parking lot … for online transactions … in a completely safe place. And I would encourage people to consider doing that sort of thing.”
Reflections on Violence:
Áine expresses visceral disgust and anger for the “wanton violence over nothing,” emphasizing the prevalence of young male violence and the lasting pain on victims’ families.
Notable Quote:
Áine [09:17]:

“People like this aren’t human to me who do this. You know, like there’s just stuff that almost just separates you so much from the rest of humanity … just soulless monster to do something like this.”
Discussion Topic:
The difficulty in preventing such outbursts of violence, the role of family, and societal responses, including harsh gut reactions versus reasoned criminal justice approaches.

2. Ohio: The Double Murder of Spencer and Monique Tepe

Source: Court Documents, SAFE (Stop Abuse for Everyone) ([13:40]–[39:08])

Case Summary:
Spencer Tepe (dentist) and wife Monique found shot dead at home. Suspect: Michael David McKee, Monique’s ex-husband and a vascular surgeon. McKee reportedly harbored fixation/obsession post-divorce, with new evidence reflecting a pattern of abuse and escalating threats.
Legal Update: Four counts of aggravated murder, hired top defense attorney; has exercised Fifth Amendment rights.
Key Evidence:
- Weapons found at McKee’s property; possible ballistic match.
- Surveillance and witness testimony reveal controlling, abusive behavior, including sexual assault and strangulation.
- McKee’s vehicle, with altered plates, seen in the vicinity around the time of the murders; cell phone left inactive far from the scene during the crime ([33:51])
- McKee seen entering “curtilage” (area surrounding home) weeks before; possible premeditation.
Societal Discussion:
- The significance of strangulation as a predictor of homicide in domestic violence cases ([22:22]):
  
  “[S]trangulation is extremely serious ... it is one of the strongest predictors of homicide in abusive relationships. Victims who experience non fatal strangulation by an intimate partner are 750% more likely to be murdered by that partner in the future.”
Reflections:
- The myth of the random stranger murderer is dispelled; most victims know their killer.
- Host draws parallels to the Temujin Kensu/Crystal Scott Macklem stalking-murder case ([29:07]), noting the recurring personality type: exes who can’t move on and resort to lethal violence ([39:08]).
- Frustration over the challenge of intervening early in stalking/abuser cases.
Notable Quote:
Kevin [26:01]:

“There are certain types of men that … look at the women they’ve been in a relationship with, not as a human being with their own rights … but as a piece of property.”
Technical Note:
Legal explanation of “curtilage” and its place in Fourth Amendment law ([32:30]): the area surrounding a home with some expectation of privacy.

3. Michigan: Home Invasion and Homicide—Digital Trail of Guilt

Sources: ClickOnDetroit.com, Fox2Detroit.com ([39:08]–[48:05])

Case Summary:
Carlos Hernandez and Joshua Suazo (posing as utility workers) entered Hussein Murray’s home (a jewelry store owner), bound his wife, and murdered him. They are both convicted and serving life.
Recent Update:
Carlos’s wife Amanda Hernandez now faces charges due to her crisis-texting, which clearly encouraged the crime:
Text Message Highlights: ([42:18]–[47:02])
- Amanda: “Remember what I said? If you have to leave with nothing, that’s okay. You’re the most important.”
- Amanda (on robbery proceeds): "Me too, baby. Our own home. No rent."
- Amanda (on news coverage): “Think it will blow over?”
  Carlos: “Yes. I don’t think anybody will tell that it’s you.”
Hosts’ Take:
- The normalization and banality of evil in criminal texts. Amanda treats violent robbery as a mundane aspirational step toward building a family home.
Notable Commentary:
Áine [48:05]:

“For any normal person, you know, having some dumb drippy conversation … would not be centered around murdering a man and stealing his money.”

4. Indiana: The Conspiracy to Murder Judge Stephen Meyer

Source: Court Documents ([49:05]–[67:44])

Case Summary:
Five people indicted in a plot to assassinate Judge Meyer and wife Kimberly in Lafayette, Indiana; both victims survived. The main suspects are affiliated with motorcycle gangs (Phantom Motorcycle Club, Vice Lords), including defendants from Indiana and Kentucky.
How the Attempt Unfolded:
- A masked suspect, in disguise, used classic ruses—a “lost dog” or “food delivery”—to lure the judge and wife to the door before shooting at them through the door.
- Surveillance, recovered disguise items, a traced stolen firearm, and a network of digital evidence led to swift arrests.
Conspiracy Details:
- Attempted witness intimidation and bribery of Brittany Bullis Carter, a key victim-witness in a connected upcoming trial.
- Moss, a high-ranking gang member facing criminal charges in Judge Meyer’s court, is at the center.
Notable Quote:
Áine [66:38]:

“We give criminals way too much credit in true crime … you’re not going to get away with that at all.”
Legal Note:
Sidebar on the peculiar culture (and self-seriousness) of outlaw motorcycle gangs, and the 1%/99% distinction in biker culture ([59:01]).

5. Across the Pond: Crime Rates in England & Wales

Source: BBC ([67:44]–[69:32])

Observation:
Homicide rates have also fallen to their lowest levels in 50 years in England and Wales. The hosts ponder possible causes—DNA, surveillance, social change, technology, or shifting demographics.
Notable Quote:
Kevin [68:41]:

“DNA helps convict criminals. It doesn’t stop murders from happening.”

Other Segments & Notable Moments

Parallels Across Cases

Several stories involve the theme of obsessive exes and stalking culminating in murder (Ohio and reference to the Temujin Kensu case).
Criminal attempts to “out-think” surveillance technologies: eg, swapping license plates.
Increasingly, text and digital communication serve as a rich evidentiary vein for prosecutors.

Discussion on Stalking, Domestic Violence, and Law Enforcement Obstacles

Urgent need for early intervention in domestic violence and stalking cases.
Time and again, victims’ repeated warnings go unheeded until violence erupts.

Humor, Levity & Personal Updates

Timestamps: [69:32]–[82:41]

Áine and Kevin debrief about their recent snowstorm, visits to family, book signings (Naughty Dog Bookstore!), and embarrassing sports fan attire incidents.
Extended and humorous dialogue about their mischievous new dog, Nick, who is “threatening” to take over the podcast and move their phones around.
Áine reflects on accidentally showing up in the wrong-colored (rival) sports gear.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

On violence and humanity:
Áine [09:17]:

“People like this aren’t human to me who do this. … just soulless monster to do something like this.”
On domestic abusers and property:
Kevin [26:01]:

“There are certain types of men … who look at the women they’ve been in a relationship with, not as a human being with their own rights to live and enjoy life, but as a piece of property...”
On domestic strangulation as a warning sign:
Áine [22:22]:

“Victims who experience non fatal strangulation … are 750% more likely to be murdered by that partner in the future.”
On the banality of evil:
Áine [48:05]:

“For any normal person, you know, having some dumb drippy conversation … would not be centered around murdering a man and stealing his money.”
On the credit (or lack thereof) due to criminal conspirators:
Áine [66:38]:

“We give criminals way too much credit in true crime … you’re not going to get away with that at all.”
On the applicability of DNA to homicide trends:
Kevin [68:41]:

"DNA helps convict criminals. It doesn't stop murders from happening."

Timestamps for Major Segments

Tone & Style

Combines detailed legal/journalistic deep-dives with candid, emotionally-charged reflections.
Balances heavy crime content with banter and humor, especially in lighter closing segments.
Open about their own emotional and moral reactions to the cases discussed.

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The Cheat Sheet: Conspiracies and Curtilages

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Summary

Murder Sheet – The Cheat Sheet: Conspiracies and Curtilages

Overview

Key Cases and Discussion Points

1. Illinois: The Murder of Eliza Morales

2. Ohio: The Double Murder of Spencer and Monique Tepe

3. Michigan: Home Invasion and Homicide—Digital Trail of Guilt

4. Indiana: The Conspiracy to Murder Judge Stephen Meyer

5. Across the Pond: Crime Rates in England & Wales

Other Segments & Notable Moments

Parallels Across Cases

Discussion on Stalking, Domestic Violence, and Law Enforcement Obstacles

Humor, Levity & Personal Updates

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

Timestamps for Major Segments

Tone & Style

Closing

Summary

Murder Sheet – The Cheat Sheet: Conspiracies and Curtilages

Overview

Key Cases and Discussion Points

1. Illinois: The Murder of Eliza Morales

2. Ohio: The Double Murder of Spencer and Monique Tepe

3. Michigan: Home Invasion and Homicide—Digital Trail of Guilt

4. Indiana: The Conspiracy to Murder Judge Stephen Meyer

5. Across the Pond: Crime Rates in England & Wales

Other Segments & Notable Moments

Parallels Across Cases

Discussion on Stalking, Domestic Violence, and Law Enforcement Obstacles

Humor, Levity & Personal Updates

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

Timestamps for Major Segments

Tone & Style

Closing